Weekend 3 Count 4/2/17

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 Wrestling, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, AAW, EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER 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 ***

- Goldberg News: According to backstage rumors in WWE, Goldberg will not be resigning with WWE after Wrestlemania 33. Goldberg is expected to drop the WWE Universal Championship to Brock Lesnar at the event and retire from professional wrestling.

- Braun Strowman News: Triple H recently stated that Braun Strowman has been a success and has been a huge asset to the company. WWE have big plans and a push coming for Strowman after Wrestlemania 33. Strowman is currently one of the favorites to win the 4th Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 33.

- Jim Ross Calling A Wrestlemania 33 Match And New Contract: WWE announced this week that WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will be commentating for the WWE Universal Championship Match between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg. JR also signed a new contract with the WWE for occasional tv appearances and work on the WWE Network.

- Noam Dar Injury: Last week on RAW, Noam Dar suffered an unknown injury, which forced him off of 205 Live on Tuesday. Dar will be examined by doctors this weekend during Wrestlemania 33 weekend to determine the injury and the rehab time frame. Dar's current fued with Rich Swann has been put on hold.

- Shelton Benjamin Update: It was announced this week that Shelton Benjamin has been cleared to wrestle after being out of action for 9 months with a torn rotator cuff. WWE, however, haven't stated on whether or not they will still use Benjamin on the Smackdown Live brand or release him.

- Hulk Hogan Wrestlemania Rumors: Hogan recently was asked about possibly appearing at Wrestlemania 33 on Sunday during a meet and greet at one of his beach shops. Hogan stated he would not be at Wrestlemania 33 and actually has another meet and greet in Orlando on that same day from Noon to 4. The meet and greet is only 8 miles away from Camping World Stadium where Wrestlemania 33 takes place.

- Eva Marie Done With WWE: WWE announced this passed week that they would not be renewing a new contract with Eva Marie and have officially released her.

- Wrestlemania 34 Predictions: With Wrestlemania 33 on Sunday night, a top ten list was posted on line this week of the 10 matches that fans want to see at next year's Wrestlemania 34. Do you agree or disagree with these match ideas?

#10: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
#9: The Broken Hardys vs. The New Day vs. American Alpha (TLC Match)
#8: Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens (WWE World)
#7: Bray Wyatt vs. Braun Strowman
#6: Bayley vs. Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (Battle of the Horsewomen)
#5: Baron Corbin vs. Shane McMahon (Street Fight Match)
#4: Kurt Angle vs. Seth Rollins
#3: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns (Universal Title)
#2: The Rock vs. Triple H
#1: The Undertaker vs. John Cena (Career vs. Career Match)

** 205 Live **
Akira Tozawa battled Brian Kendrick in a one on one match in the main event. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville gave his final thoughts before going into Wrestlemania 33 and defending his title against Austin Aries.

1.) Rich Swann vs. Ariya Daivari: The match closes out with Swann getting a near fall modified Michinoku Driver. Daivari with a Cobra Clutch submission, follows that with a neck breaker and then gets a near fall frog splash. Swann with a top rope hurricanrana on Daivari, setting Swann up to deliver the Phoenix Splash for the pinfall.

2.) Backstage, Alicia Fox says Noam Dar isn't cleared to wrestle. Rich Swann interrupts and wishes Dar a speedy recovery. Alicia then gets perfume as a present delivered to her.

3.) Backstage, Drew Gulak hypes up Mustafa Ali and loves the reaction he gets. Gulak continues talking, but Ali walks away.

4.) Mustafa Ali vs. Brandon Scott: The match closes out with Ali connecting with corner kicks on Scott and then delivers a rolling neck breaker. Ali hits the Imploding 450 Splash on Scott and scores the pinfall.

5.) Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick: The match closes out with Tozawa connecting with a running boot, but Kendrick comes back with a near fall Sliced Bread #2. Kendrick goes for the Captain's Hook submission, but Tozawa escapes. Kendrick attempts a Super Sliced Bread #2 off the top rope on Tozawa, but Tozawa blocks it causing Kendrick to rip the turnbuckle pad off. Kendrick dodges a Tozawa charge, causing Tozawa to hit the exposed steel turnbuckle and allowing Kendrick to score the pinfall.

6.) Neville Promo: Neville talks about the trials and tribulations he's been through to get noticed, he's been disrespected and overlooked by the WWE, how he missed Wrestlemania 32 last year with a broken ankle and no one cared and without him there would be no cruiserweight division. Neville says to be careful what we wish for because a 205 Live without Neville would make the show nothing. Austin Aries interrupts Neville and talks about Neville's ego being his problem. Aries says that 205 Live is twice as great now with Aries here, he is much better than Neville, they both have fought hard to get where they are, he knows that they will tear down the house on Sunday and then promises to take Neville's WWE Cruiserweight Championship when it's all said and done. Neville heard enough, attacks Aries and beats Aries down. Neville goes for a second attack, but Aries pops back up and traps Neville in the Last Chancery submission. Neville escapes the submission and escapes to the floor to end the show.

*** NXT ***

- Who's Ruby Riot?: This past week, I was asked by the Vince McMahon of Triple Threat CLE on who exactly is Ruby Riot, well let me give you some insight on the independent wrestling female newcomer to NXT.

Ruby Riot aka Heidi Lovelace made her pro wrestling debut in JCW...yes THAT JCW...Insane Clown Posse's Juggalo Championship Wrestling back in 2010. Ruby has also competed in Chikara Wrestling, SHINE Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling, Japan's World Wonder Ring Stardom and Ohio Valley Wrestling. Ruby was trained down in Ohio Valley Wrestling, by Billy Roc.

Ruby comes equipped with an aerial offense of moves, as she's been known to hit the skies with frog splashes, hurricanranas and springboard assaults. Ruby also has some submission style moves in her aersanal as she's been known to use a Fujiwara Armbar submission in the past.

Ruby is a 1 time AAW Heritage Champion, 1 time OVW Women's Champion, 1 time SHIMMER Tag Team Champion, 1 time Young Lions Cup winner in Chikara and has held a few other independent wrestling titles.

- Kurt Angle Calls Out Bobby Roode: This past week Kurt Angle released a new t-shirt that showed Angle with the Ankle Lock submission on NXT World Champion Bobby Roode. Angle and Roode went on to have a playful exchange of words about the t-shirt on Twitter. Angle challenged Roode to a possible future match and Roode stated that that idea would be glorious.

- Elias Samson Update: If you missed NXT this past Wednesday night, Elias Samson lost in a Loser Leaves NXT Match against Kassius Ohno. Rumors are stating that Samson is expected to receive a new gimmick and will be moving up to the main roster sometime this spring or early summer.

- Tian Bing Debut: WWE announced this week that NXT Chinese recruit Tian Bing will debut at Wrestlemania 33 in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact Recap **
This week a Fatal Four Way Tag Team Match took place to crown new Impact World Tag Team Champions.

