Thursday, August 31, 2017

Podcast 8/30/17: On Browns Moves, Cavs/Celtics & College Football Kickoff


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Podcast"!

Subscribe to us, on New Cleveland Radio iTunes here!

DOWNLOAD: On Browns Moves, Cavs/Celtics & College Football Kickoff (8/30/17)

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DOWNLOAD: On LeBron James, Browns Preseason, QB Rankings & More (8/16/17)
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DOWNLOAD: Browns Preseason, Cavs Uniforms, All-Time Uniforms & TV Reboots (8/9/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kyrie Irving and Sports Hall of Fames (8/2/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kyrie Irving's Trade Request, LeBron's Power & The Cavs (7/2417)
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DOWNLOAD: On Kirk Cousins, LeBron James, Unappreciated Players & Fast Food Chicken (7/19/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On MLB All-Star, Young Stars & Bad NBA Contracts (7/12/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On NBA Free Agency, Chauncey Billups & Our 3-on-3 Teams (7/5/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball (6/28/17)
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2017 Episodes Of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 8/31/17: NXT Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. This week was Bobby Roode's farewell show as he went one on one with Roderick Strong, to finally put an end to their feud.

** NXT TV Card **

- Peyton Royce battled Ruby Riot.
- Heavy Machinery battled Camian Awield and Edwin Negran.
- Bobby Roode battled Roderick Strong.

- NXT World Champion Drew McIntyre calls out the NXT Locker Room.

** NXT **

- Backstage, NXT kicks off with SAnitY laid out everywhere and it appears that Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly struck again, as they are shown leaving the crime scene. 

- Drew McIntyre Promo: McIntyre says that this is his life, it's one thing to win the title, but a whole new ballgame to hold onto it. McIntyre puts the whole locker room on notice and dares anyone to challenge him. Roderick Strong interrupts and congratulates McIntyre. Strong says all that matters to him now is his family and the NXT World Championship. Strong once a shot at McIntyre after Strong finishes with Bobby Roode tonight in Roode's farewell match. McIntyre is impressed that Strong stepped up like a man, but now Strong has to prepare to be knocked out like a man

- A video plays from last week with a Bobby Roode interview. Roode says he's getting his rematch with Drew McIntyre for the NXT World Championship after he defeats Roderick Strong. Roode says he'll take the title with him and make Smackdown Live glorious.

- Its announced that Asuka will be on next week's show to give us an update on her collar bone injury and tell us what's next for her.

- Peyton Royce vs. Ruby Riot: The match closes out with Peyton getting a near fall power bomb. Ruby hits a suicide dive and takes out Peyton and Billie Kay outside. Peyton distracts the referee allowing Billie to pull Ruby outside and hits Shades of Kay. Ruby gets tossed back into the ring allowing Peyton to hit the Fisherman's Suplex into the bridge on Ruby for the pinfall.
Winner: Peyton Royce, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Kassius Ohno asks NXT GM William Regal for a rematch with Hideo Itami in a No DQ Match. Regal accepts the match and makes it official for next week.

- Heavy Machinery vs. Camian Awield and Edwin Negran: The match closes out quickly with Knight hitting a double cross body. Heavy Machinery hits The Compactor to score the pinfall.
Winners: Heavy Machinery, by pinfall.

- Backstage, William Regal informs Lars Sullivan that he'll be in a 3 on 1 Handicap Match next week. Lars smiles and walks away.

- Roderick Strong vs. Bobby Roode: The match closes out with Strong getting a near fall super plex on Roode. Strong and Roode trade shots until Roode grabs the referee and uses him as a shield. Roode hits the Glorious DDT, but Strong is able to put his foot on the rope before the pinfall. Strong unloads a series of knees on Roode and then hits a backbreaker. Strong grabs Roode, blows him a kiss, hits the Roddy back breaker and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall.

- After the match, Drew McIntyre arrives on the stage and applauds Roderick Strong's performance. Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly suddenly attack and beat down McIntyre on the stage. Cole DDT's McIntyre on the stage as Security arrives. Security gets taken out as William Regal arrives. The trio taunt Regal as they finally leave to end the show.

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Preview: The Linebackers


By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

**PREVIOUS**
The Coaching Staff
The Running Backs
The Offensive & Defensive Line
The Quarterbacks
The Wide Receivers & Tight Ends


With the switch to the 4-3 defense, the Browns don't have to carry as many linebackers as they did years before. The Linebacker group is pretty solid going into the 2017 season, headlined by Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey. Both of whom signed long-term deals with the Browns in the off-season. Collins and Kirko will see the majority of the snaps on defense. Whether its in a base defense or in nickel and sub-packages because both excel in pass coverage.

