Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 12.21.16: Smackdown Live Detroit Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

This week Smackdown Live was live in Detroit, Michigan. Smackdown Live kicked off with AJ Styles defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against James Ellsworth. The Miz defended the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews. We finally get to the bottom of who attacked Nikki Bella at WWE Survivor Series. Dean Ambrose battled Luke Harper of The Wyatt Family in a one on one match. WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss battled La Luchadora in a non title match. Curt Hawkins battled Mojo Rawley in one on one action. The main event saw Dolph Ziggler putting his #1 Contendership on the line against Baron Corbin.

** Smackdown Live **

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": AJ Styles (c ) vs. James Ellsworth: Styles annihilates Ellsworth, blocks a No Chin Music attempt and scores the easy pinfall to retain the title. After the match, Styles throws Ellsworth outside, hits a back breaker on the announcers table, rips off Ellsworth's shirt, hits a forearm, sends Ellsworth into the steel steps then into the apron. Styles finally finishes Ellsworth off by suplexing him into the barricade.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.

- AJ Styles Promo: Styles says he has no remorse for what he just did and now James Ellsworth can go back to the Island of Misfit Toys. Dolph Ziggler interrupts, congratulates Styles and reminds Styles that Ziggler is the new #1 Contender. Styles says facing Ziggler will be a cake walk, but Ziggler reminds Styles it took him 4 times to finally beat Ellsworth and Ziggler is always willing to put it all on the line. Baron Corbin interrupts and wants to know how many chances does Ziggler get and knows Ziggler will just lose again as always. Corbin is sick of Ziggler stealing opportunities and then wasting them. Corbin swings and connects on Ziggler, but Ziggler comes back with a series of punches of his own. Corbin lays out Ziggler with End of Days to end the segment.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan informs Dolph Ziggler that he'll face Baron Corbin later. If Ziggler loses to Corbin then Ziggler must forfeit his #1 Contendership.

- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": The Miz (c) vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Miz countering a back body drop and rakes Crews in the eyes. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale and scores the pinfall to retain the title. After the match, Renee Young asks Miz about his obsession with Dean Ambrose unlike Renee who's sleeping with Ambrose. Renee slaps Miz in the face before Miz leaves the ring.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- Nattie Neidhart Promo: Nattie says she's sick of the rumors and wants to talk to Nikki Bella. Nikki comes out and so does Carmella, as she wants to see how Nattie gets out of this, because she knows Nattie attacked Nikki at WWE Survivor Series. Carmella says she remembers a time when Nattie said Nikki was taking her spotlight and no one cared about the Bella Twins outside of the WWE. Nikki asks Nattie if she attacked her, but Nattie attacks Carmella and tosses her into the christmas tree decorations at ringside. Nattie finally admits that she attacked Nikki, calls Nikki a bitch, Nattie has always hated Nikki and Nattie reminds us she's a Hart, who are wrestling royalty. Nattie ends her rant by stating that Nikki is nothing, she's sick of Nikki's magazine covers, Total Divas spin off, her red carpet appearances and Nattie's cat has more charisma than Nikki and that's why John Cena won't marry Nikki.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan asks Alexa Bliss how she's doing with her leg injury. Alexa says it still hurts and wants to know what Bryan is going to do about Becky Lynch. Bryan says Becky Lynch will face Alexa next week for the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship and Bryan already got Alexa's doctor to okay the match. If Alexa chooses not to wrestle than she will be stripped of the title.

- Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper: The match closes out with Ambrose countering the Harper Lariat and Harper countering Dirty Deeds. Ambrose inside cradles Harper and scores the pinfall. After the match, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton attack Ambrose. Bray tosses Ambrose at Orton, who hits an RKO on Ambrose. The Wyatt Family poses as The Miz hits the ring. Ambrose gets back to his feet and is dropped immediately by Miz with Ambrose's own Dirty Deeds finisher.
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall.

- Alexa Bliss vs. La Luchadora: The match closes out with Alexa unloading strikes on Luchadora. Luchadora hits a forearm and then traps Alexa in a Dis-Arm-Her submission, forcing Alexa to tap out. After the match, La Luchadora unmasks and reveals herself to be Becky Lynch.
Winner: La Luchadora, by submission.

- Curt Hawkins vs. Mojo Rawley: The match closes out with Mojo blocking the Uranage Slam and unloads on Hawkins with a back body drop, a series of shoulder tackles, a clothesline, a stinger splash and a running shoulder tackle. Mojo finishes Hawkins off for the pinfall with a running forearm.
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall.