1.) Bruce Prichard, Dutch Mantell, Josh Mathews and Jeremy Borash are all in a meeting. They all agree on a plan for the Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards feud. Mathews says Ethan Carter is being used wrong. Karen Jarrett interrupts and says she wants a face to face in the ring with Sienna tonight. Borash asks to replace Mathews on commentary then says that maybe Mathews' wife Madison Rayne could replace him because she's better at commentary. Mathews and Borash mock each other to end the segment.

2.) Karen Jarrett Promo: Karen says she's here to address Sienna, who's been bullying the other Knockouts since Maria Bennett left the company. Sienna heads to the ring and goes face to face with Karen. Karen says she's heard negative things about Sienna since she's returned and Sienna demands to know who's talking about her. Karen refuses to say, so Sienna assumes its Allie. Karen demands Sienna to apologize when suddenly a man known as KM and says he's Sienna's cousin interrupts. KM tells Karen to shut up, respect his family and demands Karen to apologize to Sienna. Braxton Sutter and Allie hit the ring to help Karen and chase off KM and Sienna. Karen announces KM vs. Sutter tonight.

3.) DJ Z vs. Andrew Everett: The match closes out with DJ Z going for his ZDT finisher, but Everett counters and traps DJ Z in a small package for the pinfall. After the match, Shane Helms and Trevor Lee interrupt and mock Everett. Helms says that Everett will get a chance next week to continue his winning streak.

4.) Rosemary Promo: Rosemary brags about retiring Gail Kim, dashing Sienna's hopes, ruining Brandi Rhodes' personal life and blackening Jade's soul. ODB suddenly interrupts and introduces herself as one of Impact's Originals and plans to take Rosemary's title. Rosemary is finished and goes to leave, however, the entire Knockout roster stop Rosemary's exit. Madison Rayne insults the entire roster and Jeremy Borash and reminds everyone of her accomplishments. Brandi Rhodes demands a title shot. Diamante from LAX says she's here to fight and a huge brawl breaks out to end the segment.

5.) More bickering between Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews leads to Mathews suggesting he get a team and Borash get a team and have them fight. Borash says no because he thinks the idea is stupid.

6.) Ethan Carter Promo: EC3 apologizes to Karen Jarrett, realizes that Impact is changing and he needs to accept it. EC3 says he will be the top guy again, lists off some of Impact's past great wrestlers and then gets interrupted by James Storm. Storm is insulted that EC3 didn't mention his name. EC3 says because Storm isn't a multi time world champion. Storm states that he is an Impact Original and lists all of his accomplishments. EC3 mocks Storm for being in Beer Money cause that's where all Storm did was drink beer and spend money. Storm says that both he and EC3 have the mind set to be a world champion, so maybe they should leave that decision on who gets a title shot in the fans hands instead of the Impact Office. 

7.) "Impact Grand Championship Match": Moose (c) vs. Cody Rhodes: Cody accidentally knocks out one of the judges in round one so Bruce Prichard takes the judges place. Moose takes round one 29-28. Cody takes round two 29-28. Before round three, Brandi Rhodes walks out on Cody for trying to use a steel chair on Moose in round two. Round three ends with Cody landing a Disaster Kick on Moose, putting both men down. Both men get back up and unload on each other until the bell sounds to end the last round. Moose gets the win from the judges in the final round to retain his title. After the match, Moose talks trash to Cody as Cody storms off.

8.) Braxton Sutter vs. KM: The match closes out with Sienna chasing Allie around ringside. KM tries to grab Allie, but gets unloaded on by Sutter. Sienna finally catches Allie, which distracts Sutter. KM catches Sutter distracted and hits a power bomb into a backstabber on Sutter to score the pinfall. After the match, Allie unloads on Sienna and Sutter unloads on KM, chasing them both from the ring. Laurel Van Ness appears on the stage still in her wedding dress and drunk and yells at Sutter and Allie.

9.) "Impact World Tag Team Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": The Decay vs. Reno Scum vs. LAX vs. The Laredo Kid and Garza Jr.: The match closes out with LAX taking out Reno Scum and then attacks The Decay. LAX hit the Street Sweeper on Abyss and then hit a top rope double foot stomp into a cutter on Crazzy Steve. Rosemary tries to interfere but gets speared by Diamante. Laredo Kid gets caught in mid air by Ortiz and LAX hit a blockbuster into a power bomb on Kid. LAX scores the pinfall and become the new Impact World Tag Team Champions to end the show.

- The Broken Hardy's Delete The TNA World Tag Team Championship: As all of you may have heard by now, The Broken Hardy's are no longer with Impact Wrestling and are in a court case with Impact over The Broken Hardy's gimmick. Impact recently vacated the tag team titles after the Hardys left and created the new Impact World Tag Team Championship. The Broken Hardy's posted a video this week still in possession of the TNA World Tag Team Championship and deleting them into the lake of reincarnation and creating the Obsolete Tag Team Championship. You can check out that video here:

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **
This week's show was the first taped show to take place after ROH's 15 Anniversary Show that saw Christopher Daniels defeat Adam Cole to become the new ROH World Champion. The main event of the show saw ROH World Champion Christopher Daniels, Kazarian and Dalton Castle battle The Bullet Club in a Six Man Tag Team Match.

1.) The Addiction Promo: The show opens with a table set up in the ring and some appetini for celebrating. Kazarian introduces the NEW ROH World Heavyweight Champion Christopher Daniels. Daniels talks about his huge win and how he defeated a man younger, faster and more technical than him. Daniels says he was smarter than Adam Cole though, as Daniels and Kazarian came up with the swerve on The Bullet Club idea together to defeat Cole. Kazarian talks about becoming the new #1 Contender to the ROH Television Championship and plans on taking it from Marty Scurll. Daniels and Kazarian promise that they will always be one unit known as The Addiction even though they're taking singles routes now. Dalton Castle suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Daniels shares his appletini with Castle as Castle congratulates Daniels and reminds him that Castle is the current #1 Contender and his opponent at Supercard of Honor. Adam Cole and The Young Bucks interrupt and stand on the stage. Cole mocks Daniels, states that he was screwed and promises that The Addiction will pay. Cole calls Castle a joke and would make a joke of a world champion. Kazarian challenges Cole to a six man tag team match tonight and Cole accepts.   

2.) Backstage, Marty Scurll states that there is no one on the entire ROH roster that can step up to him and he will remain as the most dominate ROH Television Champion. Kenny King interrupts and says he's beaten the same men that Scurll has beaten and wants a title shot. Scurll accepts the challenge for next week.

3.) "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Broken Hardy's (c) vs. The Briscoes: The match closes out with Mark and Jay hitting superplexes on The Hardy's. Mark hits the Froggie Bow for a near fall. Jeff breaks up a Doomsday Device attempt, but The Briscoes are able to hit it on a second attempt. Jeff stops the pinfall and battles with Jay out on the floor. Jeff hits the Twist of Fate on Jay and then helps Matt double team Mark. The Hardy's hit the Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb combo, but Mark somehow kicks out. The Hardy's are finally able to put Mark away with a pinning cradle to retain their titles. After the match, The Young Bucks appear and challenge The Broken Hardy's to put their titles on the line in a Ladder Match at Supercard of Honor. The Hardy's accept.

