WWE No Mercy Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

That's another RAW represented WWE No Mercy pay per view in the books ladies and gentlemen. WWE No Mercy was live at the famous Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and was also live on the WWE Network. All the WWE RAW titles were on the line, including the WWE Universal Championship. If you missed the show or even if you didn't, then keep on reading and enjoy as I bring you the WWE No Mercy recap.

** WWE No Mercy Card **

- WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defended his title against Braun Strowman.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz defended his title against Jason Jordan.
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins defended their titles against Sheamus and Cesaro.
- WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss defended her title against Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Emma and Bayley in a Fatal Five Way Match.
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defended his title against Enzo Amore.
- John Cena battled Roman Reigns. 
- Bray Wyatt battled Finn Balor.
- Elias Samson battled Apollo Crews. 

** WWE No Mercy PreShow **

- Social Media Lounge Interview With Alexa Bliss: Alexa talks about what a great edition Asuka will be to the RAW roster when she arrives in October. Alexa promises to leave tonight still the WWE RAW Women's Champion. Alexa then answers a few fan questions and even mocks one fan that proposes to her.

- Elias Samson vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Elias nailing a clothesline and taking control of Crews. Elias lands a mule kick for a near fall. Crews hits a suplex, clothesline, a big boot and a splash on Elias for a near fall, as Titus O'Neil cheers on Crews. Elias counters out of a scoop slam, but eats an enziguri. Elias rolls outside where Titus talks trash to him. Back in the ring, Crews leaps off the top rope, but has to roll through on the landing as Elias moves out of the way. Elias sends Crews into the corner and then hits Drift Away to score the pinfall.
Winner: Elias Samson, by pinfall.

- After the match, Elias attacks Crews, but retreats as soon as Titus O'Neil hits the ring.

** WWE No Mercy **

- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": The Miz (c) vs. Jason Jordan: The match closes out with Jordan countering the Skull Crushing Finale and hits two suplexes on The Miz for a near fall. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas pull Miz outside, but they both get attacked by Jordan. Jordan tosses Miz back into the ring and applies a crossface submission. Miz reaches for the ropes and finally grabs them to release the hold. Jordan charges, misses and hits shoulder first into the corner. Miz charges for his corner clothesline, but Jordan catches Miz and hits a belly to belly suplex. Jordan spears Miz in the corner and takes control as Bo Dallas suddenly climbs to the top rope. Jordan sends Dallas flying, which distracts the referee. Jordan rolls up Miz, but the referee misses the pinfall, still distracted by Dallas. Miz kicks Jordan into Axel, who's on the apron, allowing Axel to cheap shot Jordan. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Jordan and scores the pinfall to retain his title.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- After the match, Jason Jordan is interviewed. Jordan says he just couldn't beat Miz because the odds were against him with The Miztourage at ringside. Jordan says he doesn't respect Miz and he wants a rematch.

- Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor: The match closes out with Balor hitting a corner drop kick on Bray. Balor goes to the top rope, but Bray cuts him off. Balor knocks Bray off the ropes and hits Coup de Grace on Bray for a near fall. Bray and Balor trade counters until Bray drops Balor with a punch for a near fall. Bray sends Balor across the ring twice with suplexes then goes to the second rope. Balor counters by kicking Bray in the head and shoving Bray to the mat. Balor hits two straight corner drop kicks on Bray then goes to the top rope. Balor hits Coup de Grace on Bray and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are interviewed. Sheamus and Cesaro state that they are alpha males and Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins are the ones that need to make adjustments. Sheamus and Cesaro predict that Ambrose and Rollins turn on each other tonight. 

