WWE Backlash Recap #WWEBacklash

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We have returned to the Windy City for night number two of the WWE's two night extravaganza in Chicago, Illinois. WWE Backlash, was live at the Allstate Arena on the WWE Network. NXT set things up with yet another incredible show on Saturday night. Can WWE deliver on their half with Smackdown Live's roster looking to grab the spotlight.

** WWE Backlash Card **

- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton defended his title against Jinder Mahal.
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against AJ Styles.
- WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Usos defended their titles against Breezango.
- Shinsuke Nakamura made his Smackdown Live wrestling debut battling Dolph Ziggler.
- Charlotte, Becky Lynch and WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi battled Carmella, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina in a Six Woman Tag Team Match.
- Baron Corbin battled Sami Zayn.
- Luke Harper battled Erick Rowan.
- Tye Dillinger battled Aiden English.

** WWE Backlash Pre-Show **

- Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English: The match closes out with Dillinger hitting ten corner punches on English. English escapes to the floor and gets Dillinger to follow him, allowing English to toss Dillinger outside. English goes to the top rope, but gets tossed off by Dillinger. Dillinger misses a top rope splash then gets sent into the mat by English for a near fall. English gets frustrated and starts talking trash to Dillinger. English slams Dillinger then goes to the top rope. English misses the aerial move and then misses again charging at Dillinger. Dillinger hits the Tye Breaker on English and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

** WWE Backlash **

- Dolph Ziggler vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: The match closes out with Ziggler getting a near fall Zig Zag. Ziggler and Nakamura trade counters until Nakamura hits a knee and a kick to the head on Ziggler. Ziggler counters an Exploder suplex and plants a super kick on Nakamura, getting a near fall. Ziggler and Nakamura trade offensive moves until Nakamura plants a knee to the face of Ziggler. Nakamura attempts a Kinshasa off the ropes, but Ziggler moves. Nakamura dodges a Ziggler super kick and hits an inverted Exploder suplex. Nakamura delivers the Kinshasa on Ziggler and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Fandango landing a kick on Key for a near fall. Jey misses a corner splash allowing Fandango to get a near fall DDT. Breeze and Fandango double team Jey until he fights back and tags in Jimmy. The Usos double team Breeze and catch a near fall. Breeze and Jey trade offense until Breeze hits an Unprettier for a near fall. Breeze leaps off the apron onto The Usos, but gets dumped over the barricade. Fandango flies off the apron and takes out The Usos next. Back in the ring, Fandango gets shoved off the top rope by Jey, allowing Jimmy to hit the Uso Kick for the pinfall.
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn blocking a superplex off the ropes and hits Corbin with a sunset flip power bomb for a near fall. Corbin blocks a corner DDT by Zayn. Corbin then blocks an Exploder suplex attempt by Zayn next. Zayn rolls up Corbin and gets a near fall. Corbin catches Zayn and drills him with Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin unloads stomps on Zayn and then unloads forearms. The referee warns Corbin as he begins to land more stomps on Zayn. Corbin charges, but Zayn tosses Corbin out to the floor. Corbin gets back into the ring and eats a kick by Zayn. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick on Corbin and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers arrive. Mahal mocks Chicago, says he'll take the fans hatred for him and make it a positive and he's going to make everyone across the world understand what the 1.3 billion people of India already know, that Mahal is the modern day Maharaja.

- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Naomi, Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella, Tamina and Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Naomi hot tagging Becky. Becky unloads on all three members of the Welcoming Committee. Becky hits uppercuts and the Bexploder suplex on Nattie for a near fall. Tamina tries to knock Becky off the top rope, but gets sent flying off the apron. Nattie takes control of Becky and attempts the Sharpshooter submission. Becky counters and locks Nattie in the DisArmHer submission. Carmella breaks up the submission, but gets tossed outside by Charlotte. Tamina plants a super kick on Charlotte then hits a head butt on Naomi. Becky and Nattie trade offense until Becky drops Tamima, as she tries to interfere again. Nattie drops Becky, locks in the Sharpshooter submission and makes Becky tap out. 
Winners: Carmella, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina, by submission.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles: The match closes out with Styles failing on a Phenomenal Forearm attempt as his leg that Owens worked on in the match goes out. Owens gets a near fall, kicks Styles around and talks trash. Styles catches Owens right in the face with a Pele Kick as Owens talked trash. Styles goes to the corner, but Owens attacks and takes Styles down with a suplex for a near fall. Owens climbs the ropes, but Styles rolls onto the apron. Styles counters Owens and suplexes him on the apron, sending himself and Owens to the floor. Owens tosses Styles into the timekeepers area, but Styles flies back and nails a forearm. Styles grabs Owens and attempts the Styles Clash right on the announcers table. Owens counters by grabbing Styles' leg and trapping it in between a gap in the table. Styles is trapped as Owens rolls back into the ring and wins by countout. After the match, Owens drills Styles with a super kick to the head while he's still trapped in the table, as he leaves ringside.
Winner: Kevin Owens, by countout.

- Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper: The match closes out with Harper hitting a tilt a whirl slam for a near fall. Rowan hits a spin kick and then a power bomb on Harper for a near fall. Rowan unloads on Harper, but Harper comes back and gets another near fall. Rowan and Harper trade shots back and forth, Harper unloads chops and then Rowan lands a gut shot on Rowan. Harper counters a power bomb and tosses Rowan across the ring. Harper hits a super kick on Rowan. Rowan looks to his sheep mask for motivation. Harper hits the Harper Lariat and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Luke Harper, by pinfall.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Randy Orton (c) vs. Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Orton hitting the hanging DDT and measures up for the RKO. Mahal rolls outside where the Singh Brothers are. Orton heads outside and goes after Mahal from behind. Orton lands a slap and a kick on both Singh Brothers. Orton tosses one Singh Brother into the barricade and the other into the apron. Mahal attacks Orton from behind and tosses Orton back into the ring. Orton pops up and hits the RKO outta nowhere on Mahal. The Singh Brothers grab Mahal and pull him out of the ring before Orton can make the cover. Orton attacks the Singh Brothers again, tosses one over the announcers table and the other on top of the announcers table. Orton drags both Singh Brothers into the ring and drills them both with draping DDT's. Mahal grabs Orton from behind, hits the Cobra Clutch Slam and scores the upset pinfall to win the title.
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall, to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 5/10/17: Smackdown Live London Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

London Calling!!!!! No it's not The Clash song, it's day 2 of the WWE's live shows in London, England this week. Smackdown Live returned to jolly ol' England and featured it's current top stars on the roster!

** Smackdown Live Card **
- Becky Lynch battled Nattie Neidhart.
- Former Wyatt Family members Erick Rowan and Luke Harper went one on one.
- Fandango and Tyler Breeze battled The Ascension.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn battled Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin in a Six Man Tag Team Match.

- Rusev sends a warning to Shane McMahon.

** Promos By: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler. 

** Smackdown Live **

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton blames Jinder Mahal for costing him the House of Horrors Match. Mahal immediately interrupts, says he'll beat Orton for his title and take it home to India where a statue will be built in Mahal's honor. Mahal states that The Age of The Maharaja will begin at WWE Backlash. Kevin Owens interrupts next, mocks Mahal, claims to have ended Chris Jericho's career and is again the Face of America. Owens promises that AJ Styles is next and then he's coming for Orton. AJ Styles interrupts next, reminds us this is the house that he built and he respects what Owens can do, but Owens and Jericho both are no AJ Styles. Baron Corbin interrupts next and starts talking trash, but suddenly gets jumped from behind by Sami Zayn. Orton goes after Mahal, but The Singh Brothers pull Mahal to safety. The heels all retreat as Orton, Styles and Zayn stand in the ring.

- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Becky hitting a dropkick and a Bexploder for a near fall. Tamina goes for the distraction on Becky, but Naomi makes the save and drops Tamina. Charlotte pulls Naomi off of Tamina and Nattie capitalizes with the pinfall distraction on Becky.
Winner: Nattie Neidhart, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Charlotte and Naomi are arguing. Becky separates them as Naomi threatens Charlotte and Charlotte mocks Naomi. Becky says they'll never beat the Welcoming Committee faction if they're not on the same page.

- The Fashion Files return with Fandango and Tyler Breeze dressed as a London policeman and Sherlock Holmes. Breezango mock The Usos in the segment and hype their future WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match.

- Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Rowan getting a near fall side slam on Harper. Rowan grabs his sheep mask and looks at it before attempting to use it as a weapon. The referee grabs it allowing Rowan to stick his thumb in Harper's eyes while the referee was distracted. Rowan hits a spinning power slam and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall.

- Dolph Ziggler Promo: Ziggler calls the fans hypocrites and no one appreciates him. The fans chant for Shinsuke Nakamura which angers Ziggler because Nakamura hasn't even had a match yet on Smackdown Live but he gets chants. Ziggler calls out Nakamura and out comes Nakamura to cheers. Ziggler tries to talk down to Nakamura, but Nakamura cuts Ziggler off. Nakamura says he'll show Ziggler what he can do tonight as a referee arrives to the ring. Ziggler refuses and says he'll face Nakamura at WWE Backlash. Ziggler then cheap shots Nakamura and beats him down. Nakamura fires back and sends Ziggler out to the floor.

- Backstage, Sami Zayn hypes his match tonight teamed with AJ Styles and Randy Orton. Styles and Orton walk off unable to handle his excitement.

- The Ascension vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Breeze unloading on Viktor and then connects with the Supermodel Kick. Viktor unloads on Breeze, but Fandango makes the save with the tag. Fandango hits the Last Dance on Viktor and scores the pinfall. After the match, The Usos appear on the stage and taunt Breezango.
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Mojo Rawley is giving a tour to some kids and shows off his Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy.

- A Twitter video Rusev made earlier in the day is shown. Rusev says he's coming to Smackdown Live next week and demanding Shane McMahon to answer his demands of a WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at WWE Money In The Bank or else he's going back to Bulgaria.

- Randy Orton, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal, Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens: The match closes out with Orton hitting the power slam on Mahal. Corbin tries to make the save but takes a power slam from Orton. Orton with the draping DDT on Owens and goes for the RKO on Mahal. The Singh Brothers jump on the apron and distract Orton. Zayn hits the Blue Thunder Bomb on Mahal. Corbin with a backbreaker on Zayn and Styles hits the Pele Kick on Corbin. Orton hits the RKO on Owens, but Mahal hits the Cobra Clutch Slam on Orton and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin, by pinfall.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/26/17: Smackdown Live Des Moines Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Remember the old WWE slogan...."Where Anything Can Happen"? Well that is exactly what's going on over on Smackdown Live. The current #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is Jinder Mahal.....let that sink in a minute.....Jinder Mahal! The same Jinder Mahal that was jobbing with Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre in 3MB a few years back. What would this week's Smackdown Live have in store for us live in Des Moines, Iowa.

** This Weeks Card **
- AJ Styles battled Baron Corbin. 
- American Alpha battled The Shining Stars in a Beat The Clock Challenge Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton battled Erick Rowan in a non title No DQ Match.
- Breezango battled The Ascension in a Beat The Clock Challenge Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi defended her title against Charlotte.

- Promos By: Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and a video promo from Rusev.

** Smackdown Live **

- Shinsuke Nakamura Promo: Before Nakamura can talk Dolph Ziggler interrupts and heads to the ring. Ziggler says most of us don't know Japanese so he'll translate for us. Ziggler says that Nakamura looks up to Ziggler, thinks his dance moves are stupid and is feeling really intimidated right now being close to his idol, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler says Nakamura's real name is Michael and he grew up poor in Indiana. Ziggler continues the story making Nakamura out to be Michael Jackson. Nakamura grabs the microphone, asks Ziggler if he has a problem and then mocks Ziggler in Japanese. Ziggler lands a cheap shot on Nakamura and then goes for the super kick. Nakamura counters it and goes for the Kinshasa, but Ziggler escapes out of the ring.

- AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin: Kevin Owens is at the commentary table for this match. The match closes out with Corbin dropping Styles and then sending him into the corner. Styles plants a boot on a charging Corbin. Styles goes for a springboard, but Owens talks trash to Styles. Styles has to back off and land on his feet when he attempted the Phenomenal Forearm due to the distraction. Corbin goes for a power bomb, but Styles counters and scores a roll up pinfall. After the match, Owens helps Corbin double team Styles. Sami Zayn hits the ring and sends Corbin into the ring post. Zayn drops Owens and then hits the Helluva Kick on Corbin. Owens attacks Zayn from behind and then plants Styles with the Pop Up Power Bomb. Owens stands tall with his WWE United States Championship in hand.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Charlotte says she dominated RAW and needed a new place to dominate. Tonight she'll show Naomi that she's the greatest of all time when she takes her WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- "Beat The Clock Challenge Match": American Alpha vs. The Colons: The match closes out with Primo planting Gable with a power slam and hits a leg drop for a near fall. Primo lands a cheap shot on Jordan and Primo and Epico go for a double team Back Stabber on Gable. Jordan makes the save and he and Gable hit Grand Amplitude on Primo to score the pinfall. The time to beat is 5:17.
Winners: American Alpha, by pinfall.