4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Addiction and Dalton Castle vs. Adam Cole and The Young Bucks: The match closes out with all six men brawling and taking each other out. Cole hits a Destroyer on Kazarian and then Daniels goes for the Best Moonsault Ever on Cole. The Bucks hit double super kicks on Daniels, Kazarian, Castle and then accidentally hit Cole too. The Addiction recover and fight with The Bucks outside. Castle hits the Bang A Rang on Cole and scores the pinfall. After the match, Castle and Daniels show respect and handshake each other before their title match at Supercard of Honor to end the show.

- Jeff Hardy Interviewed: Jeff Hardy was interviewed this past Friday afternoon and stated that the rumors of he and Matt Hardy signing with WWE are false. According to Jeff, the brothers have not been contacted or even offered contracts with the WWE at this time. Jeff also stated that he and Matt are looking at staying in ROH throughout the summer and Jeff even wants to see if ROH will let his band perform at a show when their album is released this year.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** Road To Sakura Genesis Recap **
The main event of the show saw Yoshi-Hashi and IWGP Heavyweight champion Kazuchika Okada battle Yuji Nagata and Katsuyori Shibata in tag team action.

1.) Tomoyuki Oka vs. Bad Luck Fale: The match closes out with Fale squashing Oka with the Grenade for the pinfall.

2.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Taka Michinoku, El Desperado and Takashi Iizuka vs. Hirai Kawato, Tiger Mask and Jushin Thunder Liger: The match closes out with Desperado hitting Guitarra del Angel on Kawato for the pinfall. After the match, Liger grabbed a steel chair and chased off Michinoku, Desperado and Iizuka.

3.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. War Machine and David Finlay: The match closes out with Hanson accidentally knocking out his partner Rowe. Kojima hits the Kozy Lariat on Finlay and scores the pinfall.

4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Jado, Gedo and Hirooki Goto vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi: The match closes out with Kanemaru hitting Deep Impact on Gedo to score the pinfall.

5.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Kenny Omega, Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens vs. Toru Yano, Beretta and Tomohiro Ishii: The match closes out with Yano scoring the pinfall on Owens.

6.) "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi and KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL and BUSHI: The match closes out with Robinson hitting Pulp Friction on SANADA for the pinfall.

7.) Yoshi-Hashi and Kazuchika Okada vs. Yuji Nagata and Katsuyori Shibata: The match closes out with Shibata hitting the PK on Yoshi for the pinfall, after he stopped Shibata from hitting it on Okada.

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!

Wrestlemania 33 Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Wrestlemania 33 Preview. It's the grand daddy of all WWE events, it's the moment that every little kid that grows up to be a professional wrestler wants to have. It's the Super Bowl of sports entertainment and millions of people will be watching. Wrestlemania 33 will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and will feature both RAW and Smackdown Live superstars. Wrestlemania 33 will be live on the WWE Network, but if you can't catch the show, join Triple Threat CLE on Monday afternoon as I will provide you with the full Wrestlemania 33 Recap.

- The Wrestlemania 33 theme song will be "Greenlight" by Pitbull, Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis. They will also be performing the song live at Wrestlemania.

- The New Day Host Wrestlemania 33: One of the most entertaining and fun loving tag teams in WWE history, The New Day, will be the official Wrestlemania 33 Hosts this year. The New Day promise to bring unicorn horns, trombones, dancing, twerking, Booty-O's cereal and maybe some New Day ice cream for everyone. Humor and hijinks will be in full force with The New Day hosting the party.

- WWE announced that Tinashe will kick off Wrestlemania 33 by singing America The Beautiful.

- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Goldberg (c) vs. Brock Lesnar: Goldberg has been a man on a mission since returning to the WWE last November. Goldberg made quick work of Brock Lesnar in a squash match back at WWE Survivor Series and totally embarrassed the beast. Goldberg and Lesnar's paths would cross again at the WWE Royal Rumble during the Royal Rumble Match. Both Goldberg and Lesnar came up short in winning the Royal Rumble, so both men decided to battle it out one more time at Wrestlemania 33. On his way to Wrestlemania 33, Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens at WWE Fastlane, in another squash match, to become the new WWE Universal Champion. What was once just a battle of two of wrestling's biggest names has now turned into a battle for the WWE's biggest prize, the WWE Universal Championship. Can Goldberg continue to embarrass Brock Lesnar and retain the title? Can Brock Lesnar finally figure out how to beat Goldberg and become the new WWE Universal Champion?

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Bray Wyatt (c) vs. Randy Orton: It was a long and winding road filled with controversy to get to this match. First up, Randy Orton won the yearly Royal Rumble match in January, granting him an automatic WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestlemania 33. Bray Wyatt stepped inside of the Elimination Chamber in February and walked out the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Orton showing his loyalty to his master Bray Wyatt, gave up his title shot and a battle royal was contested to decide a new #1 Contender. AJ Styles and Luke Harper eliminated each other at the same time in the battle royal, leaving no winner and a one on one match immediately signed to determine a winner. Styles would go onto defeat Harper and become the new #1 Contender, however, that didn't stick either. Randy Orton finally revealed his master plan by turning on Bray Wyatt, burning down The Wyatt Family Compound and then stating that he was taking his Wrestlemania 33 title shot. Another #1 Contenders Match between AJ Styles and Randy Orton took place which ended with Orton getting the victory and getting back his original #1 Contendership from winning the Royal Rumble. Orton has vowed to become Bray Wyatt's master at Wrestlemania 33 and take his WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens: For the past 6 months, Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens have been inseparable and watching each others backs in big matches. Jericho made it his mission to help Owens retain his WWE Universal Championship every chance he could get and help keep Owens as the face of RAW. Jericho considered he and Owens the best of friends and nothing could break them up even though it appeared at times that they weren't getting along. The cracks in the Jericho/Owens Friendship began to appear when Jericho accepted a match for Owens' WWE Universal Championship against Goldberg at WWE Fastlane, which Owens wasn't happy about at all. Jericho looked to make it up to Owens by having a Festival of Friendship party in Owens' honor for Jericho to prove what a great friend Owens was. The Festival, however, turned violent as Owens viciously attacked Jericho and ended their friendship forever. Jericho would get his revenge 3 weeks later at WWE Fastlane, as Jericho helped cost Owens his WWE Universal Championship against Goldberg. Jericho next laid down the Wrestlemania 33 challenge to Owens and even agreed to put his WWE United States Championship on the line just to get Owens to say yes. Will Jericho finally get his revenge on Owens after Owens' vicious attack? Will Owens finish what he started at the Festival of Friendship and take Jericho's WWE United States Championship?

- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin: Last month at WWE Elimination Chamber, Dean Ambrose cost Baron Corbin the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by getting him eliminated from the Elimination Chamber match. Corbin would then viciously attack Ambrose, which caused Ambrose to get eliminated next. The following week, Corbin still upset, attacked Ambrose again from behind, beat Ambrose down and tossed Ambrose into the electronical equipment by the stage. Ambrose went on to eliminate Corbin in the #1 Contenders Battle Royal, which forced Corbin to attack Ambrose again and lay Ambrose out with End of Days on the floor. Corbin would then attack Ambrose backstage, demand a WWE Intercontinental Championship Match and then pinned Ambrose under a forklift, injuring Ambrose and sending him to the hospital. Ambrose returned two weeks before Wrestlemania, laid out Corbin with Dirty Deeds and granted Corbin his WWE Intercontinental Championship Match at Wrestlemania 33.  

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries: Last month at WWE Fastlane, Neville defeated Jack Gallagher to retain his title and it continued to raise the question of..."Can anybody beat Neville?" Neville proved that he was still unbeatable as he again retained his title against Rich Swann in Swann's rematch and stated that there was no one that could beat Neville. Enter Double A, Austin Aries! Aries had just returned from the DL and disagreed with Neville, stating he's never faced Aries yet. Aries would go on to attack Neville and dared Neville to put his title on the line against him. Aries would then go on to win a #1 Contenders Fatal Five Way Match on 205 Live to officially earn a WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match against Neville at Wrestlemania 33. Can Neville defeat Aries and continue to reign as the self proclaimed King of the Cruiserweights? Can Aries, who's a former World Champion and Independent wrestling legend finally behead the king?

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship, Fatal Four Way Elimination Match": Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: Last month at WWE Fastlane, WWE RAW Women's Champion Bayley retained her title against Charlotte, with the help from Sasha Banks. Bayley would go on to officially grant Sasha Banks a title shot at Wrestlemania 33, because it was a dream of their's to battle at Wrestlemania. Stephanie McMahon, however, changed that idea and made it Bayley vs. Charlotte at Wrestlemania 33, granting Charlotte a rematch. Stephaine gave Sasha a chance to be included, but she'd have to beat Bayley to do it. Sasha was able to defeat Bayley and make the match a Triple Threat Match. Nia Jax began to demand her shot at the title around this time too, as she considered herself as the monster that no one could beat. Bayley would face Nia Jax one on one and defeat her by DQ, after Nia refused to let up on Bayley and beat her down. The following week, Stephanie McMahon granted Nia Jax a No DQ Match against Bayley, which Nia won and made this match into a Fatal Four Way Match, as a reward for defeating Bayley.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship, One vs. All Match": Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Every Available Superstar In The Smackdown Live Women's Division: Last month at WWE Elimination Chamber, Naomi defeated Alexa Bliss to become the new WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion. Naomi, however, suffered an injury during the match and was forced to vacate the championship. Alexa Bliss would go onto defeat Becky Lynch and win back the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship going into Wrestlemania 33. Alexa Bliss went on to announce herself as the greatest female wrestler on the Smackdown Live roster and ran down a list of names of women wrestlers she would not be fighting at Wrestlemania 33. Nattie Neidhart, Becky Lynch and even Bliss' friend Mickie James all felt like they deserved a title shot against Bliss at Wrestlemania 33, however, Bliss found excuses of why they all weren't worthy of it. Smackdown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan finally came up with a solution to solving the problem of finding an opponent for Alexa Bliss. Bryan stated that since Alexa Bliss felt that she was the greatest female athlete in the Smackdown Live Women's Division, then Alexa Bliss would defend her championship against every woman in the Smackdown Live Women's Division that didn't already have a match at Wrestlemania 33.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Ladder Match": Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo and Big Cass vs. Cesaro and Sheamus: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson walked out of WWE Royal Rumble the new WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions after defeating Sheamus and Cesaro. Sheamus and Cesaro would get their rematch, but would come up short thanks to Enzo and Big Cass getting involved. Enzo and Big Cass defeated Sheamus and Cesaro and earned the next title shots against Gallows and Anderson at WWE Fastlane. Gallows and Anderson defeated Enzo and Cass at WWE Fastlane and held onto the titles again at the next RAW, after Sheamus and Cesaro got involved and cost Enzo and Cass the titles. RAW GM Mick Foley made a #1 Contenders Match between Enzo and Big Cass and Sheamus and Cesaro to determine which team would go to Wrestlemania 33. Gallows and Anderson would get involved and beat down both teams, leaving us with no #1 Contenders. Upset with Gallows and Anderson's interference, Foley announced that Gallows and Anderson would defend their titles at Wrestlemania 33 against both Enzo and Big Cass and Sheamus and Cesaro in a Triple Threat Match. One week before Wrestlemania 33, Gallows and Anderson attacked their opponents with ladders, which made the match changed to a Triple Threat Ladder Match.

- The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns: Roman Reigns and The Undertaker first crossed paths back at the WWE Royal Rumble, which resulted in a very smug Roman Reigns eliminating The Undertaker from the match and ending The Undertaker's chance of main eventing Wrestlemania 33 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. One night removed from WWE Fastlane, Braun Strowman called out Roman Reigns on RAW, only to be interrupted by The Undertaker. Strowman quickly made an exit, leaving Undertaker to be interrupted by Roman Reigns. Reigns questioned Undertaker on why he was in the ring, the spot that Roman Reigns now considered his yard, not The Undertaker's anymore. Undertaker responded by staring at the Wrestlemania logo from the ceiling and then choke slamming Reigns straight to hell. The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns was made official for Wrestlemania 33 and Shawn Michaels arrived to warn Reigns about The Undertaker's mind games. Reigns stated that he would end The Undertaker's career just like Undertaker ended Michaels'.

- 4th Annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal: This year marks the fourth annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania. In the inaugural match at Wrestlemania 30, Cesaro came out victorious and took home the gold Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy. Big Show would go on to win the second battle royal and then last year Baron Corbin came out victorious. Who will come out victorious this year as superstars from RAW and Smackdown Live compete in the battle royal.

- "Unsanctioned Match": Triple H vs. Seth Rollins: The Seth Rollins/Triple H feud began back in November of 2016 when Triple H turned on Rollins and helped Kevin Owens win the WWE Universal Championship. Week after week, Rollins made it his mission to call out Triple H, who would never answer, to seek the answers of why the man who was once his mentor in The Authority decided to just turn on him. Rollins ended up high jacking and threatening to take over an NXT Takeover pay per view until Triple H met him in the ring face to face. Triple H finally appeared, but had NXT Security toss Rollins out of the building. Rollins was then banned from competing at the WWE Royal Rumble by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Triple H finally agreed to meet Rollins face to face and settle things on RAW, however, it was a trap as Samoa Joe attacked Rollins from behind before Rollins could get to Triple H and seriously injured Rollins' knee. Rollins returned on crutches and promised Triple H that he would still be showing up at Wrestlemania 33, against doctors orders, and calling Triple H out. Triple H warned Rollins not to or it would be the biggest mistake of Rollins' career. Seth Rollins would return again, no longer on crutches and attack Triple H on RAW. Triple H gained the advantage and immediately worked on Rollins' bad knee re-injuring it. Rollins' doctor stated he would not clear Rollins for Wrestlemania 33. Triple H dared Rollins to sign a contract for an Unsanctioned Street Fight at Wrestlemania 33, so he couldn't sue WWE once he got his career ended. Rollins appeared on RAW and agreed to the match with Triple H, leading to Triple H going after Rollins knee again and Rollins going after Triple H with his crutch. 