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: The match closes out with Sheamus and Cesaro double teaming Ambrose. Cesaro applies the Sharpshooter submission on Ambrose and then turns that into a crossface. Ambrose reaches the ropes and Sheamus tags in. Sheamus and Cesaro hit a double Irish Cross for a near fall. Cesaro and Ambrose trade punches until Ambrose hits a clothesline. Sheamus tags in and drills Ambrose with White Noise as Cesaro hits a power bomb on Rollins on top of Ambrose for a near fall. Cesaro hits a double stomp on Rollins and then tags Sheamus. Sheamus misses the Brogue Kick and Ambrose gets a near fall rollup. Sheamus tries another Brogue Kick, but accidentally nails Cesaro. Rollins hits the knee to the face on Sheamus allowing Ambrose to hit Dirty Deeds for the pinfall to retain their titles.
Winners: Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship, Fatal Five Way Match": Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Emma vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax vs. Bayley: The match closes out with Emma getting a near fall on Alexa. Alexa takes control and trash talks Emma. Bayley sends Alexa into the corner and then Emma butterfly suplexes Bayley. Emma gets a near fall splash on Bayley and then brawls with Sasha. Sasha hits a bulldog and double knees on Emma for a near fall. Sasha hits a backstabber on Alexa and then applies the Banks Statement submission. Bayley breaks up the submission and gets a near fall on Alexa. Bayley gets a near fall Bayley To Belly on Alexa as Sasha breaks up the pinfall. Nia attacks Sasha, drops her and hits the leg drop for a near fall. Nia charges Alexa, misses and hits the turnbuckle. Bayley gets sent into Emma, taking them both out. Alexa hits a DDT on Bayley and scores the pinfall to retain her title.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- After the match, Alexa is interviewed. Alexa says there are alot of stars in Hollywood but there is only one true goddess and it's her.

- John Cena vs. Roman Reigns: The match closes out with Cena getting a near fall AA on Reigns. Reigns gets a near fall Superman Punch on Cena. Cena dodges the spear causing Reigns to hit the turnbuckle. Cena and Reigns end up on the second rope where Cena hits a Super AA for a near fall. Cena has words with the referee and then starts taking apart the announcers table. Cena takes Reigns on top of the announcers table and goes for an AA. Reigns counters out and spears Cena off the table and through the second announcers table. Reigns tosses Cena into the ring and gets a near fall. Cena counters a Reigns attack and hits two straight AA's for another near fall. Cena can't believe it and just stares at Reigns as he crawls to get up. Reigns pops up and hits a Superman Punch on Cena. Reigns then hits the spear on Cena and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall.

- After the match, Cena and Reigns nod at each other as a sign of respect and then Cena raises Reigns' hand. Cena walks out with a "thank you Cena" chant and salutes the fans.

- Backstage, The Miz interrupts RAW GM Kurt Angle and asks to host a very special Miz TV on RAW Monday with Roman Reigns as his guest. Miz claims to have inside information about The Shield. Angle allows the segment and says it'll kick off RAW.

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Enzo Amore: The match closes out with Neville grounding Enzo and mocking him. Neville hits a super kick for a near fall. Neville lays out Enzo and goes for the Red Arrow. Neville takes his time and decides to go for a Phoenix Splash instead. Enzo dodges it and Neville crashes to the mat. Enzo hits a DDG on Neville and gets a near fall. Enzo goes for a suicide dive on Neville, but catches a kick in the face. Neville tosses Enzo over the timekeepers area, but Enzo comes back and grabs the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Enzo runs in the ring with the title and Neville chases him. The referee warns Enzo not to use it as a weapon and grabs the title away from Enzo. Enzo low blows Neville while the referee's back is turned and steals the pinfall to win the title.
Winner: Enzo Amore, by pinfall, to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Braun unloading on Lesnar, blocks a Lesnar swing and lands a headbutt. Lesnar goes for an F5, but Braun counters it and sends Lesnar outside. Braun follows, tosses Lesnar into the ringpost and then back into the ring. Braun tosses Lesnar into the corner a series of times, but misses a charge and hits the turnbuckle. Lesnar applies the Kimura Lock submission, but Braun fights it. Lesnar applies the pressure and gets Braun down on the mat. Braun escapes with a spinebuster and gets a near fall.