Collins was brought over last season in a mid-season trade with New England. In eight games with the Browns last season, Collins recorded 69 tackles (nice), two sacks, and a forced fumble. Collins as a rare linebacker in the league that can play every single down, and can cover the best running backs and tight ends in the league. There is no question Collins is an integral part of the Browns defense going forward.

Kirksey is entering his fourth NFL season. Last year was Kirksey's breakout season, recording 148 tackles, two and a half sacks, and 10 stuffs. He is just like Collins, Kirko can play the pass extremely well and is basically an every down linebacker. The only difference with Kirksey and Collins this year is that they will be playing the "outside linebacker" position in the 4-3 defense.

At the start of camp the middle linebacker spot was up for grabs. The battle was between veteran Tank Carder and last year's fourth round pick Joe Schobert. Unfortunately, Carder suffered a season ending knee injury against the Giants, so Schobert is now the starter for 2017. Schobert came into camp around 20 pounds lighter in order to play middle linebacker and boy has it payed off (so far). Schobert has been flying around the field so far in the preseason. It gives the Browns some versatility in their base defense because of Schobert's natural ability to rush the passer, which we've seen at time during the preseason.

The backup linebacker position(s) are unknown right now. The Browns have a few guys who have shown flashes during camp and the preseason. Guys like Dominique Alexander, James Burgess, and Kenneth Olugode have played themselves into consideration to make the 53-man roster. It wouldn't be surprising though if the Browns added a linebacker after the cut down day, so keep an eye out for that.

Linebacker Overview: As long as the Browns stay healthy, the linebackers/ front 7 should be vastly improved this season. Collins and Kirksey are the key(s) to success for the Browns defense, and quite frankly that a pretty good duo to hang hopes on.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Buckeyes Preview 8/30/17: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Indiana Hoosiers


By Jason Disantis, @JasonInCLE


The Ohio State Buckeyes ended the 2016 season with a 31-0 ass-thumping to the hands of the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers. With a new look to the secondary and a revitalized offense the 2017 Buckeyes will look to leave last year behind them and gear up for another championship run.


New Look Secondary

The Buckeyes have a huge task in front of them in trying to replace three first-round defensive backs. Junior safety Damon Webb will be the only returning starter. Although Webb didn’t get the attention that first-round studs Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, and Gareon Conley received, he still had a solid year earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and returning an interception for a touchdown. As the only returning starter Webb will have to step up as a player and a leader in the Ohio State secondary.

Denzel Ward will be the Buckeyes #1 corner this year as he makes his case to be the Buckeyes next first-round talent. Although not technically a starter last year, don't tell cornerback coach Kerry Coombs that. Ward played a lot last year as he was used heavily in cornerback coaches Kerry Coombs’ three-corner rotation.

"I would prefer it if you guys referred to him as the third starter at corner because that's what he was," Coombs said earlier this year. We had a true three-man rotation."

And if there is any doubt as to how good Ward can be, Coombs confidence in him is not lacking. "I'm telling you he as good as the other two [Lattimore and Conley]. He doesn't have to say it. I'm telling you that. I think he believes it, he just doesn't have to say it."

Opposite Ward will be redshirt sophomore Damon Arnette. Arnette was mostly used as a nickel corner last year, playing in all 13 games, although early season struggles caused his playing time to dwindle. Despite his struggles last year, the Buckeyes are high on Arnette’s talent, and swagger. Coombs said earlier this summer that Arnette reminds him of a recent Buckeye star.

“He has got charisma, he has got juice,” Coombs said. “He will remind you of Bradley Roby when he’s on the field with the swagger and the way he plays. I love that about him.”

Along with Ward and Arnette Ohio State fans will see a lot of junior college transfer Kendall Sheffield. Sheffield originally committed to Alabama as a five-star recruit but transferred to Blinn College after he redhirted his freshman season. As a highly touted transfer, he committed to Ohio State back in January of this year.

With the addition of Sheffield and growth of Ward and Arnette, the Buckeyes will display a trio of ultra-talented corners to fill the void left by Lattimore and Conley.