- John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse: This feud all started at WWE Elimination Chamber when Nattie Neidhart shoved Nikki Bella into Maryse backstage and John Cena eliminated The Miz in the Elimination Chamber. Nikki Bella battled Nattie Neidhart in a Falls Count Anywhere Match on Smackdown Live, which saw Nikki again accidentally taking out Maryse backstage, forcing Maryse to attack Nikki with a lead pipe. Later that night, John Cena would again eliminate The Miz from the #1 Contenders Battle Royal. The Miz returned and cost Cena the match by eliminating Cena. Cena was next a guest on Miz TV where Miz called Cena a manipulator and a hypocrite for doing the same things he faulted The Rock for doing. Cena called out Miz on copying other people's moves and ended up getting slapped by Maryse. The Miz and Maryse would go on to attack Cena and Nikki from behind after their tag team match against James Ellsworth and Carmella. Miz and Maryse called Cena and Nikki's relationship fake and full of nothing but lies, Nikki is where she is because of Cena and Nikki is jealous of what Miz and Maryse share as a married couple. Miz and Maryse would have another edition of Miz TV which ended with Cena and Nikki hitting the ring and chasing off Miz and Maryse. Smackdown Live GM Daniel Bryan would go on to make the mixed tag team match between the two couples at Wrestlemania 33 official, so this bitter feud can finally be over.

- AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon: All AJ Styles wanted was a fair one on one rematch for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but instead he was put in a series of stipulated matches. Styles lost his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the WWE Royal Rumble to John Cena and demanded his rematch. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan instead put Styles in the 6 Man Elimination Chamber Match, where Styles came up short. Bray Wyatt came out victorious and Styles was then put in a Triple Threat Match with John Cena. Bray again came out victorious and Styles still was not getting his one on one rematch. After Randy Orton turned down his title shot for winning the Royal Rumble, a battle royal was made, but it was surrounded with controversy as both Styles and Luke Harper hit the floor together, but Harper clearly hit the floor first. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan announced a #1 Contenders Match between Styles and Harper instead of granting Styles his one on one title shot. Styles defeated Harper, becoming #1 Contender, however, Randy Orton decided to make his turn on Bray Wyatt and said he was accepting his title shot now. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan decided to make another #1 Contenders Match where Orton defeated Styles to earn the title shot at Wrestlemania 33. Styles had finally snapped after this and tried to go after Shane McMahon backstage, but was held back by WWE Officials. Styles stated that he was sick of both Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan messing with him and not giving him what he deserved. Styles would go on to attack Shane in the parking garage and throw Shane face first through a car window, which prompted Bryan to fire Styles from Smackdown Live. Shane McMahon returned and announced that Styles wasn't fired, instead he's getting that one on one match he wanted at Wrestlemania 33 against Shane McMahon.

- Past WWE Superstar's and Celebrities: Every year Wrestlemania season brings out past WWE Superstars back to the company for surprise appearances. Wrestlemania is also a huge spot for celebrities of Hollywood, music and sports to make surprise appearances. No one has been officially announced as of yet to be making appearances, but we all know it'll most likely happen.

Weekend 3 Count 3/12/17

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, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER 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 ***

- Goldberg Wins The WWE Universal Championship: In case you missed WWE Fastlane last Sunday night, Goldberg defeated Kevin Owens to win the WWE Universal Champion, making Goldberg a 3 Time World Champion.

- Bayley Ends Charlotte's Undefeated Pay Per View Streak: Last week at WWE Fastlane, Charlotte entered at an unbelievable 15-0 in WWE Women's Championship Matches. Bayley, however, ended the streak as she defeated Charlotte by pinfall to retain her title.

- Undertaker Returns: This past Monday on RAW, The Undertaker returned, went face to face with Braun Strowman and then ended up choke slamming Roman Reigns to end the show. Rumors are stating that we might get a possible Triple Threat Match for Wrestlemania 33 with The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman.

- Randy Orton Becomes #1 Contender: The WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender controversy has finally come to an end this past Tuesday, as Randy Orton defeated AJ Styles to win back his #1 Contendership that he originally held by winning the Royal Rumble back in January.

- Rick Rude Going Into The WWE Hall of Fame: This week, WWE officially announced that "Ravishing" Rick Rude will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Rude joins Kurt Angle, Diamond Dallas Page, The Rock and Roll Express, Beth Phoenix and Teddy Long.

- Daniel Bryan's Future With The WWE: This past Tuesday on Talking Smack, Daniel Bryan and The Miz got into another one of their arguments with Miz cracking jokes about Bryan not being able to wrestle anymore. What caught a lot of people off guard was the response that Bryan gave Miz after that. "I can't or they won't let me?" and then continued by saying "We'll see. We'll see in a year and a half". This has led many to believe that Bryan is already planning his future of leaving in 2018 when his WWE contract expires and possibly returning to a ring somewhere, possibly NJPW or ROH. Bryan was forced into retirement by WWE a year and a half ago after stating that Bryan had suffered way too many concussions to keep Bryan on as a wrestler. Bryan apparently was cleared to wrestle by his doctors, however, WWE's personal doctor for all the talent refused to clear Bryan.

- Finn Balor Returns To A Live Event: This past week WWE was live in Buffalo, New York, where Finn Balor made his official in ring return. Balor teamed with Sami Zayn and Chris Jericho and defeated Triple H, Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe. Balor has been on the DL since August of 2016 after having shoulder surgery.

** 205 Live **
The main event of the show saw Austin Aries battle Tony Nese in a one on one match. Brian Kendrick gives Akira Tozawa his answer from RAW on whether or not he'll fight him tonight. 

1.) Austin Aries Promo: Aries says that if you want to make a statement  then you find the toughest guy and punch them in the face. Aries announces he's done commentating and is returning to in ring action. Neville interrupts Aries and heads to the ring. Neville says Aries isn't on Neville's level. Aries agrees because Aries is higher up on the A Double Level. Neville thinks it isn't fair that Aries cut in line and didn't earn his rightful title shot. Aries doesn't care and promises his mouth doesn't make checks that his ass can't cash.

2.) Backstage, Rich Swann is showing Jack Gallagher how to dance. Noam Dar interrupts and tries to join in, but gets told to leave.

