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.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/18/17: RAW Columbus Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Happy day after Easter, hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday and didn't eat too much chocolate. I'm back at it this week for your RAW recap from Monday night's show. RAW was live this week just south of us down I-77, in Buckeye Country, Columbus, Ohio.

** This Weeks Card **
- Samoa Joe battled Chris Jericho.
- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson battled Enzo and Big Cass.
- TJ Perkins battled Jack Gallagher.
- Sasha Banks battled Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss and Mickie James in a Fatal Four Way Match to determine a new #1 Contender.
- Finn Balor battled Curt Hawkins.
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy battled Cesaro.
- Big Show battled Braun Strowman. 

- Promos from: Braun Strowman

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse and their special guest WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose.

** RAW **

- Braun Strowman Promo: Strowman brags about the injuries he gave Roman Reigns last week, says Reigns won't be here tonight and puts the RAW locker room on notice. Kurt Angle interrupts and heads to the ring. Angle says that Strowman has done enough damage and is giving Reigns what he wanted....a one on one match with Strowman at WWE Payback. Angle gives Strowman the night off as punishment, but Strowman reminds Angle that Mick Foley tried controlling Strowman but it didn't work for him either. Angle dares Strowman to try something right now. Strowman stares down Angle before backing off and leaving the ring.

- Samoa Joe vs. Chris Jericho: Seth Rollins was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Jericho dodging a Joe splash and locks Joe in the Walls of Jericho submission. Joe escapes, counters a second attempt at the Walls of Jericho, traps Jericho in the Coquina Clutch submission and gets Jericho to tap out. After the match, Joe reminds Rollins of the enjoyment Joe got when he tore Rollins' leg and promises that their match at WWE Payback will be very personal after what Rollins did to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Rollins remembers what Joe did to his leg, almost ending his career and promises Joe that at WWE Payback....payback will be a bitch. 
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman viciously attacks Goldust and R-Truth. Goldust gets tossed into a storage area and R-Truth gets beat down and kicked into a cart before WWE officials arrive.

- Backstage, a WWE official tells Braun Strowman that Kurt Angle gave him the night off and he should leave the building. Strowman stands up and says he'll leave when he wants to.

- Enzo and Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Cass hitting a side slam, the Empire Elbow and a big boot. Cass lands another big boot on Gallows and he and Gallows both flip over the ropes to the floor. Anderson catches a flying Enzo and tosses him into the turnbuckle to score the pinfall.
Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, by pinfall.

- Miz TV With The Miz and Maryse: Dean Ambrose comes out and offers a truce to The Miz since they're both from Ohio. Miz asks if this is a joke and Ambrose jokes about Miz's suit and tie. Miz says he dresses like a professional superstar, walks the part, talks the part and is the part. Ambrose says he's not worried about that and he's not worried about being a brand because he's Dean Ambrose. Maryse calls Ambrose a dirty street rat and then Miz mocks Ambrose some more. Ambrose tackles Miz and unloads on Miz. Maryse hits Ambrose with her high heel getting his attention. Miz tries to take advantage, but gets beat down by Ambrose again until Miz escapes.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman is dragging a knocked out Kalisto around. Big Show shoves Strowman off Kalisto and dares him to pick on someone his own size. Strowman ends up walking off.

- TJ Perkins vs. Jack Gallagher: Neville and Austin Aries appear and stand at ringside. The match closes out with Gallagher getting shoved into Aries who's on the apron. Neville then knocks Aries off the apron from behind. Perkins lands a cheap shot on Gallagher, hits the Detonation Kick and scores the pinfall.
Winner: TJ Perkins, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Titus O'Neil asks Apollo Crews what he's going to do to make an impact on RAW. Titus then tries to get Crews to join the Titus Brand.

- Backstage, The Hardy's talk about their return. Sheamus and Cesaro interrupt welcome The Hardy's back and say it'll be an honor to win back the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship from them at WWE Payback.