Alongside Damon Webb at safety, Jordan Fuller and Erick Smith have been listed as co-starters. Smith is entering his senior season and has the most experience of the two. Fuller is entering his sophomore season and has the most potential to make a Hooker-like impact roaming the secondary.


Perhaps the biggest addition to the Ohio State offense this year is new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.

Ever since Tom Herman left Ohio State after the 2014 season, the Buckeyes have lost some of that big-play explosiveness they were known for. In Herman’s final season as offensive-coordinator the Buckeyes had 56 pass plays of 20 yards or more. That is was the most in head coach Urban Meyer’s five years with the Buckeyes. Since then Ohio State has had just 38 in 2015, and 33 in 2016. Anyone who has watched the Buckeyes the last couple years has seen the obvious decline in big-strike pass plays.

Enter Kevin Wilson.

Kevin Wilson, who resigned as head coach of Indiana last season, is looking to regain that type of down-field aerial attack for the Buckeyes.

At the same time the Ohio State passing attack was regressing, Wilson’s offense at Indiana was posting seasons of 60 pass plays of 20 yards or more in 2015, and 52 in 2016.

It’s a fast-paced offense. An offense predicated on big play action fakes leading to downfield scores. An offense that will without-a-doubt average more plays per game and more yards per play than the Buckeyes have the past two seasons. An offense that will look to regain the form that won them a National Championship back in 2014.

This Thursday night Wilson will get his chance to showcase his offense against his former team, Indiana.

The Hoosiers are coming off of a 6-7 season which was highlighted by a 24-21 win over then #10 Michigan State in overtime. While typically game one of the season is used to iron out the wrinkles against a lower level opponent, Indiana will not have that luxury this year. They are going to have to hope the Buckeyes have A LOT of wrinkles to iron out and hopefully catch them at the right time. But with Ohio State’s new additions and a bad taste left in their mouth from last season, there may not be a “right time” for any opponent this season.

When coming up with this preview I noticed a theme. I kept remembering the good times of years ago.

I remembered Tom Herman’s offense and big plays downfield.
I remembered Hooker ball hawking and Lattimore and Conley locking guys down.
This season will look to bring us new memories, and hopefully, if just for a moment, make us forget.



What: Ohio State vs. Indiana
When: Thursday 8/31/17, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Bloomington, Indiana
Watch: ESPN Megacast including traditional broadcast on ESPN and six additional viewing experiences including a coaches film room on ESPNEWS and others
Spread: OSU -21.5
Over/Under: 57.5
Money Line: OSU -2000, IU +1250

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 8/30/17: Smackdown Live Little Rock Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Smackdown Live was live this week in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Last week, Bobby Roode made his Smackdown Live debut, WWE United States Champion AJ Styles and Kevin Owens continued their feud as did Shinsuke Nakamura and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal.

** Smackdown Live Card **

- Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin battled The Ascension.
- WWE United States Champion AJ Styles defended his title against Tye Dillinger.
- Bobby Roode battled Mike Kanellis.
- Sami Zayn battled Aiden English. 
- WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Usos battled The New Day in a non title match.
- Tamina battled Tina Stock.
- Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura battled Rusev and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal.

** Smackdown Live **

- Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers Promo: Jinder hypes tonight's main event, claims to have been disrespected since returning to the WWE and wonders who will pay. The Singh Brothers tell Jinder that they will accept the blame for failing last week and apologize to the people of India. The Singh Brothers drop to the mat to kiss Jinder's feet when suddenly Shinsuke Nakamura interrupts. Jinder and The Singh Brothers attack and triple team Nakamura. Randy Orton's music hits and Orton hits the ring. Orton unloads on The Singh Brothers and Jinder when suddenly Rusev hits the ring and attacks Orton. Rusev lays out Orton as Jinder lays out Nakamura with the Cobra Clutch Slam to end the segment.

- The Ascension vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin: The match closes out with Benjamin unloading on Viktor and lands a kick. Benjamin hits an aerial assault on Viktor, but Konnor breaks up the pinfall. Gable grabs Konnar and tosses him outside. Benjamin sends Viktor face first into the mat and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Baron Corbin is asked about losing his Money In The Bank briefcase. Corbin blames John Cena and thinks it's funny Cena is hiding on RAW now. Corbin says he's done living in the past and will answer AJ Styles' WWE United States Championship Open Challenge tonight.