- "Ziggler's #1 Contendership On The Line": Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin: AJ Styles was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Corbin and Ziggler brawling on the floor. Corbin tosses Ziggler into the barricade. Corbin then tosses Ziggler into Styles. Ziggler hits a super kick on Corbin as both Ziggler and Corbin get counted out. After the match, Styles grabs a steel chair and unloads chair shots on both Ziggler and Corbin. Daniel Bryan arrives and announces that next week AJ Styles will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against both Ziggler and Corbin in a Triple Threat Match.
Winner: Double Countout

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 12.7.16: Smackdown Live, Houston Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

This week Smackdown Live was live in Houston, Texas. WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles kicks off the show by addressing his foot injury, James Ellsworth and WWE TLC. Newly crowned WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Family defended their titles against Heath Slater and Rhyno. Carmella addresses what she said at WWE TLC about Nattie Neidhart being the one who attacked Nikki Bella at WWE Survivor Series. The Hype Bros battled The Ascension in Tag Team Division action. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz returns with another edition of Miz TV. Baron Corbin battled Kalisto in a one on one match. Chad Gable of American Alpha battled Tyler Breeze of Breezago. Newly crowned WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss has a Championship Celebration. Main event time saw The Miz defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dean Ambrose.

** Smackdown Live **

- AJ Styles Promo: Styles shows highlights from WWE TLC on Sunday, says he injured his foot, has been stuck in a walking boot since than and can't defend his title against James Ellsworth tonight because he's not medically cleared yet. James Ellsworth interrupts, says it would be convenient for Styles to dodge this match because Styles knows that Ellsworth has his number after beating him three times in a row and Ellsworth wants credit for helping Styles retain. Styles says he would've won with or without Ellsworth interfering and thinks Ellsworth is an idiot for turning on the one man who has made Ellsworth's career mean anything...Dean Ambrose. Styles knows exactly what Ambrose is capable of doing to Ellsworth. Dean Ambrose suddenly hits the ring, grabs Ellsworth and drills him with Dirty Deeds.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Wyatt Family (c) vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno: The match closes out with Bray distracting Slater, allowing Orton to get a near fall power slam. Bray tosses Rhyno to the floor as Orton tags Bray in. Slater hits a drop kick on Bray, but Bray comes back with a clothesline on Slater. Bray goes for Sister Abigail, but changes his mind and instead tags in Orton, who hits the RKO on Slater for the pinfall.
Winners: The Wyatt Family, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Carmella Promo: Carmella says it wasn't her that attacked Nikki Bella at WWE Survivor Series, it was Nattie Neidhart that did it, because Nikki is stealing Nattie's spotlight on Total Divas. Carmella calls Nattie a jealous, envious and deceiving con artist. Nattie hits the ring and ground and pounds Carmella. Carmella escapes and runs backstage with Nattie hot on her tail. Nattie runs into Nikki Bella and swears up and down that Carmella is lying. 

- Backstage, Kalisto asked for a rematch against Baron Corbin because he has speed for his advantage and speed kills.

- Backstage, Baron Corbin says he can't deny Kalisto's speed, but Kalisto is nothing but a mosquito that's going to get squashed.

- Hype Bros vs. The Ascension: The match closes out with Mojo hot tagging and unloading shoulder tackles, corner splashes, and a half nelson slam for a near fall. Konnor grabs Ryder and tosses him to the floor. Mojo comes in and nails a clothesline on Konnor sending him to the floor. Mojo and Ryder hit the Hype Ryder and score the pinfall.
Winners: The Hype Bros, by pinfall.

- Miz TV With The Miz: Miz wants to know where his "You Deserve It" chants are. Miz has put Dolph Ziggler in his rear view mirror and now looks ahead. Miz introduces Dean Ambrose as his guest tonight and Ambrose arrives. Miz says Ambrose must be the most angry man on the planet right now after hitting James Ellsworth with Dirty Deeds for costing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE TLC. Ambrose claims to not be angry. Miz says he's surprised and shocked. Miz says Ambrose played Ellsworth like a puppet anyway by using him to get under AJ Styles' skin. Miz says everyone wanted to see Ellsworth toss Ambrose around the ring, but now it won't happen. Ambrose says it surprises him when people purposely try to piss him off. Miz says Ambrose came close to winning the title, came up short, but he wants to give Ambrose the first ever Miz Participation Award. Ambrose says he'd like to see if he can shove it down Miz's throat. Daniel Bryan interrupts and tells Ambrose not to touch Miz. Instead save it for later when Miz has to defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ambrose.

- Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto: The match closes out with Kalisto landing a spike hurracanrana on Corbin for a near fall. Kalisto goes to the top rope, goes for a moonsault, but misses as Corbin moves. Kalisto ducks a clothesline and Corbin counters a tilt a whirl head scissors into the End of Days to score the pinfall.
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall.

- Chad Gable vs. Tyler Breeze: The match closes out with Gable corner punching Breeze and then hits a cross body block. Fandango tries to interfere, but gets planted with a Jason Jordan over head belly to belly suplex. Gable hits a O'Connor Roll into a bridging german suplex on Breeze to score the pinfall.
Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall.

- Alexa Bliss Championship Celebration: Alexa says that at WWE TLC she proved that happy endings don't exist, Becky called her a bitch and now this bitch runs the Women's Division. Becky Lynch appears and interrupts Alexa. Alexa tells Becky to leave because she's not invited. Becky says it's one thing to get to the top, but another to stay on top. Alexa says Becky can say what ever she wants, but she will call Alexa champ. Becky says she likes bitch better and she wants her rematch now. Alexa tells her to bring it, but then runs to the back when Becky hits the ring.

- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": The Miz (c) vs. Dean Ambrose: The match closes out with Ambrose hitting the Lunatic Lariat and then trading shots with Miz on the ropes. Ambrose drops Miz off the ropes. Maryse pushes Ambrose into the ring post behind the referee's back. James Ellsworth hits the ring, argues with Maryse then jumps on the apron. The referee is distracted by Ellsworth as Ambrose has Miz pinned. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale, scores the pinfall and retains the title to end the show.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 11.23.16: Smackdown Live Ottawa Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

This week Smackdown Live was live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and concluded with day 4 of the NXT/WWE live pay per view and live TV Canadian invasion experience. The Miz is forced by Daniel Bryan to defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Kalisto. A Tag Team Turmoil Match takes place with the winning team becoming #1 Contenders. WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Becky Lynch battled Nattie Neidhart. Baron Corbin had to battle Kane as punishment for costing Smackdown Live the Cruiserweight Division at WWE Survivor Series. In the main event, James Ellsworth battled AJ Styles in a Ladder Match for a chance to win a WWE Smackdown Live contract.

*** Smackdown Live ***

- Shane McMahon Promo: Shane says he feels like he's been in a car accident after getting a concussion at WWE Survivor Series. Shane compliments Team Smackdown Live and then gets cut off by Dean Ambrose. Shane says he isn't happy with Ambrose, after he helped Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins power bomb AJ Styles through the announcers table. James Ellsworth comes out with a neck brace on after he was thrown off the Survivor Series stage. Shane announces that Ellsworth is getting a shot at a WWE contract tonight and he's giving Ambrose the night off. Ambrose gets ordered to leave the building as AJ Styles arrives. Styles says Ambrose should be fired, he doesn't deserve a title match at WWE TLC and Ellsworth shouldn't be given a contract opportunity. Styles demands a Ladder Match with Ellsworth for his contract and Ellsworth agrees because it's either go big or go home. Shane makes the Styles vs. Ellsworth Ladder Match for Ellsworth's WWE contract official for tonight. 

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan interrupts The Miz's photo shoot and orders Miz to get to the ring now. Miz will defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Kalisto, as punishment for humiliating Smackdown Live at WWE Survivor Series by cheating to beat Sami Zayn.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose asks Shane if he really wants him to leave the building. Shane says he needs to leave. Ambrose tries to stall as much as possible and tries to change Shane's mind until finally leaving the building.

- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": The Miz (c) vs. Kalisto: The match closes out with Kalisto going to the top rope, but Baron Corbin arrives and gets on the ring apron. Kalisto ducks a Corbin clothesline and lands an enziguri on Corbin. Miz attacks Kalisto during the distraction, hits the Skull Crushing Finale and scores the pinfall, to retain the title. After the match, Miz and Maryse applaud Corbin from the Smackdown Live stage as Corbin hits End of Days on Kalisto. Miz turns to leave and eats a surprise super kick from Dolph Ziggler.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- Backstage, Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch interrupt Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan. Becky agrees to give Alexa a WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match at WWE TLC. Alexa tells Becky that she has two weeks to shine up the title for Alexa. Nattie Neidhart interrupts and blames Becky for Team Smackdown Live losing. Shane says everyone is to blame, things might have been different if Nikki Bella wasn't jumped and then announces that Becky will face Nattie tonight. Dean Ambrose walks in eating pizza and Shane again tells Ambrose to get out of the building.

