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 ***
- Bayley Ends Charlotte's Undefeated Pay Per View Streak: Last week at WWE Fastlane, Charlotte entered at an unbelievable 15-0 in WWE Women's Championship Matches. Bayley, however, ended the streak as she defeated Charlotte by pinfall to retain her title.
- Undertaker Returns: This past Monday on RAW, The Undertaker returned, went face to face with Braun Strowman and then ended up choke slamming Roman Reigns to end the show. Rumors are stating that we might get a possible Triple Threat Match for Wrestlemania 33 with The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman.
- Randy Orton Becomes #1 Contender: The WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender controversy has finally come to an end this past Tuesday, as Randy Orton defeated AJ Styles to win back his #1 Contendership that he originally held by winning the Royal Rumble back in January.
- Daniel Bryan's Future With The WWE: This past Tuesday on Talking Smack, Daniel Bryan and The Miz got into another one of their arguments with Miz cracking jokes about Bryan not being able to wrestle anymore. What caught a lot of people off guard was the response that Bryan gave Miz after that. "I can't or they won't let me?" and then continued by saying "We'll see. We'll see in a year and a half". This has led many to believe that Bryan is already planning his future of leaving in 2018 when his WWE contract expires and possibly returning to a ring somewhere, possibly NJPW or ROH. Bryan was forced into retirement by WWE a year and a half ago after stating that Bryan had suffered way too many concussions to keep Bryan on as a wrestler. Bryan apparently was cleared to wrestle by his doctors, however, WWE's personal doctor for all the talent refused to clear Bryan.
** 205 Live **
The main event of the show saw Austin Aries battle Tony Nese in a one on one match. Brian Kendrick gives Akira Tozawa his answer from RAW on whether or not he'll fight him tonight.
1.) Austin Aries Promo: Aries says that if you want to make a statement then you find the toughest guy and punch them in the face. Aries announces he's done commentating and is returning to in ring action. Neville interrupts Aries and heads to the ring. Neville says Aries isn't on Neville's level. Aries agrees because Aries is higher up on the A Double Level. Neville thinks it isn't fair that Aries cut in line and didn't earn his rightful title shot. Aries doesn't care and promises his mouth doesn't make checks that his ass can't cash.
2.) Backstage, Rich Swann is showing Jack Gallagher how to dance. Noam Dar interrupts and tries to join in, but gets told to leave.
3.) Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari vs. Jack Gallagher and Rich Swann: The match closes out with Gallagher getting double teamed until finally tagging Swann. Gallagher hits a headbutt on Daivari and then the running drop kick. Swann goes to the top rope and hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar for the pinfall.
4.) Backstage, Brian Kendrick agrees to fight Akira Tozawa tonight and trash talks Tozawa.
6.) Akira Tozawa vs. Bryan Kendrick: Tozawa makes quick work of the fake Bryan Kendrick and scores the pinfall with the german suplex.
7.) Backstage, Neville mocks Austin Aries and says Aries will regret not staying on as a commentator.
*** NXT ***
- Kairi Hojo Signs With NXT: Kairi Hojo of World Wonder Ring Stardom signed a 3 year deal with WWE and will report to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Hojo will debut with NXT and add more wrestling experience to the Women's Division, as Asuka and Ember Moon are currently the only two with the most wrestling experience.
*** Impact Wrestling ***
** Impact TV Recap **
The New Era of Impact Wrestling has arrived as Jeff Jarrett reclaims the company he once started back in 2002. What changes would be ahead for Impact Wrestling?
The New Era of Impact Wrestling has arrived as Jeff Jarrett reclaims the company he once started back in 2002. What changes would be ahead for Impact Wrestling?
1.) The show kicks off with Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards brawling through the Impact Zone. Officials try to separate both men as Edwards unloads chops on Richards. The brawl continues through the crowd and up the ramp with Officials trying to regain control.
2.) Jeremy Borash arrives at the announcers table and announces that there will be some changes coming to the Josh Mathews and The Pope team soon. Mathews flips out on Borash and refuses to accept the changes. Borash says that Mathews has made so many enemies backstage that things will be changing soon. Borash mentions Mathews getting canned by WWE 3 years ago and the former idiot management team that worked here thought Mathews would be a model commentator. Mathews brags about being trained by Jim Ross and has commentated at Wrestlemania. Borash says that JR is a friend of his and JR thinks Mathews is an arrogant prick. Borash sits at the table and announces that he will call the action tonight with Mathews and Pope.
3.) Cody Rhodes Promo: Cody asks if the fans want to see Cody vs. Moose tonight. The fans want it, but Cody says too bad because Moose is in Japan.