Lesnar goes behind Braun and hits the german suplex repeatedly. Lesnar yells at Braun and hits another german suplex. Lesnar hits german suplex #6 and then goes for the F5. Braun escapes and hits the running power slam on Lesnar. Braun is unable to capitalize and falls to the mat. Braun hits another running power slam on Lesnar, but still can't capitalize on a pinfall. Lesnar grabs Braun quickly, hits the F5 out of nowhere and scores the pinfall to retain the title.
Winner: Brock Lesnar, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Universal Championship.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 5/2/17: RAW Sacramento Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We are one day removed from WWE Payback as we were live for Monday Night RAW this week from Sacramento, California. Braun Strowman continues to wreck havoc on the WWE after defeating Roman Reigns at WWE Payback. The new WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho now belongs to Smackdown Live which will leave a huge RAW roster gap to fill. Alexa Bliss now runs the RAW Women's Division as the new WWE RAW Women's Champion. What new feuds will begin or current rivalries will continue on the red brand?

** This Weeks Card **
- Emma, Alicia Fox, Nia Jax and WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss battled Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Dana Brooke in an Eight Woman Tag Team Match.
- Enzo battled Luke Gallows.
- Tony Nese, Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar battled Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa and Jack Gallagher in a Six Man Tag Team Match.
- Apollo Crews battled Heath Slater.
- TJ Perkins battled Austin Aries.
- The Miz battled Finn Balor and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- Alexa Bliss celebrates her WWE RAW Women's Championship victory.

- Promos By: Seth Rollins, Team Sheamus and Cesaro, and RAW GM Kurt Angle.

** RAW **

- Alexa Bliss Celebration: RAW kicks off with the RAW Women's Division all in the ring as new WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss arrives. Alexa says that the queen is dead and long live Alexa Bliss. Alexa says she's the new goddess and deserves a coronation. Alexa insults Mickie James and Sasha Banks, compliments Nia Jax and then thanks Bayley because none of this would be possible without her even though she lost the title in front of her family at WWE Payback. A brawl suddenly breaks out between all the ladies forcing Kurt Angle to make an Eight Woman Tag Team Match.

- "Eight Woman Tag Team Match": Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox and Emma vs. Bayley, Dana Brooke, Mickie James and Sasha Banks: The match closes out with all hell breaking loose and both teams brawling in and out of the ring. Bayley and Alexa trade shots until Alexa pokes Bayley in the eyes. Alexa capitalizes on Bayley being temporary blinded, hits the DDT and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Emma and Alicia Fox, by pinfall.

- Enzo vs. Luke Gallows: The match closes out with Karl Anderson distracting Enzo as he goes up top. Gallows takes advantage and gets Enzo on his shoulders. Gallows hits the flapjack on Enzo and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Luke Gallows, by pinfall.

- Backstage, TJ Perkins and Neville are talking. Neville says what happened at WWE Payback was unprofessionalism from the referee. Neville says Perkins has an easier chance at getting a title shot with Austin Aries out of the way and he has a huge opportunity tonight against Aries. 

- Seth Rollins Promo: Seth Rollins says he feels great and he wants Brock Lesnar and the WWE Universal Championship. Rollins says he's been to Suplex City and isn't afraid to go back. Finn Balor interrupts and says he respects Rollins. Balor says he never lost the title and the line to Lesnar starts behind him. Dean Ambrose interrupts and jokes about how Lesnar doesn't defend his title. The Miz interrupts next and says no one deserves a title shot except for him. Ambrose calls Kurt Angle on his phone. Ambrose says Angle wasn't happy that Ambrose has his number but tonight it's Rollins vs. Balor vs. Miz with the winner getting a WWE Intercontinental Championship Match.

- Tony Nese, Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar vs. Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa and Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Kendrick locking Gallagher in the Captain's Hook submission, but Tozawa breaks it up with a Shining Wizard. Swann and Tozawa suicide dive Nese and Dar outside as Gallagher hits the Gentleman's Dropkick on Kendrick for the pinfall.
Winners: Jack Gallagher, Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann, by pinfall.

- Sheamus and Cesaro Promo: Sheamus says he's finally free and he never liked the fans because they always treated him like a red headed step child. Sheamus says that he and Cesaro were robbed of their Wrestlemania moment by The Hardy Boys. Cesaro says that they proved last night that The Hardys are just a novelty act that don't belong in the ring with a Warrior and a Superman. Sheamus and Cesaro state that no one sets the bar because they are the bar and they will get back their WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship. The Hardy Boys interrupt and head to the ring. The Hardy's have arrived to give Sheamus and Cesaro their rebuttal as the fans chant "Delete". Sheamus and Cesaro retreat and head back up the ramp.

