Weekend 3 Count: 11/24 - 11/30 #WWE #TNA

By @B_Rock1978

The Weekend 3 Count is brought to you by Triple Threat CLE.

*** Weekend Flashback ***

This week's flashback will be a highlight video of two up and coming superstars in the WWE. One is the current Mr. Money In The Bank and possible future WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The other made his name in Japan and on the independent scene and is currently wrestling on NXT.

Tyler Black (Seth Rollins) vs. KENTA (Hideo Itami) Ring of Honor 2006


*** WWE News and Rumors ***

- The major story of the week is the "Icon" Sting. Unless you've been living under a rock all week, I'm sure you've heard that Sting made his debut for the first time ever in a WWE ring. Sting arrived and helped Team Cena defeat The Authority at last Sunday's Survivor Series.

- What's next for the Stinger? As of now, WWE are throwing around two different storylines. Option number one is a Sting vs. Triple H match at Wrestlemania 31. Which makes perfect sense due to Sting dropping Triple H with a "Scorpion Death Drop" and costing The Authority their jobs. Option number two is the WWE might still go with Sting vs. The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 31. That is if Undertaker is even healthy enough to go one more match. So we will see where the WWE decides they will go with The Stinger.

- My opinion on Sting? I'd like both matches please. I was thinking they should keep Sting as a pay per view appearance only character with maybe one or two RAW appearances. Here's what I would do if I was booking Sting. At WWE TLC, I'd have Sting get involved with a Seth Rollins match and cost Rollins the match, keeping the screw The Authority angle going. Royal Rumble in January, we'd get Sting's first ever WWE match as he faces a pissed off Triple H. Sting beats Triple H and reappears at WWE Fast Lane in February and plants the seeds for his Wrestlemania match with Taker. We get one or two RAW appearances by Taker and Sting to build the match then get the payoff match at Wrestlemania. Now who wins that match, really doesn't matter to me with the streak gone. But I'm thinking WWE would put their guy over (Taker) before an outsider (Sting). WWE could possibly induct Sting into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, as a reward for losing to Taker.

- As for who is running RAW with The Authority gone now? It appears WWE is going back to the surprise GM of the night angle again at the moment. Daniel Bryan was this past RAW's GM and and tomorrow's RAW will be the return of the Anonymous GM that emails his decisions throughout the show.

- Tomorrow's RAW will be entitled "Cyber Monday". The WWE Universe not only gets the Anonymous GM computer calling the shots but also gets to vote on matches and stipulations throughout the evening by the WWE app.

- This week's Smackdown finally seen the debut of Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The trio are calling their faction The New Day.

- There was a new WWE Divas Champion crowned at Survivor Series last Sunday. Nikki Bella defeated A.J. Lee in under 10 seconds to take home the gold. Also at Survivor Series, The Miz and Damien Sandow walked out the new WWE World Tag Team Champions. Be sure to head back and read my Survivor Series Results.

- Rumors were circulating that A.J. Lee may have asked for her release from the company, after the way she lost the WWE Divas Championship at Survivor Series. According to sources close to A.J., these rumors are false and she is planning on finishing out her contract. A.J.'s contract with WWE expires after the WWE TLC pay per view in December.

- Speaking of the Divas. Rumors are saying that WWE may be moving current NXT Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair, to the main roster in December. WWE have been very happy with Charlotte's progress and feel it may be time to use her on the big stage.

- CM Punk news!! Punk was recently on his best friend, Colt Cobana's, podcast and finally opened up about why he left the WWE, last January. Colt Cabana's podcast link is also in this article if you want to listen to the CM Punk interview

- Ryback, who was one of the men that Punk took shots at in the Podcast, responded on Twitter with a picture of eight Ryback action figures, surrounding a CM Punk action figure, which was put through a table. Ryback has since deleted all Twitter posts directed at Punk.

- And how does WWE feel about Punk's podcast? The boys in the locker room are happy this leaked. Vince, Triple H and all the higher ups, of course are denying all of it and are pretty pissed off with Punk right now. I think it is safe to say that CM Punk not only burned his bridge with WWE, but he blew the thing up.