4.) Jeremy Borash informs us that there will be a new tag team called Reno Scum debuting tonight on the new Impact Wrestling. Reno Scum is Adam Thornestowe and Luster The Legend.
5.) The DCC vs. Reno Scum: The match closes out with Reno Scum making quick work of Bram and Kingston. Luster and Thornestowe hit a double foot stomp on Kingston and score the pinfall. After the match, The DCC appear to not be on the same page. (Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews bicker back and forth with each other throughout the match)
6.) Backstage, Sienna informs everyone that Maria Bennett had a nervous breakdown after what happened during Braxton Sutter and Laurel Van Ness' wedding and will no longer be with Impact Wrestling. Sienna promises to make Allie's life a living hell for what she did.
7.) "Fatal Four Way Match": DJ Z vs. Braxton Sutter vs. Caleb Konley vs. DJZ vs. Marshe Rockett: The match closes out with DJ Z hitting a tornado DDT on Konley. Rockett hits a leg lariat on DJ Z and goes after Sutter. Allie gets involved and hits a crossbody on Rockett outside. Sutter hits a twisting neckbreaker on Rockett and scores the pinfall. After the match, Laurel Van Ness appears still in her wedding dress, drunk on champagne and yells at Sutter and Allie. (More bickering between Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews. JB brags that he has notes about all the up and coming wrestlers and Mathews doesn't know anything)
8.) Sienna vs. Rachael Ellering: The match closes out with Rachael hitting a springboard twisting leg drop and gets a near fall. Sienna comes back and hits The Silencer to score the pinfall. (Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews continue their bickering. Mathews hypes other TV shows on Pop TV during the match. JB says that maybe if he followed the action the way he wasted time promoting shows, he'd be a decent commentator. Mathews says he does it because it keeps the executives at Pop TV happy.)
9.) Bruce Prichard Promo: Prichard says that last time he was apart of Impact Wrestling there was excitement, a lot of great talent and everyone wanted to succeed. Prichard announces that from this day forward TNA Wrestling is dead and the new owners have labeled this company Impact Wrestling. Prichard says that the new owners are looking for achieved greatness that they once had in the past and every company needs their face of the company. Prichard calls out the Impact World Champion Bobby Lashley and Lashley heads to the ring. Lashley thanks Prichard for recognizing his greatness, brags about every wrestler he's beaten and mentions how he defended the President of the United States Donald Trump many years back at Wrestlemania. Prichard says Lashley is the greatest athlete in the world and no one can challenge that. Alberto El Patron makes his Impact Wrestling debut and interrupts Lashley. Patron says that Lashley has never beaten him. Ethan Carter suddenly interrupts next and heads to the ring. EC3 says that El Patron just can't walk into a company and get a title shot. Lashley says he's beaten EC3 enough times, EC3 needs to get to the back of the line. Patron says the fans want Lashley vs. Patron tonight and so does he. Prichard makes the match official.
10.) Jeremy Borash interrupts Josh Mathews and The Pope from going over what just happened to announce that there is a legend backstage.
11.) Backstage, Eddie Edwards says that his wife is at home and he has decided to keep her away from all this. Angelina Love appears, mocks Edwards and then slaps Edwards in the face.
12.) Cody Rhodes Promo: Rhodes again challenges Moose to a match. Impact Security order Rhodes to leave because everyone knows Moose isn't in the building. Rhodes refuses to leave until finally doing so.
13.) Dutch Mantell Promo: Dutch gives us a run down of his wrestling career and how he used to be Zeb Colter in the WWE. Dutch says he's here to help make Impact great again. Dutch names all the past talent that worked for Impact Wrestling and then left because they felt management lacked leadership. Dutch promises that that will change and he will listen to the fans and help make Impact great again.
14.) The Broken Hardy's are shown wrestling Smokin Joe the kangaroo at Matt's personal zoo. The Hardy's decide to transport to their next destination in their Expedition of Gold Tour. Something goes wrong as they are teleported and never return. The Impact Tag Team Championships, however, teleport back right into The Decay's hands. The Decay laugh and say that their plan worked, The Hardy's are now deleted, obsolete and decayed forever from Impact Wrestling.