- "#1 Contenders Fatal Four Way Match": Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Sasha trapping Alexa in the Banks Statement submission, but Mickie breaks it up. Mickie and Sasha trade shots until Mickie drops Sasha and goes to the top rope. Sasha cuts off Mickie, but gets attacked by Nia. Nia uses Sasha to knock Mickie to the floor. Nia hits the Samoan Drop on Sasha, but gets drop kicked by Alexa. Alexa covers Sasha and steals the pinfall.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender.

- Backstage, Big Show says that Braun Strowman is getting a giant style dose of his own medicine.

- Finn Balor vs. Curt Hawkins: Balor makes quick work of Hawkins with a dropkick, Slingblade, another dropkick and Coup de Grace for the pinfall.
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho gives props to Samoa Joe, but can't wait to get his hands on Kevin Owens at WWE Payback because America deserves a better WWE United States Champion. Elias Samson walks past and Jericho adds him to The List.

- Backstage, Bray Wyatt says he doesn't bow down to fear, fear lives in his house, he knows Randy Orton is scared and all his fears will come to light in the House of Horrors Match at WWE Payback.

- Backstage, Emma gets Alicia Fox to turn on Dana Brooke by saying that Dana makes fun of Alicia behind her back. Dana says she's lying, but Alicia storms off mad.

- Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro: The match closes out with Jeff hitting a drop kick on Cesaro but misses a boot. Cesaro goes for The Neutralizer, but Jeff counters with the Twist of Fate. Jeff hits the Swanton Bomb on Cesaro for the pinfall. After the match, both teams shake hands.
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall.

- Big Show vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Show catching Strowman and getting a near fall choke slam. Strowman dodges the Knockout Punch and gets a near fall slam on Show. Strowman goes to the top rope, but Show meets him up top. Show gets crotched on the ropes by Strowman and goes to the mat. Strowman leaps off the top rope, but eats the Knockout Punch from Show in mid air for another near fall. Show now goes to the top rope, but Strowman meets him there. Strowman nails Show and then superplexes Show off the top rope. Show and Strowman land in the ring and the ring implodes out from under them. WWE Medical hit a the ring to check on both men as they lay unconscious in the destroyed ring. Strowman finally gets up and leaves Show laid out in the ring to end the show.
Winner: No Contest.

WWE Fastlane 2017 Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the WWE Fastlane recap. WWE Fastlane was live at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was the next stop on the Road to Wrestlemania 33 for RAW. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Goldberg. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defended their titles against Enzo and Big Cass. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defended his title against Jack Gallagher. WWE RAW Women's Champion Bayley defended her title against Charlotte. Braun Strowman battled Roman Reigns in a one on one match. Samoa Joe battled Sami Zayn in a one on one match. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one match. Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann battled Noam Dar and Brian Kendrick in Cruiserweight Division tag team action. Cesaro battled Jinder Mahal in an impromptu one on one match. Big Show battled Rusev in an impromptu one on one match.

** Pre-Show **

- Backstage, Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar talk strategy. Kendrick tells Dar to stay focused on the match and not his crazy girlfriend Alicia Fox. Alicia gets riled up, forcing Dar to calm her down.

- Backstage, Mick Foley is on the phone with Stephanie McMahon, because Stephanie's flight is delayed. Jinder Mahal interrupts to announce that due to Rusev's attitude, they are no longer a tag team. Foley puts Stephanie on hold as Rusev and Lana storm in and Rusev accuses Mahal of stealing his ideas. Foley tells them to get to the ring because they'll be in a tag team match tonight. Foley walks off and forgets about Stephanie on hold. 

- Social Media Lounge Interview With Samoa Joe: Joe says Triple H brought Joe in to make an impact and he did that by injuring Seth Rollins. Joe says tonight he'll punish Sami Zayn until he breaks him. Joe plans on announcing his Wrestlemania 33 plans soon and promises his presence will be felt full force.

- Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann vs. Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar: The match closes out with Tozawa landing a kick on Kendrick, but Kendrick gets a near fall roll up. Kendrick tags in Dar who gets tossed to the floor by Tozawa. Swann is in and tosses Kendrick to the floor. Swann and Tozawa charge and hit double suicide dives on Kendrick and Dar. Tozawa hits a Shining Wizard on Kendrick, but Tozawa eats a Dar knee. Swann hits a knee on Dar and goes to the top rope. Swann lands on his feet after Dar moves and Dar gets a near fall roll up on Swann. Swann kicks both Dar and Kendrick in the mouth and Tozawa follows with a snapping german suplex on Kendrick. Swann goes to the top rope, hits the Phoenix Splash and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann, by pinfall.

** WWE Fastlane **

- Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Joe connecting with an inverted atomic drop and a boot for a near fall. Joe gets another near fall powerslam and Zayn makes a comeback afterwards. Zayn goes to the top rope, but Joe meets Zayn there and they trade strikes. Joe goes for the Muscle Buster, but Zayn counters it. Joe hits a leaping enziguri and stuns Zayn on the ropes. Joe goes for a superplex off the top rope, but Zayn again comes back to life and lands shots on Joe. Zayn goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, but Joe holds on and blocks the move. Zayn ends up dropping Joe face first on the turnbuckle instead and goes for the Helluva Kick. Joe counters the Helluva Kick and plants Zayn into the mat with a slam. Joe traps Zayn in the Coquina Clutch submission and Zayn has no choice but to tap out. After the match, Joe tells a hurting Zayn "I told you so", before leaving the ring.
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission.

- Backstage, Bayley says she's nervous about tonight's match with Charlotte. Bayley is expecting Charlotte to bring Dana Brooke with her, but Bayley is up for the unfair advantage. Nia Jax interrupts to inform Bayley that tonight Nia is ripping apart Bayley's friend Sasha Banks and if Bayley somehow survives Charlotte, Nia is coming for Bayley next.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo and Big Cass: The match closes out with Enzo dodging an elbow from Gallows. Enzo finally tags Cass and Cass unloads on Anderson and hits a fall away slam. Cass hits a corner splash, another fall away on Anderson, another splash and a side slam. Cass hits the Empire Elbow on Anderson then knocks Gallows off the apron. Anderson rolls up Cass and gets a near fall, but Cass comes back with a big boot. Cass and Enzo hit a double team on Anderson, but Gallows stops the pinfall.

Cass and Gallows brawl on the floor where Gallows sends Cass into the apron and the barricade. Enzo flies and sends Gallows off the apron and to the floor. Anderson nails a big boot on Enzo and scores the pinfall, however, Enzo's foot was on the bottom rope, which should have cancelled the pinfall, but Gallows shoved it off. After the match, Cass tries to tell the referee what happened, but the referee refuses to listen.
Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Backstage, Mick Foley is on the phone with Stephanie McMahon again. Stephanie says her plane is stuck on the tarmac so Foley needs to make sure Fastlane is a success. Stephanie says she'll check in all night by phone and then can be heard yelling at the pilots.

- Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Nia countering a Sasha guillotine choke submission by powering out. Sasha jumps onto Nia's back and applies a sleeper hold submission. Nia again counters out by slamming Sasha into the mat. Sasha unloads some punches, a knee and puts in some boots on Nia. Sasha plants Nia with a DDT and immediately locks in the Banks Statement submission. Nia powers out of the submission, but Sasha hangs on and unloads on Nia. Nia plants Sasha on the mat as she charges and then drops the leg drop on her. Nia talks trash instead of covering Sasha and then tosses Sasha around by her hair. Nia goes for the Samoan Drop, but Sasha counters out, rolls up Nia with a bridge and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sasha Banks, by pinfall

- Jinder Mahal and Rusev In Ring Segment: Mahal and Rusev argue over who's wrestling first and start brawling. Mahal sends Rusev into the ring post and then dumps him over the barricade.

