For the Cleveland Indians, 2017 ended in heartbreak that leaves the franchise at a crossroads. The window for the Indians to finally end a now 70 year World Series drought is still open, but is slowly closing. With the emergence of the Minnesota Twins and their rumored aggressive position this offseason, the Indians can either continue to go for it or prepare for the future rebuilding effort. The Indians have numerous Free Agents hitting the market this offseason including main stays Carlos Santana and Bryan Shaw, not to mention key trade acquisition Jay Bruce. The Indians have numerous options they can go in order to continue to improve their team and continue their reign in the AL Central.
When it comes to the Indians, the big question continues to be the amount of money that is available with the Indians. From estimates of expiring contracts and other big contracts off the books, it’s fair to estimate that the Indians have around the range of $25-$30 million to spend this offseason (with minority investor and revenue from 2017, it could be higher). The Dolan's have shown with the recent winning, they are willing to spend a bit more if it meant improving the team. This would mean the Indians would have the money to at least be able to afford one of Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana and still be able to fill out the rest of the roster with supporting pieces.
As I do every year, I’m going to take off my writer cap and place myself in the shoes of Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff and say what I would do if I were in their shoes. The Indians fell short in 2017 and look to return to the World Series in 2018, it’s time to look at my 2018 Offseason Plan.
2018 Indians Offseason Plan
Re-sign 1B Carlos Santana: The Indians are in unfamiliar territory unlike previous years, the Indians are in the position in attempting to keep their own Free Agents and have multiple top tier Free Agents they would like to try to keep in Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana. Unfortunately for the Indians they won’t be able to afford to keep both after the Indians picked up Michael Brantley’s $12 million option. If forced to choose between Bruce and Santana, it’s a no-brainer for me, Carlos Santana is the top priority for the Indians. Although Santana normally struggles in the first half of the season, time after time he turns it on in the 2nd Half and played a major role in the Indians success in the 2nd Half last year. On top of that Santana has improved year after year defensively at 1B and was a finalist in 2017 for the Gold Glove award for First Baseman. Santana always is a force with the bat and has a great eye at the plate that really can’t be taught. The Indians might have to slightly overpay, but in a win-now mode with a great chance to win their 3rd straight AL Central title and contend for the AL crown against the Astros, the Indians must be willing to do what it takes to re-sign him.
Contract- 3 years, $54 million with a Mutual Option for a 4th year
Re-sign RP Joe Smith- The Indians biggest strength over the past few years have been in their bullpen, but it seems that the Indians most polarizing reliever Bryan Shaw will be leaving for greener pastures in the offseason. This would leave the Indians without one of their most consistent and reliable relievers (contrary to popular belief) and looking to replace him. Fortunately for the Tribe, they don’t really have to look that far for that replacement. In a lot of ways, Joe Smith is a better reliever than Shaw, but is a totally different reliever. Aside from Smith being a side arm pitcher, Smith doesn’t throw as hard as Shaw and it would leave the Indians without a hard throwing righty they can rely on. But the key for keeping Smith is his efficiency over the years to get batters out. With all of his ties to Cleveland and knowing he’s in a winning situation, it shouldn’t be hard to convince Joe Smith to stay and maybe get a discount out of it.
Contract- 2 years, $8 million
Re-sign CF Austin Jackson- Amazing what a change of scenery can do for a player. A year ago the Austin Jackson could barely get a Minor League deal after struggling with the White Sox in 2016, he arrives in Cleveland and establishes himself as a great spot starter in the Outfield both defensively and rediscovering his batting approach, resulting into one of his best offensive seasons in the Majors. Not to mention AJax had the catch of the year against Boston. For the Indians and their struggles with the Outfield staying healthy, it’s imperative that they re-sign Austin Jackson because of his ability to contribute on the field and at the plate. It would be costly for a 4th Outfielder, but in a “win-now” approach, if it’s not breaking the bank, it’s worth it.
Contract- 2 years, $12 million with a Team Option for a 3rd year
Sign RP Matt Albers- Remember this guy? Matt Albers was once a reliable option out of the bullpen in 2013 for the Indians and outside of one bad year in 2016, he’s been lights out since he’s left. Albers would be the perfect Bryan Shaw replacement that allows Joe Smith to still have the same role. Last year in Washington in a situation where the Nationals had no real reliable option in the bullpen, Albers was the most reliable reliever. He throws in the mid-90s which is something the Indians should be looking at when it comes to finding a Bryan Shaw replacement. The Indians lack a reliever who throws with velocity outside of Andrew Miller. While Albers doesn’t throw 100, he might be the most effective reliever who throws with good velocity the Indians are going to find. Other options the Indians could consider are Fernando Rodney, Brandon Morrow, Juan Nicasio and Addison Reed.