- Bad News Barrett had some good news this past week. Barrett finally received his green card. Which gives him the right to compete in the United States without issues. Barrett has had issues in the past with his work Visa not letting him in the United States to compete at wrestling shows.

- Bully Ray was interviewed recently this week. Bully stated that he would be open for a WWE return and do a singles run. Bully stated that he would love to wrestle Brock Lesnar and John Cena. If used right, Bully could be a good addition to any storyline with his "I don't give a damn" attitude.

*** TNA News and Rumors ***

- TNA will begin doing TV tapings for their new TV home, Destination America, in January. Those shows will be taped at the Manhattan Center in New York City.

- TNA is making plans in doing a reboot when they premiere on Destination America. Not sure if that means they are rebooting champions or just rebooting the layout of the company.

- One change TNA is being rumored to be making, is at the announcers table. Sources are saying that TNA may be replacing Mike Tenay with former WWE announcer Josh Matthews.

- TNA is also discussing doing their first show on Destination America live. Honestly, TNA needs to do all their shows live. I really hate knowing what's going to happen two months before it actually happens. For example, if you read spoilers, we all knew Bobby Roode was going to win the TNA World Championship, Samoa Joe was vacating the TNA X Division Championship and James Storm and Abyss were going to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship, two months before it happened. Knowing this, for example, took a little bit out of that great series of matches for the tag titles that Team 3D, The Hardys and The Wolves delivered. We all knew The Wolves would retain after it was all said and done. All I'm saying, if you want to compete with the WWE then TNA needs to treat Impact like it is their RAW and go live every week.

And that's this weekend's 3 Count. Join me every Sunday afternoon as I post news around WWE, TNA and GFW. Till next week, tap or snap.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, 9.12.14: NXT Takeover 2

By @BSA1978.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon is here, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE. Today's edition is the NXT Takeover 2 pay per view.

Now I haven't covered much NXT in the past, just pay per view recaps. I just want to say that if you haven't seen NXT yet, definitely check it out. NXT is WWE's brand for up and coming talent that will one day make it to the main roster in WWE. Current guys and gals on the main roster like Cesaro, Bo Dallas, The Wyatt Family, Adam Rose, Fandango, Rusev, A.J. Lee, Paige and Emma were brought up through the NXT system and groomed into the WWE stars that they are today.

Looking at the current NXT roster, there is some incredible talent on its way to WWE soon. Adrian Neville, the current NXT World Champion, is making a name for himself and catching the eyes of the fans with his arsenal of ground wrestling and high flying moves. Speaking of high flying, check out Sami Zayn. I demand everyone to go watch Cesaro vs Sami Zayn in a "2 out of 3 Falls Match" then watch their match from NXT Arrival, both five star classics. Over in the tag team division, the next rising team is the current NXT Tag Team Champions, The Ascension. The Ascension, Viktor and Konnor, have been dominate with their power and speed. Viktor was trained by Bruce and Keith Hart, so he has that Hart Family mentality in his arsenal as well. Over in the Women's Division, Charlotte Flair, the current NXT Women's Champion and the daughter of the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, is the current rising diva to watch. Other up and comers to keep an eye on are Tyler Breeze, Corey Graves, Bayley, New Japan Wrestling icon KENTA and independent wrestling icons Prince Devitt and Kevin Steen. I see every one of those mentioned on the WWE roster soon.

Alright let's get to last nights pay per view on WWE Network entitled NXT Takeover 2, live from Winter Park in Orlando, Florida.

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": The Ascension (c) vs Sin Cara and Kalisto: Kalisto climbs the ropes and leaps over Viktor. Viktor connects with a huge clothesline, dropping Kalisto. The Ascension set Kalisto up for the "Fall of Man". Sin Cara, however, grabs Konnor’s leg and distracts the champs. Viktor sends Sin Cara flying off the apron but gets hit with "Salida del Sol" by Kalisto. Kalisto covers for the pinfall and Kalisto and Sin Cara are the NEW NXT World Tag Team Champions.