- Cesaro vs. Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Mahal landing a knee and sending Cesaro into the corner. Cesaro lands a suplex and then unloads the uppercut train on Mahal in the corner. Cesaro hits the Swiss 19, goes to the top rope and hits a cross body for a near fall. Mahal counters the Cesaro Swing and plants a super kick on Cesaro. Rusev returns to ringside and distracts Mahal. Cesaro hits an uppercut on Mahal and scores the pinfall. After the match, Rusev sends Mahal into the ringpost, unloads punches and drops Mahal with a thrust kick. Big Show makes his way out to face Rusev next.
Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall.

- Big Show vs. Rusev: The match closes out with Rusev in control, stomps on Show's back and goes for The Accolade submission. Show counters out by shoving Rusev to the floor. Show grabs Rusev as he gets back in the ring and plants Rusev with a choke slam. Show brings down his straps and plants Rusev with another choke slam. Show grabs Rusev up off the mat and delivers a third choke slam. Show drags Rusev into the corner and lays him down on the bottom turnbuckle. Show delivers the Knockout Punch on Rusev and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Big Show, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Kevin Owens guarantees he's beating Goldberg tonight and the Kevin Owens Show will go on.

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Gallagher drilling Neville with a head butt and gets a near fall. Neville counters the Gallagher running drop kick and kicks Gallagher out to the apron. Neville goes for a superplex, but Gallagher counters and sends Neville to the mat. Gallagher takes control and hits another head butt on Neville, as Neville sits on the top rope. Neville comes back to life and sends Gallagher flying off the ropes to the mat. Neville hits the Red Arrow on Gallagher and scores the pinfall, to retain the title.
Winner: Neville, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

- Backstage, Paul Heyman arrives and says that Brock Lesnar has the right to be here, but Heyman isn't going to say whether or not Lesnar is in the building. Heyman says that Brock Lesnar will be the ultimate winner of tonight's WWE Universal Championship Match no matter if Goldberg wins or not.

- The New Day Promo: The New Day arrive with an ice cream cart and state that the fans made Booty-O's cereal possible now it's time to get New Day ice cream started. New Day announce that their riding their ice cream cart all the way to Wrestlemania 33.

- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Strowman missing a running boot, gets tangled in the ropes and falls to the floor. Strowman appears to have hurt his knee as Reigns hits the Drive By. Reigns goes for the spear, but Strowman catches Reigns and power slams Reigns through the announcers table. Reigns gets tossed back into the ring, but hits the spear on Strowman as Strowman re-enters the ring and gets a near fall. Reigns gets sent into the corner as Strowman charges, misses and eats the turnbuckle. Reigns hits a Superman Punch and then follows with a second one knocking Strowman into the ropes. Reigns charges at Strowman, but gets dropped to the mat. Strowman climbs to the top rope and goes for a big splash on Reigns. Reigns moves out of the way and then hits the spear on Strowman to score the pinfall.
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Mick Foley confronts Samoa Joe and says that he better not get involved with the main event because it would taint the win if he helps Owens win. Foley promises that Joe will have hell to pay if he does.

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte: The match closes out with Bayley hitting the hurricanrana and an elbow drop for a near fall. Charlotte tosses Bayley to the floor and then hits Natural Selection as Bayley gets back into the ring for a near fall. Bayley counters the Figure Four leglock and sends Charlotte to the floor. Bayley gets on the apron and gets sent to the floor by Charlotte. Sasha Banks suddenly hits ringside and distracts Charlotte. Charlotte lays out Sasha, but then Charlotte gets dropped with Bayley To Belly on the floor. Back in the ring, Charlotte gets a near fall roll up on Bayley with a handful of tights. Sasha yells at the referee to bring Charlotte's cheating to his attention. Charlotte again gets distracted by Sasha allowing Bayley to hit Bayley To Belly to score the pinfall and retain the title.
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Goldberg: Owens plays games with Goldberg by refusing to wrestle and pacing around outside the ring. Owens finally gets in the ring and as soon as the bell rings Chris Jericho's music hits. Jericho stands on the stage distracting Owens. Goldberg hits the spear and the Jackhammer on Owens, covers and scores the pinfall to win the title. Goldberg celebrates with the fans to end the show.
Winner: Goldberg, by pinfall, to win the WWE Universal Championship.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 2/7/17: RAW Portland Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

