Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the RAW Recap for the week.
This week RAW was live in Laredo, Texas, just one night removed from the WWE Royal Rumble. Stephanie McMahon announced that Seth Rollins would receive punishment for invading NXT Takeover: San Antonio on Saturday night, trying to go after Triple H. What was Rollins' punishment? WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho battled Sami Zayn in a one on one non title match. Tony Nese battled Mustafa Ali in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley battled The Club and Charlotte in a Six Person Tag Team Match. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Braun Strowman. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman send out a challenge to Goldberg. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one Women's Division match. Enzo and Big Cass battled Rusev and Jinder Mahal in a Texas Tornado Tag Team Match. Triple H finally returns and sends a message to Seth Rollins.
** RAW **
- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho kick off RAW. Owens talks about retaining the title at Royal Rumble, proving Mick Foley wrong, beating Roman Reigns because he's the best and thanks Chris Jericho for his friendship and for all his help. Jericho brags about his Royal Rumble history, how he lasted 61 minutes last night and demands us all to tweet out on social media #61MinuteMan and #GreatestOfAllTime. Braun Strowman suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Strowman says he helped because he hates Reigns and he was promised a title shot from Owens. Owens tries to play it off like he never said that and never asked Strowman to interfere in the match. Strowman plays a video of Owens promising Strowman a title shot, but Owens still denies it and says it was photoshopped. Strowman threatens to break Owens in half as Mick Foley arrives. Foley announces that Owens promised Strowman the match so Strowman is getting it tonight. Owens is furious as Strowman stares down Owens.
- Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Walls of Jericho submission and hits a tornado DDT. Jericho counters the Helluva Kick and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes to break the submission and eventually takes out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick and scores the pinfall. Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are arguing when Bayley tells them to stop because they all have a six person tag match tonight. The Club and Charlotte appear and crack jokes, stating the champs will beat the chumps tonight.
- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon tells Kevin Owens that she had no clue about what Foley's plans were tonight. She tells Owens that after she's finished with Seth Rollins, she'll deal with Foley and get Owens' title match cancelled. Owens thanks Stephanie and walks off.
- Tony Nese vs. Mustafa Ali: The match closes out with Nese catching Ali on the top rope. Ali kicks Nese away then goes for the inverted 450. Nese takes Ali's legs out and Ali falls to the mat. Nese takes down his knee pad and hits the running knee on Ali for the pinfall. After the match, Austin Aries tries to interview Nese, but Nese says he doesn't have to answer questions for his critics. Winner: Tony Nese, by pinfall.
- Stephanie McMahon and Seth Rollins Face To Face: Seth Rollins says he knows Triple H is backstage, but he wants to talk to Stephanie McMahon. Stephaine arrives and says Triple H isn't here. Rollins asks Stephanie when she's going to let Triple H off his leash. Stephanie says Triple H is afraid of what he'll do to Rollins, he's afraid Rollins will bring out his darkside again. Stephanie mentions how Rollins missed Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania 32 last year so he owes everyone an apology, accept for the fans because the fans don't deserve an apology. Rollins says he's sorry for exposing Triple H as a gutless snake. Rollins wonders who the guy in the suit is because it isn't Triple H and Triple H is scared of Rollins because Rollins is a threat to Triple H's legacy. Stephanie says Rollins disgusts her, he doesn't measure up to Triple H because Triple H is a creator, a destroyer and a king. Stephaine guarantees Rollins will be the architect of his own demise. Rollins says he has nothing to lose, if need be he'll show up at WWE HQ, interrupt a board meeting or just show up at their house just to get his hands on Triple H. Stephanie backs away and promises Triple H is coming tonight and is coming for Rollins.
- "Six Person Tag Team Match": Cesaro, Sheamus and Bayley vs. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Charlotte: The match closes out with Cesaro spinning Gallows in the Cesaro Swing. Charlotte comes in and brawls with Bayley. Cesaro leaps off the top rope and takes out Gallows and Anderson outside. Bayley catches Charlotte and plants her with Bayley To Belly to score the pinfall. Winners: Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon demands to know why she wasn't told about Strowman vs. Owens for the WWE Universal Championship tonight. Foley says let him do his job that he was hired to do and demands answers on why Triple H's music played last week costing Seth Rollins his match. Stephanie says it was a production error. Foley says he's not stupid and Stephanie says Triple H will be here tonight.
- Neville Promo: Neville says he proved everyone wrong, the fans never supported him and he is the king of the cruiserweights. Rich Swann interrupts and informs Neville that Swann has a rematch tonight. Neville demands Swann to bow to the king and a brawl suddenly breaks out. Neville unloads kicks, but Swann comes back and takes advantage of Neville forcing Neville to retreat.
- Backstage, Sasha Banks is preparing for her rematch with Nia Jax. Bayley arrives and tries to warn Sasha about Nia, but Sasha refuses to listen.
- Backstage, Chris Jericho informs Kevin Owens that his title match is still on. Owens asks Jericho for help. Jericho says he wrestled 61 minutes at the Royal Rumble and Owens wasn't there for his match with Zayn earlier. Owens tries to pep talk Jericho and get him hyped up, but Jericho seems to be not buying it.
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Owens hitting a leg drop and a senton. Owens hits a frog splash on Strowman for a near fall. Owens kicks Strowman in the face then goes to the top rope. Strowman grabs Owens and goes for the running power slam. Roman Reigns' music hits and Reigns shows up at ringside. Reigns and Strowman stare each other down until Reigns drills Strowman with a Superman Punch causing the DQ. After the match, Reigns clotheslines Strowman to the floor. Reigns hits a leaping punch off the steel steps, but Strowman is still standing. Reigns does a leaping spear off the steel steps and takes out Strowman. Reigns gets back in the ring and hits a spear on Owens. Winner: Braun Strowman, by DQ.
- Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman Promo: Heyman admits that Goldberg has had Lesnar's number the past few months with the Survivor Series match and the easy elimination at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says all that must be eliminated and eradicated, so Brock Lesnar is challenging Goldberg to one more match at Wrestlemania 33. Lesnar points up to the WrestleMania sign and then walks off with Heyman.
- Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Sasha sending Nia to the floor. Sasha tries a baseball slide, but gets caught by Nia. Nia sends Sasha's injured knee into the ringpost twice, then tosses back into the ring. Nia goes for a leg submission, but the bell suddenly rings confusing everyone. Nia finally releases the submission and the referee checks on Sasha. Nia locks in another submission on Sasha forcing Bayley to finally hit the ring to make the save for Sasha. Winner: Nia Jax, by stoppage.
- "Texas Tornado Tag Team Match": Enzo and Big Cass vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Rusev and Mahal double teaming Cass. Mahal runs the ropes, but gets grabbed and pulled outside by Enzo. Enzo sends Mahal into the steel steps and then uses a rope to choke Rusev. Cass hits the Big Boot on Rusev. Enzo and Cass hit the Rocket Launcher on Rusev and score the pinfall. Winners: Enzo and Big Cass, by pinfall.
- Outside, a limousine pulls into the arena and Triple H gets out.
- It's announced that Goldberg will be on RAW next week to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge.