Contract- 1 year, $4 million
Sign 3B Eduardo Nunez- This could be a longshot, but with the 3B market being run by Mike Moustakas and Todd Frazier, this might not be as far fetched as one may think. The Indians did have interest in acquiring Nunez at the trade deadline, but the Red Sox acquired him and his bat caught fire. Rumors point to the Red Sox might prefer a power bat like a Todd Frazier at 3B, which could really open the door for this possibility. Let’s address the elephant in the room first, the Indians already have Giovany Urshela and Yandy Diaz to go with Jose Ramirez already projected as the starting 3B. Nunez would provide the Indians a proven starting 3B that would give the Indians the option to move Jose Ramirez to 2B full time next to Francisco Lindor. Nunez could also give the Indians options with him as he can play 2B and the Outfield. Nunez would give the Indians a reliable offensive bat with great speed and solid defense. This move would require a secondary move and likely a controversial one with fans.
Contract- 3 years, $24 million
Trade for OF Marcell Ozuna- The Indians after losing Jay Bruce would be best served to go out and find a potential trade option to replace him with. Marlins new Owner Derek Jeter is making it very clear early on that he has plans to completely rebuild the Marlins immediately. After the Marlins trade Giancarlo Stanton, I would think their next move would be continuing to rebuild their farm system by trading Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna really evolved this past season winning a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove, developing into one of Baseball’s new rising stars. He’s under team control until 2020 and would give the Indians the perfect replacement for Jay Bruce for right now and moving forward. In a perfect world that would mean Michael Brantley, Bradley Zimmer, and Marcell Ozuna could be your everyday Outfield and for the Indians, that would actually be an improvement to when the season ended last year.
Trade Details- Indians trade 3B Yandy Diaz, SS Yu Chieng-Chang, OF Will Benson and SP Brady Aiken to Miami Marlins in exchange for OF Marcell Ozuna
Trade away 2B Jason Kipnis to Milwaukee Brewers for RP Jared Hughes and SP Kodi Medeiros- In the midst of the Indians trying to add pieces to improving their team in the hopes of winning a Championship, their greatest decision might be in the business of losing a key part of their team. Jason Kipnis is one of the key leaders of the Indians and in ways is the lifeblood of the locker room. In 2017 though, Kipnis couldn’t stay on the field and when he was on the field, hardly produced. It would be an extremely difficult decision to move him and it would have to be for the right offer. The Brewers are led by GM David Sterns, who has some ties to the Indians have been in the market for a veteran 2B and currently have Neil Walker going into Free Agency. Fortunately for the Indians, the Brewers could provide the Indians a solid reliever to offset the loss of Bryan Shaw. Preferably the Indians should target Jared Hughes who has been a very effective reliever over the past few years dating back to his days with the Pirates. Hughes could easily settle into Shaw’s role and fill it nicely, but Hughes alone doesn’t get the deal done. Kodi Medeiros was a top prospect for the Brewers a few years ago, but has struggled through the farm system. This could be an opportunity for the Indians to add a lower ranked prospect who has struggled and potentially fix him. If so the Indians would get the value needed to make it worth trading Kipnis away.
A Hypothetical Scenario
Kipnis for Donaldson?- This would be a dream scenario if the Indians can’t re-sign Jay Bruce and the Marcell Ozuna trade doesn’t work out. The Blue Jays have been slowly trying to rebuild the team, but the opportunity hasn’t presented itself yet. For Mark Shapiro, he’s going to want at least a veteran presence that he can depend on for leadership. Kipnis would be the type of leader that Shapiro already is familiar with and would have under team control over the next couple of years with Donaldson approaching Free Agency in 2018. For the Indians they don’t really go after guys who are approaching Free Agency so this would be something bold by the Front Office. But if there’s a player who fits what the Indians might be looking for to be the missing piece, Donaldson fits perfectly. A good defender over at 3B, who back in 2015 was the AL MVP. Even missing 49 games this year, Donaldson still hit 33 HRs and drove in 78 runs. Adding Donaldson to a lineup with potentially Edwin Encarnacion, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Carlos Santana, and maybe a healthy Michael Brantley gives the Indians a legitimate lineup to challenge the Astros. I would go as far as saying the Indians should explore Josh Donaldson even if it meant giving up a couple of prospects instead.
Trade Details- Indians trade 2B Jason Kipnis and SP Shane Bieber to Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for 3B Josh Donaldson
This plan would be a bold strategy that would definitely improve the Indians on paper, but would test the Indians team chemistry early on. This is where the benefits of having Terry Francona as Manager come into play. With mostly any other manager, the team chemistry concern would be a major factor for most fans, but this is Tito’s specialty. As much as I might criticize Tito, this is where I know I can make these moves and feel good about the team going forward. With these moves the Indians lineup would look like this.
Potential 2018 Indians Lineup
3B- Eduardo Nunez
SS- Francisco Lindor
RF- Marcell Ozuna
DH- Edwin Encarnacion
2B- Jose Ramirez
1B- Carlos Santana
LF- Michael Brantley
CF- Bradley Zimmer
C- Yan Gomes
That’s a lineup that’s even more balanced than what it was a year ago, and as long as things fall into place, this lineup could be good enough to truly challenge the defending World Champion Houston Astros. The Indians strength again would be in their pitching and with the moves made would fortify their bullpen and easily offset the loss of Bryan Shaw. The Indians head into 2018 with major competition and the path back to the World Series won’t be easy, but with these moves, the Indians might just stand a fighting chance to return back to the World Series and this time win it. Bottom line for the Indians is the window is still open, in order to reclaim the AL crown, they must be able to take some chances and do what is necessary to get back to where they want to be. This offseason offers what they need and the opportunities just might fall into place for them. It’s up to the Tribe to execute on them.
