WWE Battleground Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

WWE returns this Sunday night with the next Smackdown Live pay per view event! WWE brings us the fifth edition of WWE Battleground, live at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Smackdown Live's main championships will be on the line as the WWE superstars do battle inside the squared circle. We'll also be treated to a Flag Match and the return of the Punjabi Prison Match! All that and a heck of alot more!!

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Punjabi Prison Match": Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, Mahal defeated Randy Orton for the second pay per view in a row to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Randy Orton demanded another match with Jinder Mahal and stated that winning the world title meant nothing to Orton now, instead this rematch was for Orton's revenge for Mahal touching Orton's dad Bob Orton at WWE Money In The Bank. Shane McMahon understood how Orton felt and immediately announced that Orton would receive another world title match at WWE Battleground, but also allowed Jinder Mahal to pick the stipulation. Mahal chose a match that his idol The Great Khali made famous, The Punjabi Prison Match. Can Randy Orton survive the Punjabi Prison, get redemption for his family and win back the WWE World Heavyweight Championship? Will Jinder Mahal use the Punjabi Prison to his advantage in taking down The Viper yet again?

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, The New Day defeated The Usos by countout, however, The Usos retained their titles. The New Day would go on to mock The Usos for the way they backed out of their title fight and taking the countout on purpose. The Usos went on to defeat The Hype Bros. in a match that could've given the bros. a title shot. Since no #1 Contender was yet to be determined, The New Day arrived and immediately asked for a rematch at WWE Battleground, which The Usos accepted. The New Day and The Usos battled it out in a tune up Rap Battle with Wale as the celebrity host, getting the fans hyped for this tag team title match at WWE Battleground. Can The New Day defeat The Usos and prove that The New Day still Rocks? Will The Usos defeat The New Day or find another loop hole to leave still the champions?

- "WWE United States Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens began issuing Open Challenges to anyone for a shot at his WWE United States Championship. AJ Styles immediately answered the challenge, however, Owens turned Styles down because Owens was only looking for someone that was from the city they were touring in. AJ Styles went to Daniel Bryan and told Bryan that Kevin Owens had no clue what an open challenge meant, considering Owens continued to turn down Styles. Styles then went on to win an Independence Day Battle Royal to become #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship. Styles would go on to defeat Owens at a live house show at Madison Square Garden and become the new WWE United States Champion, making Owens now the #1 Contender at WWE Battleground. Can AJ Styles defeat Kevin Owens and retain his newly won WWE United States Championship. Will Kevin Owens get back what Styles took from him and leave the champion?

- "Flag Match": John Cena vs. Rusev: John Cena returned to Smackdown Live on July 4th and announced he would be appearing on both RAW and Smackdown Live whenever needed. Rusev interrupted John Cena's return and complained about not getting as much exposure for his Smackdown Live return like Cena did. Rusev then went on a tirade about how much he hates America and why we're the lowest of the low out of all the other countries. Cena would go on to challenge Rusev to a Flag Match at WWE Battleground to determine which country was the toughest, America or Rusev's home country of Bulgaria. Rusev accepted the challenge and then attacked Cena from behind one week before the event to send one last message to Cena. Can Cena defend old glory and win the match? Will Rusev defend his home country of Bulgaria and stomp on America? 

- "#1 Contenders Fatal Five Way Elimination Match": Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart vs. Tamina vs. Lana: WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi is to thank for this match getting signed, after going to Shane McMahon and asking who her next #1 Contender would be. Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Nattie Neidhart, Tamina and Lana all interrupted and stated their cases on why they should face Naomi next. Shane McMahon took them all under consideration and then announced that they would figure it out themselves in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match with the winner going to WWE SummerSlam to face Naomi. Which Smackdown Live lady will come out victorious and punch her ticket to SummerSlam?

- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin: Baron Corbin began his feud with Shinsuke Nakamura last month at WWE Money In The Bank when he attacked Nakamura from behind during Nakamura's entrance. Corbin went on to win the Money In The Bank briefcase in the process as well. The following week Nakamura stated that he'd love to face Corbin one on one because he knows that Corbin is scared. Corbin went on to attack and beat down Nakamura after those comments and said he wasn't afraid of Nakamura. Corbin and Nakamura faced each other on Smackdown Live, however, the match was ruled a no contest after both men brawled all over the arena. Daniel Bryan went on to announce that both men would face each other again at WWE Battleground. Can Nakamura defeat the self proclaimed lone wolf? Will Corbin defeat the Japanese Rockstar and possibly cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase as well against the WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

- Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, Mike and Maria Kanellis made their WWE debut. During their promo on Smackdown Live, Sami Zayn accidentally interrupted them, which upset Maria. Maria demanded an apology from Zayn for his intrusion and Zayn stated he apologized twice and wasn't apologizing again. Maria ended up slapping Zayn and then Mike busted a vase over Zayn's head. One week before WWE Battleground, Mike Kanellis defeated Zayn in a one on one match. Zayn would get another shot at Kanellis at WWE Battleground in a rematch. 

- Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English: Two months at WWE Backlash, Tye Dillinger defeated Aiden English on the Pre-Show. Five days before WWE Battleground it was announced that Dillinger and English would go one on one again on the WWE Battleground Pre-Show.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 3/22/17: Smackdown Live Uncasville Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.

This week Smackdown Live was live in Uncasville, Connecticut. The AJ Styles and Shane McMahon feud continues heading into Wrestlemania 33. WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha defended their titles against The Usos. The Miz and Maryse presented Total Bellas Bull****, a parody show making fun of John Cena and Nikki Bella's Total Bellas Show. Baron Corbin battled #1 Contender Randy Orton in a one on one match. John Cena battled Fandango in a one on one match. Becky Lynch battled Carmella in one on one Women's Division action.

** Smackdown Live **

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan gets interrupted by AJ Styles. Styles asks where Shane McMahon is. Bryan says if it was up to him Styles would still be fired. Bryan then informs Styles that Shane is on his way to the arena tonight. Styles says he's going to attack Shane again when he arrives.

- AJ Styles Promo: Styles talks about attacking Shane McMahon last week and accepts Shane's challenge to a Wrestlemania 33 match. Styles says that if you thought his attack on Shane was bad last week, tonight will be phenomenally worse.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan is on the phone with Shane McMahon. Bryan warns Shane of AJ Styles' intentions. Shane says not to worry, he has a plan. Baron Corbin interrupts and is wondering if Dean Ambrose accepted his Wrestlemania 33 challenge. Bryan says Ambrose hasn't been seen in two weeks and then books Corbin in a match tonight against Randy Orton.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": American Alpha (c) vs. The Usos: The match closes out with Jordan stopping double Uso Splashes and then Jordan and Gable hit Grand Amplitude on Jey. Jimmy stops the pinfall, but gets planted with a Jordan belly to belly on the floor. Jey sends Jordan off the apron as Gable hits a moonsault. Gable gets clotheslined over the barricade as Jordan tries to take control and help Gable. Back in the ring, Jordan gets double teamed and then ends up eating an Uso Kick. The Usos score the pinfall and walk out the new tag team champions. 
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall, to win the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Backstage, Luke Harper claims that Randy Orton opened Pandora's Box when he burned Sister Abigail's bones. Harper plans on facing and destroying WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bray Wyatt next week.

- Total Bellas Bull****: Maryse is dressed as the Bellas and mocks their "Brie Mode" and "Fearless" sayings. The Miz shows up dressed as John Cena and reminds "Nikki" of the John Cena Rules of the house she's broken and fakes her out on marriage proposals.