- In Ring Promo with Sin Cara and Kalisto: Sin Cara says it feels incredible to have just beaten the longest reigning NXT World Tag Team Champions. Kalisto says tonight they are Lucha Dragons and the future starts now.

- Backstage Promo with Adrian Neville: The NXT World Title gives him validation. He's proven a lot of people wrong that said he didn't belong here. He chose tonight's fatal four way cause he likes to take risks. He's beaten all three of his opponents in singles matches, tonight he beats them all in one match.

- CJ Parker vs Baron Corbin: Corbin hits a clothesline then an STO for the pinfall.

- Backstage Promo with Tyson Kidd: Tyson describes all three of his opponents tonight in the fatal four way match then takes credit as that being what everyone says about him. He wants to prove that he can get the job done and isn't just Nattie Neidhart's husband. Tonight his wife isn't involved and he wins the NXT World Title for himself.

- In Ring Promo with Enzo and Colin: Enzo makes fun of his opponent tonight, Sylvester Lefort. Says he's going to punch him in the mouth and then rattles off the different hair styles he's going to give him in their "Hair vs Hair Match".

- "Hair vs Hair Match": Sylvester Lefort (w/Marcus Louis) vs Enzo Amore (w/Colin Cassady): Marcus tries to interfere but gets pulled off the apron by Colin. Colin lays Marcus out with a clothesline as Enzo rolls up Lefort for the pinfall. After the match, Lefort tries to escape his fate, but Colin clotheslines Lefort. Colin then gets hit from behind by Marcus. Colin and Enzo brawl with Marcus by the barber chair. Colin hits a big boot on Marcus and Enzo dumps a bucket of gunk over Marcus' head.

- Backstage Promo with Tyler Breeze: Says the NXT Universe will get what they want tonight, a gorgeous champion. The Era of Gorgeous is about to begin.

- In Ring Promo with NXT General Manager William Regal: Shows a video package of newcomer, KENTA. After the video package, Regal introduces KENTA. KENTA makes his way to the ring and is welcomed by Regal. KENTA speaks in Japanese and says he's happy to be in NXT and a future WWE superstar. His goal is to be a future NXT World Champion and is changing his wrestling name to Hideo Itami as a tribute to one of his heroes. The Ascension hit the ring and attack Itami and send him to the floor. The Ascension want a rematch for the NXT Tag Team Championship. Itami gets back in the ring and unloads on Viktor and Konnor with kicks and forearms sending both men out. Itami grabs a chair and sits inside the ring, daring The Ascension to come back.

- Bull Dempsey vs Mojo Rawley: Bull goes to the top rope and hits a diving head butt to the ribs on Mojo for the pinfall. After the match, Bull climbs the ropes and hits another head butt to the ribs on Mojo.

- Backstage Segment: Enzo and Colin are in the back looking for Marcus and Lefort. They find Marcus with a towel over his head, hiding his now bald head. Lefort runs away as Colin and Enzo grab Marcus and drag him back to the ring area. They pull off the towel and Marcus is bald with no eyebrows.

- "NXT Women's Championship Match": Charlotte Flair vs Bayley: Charlotte goes to the top rope and lands a moonsault on Bayley, but Bayley kicks out at two.

Charlotte hits "Natural Selection" and scores the pinfall to retain the NXT Women's Championship. After the match, Sasha Banks arrives and enters the ring.Banks stands over Bayley and is about to attack her. Charlotte steps in and shoves Banks into the turnbuckle. Banks changes her mind and leaves the ring.

- Backstage Promo with Sami Zayn: States that he has always been underestimated. If he loses, he tries again. His goal is the NXT World Title. Adrian Neville is his friend but Neville is the guy Zayn would love to beat.

