Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/25/17: RAW Kansas City Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We're back at it this week with the Monday Night RAW recap! One thing you think WWE would have learned by now is to reinforce the ring every time Big Show wrestles someone around his size, as we saw last week when Big Show and Braun Strowman collapsed the ring. Shout out to the referee of the match who probably took the best bump of the night when he fell out of the ring! What did we have in store for us this week, as RAW was live in Kansas City, Missouri for their go home show to this Sunday night's WWE Payback pay per view.

** This Weeks Card **
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy battled Sheamus.
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and TJ Perkins battled Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher.
- Braun Strowman battled Kalisto in a Dumpster Match.
- Alicia Fox battled Dana Brooke.
- Seth Rollins, Enzo and Big Cass battled Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a Six Man Tag Team Match.
- Sasha Banks battled Alexa Bliss.
- Apollo Crews battled Curt Hawkins.
- Chris Jericho and WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled The Miz and a Mystery Opponent. 

- Promos By: Alexa Bliss

- Chris Jericho, The Miz and WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battle over Jericho's Highlight Reel, The Miz's Miz TV and Ambrose's Ambrose Asylum.

** RAW **

- The Highlight Reel With Chris Jericho: Jericho says this will be the last RAW Highlight Reel because he's winning the WWE United States Championship from Kevin Owens at WWE Payback and will be moving to Smackdown Live. Jericho mocks Owens and calls Owens the Hemorrhoid of America. The Miz and Maryse suddenly interrupt, mock Kansas City, announce that the Highlight Reel is officially cancelled and it's now time for Miz TV on RAW. Dean Ambrose suddenly interrupts, agrees with Chris Jericho that The Miz is a stupid idiot and no one in KC wants to see Miz TV.

Ambrose welcomes us to the Ambrose Asylum and welcomes Jericho, Miz and Maryse as his guests. Ambrose says he's rooting for Jericho even though they've had their differences in the past. Jericho reminds Ambrose he still owes him $15,000 for his light up jacket. Ambrose says he had it but lost it at the blackjack table. Ambrose gives Jericho a new jacket with Christmas lights on it and Jericho loves it. Miz finally interrupts and mocks both Jericho and Ambrose and demands presents from other superstars as well. Ambrose says he has a gift for Miz too and lays Miz out with Dirty Deeds. Jericho then adds Maryse to The List for being married to a stupid idiot. 

- Matt Hardy vs. Sheamus: The match closes out with Sheamus countering the Twist of Fate, sends Matt to the floor and hits a rolling senton on Matt. Jeff Hardy checks on Matt, but gets shoved away by Sheamus. Jeff gets on the apron and argues with Sheamus, forcing Cesaro to pull Jeff off the apron. Matt hits the Twist of Fate on Sheamus and scores the pinfall. After the match, Cesaro isn't happy that Jeff cost Sheamus the match. Sheamus calms Cesaro down and says it's ok. Both teams shake hands.
Winner: Matt Hardy, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Kurt Angle is on the phone and says he'll ask Kalisto if he really wants to compete in his Dumpster Match tonight against Braun Strowman. Miz and Maryse interrupt, angry about what happened earlier. Angle tells Miz to go find a partner and he can battle Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho later.

- Neville and TJ Perkins vs. Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Gallagher landing forearms and an uppercut on Neville. Neville unloads kicks on Gallagher, but Gallagher lands a big head butt. Gallagher counters a Perkins kick, allowing Aries to drop Perkins. Aries hits the Discus Five Arm on Perkins to score the pinfall.
Winners: Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher, by pinfall.

- "Dumpster Match": Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto: The match closes out with Strowman unloading chest shots on Kalisto and sends him to the mat. Strowman tosses Kalisto over the ropes, but he hangs on from falling into the dumpster. Strowman clubs Kalisto and lifts him into the air. Kalisto counters out, kicks Strowman in the legs and causes Strowman to land in the dumpster still standing. The referee gives the win to Kalisto even though Strowman didn't fall in the dumpster, he was still legally in it. After the match, Strowman beats down Kalisto, tosses Kalisto into the barricade, tosses Kalisto into the dumpster and rolls him up the ramp. Strowman ends up shoving the dumpster off the stage with Kalisto still inside.
Winner: Kalisto

- Backstage, they show Kalisto being loaded into an ambulance.

