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.
The Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment is finally here! It's Wrestlemania 33! The grand daddy of all WWE events was live at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, for the advertised Ultimate Thrill Ride! The New Day were the hosts of the show and promised humor and hijinks throughout the night. WWE Universal Champion Goldberg defended his title against "The Beast" Brock Lesnar. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Bray Wyatt defended his title against "The Viper" Randy Orton. Former best friends turned enemies, WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho defended his title against Kevin Owens. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose defended his title against Baron Corbin. The self proclaimed King of the Cruiserweights Neville defended his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against "A Double" Austin Aries. WWE RAW Women's Champion Bayley defended her title against Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Nia Jax in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match. WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss defended her title in a One Vs. All Match against every available Smackdown Live Women's Superstar Available. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defended their titles against Enzo and Big Cass and Sheamus and Cesaro in a Triple Threat Ladder Match.
The Wrestlemania Icon, The Phenom, The Undertaker battled Roman Reigns in a one on one match. The 4th Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal took place with the Andre the Giant Trophy on the line. The feud between Triple H and Seth Rollins finally came to a head as both men battled in a one on one Unsanctioned Match. The super couple of WWE, John Cena and Nikki Bella battled the Hollywood couple, The Miz and Maryse in a tag team match. "The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles battled Smackdown Live's Commissioner and prince of the McMahon family Shane McMahon. Celebrities and past wrestlers from all over the world were in attendance and ready for this year's party.
** Wrestlemania 33 Pre-Show **
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Neville hitting back to back german suplexes on Aries for a near fall. Neville stomps on Aries and goes for the Rings of Saturn submission, but Aries counters into a near fall rollup. Aries and Neville trade shots that ends with Aries nailing the discus forearm sending Neville flying out to the floor. Aries brings Neville back into the ring, but eats a kick to the head by Neville. Neville goes for the Red Arrow, but Aries cuts Neville off on the top rope. Aries hits a hurricanrana on Neville off the ropes and then plants a charging forearm on Neville in the corner. Aries goes to the top rope, hits the 450 Splash on Neville and gets a near fall. Aries traps Neville in the Last Chancery submission and it looks like Neville is going to tap out. Neville, however, targets Aries' past eye injury and rakes his eyes to escape. Neville drops Aries to the mat as Aries can hardly see and is in pain. Neville goes to the top rope, hits the Red Arrow and scores the pinfall to retain his title. Winner: Neville, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
- 4th Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: The match closes out with the final five coming down to Mojo Rawley, Sami Zayn, Titus O'Neil, Killian Dain and Jinder Mahal. Zayn and Titus trade blows until Zayn tosses Titus out for the elimination. Dain sneaks up behind Zayn and tosses Zayn out for the elimination. Mojo hits a splash on Dain in the corner and then clotheslines Mahal. Mahal sends Mojo outside and tosses him into the barricade right in front of the New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski. Mahal tosses Gronk's drink in his face and talks trash. Gronk leaps the barricade, but WWE Security stop him. Gronk gets past security and gets in the ring. Gronk charges Mahal and runs him over with a football tackle. Mojo and Gronk hype each other up and then Mojo eliminates a charging Dain. Mahal charges Mojo, but gets tossed to the apron. Mahal tries to suplex Mojo to the floor, but Mojo counters and sends Mahal to the floor for the victory. Winner: Mojo Rawley.
- Paul Heyman is in the Social Media Lounge and guarantees that Brock Lesnar will leave tonight the new WWE Universal Champion.
- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Ambrose countering a superplex and sending Corbin to the mat. Corbin counters Dirty Deeds, but gets tossed over the top rope. Ambrose goes for a suicide dive, but gets caught in mid air by Corbin. Ambrose dodges a Corbin charge and sends Corbin into the steel steps. Ambrose goes to the top rope and hits a flying elbow onto Corbin outside. Back in the ring, Ambrose and Corbin unload on each other, until Ambrose catches an elbow. Corbin hits a neck breaker on Ambrose and gets a near fall. Ambrose and Corbin trade counters until Corbin hits Deep Six and gets a near fall. Corbin unloads on Ambrose, but Ambrose hits the rebound clothesline. Corbin counters Dirty Deeds, slams Ambrose and gets a near fall. Corbin gets frustrated and talks trash to Ambrose. Ambrose counters End of Days and spikes Corbin with Dirty Deeds, scoring the pinfall and retaining his title. Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
** Wrestlemania 33 **
- Tinashe kicks off the show singing America the Beautiful.