NXT returned this week for more NXT action in San Antonio, Texas. The United Kingdom division was in action again this week as WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne and Mark Andrews teamed up to take on Trent Seven and Tyler Bate.
** NXT TV Card **
- The Street Profits battled Tino Sabbatelli and Riddick Moss. - Kairi Sane battled Peyton Royce. - WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne and Mark Andrews battled Trent Seven and Tyler Bate.
** NXT **
- The Profits/Tino & Moss Part 2: Two weeks ago, The Street Profits defeated Tino Sabbatelli and Riddick Moss in tag team action. This week both teams kicked off the show in a second battle with Moss and Tino looking for revenge. Tino hits an elbow on Dawkins and goes for the cover. Moss reaches in and holds down Dawkins so he can't kick out, but gets busted by the referee. Ford senton's on to Moss, taking him out then blind tags Dawkins. Dawkins lays out Tino with a pop up spinebuster and Ford follows with a splash off the ropes for the pinfall.
- Kairi Sane vs. Peyton Royce: The second match of the night saw Mae Young Classic Tournament Winner Kairi Sane battle Peyton Royce in women's action. Kairi comes off the ropes, but gets hit with a Peyton knee for a near fall. Peyton can't believe it and starts flipping out. Kairi unloads boots and forearms on Peyton and then hits the Insane Elbow off the ropes for the pinfall.
- The Bruiserweight Invades Mustache Mountain: The main event of the show saw Pete Dunne team up with Mark Andrews to battle Trent Seven and Tyler Bate. Andrews was asked before the match why he was teaming with Dunne tonight. Andrews stated that if he and Dunne won, Dunne was promising Andrews a shot at the WWE United Kingdom Championship. Dunne and Andrews hit an incredible frankensteiner into a sitdown power bomb on Bate. Bate lifts Andrews up in the end and airplane spins him as Dunne blind tags in. Dunne hits a punch on Bate and sends him to the ropes. Bate rebounds back, lands an uppercut on Dunne and hits Tyler Driver 97 for the pinfall. After the match, Dunne attacks Andrews and lays him out with The Bitter End.
Smackdown Live was live this week in Lexington, Kentucky. Last week, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were on the verge of termination when Smackdown Live GM Daniel Bryan talked Shane McMahon out of doing it. Later in the night, Bryan confronted Owens and Zayn and informed them that he unlike Shane McMahon, seen potential in them. How will this effect the power rankings on the blue brand with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan??
** Smackdown Live Card **
- The New Day battled Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable. - The Bludgeon Brothers battled The Hype Bros. - WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles battled The Singh Brothers in a two on one handicap match. - WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Charlotte, Nattie Neidhart and Naomi battled Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan in a six woman tag team match. - Randy Orton battled Kevin Owens in a No DQ Match with Sami Zayn banned from ringside.
** Smackdown Live **
- Shane McMahon Confronts Daniel Bryan: Shane McMahon says that Owens and Zayn have no respect for authority, they betrayed Smackdown Live and Shane was looking forward to firing them, but Daniel Bryan stopped it from happening. Shane calls out Bryan to explain his actions from last week. Bryan says he believes in second chances and agrees that they shouldn't have interfered at WWE Survivor Series. Bryan says he sees real talent in Owens and Zayn and doesn't want to see them end up on RAW. Shane reminds Bryan about Owens attacking his father, Vince McMahon. Bryan reminds Shane that he was hired to help bring in talent, not be a yes man and Shane needs to trust him. Shane says he trusts Bryan and then announces Owens vs. Randy Orton tonight in a No DQ Match with Sami Zayn banned from ringside.
- Its A New Day...Yes It Is!: The first match of the night saw tag team action between The New Day and Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable. The New Day take control as Kofi hits the Boom Drop. Benjamin counters Trouble In Paradise, but gets tossed to the floor. Benjamin gets super kicked in the mouth by Kofi and then Woods hits a top rope double stomp to score the pinfall.
- The Bludgeon Brothers Continue Their Dominance And A Heel Turn Surprise: The second match of the night saw more tag team action as Luke Harper and Erick Rowan battled The Hype Bros. Harper and Rowan made quick work of team Hype and get the pinfall victory. After the match, Zack Ryder says that something needs to change within the Hype Bros. Mojo suddenly attacks Ryder from behind, turning heel and beats him down. Mojo is asked why he did what he did and says that Ryder was right things needed to change.
- Styles With The Two On One: The third match of the night saw AJ Styles battle The Singh Brothers in a two on one handicap match. Before the match even starts, Jinder Mahal jumps Styles from behind and sends him into the ringpost. Styles refuses medical attention and orders the match to start. The Singh Brothers double team Styles until Styles finally gains control. Mahal jumps on the apron, but gets kicked by Styles. Styles hits a Super Styles Clash off the ropes on Samir right on top of Sunil to score a double pinfall. After the match, an irate Mahal attacks and beats down The Singh Brothers for losing.