- AJ Styles arrives to announce his WWE United States Championship Open Challenge. Tye Dillinger interrupts and says he's answering the challenge tonight. Baron Corbin interrupts and argues with Dillinger stating he already said he was answering the challenge tonight. Corbin and Dillinger shove each other until Dillinger lays out Corbin and heads to the ring for his match.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Tye Dillinger: The match closes out with Tye countering the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles counters the Tye Breaker and traps Tye in the Calf Crusher submission. Styles tightens it and gets Tye to tap out to retain the title.
Winner: AJ Styles, by submission, to retain the WWE United States Championship.

- After the match, Baron Corbin grabs Tye Dillinger and tosses him into the barricade. Corbin goes after Styles, but eats a Styles forearm.

- Backstage, Jinder Mahal and Rusev are getting ready for their match. Jinder calls Rusev his friend, but Rusev says they're not friends. Rusev says he's coming for Jinder's World Title.

- Bobby Roode vs. Mike Kanellis: The match closes out with Roode landing boots on Kanellis. Kanellis lands an elbow on Roode, but Roode drops Kanellis with a spine buster. Roode hits the Glorious DDT on Kanellis and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Bobby Roode, by pinfall.

- Aiden English is in the ring singing when Kevin Owens interrupts. Owens says that these Arkansas hillbillies don't deserve to hear him sing and to leave the ring now. English leaves and Owens cuts a promo.

- Kevin Owens Promo: Owens is upset at how last week's WWE United States Championship Match ended with Baron Corbin and Shane McMahon. Owens demands to know what gave Shane the right to do what he did and Shane screwed Owens twice. Owens says this never would've happened back when he was on RAW because Stephanie McMahon never abused her power. Shane interrupts Owens and says it was Owens that picked the special guest referee, but Corbin was biased so Shane had to take action. Owens blames Shane for screwing him again. Shane says Owens can call it what he wants, but the decision is final. Shane says the fans are sick of Owens complaining and he needs to leave now so Aiden English can have his match. 

- Sami Zayn vs. Aiden English: The match closes out with Kevin Owens yelling at the referee, kicks the referee out and takes over as the special guest referee. Zayn and Owens argue with each other, allowing English to attack Zayn from behind. Owens hits the Pop Up Power Bomb on Zayn and allows English to score the pinfall.
Winner: Aiden English, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Shane McMahon is asked about what just happened. Shane says that the English/Zayn match doesn't count due to Owens' interference. Shane is informed that Owens left the building. Shane says he'll handle Owens next week.

- Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is interviewed. Ziggler says you can expect to see nothing from him tonight, he's used as an after thought when he's a star, mocks other wrestlers gimmicks and all his years of dedication have meant nothing.

- The Usos vs. The New Day: The match closes out with Kofi getting tossed into the corner and Big E eating an Uso Kick. Kofi counters a Samoan Drop and traps Jimmy in a submission. Jey blind tags in, rolls up Kofi with a handful of tights and scores the pinfall.
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall.

- Backstage, James Ellsworth takes over the interview segment and interviews Carmella. Carmella is annoyed, however, and tells Ellsworth she would've been champion last week if not for his big mouth. Nattie Neidhart interrupts and warns Carmella that she will fail if she attempts to cash in on her. Carmella and Nattie decide to meet next week. Naomi then appears and announces that she's getting her rematch for the title in two weeks.

- Tamina Snuka vs. Tina Stock: The match closes out with Tamina making quick work of Tina as Lana is at ringside yelling in a microphone for Tamina to crush her opponent. Tamina hits a super kick on Tina and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Tamina, by pinfall.

- After the match, Lana orders photographers to take pictures of Tamina.

- The Fashion Files return with season two of more shenanigans from Fandango and Tyler Breeze.

- Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jinder Mahal and Rusev: The match closes out with Rusev countering the reverse Exploder from Nakamura. Nakamura counters a clothesline and applies an arm bar submission. Orton hits the draping DDT on Jinder. Rusev counters the RKO, but gets hit by Nakamura, who leaped off the second rope. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Rusev and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- After the match, Orton hits an RKO out of nowhere on Nakamura after celebrating their victory. Orton and Nakamura will meet one on one next week to decide a new #1 Contender.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 8/29/17: RAW Memphis Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

It's the beginning of the week and time to kick off this week in wrestling with Monday Night RAW live from Memphis, Tennessee. We found out last week that Braun Strowman is the new #1 Contender and will battle WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at WWE No Mercy. Early Monday morning, it was made official that John Cena would face Roman Reigns one on one at WWE No Mercy. Also Sasha Banks put her WWE RAW Women's Championship on the line against Alexa Bliss.