- Triple H Promo: Triple H says that Seth Rollins had everything, all he had to do was hold up his end of the bargain, but he failed. Triple H says the pressure got to Rollins, he caved, got injured, vacated the championship and it felt like a spit in the face to Triple H. Triple H calls Rollins a failure, took no responsibility for failing and Triple H feels that he's owed an apology. Triple H says all those times Rollins called him out, it was hard not to come out and beat Rollins' ass, but it was best for business not to. Triple H says he tries daily to enjoy his office job, tries to leave the wrestler behind and be a creator in the WWE.
Triple H says it's hard to be a creator when someone like Seth Rollins wants to interrupt things and cause problems. Triple H takes off his jacket, tells Rollins he's right here and it's time for Rollins' creator to become Rollins' destroyer. Seth Rollins appears, stares down Triple H and heads to the ring. Just before Rollins can get in the ring, Samoa Joe comes out of nowhere and attacks Rollins. Joe beats down Rollins and tosses him into the barricade twice. Triple H looks down on Rollins' body and leaves Joe to finish Rollins off. Joe lands a kick to the head of Rollins, hits three senton splashes and then chokes Rollins unconscious with the Coquina Clutch to end the show.
National Signing Day has become a holiday it seems for the college football fan. It's the day where high school seniors can officially sign their letter of intent to the University of their choosing, locking them in with a scholarship.
2017's national signing day is right around the corner, a full blown extravaganza that not only includes live commitments but analysis, breakdown, hits and misses, class rankings and everything else that could be talked about in an all day affair. Fans get a little bit of college football back as it takes a front page to most sports news(sans the Super Bowl), but while many fans are always looking forward to national signing day, I truly hate it for many reasons.
It may sound weird that I hate this day, February 1st this year, considering I'm an avid college football fan. It sounds even more weird when I admit that I follow recruiting as well and spend time talking with friends and fans about it. What's there to not like? College football gets discussed on a full scale map for 14-18 hours, practically the entire sports day consists of nothing but college football talk. Sounds great, right? That's actually one of the reasons that I loathe this day.
There's way too much exposure about this day, and so much unnecessary breakdowns and analysis of players and classes. It's part the sports networks fault, they've ramped up their coverage of national signing day a lot over the past few years. It's also the college football fans fault, without us then there isn't a market for that coverage. I know I'm going to come off sounding like a grumpy, old man here but these are still 17-18 year old high school seniors, the exposure of their (keyword) choice of school really shouldn't be a ratings grab. I don't blame the players at all for taking advantage of it and announcing their college decision live on national TV, many top ranked players have fun with this day and will have their high school band playing, some will pretend to pick a school to only spurn them and pick the actual school of their choice, we've even seen live music videos used as a way to announce their commitment. While they turn their commitment into a spectacle and bask in the spotlight, as most teenagers would, it sometimes ends up doing more harm than good.
That commitment doesn't just go away after the cameras turn off, that commitment sticks with them long into their college playing career. Some will be labeled divas or prima donnas for their over the top commitment, a player that is "all about me" and not a team guy that always wants the spotlight to be on him. And that label follows them into college, especially if they make a mistake on the field. Some fans and coaches will never forget how a player commits on signing day, and they (fans) will be very vocal about it when heckling them.
It's awesome to see a kid sign his commitment to a school and officially become a scholarship athlete, it's even more awesome to see the reactions of his family as they are at their proudest moment. The negativity that will eventually happen though just ruins it for me, knowing that their moment will be used against them.
I also have a dislike for the amount of analysis that goes into these players and the overall class. Again, both parties are at fault here because the fans drive the ratings, but the experts need to realize that the audience is influenced based on what they say. Claiming that a team should win a national championship within the next 3 years because of these players is just unreal expectations, but the fans hear it and see the star rankings of players and then the bar gets set. Some players will be under-ranked, some will be over-ranked, and putting the demand for a national championship in the fans' heads and putting pressure on players that aren't even on the team yet. Proclaiming huge expectations for players is a dangerous precedent, because no matter how good they may turn out, not reaching those expectations will result in being thought of as under performers or even failures. Then, years later the class will be looked at again and those "failures" actually turned out some great results and some players that were "disappointments" were actually some pretty good players, it just wasn't seen while they played due to some over the top expectations that everyone heard about on national signing day when they were still in high school.
In reality, no one knows how these players are going to turn out when they transition from high school to college, there are way too many variables that factor into it when it comes to them under or over performing their star ranking.
Ultimately though, the reason why I hate national signing day boils down for the way some fans act on this day. I'm fine with feeling the euphoria of landing a top recruit and being excited about their favorite schools' class, it's the opposite end of the spectrum that I cannot tolerate. Every fanbase has them, the fans that cross the line when a recruit doesn't pick their school or picks a rival school. I hate to break this to those, but a recruits decision on where he is going to school is his decision along with his families decision, and collectively they will make the best decision for him. No part of his decision rides on where some fan wants him to go, please remember that whenever a recruit makes a choice.
Here's what not to do when a recruit doesn't choose your favorite school, decommits from your favorite school or chooses a rival school. Don't throw personal insults at him or his family, do not say that he will be a bust or will end up getting kicked out of school, do not make claims about how he took money or any other bribes in order to go there, and for the love of everything DO NOT WISH INJURY ON HIM. Doing any of the aforementioned things makes you the lowest of low kind of person, and sadly this type of behavior has become frequent on this day especially with social media making recruits more accessible for fans to sound off on them. Instead, just wish the player well and move on, or better yet, don't say anything at all.
So while I will keep an eye on everything come signing day to see where recruits are officially headed, I'll be distancing myself from as much banter as possible. The overexposure of recruits and the deplorable actions of some fans has made this day way too over the top for me. A day initially about a celebration for recruits has turned into one big circus act, and it's an act that I wouldn't even attend for free.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the WWE Royal Rumble recap.
Remember The Rumble was the WWE's motto, as the WWE continued its invasion on San Antonio with the WWE Royal Rumble live at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. 30 Men entered this year's Royal Rumble with the winner getting a WWE World or WWE Universal Championship Match at Wrestlemania 33. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Roman Reigns in a No DQ Match, with Chris Jericho locked in a shark cage. WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles defended his title against the WWE franchise John Cena. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Sheamus and Cesaro defended their titles against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann defended his title against Neville. WWE RAW Women's Champion Charlotte defended her title against Bayley. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one RAW Women's Division match. Nikki Bella, Naomi and Becky Lynch battled WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Nattie Neidhart and Mickie James in a Smackdown Live Six Woman Tag Team Match.
** Royal Rumble Pre-Show **
- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss, Nattie Neidhart and Mickie James: The match closes out with Nattie taking control of the match, tags in Alexa and Alexa works over Becky. Mickie lands a cheap shot kick on Becky and Alexa gets a near fall on her. Nattie tags in, mocks Nikki and almost gets rolled up and pinned by Becky. Nattie takes control of the match again, beating down Becky and then tags in Alexa.