- Backstage, The Miz gets interrupted by Dean Ambrose who asks if his hair gel gets in his eyes while he wrestles. Miz walks off angry.

- Heath Slater vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Slater and Crews trading offense with each other. Titus O'Neil shouts orders at Crews at ringside. Crews hits the Apollo Bomb on Slater and scores the pinfall. After the match, Titus celebrates with Crews and it looks like Crews is going along with the Titus Brand idea.
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall.

- Kurt Angle Promo: Angle says that Roman Reigns re-injured his ribs and Braun Strowman tore his rotator cuff, but both men said they're not done with each other. The Wyatt Family graphic flashes and out comes Bray Wyatt. Bray says he's not here to harm Angle, he's here to offer to be his savior. Bray says that he's forever locked Randy Orton in his House of Horrors and is here to fix RAW. Angle says he's not sure what Bray has in mind, but he needs to remember that this is Angle's show. Bray laughs and says that he knows it's Angle's show, but this is Bray's world.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins tease each other and talk about renewing their rivalry.

- TJ Perkins vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Aries going for the Discus Five Arm, but Perkins kicks Aries in the leg. Perkins goes for the Detonation Kick, but Aries counters and applies the Last Chancery submission, making Perkins tap out. After the match, Perkins attacks Aries knee from behind and works it over. Perkins traps Aries in the knee bar submission and keeps it applied until officials force Perkins to release the hold.
Winner: Austin Aries, by submission.

- Backstage, Finn Balor tells Dean Ambrose that he eats nerves and puts out results. Ambrose gives Balor a doughnut and tells him to eat a carb. Elias Samson walks by playing his guitar and Ambrose asks him if he knows any Pearl Jam.

- Backstage, The Golden Truth ask Kurt Angle for a WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match. Angle says no due to their win/loss record, but they can participate in the Tag Team Turmoil Match next week where the winners become the #1 Contenders.

- "Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match": Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz: The match closes out with Rollins hitting a suicide dive on Balor and then to The Miz. Samoa Joe suddenly attacks Rollins and lays him out with a Uranage on the floor. Balor hits Slingblade on Miz and then hits the dropkick. The Wyatt Family graphic suddenly flashes and Bray Wyatt is on the apron when the lights come back on. Bray hits Sister Abigail on Balor, The Wyatt Family graphic flashes again and Bray is gone when the lights come back on. Miz covers Balor and scores the pinfall to become the new #1 Contender.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

WWE Payback Recap #WWEPayback

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

What's up wrestling fans, welcome to the WWE Payback recap from last night's show on the WWE Network. WWE Payback was live at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

** WWE Payback Card **

- "House of Horrors Match": Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hardy Boys (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
- Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe
- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Enzo and Big Cass

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse, with Special Guest Finn Balor

** WWE Payback Pre-Show **

- Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Gallows and Anderson in control of the match and take turns working over Enzo. Cass hot tags in finally and unloads on The Club. Cass plants the Empire Elbow on Gallows and follows that up with a couple splashes. Both teams battle on the floor until Anderson tosses Enzo back into the ring. The Club set Enzo up for the Magic Killer, but Cass makes the save by delivering a big boot. Cass sends Anderson to the floor as Enzo sneaks a roll up pinfall on Gallows.
Winners: Enzo and Big Cass, by pinfall.

- Backstage, The Hardy Boys and Golden Truth talk about old times. Golden Truth state that they're going to ask Kurt Angle if they can be the next #1 Contenders to the tag team titles. Matt thinks that's a tremendous idea.

- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are in the Social Media Lounge, hype tonight's tag team title match against The Hardy's. Renee Young then talks about the House of Horrors Match.

