I didn't notice this last week, but they've replaced Drowning Pool's "Bodies" with the classic ECW instrumental theme, last used by the Originals, as the show's theme song. Tony Chimel is subbing for Justin Roberts this week, as Justin gets a well deserved vacation after the yeoman's work he's done the last few months. Also, it's a case of returning the favor, as Justin subbed for Chimel last week on Smackdown.

Johnny Nitro vs. Tommy Dreamer (non-title). This is the first of two "Pick Your Poison" matches in which Nitro & CM Punk are selecting each other's opponents. Right now, Nitro should be garnering some votes for Most Improved Wrestler of the Year, based on what I've seen the last couple of weeks. The ECW champ bounces right back after losing to John Cena last week with a stellar effort vs. former champ Dreamer. It's not a total squash, though, as Nitro spends a great deal of time working on Dreamer's left shoulder. Nitro's past in gymnastics comes into play, including the spinning legdrop for 2 (which I've referred to as the Kurt Thomas Flare legdrop in the past). Dreamer tries to use the DDT, but can't because of the shoulder being "in pain". Nitro closes this with the corkscrew neckbreaker. Winner: Johnny Nitro.

Nitro vs. CM Punk (ECW title, Vengeance, 6/24). They only taped two matches this week (2nd week in a row), so they had time to fill. Here, then, is a match that will earn a sequel at the Great American Bash on 7/22. Nitro was solid here again, and hit the springboard enziguri for 2. He'd missed that vs. Dreamer. Nitro was able to counter out of the Go To Sleep, and weathered a late rally from Punk. Punk missed a springboard clothesline, and the next thing you know he's on the apron trying to get back in. Unfortunately, he gets caught in between the ropes, and Nitro hits the corkscrew neckbreaker from that position to win the match and the title.
Winner & New ECW champion: Johnny Nitro. Nitro's initial reaction after winning was priceless. I had said that a Chris Benoit-Punk match would've been a show-stealer. Nitro-Punk II conceivably could be at the Bash.

Punk vs. Kevin Thorn. These two have met before on a couple of occasions, none of which were referenced. Decent stuff, as they went back & forth. Punk squirmed out of Original Sin and hit a reverse hot shot. Thorn then tried a Splash Mountain crucifix bomb, but Punk got out of that, too, and countered it into a La Magistral cradle for the pinfall. Winner: CM Punk. Post-match, Nitro came back out and caught Punk's attention, enabling Thorn to attack anew, but the vampire was quickly driven back. Nitro wanted to ambush Punk, but was forced to retreat.