This week RAW was live in Portland, Oregon. Samoa Joe kicked off RAW with the official contract signing to join the main roster on RAW. Bayley battled Nia Jax in a one on one Women's Division match. Braun Strowman battled four local talents in a Handicap Match as Strowman still searches for competition on RAW. Akira Tozawa made his RAW debut as he battled Drew Gulak in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Goldberg returns to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge and earns a WWE Universal Championship Match. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions The Club defended their titles against Sheamus and Cesaro. The New Day battled The Shining Stars in tag team division action. WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho defended his title against Sami Zayn. Austin Aries interviewed WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar battled Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Main event time saw Roman Reigns battle Samoa Joe in a one on one match.

** RAW **

- Samoa Joe Contract Signing: Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring with the RAW contract. Foley seems unhappy as he introduces Joe. Joe arrives and Stephanie reintroduces him with more excitement. Stephanie then insults Foley for not showing happiness and respect to Joe. Foley says he's a fan of Joe, but not a fan of the people he chooses to associate with. Joe says he's waited 18 years to get to the WWE, Triple H opened the door for him and if Seth Rollins was put on the DL because of it, well then so be it. Joe signs his RAW contract and puts the whole RAW locker room on notice. Roman Reigns interrupts and heads to the ring. Reigns says Joe wants to make threats, he just stepped into Reigns' yard so why don't he try to threaten him. Foley interrupts and reminds everyone that he is still the general manager of RAW and announces Reigns vs. Joe for tonight.

- Bayley vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Nia sending Bayley into the barricade. Nia charges, but misses Bayley and hits the ringpost. Charlotte arrives at ringside and distracts Bayley. Bayley flips Charlotte into the ring and then drop kicks her back to the floor. Bayley turns around, gets planted by a Nia Samoan Drop and Nia scores the pinfall.
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.

- "Handicap Match": Braun Strowman vs. Dusty Wallace, James Stock, CC Bonin and Rob Pelley: Strowman makes quick work of the four up and comers. One of them runs away as Strowman hits the running powerslam, stacks the remaining three on top of each other and scores the pinfall. After the match, Strowman says he warned Mick Foley to find him competition, Foley failed and now Strowman is coming for Foley.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman confronts Mick Foley. Foley gets in Strowman's face and says that if it's competition that Strowman wants so bad, well than he can fight Roman Reigns at WWE Fastlane.

- Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak: The match closes out with Tozawa hitting a german suplex into a bridge on Gulak and scores the pinfall. After the match, Brian Kendrick arrives and offers Tozawa a welcoming handshake. Tozawa ignores the handshake and continues celebrating his win.
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall.

- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: Owens brags about retaining the WWE Universal Championship last week and Jericho brags about how he'll retain the WWE United States Championship later tonight. Jericho adds the New England Patriots and Tom Brady to The List for stealing the greatest of all time nickname. Jericho says he has a great idea for a match at Wrestlemania 33, Jericho vs. Kevin Owens. Owens likes the idea, but says no because he can't fight his best friend. Goldberg interrupts and heads to the ring. Goldberg accepts Brock Lesnar's challenge then dares Owens and Jericho to grow a set and fight him. Owens brags about being the longest reigning WWE Universal champion. Goldberg says it's because Owens never fought Goldberg. Jericho mocks Goldberg. Goldberg grabs The List away from Jericho and writes his own name on it. Jericho says that if Goldberg wants a match than he's got it. Goldberg vs. Kevin Owens at WWE Fastlane for the WWE Universal Championship. Owens is left in shock that Jericho put his title on the line and begins arguing with Jericho. 