3.) Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari vs. Jack Gallagher and Rich Swann: The match closes out with Gallagher getting double teamed until finally tagging Swann. Gallagher hits a headbutt on Daivari and then the running drop kick. Swann goes to the top rope and hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar for the pinfall.

4.) Backstage, Brian Kendrick agrees to fight Akira Tozawa tonight and trash talks Tozawa.

5.) Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick: Kendrick teaches Tozawa another lesson by stating that Tozawa didn't read the fine print of their match. Tozawa agreed to fight Bryan Kendrick not The Brian Kendrick. Kendrick calls out the Bryan Kendrick imposter for the match.

6.) Akira Tozawa vs. Bryan Kendrick: Tozawa makes quick work of the fake Bryan Kendrick and scores the pinfall with the german suplex.

7.) Backstage, Neville mocks Austin Aries and says Aries will regret not staying on as a commentator.

8.) Austin Aries vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Nese getting tossed outside and then hit by an Aries suicide dive. Back in the ring, Aries hits a Roaring Elbow on Nese and scores the pinfall.

*** NXT ***

- Kairi Hojo Signs With NXT: Kairi Hojo of World Wonder Ring Stardom signed a 3 year deal with WWE and will report to the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Hojo will debut with NXT and add more wrestling experience to the Women's Division, as Asuka and Ember Moon are currently the only two with the most wrestling experience.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap  **
The New Era of Impact Wrestling has arrived as Jeff Jarrett reclaims the company he once started back in 2002. What changes would be ahead for Impact Wrestling?

1.) The show kicks off with Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards brawling through the Impact Zone. Officials try to separate both men as Edwards unloads chops on Richards. The brawl continues through the crowd and up the ramp with Officials trying to regain control.

2.) Jeremy Borash arrives at the announcers table and announces that there will be some changes coming to the Josh Mathews and The Pope team soon. Mathews flips out on Borash and refuses to accept the changes. Borash says that Mathews has made so many enemies backstage that things will be changing soon. Borash mentions Mathews getting canned by WWE 3 years ago and the former idiot management team that worked here thought Mathews would be a model commentator. Mathews brags about being trained by Jim Ross and has commentated at Wrestlemania. Borash says that JR is a friend of his and JR thinks Mathews is an arrogant prick. Borash sits at the table and announces that he will call the action tonight with Mathews and Pope. 

3.) Cody Rhodes Promo: Cody asks if the fans want to see Cody vs. Moose tonight. The fans want it, but Cody says too bad because Moose is in Japan.

4.) Jeremy Borash informs us that there will be a new tag team called Reno Scum debuting tonight on the new Impact Wrestling. Reno Scum is Adam Thornestowe and Luster The Legend.

5.) The DCC vs. Reno Scum: The match closes out with Reno Scum making quick work of Bram and Kingston. Luster and Thornestowe hit a double foot stomp on Kingston and score the pinfall. After the match, The DCC appear to not be on the same page. (Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews bicker back and forth with each other throughout the match)

6.) Backstage, Sienna informs everyone that Maria Bennett had a nervous breakdown after what happened during Braxton Sutter and Laurel Van Ness' wedding and will no longer be with Impact Wrestling. Sienna promises to make Allie's life a living hell for what she did.

7.) "Fatal Four Way Match": DJ Z vs. Braxton Sutter vs. Caleb Konley vs. DJZ vs. Marshe Rockett: The match closes out with DJ Z hitting a tornado DDT on Konley. Rockett hits a leg lariat on DJ Z and goes after Sutter. Allie gets involved and hits a crossbody on Rockett outside. Sutter hits a twisting neckbreaker on Rockett and scores the pinfall. After the match, Laurel Van Ness appears still in her wedding dress, drunk on champagne and yells at Sutter and Allie. (More bickering between Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews. JB brags that he has notes about all the up and coming wrestlers and Mathews doesn't know anything)

8.) Sienna vs. Rachael Ellering: The match closes out with Rachael hitting a springboard twisting leg drop and gets a near fall. Sienna comes back and hits The Silencer to score the pinfall. (Jeremy Borash and Josh Mathews continue their bickering. Mathews hypes other TV shows on Pop TV during the match. JB says that maybe if he followed the action the way he wasted time promoting shows, he'd be a decent commentator. Mathews says he does it because it keeps the executives at Pop TV happy.)

9.) Bruce Prichard Promo: Prichard says that last time he was apart of Impact Wrestling there was excitement, a lot of great talent and everyone wanted to succeed. Prichard announces that from this day forward TNA Wrestling is dead and the new owners have labeled this company Impact Wrestling. Prichard says that the new owners are looking for achieved greatness that they once had in the past and every company needs their face of the company. Prichard calls out the Impact World Champion Bobby Lashley and Lashley heads to the ring. Lashley thanks Prichard for recognizing his greatness, brags about every wrestler he's beaten and mentions how he defended the President of the United States Donald Trump many years back at Wrestlemania. Prichard says Lashley is the greatest athlete in the world and no one can challenge that. Alberto El Patron makes his Impact Wrestling debut and interrupts Lashley. Patron says that Lashley has never beaten him. Ethan Carter suddenly interrupts next and heads to the ring. EC3 says that El Patron just can't walk into a company and get a title shot. Lashley says he's beaten EC3 enough times, EC3 needs to get to the back of the line. Patron says the fans want Lashley vs. Patron tonight and so does he. Prichard makes the match official.

10.) Jeremy Borash interrupts Josh Mathews and The Pope from going over what just happened to announce that there is a legend backstage.

11.) Backstage, Eddie Edwards says that his wife is at home and he has decided to keep her away from all this. Angelina Love appears, mocks Edwards and then slaps Edwards in the face.

12.) Cody Rhodes Promo: Rhodes again challenges Moose to a match. Impact Security order Rhodes to leave because everyone knows Moose isn't in the building. Rhodes refuses to leave until finally doing so. 

13.) Dutch Mantell Promo: Dutch gives us a run down of his wrestling career and how he used to be Zeb Colter in the WWE. Dutch says he's here to help make Impact great again. Dutch names all the past talent that worked for Impact Wrestling and then left because they felt management lacked leadership. Dutch promises that that will change and he will listen to the fans and help make Impact great again.

14.) The Broken Hardy's are shown wrestling Smokin Joe the kangaroo at Matt's personal zoo. The Hardy's decide to transport to their next destination in their Expedition of Gold Tour. Something goes wrong as they are teleported and never return. The Impact Tag Team Championships, however, teleport back right into The Decay's hands. The Decay laugh and say that their plan worked, The Hardy's are now deleted, obsolete and decayed forever from Impact Wrestling.