- Six Woman Tag Team Action: After last week's attack, Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan arrived again to battle Naomi, Nattie Neidhart and Charlotte in a Six Woman Tag Team Match. Nattie ends up screwing over Charlotte and Naomi and walks out on the team. Naomi gets viciously beaten down on the floor by the trio of women. Naomi gets sent into the barricade, tossed into the steel steps and then tossed face first a second time into the steel steps. Charlotte gets double teamed, but tries to fight back. Charlotte can't overcome the three on one disadvantage and takes the loss to Ruby, Liv and Sarah. After the match, Naomi is stretched out of the building due to her injuries.
- The Fashion Files: Breezango return for another edition of The Fashion Files with this episode resembling the movie Saw. Breezango and The Ascension are trapped in a room with a unknown figure on a tv screen blaming Breezango for making a mockery of the tag team division. Both teams must try to escape the room before gas fills it. Breezango end up escaping but leave The Ascension behind to take the gassing.
- Orton And Owens Battle In A No DQ: The main event of the show saw Randy Orton battle Kevin Owens in a No DQ Match, with Sami Zayn banned from ringside. Owens counters an early RKO, both men battle outside and use the steel steps, barricade and the announcers table as a weapon for a good part of the beginning. Orton gets his hands on a kendo stick and lights up Owens with it. Owens is able to get his own kendo stick and return the favor on Orton. Orton and Owens continue kendo stick shots on each other until both men finally get in the ring and trade back and forth offense. Sami Zayn hits ringside and nails Orton with a steel chair. Zayn gets another chair shot in as the referee orders him to leave ringside. Orton hits the draping DDT, but can't hit the RKO. Owens hits a super kick on Orton and then a frog splash to score the pinfall.
It's the beginning of the week and time to kick things off in wrestling with Monday Night RAW! This week RAW was live in Knoxville, Tennessee. Last week, Roman Reigns defeated The Miz to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Also more big news, as Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose interrupted the show last week and attacked Mickie James, Bayley and Sasha Banks. What action would we see this week??
** Monday Night RAW Card **
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Cesaro battled Seth Rollins. - Samoa Joe battled Titus O'Neil. - Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose battled Mickie James, Bayley and Sasha Banks in a six woman tag team match. - Bray Wyatt battled Matt Hardy. - Akira Tozawa, Rich Swann, Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari battled in a Fatal Four Way Match. - WWE Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns defended his title against Elias Samson. - Asuka battled Dana Brooke. - Kane battled Jason Jordan. - Kane battled Finn Balor.
** RAW Highlights **
- The New Intercontinental Champion Kicks Off The Show: New WWE Intercontinental Champion Roman Reigns kicked off RAW in the ring. Reigns says it's been a great few weeks, RAW beat Smackdown Live at WWE Survivor Series and Reigns beat The Miz for his title last week. Reigns says that the title is prestigious, it will stay that way as long as he has it and he'll be a fighting champion. Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel interrupt and head to the ring. Dallas is disgusted with the disrespect Reigns is showing to The Miz and Axel says it pains him to see Reigns with the title. Elias Samson interrupts next, playing his guitar. Elias says he's here to guide Axel and Dallas who are without their leader The Miz. Elias challenges Reigns and Reigns responds with "It sounds like Elias wants to walk with The Big Dog." That match is made official for tonight.
- The Swiss Superman Battled The Kingslayer: The first match of the night saw Cesaro battle Seth Rollins in a one on one match. Rollins is able to counter out of The Neutralizer and kicks Cesaro in the face. Both men trade offense with Cesaro attempting the springboard uppercut on Rollins. Rollins counters it and nails Cesaro with the high knee for the pinfall. After the match, Rollins announces that he and Dean Ambrose are invoking their rematch clause next week against Sheamus and Cesaro for the tag team titles.
- Titus Worldwide Gets Destroyed: The second match of the night saw Titus O'Neil battle Samoa Joe. Titus and his crew have been having problems with Samoa Joe the past few weeks and Titus looked to finally settle things tonight. Joe attempted the Coquina Clutch submission early, but Titus avoided it. Titus gets the upper hand on Joe and talks trash to Joe about his constant bullying of Titus Worldwide. Joe lands a stiff shot on Titus and then traps him in the Coquina Clutch submission for the tap out win. After the match, Apollo Crews tries to help Titus, but gets choked out in the Coquina Clutch submission for his troubles.
- An Absolution Formation: The third match of the night was supposed to be a six woman tag team match, however, things didn't go as planned. Sasha Banks appears for her team, but there's no Bayley or Mickie James. Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose interrupt and show Sasha on the TitanTron the backstage area where Mickie James and Bayley are both injured from an attack. Paige says she's been hounded by fans about why she did what she did. Paige says that one year ago she was the woman that erased the word Diva and she was the matriarch of the WWE women's revolution. The trio surround Sasha in the ring and introduce themselves as Absolution. Sonya says that together, Absolution will bring a whole new kind of women's revolution. Paige offers Sasha the opportunity to join them or suffer. Sasha refuses by decking Paige. Sonya and Mandy beat down Sasha as Paige returns. Sonya hits a kick, Mandy hits a facebuster and then Paige hits the RamPaige, leaving Sasha laid out.