- Baron Corbin vs. Randy Orton: The match closes out with Orton hitting the draping DDT and goes for the RKO. Corbin blocks and hits Deep Six for a near fall. Dean Ambrose suddenly arrives on a forklift and distracts Corbin. Orton hits the RKO and scores the pinfall. After the match, Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Corbin and then accepts Corbin's Wrestlemania 33 challenge.
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Randy Orton talks Bray Wyatt when the lights begin to flicker. An army of Wyatt followers in sheep masks attack and beat down Orton. Bray Wyatt appears and tells Orton that destroying Sister Abigail has made Bray stronger than he's ever imagined. Bray sings "Whole World In His Hands" as The Wyatt Followers hold Orton down.

- Fandango vs. John Cena: The match closes out with Cena dropping the Five Knuckle Shuffle when Tyler Breeze, who's dressed in drag as Nikki Bella tries to attack Cena. Nikki Bella makes the save and spears Breeze. Cena hits the AA on Fandango as Nikki hits Rack Attack on Breeze. Cena locks Fandango in the STF submission as Nikki locks Breeze in the Fearless STF submission. Both Fandango and Breeze tap out together.
Winner: John Cena, by submission.

- Becky Lynch vs. Carmella: The match closes out with both James Ellsworth and Nattie Neidhart getting involved and getting Carmella DQ'ed. After the match, Nattie drops Becky and unloads. Mickie James and Alexa Bliss hit the ring next and a brawl breaks out. Becky flies off the top rope and takes out Ellsworth after Carmella shoved him into the line of fire. Mickie hits a Mick Kick and then Alexa drops Mickie.
Winner: Becky Lynch, by DQ.

- Total Bellas Bull****: We return to The Miz and Maryse's Total Bellas parody show. The Miz dressed as John Cena and Maryse dressed as Nikki Bella give us a tour of their house. "Cena" gives us the rules of the house, yells at "Nikki" for trying to use him to get a WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship victory while they are on camera and fakes out "Nikki" with more marriage proposals.

- Backstage, a limo pulls into the garage and the door opens. AJ Styles goes to attack, but stops as its Rhyno and Heath Slater who emerge from the limo.

- Shane McMahon Promo: While AJ Styles is waiting for Shane McMahon to arrive, Shane has already snuck into the arena and heads to the ring. Shane says that Styles could've come to Shane and talked to him like a man, but he chose to attack him and made the problem worse. Shane says Styles is waiting for him...well here he is. Shane calls out Styles as Styles is informed in the parking garage that Shane is already here and calling Styles out. Styles hesitates before he makes the walk to the ring. Styles heads to the ring and says that he wants to apologize to Shane and Shane isn't anything like the rest of the McMahon family. Shane immediately attacks and unloads punches on Styles, sending him falling to the floor.

Styles grabs Shane outside and suplexes Shane into the barricade. Styles takes apart the announcers table, but then gets back body dropped on the floor by Shane. Shane hits Styles with a tv monitor then lays Styles on the announcers table. Shane goes to the top rope and hits the leaping elbow all the way to the announcers table and puts himself and Styles through the table. Shane finally gets back to his feet, looks down at an unconscious Styles and then points to the Wrestlemania banner to end Smackdown Live.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 3/15/17: Smackdown Live Pittsburgh Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.

This week Smackdown Live was live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AJ Styles goes to war with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan. Becky Lynch battled Nattie Neidhart in a one on one Women's Division match. The Miz and Maryse have a special edition of Miz TV. Mickie James battled WWE Women's Champion Alexa Bliss in a non title match. Mojo Rawley battled Dolph Ziggler in a one on one match. WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha battled The Usos in a non title match.

** Smackdown Live **

- We see a video recap of last week's Talking Smack when AJ Styles interrupted Shane McMahon backstage and began arguing with him over his #1 Contendership Match loss to Randy Orton.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan is on the phone when AJ Styles interrupts him and demands Shane McMahon. Bryan says Shane won't be here till later. Styles storms off to the ring.

- AJ Styles Promo: AJ Styles says he's sick and tired of Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan messing with him, he's the greatest WWE superstar and should have the red carpet rolled out for him. Styles mocks John Cena for going to his brother in law Daniel Bryan to get his title shot and Styles has never even been given a proper one on one rematch for the title. Styles says he's responsible for the WWE's success and should've just smacked Daniel Bryan's kale chips out of his mouth because Bryan is nothing but a WWE puppet. Styles promises that he's going to have a face to face with Shane McMahon before the nights over.

- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Becky hitting the Bexploder suplex on Nattie. Nattie sits Becky on the the turnbuckle and they trade punches. Becky takes control, traps Nattie in the Dis Arm Her submission and forces Nattie to tap out. After the match, Carmella attacks Becky from behind and beats Becky down. Carmella drops Nattie with a super kick and celebrates with James Ellsworth.
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission.

- Backstage, AJ Styles is waiting for Shane McMahon To arrive.

- Backstage, Carmella says she did what she did because she's going to be the next WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion.

- Miz TV With The Miz And Maryse: Miz announces himself and Maryse as the guests tonight. Miz says everyone is talking about them because they have exposed John Cena and Nikki Bella for being frauds. Maryse says she and Nikki used to be friends, but Nikki stabbed Maryse in the back like the back stabbing bitch that she is. John Cena and Nikki Bella hit the ring as Miz and Maryse exit. Nikki challenges Maryse, but Miz says Maryse has nothing to prove. Daniel Bryan arrives next and says there was nothing special about this Miz TV which makes Bryan want to punch Miz in the mouth. Bryan says he's sick of Miz interrupting Bryan on Talking Smack and imitating Bryan's moves in the ring, which makes him want to punch Miz also. Bryan officially announces The Miz and Maryse vs. John Cena and Nikki Bella at Wrestlemania 33.

- Backstage, AJ Styles is still waiting for Shane McMahon.

- Mickie James vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Alexa beating down Mickie and talking trash. Alexa goes for Insult To Injury, but Mickie counters and connects with the Mick Kick for the pinfall.
Winner: Mickie James, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Shane McMahon finally arrives and gets jumped from behind by AJ Styles. Styles tosses Shane into a car and into production cases. Styles sends Shane head first though the window of a parked car and tells Shane he asked for this beat down. Backstage producer Fit Finlay and paramedics arrive, back off Styles and check on Shane.

- Backstage, paramedics state that Shane McMahon has a scalp laceration and needs to go to the ER. Shane refuses and says he'll get taken care of by WWE Medical. 

- Backstage, AJ Styles catches hatred from the Smackdown Live locker room for what he did to Shane McMahon. Daniel Bryan arrives with police officers and Styles asks Bryan if he's got something to say about what Styles just did. Bryan fires Styles and has the police escort Styles out of the building.

- Mojo Rawley vs. Dolph Ziggler: The match closes out with Ziggler hitting a super kick for a near fall. Mojo tosses Ziggler outside and taunts Ziggler. Ziggler fakes getting back into the ring and instead takes the count out.
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by Count Out.

- Backstage, Neville hypes 205 Live and says it doesn't matter who becomes #1 Contender for Wrestlemania 33 because they will be humiliated.

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton says a viper is ruthless, cunning and only strikes at the right time. Orton says he could've attacked Bray Wyatt any time but waited to see what could hurt Bray. He decided to get close to Bray and destroy the one thing he loved....Sister Abigail. Orton says Bray fears being alone and now he is. Orton promises to take everything away from Bray at Wrestlemania 33. The lights flicker off and on and Bray appears. Bray says he did lose all his power until he found his way back to what's left of his home. Bray says that Sister Abigail is the spawn of Satan and is forged in hell. Bray says that Sister Abigail still lives inside him and lives within him eternally. Bray says he has been born again as he baptizes himself in Sister Abigail's ashes. Bray tells us to follow the buzzards to end the segment.

- Backstage, Baron Corbin says that if Dean Ambrose can get out of the hospital and make it to Wrestlemania 33 in time, Corbin will take everything away from Ambrose.

- American Alpha vs. The Usos: The match closes out with The Usos countering a double team move from American Alpha, allowing Jimmy to hit the Uso Kick for the pinfall.
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall.