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan tells Baron Corbin he doesn't mind superstars trying to make a name for themselves, but Corbin is being reckless and stupid. Corbin says Bryan doesn't understand that Corbin is the big picture. Bryan announces Corbin will face Kane tonight as punishment for costing Smackdown Live the Cruiserweight Division at WWE Survivor Series.

- "#1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil Match": The Hype Bros vs. The Ascension vs. The Vaudevillians vs. Breezango vs. American Alpha vs. The Usos:

** First Elimination: The Ascension double team Ryder and go for a double suplex. Ryder hits a double neck breaker and tags Mojo. Mojo unloads and he and Ryder hit the Hype Ryder to score the pinfall and eliminate The Ascension.
** Second Elimination: Ryder goes for the Broski Boot on Breeze, but Breeze dodges it. Breeze sends Ryder into a Fandango forearm. Fandango hits a slingshot elbow on Ryder and scores the pinfall eliminating The Hype Bros.
** Third Elimination: Breeze and Fandango double team Gable. Fandango goes for a sunset flip, but Gable counters with a rollup, scores the pinfall and Breezago are eliminated.
** Fourth Elimination: Gable clotheslines English out of the ring and then drop kicks Gotch. Jordan hits a german suplex on Gotch, bridges it and scores the pinfall, eliminating The Vaudevillains.

** Final Elimination: Jey hits the Uso Splash, but Jordan comes back with an inside cradle for a near fall. Jey hits a chop block on Jordan and Jimmy goes for a super kick on Gable. Gable counters with a german suplex and American Alpha hit Grand Amplitude, score the pinfall and become the new #1 Contenders. After the match, The Wyatt Family appear on the Smackdown Live TitanTron. Bray says American Alpha shouldn't be celebrating because they haven't faced all the tag teams. Randy Orton says that he and Bray will battle American Alpha next week for the #1 Contendership.
Winners: American Alpha, to become the current #1 Contenders. 

- Backstage, Daniel Bryan asks James Ellsworth if he's ready for tonight and to be careful against AJ Styles. Dean Ambrose appears dressed as The Mountie. Bryan tells Ambrose to leave the building before Shane McMahon freaks out. Shane McMahon arrives, calls Ambrose disrespectful and insubordinate and walks out. Ambrose asks if anyone wants to know why he's dressed like The Mountie. Bryan asks why and Ambrose says because the The Mountie always gets his man.

- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart: Alexa Bliss was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Becky going for the Dis-Arm-Her submission on Nattie, but Nattie counters with a rollup for a near fall. Becky hits a suplex on Nattie, but Nattie comes back and goes for the Sharpshooter submission. Becky counters the Sharpshooter, traps Nattie in the Dis-Arm-Her submission and makes Nattie tap out. After the match, Alexa hits the ring and beats down Becky and lays her out with a DDT.
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission.

- Backstage, The Miz demands that Dolph Ziggler be suspended. Daniel Bryan instead announces Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Ladder Match at WWE TLC for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Miz promises that he'll write the final chapter in his feud with Ziggler and bring it to a Skull Crushing Finale.

- Backstage, Carmella is making fun of Nikki Bella on the phone. Nikki enters, accuses Carmella of attacking her at WWE Survivor Series. Carmella says she always admits when she does something, can't take credit on this one and maybe Nikki should ask Charlotte and Dana Brooke. Nikki says she got her brother in law Daniel Bryan to give her a match against Carmella at WWE TLC.

- Kane vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Kane hitting a corner splash, but Corbin lands a boot to Kane. Kane tosses Corbin outside, but Corbin hits a running shoulder block that sends Kane off the apron. Kalisto comes out of nowhere and drop kicks Corbin causing a DQ on Kane. After the match, Kane plants Corbin with a choke slam. Kalisto grabs a steel chair and ends up hitting Corbin with the Van Daminator, knocking Corbin out.
Winner: Baron Corbin, by DQ.

- "Ladder Match, If James Ellsworth wins, than he earns a Smackdown Live contract": AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth: The match closes out with Styles turning Ellsworth upside down on the ladder in a tree of woe and then unloads kicks on Ellsworth. Styles puts Ellsworth under the ladder and slaps the taste out of Ellsworth's mouth. Styles climbs the ladder, but Dean Ambrose suddenly hits the ring in an Ottawa Senators jersey and trades punches with Styles. Ambrose clotheslines Styles to the floor, but Styles comes back and hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Ellsworth. Styles climbs the ladder, but Ellsworth dumps Styles off and hits No Chin Music on Styles. Styles gets tangled in the ropes, allowing Ellsworth to climb the ladder, grab the contract and win the match.
Winner: James Ellsworth, by contract retrieval, to win a Smackdown Live contract.