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse, with Special Guest Finn Balor: The Miz introduces Finn Balor after taking in the boos from the fans. Miz can't believe the fans cheer Balor's five minute entrance and then mocks it. Miz asks Balor what exactly is The Balor Club and if he and Maryse can be apart of it. Balor says it's not up to him, it's up to The Club. The fans boo so Balor says the answer is no. Miz asks Balor if he felt like a failure last year, considering he was injured and only held the WWE Universal Championship for 24 hours. Miz takes credit for Smackdown Live being the must see show while Balor was gone, mocks Balor more and asks Balor what is next for him. Balor states that he's getting the title back and Miz says Brock Lesnar would break Balor in two. Miz says he could even mop the floor with him, which gets Balor ready to fight. Balor says every Miz TV ends the same with Miz getting his ass beat, but Balor is going to be the bigger man today. Miz says Balor is afraid he'll get injured again. Balor changes his mind, hits a Sling Blade and a drop kick on Miz, chasing him out of the ring.

** WWE Payback **

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho: The match closes out with Owens attempting the Pop Up Power Bomb, but Jericho blocks it. Owens counters the Code Breaker, but eats an elbow from Jericho. Owens counters the Lionsault, hits the corner cannonball and gets a near fall. Jericho counters another Pop Up Power Bomb and applies the Walls of Jericho submission, but Owens reaches the ropes. Jericho attacks Owens' hand, slamming it into the steel steps. Jericho shoves Owens's hand in between the steps and apron and kicks it hard.

Owens is in pain clutching his hand as Jericho smiles. Owens pokes Jericho in the eye and gets a near fall rollup. Owens lands a super kick, but can't hit the Pop Up Power Bomb as his injured hand won't allow it. Jericho traps Owens in the Walls of Jericho and Owens surprisingly taps out, making Jericho the new champion.
Winner: Chris Jericho, by submission, to win the WWE United States Championship.

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Aries applying the Last Chancery submission, but Neville escapes it. Aries hits an elbow on Neville, but misses the Discus Five Arm, as Neville counters it. Aries counters a Neville kick, hits a chin breaker and then lands a charging shot into the corner on Neville. Aries goes for the 450 Splash, but Neville meets Aries up top. Aries smacks Neville, sunset flips him off the ropes and into the Last Chancery submission. Neville grabs the referee and pulls him into Aries, breaking the submission and catching a DQ.
Winner: Austin Aries, by DQ. Neville still retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hardy Boys (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: The match closes out with Matt landing a boot on Cesaro, but Cesaro comes back with an uppercut. Sheamus tags in, hits White Noise on Matt, but Jeff stops the pinfall. Cesaro gets sent to the floor, catches Jeff on a dive, but gets sent over the barricade by Jeff. Matt dodges a Brogue Kick and Sheamus blocks a Twist of Fate into a near fall DDT. Sheamus blocks another Twist of Fate, slams Matt, but misses that he tagged in Jeff. Jeff hits a Swanton Bomb on Sheamus and scores the pinfall. After the match, both teams shake hands, but then suddenly Sheamus and Cesaro turn on The Hardy's and beat them down. Sheamus tosses Matt into the barricade. Cesaro tosses Jeff into the ring post twice. Sheamus tosses Matt into the ring post and then hits a Brogue Kick into the ring post on Jeff. Sheamus and Cesaro talk trash before Sheamus hits another Brogue Kick on Matt.
Winners: The Hardy Boys, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman says he's going to hurt Roman Reigns permanently tonight.

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Bayley sending Alexa into the turnbuckle, hitting a suplex and then plants an elbow to the back. Bayley hits a clothesline  unloads shoulder thrusts on Alexa and gets a near fall side suplex. Bayley hits a second rope elbow, but can't hit Bayley To Belly. Alexa sends Bayley into the turnbuckle and goes to the top rope. Bayley hits a forearm and attempts a Super Bayley To Belly. Alexa blocks it and gets a near fall sunset flip power bomb on Bayley. Alexa talks trash and delivers some knees until Bayley hits a running knee of her own. Bayley hits the flying elbow drop off the top rope on Alexa and gets a near fall. Alexa sends Bayley into the turnbuckle, hits a DDT, scores the pinfall and wins the title.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to win the WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- "House of Horrors Match": Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton: Orton arrives to Bray's house and gets jumped in the living room. Orton chases after Bray into a room with baby dolls hanging from the ceiling, before getting jumped by Bray again. Both men brawl into the kitchen where Bray shoves a refrigerator over on Orton. Bray heads outside, jumps into the limo Orton came in and tells the driver to take him to the arena.
TO BE CONTINUED............

- Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins: The match closes out with Rollins attempting a power bomb on Joe, but his knee gives out that Joe worked on throughout the match. Rollins hits a Falcon Arrow instead for a near fall. Rollins hits a frog splash for another near fall, but clutches his bad knee on the landing, buying Joe some time. Rollins and Joe trade shots until Joe unloads open hand slaps on Rollins. Rollins hits a kick on Joe putting him down, but Joe comes back with a sleeper hold. Joe takes Rollins down to the mat and gets a near fall. Joe hits a clothesline on Rollins and then reapplies the sleeper hold. Rollins counters out of it and gets a surprise roll up pinfall on Joe.
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall.

- "House of Horrors Match Part 2": Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton: Bray makes it to the ring as the lights pop back on from his ring entrance and Orton is standing behind him. Orton with steel chair shots, tosses Bray over the announcers table and then hits the draping DDT onto the floor. Orton goes for the RKO, but suddenly gets jumped by the Singh Brothers. Orton fights them off and then hits an RKO on Bray. Jinder Mahal suddenly appears and hits Orton with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Mahal beats Orton down and then allows Bray to hit Sister Abigail to score the pinfall.
Winner: Bray Wyatt, by pinfall.

- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman: Reigns comes out taped up from Strowman's attack two weeks ago. The match closes out with both men out on the floor where they trade shots. Back in the ring, Strowman blocks a Superman Punch, but Reigns gets a near fall Samoan Drop. Reigns hits a Drive By and goes for a Spear, but Strowman catches him. Reigns counters out and tosses Strowman into the ring post. Strowman eats the ring post again as he misses a charge at Reigns. Back in the ring, Reigns gets a near fall Spear on Strowman. Reigns attempts a second one, but eats a Strowman boot. Reigns counters out of the power slam and hits the Superman Punch. Reigns tries for a second one, but Strowman catches Reigns and locks Reigns in a Triangle Choke submission.

Strowman releases, hits the running power slam on Reigns and gets a near fall. Strowman scoops Reigns up, hits a second running power slam and finally scores the pinfall. After the match, Strowman scoops Reigns up and hits the running power slam on top of the steel steps. Strowman picks up the steel steps and then slams them on top of Reigns. Fit Finlay and Adam Pearce force Strowman to finally back off of Reigns. WWE Medical and Officials try to help Reigns who appears to be busted open. Reigns refuses to go out on a stretcher and tries to walk on his own to end the show.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.

WWE Payback Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

The first pay per view after Wrestlemania 33 has arrived ladies and gents! WWE Payback, the RAW only event comes to us live from the SAP Center in San Jose, California. WWE Payback will take place on the WWE Network and as always if you can't catch the show just check out Triple Threat CLE on Monday afternoon and I'll have all the WWE Payback action reviewed just for you! Let's get the preview started shall we?!

- "House of Horrors Match": Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt: After a nice build up of Randy Orton earning Bray Wyatt's trust, The Viper did what he does best, turned on Wyatt and made Wyatt his latest victim. Last month at Wrestlemania 33, Randy Orton defeated Bray Wyatt to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and became the face of Smackdown Live. One week after Wrestlemania 33, Bray Wyatt laid down a challenge to Randy Orton in the first ever House of Horrors Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which Orton accepted. The following week during the Superstar Shakeup Draft, Bray Wyatt was drafted to RAW, but his match with Randy Orton was still on, only it would take place at WWE Payback, which is an all RAW roster event. As we got closer to WWE Payback, the WWE suddenly stopped advertising this match for the title and just advertised it as a House of Horrors Match. WWE has already made a new #1 Contender for the title for their next Smackdown Live pay per view, so it's unknown as to whether this match will be for the title or just a gimmick match with revenge on the line.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho: The former best friends forever are long gone with only Owens' hatred for Jericho the only thing left remaining. Last month at Wrestlemania 33, Owens and Jericho went one on one for the WWE United States Championship, which ended with Owens defeating Jericho and winning the title. The following night on RAW, Jericho immediately cashed in his rematch clause on Owens for WWE Payback. After the announcement, Owens and Samoa Joe found Jericho backstage, beat him down and left Jericho laid out. Jericho would return a week later and get revenge on Owens the night before Owens was drafted to Smackdown Live, by laying Owens out with a Code Breaker. Smackdown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan would then go on to announce that which ever superstar walks out of WWE Payback the WWE United States Champion will have a permanent home on Smackdown Live and go on to face AJ Styles for the title. The loser of the match will be shipped back over to RAW.

