Weekend 3 Count 12/31/17

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, 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's Return: This past week on Monday Night RAW, John Cena returned to action as he battled Elias Samson. According to reports, Cena is expected to stick around for a few more weeks leading into the WWE Royal Rumble at the end of January.

- New Tag Team Champions Crowned: If you missed Monday Night RAW this past week, there were new WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions crowned. Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan defeated Sheamus and Cesaro to close out 2017 the new tag team champions.

- Jason Jordan Makes History: After winning the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship this past Monday, Jason Jordan has made some history as well. Jordan currently is the first and only superstar to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship, the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship and the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Dolph Ziggler Stripped Of The WWE United States Championship: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, GM Daniel Bryan announced that Dolph Ziggler was being stripped of the WWE United States Championship, after Ziggler laid down the title in the ring, walked out and hasn't been heard from since.

- WWE United States Championship Tournament Announced: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, GM Daniel Bryan announced a tournament to crown a new WWE United States Champion. Bobby Roode defeated Baron Corbin and Jinder Mahal defeated Tye Dillinger to start it off. The winner of Aiden English vs. Xavier Woods will face Mahal and the winner of Zack Ryder vs. Mojo Rawley will battle Roode in the final four.

- Batista Return Possible?: According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Batista has stated that he would love to return to the WWE for one more full time run with the company. Batista stated that he's been eyeing a lengthy return to the WWE, one that could last up to a whole year. Batista stated that he has already met with Vince McMahon about the idea and Batista would love to have a long feud with Triple H during that year. I'll keep you posted on this news as more is revealed.

- Randy Orton Taking A Hiatus?: According to PWInsider.com, Randy Orton could be out of action for most of February and all of March and will also work a light schedule in January. Rumors are stating that this could be leading to Orton eventually stepping down into a part time role with the company as well with Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Chris Jericho.

- Dean Ambrose Update: The Tuesday before Christmas, Dean Ambrose underwent successful surgery to repair a high grade triceps tendon injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Birmingham, Ala., and took around 40 minutes. Ambrose has begun physical therapy, starting with light range of motion exercises. Ambrose is expected to miss Wrestlemania 34, as he will be out for at least 9 months.

- Brian Kendrick Injured: This past Monday on RAW, Brian Kendrick was sent to local hospital to be checked for a potential injury, after taking a stiff Go To Sleep from Hideo Itami during their match. After tests came back it was discovered that Kendrick suffered a fractured orbital bone and a fractured nasal bridge. It's unknown at this time how long Kendrick will be out for.

- Paige Injured: This past Wednesday night at a live WWE event, Paige suffered a kick to the back by Sasha Banks which caused the match to be stopped and Paige in need of assistance. According to fans in attendance, initially, a stretcher was brought out, but Paige was able to walk to the back with the help of the doctors.

- Go To Sleep Banned: It was announced this week that after Hideo Itami accidentally injured Brian Kendrick delivering the Go To Sleep, Vince McMahon officially has banned the move from being used.

- Ronda Rousey News: After the announcement of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble at the WWE Royal Rumble, rumors began on a possible Ronda Rousey appearance in the match. Sources have said, however, that Rousey is still in training for her WWE debut and will also be filming a movie with Mark Wahlberg during the Royal Rumble time frame. It looks like her debut at the WWE Royal Rumble is false unless things change up to match time.

- Possible Fastlane Main Event Spoiler: The Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio has recently announced a Fatal Five Way Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Smackdown Live pay per view WWE Fastlane on March 11th. WWE have not confirmed this match to be true at the moment, but if it pans out to be true then it'll be WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles defending his championship in the Fatal Five Way Match against Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Jack Gallagher vs. Hideo Itami: The first match of the night saw Gallagher looking to get revenge on Itami after Itami injured Brian Kendrick on Monday Night RAW. Itami locks in a submission on Gallagher and makes him tap out to get the victory.