Becky finally hot tags Naomi in and Naomi unloads on Alexa and Nattie with punches. Naomi plants a series of kicks on Alexa, plants Alexa on the canvas and gets a near fall as Mickie breaks up the pinfall. Becky takes out Mickie and then Nattie takes out Becky. Nikki hits the ring and spears Nattie as Alexa and Naomi go at it. Naomi plants a kick on Alexa and then hits the split legged moonsault on Alexa to score the pinfall. Winners: Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch and Naomi, by pinfall.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Sheamus and Cesaro (c) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: A special stipulation was added to this match for tonight. There would not only be one referee in the ring, but a second referee outside the ring as well. The match closes out with Anderson countering a Cesaro Neutralizer, but Cesaro delivers a 619 followed by a crossbody for a near fall. Anderson hits a spine buster on Cesaro for a near fall. The Club goes for the Magic Killer on Cesaro, but Sheamus breaks it up. Cesaro DDT's Gallows as Sheamus accidentally Brogue Kicks the referee.
The second referee outside the ring slides in and takes over the match. Cesaro delivers the Cesaro Swing on Anderson and then locks in the Sharpshooter submission. Gallows breaks up the submission with a boot to Cesaro. Anderson gets the near fall on Cesaro, but Sheamus breaks up the pinfall. Gallows and Sheamus brawl until Gallows lands a kick on Sheamus. The Club plant Sheamus with the Magic Killer, but Cesaro stops the pinfall. Cesaro gets rolled up with his tights pulled for the pinfall, giving The Club the tag team titles. Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, by pinfall, to win the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- Dean Ambrose is interviewed in the Social Media Lounge this edition. Ambrose answers questions about tonight's Royal Rumble.
- Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks: The match closes out with Nia completely dominating Sasha and over powering her. Sasha tries to apply the Banks Statement on Nia, but Nia breaks it and goes after Sasha's knee. Nia applies a knee vice and lifts Sasha in the air upside down. Sasha escapes and tries to fight back on Nia. Sasha leaps off the top rope and hits double knees on Nia for a near fall. Nia ends up catching a charging Sasha and hits the pop up Samoan Drop on Sasha and scores the pinfall for the quick victory. Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon is interviewed about Seth Rollins interrupting NXT Takeover: San Antonio on Saturday night. Stephaine announces that she will address Rollins on RAW for his actions and he's officially banned from the Royal Rumble and The Alamodome tonight.
- Shawn Micheals Promo: San Antonio's own Shawn Micheals heads out to the ring to close out the pre-show. Michaels talks about winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble in this very building. Michaels tells the fans to have fun and it's time to get the party started. And if you're not down with that he's got two words for ya.........SUCK IT!
** Royal Rumble 2017 **
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley: The match closes out with Charlotte and Bayley double clotheslining each other. Charlotte takes control and chops Bayley into the corner. Bayley makes a comeback and hits a springboard crossbody on Charlotte. Bayley unloads on Charlotte and then drops Charlotte face first. Bayley attempts a top rope move, but comes down and stomps Charlotte as Charlotte tries to escape. Bayley goes to the top rope again and this time hits a flying elbow for a near fall. Charlotte goes after Bayley's knee and works it over. Charlotte applies the Figure Four leglock submission, but Bayley reverses it.
Charlotte is able to turn the submission back in her favor and turns it into the bridged Figure Eight submission. Charlotte grabs the ropes for added leverage, but gets busted by the referee and forced to release the submission. Bayley tries to fight back, but ends up getting hit with the Natural Selection right on the apron. Charlotte covers, scores the pinfall and retains the title. Winner: Charlotte, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
- "WWE Universal Championship, No DQ Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Roman Reigns: Owens and Jericho both attack Reigns before the match and beat him down. Reigns fights back and finally gets Jericho locked in his shark cage and raised into the air. The match closes out with Reigns hitting a Samoan Drop on Owens through a chair for a near fall. Reigns brings a table into the ring and sets it against the turnbuckle. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Owens, but Owens kicks out at two and a half. Reigns goes for a spear, but Owens counters and drops Reigns with a Stunner for a near fall. Owens stomps Reigns in the corner and then hits the corner cannonball.
Owens goes to the top rope, but gets hit with a Superman Punch from Reigns sending Owens flying off the top rope and on top of the stacked mountain of chairs at ringside. Reigns sets up Owens and power bombs him through the announcers table. Reigns tosses a near lifeless Owens back into the ring and goes for the spear. Braun Strowman suddenly grabs Reigns and pulls Reigns outside. Strowman sends Reigns into the ring post and then choke slams Reigns on top of another announcers table. Strowman tosses Reigns into the ring and powerslams Reigns right through the table in the corner. Strowman leaves as Owens crawls over, covers Reigns and scores the pinfall to retain the title. Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Universal Championship.
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Rich Swann (c) vs. Neville: The match closes out with Swann hitting a jumping lariat and then a frog splash on Neville for a near fall. Swann goes to the top rope, but gets crotched by Neville. Neville and Swann trade shots on the ropes and end up back on the mat. Swann lands a kick on Neville, but Neville returns with a super kick of his own. Swann gets a near fall roll up on Neville and then nails the Swann Song kick on Neville. Swann covers, but Neville gets his foot on the ropes to break the pinfall. Swann goes to the top rope, but Neville pops up, charges, leaps onto the ropes and superplexes Swann off the ropes for a near fall. Neville immediately traps Swann in a Rings of Saturn submission and forces Swann to tap out to win the title. Winner: Neville, by submission, to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. John Cena: The match closes out with Cena going for the AA, but Styles counters it into the Calf Crusher submission. Cena escapes and locks Styles in the STF and traps Styles in the middle of the ring. Styles escapes and gets lifted up onto Cena's back for an AA. Styles counters out and Cena begins to trade counters with Styles. Cena locks in a Figure Four leglock submission, but Styles escapes. Cena and Styles trade more counters and reversals until Cena drops Styles. Cena goes for the top rope leg drop, but Styles dodges it, goes for the Styles Clash and hits it for a near fall on Cena.
Cena counters the springboard 450 and hits a Destroyer on Styles for a near fall. Cena sends Styles into the corner and hits a cutter on Styles for another near fall. Cena goes for a Super AA off the ropes, hits it and Styles kicks out again at two and a half. Styles counters another AA and hits the Styles Clash on Cena. Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Cena counters it with an AA. Cena hits another AA on Styles and scores the pinfall to become a 16 time World Champion. Winner: John Cena, by pinfall, to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- 30 Man Royal Rumble Match: ** Highlights of the Rumble **
- Big Cass and Chris Jericho draw #1 and #2.
- Kalisto debuts in the Royal Rumble at #3.
- Jack Gallagher debuts in the Royal Rumble at #5.
- Braun Strowman eliminates Mojo, Cass, Kalisto and Mark Henry all in a row.
- Sami Zayn comes in at #8 and immediately goes after Strowman renewing their feud.
- Big Show and Strowman go face to face and start trading punches.
- Chris Jericho tries a Code Breaker on Big Show, but gets caught and nailed with the Knockout Punch.
- Strowman and Show try to eliminate each other with Strowman coming our on top and eliminating Show.
- Tye Dillinger makes his main roster debut at #10.
- James Ellsworth makes his Royal Rumble debut at #11.
- Dean Ambrose talks Ellsworth into double teaming Strowman with him. Ambrose lies and watches Ellsworth get destroyed and eliminated by Strowman.
- Baron Corbin makes his Royal Rumble debut.