- "NXT World Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": Adrian Neville (c) vs Tyler Breeze vs Tyson Kidd vs Sami Zayn: This match was an all out brawl. Inside the ring, outside the ring, into the guardrails, up the ramp and onto the stage. Suplex spots delivered on the ramp and stage areas by all four men. All out brawl throughout the match. Kidd hits a fishermen's swinging neckbreaker on Zayn for a near fall. Kidd with the "sharpshooter" on Zayn but Zayn escapes. Breeze hits the "Beauty Shot" on Zayn and Neville and gets a near fall on Neville. Kidd, Neville and Breeze are taken down by Zayn with the tower of doom off the top rope and Zayn gets a near fall on Kidd. Neville hits a shooting star press on Zayn and Breeze tries to steal the pinfall but Zayn kicks out at two. Kidd blocks another "Beauty Shot" and locks Breeze in the "sharpshooter". Neville breaks it up right as Breeze was about to tap. Zayn hits the "Helluva Kick" on Kidd but Neville pulls the referee out of the ring before a pin is made.

Zayn confused at why the count stopped catches a super kick from Neville. Neville climbs the ropes and hits "Red Arrow" on Zayn to score the pinfall and retain the NXT World Title. Neville celebrates with his title as Takeover 2 comes to a close.

And that's a wrap, stay tuned for the following recaps coming up in the future.
- Saturday: Smackdown recap
- Tuesday: RAW recap
- Thursday: TNA Impact recap

Till then, tap or snap!

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon: KENTA Comes To WWE

WWE's Next Rising Son?

Kenta Kobayashi, or just simply KENTA, as he goes by in the ring, has arrived in the WWE. This passed weekend while touring Japan, the WWE made a stop on tour in Osaka for a live show. While in Osaka, it was only fitting to have a contract signing held for one of the biggest professional wrestling stars in Japan, maybe even the world, KENTA.

For the past few months, rumors circulated throughout the wrestling world that KENTA was showing interest in the WWE. Original rumors stated, however, that he had no interest in actually signing, he was just interested in working out at WWE's current Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. How quickly things changed.

Back to Osaka, this past Saturday. The WWE brought out the big guns, the "24 inch python" big guns to be exacted. Hulk Hogan and "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart met with KENTA inside the squared circle, seated at a table, official WWE contract in hand. Hogan and Hart served as the special ambassadors for the contract signing as KENTA put ink to paper and officially became a WWE superstar. After the contract signing was official, the WWE released the official statement, confirming that KENTA would train at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Afterwards, KENTA will join the NXT roster.

WWE Executive Vice President of talent, creative and live events, Triple H, who landed the KENTA signing, stated the following: "KENTA is an incredible performer who brings the crowd to its feet when he steps into the ring. WWE's signing of KENTA reflects our continued dedication to creating a diverse roster that appeals to our global fan base."
After signing his new WWE contract, KENTA stated the following: "I am humbled to join WWE's NXT division and look forward to honing my craft with the global leader in sports-entertainment."

Now the big question is can the WWE utilize KENTA correctly? KENTA is known for his aggressive in ring work, which WWE is well known for watering down. In the past we've seen Japanese stars such as Ultimo Dragon, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Taka Michinoku and Funaki, either watered down or turned into the comedy skit of the night. If you're not familiar at all with KENTA and his in ring work, I would highly compare him as Japan's version of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan rolled into one. KENTA even performs a lot of moves that are in Punk and Bryan's arsenal. KENTA is very talented and could definitely give a five star match any given night. There is however a language barrier, as KENTA is weak on the English language. But hey that's a job that would be perfect for the second greatest manager of all time, Paul Heyman. Heyman has been known to serve as the mouth piece for some of today's top stars that might need a hand in presenting themselves by word of mouth.
Performance wise, KENTA has performed in Ring of Honor but is best known for his work and title victories in Japan's Pro-Wrestling Noah. Now KENTA has his chance at becoming an American household name in the WWE. Best of luck to you KENTA!

In closing here's a sample of KENTA's work: ROH THROWBACK THURSDAY - LOW KI VS KENTA


The Stats:
Kenta Kobayashi
- Ring Name: KENTA
- 5'8", 181lbs, 33 years old
- Trained by: Kenta Kobashi and Yoshihiro Takayama
- Titles Held: GHC Heavyweight Championship (1 time), GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship (3 times), GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (3 times) GHC Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Ranked #22 in PWI's top 500 in 2013.