- A video highlight plays of Bray Wyatt hyping the House of Horrors Match at WWE Payback.

- Alicia Fox vs. Dana Brooke: Emma shows up at ringside to watch the match. The match closes out with Dana unloading on Alicia, but Alicia fights back. Alicia misses the scissors kick and gets hit with a modified Michinoku Driver to score the pinfall. After the match, Emma gets in the ring, hugs Dana then leaves. 
Winner: Dana Brooke, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Samoa Joe and The Club talk about how they're beating Enzo, Big Cass and Seth Rollins tonight. Joe promises to break Rollins other leg tonight.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Seth Rollins, Enzo and Big Cass: Before the match can even start, Samoa Joe jumps Cass from the crowd. The Club attack Enzo and lay him out with the Magic Killer. Seth Rollins finally arrives and makes the save as WWE Medical check on Enzo. Kurt Angle arrives and announces that Enzo can not continue so he got Rollins and Cass a new partner. Angle announces Finn Balor as Balor heads to the ring.
Winner: No Contest.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Seth Rollins, Big Cass and Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Anderson getting tossed outside and Rollins hitting a suicide dive. Joe attacks Rollins until Balor hits Joe with a drop kick. Rollins with a flying clothesline on Anderson and then goes for the Pedigree. Rollins holds back, hits a knee to Anderson's face instead and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Seth Rollins, Big Cass and Finn Balor, by pinfall.

- Alexa Bliss Promo: Alexa says every week everyone comes out, talk about who they want to wrestle, living their childhood dreams and it makes Alexa want to vomit. Alexa says she'll be the next WWE Women's Champion because she came to RAW to win. Bayley interrupts and heads to the ring. Bayley says Alexa has always been the type to talk behind someone's back. Bayley says she works her butt off everyday and will do whatever it takes to keep the WWE Women's Championship. Alexa is glad that WWE Payback is in Bayley's hometown so she can beat her in front of Bayley's family. Sasha Banks suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Alexa mocks Bayley and Sasha's friendship and Sasha calls Alexa a troll doll. Sasha tells Alexa she has a match right now against Alexa. Alexa says she's going to go get Kurt Angle to cancel it before it can happen. Sasha drops Alexa and the match starts now.

- Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Sasha unloading on Alexa. Sasha counters a kick and lands a knee on Alexa. Sasha goes for the Banks Statement submission, but Alexa reaches the ropes. Alexa escapes outside and takes the countout loss. After the match, Bayley chases Alexa backstage. Alexa comes back, attacks Bayley from behind and leaves Bayley laid out.
Winner: Sasha Banks, by countout.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose asks Chris Jericho if he can be taken off The List now. Jericho says Ambrose still owes him  $15,000 and still owes him for dropping him on thumb tacks in their Asylum Match a few months back. Jericho then says that he really does like his new jacket and takes Ambrose off The List.

- Backstage, Heath Slater and Curtis Axel promote Marine 5. Miz interrupts and asks if one of them could be his partner tonight. Both men turn Miz down. Miz suddenly gets a letter and smiles because he now has a partner for tonight.

- Curt Hawkins vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Crews making quick work of Hawkins and scores the pinfall with the Apollo Bomb. After the match, Titus O'Neil arrives, takes a selfie with Crews and says that Crews is on his way with the Titus Brand.
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Austin Aries proposes a match idea to Kurt Angle for 205 Live.

- Backstage, The Miz tells Kurt Angle he's got his partner and everyone will be sorry once they see who it is. Elias Samson suddenly appears, playing his guitar. Angle tells Miz that that's an interesting choice and walks off. Miz says he has no clue who Elias Samson is and Samson is not his partner tonight. 

- Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz and ????: The Miz arrives, says his partner is late so he'll have to cancel the match. Kurt Angle arrives and says with or without a partner the match is still on. The match starts with The Miz in a 2 on 1 disadvantage. The match closes out with Ambrose setting Miz up to go through the announcers table. The lights suddenly go out, pop back on and Bray Wyatt is here. Bray lays out Ambrose with Sister Abigail right into the LED board. Bray and Miz double team Jericho back into the ring. Bray lays Jericho out with Sister Abigail and poses in his crab walk position. Bray suddenly pops back up, grabs Miz and lays Miz out with Sister Abigail. Bray poses over the carnage and tells us to follow the buzzards to end the show.
Winner: No Contest.

NXT Takeover 2: R-Evolution Results #NXTTakeover

By @B_Rock1978

It's R Evolution!!

What is up gang, welcome to another Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, special edition. Wrestling Lockup with Brandon is brought to you by my good friends at Triple Threat CLE. Today's special edition is NXT's R-Evolution pay per view, which took place Thursday night at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Let's get to the results.

- During the pre-game show, up and comer, Corey Graves, made a big announcement. That announcement, however, was not a good one. Graves, who has been out after suffering many concussions competing in the past, officially announced his retirement from the WWE. Graves stated that the doctors felt it was best for him and his health to retire. Graves then announced that he has accepted a job as an announcer on NXT.

- Kevin Owens vs. C.J. Parker: As soon as the bell rings, Owens hits two big corner clotheslines, a corner rolling senton and goes airbourne with a senton over the ropes to the floor on Parker. Parker gets in some offense and nails a huge palm strike that bloodies Owens' face and scores a near fall. Owens slows down Parker's momentum and hits the pumphandle neckbreaker then tosses Parker in the air, catches him and plants him with a power bomb. Owens covers Parker and scores his debut pinfall.

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Kalisto and Sin Cara (c) vs. Simon Gotch and Aiden English: Sin Cara and Kalisto with quick lucha moves early. Gotch goes with mat wrestling before tagging in English who gets a near fall. English and Gotch work over Sin Cara with stomps, knee drops and head locks until Sin Cara makes the hot tag to Kalisto. Kalisto hits a springboard elbow and Gotch and English are on the outside. Sin Cara and Kalisto fly over the ropes and wipe out English as Gotch dodges both sentons. Back in the ring, Kalisto hits "Salida del Sol" and scores the pinfall. Sin Cara and Kalisto retain the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

- Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger: Corbin showcases another thirty second squash match, as he pins Dillinger with the "End of Days". Bully Dempsey watched on from the crowd and looked to be sarcastically applauding Corbin's win. Corbin had a stare down with Dempsey before walking off.

- Finn Balor and Hideo Itami vs. The Ascension: Finn Balor's entrance was awesome, hope WWE continues to let him keep the face/body paint and ring entrance part of his gimmick that he's known for. Itami and Balor double team The Ascension early. Itami with a single leg drop kick for a near fall. The Ascension return the favor and double team Itami. Itami goes for the tag but Viktor knocked Balor off the apron. The Ascension hot tag back and forth, working over Itami. Itami dodges a charging Viktor and knocks Konnor to the floor. Itami goes for the tag but Balor again gets knocked off the apron by Konnor. Itami finally gets the tag to Balor, who comes in and cleans house on The Ascension.

Balor hits a flying senton on The Ascension on the floor. Balor hits a reverse brainbuster for a near fall, as the pin is broken up. Viktor hits an "STO" on Balor for a near fall as Itami breaks it up. Itami goes for "Go To Sleep" but it's countered. The Ascension go for "Fall of Man" but Balor counters with the "Pele Kick". Balor and Itami climb the ropes and both hit double diving stomps on Viktor and Konnor to score the pinfall.