- Backstage, Chris Jericho promises to have Kevin Owens' back at WWE Fastlane. Owens still can't believe Jericho did what he did and storms off.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Club (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: Enzo and Big Cass were on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Anderson getting double teamed and Cesaro gets a near fall. Gallows hits a boot on Sheamus, knocking him outside. Enzo talks trash to Gallows, forcing Gallows to kick Enzo. Cass boots Gallows and causes the DQ. After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro argue with Enzo and Big Cass for costing them the match.
Winners: The Club, by DQ, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Seth Rollins update states that he tore his MCL and his status for Wrestlemania 33 is unknown.

- The New Day vs. The Shining Stars: The match closes out with Big E hot tagging and unloading. Woods takes out Primo to the floor. Big E and Woods hit a double team on Epico and score the pinfall.
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho says he and Kevin Owens are having minor problems. Owens interrupts, gets on the same page with Jericho and they share a bro hug.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Code Breaker and lays out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn gets a near fall on Jericho with the Blue Thunder Bomb. Jericho counters a DDT and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes for the submission break. Jericho distracts the referee, allowing Kevin Owens to hit a super kick on Zayn. Jericho hits the Code Breaker on Zayn, scores the pinfall and retains the title.
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall, to retain the WWE United States Championship.

- Backstage, Charlotte brags to Sasha Banks about her success and mocks Sasha's knee injury. Charlotte says that apparently Roadblock: End of the Line meant the end of Sasha's career.

- Austin Aries Interviews WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville: Aries hypes up 205 Live tomorrow with the winner of a Five Way Elimination Match getting a title shot at WWE Fastlane. Neville says it doesn't matter who wins because none of them scare him and the winner will have to pay respects to the king. Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar both interrupt and head to the ring. Dar says he's taking Neville's title and brags about taking Alicia Fox away from Alexander. Jack Gallagher, Tony Nese and TJ Perkins all interrupt next and head to the ring. Perkins says he was the first ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion and knows what it takes to win it. Perkins decks Nese and a brawl breaks out which sets up a six man tag team match next.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar vs. Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Neville walking out on his team and Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Dar for the pinfall.
Winners: Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho tells Kevin Owens that they are having a Festival of Friendship party next week on RAW in Las Vegas. Owens seems not interested but agrees.

- Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe: The match closes out with Reigns planting Joe with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Reigns goes for the Superman Punch, but Joe rolls to the floor. Reigns catches Joe with the Drive By and tosses Joe back in the ring. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Joe, but Braun Strowman suddenly arrives at ringside. Reigns lands a punch and a Superman Punch on Strowman, keeping him out of the ring. Joe kicks Reigns in the head and hits a suplex to score the pinfall. After the match, Strowman plants Reigns with the running powerslam. Strowman takes Reigns to the floor, connects with a punch and then smacks Reigns in the face with the steel steps. Strowman picks up Reigns and gives him a running powerslam, crashing through the barricade. WWE Officials back off Strowman and check on Reigns to end the show.
Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 1/31/17: RAW Laredo Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

This week RAW was live in Laredo, Texas, just one night removed from the WWE Royal Rumble. Stephanie McMahon announced that Seth Rollins would receive punishment for invading NXT Takeover: San Antonio on Saturday night, trying to go after Triple H. What was Rollins' punishment? WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho battled Sami Zayn in a one on one non title match. Tony Nese battled Mustafa Ali in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley battled The Club and Charlotte in a Six Person Tag Team Match. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Braun Strowman. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman send out a challenge to Goldberg. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one Women's Division match. Enzo and Big Cass battled Rusev and Jinder Mahal in a Texas Tornado Tag Team Match. Triple H finally returns and sends a message to Seth Rollins.