- Strowman gets a 4 on 1 attack, but eliminates Dillinger. Corbin finally eliminates Strowman.
- The Miz is in at #15 and hits a Skull Crashing Finale on Zayn.
- Corbin hits the Deep Six on The Miz.
- Corbin tries to eliminate Kofi, but eats Trouble in Paradise instead.
- Sheamus is in next and hits a Brogue Kick.
- Cesaro spins Zayn in the Cesaro Swing and then spins Ambrose, then Kofi, then Big E and then Corbin.
- Bray Wyatt goes for Sister Abigail, but it's countered by Kofi.
- Apollo Crews makes his Royal Rumble debut.
- Sheamus and Cesaro double team Big E and Kofi and eliminate them both. Jericho dumps Sheamus and Cesaro out and they are at ringside.
- Randy Orton is in and hits an RKO on Corbin, Rusev and Zayn.
- Dolph Ziggler is in and goes on a super kick party on everyone.
- Luke Harper is in, eliminates Crews and immediately stares down Orton. Bray tries to keep them in check, but Harper decks Bray. Harper and Orton go at it next as Harper hits a boot on Orton. Harper goes for Sister Abigail on Bray, but Orton saves Bray with an RKO on Harper.
- Brock Lesnar hits the ring next, eliminates Ambrose and Ziggler. Lesnar then takes Rusev, Jericho and Corbin to Suplex City. Lesnar hits F5's on Miz and Orton and stands alone. Enzo hits the ring, but eats a Lesnar clothesline and gets tossed out. Lesnar takes Jericho and Zayn to Suplex City again until Goldberg hits the ring.
- Goldberg immediately spears Lesnar and tosses Lesnar out for the elimination.
- Goldberg hits a Jackhammer on Zayn then double spears Orton and Bray.
- The Undertaker arrives and teams up with Goldberg until Goldberg eventually spears Undertaker.
- Goldberg eliminates Harper and Undertaker eliminates Goldberg.
- Undertaker choke slams Miz and Zayn.
- Roman Reigns enters at #30 and stares down The Undertaker. Reigns counters the choke slam and then Superman Punches Undertaker. Reigns tries a second one but gets choke slammed.
- Undertaker counters an RKO, drops Bray, eliminates Miz and Sami, dumps Reigns on the apron and choke slams Jericho. Reigns sneaks up behind Undertaker and eliminates him to a chorus of boos and bullshit chants from the fans.
** Rumble Conclusion **
The Rumble comes down to Jericho, Bray, Orton and Reigns. Jericho gets tossed onto the apron and then eliminated with a Reigns Superman Punch. Orton hits the draping DDT on Reigns. Reigns comes back and hits Superman Punches on Bray and Orton and then tosses Bray out. Reigns goes for a spear on Orton, but Orton hits a mid air RKO on Reigns. Orton clotheslines Reigns out and wins the Royal Rumble. Orton points at the Wrestlemania 33 sign as the Royal Rumble ends. Winner: Randy Orton
- Order Of Entrants:
1. Big Cass
2. Chris Jericho
3. Kalisto
4. Mojo Rawley
5. Jack Gallagher
6. Mark Henry
7. Braun Strowman
8. Sami Zayn
9. Big Show
10. Tye Dillinger
11. James Ellsworth
12. Dean Ambrose
13. Baron Corbin
14. Kofi Kingston
15. The Miz
16. Sheamus
17. Big E
18. Rusev
19. Cesaro
20. Xavier Woods
21. Bray Wyatt
22. Apollo Crews
23. Randy Orton
24. Dolph Ziggler
25. Luke Harper
26. Brock Lesnar
27. Enzo Amore
28. Bill Goldberg
29. The Undertaker
30. Roman Reigns
Order of Eliminations:
1. Jack Gallagher (by Mark Henry)
2. Mojo Rawley (by Braun Strowman)
3. Big Cass (by Braun Strowman)
4. Kalisto (by Braun Strowman)
5. Mark Henry (by Braun Strowman)
6. Big Show (by Braun Strowman)
7. James Ellsworth (by Braun Strowman)
8. Tye Dillinger (by Braun Strowman)
9. Braun Strowman (by Baron Corbin)
10. Kofi Kingston (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
11. Xavier Woods (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
12. Big E (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
13. Sheamus (by Chris Jericho)
14. Cesaro (by Chris Jericho)
15. Apollo Crews (by Luke Harper)
16. Dean Ambrose (by Brock Lesnar)
17. Dolph Ziggler (by Brock Lesnar)
18. Enzo Amore (by Brock Lesnar)
19. Brock Lesnar (by Goldberg)
20. Rusev (by Goldberg)
21. Baron Corbin (by The Undertaker)
22. Luke Harper (by Goldberg)
23. Goldberg (by The Undertaker)
24. The Miz (by The Undertaker)
25. Sami Zayn (by The Undertaker)
26. The Undertaker (by Roman Reigns)
27. Chris Jericho (by Roman Reigns)
28. Bray Wyatt (by Roman Reigns)
29. Roman Reigns (by Randy Orton)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Purdue @ Nebraska (Big Ten, 4:30pm)
Xavier @ St. John's (FOX Sports 1, 6pm)
--- 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (TBS/TNT, 8pm)
Miss Universe 2017, hosted by Steve Harvey & Ashley Graham (FOX, 8pm)
Black Sails, PREMIERE (Starz, 9pm) Mariah's World, FINALE (E!, 9pm)
Conviction, FINALE (ABC, 10pm)
The Affair, FINALE (Showtime, 10pm)
Roast Battle II, Live Finals (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Top Secret Waterfalls, PREMIERE (Travel, 10pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Arizona @ Oregon State (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Arizona State @ Oregon (FOX Sports 1, 11pm)
Gonzaga @ BYU (ESPN 2, 11pm)
---
Hell's Kitchen, FINALE (FOX, 8pm) Powerless, PREMIERE (NBC, 8:30pm)
Superior Donuts, PREMIERE (CBS, 8:30pm)
Training Day, PREMIERE (CBS, 10pm) Lip Sync Battle: Tony Gonzalez vs. Ray Lewis (Spike, 10pm) Chris Berman: He Did Go All The Way (ESPN, 10:30pm)
NHL
Blue Jackets @ Penguins (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Rhode Island @ Davidson (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Iona @ Rider (ESPNU, 7pm)
Buffalo @ Ball State (ESPNU, 9pm)
---
The First 48: Most Shocking Twists, PREMIERE (A&E, 8pm)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, FINALE (The CW, 9pm) 2017 Madden Bowl (NFL Network, 9:30pm)
SATURDAY 2/4
NBA Cavaliers @ Knicks (ABC, 8:30pm)
NFL NFL Honors (CBS, 8pm)
NHL
Devils @ Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Purdue @ Maryland (ESPN, 12pm)
Virginia @ Syracuse (ESPN 2, 12pm)
Seton Hall @ Georgetown (FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
Duquesne @ Dayton (NBC Sports, 12:30pm)
Pittsburgh @ Duke (CBS, 1pm)
Iowa State @ Kansas (ESPN, 2pm)
Georgia @ South Carolina (ESPN 2, 2pm)
Xavier @ Creighton (FOX, 3pm)
Kansas State @ Baylor (ESPNews, 3pm)
Arizona @ Oregon (ESPN, 4pm)
Connecticut @ Cincinnati (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Oklahoma State @ West Virginia (ESPNU, 5pm)
Notre Dame @ North Carolina (ESPN, 6pm)
Ohio State @ Michigan (ESPN 2, 6pm)
St. John's @ Villanova (CBS SportsNet, 8pm)
Kentucky @ Florida (ESPN, 8:15pm)
GOLF
Waste Management Phoenix Open, Third Round (CBS, 3pm)
MMA & BOXING
UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie- Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
UFC Fight Night: Dennis Bermudez vs. Chan Sung Jung (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
SOCCER
English Premier League: Hull City AFC vs. Liverpool FC (NBC Sports, 9:55am)
English Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs. Middlesbrough FC (NBC, 12:30pm)
OTHER SPORTS
X Games Aspen: Anthology (ABC, 1pm)
Skiing: U.S. Freeskiing Grand Prix: Halfpipe (NBC, 4:30pm)
--- Saturday Night Live: Kristen Stewart, Alessia Cara (NBC, 11:30pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE
*** WWE ***
- Who's Winning The Royal Rumble Tonight?: This past week a top 5 list of possible choices to win this year's WWE Royal Rumble was posted on Forbes.com. This year's Royal Rumble is actually not as predictable as it's been in the past and should be a great match with many surprises. The following is my current list of some of the superstars that I've chosen that could benefit them and the WWE by winning the Royal Rumble.
