Weekend 3 Count 1/7/18

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

*** WWE ***

- John Cena Announces His Entry Into The Royal Rumble: This past week, the sixteen time WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena officially announced that he will compete in this year's Royal Rumble.

- The Balor Club Reunites: If you missed RAW this past week, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson reunited and battled Elias Samson and The Miztourage in a six man tag team match. It's unknown if this was a one night only team up or if The Balor Club is officially back.

- WWE Monday Night RAW Coming Back To Cleveland: It was announced this past week that WWE is bringing RAW back to Cleveland, two weeks before Wrestlemania 34. RAW will be at the Quicken Loans Arena on March 26th.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Akira Tozawa vs. TJ Perkins: The first match of the night saw the return of TJP, who's been out with an injury the past few months. The match closes out with TJP sticking a thumb in Tozawa's eye and then hitting the Detonation Kick to score the pinfall.

- Hideo Itami vs. Jack Gallagher: The second match of the night saw Jack Gallagher getting a rematch against Hideo Itami, who put Gallagher's friend, Brian Kendrick, out with an eye injury. The match goes to a No Contest, after Gallagher tries to attack Itami with his umbrella, before the bell. Itami unloads on Gallagher, but Gallagher reveals a lead pipe that he uses to knock out Itami with. 

- Goldust and Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari: The main event of the show saw a rematch from this week's Monday Night RAW. The match closes out with Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Gulak and scoring the pinfall. 

*** NXT ***

- Candice LeRae Signing: According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Candice LeRae is expected to sign with NXT soon. Candice is currently going through the standard signing process but there's no word yet on when she might be signed.

- Official NXT Takeover: Philadelphia Card: The following has been announced for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia the night before the WWE Royal Rumble.

** "NXT World Championship Match": Andrade "Cien" Almas (c) vs. Johnny Gargano.

** "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly (c) vs. The Authors of Pain. 

** "NXT Women's Championship Match": Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Bazsler.

** "Extreme Rules Match": Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole.

** Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- "Impact X Division Championship Match": Taiji Ishimori defeated Trevor Lee (c), by pinfall to win the title. Ishimori counters a suplex and hits a handspring kick for the near fall. Lee gets a near fall sit down power bomb. Ishimori knees Lee in the face and hits a 540 Splash on Lee to win the title. After the match, Dezmond Xavier congratulates Ishimori backstage and challenges him.

- "Impact Grand Championship, Triple Threat Match": Ethan Carter (c) defeated Matt Sydal and Fallah Bahh, by split decision to retain the title. Bahh took the first round from the judges. EC3 took round number two from the judges. Sydal hits the Shooting Star Press on EC3 in round number three, however, time expires to end the match before Sydal can get the pinfall. The judges give EC3 the third round and the win to retain the title. 

- "Career vs. Career, No Holds Barred Match": Dan Lambert defeated James Storm, by pinfall, ending Storm's Impact career. Storm goes to finish off Lambert, however, KM hits the ring and smashes a beer bottle over Storm's head. Lambert gets a near fall on Storm. KM and Lambert both smash beer bottles over Storm's head, helping Lambert score the pinfall.

- Chandler Park defeated Jon Bolen, by pinfall in his in ring debut. Park gets dominated for most of the match until Joseph Park interferes while the referee is distracted and punches Bolen in the face. Park rolls up Bolen and scores the pinfall.

- "Impact World Heavyweight Championship Match": Eli Drake (c) defeated Alberto El Patron, by pinfall to retain the title. Drake tries to hit El Patron with the title but misses. El Patron drops Drake head first on the title and gets a near fall. The referee gets knocked out allowing Drake to hit El Patron with the title to score the pinfall when the referee woke up.

- "Impact World Tag Team Championship Match": LAX defeated oVe (c), by pinfall to win the titles. oVe gets a near fall powerbomb/blockbuster combo. Jake and Santana meet on the top rope where Santana attempts a splash. Jake counters and hits a midair cutter on Santana. Jake gets hit with the Street Sweeper giving LAX the win and The titles.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** Wrestle Kingdom 12 **

- "New Japan Rumble": Japan's version of the Royal Rumble kicked off the show. Mashito Kakihara came out victorious, last eliminating Cheeseburger to take the victory.