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries: Last month at Wrestlemania 33, Neville came out victorious over Austin Aries and successfully retained his WWE Cruiserweight Championship. One week later, Austin Aries battled it out in a #1 Contenders Fatal Four Way Match on 205 Live. Aries came out victorious and earned another shot at Neville for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Weeks leading up to WWE Payback, Neville got TJ Perkins to friend him and help him in his battle with Aries, as Perkins attacked Aries from behind after their one on one match. Neville continues to call himself the King of the Cruiserweights as Aries looks to finally dethrone the King at WWE Payback.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hardy Boys (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: Last month at Wrestlemania 33, Matt and Jeff Hardy returned to the WWE and became the new WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions, winning a Fatal Four Way Ladder Match. The next night on RAW, Sheamus and Cesaro would go on to defeat Enzo and Big Cass in a #1 Contenders Match, earning them the next shot at The Hardy Boys. The Hardy's, Sheamus and Cesaro have all seemed to have started a friendship with each other leading into their match at WWE Payback, as both teams have displayed respect toward each other. Can The Hardy's retain their titles or will Sheamus and Cesaro regain the titles they lost a few months back?

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: Last month at Wrestlemania 33, Bayley retained her WWE RAW Women's Championship while Alexa Bliss lost her WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship. Alexa Bliss arrived on RAW after being drafted over in the Superstar Shakup draft and immediately stated that she should be handed a WWE RAW Women's Championship Match. Alexa was told she needed to earn it, which she did by winning a Fatal Four Way Match to become the new #1 Contender. Alexa would then battle Bayley's best friend Sasha Banks, losing by countout on purpose just to set up Bayley to beat her down and send a message to her.

- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman: This feud began back at the WWE Royal Rumble when Strowman viciously attacked Reigns and cost him his match against Kevin Owens. Reigns went on to defeat Strowman at WWE Fastlane back in February and it looked like the feud was over. Strowman restarted the feud after Wrestlemania 33 and targeted Roman Reigns again, looking for revenge for his WWE Fastlane defeat. Strowman viciously attacked Reigns backstage, rolled him off a loading dock strapped to a stretcher and then flipped over Reigns' ambulance with Reigns inside. RAW General Manager Kurt Angle announced that Reigns suffered a shoulder injury and some internal injuries, but still demanded a one on one match with Strowman at WWE Payback. Strowman has continued on his path of destruction with Reigns on the DL, by taking out Big Show and Kalisto.

- Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe: Samoa Joe arrived on RAW the night after WWE Royal Rumble, attacked Rollins and nearly cost Rollins his match against Triple H at Wrestlemania 33 after seriously injuring Rollins' leg. Rollins was able to return without any issues and targeted Samoa Joe after defeating Triple H. RAW General Manager Kurt Angle assured Seth Rollins that he and Samoa Joe were not being drafted to Smackdown Live and both were staying on RAW. After hearing the news, Joe attacked Rollins and both men brawled throughout ringside. Samoa Joe and Seth Rollins were then officially made as a match at WWE Payback so both men could finally settle their differences.

- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Enzo and Big Cass: It was announced just days before WWE Payback that former WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson will battle Enzo and Big Cass on the WWE Payback Pre-Show. Both teams have had a mini feud with each other in the first half of the year that looks to get settled at WWE Payback.