15.) "Impact World Heavyweight Championship Match": Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Alberto El Patron: The match closes out with Ethan Carter watching from the ramp as Lashley accidentally knocks out referee Brian Hebner with a lariat. Lashley counters El Patron's cross arm breaker submission by lifting and slamming him. Referee Brian Stifler arrives as El Patron hits the tree of woe double foot stomp on Lashley and gets a near fall. El Patron goes for the cross arm breaker submission, by Lashley counters with a spinebuster. El Patron hits a DDT, but accidentally kicks referee Brian Stifler, as Lashley uses Stifler for a shield. Lashley hits a spinebuster and grabs the Impact Title. Lashley misses the swing, El Patron lands a kick on Lashley and then knocks Lashley out with a title shot to the head. El Patron covers Lashley as referee Brian Hebner came too and seen El Patron use the title as a weapon. Referee Brian Stifler also came to, but didn't see El Patron use the title as a weapon. Stifler makes the three count and awards El Patron as the new world champion. Referee Brian Stifler, referee Brian Hebner, head referee Earl Hebner and Bruce Prichard all have a meeting in the ring, after the match, about what just happened. El Patron leaves with the title as Lashley pleads with the officials that he was robbed, TO close the show. 

- The Jeff Jarrett Era Ushers In New And Returning Wrestlers To Impact Wrestling: As the Impact TV tapings concluded, Impact Wrestling did their best to deliver on new and returning wrestlers to the company. The following wrestlers and backstsge talent are set to appear in the next few months on Impact Wrestling:

** Alberto El Patron
** Reno Scum (Adam Thornestowe and Luster The Legend)
** KC Quinn
** Rachael Ellering
** Garza Jr.
** Laredo Kid
** ODB
** Rebel
** Suicide
** LAX (Homicide, Konnan, Angel Rose, Angel Ortiz and Mike Draztik)
** KM
** Karen Jarrett
** Dutch Mantell
** Bruce Pritchard

- Chris Mordetzky Possibly Returning to Impact Wrestling: Chris Mordetzky may be returning to Impact Wrestling very soon. Mordetzky was spotted backstage at the recent Impact Wrestling TV tapings taking photo shoots for the company. Mordetzky spent time in the WWE as Chris Masters, worked a short time with Impact Wrestling and with Global Force Wrestling.

- Gail Kim Not Under Contract: Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim tweeted out this week that she is currently not under a contract at the moment. Gail also stated that she will remain loyal to Impact Wrestling, so when they're ready to bring her back, she'll be ready to come back. Gail did not appear in any of the TV tapings for March or April Impact episodes.

- Eli Drake Confronts Jeff Jarrett: Impact officials stated that Eli Drake met with Jeff Jarrett and Bruce Pritchard this week and stated that he wasn't happy with how they insulted TNA, said it was dead and better management was going to make sure things ran better. Jarrett informed Drake that it wasn't meant as an insult to the talent, they just needed a storyline that would distance itself from the Dixie Carter runned TNA so they could start fresh with Impact Wrestling. 

- Reby Hardy Blasts Impact Wrestling On Twitter: This week it was announced that Impact Wrestling has issued a warning to The Broken Hardy's to stop using their Broken gimmicks that made them famous in Impact Wrestling and have stated that they are in the process of suing them. Matt Hardy's wife who has been very vocal about Impact Wrestling on Twitter recently unloaded a series of tweets at Impact Wrestling stating her hatred for them right now.

"LMAO F--K YOU GUYS @EdNordholm @RealJeffJarrett @IMPACTWRESTLING. MORE than happy to play this game Can we just talk about how many times Matt's contract could have been broken due to NUMEROUS issues on TNA end and never made a fuss about sh*t, but MFers wanna try & come at us NOW, *after the fact*?! Don't you have an owl to promote or some sh*t!? Or - I dunno - a company to "make great"? Instead of acting like the petty little bi**hes you are????
"Speaking of petty, nice video package on TNA's "history": with NO visual or mention of Jeff - who gave his all for 7 YEARS - or Kurt?! But y'all sure made sure to get those two video ID shoots of Jeff Jarrett in there LMAO. But it's "just business, brother", right? PETTY. Everything these boys have done for the company & you wanna try & f--k us for the sake of it. Literally no other reason except YOU MAD lol."

"How about my husband leaving me A DAY AFTER GIVING BIRTH to make your TV tapings? That's how dedicated this MFer was to the company. How about how the 3 highest rated TV segments of 2016 were financed by HARDYS solely to help the product & because they BELIEVED IN TNA. Or ALL THE SH*T TALKING BY JJ throughout contract negotiations & Matt was STILL THERE, professional & trying to make things work for 2017!"

"Oh & this the best part...these MFers trying to come after SEÑOR BENJAMIN. LMAO I CANT. "Señor Benjamin" - my dad, by the way - who was never paid a dime by the company & who was obviously never under contract. Not that those contract things mean anything to TNA. Until after they're over or until 3 days before they expire, apparently."

"Funny thing is, everyone who ever actually had anything to do with #BROKEN Matt Hardy has our back on this. WHAT DOES THAT SAY TO YOU? D**n near 20% of your roster leaving in the span of a week, all citing the same reasons or none at all. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?"

"And then a fakea** "wishing you well" tweet from @EdNordholm, mere HOURS before threatening to sue us. SUCH A FITTING END, MAN. Seriously, you couldn't write this sh*t. Well. TNA couldn't write this sh*t. Any writers worth a sh*t left too! Real cute how TNA can go radio silent for WEEKS (with exception of nonsensical drunk texts from JJ) but we get a 2 hour deadline to respond. F--k you think this is, "Taken"? LOL I can't."

"Good luck explaining to your talent that their pay checks are late (again) because you're spending all your $$ suing the Hardys. And f--k that owl."

"TNA sending "spooky" letters to cable providers threatening to sue if they air Hardys. Trying to screw ROH & ruin wrestling for fans. Hardys just EXISTING & providing for our family, mind you. I think they believe they own our birth certificates at this point. TNA trying to ruin wrestling for all fans out of spite, but CONTRACTS ARE UP. *YOU* let them expire, REMEMBER? You don't own these boys!"

"Irony is, Matt's contract did not include exclusivity; could have legally appeared on ANY televised program WHILE UNDER TNA CONTRACT. Don't ever want to hear anyone talk about "burning bridges" when this move, which f--ks ROH & cable providers, leaves the most ashes behind."

"TNA would rather destroy biz relationships with ROH & cable providers for the sake of trying to fck the Hardys. Think about that! Who is going to want to work with you now ? I mean, with the exception of GFW guys coming to IMPACT tapings for $20 towards greyhound fare."

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **
This week's main event saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole, ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes battle Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and The Briscoes in an Eight Man Tag Team Match. The Kingdom also defended their ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship against The Rebellion. The Top Prospect Tournament also continued with another first round match.

1.) "ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": The Kingdom (c) vs. The Rebellion: The match closes out with Coleman unloading drop kicks on The Kingdom. Rush hot tags in and suicide dives onto everyone. King plants a spinebuster on Marseglia, but gets dropped by a Rush Cutter. The Kingdom hit their finisher, score the pinfall and retain their titles.