- A Possible Breakdown Coming: The fourth match of the night saw Bray Wyatt battle Matt Hardy. Before the match, Bray mocked the fans for the way we celebrate holidays, for us not following his way and now has seen that we are all dead. Matt Hardy interrupts and the match begins. Bray counters the Twist of Fate, catches an elbow, but dodges a moonsault from Hardy. Bray hits Sister Abigail on Hardy and scores the pinfall. After the match, Hardy sits in the corner and suddenly starts chanting "delete" repeatedly and uses the delete hand motions. Is this a sign of "Broken" Matt Hardy appearing soon??
- Searching For A #1 Contender: RAW GM Kurt Angle announced earlier in the show that there would be two fatal four way matches to determine a #1 Contender to the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. The winners of both matches would meet in a one on one match at a later date to decide the new #1 Contender. The first match saw Akira Tozawa, Noam Dar, Rich Swann and Ariya Daivari battle it out. Rich Swann ends up scoring the pinfall to advance into the finals of the mini tournament.
- Roman Reigns Defends The Gold Against The Drifter: Before the match, we were treated to an Elias Concert, as he sang about his new friends The Miz and The Miztourage and then mockingly sang about Roman Reigns. Reigns interrupts the concert and the title match is underway. Elias gets near falls with a top rope elbow drop and a sitdown power bomb. Elias gets nailed with the Superman Punch, but dodges the Reigns spear, by connecting with a knee. Reigns comes back with a second attempted spear and nails it to score the pinfall and retain his title. After the match, Samoa Joe attacks Reigns from behind and chokes Reigns out with the Coquina Clutch submission, as officials try to help Reigns.
- The Emperess Stays Dominate: The seventh match of the night saw Asuka battle Dana Brooke in a one on one match. Asuka catches Dana right as the bell rings by dodging a charging clothesline. Asuka locks in the Asuka Lock submission on Dana and gets the quick tap out win. After the match, Absolution hit the ring and surround Asuka. Asuka and Paige stare each other down until Asuka smiles and walks off not worried about Absolution.
- Jason Jordan Battles The Devil's Favorite Demon: The eighth match of the night saw Jason Jordan battle Kane in a one on one match. Jordan originally begged RAW GM Kurt Angle for Braun Strowman tonight, but Angle made Jordan settle for Kane instead. Jordan gets dominated by Kane early and then tossed outside. Jordan clutches his knee in pain on the floor and gets counted out. After the match, Kane again tosses Jordan to the floor and Jordan grabs his injured leg. Kane hits a clothesline and then attacks the injured leg some more. Finn Balor interrupts and heads to the ring for the save.
- When Demons Collide: RAW GM Kurt Angle immediately announces that Kane will battle Finn Balor right now in the main event of the show. The battle ends up outside, where Kane hits Balor with a steel chair and gets DQ'ed. After the match, Kane continues the steel chair attack on Balor until Braun Strowman arrives. Kane hits Strowman with the chair, but it does nothing as Strowman unloads on Kane. Strowman hits a running corner splash and a boot that sends Kane to the floor. Strowman uses the steel steps and unloads on Kane with them. Strowman drops Kane face first on the steps and then smacks Kane with the steel chair. Strowman plants Kane on the steel steps with the running power slam and then uses the steel steps to drive the steel chair into Kane's throat. Kane escapes through the crowd holding his throat to end the show.
NFL
Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (8:20pm)
FOOTBALL
CFL, 2017 Grey Cup: Calgary Stampeders vs. Toronto Argonauts (ESPN 2, 6pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
North Carolina vs. Michigan State (ESPN, 8:30pm)
Missouri vs. West Virginia (ESPN 2, 9:30pm)
NHL
Edmonton Oilers @ Boston Bruins (NHL, 5pm)
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The 66th Miss Universe Competition (FOX, 8pm)
2017 Soul Train Awards, hosted by Erykah Badu (BET, 8pm)
Xscape Still Kickin' It, FINALE (Bravo, 9pm)
Titanic: 20 Years Later With James Cameron (NatGeo, 9pm)
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers @ Philadelphia 76ers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs (NBA TV, 8:30pm)
NHL Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens (FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, 7pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Maryland @ Syracuse (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Wisconsin @ Virginia (ESPN 2, 9pm)
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CMA Country Christmas (ABC, 8pm)
Street Outlaws, PREMIERE (Discovery, 9pm)
A Very Pentatonix Christmas (NBC, 10pm)
Floribama Shore, PREMIERE (MTV, 10pm)
TUESDAY 11/28
NBA Miami Heat @ Cleveland Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
Denver Nuggets @ Utah Jazz (ESPN, 10pm)
NHL
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators (NBC Sports, 8pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern @ Georgia Tech (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Florida State @ Rutgers (ESPNU, 7pm)
Louisville @ Purdue (ESPN, 8pm)
Iowa @ Virginia Tech (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Illinois @ Wake Forest (ESPNU, 9pm)
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Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS, 8pm)
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (CBS, 10pm)