- Shane McMahon Promo: Shane McMahon is still refusing to go to the ER, pushes Fit Finlay and Jamie Noble away and heads to the ring. Shane says that AJ Styles was upset that he had no opponent at Wrestlemania 33?...Well now Styles has one. Smackdown Live closes out.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 3/1/17: Smackdown Live St. Paul, Minnesota Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.

This week Smackdown Live was live in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Miz returned with Miz TV with his special guest being John Cena. Becky Lynch battled Mickie James in a 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match. AJ Styles battled Luke Harper in a #1 Contenders Match. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled Curt Hawkins in a one on one non title match. Dolph Ziggler battled Apollo Crews one on one in a Steel Chairs Match. The Allegiance between WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton came to a boil.

** Smackdown Live **

- Backstage, AJ Styles tells Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan that if you look at the right angle from last week you'd see that Styles clearly won the battle royal. Bryan says his match with Luke Harper is still on. Styles mocks Harper, as Harper suddenly appears behind Styles. Styles sees Harper and walks off. Harper thanks Shane and Bryan for the opportunity.

- Miz TV With Special Guest John Cena: The Miz and Maryse invite John Cena out to start. Miz then orders Cena's microphone to be cut because he doesn't want Cena talking unless given permission to. Miz blames Cena for all of Miz's missed opportunities, blames Cena for derailing Miz's run with the WWE World Title a few years back after Miz beat Cena at Wrestlemania, calls Cena a hypocrite, points out that Cena is doing the same things with Hollywood that Cena called The Rock out on a few years back and Cena even stole Ric Flair's spotlight. Cena finally gets to speak and says if he had his choice standing in a ring this close to Wrestlemania, it would be with The Undertaker and not with The Miz.

Cena accuses Miz of stealing The Rock's electricity, Chris Jericho's personality, Ric Flair's Figure Four and Daniel Bryan's offense to the point where Miz has no clue who he's supposed to be. Maryse steps in and says Cena will never be half the man that The Miz is and Cena's problem is that he's an ego maniac freak. Maryse slaps Cena and Cena says Maryse just made a huge mistake. Nikki Bella hits the ring and helps Cena chase Miz and Maryse out. Nikki calls Maryse a bitch and threatens to break her in half.

- "2 Out Of 3 Falls Match": Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James:

** First Fall: Becky unloads on Mickie with lariats and a drop kick. Becky traps Mickie in the corner and unloads forearms. Mickie comes back, hits a DDT on Becky and scores the pinfall, to go up 1-0.

** Second Fall: Mickie gets two straight near falls on Becky until Becky regains control. Mickie returns, hits a flapjack on Becky and goes to the top rope. Becky dodges Mickie, but Mickie lands and rolls through. Becky catches Mickie in a roll up and scores the pinfall, tying things at 1-1. 

** Final Fall: WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss comes down to ringside and distracts the referee as Becky goes for the pinfall on Mickie. Becky grabs the referees attention just as Mickie almost steals a pinfall on Becky. Becky traps Mickie in the Dis Arm Her submission and makes Mickie tap out to win the match 2-1.
Winner: Becky Lynch, 2 falls to 1.

- Backstage, Luke Harper says he knows true evil and Bray Wyatt needs  to fear Harper now. Bray Wyatt interrupts on screen and says the whole world wants to hear what he has to say and Bray's blood brother Randy Orton will be by his side.

- Backstage, Alexa Bliss gets interrupted by Nattie Neidhart who says she's coming for Alexa's title.

- Backstage, AJ Styles says it's not right that he's being forced to fight Luke Harper tonight because Harper clearly hit the floor first last week. Styles says he's beating Harper and moving on to Wrestlemania 33.