** This Weeks Card **

- A 15 Man Battle Royal Match took place to crown a new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- Enzo battled Noam Dar.
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Seth Rollins battled Cesaro.
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Dean Ambrose battled Sheamus. 
- John Cena and Roman Reigns vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
- Elias Samson battled Pelvis Wesley. 
- WWE RAW Women's Champion Sasha Banks defended her title against Alexa Bliss.

- WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman comment on his future match at WWE No Mercy against Braun Strowman.

- John Cena and Roman Reigns sign their contract to meet each other one on one at WWE No Mercy.

** RAW **

- The Miz and Kurt Angle Confrontation: RAW kicks off with The Miztourage in the ring. RAW GM Kurt Angle immediately interrupts. Angle says there was no WWE Intercontinental Championship Match at WWE SummerSlam, but guarantees there will be one at WWE No Mercy. Miz complains to Angle and is sick of being disrespected. Angle ends the segment by announcing that whoever wins the Battle Royal Match next will face Miz for his title next week.


- "15 Man Intercontinental Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal: Big Show, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Finn Balor, Jason Jordan, Apollo Crews, Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas, Curt Hawkins, Kalisto, Goldust, Elias Samson, R-Truth, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows: The match closes out with the lights going out in the arena. When they come back on Bray Wyatt is in the ring and eliminates Finn Balor. Bray then disappears as Balor is left shocked on the floor. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas double team Jason Jordan. Jordan eliminates Axel and Dallas at the same time, but doesn't see Jeff Hardy sneak up behind him. Jeff tosses Jordan out and wins the Battle Royal.
Winner: Jeff Hardy, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- Backstage, Alexa Bliss is interviewed. Alexa says she will expose The Legit Boss as a Legit Loser tonight and win back her WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- Enzo vs. Noam Dar: The match closes out with Dar in control of Enzo. Enzo catches Dar out of nowhere with an Eat Defeat and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Enzo, by pinfall.

- Backstage, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville is interviewed. Neville calls Enzo a weasel and expects to be the champion forever as long as he keeps getting competition like Enzo.

- Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman Promo: Heyman says they're not here to sing the blues, they're here to praise Braun Strowman. Heyman says WWE SummerSlam was a historic night for Strowman and he 100% deserves a title shot. Heyman hypes WWE No Mercy where Strowman will get his title shot. Heyman says that Lesnar is ready and wants Strowman. Lesnar grabs the microphone and says that what Heyman is trying to say is Suplex City Bitch. Lesnar drops the microphone and leaves with Heyman to end the segment.

- Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro: The match closes out with Rollins going to the top rope, but eats a Cesaro uppercut. Rollins counters a superplex and hits a buckle bomb. Sheamus tries to help Cesaro, but ends up brawling with Dean Ambrose on the floor. Rollins gets distracted, allowing Cesaro to hit an uppercut for the pinfall.
Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall.

- After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro celebrate and then Sheamus announces that he and Ambrose have a match together right now.

- Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose: The match closes out with Seth Rollins pulling Cesaro off the apron. The referee gets distracted by Cesaro, allowing Rollins to break up White Noise with a springboard on Sheamus. Rollins hits a suicide dive on Cesaro as Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Sheamus for the pinfall.
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Emma picks a fight with Mickie James about hashtagging and the women's revolution in the WWE. Both Mickie and Emma will go one on one tonight.

- Emma vs. Mickie James: The match closes out with Mickie in control of Emma, unloading kicks and major offense. Emma surprises Mickie with a counter and rolls up Mickie for the pinfall.
Winner: Emma, by pinfall.

- After the match, Emma grabs a microphone and chants that she started the Women's Revolution repeatedly.