Drunk History Christmas Special (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, PREMIERE (VICE, 10pm)
WEDNESDAY 11/29
NBA
Washington Wizards @ Philadelphia 76ers (NBA TV, 7pm)
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers (NBA TV, 10:30pm)
NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins (NBC Sports, 7:30pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Clemson @ Ohio State (ESPN 2, 7:15pm)
Penn State @ North Carolina State (ESPNU, 7:15pm)
Michigan @ North Carolina (ESPN, 7:30pm)
Miami @ Minnesota (ESPN 2, 9:15pm)
Boston College @ Nebraska (ESPNU, 9:15pm)
Duke @ Indiana (ESPN, 9:30pm)
SOCCER
MLS: Columbus Crew SC @ Toronto FC (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)
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Christmas In Rockefeller Center (NBC, 8pm)
Vikings, PREMIERE (History, 9pm)
Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live At The Apollo (CBS, 10pm)
THURSDAY 11/30
NFL
Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys (NBC/NFL, 8:25pm)
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers @ Atlanta Hawks (FOX Sports 1, 7:30pm)
Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
Milwaukee Bucks @ Portland Trail Blazers (NBA TV, 10pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Notre Dame @ Michigan State (ESPN, 7pm)
WOMENS: Ohio State @ Duke (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Missouri @ Central Florida (ESPN 2, 9pm)
Temple @ South Carolina (ESPNU, 9pm)
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A Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC, 8pm)
The Wonderful World Of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration (ABC, 9pm)
Penn & Teller: Fool Us, FINALE (The CW, 9pm)
Real Estate Wars, FINALE (Bravo, 10pm)
The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All (A&E, 10pm)
It's Suppertime, PREMIERE (VICE, 10:30pm)
Wild'N Out, PREMIERE (MTV, 11pm)
FRIDAY 12/1
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
USC vs. Stanford (ESPN, 8pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
North Carolina vs. Davidson (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Creighton @ Gonzaga (ESPN 2, 10pm)
NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA TV, 8pm)
NHL Anaheim Ducks @ Columbus Blue Jackets (FOX Sports Ohio, 7pm)
NFL
A Football Life: Jerry Jones (NFL, 9pm)
MMA & BOXING
The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale - Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
Bellator MMA Live (Spike, 9pm)
The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
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Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., PREMIERE (ABC, 8pm)
Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer (The CW, 8pm)
Masters Of Illusion: Christmas Magic (The CW, 9pm)
All Def Comedy, PREMIERE (HBO, 10pm)
Orny Adams: More Than Loud (Showtime, 10pm)
SATURDAY 12/2
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Memphis @ UCF (ABC, 12pm)
Akron vs. Toledo (ESPN, 12pm)
North Texas @ Florida Atlantic (ESPN 2, 12pm) TCU vs. Oklahoma (FOX, 12:30pm)
Georgia vs. Auburn (CBS, 4pm)
Fresno State vs. Boise State (ESPN, 7:45pm)
Miami vs. Clemson (ABC, 8pm)
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (FOX, 8pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Cincinnati @ Xavier (FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
Indiana @ Michigan (CBS, 12:30pm)
Wichita State @ Baylor (ESPNU, 2pm)
St. Louis @ Butler (FOX Sports 1, 2pm)
Georgia @ Marquette (CBS SportsNet, 2pm)
Harvard @ Kentucky (ESPN, 3:30pm)
South Dakota @ Duke (ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Sacred Heart @ St. John's (FOX Sports 1, 4:30pm)
Ohio State @ Wisconsin (FOX, 5pm)
Kansas vs. Syracuse (ESPN, 5:30pm)
Villanova @ Saint Joseph's (ESPN 2, 5:30pm)
USC @ SMU (ESPNU, 10pm)
NBA Memphis Grizzlies @ Cleveland Cavaliers (FOX Sports Ohio, 7:30pm)
NHL
Buffalo Sabres @ Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, 7pm)
GOLF
Hero World Challenge, Third Round (NBC, 2:30pm)
SOCCER
Premier League: Arsenal FC vs. Manchester United FC (NBC, 12:30pm)
MMA & BOXING
Boxing: Miguel Cotto vs. Sadam Ali (HBO, 10pm)
UFC 218: Holloway vs. Aldo 2 - Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
OTHER SPORTS
Skiing: FIS Alpine Skiing (NBC, 5pm)
---
MOVIE: Unforgettable (HBO, 7:15pm)
MOVIE: Office Christmas Party (Showtime, 9pm)
Cajun Aces, PREMIERE (Food Network, 8pm)
Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady (HBO, 9pm)
Saturday Night Live; Saoirse Ronan, U2 (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, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND 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
** Theme Song of the Week **
This week's theme song goes to the former NXT Women's Champion and WWE Divas Champion Paige, who made her return to Monday Night RAW this past week.
*** WWE ***
- Survivor Series Recap: If you missed WWE Survivor Series last weekend, be sure to check out my recap of the show and see how RAW came out victorious in this year's battle.
- Paul Heyman Praises AJ Styles: In the video below you can check out an interview with Paul Heyman backstage after WWE Survivor Series ended, giving his opinions on AJ Styles and how much respect he has for the Phenomenal One.
- Paige Returns: This past Monday on RAW, Paige returned from her two year absence from the WWE. Paige arrived with the main roster debuts of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose and beat down Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Bayley.