- "IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": The Young Bucks defeated Roppongi 3K (c), by submission to win the tag team titles. The Bucks hit the Meltzer Driver on Yoh and then Matt Jackson makes Yoh tap out to the Sharpshooter.

- "NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship, Gauntlet Match": Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) came out victorious to win the titles.

** Suzuki Gun (Zack Sabre Jr, Taichi and Takahashi Izuka) defeated Michael Elgin and War Machine.

** Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) defeated Suzuki Gun.

** Chaos defeated Taguchi Japan (Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi and Togi Makabe)

** Chaos defeated The Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale and Guerillas of Destiny) to win the Gauntlet and the titles.

- Kota Ibushi defeated Cody Rhodes, by pinfall. Ibushi hits the Last Ride power bomb and the straight jacket german suplex. Ibushi then hits a Phoenix Splash and scores the pinfall.

- "IWGP Tag Team Championship Match": EVIL and SANADA defeated The Killer Elite Squad (c), by pinfall, to win the tag team titles. Evil and Sanada hit the Magic Killer on Davey Boy Smith Jr. Sanada hits a moonsault off the top rope to score the pinfall.

- "NEVER Openweight Championship, Haircut Match": Hirooki Goto defeated Minoru Suzuki (c), by pinfall to win the title. Goto hits two straight head butts, a super ushigoroshi off the ropes and two GTR's to score the pinfall. After the match, Suzuki refused to get his head shaved, but eventually returned to the ring and shaved his own head.

- "IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": Will Ospreay defeated Marty Scurll (c), Hiromu Takahashi and Kushida, by pinfall to win the title. Ospreay hits the OsCutter on Scurll to score the pinfall.

- "IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match": Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) defeated Jay "Switchblade" White, by pinfall to retain the title. Tanahashi hits two straight frog splashes on White to score the pinfall.

- "IWGP United States Championship, No DQ Match": Kenny Omega (c) defeated Chris Jericho, by pinfall, to retain the title. Omega hits the One Winged Angel, but Jericho survives by grabbing the ropes. Jericho hits the Code Breaker on Omega, but Omega kicks out at two and a half. Omega hits the One Winged Angel on Jericho on top of a steel chair and scores the pinfall to retain.

- "IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match": Kazuchika Okada (c) defeated Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall to retain the title. Naito counters the Rainmaker and hits Destino. Naito attempts another Destino, but Okada counters into a tombstone piledriver. Okada hits the Rainmaker on Naito and scores the pinfall.

** New Year's Dash Recap **

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima and Yuji Nagata defeated Ren Narita, Shota Umino, Tetsuhiro Yagi and Tomoyuki Oka, by pinfall, after Kojima hits a lariat on Umino.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": El Desperado, Taichi, Taka Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Henare, Hirai Kawato, Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask IV and Togi Makabe, by pinfall after Desperado hit the Pinche Loco on Kawato.

- “Switchblade” Jay White defeated Katsuya Kitamura, by pinfall with the Blade Runner.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson Nick Jackson defeated Cheeseburger & Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH), by pinfall with an assisted Indytaker on Cheeseburger.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": The Bullet Club (Chase Owens, Cody Rhodes, Leo Tonga, Marty Scurll and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Taguchi Japan (David Finlay, Juice Robinson, Kota Ibushi, Kushida and Ryusuke Taguchi), by submission with the American Nightmare from Rhodes on Finlay. After the match, The Bullet Club attack Ibushi, but Kenny Omega makes the surprising save and argues with Cody. Omega and Cody begin shoving each other until Omega grabs a microphone and says he's sick of Bullet Club’s infighting and he had the solution. Omega announces Switchblade Jay White as the newest member of The Bullet Club. White arrives, accepts the Bullet Club t-shirt, but then fakes out The Bullet Club by hitting the Blade Runner on Omega.

