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 ***
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
*** NXT ***
- 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.
** 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.
"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 ***
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
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 ***
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 ***
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!
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