- Braun Strowman: Braun Strowman has been built up like a true heel monster should be built up and actually has proven to have the ability to compete in entertaining matches, unlike past big monster type superstars WWE have had in the past. Strowman has been teased as possible opponents for Goldberg, Roman Reigns and The Undertaker leading into the Royal Rumble.
- Chris Jericho: One of the greatest wrestlers of all time steps into the Royal Rumble this year and could very well come out victorious. Jericho right now is one of the bright spots on RAW with his entertaining segments with WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. What better way to catapult Jericho into even higher ranks as the GOAT then to have him win the Royal Rumble and challenge his best friend Kevin Owens at Wrestlemania 33 for the WWE Universal Championship.
- Baron Corbin: Baron Corbin has already tasted the main event spotlight, as he's challenged for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship recently on Smackdown Live. Smackdown Live continues to build up the future stars of the company and could possibly go with a Corbin vs. AJ Styles match or even a Corbin vs. John Cena match at Wrestlemania 33.
- Finn Balor: What better way to bring the Demon King back from injury? Balor was forced to vacate the WWE Universal Championship back in August due to injury and Balor returning and reclaiming his championship is almost a given. Balor has teased entering at #30 in the Royal Rumble recently on Twitter, but is Balor 100% or is he just teasing us again? Finn Balor is actually my pick to win this year's Royal Rumble.
- Samoa Joe: There is no secret about Samoa Joe debuting on the main roster right now. Joe has accomplished all there is to accomplish in NXT and very well could debut at the Royal Rumble. Rumors are saying that Joe is expected a huge push when he debuts on the main roster. What better way than to debut and win the Royal Rumble and main event Wrestlemania 33.
- The Undertaker: The Deadman returned on RAW a few weeks back and guaranteed a Royal Rumble appearance. WWE have been teasing a possible Undertaker vs. John Cena match at Wrestlemania 33. So Taker wins the Rumble and then battles Cena who very well could be the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania 33? It has been mentioned as a possibility.
- Seth Rollins: Right now Seth Rollins is possibly a long shot on winning the Royal Rumble this year. WWE have been building up a possible Triple H vs. Seth Rollins match at Wrestlemania 33, which would completely eliminate any chance of Rollins winning the Royal Rumble. Stephanie McMahon has even gone as far as taking away Rollins' Royal Rumble spot. If Rollins were to somehow get back into the Royal Rumble and were to win the Royal Rumble, then a match with Kevin Owens or Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 33 would definitely be a money match.
- Goldberg: Another long shot on this one, as The Man is more than likely battling Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 33. Goldberg will mostly be used for his name and presence to build the Royal Rumble match.
- Brock Lesnar: Again just like Goldberg, Lesnar will be used for his name and presence in the Royal Rumble match and build towards his money match with Goldberg at Wrestlemania 33.
- Dean Ambrose: Ambrose winning the WWE Royal Rumble and setting up a rematch against either AJ Styles or John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship would definitely be a money match at Wrestlemania 33. This scenario may be unlikely though as Ambrose may have the WWE Intercontinental Championship to defend at Wrestlemania 33.
- Dolph Ziggler: Ziggler has returned to heel form on Smackdown Live and it could be for the best. Face Ziggler has gotten the man lost in the crowd and almost forgettable. Ziggler has stated that 2017 may be his last year before retirement. Ziggler deserves one more good championship run and could possibly pull off the upset and take the Royal Rumble.
- The Miz: Right now The Miz is the hottest heel on Smackdown Live and has been at top performance. Miz returned the WWE Intercontinental Championship into a credible championship again and has owned his opponents on promos with the gift to run his mouth. The Miz deserves to win the Royal Rumble and main event Wrestlemania 33. A Miz WWE World Heavyweight Championship run could be a great thing for Smackdown Live right now.
- Rusev: Rusev is one huge win away from getting a main event shot and winning the Royal Rumble would be huge for the Bulgarian. Rusev terrorized the United States Division owning everyone that stepped up to challenge for his WWE United States Championship. Rusev winning the WWE Universal Championship could start a great feud against the U.S. again.
** Surprise Entrants **
As usual, the WWE will definitely deliver on the surprise entrants for the Royal Rumble, but just who will show up this year? And more importantly could they win the Royal Rumble?
- Kurt Angle: We all know that Kurt Angle has been signed to the WWE for his WWE Hall of Fame Induction in April, but is there more to it? Could Angle show up at the Royal Rumble? What a moment in Angle's career it would be if he won the Royal Rumble, got inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and then wins either the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or WWE Universal Championship at Wrestlemania 33.
- Kenny Omega: Much like last year with AJ Styles being the hottest free agent and debuting at the WWE Royal Rumble, this year everyone is talking about Kenny Omega. Though this is considered unlikely and a long shot due to Omega's NJPW contract not running out until January 31st, I doubt we'll see The Cleaner at the Royal Rumble. Omega has also recently stated he was renegotiating with NJPW so a WWE run may be officially out.
- Shinsuke Nakamura: Just like Samoa Joe, Nakamura has pretty much accomplished everything there is to accomplish in NXT. Nakamura battles Bobby Roode with Nakamura's NXT World Championship on the line the day before the Royal Rumble at NXT Takeover: San Antonio. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nakamura drop the title to Roode and then debut at the Royal Rumble the next night.
So as you can see, anyone can win this year's WWE Royal Rumble and it should be a huge event leading into Wrestlemania 33.
- Jerry Lawler Signs A New Contract: WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler signed a new one year contract after returning to Smackdown Live last week for a King's Court edition. Lawler will also be calling the 30 man Royal Rumble match this Sunday at WWE Royal Rumble. Lawler's not sure what's next after that but stated that everything is good between he and the WWE and will be with the company for at least another year.