- Tony Nese vs. Akira Tozawa: Earlier in the night Nese stated that he wanted to take out everyone in the Zo Train, but understands that Enzo Amore is the star of 205 Live and Nese has learned his place. Tozawa mocked Nese for that decision and ended up getting slapped in the face by Nese. The match closes out with Nese hitting the running knees on Tozawa and scoring the pinfall.

- Ariya Daivari and Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali: Earlier in the night, Cedric tries to talk sense into Gulak that Enzo Amore is just using him. The match closes out with Ali hitting the 054 Splash on Daivari and scoring the pinfall.

*** NXT ***

- Johnny Gargano New #1 Contender: This past week on NXT TV, Johnny Gargano officially became the new #1 Contender to the NXT World Championship, after defeated Aleister Black, Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain in a Fatal Four Way Match.

- NXT Takeover Philadelphia: With Johnny Gargano winning the Fatal Four Way Match, the official main event at NXT Takeover Philadelphia will be Andrade "Cien" Almas defending the NXT World Championship against Johnny Gargano. NXT Takeover Philadelphia will take place the night before WWE Royal Rumble.

- Shayna Bazsler Debuts: This past week on NXT TV, Shayna Bazsler made her official NXT debut, by attacking and choking out Kairi Sane.

- WWE Adds A 5th NXT Yearly Pay Per View: WWE announced this week that NXT will get a 5th yearly Takeover Pay Per View, starting this year. WWE will be including WWE Money In The Bank as their 5th main pay per view that will include all of RAW and Smackdown Live stars. NXT will get their pay per view the Saturday before Money In The Bank.

- James Storm Asked About Signing With NXT: Former Impact wrestler James Storm was interviewed recently and was asked about whether or not he would return to NXT if he was offered a spot on the roster again. Storm stated that he has been hitting the gym daily and keeping in excellent shape, just in case he was made an offer by any promotion out there right now. Storm stated that NXT in his eyes is a huge promotion on its own now and any wrestler should be honored to accept a roster spot with the company. Storm stated that he would love to have a good run in NXT and also help out the up and comers in the company. Will we see The Cowboy return?? Will have to stay tuned and find out.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

- Ethan Carter Files Documents To Trademark His Name: Impact Wrestling star EC3 has filed documents this past week in an attempt to legally own his character’s name. EC3 filed trademark documents which state that he wants to use the name for “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer. The documents also note that he wants to use the name for “conducting fitness classes.” Impact Wrestling announced a few weeks ago that they were allowing all Impact Wrestlers past and present the opportunity to keep their gimmicks that they created in Impact Wrestling. This opened the door to allow Matt Hardy to debut his Broken/Woken gimmick finally in the WWE.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

- Young Lion Cup Winner: Last week the 11th Annual Young Lion Cup Tournament finished up at NJPW Lion's Gate Project 10. Katsuya Kitamura came out victorious in the tournament and claimed the Young Lion Cup Trophy. The following is the final standings of the tournament.

- Katsuya Kitamura 10
- Hirai Kawato 8
- Tomoyuki Oka 6
- Shota Umino 4
- Ren Narita 1
- Tetsuhiro Yagi 1

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!

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 7/18/17: RAW Nashville Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

What's up gang?! Wrestling kicks off another exciting week with Monday Night RAW live in Nashville, Tennessee. Tonight we finally learned who has been behind the text messages that Kurt Angle has been receiving that could ruin his career as the RAW General Manager. Who did it turn out to be? Also, Roman Reigns battled Samoa Joe to determine just exactly who is going to WWE SummerSlam to battle WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. That and plenty more action as RAW moves ahead to WWE SummerSlam in August.

** This Weeks Card **

- WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss battled Bayley in a non title match.
- Brian Kendrick and Drew Gulak battled Jack Gallagher and Mustafa Ali.
- Finn Balor battled Elias Samson.
- Akira Tozawa battled Ariya Daivari.
- The Hardy Boys battled The Revival.
- Roman Reigns battled Samoa Joe in a #1 Contenders Match for the WWE Universal Championship.

- Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins bring up the past face to face.

- Enzo and Big Show continue their feud with Big Cass.

- Kurt Angle finally reveals his secret that could cost him his job as General Manager of Monday Night RAW.

** RAW **

- Dean Ambrose Promo: Ambrose arrives with a steel chair and immediately calls out The Miz, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas. Seth Rollins interrupts instead and heads to the ring. Rollins says he appreciates Ambrose's toughness, but doesn't understand why he's fighting a battle he can't win without help. Ambrose brings up The Shield incident with Rollins turning and never being able to trust Rollins ever again. Rollins says it happened 3 years ago, it's time to move on, Rollins apologizes for doing it and offers Ambrose the chance to beat him down with the steel chair if that's what it'll take. The Miz, Axel and Dallas interrupt next all holding steel chairs and surround the ring, as Miz says this reunion is very touching just like a Nashville country song. Miz gets taken out by Ambrose as Axel and Dallas double team Rollins. Miz sends Ambrose into the steel steps and then helps 3 on 1 attack Rollins. Miz lays out Rollins with a Skull Crushing Finale right on a steel chair to end the segment.

- Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley: The match closes out with Bayley landing a back suplex and a elbow from the top rope. Alexa gets chased outside by Bayley, but Nia Jax is there for backup. Bayley gets distracted by Nia and gets a cheap shot from Alexa. Sasha Banks hits ringside and drop kicks Nia into the apron. Bayley gets a near fall rollup, but comes back with Bayley To Belly on Alexa, scoring the pinfall on the champ.
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall.

- We're at the commentators table and Corey Graves immediately jumps up from his seat with another text message arriving that he has to show Kurt Angle.

- Backstage, Kurt Angle and Corey Graves meet up. Angle is having second thoughts about going public with his secret. Graves reminds Angle that social media will leak it anyway, it's best to come clean. Angle agrees and thanks Graves for the friendship he's given him through this tough time.

- Backstage, Ariya Daivari interrupts Titus Worldwide and asks where Akira Tozawa's honor has gone. Daivari then challenges Tozawa to a rematch so he can finish what he started last week.

- Brian Kendrick and Drew Gulak vs. Jack Gallagher and Mustafa Ali: The match closes out with Gallagher tossing Gulak and then Kendrick tags in and attacks Gallagher. Gallagher shuts down Kendrick and hits a head butt. Ali tags in, hits the inverted 450 Splash on Kendrick and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Jack Gallagher and Mustafa Ali, by pinfall.

- Enzo Promo: Enzo says that he lost to Big Cass at WWE Great Balls of Fire, but he brought the fight to him. Enzo then mentions the fact that when someone the size of Cass gets in the ring with him like the Big Show did, Cass folds like a lawn chair. Cass suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Cass mocks Enzo for running his mouth again and is going to beat some sense into Enzo. Enzo escapes the ring and watches with a fan at ringside as Big Show arrives. Cass hits a boot, but Show returns with a head butt. Show beats on Cass and tosses him into the barricade repeatedly. Cass fights back with a punch and then sends Show into the barricade. Show tosses Cass into the apron and slams him on the floor. Show with chops, but Cass sends Show into the ringpost repeatedly. Cass finally gets Show down in the ring and ground and pounds him. Enzo tries to make the save, but gets laid out with a Cass big boot to end the segment.

- Backstage, Roman Reigns says he'll beat Samoa Joe tonight because Reigns is at his best when the stakes are high.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins are arguing with each other. Kurt Angle interrupts and says they can fight two of the three men in the Miztourage next week. Ambrose and Rollins accept, but they want all three members in a handicap match.