- "#1 Contenders Match": Luke Harper vs. AJ Styles: The match closes out with Harper getting a near fall sitdown power bomb. Styles hits the Phenomenal Forearm and scores the pinfall on Harper, however, Harper's foot was on the bottom rope and the referee missed it. Styles celebrates as Shane McMahon comes out to the ring, informs the referee of his error and restarts the match. Styles is livid at Shane as Harper goes for a super kick. Styles ducks and Harper accidentally nails Shane with the super kick. Styles scores the surprise pinfall on Harper and now will face Bray Wyatt for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 33.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to become the #1 Contender.

- Backstage, James Ellsworth and Carmella interrupt John Cena and Nikki Bella and laughs at them. Ellsworth says everything about Nikki is fake. Cena challenges Ellsworth and Carmella to a tag match next week.

- Dean Ambrose vs. Curt Hawkins: The match never happens as Ambrose hits the ring and lays Hawkins out with Dirty Deeds before grabbing a microphone.
Winner: No Contest.

- Dean Ambrose Promo: Ambrose warns Baron Corbin that messing with Ambrose is a huge mistake and then calls Corbin out. Corbin appears on the TitanTron and says he doesn't come when Ambrose calls his name. Corbin blames Ambrose for costing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Elimination Chamber and says that Ambrose is now a deer in headlights that Corbin will run down. Ambrose and Corbin both warn each other that bad things will happen if they get in each others way.

- "Steel Chairs Match": Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Ziggler trying to cheat with a rollup with his feet on the ropes for leverage, but Crews kicks out. Ziggler suplexes Crews on top of a steel chair and gets another near fall. Ziggler sticks a thumb in Crews' eye and then jams a steel chair into Crews' throat. The referee checks on Crews allowing Ziggler to attack Crews from behind. Ziggler crotches Crews on top of a steel chair and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall.

- Bray Wyatt Promo: Bray says it didn't matter if it was AJ Styles or Luke Harper because they're both mortals. Bray says Styles will feel the spirit of his master when he's defeated. Randy Orton suddenly appears on the TitanTron at The Wyatt Family Compound. Orton says he has been playing Bray this whole time and this world of Bray's will never be Orton's world. Orton remembers saying that if you can't beat them, then join them...well now it's if you can't beat them, then join them, then screw them. Orton reveals that Sister Abigail was buried beneath The Wyatt Family Compound and he can see the fear in Bray's eyes, as he's about to be stripped of his powers. Orton says Bray's black heart is pounding because he knows Orton is about to destroy the one thing that gives Bray his powers.

Orton promises that he will be the master and Bray the servant as he dumps gasoline all over the Compound where Sister Abigail is buried. Orton says he's coming for Bray and his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania and we're about to hear Sister Abigail scream once he lights her up. Bray begs Orton not to do it as Orton makes a trail of gas outside the Compound. Orton lights the place on fire and does his pose as Bray loses his mind in the ring to end the show.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 2/22/17: Smackdown Live Ontario, California Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.

This week Smackdown Live was live in Ontario, California. Daniel Bryan kicked off Smackdown Live with some unfortunately bad news for WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi. Alexa Bliss battled Becky Lynch for the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship. WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha battled Breezango in a non title tag team match. Nikki Bella battled Nattie Neidhart in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. The main event was a 10 man battle royal to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

** Smackdown Live **

- Daniel Bryan Promo: Bryan calls out WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi to the ring. Bryan tells Naomi that he knows that she deserves the title, worked so hard, scratched and clawed, and has seen other women given more opportunities than her. Bryan says that unfortunately Naomi's medical records show that her doctors are unable to clear her to wrestle anytime soon, therefore she'll have to vacate her title. Naomi thanks Bryan for the opportunity, tells us how she felt winning the title, how she feels like she's letting everyone down now and realizes her dream of being home in Orlando at Wrestlemania 33 is probably gone now. Naomi hands over the title to Bryan and they share an emotional hug. Alexa Bliss interrupts, loves what just happened, mocks Naomi and suggests the title be returned to her. Bryan says that would make sense, but that's not how it's going to happen. Bryan announces Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch to crown a new champion and that match is now.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match": Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch: The match closes out with Becky getting a near fall missile dropkick. Both ladies trade offense until Alexa lands a cheap shot to the throat of Becky after Alexa used the apron skirt as a distraction for the referee. Alexa scores the pinfall and wins the title. After the match, Mickie James hits the ring and brawls with Becky until Becky sends Mickie to the floor.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to win the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- Backstage, Nattie Neidhart mocks Nikki Bella, calls Nikki a fraud and promises to expose Nikki tonight.