- Paige Update: Paige tweeted out this week that she has begun rehab on her neck after surgery and was told by her doctor that she's already ahead of schedule on her return.
- Official 2018 Royal Rumble Weekend Plans Announced: WWE officially announced that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will host the WWE's Royal Rumble Weekend next year. Royal Rumble Weekend will include: NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, WWE Royal Rumble, RAW and Smackdown Live. WWE is in the process of offering a ticket package deal to see all 4 shows in Philadelphia.
- Weekly UK Show: Triple H announced this week that the WWE is going forward with a weekly United Kingdom wrestling show on the WWE Network.
- Wrestlemania 33 News: This week a rough draft of the matches for Wrestlemania 33 were drawn up of what matches we may or may not see happen on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Some of these matches are already expected to happen and some of them are just rumors at the moment.
- Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
- Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
- Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho
- Shaquille O'Neal vs. Big Show
- The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns
- Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
- Charlotte vs. Nia Jax vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
- AJ Styles vs. John Cena or Shane McMahon
- 4th Annual Andre the Giant Battle Royal
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose
- The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan (Huge rumor, WWE still hasn't said they'd clear DB)
- Nikki Bella vs. Mickie James
*** 205 Live *** This week's main event saw Cedric Alexander battle the self proclaimed King of the Cruiserweight Division Neville in a one on one match.
1.) Backstage, Neville says he showed Rich Swann too much mercy on Monday, but it won't happen at the WWE Royal Rumble. Neville says that Cedric Alexander will kneel before Neville tonight.
2.) TJ Perkins vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Perkins landing an arm drag and then connects on Nese with a Mule Kick. Perkins unloads on Nese and then connects with the Detonation Kick that sends Nese flying outside. Perkins gets crushed by a Nese clothesline as he allowed Nese time to recover. Perkins catches Nese in a surprise roll up and scores the pinfall. After the match, Nese lays out Perkins with a suplex and the Running Kneese.
3.) Brian Kendrick vs. Tripp Bradshaw: Kendrick makes quick work of Bradshaw and makes Bradshaw submit to the Captain's Hook submission.
4.) Backstage, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann gives Cedric Alexander a pep talk for his match against Neville tonight.
5.) Neville vs. Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with both men trading blows. Neville counters the Lumbar Check, hits a german suplex on Alexander and follows that with a deadlift suplex for a near fall. Alexander counters a superplex and nails Neville with an enziguri. Noam Dar suddenly arrives and distracts Alexander. Alexander nails Dar, but then gets trapped in a Neville submission hold. Alexander has no choice but to tap out. After the match, Neville gets rid of Dar as Rich Swann hits the ring. WWE officials hit the ring and separate Swann and Neville to end the show.
*** NXT ***
- Shane Thorne Injury Update: This past week on NXT, it was announced that Shane Thorne of TM61 will be out seven to nine months. Thorne suffered a knee injury recently and had surgery to repair it.
- NXT In A Rebuilding Stage: Triple H stated in a conference call this week that he wasn't happy with the position NXT was in right now and would consider this a rebuilding stage. Triple H stated the following:
-- On The Current State of NXT: “I’m not happy with where it is right now by far. I want it to be much better than it is, but it’s a rebuilding process. All these things going on, they all make changes in the ecosystem. Where everything lands at the end of the day is a moving target.”
-- On Expanding NXT:“I think NXT has the potential to be a lot of things. Where it sits is not 100% my decision. I know those conversations have happened.”
*** TNA IMPACT WRESTLING ***
*** TNA Impact: Genesis Recap *** This year's TNA Genesis saw Eddie Edwards defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley in a 30 Minute Ironman Match.
1.) Broken Hardy's Promo: Matt reminds us that The Broken Hardy's are the best tag team in time and space. Jeff Hardy reminds us that he has the #1 briefcase and it may be time to go after the TNA World Heavyweight Championship again. Matt reveals that he has seen a vision and the Hardy's must obtain every single tag team title in the wrestling world. The DCC suddenly interrupt, remind us that they have the #2 briefcase and they want to remind The Hardy's why they are called the Death Crew Council. The Decay interrupt next, state that they want to kill two birds with one stone and want to face both The Hardy's and The DCC for the tag team titles. Both teams agree to the challenge and we have an impromptu tag team title match.
2.) "TNA World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Match": The Broken Hardy's (c) vs. The DCC vs. The Decay: The match closes out with Matt dropping Eddie Kingston with a Side Effect. Matt hits a bulldog on Crazzy Steve and a clothesline on Kingston at the same time. Bram attacks Matt and then brawls with Abyss. Matt tosses Bram outside and then Kingston follows with an STO on Matt for a near fall. Kingston goes to the top rope, but gets mist spit at him by Steve. Matt plants a blinded Kingston with the Twist Of Fate and scores the pinfall to retain the titles.
3.) Braxton Sutter is irritated as he's on a forced date with Laurel Van Ness. Laurel demands wine from the waiter and Sutter says he's going to need to drink a lot to get through this date.
4.) Drew Galloway Promo: Galloway says everything he does will benefit TNA, brags about beating both Eddie Edwards and Moose in the past and then lays down an open challenge for his TNA Grand Championship. Moose interrupts and answers the challenge.
5.) "TNA Grand Championship Match": Drew Galloway (c) vs. Moose: Moose takes the first round of the match with the judges giving Moose the 30-27 score. The match closes out in the second round with Moose hitting the Game Changer on Galloway, but Galloway kicks Moose in the jewels on the landing. The referee deducts a point on Galloway's score card for the low blow. Galloway hits The Claymore on Moose, but Moose kicks out at two and a half. Moose and Galloway trade punches until Galloway gets sent into the referee. Galloway low blows Moose again as the referee is regaining himself and then hits the Future Shock DDT. Galloway covers and scores the pinfall to retain the title.
6.) Laurel Van Ness says she forgives Braxton Sutter for training Allie and that he should just forget Allie. Sutter drinks directly from the wine bottle trying to drown away Laurel's talking.
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7.) "TNA Knockouts Championship, Monster’s Ball Match": Rosemary (c) vs. Jade: The match closes out with Jade bringing a table into the ring. Rosemary regains offense, suplexes Jade and then grabs a barbed wire board. Rosemary goes for the Red Wedding on the barbed wire board, but Jade counters and plants Rosemary on the barbed wire board for a near fall. Jade lays the barbed wire board on top of Rosemary and hits a moonsault, driving the board into Rosemary. While Rosemary tries to untangle herself from the barbed wire, Jade sets up a table in the ring. Jade lays Rosemary on the table and goes to the top rope. Rosemary pops off the table and meets Jade on the ropes. Rosemary superplexes Jade through the table, scores the pinfall and retains the title. After the match, Gail Kim checks on Jade in the ring. Rosemary sneaks in and spits mist in Gail's face, blinding Gail.
8.) Backstage, Rosemary threatens Brandi Rhodes and tells her that she either joins The Decay or she'll make her disappear.
9.) Laurel Van Ness mentions going back to her place and Braxton Sutter gets up to get the check. Laurel calls Maria Bennett and says the plan is working to ruin Allie's life.