15.) "Impact World Heavyweight Championship Match": Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Alberto El Patron: The match closes out with Ethan Carter watching from the ramp as Lashley accidentally knocks out referee Brian Hebner with a lariat. Lashley counters El Patron's cross arm breaker submission by lifting and slamming him. Referee Brian Stifler arrives as El Patron hits the tree of woe double foot stomp on Lashley and gets a near fall. El Patron goes for the cross arm breaker submission, by Lashley counters with a spinebuster. El Patron hits a DDT, but accidentally kicks referee Brian Stifler, as Lashley uses Stifler for a shield. Lashley hits a spinebuster and grabs the Impact Title. Lashley misses the swing, El Patron lands a kick on Lashley and then knocks Lashley out with a title shot to the head. El Patron covers Lashley as referee Brian Hebner came too and seen El Patron use the title as a weapon. Referee Brian Stifler also came to, but didn't see El Patron use the title as a weapon. Stifler makes the three count and awards El Patron as the new world champion. Referee Brian Stifler, referee Brian Hebner, head referee Earl Hebner and Bruce Prichard all have a meeting in the ring, after the match, about what just happened. El Patron leaves with the title as Lashley pleads with the officials that he was robbed, TO close the show.
- The Jeff Jarrett Era Ushers In New And Returning Wrestlers To Impact Wrestling: As the Impact TV tapings concluded, Impact Wrestling did their best to deliver on new and returning wrestlers to the company. The following wrestlers and backstsge talent are set to appear in the next few months on Impact Wrestling:
** Alberto El Patron
** Reno Scum (Adam Thornestowe and Luster The Legend)
** KC Quinn
** Rachael Ellering
** Garza Jr.
** Laredo Kid
** ODB
** Rebel
** Suicide
** LAX (Homicide, Konnan, Angel Rose, Angel Ortiz and Mike Draztik)
** KM
** Karen Jarrett
** Dutch Mantell
** Bruce Pritchard
** Reno Scum (Adam Thornestowe and Luster The Legend)
** KC Quinn
** Rachael Ellering
** Garza Jr.
** Laredo Kid
** ODB
** Rebel
** Suicide
** LAX (Homicide, Konnan, Angel Rose, Angel Ortiz and Mike Draztik)
** KM
** Karen Jarrett
** Dutch Mantell
** Bruce Pritchard
- Gail Kim Not Under Contract: Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim tweeted out this week that she is currently not under a contract at the moment. Gail also stated that she will remain loyal to Impact Wrestling, so when they're ready to bring her back, she'll be ready to come back. Gail did not appear in any of the TV tapings for March or April Impact episodes.
- Eli Drake Confronts Jeff Jarrett: Impact officials stated that Eli Drake met with Jeff Jarrett and Bruce Pritchard this week and stated that he wasn't happy with how they insulted TNA, said it was dead and better management was going to make sure things ran better. Jarrett informed Drake that it wasn't meant as an insult to the talent, they just needed a storyline that would distance itself from the Dixie Carter runned TNA so they could start fresh with Impact Wrestling.
- Reby Hardy Blasts Impact Wrestling On Twitter: This week it was announced that Impact Wrestling has issued a warning to The Broken Hardy's to stop using their Broken gimmicks that made them famous in Impact Wrestling and have stated that they are in the process of suing them. Matt Hardy's wife who has been very vocal about Impact Wrestling on Twitter recently unloaded a series of tweets at Impact Wrestling stating her hatred for them right now.
"LMAO F--K YOU GUYS @EdNordholm @RealJeffJarrett @IMPACTWRESTLING. MORE than happy to play this game Can we just talk about how many times Matt's contract could have been broken due to NUMEROUS issues on TNA end and never made a fuss about sh*t, but MFers wanna try & come at us NOW, *after the fact*?! Don't you have an owl to promote or some sh*t!? Or - I dunno - a company to "make great"? Instead of acting like the petty little bi**hes you are????
"Speaking of petty, nice video package on TNA's "history": with NO visual or mention of Jeff - who gave his all for 7 YEARS - or Kurt?! But y'all sure made sure to get those two video ID shoots of Jeff Jarrett in there LMAO. But it's "just business, brother", right? PETTY. Everything these boys have done for the company & you wanna try & f--k us for the sake of it. Literally no other reason except YOU MAD lol."
"Speaking of petty, nice video package on TNA's "history": with NO visual or mention of Jeff - who gave his all for 7 YEARS - or Kurt?! But y'all sure made sure to get those two video ID shoots of Jeff Jarrett in there LMAO. But it's "just business, brother", right? PETTY. Everything these boys have done for the company & you wanna try & f--k us for the sake of it. Literally no other reason except YOU MAD lol."
"How about my husband leaving me A DAY AFTER GIVING BIRTH to make your TV tapings? That's how dedicated this MFer was to the company. How about how the 3 highest rated TV segments of 2016 were financed by HARDYS solely to help the product & because they BELIEVED IN TNA. Or ALL THE SH*T TALKING BY JJ throughout contract negotiations & Matt was STILL THERE, professional & trying to make things work for 2017!"