- The New Day Promo: The hosts of Wrestlemania 33, The New Day, are in the ring dressed as Final Fantasy characters. The New Day crack jokes and dance before officially getting the show started by pulling the lever to the "Ultimate Thrill Ride".
- AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon: The match closes out with Shane and Styles in the corner where Styles lands a kick that hits Shane and takes the referee out. Styles hits a Pele Kick on Shane then grabs two garbage cans. Styles places Shane and a garbage can in the corner and attempts the Coast To Coast drop kick. Shane tosses the can at Styles in mid air and knocks Styles out. Shane places Styles and the second garbage can in the corner and then connects on his Coast To Coast drop kick. Shane tears apart the announcers table, drags Styles outside and then lays Styles on the table. Shane climbs the ropes and goes for the flying elbow off the top rope and onto Styles through the announcers table outside.
Styles moves at the last second and Shane crashes through the table solo. Styles drags Shane back into the ring and goes for the Phenomenal Forearm. Shane counters it in mid air and plants Styles into the mat with a DDT. Shane goes back to the top rope and goes for a Shooting Star Press on Styles. Styles again moves at the last second and Shane crashes on the mat. Styles hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Shane, covers and scores the pinfall. Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens: The match closes out with Jericho countering a frog splash and Owens countering the Lionsault. Jericho next counters the Swanton, but Owens regains control. Jericho counters the Pop Up Power Bomb and hits Owens with the Lionsault for a near fall. Jericho kicks Owens in the ribs and then plants an uppercut on Owens. Owens traps Jericho in his own Walls of Jericho submission and nearly makes Jericho tap out. Owens sends Jericho into the corner, but misses the Cannonball. Jericho traps Owens in the Walls of Jericho submission. Owens barely makes it to the ropes to break the hold. Owens plants Jericho with the Pop Up Power Bomb and gets a near fall. Owens yells at Jericho and attempts another Pop Up Power Bomb, but Jericho counters it into a Code Breaker for a near fall. Owens takes the fight out onto the apron where Owens plants Jericho with an apron power bomb, scores the pinfall and wins the title. Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to win the WWE United States Championship.
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship, Fatal Four Way Elimination Match": Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax:
** First Elimination: Bayley, Charlotte and Sasha join forces and triple team Nia. Charlotte plants a boot on Nia and Sasha and Bayley double suplex Nia. Nia tosses Bayley outside then unloads on Charlotte and Sasha. Nia tosses Charlotte into the corner and goes to the second rope. Bayley and Sasha rush over and help Charlotte triple power bomb Nia off the ropes and to the mat. All three ladies cover Nia and score the pinfall, eliminating Nia.
** Second Elimination: Sasha and Bayley trade shots outside until Charlotte hits a twisting moonsault taking both ladies out. Back in the ring, Sasha counters Natural Selection and traps Charlotte in the Banks Statement submission. Charlotte escapes and then trades back and forth offense with Sasha.
Charlotte kicks Sasha into the corner where Sasha cracks the back of her head on the slightly exposed turnbuckle pad. Charlotte covers Sasha and scores the pinfall, eliminating Sasha.
** Final Elimination: Charlotte traps Bayley in the Figure Eight submission and Bayley nearly taps out, but just escapes. Bayley is put in the tree of woe where Charlotte stomps on Bayley's knee. Bayley finally escapes and back drops Charlotte off the ropes. Charlotte gets back up, charges and misses, hitting the exposed turnbuckle. Charlotte lays knocked out as Bayley hits an elbow drop off the top rope, scores the pinfall and retains her title. Winner: Bayley, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
- The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017 are introduced.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Ladder Match: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Enzo and Big Cass: Before the match begins, The New Day imterrupt and announce that this match will now be a Fatal Four Way match, but who is the fourth team?? The New Day introduce............The Hardy Boys!! The match closes out with Enzo almost grabbing the titles, but Gallows and Sheamus make the save. Sheamus and Gallows toss Cass into a ladder in the corner. Sheamus gets tossed outside as Anderson stops Enzo from grabbing the titles.