- "NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": The Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa) defeated Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) (c), by pinfall with a Gun Stun from Tama on Beretta to win the titles.

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Suzuki-gun (Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre, Jr.) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin and War Machine, by pinfall with Killer Bomb from Smith and Archer onto Hanson. After the match, Suzuki attacks Tanahashi and celebrates with Tanahashi's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Los Ingobernables de Japon (Bushi, Evil, Hiromu Takahashi, Sanada and Tetsuya Naito) defeated Chaos (Gedo, Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay and Yoshi Hashi), by pinfall with Destino from Naito on Yoshi Hashi. After the match, LIJ continue to attack and Sanada chokes out Okada with the Skull End.

- Chris Jericho Attacks Tetsuya Naito: Before the show ended, Naito cut a promo to talk about his loss to Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Chris Jericho suddenly hits the ring and attacks Naito from behind and beats him down to end the show.

And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!

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 5/9/17: RAW London Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Cheerio mates! Monday Night RAW was live in London, England this week. RAW General Manager Kurt Angle was unable to be present, so WWE gave the Hollywood snob himself, The Miz and the resident lunatic, WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose the general manager power this week. How crazy would RAW turn out with these two in charge??

** This Weeks Card **
- The Miz battled Finn Balor.
- WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss battled Mickie James in a non title match.
- Braun Strowman battled Kalisto, as Strowman had one arm tied behind his back.
- A #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil Match took place to determine the WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boys' next opponents.
- Seth Rollins battled Samoa Joe.
- TJ Perkins battled Jack Gallagher.
- Sasha Banks battled Alicia Fox.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled Bray Wyatt in a non title match.

- Promos By: WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose

** RAW **

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose is shown on the phone talking to Kurt Angle and is headed to the ring for a big announcement.

- Dean Ambrose Promo: Ambrose announces that Kurt Angle won't be here tonight and has made Ambrose the acting General Manager. The Miz interrupts and announces that Stephanie McMahon has named Miz the Co-Acting General Manager tonight as well. Braun Strowman interrupts next and he has his arm in a sling. Strowman says as long as Roman Reigns is still walking he's not finished with him, once his arm heals he'll make true to his word and then he'll be going after WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. Kalisto interrupts next and says he's not finished with Strowman, mocks Strowman for losing to him in a Dumpster Match and then begs Ambrose for a match with Strowman. Ambrose gives Kalisto his match and then announces Miz vs. Finn Balor to kick off RAW.

- The Miz vs. Finn Balor: The match closes out with Maryse getting on the apron and distracting the referee. Miz shoves Balor into the referee, grabs a microphone and announces that he's using his GM powers to DQ Balor for touching a referee. Dean Ambrose arrives, uses his GM powers to restart the match and then bans Maryse from ringside. Balor hits Slingblade on Miz and then the Coup de Grace for the pinfall.
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Nia Jax asks Alexa Bliss for a WWE RAW Women's Championship Match after Alexa is finished with Bayley. Alexa says she'll work something out with Kurt Angle. Nia thanks her and says Alexa just earned Nia's friendship.

- Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James: Nia Jax and Bayley are at ringside to watch this match. The match closes out with Mickie going to the apron, but Nia Jax grabs her leg. Bayley hits a cross body block on Nia, taking her out. Mickie is still distracted by what's going on, allowing Alexa to capitalize and score the pinfall. After the match, Alexa continues to beat on Mickie with punches. Bayley makes the save, chasing off Alexa. Nia suddenly attacks Mickie from behind, corner splashes her and then drops an elbow, leaving Mickie laid out.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose uses his GM powers to give The Miz the rest of the night off. The Miz uses his GM powers to announce Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt later tonight.

- Backstage, Samoa Joe says that Seth Rollins calling out Brock Lesnar ain't happening because Joe isn't done with Rollins yet. Rollins suddenly attacks from behind and brawls with Joe until WWE Officials separate them.

- Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto: Strowman says he's injured so he's refusing this match. Kalisto attacks and the match begins. The match closes out with Roman Reigns hitting the ring still wrapped from his injuries and attacks Strowman's bad arm. Reigns hits three Superman Punches and sends Strowman outside. Reigns goes for a spear, but eats a boot. Strowman misses a charge, eats the ring post and gets his arm unloaded on by Reigns. Reigns wraps Strowman's arm around the ring post, smashes it on the apron and then unloads steel chair shots on Strowman's arm until WWE Officials finally step in.
Winner: No Contest.

- Backstage, Goldust tries to pep talk R-Truth. Truth says he's ready as he listens to his music.

- "Tag Team Turmoil Match": Enzo and Big Cass vs. Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. Goldust and R-Truth vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson:

** First Elimination: Enzo and Big Cass battle Sheamus and Cesaro to start things off. The match closes out with Sheamus and Cass brawling on the floor where Cass is sent into the ring post. Cesaro hits a running uppercut on Enzo and makes him tap out to the Sharpshooter submission.

** Second Elimination: Next up its Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno. The match closes out with Sheamus kicking Rhyno off the apron and takes control of Slater. Cesaro holds Slater allowing Sheamus to nail a Brogue Kick for the pinfall. 

** Third Elimination: Next up its Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The match closes out with Sheamus getting double teamed. The Club attempt Magic Killer, but Cesaro breaks it up. Cesaro and Anderson brawl outside as Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Gallows for the pinfall.

** Final Elimination: We're down to Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Goldust and R-Truth. The match closes out with Truth unloading as Sheamus gets tossed outside. Truth with a near fall heel kick and a near fall scissors kick. Truth misses a corner splash and gets rolled up for the pinfall by Cesaro. After the match Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick on Goldust and beat down Truth. The Hardy's appear on the RAW stage to "Delete" chants and stare down their new opponents.
Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro to become the new #1 Contenders.

- Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins: The match closes out with Rollins accidentally pulling the turnbuckle pad off and then getting tossed into the exposed buckle. The referee tries to put the pad back on, but Joe grabs it and tosses it. Joe sends Rollins head first into the exposed steel and the referee DQ's Joe. After the match, Rollins gets tossed into the exposed steel again. Joe then locks on the Coquina Clutch and chokes Rollins out. Joe finally releases the hold and tells Rollins things will be over between them when he chooses them to be over.
Winner: Seth Rollins, by DQ.

- TJ Perkins vs. Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Perkins locking in a submission on Gallagher. Gallagher escapes and trades offense with Perkins. Gallagher counters the Detonation Kick, but gets rolled up by Perkins. Perkins holds a handful of tights and steals the pinfall. After the match, Gallagher complains to the referee and then gets attacked by Perkins. Perkins traps Gallagher in the knee bar submission as Austin Aries hits the ring. Perkins escapes Aries as Aries helps Gallagher to his feet. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville appears with Perkins and smiles at Aries and Gallagher.
Winner: TJ Perkins, by pinfall.

- Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox: The match closes out with Sasha tossing Alicia across the ring. Alicia counters a Back Stabber and lands shots on Sasha in the corner. Sasha hits double knees from the top rope to out of nowhere to score the pinfall. After reviewing the replay it showed Alicia had her shoulder up before the three count.
Winner: Sasha Banks, by pinfall.

- Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose: The Miz and Maryse are on commentary. The match closes out with The Miz attempting to distract Ambrose with his own WWE Intercontinental Championship. Bray counters Dirty Deeds, but Ambrose hits the ropes and suicide dives onto Miz. Miz hits Ambrose with the Intercontinental Championship as Ambrose gets back into the ring. The referee missed what happened as Bray hits Sister Abigail for the pinfall. After the match, Miz attacks and beats down Ambrose. Miz promises that after he wins the Intercontinental Championship next week he will simply be.......AWESOME!
Winner: Bray Wyatt, by pinfall.

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 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.