2.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": Raphael King vs. "Kingpin" Brian Milonas: The match closes out with King getting a near fall Rock Bottom on Milonas. King tries another Rock Bottom, but Milonas lands and elbow and plants King with a side walk slam. Milonas hits a senton splash on King and scores the pinfall to advance to the Semi-Finals.

3.) The Bullet Club (Adam Cole, Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks) vs. Jay Lethal, Bobby Fish and The Briscoes: Christopher Daniels was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with The Briscoes dodging the super kick party and hit clotheslines. The Briscoes plant Matt Jackson with a power bomb/neck breaker combo and get the near fall. Matt counters The Briscoes' Doomsday Device, lands on his feet and connects with a super kick. Jay Briscoe gets lit up with the super kick party and planted by Cody with Cross Rhodes. Super kick party on Matt Briscoe, followed by The Last Shot from Cole. The Bucks hit the Meltzer Driver on Mark and score the pinfall.

4.) Christopher Daniels Attacks And A Surprise Turn: After the match, Daniels leaves the commentary table, attacks and begins brawling with Cole. Cole tries to hit Daniels with the ROH World Title, but Daniels ducks and plants Angel's Wings on Cole. Daniels grabs a pair of scissors and threatens to cut Cole’s hair as Kazarian hits the ring. Kazarian holds Cole down in the corner as Daniels prepares for Cole’s haircut. Kazarian, however, takes off his jacket, reveals a Bullet Club shirt and stares down a stunned Daniels. The Young Bucks suddenly lay out Daniels, while distracted, with the super kick party. The Bullet Club celebrate over Daniels body as Kazarian officially joins The Bullet Club to end the show.

** Manhattan Mayhem VI Recap **
Manhattan Mayhem took place at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York. ROH Television Champion Marty Scurll defended his title against Sonjay Dutt. ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defended their titles against Jay White and Lio Rush. The main event of the show saw ROH World Champion Adam Cole defend his title against Bobby Fish. All that and more with a couple nice surprises.

1.) "Triple Threat Match": Sumi Sakai defeated Jenny Rose and Mandy Leone.

2.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": Josh Woods defeated Brian Milonas, to advance to the Semi-Finals.

3.) "ROH Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": John Skyler defeated Curt Stallion, to advance to the Semi-Finals.

4.) Christopher Daniels defeated TK O’Ryan.

5.) Dalton Castle defeated Colt Cabana.

6.) "ROH Television Championship Match": Marty Scurll defeated Sonjay Dutt, to retain the title.

7.) Dragon Lee defeated Will Ospreay.

8.) "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Young Bucks defeated Lio Rush and Jay White, to retain the titles.

9.) After The Young Bucks match, the lights go out, pop back on and Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero are in the middle of the ring, surprising everyone. The Hardy's challenge The Young Bucks for their ROH World Tag Team Championship and The Bucks accept the challenge.

10.) "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Broken Hardy's defeated The Young Bucks to win the titles.

11.) "ROH Manhattan Battle Royal Match": Matt Tavern came out victorious and has been granted a future ROH World Championship Match.

12.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Hangman Adam Page, Kazarian and Cody Rhodes defeated Jay Lethal and The Briscoes.

13.) "ROH World Championship Match": Adam Cole defeated Bobby Fish, to retain the title.

14.) After the match, The Bullet Club beat down Bobby Fish. Bubba Ray Dudley surprises everyone and hits the ring. Bubba Ray clears the ring, power bombs Adam Cole through a table and grabs a microphone. Bubba says it's good to be home and he has two contract offers with two different promotions on the table. Bubba hints at signing with ROH, but doesn't give an official answer to end the show.

- The Broken Hardy's Sign With ROH: After appearing last weekend at ROH Manhattan Mayhem and defeating The Young Bucks to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship, The Broken Hardy's announced that they had officially signed with ROH. The Hardy's also stated that it was the biggest contract in ROH history that they signed. Rumors are also stating that their current contract only goes up to Wrestlemania 33, so there is a possibility that they still sign with WWE. The Hardy's have said that they want creative control on their gimmicks and still want to work independent wrestling shows, so a WWE signing is looking very bleak right now.

- Bubba Ray Dudley Turned Down An Impact Contract: Bubba Ray Dudley made it known that he turned down an Impact contract to appear at ROH Manhattan Mayhem. Bubba stated that ROH to him felt more like his old stomping grounds of ECW. Bubba stated that his main goal in ROH if he were to sign a contract is to wrestle and give it his all. Bubba stated he doesn't care about the ROH World Championship or the ROH World Tag Team Championship, he just wants to be able to say that he wrestled in Ring of Honor the day he finally retires.

- ROH's 15th Anniversary Show: This past weekend was ROH's 15th Anniversary Show. I will have the full recap of the event for you next Sunday on the Weekend 3 Count.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** 45th Anniversary Show Recap **
NJPW's 45th Anniversary Show took place at Ota City General Gymnasium. The main event of the show saw IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada battle Tiger Mask W in a non title match.

1.) Manabu Nakanishi defeated Tomoyuki Oka, by submission with a Torture Rack.

2.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado and Gedo defeated Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Desperado, after HASHI made Michinoku submit to Karma.

3.) NJPW gives an update on Tomoaki Honma's vertebrae injury.

4.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa defeated Jushin Thunder Liger, Yuji Nagata, David Finlay and Tiger Mask, after Fale pinned Finlay after hitting the Grenade.

5.) "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Roppongi Vice, to win the titles. Kanemaru and Desperado jumped Roppongi Vice during the match and beat them down. Kanemaru ends up hitting a top rope DDT for the pinfall.

6.) "RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match": Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Katsuyori Shibata to win the title. Minoru Suzuki and Davey Boy Smith Jr. get involved, helping Sabre hit the Penalty Kick for the pinfall. Zack Sabre Jr. officially joins the Suzuki-gun faction.

7.) "IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano to win the titles. Kojima hits a lariat on Ishii to score the pinfall.

8.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Micheal Elgin and KUSHIDA, by pinfall, after Naito hits the Destino.

9.) "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match": Hiromu Takahashi defeated Ryusuke Taguchi to retain the title. Tanahashi hits a running death valley driver and the Timebomb to score the pinfall.

10.) Kazuchika Okada defeated Tiger Mask W, by pinfall, after hitting a third Rainmaker.

- Tomoaki Honma Injured: This past week at a NJPW show, Tomoaki Honma suffered a serious injury. Honma injured his cervical vertebrae and was immediately rushed to the hospital. It is unknown at this time how career threatening the injury is or if it's something Honma can bounce back from. Judging by the still frames that were shown, Honma looked to have landed wrong on his head, taking a DDT off the ropes.

- Honma Update: This past Wednesday, NJPW gave an update on Tomoaki Honma's injury. NJPW stated that Honma has been able to move his limbs now and is resting comfortably in the hospital.

*** Other ***

- "Outlaw" Ron Bass Passes Away: WWE announced this week that Ronald Heard, known to sports-entertainment fans as “Outlaw” Ron Bass, passed away at the age of 68.

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!