- American Alpha vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Jordan countering a double suplex and tags in Gable. Gable tosses Breeze to the floor and he and Jordan hit a double team bulldog to score the pinfall. After the match, The Usos interrupt and call American Alpha the future former champions. The Usos mock Alpha and state that there is no way to prepare for two brothers with nothing to lose.
Winners: American Alpha, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Nikki Bella says she doesn't care what Nattie Neidhart has to say and after tonight she'll be known as The Broken Hart.

- "Falls Count Anywhere Match": Nikki Bella vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Nattie and Nikki fighting all the way backstage where Nikki tosses Nattie head first into a mirror and gets a near fall. Nikki and Nattie trade more strikes until Nattie tosses Nikki right into Maryse who was walking by. Nattie and Nikki brawl down the ramp where Nattie drops Nikki on the ground and goes for the Sharpshooter submission. Nikki counters and traps Nattie in the Fearless STF submission. Maryse suddenly runs out and attacks Nikki with a pipe repeatedly until The Miz pulls Maryse off Nikki. Nattie covers Nikki and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Nattie Neidhart, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Bray Wyatt says that Randy Orton has earned the keys to the kingdom and whoever wins tonight's battle royal will be Bray's sacrificial lamb at Wrestlemania 33. Bray welcomes us to the Era of Bray and Orton tells us to run.

"#1 Contender's Battle Royal": Baron Corbin, AJ Styles, John Cena, The Miz, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Apollo Crews, Kalisto, Mojo Rawley, Luke Harper:

** Corbin eliminates Rawley.
** Ziggler eliminates Kalisto.
** Crews eliminates Ziggler.
** Corbin eliminates Crews.
** Cena eliminates The Miz.
** Ambrose eliminates Corbin.

** The Final Four: John Cena, AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper: Corbin pulls Ambrose under the ropes and hits End of Days on the floor. Miz re-enters the ring illegally and tosses Cena out for the elimination. Miz escapes through the crowd as The referees force Cena out of the match. Styles and Harper brawl back and forth and end up on the apron. Harper pulls Ambrose back in, hits a super kick and eliminates Ambrose. Harper and Styles eventually both end up falling to the floor for a double elimination.

The referees review the replay and state that both Styles and Harper hit the floor at the same time. Daniel Bryan arrives and talks it over with the referees. Bryan officially announces the match a draw. Harper lays out Styles with the Harper Lariat as Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton appear on the TitanTron and laugh at Harper.
Winner: No Contest

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 2/15/17: Smackdown Live Anaheim Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.

This week Smackdown Live was live in Anaheim, California. The new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bray Wyatt kicked off Smackdown Live. WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha battled The Ascension in a non title tag team match. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled James Ellsworth in a non title match. Becky Lynch battled Mickie James in a one on one Women's Division match. New WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi sets her sights toward Wrestlemania 33. The main event saw WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bray Wyatt defend his title against John Cena and AJ Styles in a Triple Threat Match.

** Smackdown Live **

- Bray Wyatt Promo: Bray receives the "You Deserve It" chants from the fans. Bray begins by speaking of Sister Abigail stating that she never said it would be easy, they would lie to him, they would denounce him and try to steal his gift. Sister Abigail was right and has always spoken the truth. Bray now has the whole damn world in his hands and all this power can be scary for all of us. Bray offers us to walk with him into paradise or get in his way and burn in the fire. John Cena's music hits and out comes the former champ. Cena recognizes Bray's fans and says he's done a great job brain washing them. Cena says no one deserves anything around here, Bray doesn't have the whole world in his hands, the whole world has a target on Bray's shoulder now that he's the champion. Cena says he's done talking and wants his rematch right now. AJ Styles interrupts next, accuses Cena of line jumping and demands his rematch against Bray for the title first. Daniel Bryan interrupts next and agrees that both Styles and Cena are owed rematches. Bryan announces a Triple Threat Match tonight between the three for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose is looking for Baron Corbin.