- A New Champion Crowned On RAW: This past Monday on RAW, Roman Reigns defeated The Miz to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. Reigns is now an official WWE Grand Slam Winner, as he has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship and WWE World Tag Team Championship at least one time in his career.
- NXT Call Ups Arrive: This past week on Smackdown Live, NXT's Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan all interrupted the show and attacked Naomi, Becky Lynch, Nattie Neidhart and Charlotte.
- Hideo Itami Debuting With 205 Live: It was announced this week on 205 Live that former NXT superstar Hideo Itami will be debuting soon with the 205 Live Roster.
** 205 Live Recap **
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore informs his running buddies that they're all in matches tonight. Which ever one impresses Enzo the most could be next in line for a title shot.
- "Street Fight Match": Akira Tozawa defeated Drew Gulak. Tozawa placed a garbage can over Gulak's head and unloaded a series of kendo stick shots. Tozawa then put Gulak through a table to score the pinfall.
- Tony Nese defeated Mustafa Ali. Ali goes for the 054, but Nese counters and sends Ali into the ring post. Nese hits the running knees on Ali and gets the pinfall.
- Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari and Noam Dar. Swann hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar after Enzo Amore tried to interfere and scored the pinfall. After the match, Enzo jumps Alexander and Swann. Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali try to make the save but get jumped by Tony Nese and Drew Gulak. The show ends with Enzo, Daivari, Dar, Nese and Gulak all celebrating.
*** NXT ***
- New Champions Crowned At NXT WarGames: If you missed NXT WarGames last weekend, be sure to check out my recap and see how Ember Moon became the new NXT Women's Champion and see how Andrade "Cien" Almas pulled off the upset and became the new NXT World Champion.
- Drew McIntyre Injury News: According to reports, Drew McIntyre suffered a left bicep tear during his match against Andrade "Cien" Almas at NXT WarGames. A full report on the injury will be made public after an MRI has been completed.
*** Impact Wrestling ***
** Impact TV Recap **
- Highlights of when Alex Shelley lost his match and had to wear a turkey suit a few years back is shown.
- Highlights of Eric Young defeating Robbie E and then Rob Terry had to wear the turkey suit from a few years back is shown.
- Highlights of last year's match between Robbie E and Grado are shown with Grado losing and wearing the turkey suit.
- "Ten Man Tag Team Match, Wrestler That Gets Pinned Must Wear The Turkey Suit": Eddie Edwards, Fallah Bahh, Dick Justice, Garza Jr and Allie vs. Chris Adonis, Caleb Konley, KM, Fantasma and Laurel Van Ness: Adonis goes for the Adonis Lock submission on Edwards. Edwards is able to counter out of it and gets the rollup pinfall on Adonis. Chris Adonis must wear the turkey suit.
- After the match, Eli Drake arrives and says this isn't happening as Chris Adonis starts to put on the turkey suit. Adonis then refuses to put on the suit and leaves the ring. Impact security stop Adonis from leaving. Jeremy Borash informs Adonis and Drake that Adonis is contractually obligated to wear the suit. If he chooses not to then Eli Drake must wear it. Drake and Adonis have a conversation and Drake forces Adonis to put the suit on. A food fight breaks out between everyone at ringside with the tables of food props to end the show.
*** RING OF HONOR ***
** Survival of the Fittest Night #1 **
- The star of the CW show Arrow, Stephen Amell, was the host of tonight's show. Amell was also granted admission into The Bullet Club, as he interfered in the eight man tag team main event, involving The Bullet Club and delivered an IndyTaker.
- Cheeseburger defeated Jastin Taylor.
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Silas Young defeated Josh Woods.
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Shane Taylor defeated Beer City Bruiser.
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Punishment Martinez defeated Jay Lethal.
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia) defeated Search and Destroy (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Jonathan Gresham).
- Deonna Purrazzo defeated Britt Baker.
- Esfinge and Rey Cometa defeated The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara).
- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kenny King (c) defeated Joey Ryan.
- Dalton Castle defeated Marty Scurll.
- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": The Bullet Club (Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) (with Stephen Amell) defeated The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian), Scorpio Sky, and Flip Gordon.
** Survival of the Fittest Night #2 **
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Jonathan Gresham defeated Vinny Marseglia.
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Flip Gordon defeated TK O’Ryan.
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Matt Taven defeated Cheeseburger.
- "No DQ Match": Deonna Purrazzo defeated Karen Q.
- "ROH World Tag Team Championship, Four Corner Survival Match": The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley)(c) defeated The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara), Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser and Rey Cometa and Esfringe to retain their titles.
- Marty Scurll defeated Josh Woods.
- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kenny King (c) defeated Scorpio Sky to retain the title. After the match, Shane Taylor, Punishment Martinez and Silas Young all interfered and brawled until they were separated by ROH officials.
- Dalton Castle and Jay Lethal defeated The Young Bucks.
- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship, Texas Death Match": Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Christopher Daniels to retain the title. Cody power bombed Daniels right through a flaming table, Daniels failed to answer the ten count.
** Survival of the Fittest Night #3 **
- Jay Lethal defeated Josh Woods.