- Rusev Video Promo: Rusev says he hates that he was drafted to Smackdown Live and the only way he'll come work for Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan is if he gets a WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at WWE Money In The Bank in June.

- Backstage, Tamina Snuka, Nattie Neidhart, Carmella and James Ellsworth try to intimidate Becky Lynch to join their new stable.

- "No DQ Match": Randy Orton vs. Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Orton hitting the draping DDT on Rowan. Rowan counters the RKO, plants Orton then tosses him out of the ring. Rowan grabs the steel steps and smacks Orton in the side of the face with them. Rowan tosses Orton back into the ring and then grabs a steel chair. Rowan wedges the chair in the corner and sends Orton towards it. Orton counters, tosses Rowan head first into the chair and then hits the RKO to score the pinfall.
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall.

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton still has no clue what a House of Horrors Match is, but Bray Wyatt will be sent to his eternal hell by Orton at WWE Payback. Jinder Mahal interrupts and feels disrespected that Orton is thinking about Bray Wyatt and not Jinder Mahal being his next challenger. Mahal says he has more wealth, talent, class and culture and feels disrespected by Orton for looking different. Mahal says he will win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, take the title home to Punjabi and be given respect. Mahal tries to attack Orton, but Orton counters the attack and goes for the draping DDT. The Singh Brothers hit the ring and grab Orton. Mahal plants Orton with the Cobra Clutch Slam and leaves Orton laid out. Mahal and the Singh Brothers leave in possession of Orton's WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- Backstage, Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers drive away in an SUV, Mahal still has the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- "Beat The Clock Challenge Match": The Ascension vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Fandango unloading on Viktor, but gets distracted by Konnor and then hit with a knee by Viktor for a near fall. Breezango regain control of the match after being double teamed and score the pinfall in 2:36 to win the Beat The Clock Challenge and become #1 Contenders.
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contenders.

- Backstage, Naomi respects Charlotte, but hates her trash talking. Naomi says she'll prove why she's the champion and make Charlotte feel the glow.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match": Naomi (c) vs. Charlotte: The match closes out with Naomi landing a kick on Charlotte for a near fall. Naomi hits the Rear View on Charlotte and gets another near fall. Charlotte catches Naomi in mid air and hits a sit down power bomb for a near fall. Charlotte attempts a moonsault off the top rope, but Naomi blocks it with her knees. Carmella, Tamina Snuka and Nattie Neidhart suddenly hit the ring and attack Charlotte, causing a DQ. After the match, Naomi and Charlotte both get beat down by the trio of girls and are left laid out to end the show.
Winner: Charlotte, by DQ.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon: Smackdown Live Louisville Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Smackdown Live was live in Louisville, Kentucky this week, one week removed from the Superstar Shakeup. A new #1 Contender was decided for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship. Kevin Owens began his Face of America Open Challenge. All that and a lot more action.

** This Weeks Card **
- #1 Contenders Six Pack Challenge Match for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship took place between Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Jinder Mahal, Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn and Mojo Rawley.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi battled Charlotte in a non title match. If Charlotte wins she becomes the new #1 Contender.
- American Alpha battled Primo & Epico.
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens battled Gary Gandy in a non title Face of America Open Challenge Match.
- AJ Styles battled Baron Corbin.

- Promos By: Charlotte, Jinder Mahal and WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens.

** Smackdown Live **

- Charlotte Promo: Charlotte says that she's lost her patience already and demands to know why Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan have yet to give her a WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match. Naomi's music hits and out comes the champion. Naomi says she hates to see Charlotte beg so she's going to give her what she wants right now. Naomi lays the title down, decks Charlotte then spear tackles her to the mat. Charlotte is able to escape to the floor as Shane McMahon arrives. Shane announces a match between Charlotte and Naomi tonight and if Charlotte wins she'll become the #1 Contender. Charlotte gets back in the ring, attacks Naomi and sends Naomi to the floor. Naomi returns to the ring and dumps Charlotte to the floor before grabbing her title and taunting Charlotte.