** RAW **

- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho kick off RAW. Owens talks about retaining the title at Royal Rumble, proving Mick Foley wrong, beating Roman Reigns because he's the best and thanks Chris Jericho for his friendship and for all his help. Jericho brags about his Royal Rumble history, how he lasted 61 minutes last night and demands us all to tweet out on social media #61MinuteMan and #GreatestOfAllTime. Braun Strowman suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Strowman says he helped because he hates Reigns and he was promised a title shot from Owens. Owens tries to play it off like he never said that and never asked Strowman to interfere in the match. Strowman plays a video of Owens promising Strowman a title shot, but Owens still denies it and says it was photoshopped. Strowman threatens to break Owens in half as Mick Foley arrives. Foley announces that Owens promised Strowman the match so Strowman is getting it tonight. Owens is furious as Strowman stares down Owens.

- Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Walls of Jericho submission and hits a tornado DDT. Jericho counters the Helluva Kick and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes to break the submission and eventually takes out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are arguing when Bayley tells them to stop because they all have a six person tag match tonight. The Club and Charlotte appear and crack jokes, stating the champs will beat the chumps tonight.

- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon tells Kevin Owens that she had no clue about what Foley's plans were tonight. She tells Owens that after she's finished with Seth Rollins, she'll deal with Foley and get Owens' title match cancelled. Owens thanks Stephanie and walks off.

- Tony Nese vs. Mustafa Ali: The match closes out with Nese catching Ali on the top rope. Ali kicks Nese away then goes for the inverted 450. Nese takes Ali's legs out and Ali falls to the mat. Nese takes down his knee pad and hits the running knee on Ali for the pinfall. After the match, Austin Aries tries to interview Nese, but Nese says he doesn't have to answer questions for his critics.
Winner: Tony Nese, by pinfall.

- Stephanie McMahon and Seth Rollins Face To Face: Seth Rollins says he knows Triple H is backstage, but he wants to talk to Stephanie McMahon. Stephaine arrives and says Triple H isn't here. Rollins asks Stephanie when she's going to let Triple H off his leash. Stephanie says Triple H is afraid of what he'll do to Rollins, he's afraid Rollins will bring out his darkside again. Stephanie mentions how Rollins missed Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania 32 last year so he owes everyone an apology, accept for the fans because the fans don't deserve an apology. Rollins says he's sorry for exposing Triple H as a gutless snake. Rollins wonders who the guy in the suit is because it isn't Triple H and Triple H is scared of Rollins because Rollins is a threat to Triple H's legacy. Stephanie says Rollins disgusts her, he doesn't measure up to Triple H because Triple H is a creator, a destroyer and a king. Stephaine guarantees Rollins will be the architect of his own demise. Rollins says he has nothing to lose, if need be he'll show up at WWE HQ, interrupt a board meeting or just show up at their house just to get his hands on Triple H. Stephanie backs away and promises Triple H is coming tonight and is coming for Rollins.

- "Six Person Tag Team Match": Cesaro, Sheamus and Bayley vs. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Charlotte: The match closes out with Cesaro spinning Gallows in the Cesaro Swing. Charlotte comes in and brawls with Bayley. Cesaro leaps off the top rope and takes out Gallows and Anderson outside. Bayley catches Charlotte and plants her with Bayley To Belly to score the pinfall.
Winners: Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon demands to know why she wasn't told about Strowman vs. Owens for the WWE Universal Championship tonight. Foley says let him do his job that he was hired to do and demands answers on why Triple H's music played last week costing Seth Rollins his match. Stephanie says it was a production error. Foley says he's not stupid and Stephanie says Triple H will be here tonight.