10.) "TNA X-Division Championship, Five Way Match": DJ Z (c) vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. Marshe Rockett vs. Caleb Konley: The match closes out with Everett taking everyone out at ringside with a corkscrew dive. DJ Z steps up next and suicide dives onto everyone at ringside. Next up, Rockett suicide dives and takes everyone out at ringside. Lee and Everett double team Rockett, Lee goes for the pinfall, but Everett stops it. Lee and Everett begin to argue with each other, which allows Konley to hit a cradle suplex on Lee. Everett hits a Shooting Star Press on Konley, stopping a pinfall attempt on Lee. DJ Z comes out of nowhere and hits the ZDT on Everett, scores the pinfall and retains the title. After the match, Lee and Shane Helms attack DJ Z. Helms holds DJ Z down as Lee destroys DJ Z's left leg with repeated steel chair shots.
11.) Backstage, Davey Richards offers to help Eddie Edwards tonight. Edwards pleads with Richards to stay backstage because he needs to prove that he can beat Bobby Lashley alone.
12.) Backstage, The Broken Hardy's are going over Jeff's choices to cash his briefcase in on next week. Jeff says it's time to be the world champion again. Matt starts convulsing and has a vision of who Jeff should face next week.
13.) TNA World Heavyweight Championship, 30 Minute Ironman Match": Eddie Edwards (c) vs. Bobby Lashley:
** First Fall: Edwards and Lashley trade offense as they counter each other's moves. Lashley hits a spear out of nowhere finally on Edwards, scores the pinfall and takes the 1-0 lead at the 20 minute mark.
** Second Fall: Lashley is in control of Edwards and sends Edwards over the top rope with an over head suplex. Edwards grabs his knee, appearing to have injured it on the landing and Lashley follows Edwards outside. Lashley and Edwards brawl up onto the rampway to the ring where Lashley plants Edwards hard on the ramp with a power bomb. Edwards can't answer the ten count and gets counted out. Lashley goes up 2-0 at the 15 minute mark.
** Third Fall: Lashley loosens one of the turnbuckle pads as Edwards finally gets back in the ring. Lashley hits a german suplex on Edwards and goes for the spear. Edwards counters and Lashley goes head first into the exposed turnbuckle, knocking himself loopy. Edwards scores the pinfall and makes it 2-1 with a little under 10 minutes left.
** Fourth Fall: Edwards and Lashley begin brawling on the floor again, where Edwards nails Lashley with the Boston Knee Party. Lashley just beats the ten count back into the ring, but gets destroyed with another Boston Knee Party. Edwards covers, scores the pinfall and ties things at 2-2 with 5 minutes left to go.
** Fifth Fall: Edwards climbs the ropes and goes for a hurricanrana on Lashley. Lashley catches Edwards and plants him with a power bomb. Lashley applies a submission hold, locking in Edwards' head and arm. Edwards tries to fight it, but eventually taps out. Lashley takes the 3-2 lead with 2 minutes left.
** Match Ending: Lashley tries to waste time by going outside. The Pope on commentary yells at Lashley to win the match like a man. Edwards suicide dives Lashley during the Pope distraction. Back in the ring, Lashley counters the Boston Knee Party and plants Edwards with a spine buster. Lashley goes for the spear, but Edwards counters and locks Lashley in a Guillotine Choke submission. Lashley refuses to tap, but begins to fade into unconsciousness. Time expires just before Lashley passes out. Bobby Lashley wins 3-2 and is the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion as the show closes out.
- Drew Galloway Contract Update: Current TNA Grand Champion Drew Galloway was interviewed this week and asked about his current TNA contract coming close to an end. Galloway stated the following:
"My contract comes up in like three weeks. We're currently in talks. I really hope things work out the way I want them to work out, we just have to figure things out. There's obviously people reaching out, but I'm just hoping things work out the way that I hope they work out because I'm having such a good ride right now."
*** RING OF HONOR ***
*** ROH TV Recap *** This week ROH held the first of two Semi Finals matches of the Decade of Excellence Tournament. Christopher Daniels battled Chris Sabin with the winner advancing to the Finals.
1.) Marty Scurll vs. Jonathan Gresham: The match closes out with Scurll trapping Gresham in the cross face chicken wing submission and forcing Gresham to tap out.
2.) "Decade of Excellence Semi-Finals Match": Christopher Daniels vs. Chris Sabin: The match closes out with Sabin making the mistake of going outside and talking trash to Kazarian, who's sitting in on commentary. Daniels takes advantage and unloads on Sabin. Daniels hits the Best Moonsault Ever on Sabin, scores the pinfall and advances to the Finals of the tournament. After the match, Daniels and Sabin shake hands and Bro hug.
3.) "Triple Threat Match": Kushida vs. Dragon Lee vs. Will Ospreay: The match closes out with Kushida hitting the Fisherman’s Buster Bomb on Ospreay to score the pinfall.
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Pentagon Jr. Possibly Done With LU: Pentagon Jr. made a surprise appearance this week with wrestlers Daga and Garza Jr. at The Crash Luchas promotion in Tijuana Mexico, which is run by Konnan. Pentagon Jr. announced his departure from AAA and has changed his name to PENTA EL 0M (Cero Miedo). AAA and Lucha Underground both own the names of Pentagon Jr. and Pentagon Dark, making the character gimmick illegal for Pentagon to use in any other promotions. As of this writing Pentagon Jr. will no longer be competing in Lucha Underground's future TV tapings.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
* Road To The New Beginning Recap *
1.) The show kicked off with an announcement that David Finlay would not be competing tonight due to a right shoulder injury.
2.) Yuji Nagata vs. Takayuki Oka: The match closes out with Nagata trapping Oka in a cross armbreaker submission. Oka fights it and reaches for the ropes. Nagata stops Oka and keeps the submission applied, leaving Oka no choice but to tap out.
3.) Tiger Mask and Yoshitatsu vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Henare: The match closes out with Tiger Mask hitting a suicide dive on top of Liger. Yoshitatsu then hits the Pedigree and scores the pinfall.
4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Gedo, Jado and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Takashi Iizuka: The match closes out with HASHI attempting his finisher, but Iizuka hits the ring with a steel chair and unloads on HASHI causing a DQ for his team. After the match, Desperado, Kanemaru and Iizuka beat down and leave their opponents laying.
5.) Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer vs. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan: The match closes out with Smith and Archer hitting the Hart Attack on Kojima. Kojima counters a lariat and hits a cutter. Smith comes back and grabs Kojima. Smith and Archer hit the Killer Bomb power bomb on Kojima and score the pinfall.
6.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Juice Robinson and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Will Ospreay, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii: The match closes out with everyone getting involved and hitting their finishers. Yano goes for a low blow, but gets beaten down by all his opponents. Yano gets drilled with the Kokeshi as Honma scores the pinfall.
7.) "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Manabu Nakanishi, KUSHIDA and Ryusuke Taguchi: The match closes out with Nakanishi applying the torture rack submission on SANADA. BUSHI comes in and spits mist in Nakanishi's face, blinding him. SANADA locks in the Skull End submission on Nakanishi and forces him to tap out.