- Backstage, Nattie Neidhart tells Shane McMahon that she's not happy that Charlotte is getting special treatment and wants her title shot. Carmella and James Ellsworth interrupt and Carmella says that she should be the face of the Women's Division. Tamina Snuka interrupts next and demands her title shot. Nattie finally walks off and says that she has a plan of her own. 

- "Six Pack Challenge, #1 Contenders Match": Dolph Ziggler vs. Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper vs. Mojo Rawley vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Ziggler hitting a drop kick on Harper, but Harper comes back with a near fall sit down power bomb on Ziggler. Mahal sends Harper into the steel steps and then Zayn sends Mahal into the ring post. Zayn suicide dives onto Harper. Rowan goes after Zayn, but gets dropped by Mojo. Zayn hits a springboard moonsault on Mojo and then brawls with Mahal. Zayn hits the Exploder suplex on Mahal and goes for the Helluva Kick. The Bollywood Boyz from NXT suddenly appear and grab Zayn's leg. Mahal takes advantage of the distraction and scores the pinfall on Zayn.
Winner: Jinder Mahal, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- Jinder Mahal Promo: Mahal rips the fans and wonder if they boo him because he's not American, or because he's rich, or because he's highly educated and speaks two languages. Mahal says us Americans will have no choice but to accept Mahal as the next WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Randy Orton interrupts Mahal and says that maybe he should congratulate Mahal. Mahal just won the jackpot, but the WWE World Heavyweight Championship won't be his prize, his prize will be an RKO. Orton turns his attention to Bray Wyatt and says that if the House of Horrors Match is anything like the last house, Orton will just burn it down. Bray Wyatt appears on the TitanTron and promises Orton that he'll walk into the House of Horrors, but he's not walking out. 

- Backstage, AJ Styles is asked his opinion on who he would rather face for the WWE United States Championship. Baron Corbin interrupts and argues with Styles setting up a match later.

- Backstage, Tamina Snuka, Nattie Neidhart, Carmella and James Ellsworth try to intimidate Charlotte as she heads to the ring.

- Charlotte vs. Naomi: The match closes out with Naomi landing a kick on Charlotte to her head. Naomi goes to the top rope and hits a cross body on Charlotte for a near fall. Charlotte counters a slam and then counters a kick before nailing Naomi with a strike. Charlotte counters the Rear View and nails Naomi with Natural Selection and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Charlotte, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- Backstage, Charlotte walks past Nattie Neidhart, Carmella, Tamina Snuka and James Ellsworth, stares them all down and continues walking past.

- Primo & Epico vs. American Alpha: The match closes out with Gable unloading on Epico, tags in Jordan and Jordan takes his turn unloading on Epico. Jordan gets a near fall suplex as Primo stops the pinfall. Gable tosses Primo onto the apron. The referee gets distracted allowing Primo and Epico to land a cheap shot on Jordan and scoring the pinfall.
Winners: Primo & Epico, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Tye Dillinger shows us a video on why he's The Perfect Ten.

- "Face of America Open Challenge Match": Kevin Owens vs. Gary Gandy: Owens makes quick work and finishes Gandy off in a minute with the Pop Up Power Bomb for the pinfall.
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall.

- Kevin Owens Promo: Owens insults Americans and says he will continue to be the face of America as long as he is carrying the WWE United States Championship. Owens says that Chris Jericho will not take the title away from him and then speaks in French giving AJ Styles and Baron Corbin advice for their main event next.

- AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin: Kevin Owens sits in on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Styles locking in the Calf Crusher submission on Corbin, but Corbin makes the ropes for the break. Corbin hits the Deep Six on Styles for a near fall. The fight goes to the floor where Styles hits a forearm and a knee on Corbin. Styles goes for the Styles Clash on Corbin, but Corbin counters and shoves Styles into Owens. Styles hits a forearm on Corbin and dumps him over the barricade. Styles gets back in the ring as Corbin gets counted out.
Winner: AJ Styles, by countout.

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.