- John Cena vs. Roman Reigns WWE No Mercy Contract Signing: RAW GM Kurt Angle calls out Cena first. Cena says this is why he came to RAW, to meet the Big Dog. Cena claims that Reigns has been a protected blue chipper, but Cena never has been. Cena claims that Reigns doesn't want any of Cena and then immediately gets interrupted by Reigns. Reigns says Cena isn't the big deal that everyone made him out to be. Reigns brags about retiring The Undertaker and says maybe he doesn't need to fight Cena. Cena calls Reigns a Cena ripoff, Reigns is just a guy, Cena isn't The Undertaker and is 100% stronger than he's ever been. Cena continues to own Reigns on the microphone until Reigns tells Cena to shut up and calls Cena a part timing fake bitch. Reigns says that Cena stays on top of the mountain because he buries younger talent and is a backstabbing shark. Reigns promises that Cena will never bury Reigns. Cena congratulates Reigns on cutting a half decent promo, but Cena is about to cut Reigns down to size. Cena brags about making the WWE United States Championship mean something again while Reigns took it as a demotion. Cena says he can do this better as a part timer than Reigns can as a full timer and Reigns should be ashamed. Both men finally sign the contract and then Reigns flips the table. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson suddenly interrupt and mock all the ego that's in the ring right now. The Club hit the ring and claim that they're teaching Cena and Reigns a lesson tonight.

- John Cena and Roman Reigns vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Reigns going for the Superman Punch, but Gallows grabs his leg. Anderson gets a near fall rollup on Reigns during the distraction. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Anderson and Gallows both. Cena hits the AA on Gallows and Reigns spears Anderson. Reigns scores the pinfall on Anderson for the win.
Winners: John Cena and Roman Reigns, by pinfall.

- Elias Samson is in the ring with his guitar and offers to sing a song dedicated to Memphis, Tennessee. Elias sings a parody of Elvis' Hound Dog and sings Memphis is nothing but a bad town. Jerry Lawler interrupts Elias and introduces Heath Slater, who's dressed as his Southpaw Regional Wrestling gimmick Pelvis Wesley.

- Elias Samson vs. Pelvis Wesley: Before the match Pelvis offers to dance with Elias, but Elias lays out Pelvis. The match closes out with Elias hitting Drift Away on Pelvis and scoring the pinfall.
Winner: Elias Samson, by pinfall.

- Backstage, The Miz is asked about Jeff Hardy being #1 Contender. Miz says it only took one shot for Jeff to get a title shot. Maryse says they didn't see Jeff pin anyone to earn it.

- Backstage, Sasha Banks is interviewed. Sasha says she's putting Alexa Bliss in her place tonight and will give her the fight of her life.

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Sasha Banks (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Alexa unable to put away Sasha, so she throws a temper tantrum. Alexa unloads on Sasha and then hits double knees. Alexa hits a moonsault on Sasha, but Sasha comes back with a near fall Shining Wizard. Sasha unloads on Alexa in the corner, but Alexa fights back. Sasha puts Alexa back in the corner and then hits charging knees on her. Sasha goes to the top rope, but Alexa cuts her off and hits a superplex. Alexa goes for the pinfall, but Sasha traps Alexa in the Banks Statement submission. Alexa counters out and gets a near fall rollup, forcing Sasha to release the submission. Alexa drills Sasha with the Snap DDT and scores the pinfall to win the title.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to win the WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- After the match, Nia Jax arrives and celebrates with Alexa Bliss. Nia lifts Alexa on her shoulders and parades Alexa around the ring. Nia suddenly turns on Alexa by planting Alexa back first on the mat. Nia stands over Alexa with the WWE RAW Women's Championship to end the show.


Monday, August 28, 2017

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Preview: Wide Receivers & Tight Ends


By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

**PREVIOUS**
The Coaching Staff
The Running Backs
The Offensive & Defensive Line
The Quarterbacks


The Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver and Tight End position are the weakest part of the team this season. There are a lot of young guys the Browns are counting on to contribute this season, headlined by first round picks Corey Coleman and David Njoku. 


Wide Receivers

The Browns kind of let receiver Terrelle Pryor leave in the off-season. We might never truly know what happened but it seemed like Pryor wanted more money and was willing to bet on himself for one year. The Browns on the other hand balked on Pryor and signed Veteran Kenny Britt instead to replace Pryor. Britt is the lone veteran of the group (so far). As of right now the other Browns receivers are second year players: Corey Coleman, Ricardo Lewis, and Rashard Higgins. Outside of those four no one is a lock to make the team. 

Jordan Payton played most of his snaps on special teams last season and was busted for PEDs last season resulting in a four game suspension. Payton has played a number of snaps this preseason including catching DeShone Kizer's game winning touchdown pass vs the Saints. 

Mario Alford is another guy who might make the team. But it won't necessarily be as a wide receiver. Alford did a solid job as a returner last season after the Browns struggled to find someone who could return kicks and punts. Alford's job as a kick returner might be numbered with the emergence of Jabrill Peppers as a kick and punt returner.