8.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku and Taichi vs. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero and Baretta: The match closes out with Romero and Baretta hitting suicide dives on Taichi and Michinoku. Suzuki comes in and unloads on Okada. Suzuki traps Okada in a sleeper hold and takes Okada out of the match. Taichi hits a press powerbomb on Romero and scores the pinfall to close the show.
- Kenny Omega Makes His Decision: Wrestling Observer has stated that Kenny Omega has decided to stay with New Japan Pro Wrestling. His contract was set to expire on January 31st with NJPW and Omega stated he was stepping away for a little while. There were rumors of Omega possibly showing up at the WWE Royal Rumble, however, those rumors are now invalid. Omega stated he will more than likely sign a new NJPW contract in February.
*** AAW ***
** AAW Don't Stop Believing Recap **
1.) "Steel Cage Match": Outlawz Inc. (Eddie Kingston and Homicide) vs. OI4K (Jake and Dave Crist): The match closes out with The Outlawz busting open the Crist brothers with steel chair shots. Homicide opened a bottle of liquor and poured it on the wounds. Jake Crist climbed to the top of the cage and dove off onto Kingston. Kingston returned the favor to Dave Crist and suplexed him off the cage onto a bed of steel chairs. Homicide hits the Cop Killer on Dave, but JT Davidson and Sami Callihan break into the cage and attack. Callihan hits a Tombstone piledriver on Homicide as Abyss suddenly hits the cage. Abyss goes for the choke slam on Callihan, however, releases and choke slams Homicide instead. Dave Crist covers Homicide and scores the pinfall. After the match, Kingston yells for medical assistance for Homicide and yells at the AAW officials.
2.) "Fatal Four Way Match": Dezmond Xavier vs. DJZ vs. Moose vs. AR Fox: The match closes out with DJZ dropping Moose and then flipping over the ropes to the floor and taking out Fox and Xavier outside. Moose flies from the stage and over the ropes, taking his three opponents out. Fox flips over the ropes, takes everyone out and into the crowd. Xavier dives off the top rope and takes out Moose. Fox tosses Xavier to the floor and then hits a 450 Splash on DJZ to score the pinfall.
3.) "AAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Andrew Everett and Jack Evans (c) vs. Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett: The match closes out with Everett accidentally kicking Evans in the back of the head and Vega got a near fall on it. Evans and Everett were able to rebound from the accident as Evans scored a roll up pinfall on Vega to retain the titles. After the match, Vega and Fitchett showed anger and frustration with each other as they argued over losing the match.
4.) Sami Callihan and JT Davidson Promo: Davidson announces that Callihan is ready to proceed with his AAW World Championship Open Challenge. Callihan dares any wrestler or even fan to step up to him tonight. Candice LeRae interrupts Callihan and accepts the challenge. Callihan mocks Candice and states that she first has to beat him in a non title match before he'd ever give her a title shot. Callihan also states that if Candice loses she won't get a title shot and she has to waive any claims if Callihan injures her. Candice accepts the challenge.
5.) "Open Challenge Match": Sami Callihan vs. Candice LeRae: Candice pulls out a squash victory on Callihan pinning him in a minute with a spike reverse hurricanrana. After the match, Candice demands her title shot now and it's on.
6.) "AAW World Heavyweight Championship Match": Sami Callihan (c) vs. Candice LeRae: The match closes out with JT Davidson tossing in a chair which Callihan tries to use, but he accidentally knocks himself out with it. Candice with a near fall tornado DDT on Callihan. Candice with the spike reverse hurricanrana again on Callihan, but Callihan kicks out this time at two and a half. Candice hits the Ballsplex off the top rope on Callihan for yet another near fall. Candice goes for a submission hold on Callihan, but Callihan counters out, traps Candice in the Stretch Muffler submission and forces Candice to tap out to retain the title. After the match, Callihan again insulted everyone and dared any wrestler or fan to challenge him. Kongo Kong emerged from the back and headed to the ring. Callihan retreated and said he'd fight some other time.
7.) "Handicap Match": Kongo Kong vs. Conor Braxton and Eddie Machete: The match closes out with Kong choke slamming Machete who was trying to save Braxton. Kong hits a splash on Machete, as Scarlett Bordeaux gets in the ring to try to help. Kong corners Scarlett, licks her face and then plants her with a Rikishi Driver. Braxton grabs Scarlett and then yells at Machete for losing as they all retreated to the back.
8.) Matt Sydal vs. Davey Richards: The match closes out with Richards hitting a suplex on Sydal and follows that up with a double stomp off the top rope for a near fall. Richards applied the Sharpshooter submission on Sydal, but Sydal was able to escape the hold. Sydal comes back with a diving knee on Richards off the ropes and hits the Shooting Star Press on Richards to score the pinfall.
9.) Mercedes Martinez vs. Angelina Love: The match closes out with Angelina hitting a Flatliner on Mercedes for a near fall and then applies a submission. Mercedes escapes and hits a Code Breaker on Angelina and then scores the pinfall with a Fisherman’s brainbuster.
10.) Backstage, JT Davidson explains why Abyss is now a member of The Killer Cult. Davidson promises that Colt Cabana will be Abyss' first victim.
11.) "Silas Young’s Farewell To AAW Match": Silas Young vs. Drew Galloway: The match closes out with Galloway countering the Pee Gee Waja Plunge and nails Young with the Future Shock DDT for a near fall. Young traps Galloway in the figure four leglock submission, but Galloway makes the ropes for the break. Galloway played opossum with a leg injury and catches Young with a spike piledriver. Galloway plants Young with two Future Shock DDT's and scores the pinfall. After the match, Young showed respect to Galloway and thanked the fans for everything.
12.) "No DQ Match": Abyss vs. Colt Cabana: The match closes out with JT Davidson sliding a steel chair to Abyss who used it repeatedly on Cabana. Cabana fights back, grabs the steel chair and unloads on Abyss with it. Cabana low blows Abyss with the steel chair and then drives it into Abyss' back. Cabana sits Abyss on the steel chair, unloads punches and an elbow. Abyss charges at Cabana, but Cabana counters by throwing the steel chair in Abyss' face. Cabana hits a moonsault on Abyss, but can't score the pinfall, as Davidson pulls the referee out of the ring. Cabana chases Davidson around ringside for the interferance. Cabana gets back in the ring and gets planted by Abyss with the Black Hole Slam for the pinfall.
13.) Brian Cage and Michael Elgin vs. Rey Fenix and ACH: The match closes out with ACH and Elgin trading punches. ACH hits a Stunner on Elgin as Cage tries to make the save. Fenix attacks Cage, allowing ACH to go outside on the stage. ACH runs from the stage, leaps over the top rope into the ring and hits an RKO on Cage. Fenix hits the Canadian Destroyer on Cage to score the pinfall. After the match, all four men showed respect to each other to end the show.
*** Other ***
- Kenny Omega Wrestles First Match Since New Year's Dash: Kenny Omega returned to the ring last Saturday night for the first time since NJPW's New Year's Dash. Omega substituted for fellow Bullet Club member Cody Rhodes and battled Tiger Ali in England for their 4 Front Wrestling promotion. Cody Rhodes, along with his wife Brandi was attending a memorial service for Drax Shadow back in the United States.
And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!