- American Alpha vs. The Ascension: The match closes out with Jordan missing a spear, allowing The Ascension to double team Gable. American Alpha regain control of the match, toss Konnor out and hit Grand Amplitude on Viktor to score the pinfall. After the match, The Usos appear on the Smackdown Live TitanTron. The Usos promise that they're coming for American Alpha and their titles. The Usos music hits, but they don't show up.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose runs into James Ellsworth and Carmella while still looking for Baron Corbin. Ambrose tells Ellsworth that Carmella is using him. Carmella asks Ellsworth if he's going to let Ambrose talk about her like that. Daniel Bryan appears and makes a match between Ellsworth and Ambrose tonight.

- Dean Ambrose vs. James Ellsworth: Ellsworth waits for Ambrose to come out, but Baron Corbin suddenly appears, dragging Ambrose's body onto the stage. Ambrose tries to fight back on Corbin, but Corbin gives Ambrose the Deep Six off the stage and into electronical equipment below. Referees rush to check on Ambrose after the sparks settle.
Winner: No Contest.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan tells Nikki Bella that her feud with Nattie Neidhart needs to stop now and he might have an idea. Nattie interrupts and accuses Nikki of always getting things her way. Nattie and Nikki begin brawling, forcing WWE Officials to separate them. Bryan announces Nattie vs. Nikki next week in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.

- Backstage, Baron Corbin blames Dean Ambrose for costing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the WWE Elimination Chamber.

- Backstage, Dolph Ziggler says what he did to Apollo Crews and Kalisto at WWE Elimination Chamber should be considered as a warning to the New Era. No one steals his place and he will put everyone in theirs if he has to.

- Mickie James vs. Becky Lynch: The match closes out with Becky and Mickie trading shots on the ropes. Becky sends Mickie flying off the apron with a forearm and Mickie lands on her shoulder. Mickie clutches her shoulder in pain and huddles in the corner. The referee checks on Mickie, who's still clutching her shoulder. Mickie suddenly Mick Kicks Becky in the face and scores the pinfall. Mickie laughs and bows to the fans for her fake injury performance.
Winner: Mickie James, by pinfall.

- Naomi Promo: The new WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi is in the ring. Naomi says she suffered an injury during her WWE Elimination Chamber match, but it's not stopping her from getting to Wrestlemania 33. Alexa Bliss suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Alexa pokes fun at Naomi's injury stating that Naomi realized she's not Alexa Bliss so she faked the injury because she can't win in a rematch. Naomi warns Alexa not to play games with her. Alexa gives Naomi one week to get ready or else hand over the title and get beat down.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Triple Threat Match": Bray Wyatt (c) vs. John Cena vs. AJ Styles: Before the match, Luke Harper appears and beats down Bray Wyatt at ringside before WWE Officials order Harper to leave. The match closes out with Styles trapping Cena in the Calf Crusher submission, but Cena counters into the STF submission. Bray breaks things up with a senton. Bray tosses Styles outside, but gets planted by a Cena AA for a near fall. Styles is back in and gets a near fall Styles Clash on Cena. Styles goes for a springboard, but Cena knocks Styles off the ropes and to the floor.

Bray hits Sister Abigail on Cena and scores the pinfall to retain the title. After the match, Randy Orton arrives and goes face to face with Bray. Orton states that Bray was not the champion when Orton won the Royal Rumble, but now he is. Orton officially announces that he will refuse his title shot at Wrestlemania 33 because his master Bray Wyatt is the champion. Orton and Bray pose to end the show.
Winner: Bray Wyatt, by pinfall, to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.