Jordan Leslie has made a pretty nice impact during training camp and throughout the preseason. He's an undrafted free agent out of BYU. It should be interesting to see what the Browns think of him. He probably won't see a lot of snaps vs Tampa, but in the fourth preseason game, Leslie should be given an opportunity to show the Browns who he is. 


Wide Receiver Overview: The Browns will no doubt be active when teams cut down to the 53-man rosters. They are first in the waiver order and should add a veteran receiver during cut downs for week one. They need it badly. If not, it might me a long year for rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer. The receivers need to prove who they are and they will be given ample opportunity to do so.



Tight Ends

The Browns will be running with three tight ends this season. First round pick David Njoku, second year pro Seth DeValve, and Randall Telfer...yes Telfer is still on the Browns. With the pick of Njoku the Browns released pro bowl tight end Gary Barnidge, continuing the youth movement in Berea.

With the offense centered around the running game, Telfer will see an increase in his snap count because his strength is in the run blocking game. Its that simple. He's not in there for his two career catches for a total of four yards. 

David Njoku should be exciting to watch. He will lineup in his normal tight end position but he should see time in the slot and on the outside. Njoku is a freak athlete and Hue Jackson, I'm sure, has a large amount of formations to get Njoku in favorable matchups. It shouldn't surprise anyone if the Browns use a lot of two tight end sets this season. 

Seth DeValve will enter the season with the most career catches by a tight end on the Browns roster...with 10. DeValve is more like Njoku, in the sense of, he is a pass catching tight end who can play on the outside. The two tight end sets with Njoku and DeValve give the Browns two big bodied targets in the red zone and on third down. 


Tight End Overview: This position doesn't worry me as much as the receivers. But if the receivers struggle the tight ends will need to be Kizer's security blanket this season. And with the Athleticism the tight ends have we shouldn't be surprised when Kizer starts throwing deep-balls to Njoku and DeValve.

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Preview: Quarterbacks


By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

**PREVIOUS**
The Coaching Staff
The Running Backs
Offensive & Defensive Line

On Wednesday Head Coach Hue Jackson announced that rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer will start the the third preseason game and that "he (Kizer) is certainly positioning himself well to earn the starting job." So it looks like its going to be Kizer's team in week one...So what should we as fans expect from the quarterback position in 2017?

First things first, DeShone Kizer is a rookie and is the youngest quarterback in the NFL this season. And I think that's important to note before we all go crazy with expectations.

This team was built to handle a rookie quarterback. The Browns went into the off-season and rebuilt their offensive line with the signing of J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler. Last year, the Browns gave up the most sacks in the league. Some of it was on the quarterbacks but a lot of it was because of the struggles of the offensive line. With the rebuild of the offensive line the Browns will be a run heavy team with Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and Matt Dayes.

Those two factors will take a majority of the pressure off of Kizer. He won't have to throw the ball 30 times a game to win. And its not like Kizer isn't going to make rookie mistakes, like we seen in the first two weeks of the preseason. Whether its poor decision making, fumbling the snap under center, or not sliding on scrambles these are all teachable moments. The way we judge Kizer shouldn't be wins and losses, but how he grows week-to-week into a more comfortable NFL quarterback.

DeShone Kizer gives the Browns the best opportunity to win games this season. Kizer's arm strength will keep defenses honest with the deep ball and prevent teams from stacking the line of scrimmage which will only help the running game. Kizer also has an ability to run the ball. He was a solid runner at Notre Dame and with his 6'4 235 frame gives the Browns another running threat in short yardage and red zone situations.

Its exciting to see a rookie quarterback start from day one, something we haven't seen since Brandon Weeden in 2012. Kizer earned this opportunity to start week one and has worked his way up from third string quarterback in the first week of the preseason to first string in the third week.

If Cody Kessler plays in 2017 it means Kizer got hurt. Its that simple. We know what we have in Kessler. He can come in, manage a game, and that's about it. He's not gonna make the big play but he's also not gonna make the big mistake.