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse, with Special Guest Finn Balor: Miz, who was just drafted over to the RAW Brand, has promised us a new edition of Miz TV with Finn Balor, who's just returned from shoulder surgery a month ago, as his guest.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/5/17: Smackdown Live Orlando Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

The first Smackdown Live after Wrestlemania 33 is upon us this week. The Orton Era begins, in Orlando, Florida with Randy Orton as the newly crowned WWE World Heavyweight Champion. What will Orton have in store for us as he now goes from the Apex Predator to the champion with the target on his back?

** This Weeks Card **
- Naomi defended her WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship against Alexa Bliss.
- "Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger made his main roster debut and battled Curt Hawkins.

- WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled Baron Corbin in a non title Street Fight Match.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Luke Harper battled Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan.

- Promos By: New WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, The Miz and Maryse and WWE Commissioner Shane McMahon.

- A former NXT World Champion makes a surprise debut on Smackdown Live.

** Smackdown Live **

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton says he proved that he's Bray Wyatt's master and he'll never forget Orton's name. Bray appears on the TitanTron and says Orton is the master of nothing. Bray says he gets his rematch against Orton, is going to make it something special, will push Orton's mind to insanity, will twist him mentally and physically and one of them will be sentenced to eternal damnation. Bray challenges Orton to a House of Horrors Match and Orton accepts. Bray suddenly appears behind Orton, but Orton gets the upperhand. Erick Rowan suddenly pulls Orton outside and tosses Orton into the barricade. Rowan and Bray double team Orton until Luke Harper hits the ring and saves Orton. 

- Backstage, The Miz and Maryse continue to mock John Cena and Nikki Bella. Miz calls out the power couple and promises that this will be the last time you ever see them tonight.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match": Naomi (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Naomi hitting Rear View, but gets a near fall. Naomi flies off the top rope and takes out Alexa, but Alexa counters the split legged moonsault. Alexa goes after Naomi's knee and tries to steal a pinfall using the ropes for leverage. Naomi traps Alexa in a submission hold and forces Alexa to tap out to retain the title.
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- Curt Hawkins vs. Tye Dillinger: Before the match, Hawkins says he's sick of people talking about the draft, issues an open challenge and gives that person to the count of ten to come out. "Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger arrives making his main roster debut. The match closes out with Dillinger unloading ten corner punches on Hawkins. Dillinger hits the Tye Breaker on Hawkins and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Mojo Rawley is celebrating his Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal win. Mojo says this is just the beginning and has raised the bar.

- The Miz and Maryse Promo: Miz and Maryse come out dressed as John Cena and Nikki Bella. Miz and Maryse mock Cena and Nikki, their Wrestlemania wedding proposal and how they're leaving WWE for Hollywood. Shinsuke Nakamura's music hits and Nakamura makes his Smackdown Live debut. Miz and Maryse leave as Nakamura takes in the fans cheers and welcomes to Smackdown Live.

- "Street Fight Match" Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Ambrose whipping Corbin with a strap. Ambrose hits the elbow off the top rope onto Corbin outside. Ambrose puts Corbin on a bridged table and unloads punches. Ambrose hits the flying elbow off the top rope and puts Corbin through the table. Ambrose goes to the top rope, but gets crotched by Corbin this time. Corbin hits End of Days and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall.

- Shane McMahon Promo: Shane talks about the draft on RAW and every RAW superstar needs to hope they get drafted to Smackdown Live, the best show going. AJ Styles interrupts and heads to the ring. Styles says he doesn't want to go anywhere because he helped build Smackdown Live. Styles says no one from RAW will take that spot away from him. Styles then tells Shane he owes him something after their match at Wrestlemania 33. Styles extends his hand and Shane shakes it. Styles poses and leaves the ring.

- Randy Orton and Luke Harper vs. Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Orton going for the draping DDT on Rowan, but Bray makes the save. Orton hits the draping DDT on Bray instead and goes for the RKO. The lights suddenly go out in the arena. The lights pop back on and Bray is standing on the ramp. Rowan charges Orton, but Orton dodges Rowan. Harper hits a super kick on Rowan and Orton hits the RKO for the pinfall.
Winners: Randy Orton and Luke Harper, by pinfall.