- “The Unholy” Gregory James vs. Cheeseburger went to a No Contest after The Briscoe Brothers interrupted and laid out James with a 3D. The Briscoes stated that with Bully Ray officially retired, they were taking the 3D as their new permanent finishing move. Cheeseburger interrupted and challenged Jay Briscoe, which he accepted.
- Jay Briscoe defeated Cheeseburger.
- Marty Scurll defeated Rhett Titus.
- Joey Ryan defeated Kikutaro.
- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Beer City Bruiser.
- Deonna Perozzo defeated Madyson Rayne.
- Dalton Castle defeated Christopher Daniels.
- The Young Bucks defeated Vinny Marseglia and TK O’Ryan
- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Finals Match": Punishment Martinez defeated Matt Taven, Shane Taylor, Jonathan Gresham, Silas Young and Flip Gordon to win the tournament.
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Season 4 Officially Announced: This past week, Lucha Underground made the huge announcement that they have been given the green light to begin taping Season 4. LU is planning to begin filming soon and will air season 4 sometime in 2018.
*** ICW ***
** ICW Fear & Loathing X Recap:
- Big Sexy In Charge: The show kicked off with Mark Dallas arriving to the ring and announcing that Big Sexy Kevin Nash was placed in charge tonight as the commissioner of ICW for the event.
- "#1 Contender Ladder Match": Bram defeated Jody Fleisch, Kid Fite, Joe Hendry, Ravie Davie, Aaron Echo and “The International Sex Hero” DCT to become the number one contender to the Undisputed ICW Championship. During the match, Martina turned on Ravie Davie and helped Bram get the victory.
- "ICW World Tag Team Championship Match": Polo Promotions (Jackie Polo and Mark Coffey) defeated The Maruaders (Wild Boar and Mike Bird)(c), by pinfall to win the titles. After the match, Iestyn Rees attacked Polo Promotions until Kevin Nash made the save.
- “The Bollocks” Kenny Williams defeated Rey Mysterio, by pinfall.
- "King Of Insanity, Fatal Four Way, Death Match ": Stevie Boy defeated Chris Renfrew, Jimmy Havoc and Mikey Whiplash, by pinfall.
- "ICW Women’s Championship, Triple Threat, Steel Cage Match, with Special Enforcer: Carmel": Kasey defeated Kay Lee Ray (c) and Viper, by escaping the steel cage to win the title. During the match, Jamie Winters attacked Carmel and The Kings Of Catch interfered, helping Kay Lee Ray.
- "Triple Threat Elimination Match": Lionheart defeated Rob Van Dam and Zack Gibson.
- The Kinky Party (Jack Jester and Sha Samuels) defeated The Kings Of Catch (Aspen Faith and Lewis Girvan), by pinfall.
- "ICW World Heavyweight Championship and ICW Zero-G Championship Unification Match": “The Oddity” BT Gunn defeated “The Iron King” Joe Coffey, by submission to win both titles and unifying them as one. During the match, the official was knocked out, which lead to Kevin Nash coming out to the ring. Joe Coffey hit Kevin Nash with a steel chair. BT Gunn lands a kick on Coffey and then gives the ‘too sweet’ hand gesture to Kevin Nash. The lights went out and two unknown men in BT Gunn masks attack Coffey and super kick him.
*** House of Hardcore ***
** HOH 34 Recap **
- Bull Dempsey defeated Young Hot Briley (former WWE developmental talent Ryan Nemeth), by pinfall.
- Vik Dalishus defeated Ace Romero, by pinfall.
- Luchasaurus (former WWE developmental talent Judas Devlin) defeated Alex Reynolds, by pinfall.
- Billy Gunn defeated MVP, by pinfall.
- Austin Aries defeated Matt Delray, by pinfall.
- "Triple Threat Match": Petey Williams defeated Willie Mack and Matt Cross.
- "Eight Man Elimination Tag Team Match": Tommy Dreamer, Shane Douglas, Little Guido and Super Crazy defeated Joey Matthews, Nick Aldis and The Spirit Squad.
** HOH 35 Recap **
- Tommy Dreamer puts over NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tim Storm and invited NWA owner Billy Corgan to come to House of Hardcore anytime. Nick Aldis interrupted and accused Dreamer of playing politics to get an NWA World Title shot against Storm, when Aldis is the #1 Contender for the NWA World Title.
- Bull Dempsey defeated Hot Young Briley.
- MVP defeated Lance Anoai.
- Matt Cross defeated Petey Williams.
- Ace Romero defeated Vik Dalishus.
- Nick Aldis defeated Billy Gunn.
- Super Crazy and Little Guido Maritato defeated The Spirit Squad.
- "Triple Threat Match": The Luchasaurus defeated Willie Mack and Matt Riddle.
- Austin Aries defeated Alex Reynolds.
- "First Blood Match": Joey Mercury defeated Tommy Dreamer. Nick Aldis interfered and attacked Dreamer. Shane Douglas arrived to make the save for Dreamer, but turns heel and attacks Dreamer. The Sandman makes his way to the ring to save Dreamer, but gets jumped and beat down by The Briscoe Brothers.
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!