- Elias Samson vs. Finn Balor: The match closes out with Balor unloading on Samson and sending him outside. Balor follows and looks to continue the offense. Samson suddenly grabs his guitar and busts it over Balor, DQ'ing Samson.
Winner: Finn Balor, by DQ.

- After the match, Bray Wyatt appears on the TitanTron laughing. Bray says he needs to satisfy his soul, inflict pain on Balor and punish Balor.

- Backstage, Bayley and Sasha Banks ask Kurt Angle to decide who the #1 Contender is between the two of them. Angle announces Bayley vs. Banks next week in a #1 Contenders Match.

- Backstage, The Revival brag about jumping The Hardy Boys last week and promise to do it again this week.

- Akira Tozawa vs. Ariya Daivari: The match closes out with Daivari attacking Tozawa's shoulder. Daivari hits a running knee on Tozawa and again beats on the shoulder. Titus O'Neil suddenly jumps on the apron and tells the referee that Tozawa forfeits the match.
Winner: Ariya Daivari, by Forfeit.

- After the match, Tozawa argues with the referee for stopping the match, argues with Titus O'Neil for telling the referee to stop the match and then walks out.

- Kurt Angle Promo: Angle apologizes for the issues he's caused the past month with his recent serious consequence. Angle says that his family is 100% supportive of his secret as is the WWE. Angle says he dated a girl in college and recently found out that they had a child together that he never knew about. Angle says his son was put up for adoption and raised by a wholesome family with American values. Angle says his son was great at sports, wrestled in college and is a current WWE Superstar. Angle introduces his son........Jason Jordan. Jordan arrives and hugs Angle to end the segment.

- The Revival vs. The Hardy Boys: The match closes out with Matt tossing Wilder outside as Jeff hits Whisper in the Wind on Dawson. Jeff goes for the Swanton Bomb, but gets shoved off the ropes by Wilder. Dawson covers Jeff, grabs the pants and scores the pinfall.
Winners: The Revival, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Samoa Joe says he's proved that he doesn't fear Brock Lesnar and warns Roman Reigns that Joe is a force of nature. Joe says his third time against Reigns tonight will be the charm.

- Backstage, Titus O'Neil apologizes to Akira Tozawa for costing him his match earlier, but says he was looking out for Tozawa's future. Tozawa tells Titus to get him a rematch with Ariya Daivari for this week's 205 Live.

- "#1 Contenders Match": Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe: The match closes out with Joe hitting a series of head butts. Reigns comes back and plants Joe with a Samoan Drop. Reigns counters the Uranage from Joe and nails the Superman Punch. Both men are down when suddenly Braun Strowman hits the ring, getting the match thrown out.
Winner: No Contest.

- After the match, Reigns lands a punch and a boot on Strowman. Strowman sends Reigns into the barricade then tosses him in between the ropes back into the ring. Joe and Strowman unload on each other until Strowman drops Joe. Strowman corner splashes Reigns and then pounds him into the corner. Reigns hits a big boot on Strowman sending him into Joe who applies the Coquina Clutch submission on Strowman. Reigns plants a Superman Punch, dropping both Strowman and Joe. Strowman counters another Superman Punch with a mid air spine buster on Reigns. Strowman plants Joe with a running power slam and then plants Reigns with two running power slams to end the show.

NXT Takeover: Dallas #NXTTakeOver #NXTTakeOverDallas

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the NXT Takeover: Dallas recap.

NXT Takeover: Dallas took place live at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Finn Balor defended the NXT World Championship against Samoa Joe. Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson defended the NXT World Tag Team Championship against Jason Jordan and Chad Gable. Bayley defended the NXT Women's Championship against Asuka. Plus two huge NXT debuts of former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Austin Aries and former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura.

Before we get to the recap, me being the metal/rock guy at Triple Threat CLE would like to share one of NXT Takeover: Dallas' theme songs for the event. This is Halestorm performing Mayhem.