Brock Osweiler's tenure with the Browns might be coming to an end real soon. He was given an opportunity to grab the starting job and he failed. If he's not traded by the end of the preseason I expect Brock to be released when the Browns cut down the roster to 53.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

On TV This Week 8/27 - 9/2


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

SUNDAY 8/27

NFL PRESEASON
49ers @ Vikings (NBC, 8pm)

MLB
Mets @ Nationals (ESPN, 8pm)

WNBA
Minnesota Lynx @ Los Angeles Sparks (ESPN 2, 7pm)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Richmond @ Sam Houston State (ESPNU, 7pm)
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2017 MTV Video Music Awards; hosted by Katy Perry (MTV, 8pm)
Food Paradise, PREMIERE (Travel, 8pm & 9pm)

Game Of Thrones, FINALE (HBO, 9pm)



MONDAY 8/28

MLB
Indians @ Yankees (STO, 7pm)
(ESPN, 7pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open (ESPN 2, 7pm)
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Man v. Food; Portland, OR (Travel, 9pm)
Man v. Food; Chicago, IL (Travel, 9:30pm)



TUESDAY 8/29

MLB
Indians @ Yankees (STO, 7pm)
Indians @ Yankees OR Red Sox @ Blue Jays (MLB, 7pm)
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks OR Giants @ Padres (MLB, 10pm)

WNBA
Connecticut Sun @ Washington Mystics (NBA TV, 7:30pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open (ESPN, 7pm)
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Animal Kingdom, FINALE (TNT, 9pm)

Black Love, PREMIERE (OWN, 10pm)
American Ripper, FINALE (History, 10pm)



WEDNESDAY 8/30

MLB
Indians @ Yankees (STO, 1pm)
(ESPN. 8pm)
Dodgers @ Arizona OR Giants @ Padres (MLB, 11pm)

MMA & BOXING
The Ultimate Fighter, a New World Champion, PREMIERE (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Second Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)
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Vixen, PREMIERE (The CW, 8pm)

Misfit Garage, PREMIERE (Discovery, 9pm)

Garage Rehab, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)



THURSDAY 8/31

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Florida International @ Central Florida (CBS SportsNet, 6pm)
Tulsa @ Oklahoma State (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)

Ohio State @ Indiana (ESPN, 8pm)
Louisiana-Monroe @ Memphis (CBS SportsNet, 9:15pm)

NFL PRESEASON
Rams @ Packers (NFL, 7pm)
Seahawks @ Raiders (NFL, 10pm)

MLB
Red Sox @ Yankees OR Blue Jays @ Orioles (MLB, 7pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Second Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)
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The Night Shift, FINALE (NBC, 10pm)
Queen Of The South, FINALE (USA, 10pm)



FRIDAY 9/1

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Fordham @ Army (CBS SportsNet, 6pm)
Washington @ Rutgers (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
Navy @ Florida Atlantic (ESPNU, 8pm)
Utah State @ Wisconsin (ESPN, 9pm)
Boston College @ Northern Illinois (CBS SportsNet, 9:30pm)

MLB
Indians @ Tigers (STO, 7pm)
(MLB, 7pm)

SOCCER
FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifying: United States vs. Costa Rica (ESPN, 6:30pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Third Round (ESPN 2, 6pm)
2017 U.S. Open, Third Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)

WNBA
San Antonio Stars @ New York Liberty (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
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Diana, 7 Days (NBC, 8pm)
Killjoys, FINALE (Syfy, 8pm)

China's Wild Side, PREMIERE (NatGeo Wild, 9pm)

American Made Inventors, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)



SATURDAY 9/2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Akron @ Penn State (ABC, 12pm)
Kent State @ Clemson (ESPN, 12pm)
Maryland @ Texas (FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
South Carolina @ North Carolina State (ESPN, 3pm)
Temple @ Notre Dame (NBC, 3:30pm)
Florida vs. Michigan (ABC, 3:30pm)
Texas-El Paso @ Oklahoma (FOX, 3:30pm)

Appalachian State @ Georgia (ESPN, 6:15pm)
Louisville vs. Purdue (FOX, 7:30pm)
Alabama vs. Florida State (ABC, 8pm)
LSU @ BYU (ESPN, 9:30pm)

MLB
(MLB, 1pm)
Cardinals @ Giants (FOX Sports 1, 4pm)
Indians @ Tigers (STO, 6pm)
Angels @ Rangers (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
(MLB, 10pm)

WNBA
San Antonio Stars @ Indiana Fever (NBA TV, 7pm)

TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Third Round (ESPN 2, 11am)
2017 U.S. Open, Third Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)

RACING
XFINITY Series: Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 (NBC Sports, 3:30pm)
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MOVIE: A Monster Calls (HBO, 8pm)
MOVIE: The Edge Of Seventeen (Showtime, 9pm)