"Oh & this the best part...these MFers trying to come after SEÑOR BENJAMIN. LMAO I CANT. "Señor Benjamin" - my dad, by the way - who was never paid a dime by the company & who was obviously never under contract. Not that those contract things mean anything to TNA. Until after they're over or until 3 days before they expire, apparently."
"Funny thing is, everyone who ever actually had anything to do with #BROKEN Matt Hardy has our back on this. WHAT DOES THAT SAY TO YOU? D**n near 20% of your roster leaving in the span of a week, all citing the same reasons or none at all. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?"
"And then a fakea** "wishing you well" tweet from @EdNordholm, mere HOURS before threatening to sue us. SUCH A FITTING END, MAN. Seriously, you couldn't write this sh*t. Well. TNA couldn't write this sh*t. Any writers worth a sh*t left too! Real cute how TNA can go radio silent for WEEKS (with exception of nonsensical drunk texts from JJ) but we get a 2 hour deadline to respond. F--k you think this is, "Taken"? LOL I can't."
"Good luck explaining to your talent that their pay checks are late (again) because you're spending all your $$ suing the Hardys. And f--k that owl."
"TNA sending "spooky" letters to cable providers threatening to sue if they air Hardys. Trying to screw ROH & ruin wrestling for fans. Hardys just EXISTING & providing for our family, mind you. I think they believe they own our birth certificates at this point. TNA trying to ruin wrestling for all fans out of spite, but CONTRACTS ARE UP. *YOU* let them expire, REMEMBER? You don't own these boys!"
"Irony is, Matt's contract did not include exclusivity; could have legally appeared on ANY televised program WHILE UNDER TNA CONTRACT. Don't ever want to hear anyone talk about "burning bridges" when this move, which f--ks ROH & cable providers, leaves the most ashes behind."
"TNA would rather destroy biz relationships with ROH & cable providers for the sake of trying to fck the Hardys. Think about that! Who is going to want to work with you now ? I mean, with the exception of GFW guys coming to IMPACT tapings for $20 towards greyhound fare."
*** RING OF HONOR ***
** ROH TV Recap **
This week's main event saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole, ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes battle Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and The Briscoes in an Eight Man Tag Team Match. The Kingdom also defended their ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship against The Rebellion. The Top Prospect Tournament also continued with another first round match.
This week's main event saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole, ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes battle Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and The Briscoes in an Eight Man Tag Team Match. The Kingdom also defended their ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship against The Rebellion. The Top Prospect Tournament also continued with another first round match.
1.) "ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": The Kingdom (c) vs. The Rebellion: The match closes out with Coleman unloading drop kicks on The Kingdom. Rush hot tags in and suicide dives onto everyone. King plants a spinebuster on Marseglia, but gets dropped by a Rush Cutter. The Kingdom hit their finisher, score the pinfall and retain their titles.
2.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": Raphael King vs. "Kingpin" Brian Milonas: The match closes out with King getting a near fall Rock Bottom on Milonas. King tries another Rock Bottom, but Milonas lands and elbow and plants King with a side walk slam. Milonas hits a senton splash on King and scores the pinfall to advance to the Semi-Finals.
3.) The Bullet Club (Adam Cole, Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks) vs. Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and The Briscoes: Christopher Daniels was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with The Briscoes dodging the super kick party and hit clotheslines. The Briscoes plant Matt Jackson with a power bomb/neck breaker combo and get the near fall. Matt counters The Briscoes' Doomsday Device, lands on his feet and connects with a super kick. Jay Briscoe gets lit up with the super kick party and planted by Cody with Cross Rhodes. Super kick party on Matt Briscoe, followed by The Last Shot from Cole. The Bucks hit the Meltzer Driver on Mark and score the pinfall.
4.) Christopher Daniels Attacks And A Surprise Turn: After the match, Daniels leaves the commentary table, attacks and begins brawling with Cole. Cole tries to hit Daniels with the ROH World Title, but Daniels ducks and plants Angel's Wings on Cole. Daniels grabs a pair of scissors and threatens to cut Cole’s hair as Kazarian hits the ring. Kazarian holds Cole down in the corner as Daniels prepares for Cole’s haircut. Kazarian, however, takes off his jacket, reveals a Bullet Club shirt and stares down a stunned Daniels. The Young Bucks suddenly lay out Daniels, while distracted, with the super kick party. The Bullet Club celebrate over Daniels body as Kazarian officially joins The Bullet Club to end the show.