*** NXT Takeover: Dallas ***

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson (c) vs. Jason Jordan and Chad Gable: The match closes out with Jordan going for a superplex on Dawson, but gets shoved off the ropes by Wilder. Dawson tries to steal a pinfall with his feet on the ropes, but Jordan kicks out at two. Jordan gets a near fall rollup on Dawson, then catches a european uppercut by Wilder and nearly pinned by Dawson, as Gable stops it. Wilder and Dawson go for their double team gut buster finisher, but Jordan counters and gets a near fall.

Jordan misses a charging corner shoulder block as Wilder pulls Dawson out of the way. Gable is in and he and Dawson both trade near falls with each other. Jordan tags in and spears Dawson out of nowhere. Jordan and Gable hit their double team finisher, score the pinfall and walk out the new tag team champions.
Winners: Jason Jordan and Chad Gable, by pinfall, to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

- Baron Corbin vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Aries climbing to the top rope and nailing a missile drop kick on Corbin. Corbin rolls to the floor to escape, but Aries suicide dives an elbow into Corbin. Aries charges at Corbin, Corbin side steps and hits Aries with Deep Six right on the floor. Aries barely makes it back into the ring avoiding the count out. Corbin goes for End Of Days on Aries, but Aries counters out, rolls Corbin up and scores the debut pinfall.
Winner: Austin Aries, by pinfall.

- Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: The match closes out with Zayn locking Nakamura in the Koji Clutch submission, but Nakamura counters into a near fall. Zayn misses Helluva Kick and gets hit with an exploder suplex by Nakamura. Zayn hits the Blue Thunder Bomb and Nakamura rolls outside. Zayn misses the diving DDT and eats a Nakamura kick. Nakamura gets cut off on the top rope by Zayn, but he shoves Zayn off the ropes. Zayn catches Nakamura charging at him and goes for the exploder suplex. Nakamura blocks it with a series of elbows on Zayn. Nakamura goes to the second rope and nails Zayn in the head with the Bomaye Knee. Nakamura sets up Zayn and plants another Bomaye Knee, covers and scores the debut pinfall.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- "NXT Women’s Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs Asuka: The match closes out with Asuka missing a couple kicks and Bayley with a near fall rollup. Bayley counters the Asuka Lock with a suplex. Bayley tries the Rings Of Bayley submission, but can't lock it in. Asuka hits a suplex on Bayley, applies an arm bar, which she turns into a Dis-Arm-Her and turns that into the Asuka Lock submission. Bayley fights for her life and stays on her feet. Asuka plants Bayley on the mat with the Asuka Lock submission still locked on. Bayley fights for her life still and again gets back to her feet. Asuka slams down Bayley again and keeps the Asuka Lock submission locked in. Bayley keeps fighting and tries to escape, but eventually passes out from the pain. The referee stops the match and Asuka takes the championship.
Winner: Asuka, by stoppage, to win the NXT Women's Championship.

- Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Bobby Roode, is shown sitting in the crowd.

- "NXT World Championship Match": Finn Balor (c) vs. Samoa Joe: Finn Balor comes out with a chainsaw as a tribute to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The match closes out with Joe countering Sling Blade and hitting a belly to belly on Balor. Balor finally hits the Sling Blade, but misses the running drop kick. Joe gets a near fall senton on Balor. Joe hits a power bomb, turns that into a Boston Crab submission, then turns that into a crossface submission. Balor escapes, hits a double foot stomp, hits a Sling Blade and a running drop kick.

Balor goes to the top rope, but gets hit with the Joe Muscle Buster for a near fall. Joe slaps Balor, but Balor hits the Pele Kick. Balor hits a drop kick, the top rope double foot stomp and goes for Bloody Sunday. Joe counters and locks Balor in the Coquina Clutch submission. Balor fights for his life and gets back to his feet. Balor rebounds his feet off the top turnbuckle, flips on top of Joe and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall, to retain the NXT World Championship.

- This closed out the show.