- Backstage Segment with Roman Reigns: Roman Reigns vows to become the first NXT alumni member to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- "NXT Women's Championship Match": Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Sasha Banks: Banks mocks the Flair family by landing stiff chops. Charlotte returns the chops, just like her dad taught her. Out to the floor, Banks tosses Charlotte into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Banks delivers shoulder blocks, knees to the body and struts like a Flair. Charlotte rolls Banks up for a near fall. Banks lands a tilt-a-whirl then locks in the "Bankrupt" submission. Charlotte hits clotheslines, chops then a neck breaker for a near fall on Banks. To the floor, Banks hits a huge suicide dive on Charlotte. Back in the ring, Charlotte counters the "Bank Statement" with a back body drop.

Banks counters the figure four with a cradle for a near fall. Banks follows that up with a neck breaker for another near fall. Charlotte misses the top rope moonsault but lands on her feet and hits Banks with a corner senton. Banks and Charlotte are on the top rope, where Charlotte drops Banks with a suplex. Charlotte hits "Natural Selection", covers and scores the pinfall. Charlotte retains the NXT Women's Championship.

- "NXT World Championship Match": Adrian Neville (c) vs. Sami Zayn
(If Zayn loses, he will quit NXT): Nice series of mat wrestling by both men in the early stages of the match. Counters and reversals on submission holds come next until Neville ends up on the floor after a Zayn tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Zayn flies with the "Asai Moonsault" and takes out Neville. Zayn with a crucifix pin for a near fall. Neville hits a drop kick and a leg drop for a near fall. Neville applies a chin lock, then whips Zayn into the corner, connects with an uppercut and gets a near fall. Zayn hits a couple clotheslines and a drop kick but gets flung to the floor by a Neville hurricanranna. Neville goes out to the floor but gets laid out by a Zayn flip over the ropes. Back in the ring, Zayn scores a near fall with a cross body. Zayn catches Neville on his shoulders and plants Neville with the "Blue Thunder Bomb" for a near fall. Neville connects with a bridging german suplex for a near fall. Neville hits a spin kick and a sit down power bomb for a near fall. Zayn and Neville refuse to back down as they unload on each other after getting in each other's face. Neville drops Zayn and goes for "Red Arrow" off the top rope. Zayn counters "Red Arrow" by getting his knees up and then locking Neville in the "Koji Clutch" submission. Neville barely reaches the ropes to break the hold.

Neville rolls Zayn up for a near fall but the referee gets hit on Zayn's kick out. Zayn makes the mistake of checking on the referee, turns around and eats a Neville super kick. Neville with a reverse hurricanranna for a near fall that was really close to a three count. Zayn hits two german suplexes, a half nelson suplex then a tornado DDT through the ropes on the floor to Neville. Back in the ring, Zayn hits the "Helluva Kick", however, Neville pulled the referee in his path and the referee took the kick. Neville grabs the NXT World Title and brings it in the ring. Zayn knocks out Neville, takes the title and thinks about hitting Neville with it. Zayn has second thoughts, turns to drop the title and gets rolled up by Neville for what was again a very close three count. Zayn hits the "Exploder" on Neville and then the "Helluva Kick". Zayn covers and scores the pinfall. Sami Zayn is the NEW NXT World Champion.

- After the match, the locker room empties out into the ring and everyone is celebrating with a very emotional Sami Zayn. Zayn hugs his best friend Kevin Owens and gets a hug from the now former champion Adrian Neville. Owens raises Zayn's hand and they leave the ring together. Owens and Zayn walk up the ramp together and..............we have a heel turn!!! Owens nails Zayn and sends him into the ramp. Owens picks Zayn up and drops him on the apron with the Owens' trademark apron power bomb. Zayn is left unconscious as medical hit the ring and check on him and Owens walks off to end the show.

Another awesome NXT pay per view! Seriously this and a lot of the programs WWE put on the WWE Network is the only reason why I shell out $9.99 a month. WWE pay per view's sadly have not been this good for a very long time.

Until next time, 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!