** Manhattan Mayhem VI Recap **
Manhattan Mayhem took place at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York. ROH Television Champion Marty Scurll defended his title against Sonjay Dutt. ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defended their titles against Jay White and Lio Rush. The main event of the show saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole defend his title against Bobby Fish. All that and more with a couple nice surprises.
Manhattan Mayhem took place at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York. ROH Television Champion Marty Scurll defended his title against Sonjay Dutt. ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defended their titles against Jay White and Lio Rush. The main event of the show saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole defend his title against Bobby Fish. All that and more with a couple nice surprises.
1.) "Triple Threat Match": Sumi Sakai defeated Jenny Rose and Mandy Leone.
2.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": Josh Woods defeated Brian Milonas, to advance to the Semi-Finals.
3.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": John Skyler defeated Curt Stallion, to advance to the Semi-Finals.
4.) Christopher Daniels defeated TK O’Ryan.
5.) Dalton Castle defeated Colt Cabana.
6.) "ROH Television Championship Match": Marty Scurll defeated Sonjay Dutt, to retain the title.
7.) Dragon Lee defeated Will Ospreay.
8.) "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Young Bucks defeated Lio Rush and Jay White, to retain the titles.
9.) After The Young Bucks match, the lights go out, pop back on and Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero are in the middle of the ring, surprising everyone. The Hardy's challenge The Young Bucks for their ROH World Tag Team Championship and The Bucks accept the challenge.
11.) "ROH Manhattan Battle Royal Match": Matt Tavern came out victorious and has been granted a future ROH World Championship Match.
12.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Hangman Adam Page, Kazarian and Cody Rhodes defeated Jay Lethal and The Briscoes.
- The Broken Hardy's Sign With ROH: After appearing last weekend at ROH Manhattan Mayhem and defeating The Young Bucks to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship, The Broken Hardy's announced that they had officially signed with ROH. The Hardy's also stated that it was the biggest contract in ROH history that they signed. Rumors are also stating that their current contract only goes up to Wrestlemania 33, so there is a possibility that they still sign with WWE. The Hardy's have said that they want creative control on their gimmicks and still want to work independent wrestling shows, so a WWE signing is looking very bleak right now.
- Bubba Ray Dudley Turned Down An Impact Contract: Bubba Ray Dudley made it known that he turned down an Impact contract to appear at ROH Manhattan Mayhem. Bubba stated that ROH to him felt more like his old stomping grounds of ECW. Bubba stated that his main goal in ROH if he were to sign a contract is to wrestle and give it his all. Bubba stated he doesn't care about the ROH World Championship or the ROH World Tag Team Championship, he just wants to be able to say that he wrestled in Ring of Honor the day he finally retires.
- ROH's 15th Anniversary Show: This past weekend was ROH's 15th Anniversary Show. I will have the full recap of the event for you next Sunday on the Weekend 3 Count.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
** 45th Anniversary Show Recap **
NJPW's 45th Anniversary Show took place at Ota City General Gymnasium. The main event of the show saw IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada battle Tiger Mask W in a non title match.
NJPW's 45th Anniversary Show took place at Ota City General Gymnasium. The main event of the show saw IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada battle Tiger Mask W in a non title match.
1.) Manabu Nakanishi defeated Tomoyuki Oka, by submission with a Torture Rack.
2.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado and Gedo defeated Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Desperado, after HASHI made Michinoku submit to Karma.
3.) NJPW gives an update on Tomoaki Honma's vertebrae injury.
4.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa defeated Jushin Thunder Liger, Yuji Nagata, David Finlay and Tiger Mask, after Fale pinned Finlay after hitting the Grenade.
7.) "IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano to win the titles. Kojima hits a lariat on Ishii to score the pinfall.
8.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Micheal Elgin and KUSHIDA, by pinfall, after Naito hits the Destino.
9.) "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match": Hiromu Takahashi defeated Ryusuke Taguchi to retain the title. Tanahashi hits a running death valley driver and the Timebomb to score the pinfall.
10.) Kazuchika Okada defeated Tiger Mask W, by pinfall, after hitting a third Rainmaker.
- Honma Update: This past Wednesday, NJPW gave an update on Tomoaki Honma's injury. NJPW stated that Honma has been able to move his limbs now and is resting comfortably in the hospital.
*** Other ***
- "Outlaw" Ron Bass Passes Away: WWE announced this week that Ronald Heard, known to sports-entertainment fans as “Outlaw” Ron Bass, passed away at the age of 68.
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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