- Neville Promo: Neville says he proved everyone wrong, the fans never supported him and he is the king of the cruiserweights. Rich Swann interrupts and informs Neville that Swann has a rematch tonight. Neville demands Swann to bow to the king and a brawl suddenly breaks out. Neville unloads kicks, but Swann comes back and takes advantage of Neville forcing Neville to retreat.

- Backstage, Sasha Banks is preparing for her rematch with Nia Jax. Bayley arrives and tries to warn Sasha about Nia, but Sasha refuses to listen.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho informs Kevin Owens that his title match is still on. Owens asks Jericho for help. Jericho says he wrestled 61 minutes at the Royal Rumble and Owens wasn't there for his match with Zayn earlier. Owens tries to pep talk Jericho and get him hyped up, but Jericho seems to be not buying it.

- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Owens hitting a leg drop and a senton. Owens hits a frog splash on Strowman for a near fall. Owens kicks Strowman in the face then goes to the top rope. Strowman grabs Owens and goes for the running power slam. Roman Reigns' music hits and Reigns shows up at ringside. Reigns and Strowman stare each other down until Reigns drills Strowman with a Superman Punch causing the DQ. After the match, Reigns clotheslines Strowman to the floor. Reigns hits a leaping punch off the steel steps, but Strowman is still standing. Reigns does a leaping spear off the steel steps and takes out Strowman. Reigns gets back in the ring and hits a spear on Owens.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by DQ.

- Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman Promo: Heyman admits that Goldberg has had Lesnar's number the past few months with the Survivor Series match and the easy elimination at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says all that must be eliminated and eradicated, so Brock Lesnar is challenging Goldberg to one more match at Wrestlemania 33. Lesnar points up to the WrestleMania sign and then walks off with Heyman.

- Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Sasha sending Nia to the floor. Sasha tries a baseball slide, but gets caught by Nia. Nia sends Sasha's injured knee into the ringpost twice, then tosses back into the ring. Nia goes for a leg submission, but the bell suddenly rings confusing everyone. Nia finally releases the submission and the referee checks on Sasha. Nia locks in another submission on Sasha forcing Bayley to finally hit the ring to make the save for Sasha.
Winner: Nia Jax, by stoppage.

- "Texas Tornado Tag Team Match": Enzo and Big Cass vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Rusev and Mahal double teaming Cass. Mahal runs the ropes, but gets grabbed and pulled outside by Enzo. Enzo sends Mahal into the steel steps and then uses a rope to choke Rusev. Cass hits the Big Boot on Rusev. Enzo and Cass hit the Rocket Launcher on Rusev and score the pinfall.
Winners: Enzo and Big Cass, by pinfall.

- Outside, a limousine pulls into the arena and Triple H gets out.

- It's announced that Goldberg will be on RAW next week to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge.

- Triple H Promo: Triple H says that Seth Rollins had everything, all he had to do was hold up his end of the bargain, but he failed. Triple H says the pressure got to Rollins, he caved, got injured, vacated the championship and it felt like a spit in the face to Triple H. Triple H calls Rollins a failure, took no responsibility for failing and Triple H feels that he's owed an apology. Triple H says all those times Rollins called him out, it was hard not to come out and beat Rollins' ass, but it was best for business not to. Triple H says he tries daily to enjoy his office job, tries to leave the wrestler behind and be a creator in the WWE.

Triple H says it's hard to be a creator when someone like Seth Rollins wants to interrupt things and cause problems. Triple H takes off his jacket, tells Rollins he's right here and it's time for Rollins' creator to become Rollins' destroyer. Seth Rollins appears, stares down Triple H and heads to the ring. Just before Rollins can get in the ring, Samoa Joe comes out of nowhere and attacks Rollins. Joe beats down Rollins and tosses him into the barricade twice. Triple H looks down on Rollins' body and leaves Joe to finish Rollins off. Joe lands a kick to the head of Rollins, hits three senton splashes and then chokes Rollins unconscious with the Coquina Clutch to end the show.