Anderson and Enzo trade punches until Cesaro runs the ladder and uppercuts Enzo. Sheamus and Cesaro attempt to double team Anderson, but Gallows makes the save. The Club hit the Magic Killer on Cesaro and Matt Hardy hits a Twist of Fate on Gallows. Anderson climbs the ladder, but Matt meets him up top. Matt hits a Super Twist of Fate on Anderson off the ladder. Jeff Hardy climbs a ladder and hits a Swanton Bomb off the ladder on Cesaro who was laying on a bridged ladder. Matt climbs the ladder, grabs the titles and claims the victory. Winners: The Hardy Boys, to win the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- Jimmy Fallon is spotted in the crowd
- John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse: Al Roker is the special guest ring announcer. The match closes out with Miz in control of Cena as Maryse stops Nikki from being able to make a tag. Miz connects with a neck breaker on Cena for a near fall. Cena goes for the AA, but Miz counters out and plants Cena with a DDT for a near fall. Miz mocks Daniel Bryan by delivering Yes Kicks to Cena. Cena gets back to his feet and trades offense with Miz. Nikki finally hot tags in and spears Maryse into the mat. Miz gets taken out by Nikki as she charges at Maryse on the floor. Back in the ring, Nikki unloads on Maryse. Cena and Nikki hit double Five Knuckle Shuffles on Miz and Maryse. Cena hits the AA on Miz as Nikki hits Rack Attack 2.0 on Maryse. Cena and Nikki both cover Miz and Maryse and score the pinfall. After the match, Cena says he's proud of Nikki with everything she's been through and finally proposes to her. Nikki says yes and puts on the ring. Winners: John Cena and Nikki Bella, by pinfall.
- "Non-Sanctioned Match": Triple H vs. Seth Rollins: The match closes out with Rollins landing a kick on Triple H, but Triple H comes back with a clothesline. Triple H grabs his sledgehammer, but eats a kick from Rollins, sending Triple H and the sledgehammer flying. Rollins grabs the sledgehammer, but Stephanie McMahon jumps on the apron and grabs it from Rollins. Triple H hits the Pedigree on Rollins during the distraction and gets a near fall. Rollins comes back and hits a Phoenix Splash on Triple H for a near fall. Rollins tries a Pedigree, but Triple H counters with a kick. Rollins counters a Pedigree, Triple H also counters a Pedigree and back body drops Rollins right on his bad leg. Rollins counters another Pedigree and tries a Pedigree of his own, but again gets the knee taken out by Triple H. Stephanie gets on the apron where Rollins super kicks Triple H right into her. Stephanie flies off the apron and crashes through a table. Rollins hits the Pedigree on Triple H and scores the pinfall. Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall.
- Pitbull, Flo Rida, Stephen Marley and LunchMoney Lewis perform the Wrestlemania theme song.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Bray Wyatt (c) vs. Randy Orton: The match closes out with Orton countering Sister Abigail and gets a near fall rollup. Bray hits a clothesline, sending Orton outside. Orton hits a drop kick on Bray outside. Bray comes back and tosses Orton back first into the LED board. Bray hits Orton with Sister Abigail right into the barricade. Bray runs around the ring and goes for a clothesline on Orton. Orton counters and drops Bray with an RKO on the floor. Orton tosses Bray back into the ring and gets a near fall.
Orton goes for the punt kick on Bray, but Bray dodges it and goes for Sister Abigail. Orton counters and lands a back breaker on Bray. Orton hits a DDT on Bray and goes for the RKO. Bray counters, hits Sister Abigail on Orton and gets a near fall. Bray does the spider walk towards Orton and waits. Orton suddenly pops up and drills Bray with the RKO to score the pinfall and win the title. Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall, to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
>- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Goldberg (c) vs. Brock Lesnar: Lesnar lands three quick german suplexes then gets speared out of the ring by Goldberg. Goldberg follows and spears Lesnar through the barricade. Back in the ring, Goldberg counters the F5 and spears Lesnar again. Goldberg hits the Jackhammer on Lesnar for a near fall. Lesnar dodges a Goldberg charge, lands three more german suplexes and follows that with four more. Lesnar picks up Goldberg, hits the F5, scores the pinfall and wins the title. Winner: Brock Lesnar, by pinfall, to win the WWE Universal Championship.
- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship, One vs. All Match": Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Naomi vs. Mickie James vs. Carmella vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Mickie hitting a Senton on Becky for a near fall. Alexa tosses Mickie outside as Naomi attacks Nattie. Nattie gets a double sharpshooter applied on Carmella and Alexa. Carmella escapes and plants Mickie until Naomi hits the Rear View on her. Naomi hits a suicide dive and takes everyone out on the floor. Naomi with a springboard, but Alexa lands a punch, dropping Naomi. Naomi catches Alexa in a submission hold and forces Alexa to tap out to win the title. Winner: Naomi, by submission, to win the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.
- The New Day arrive to announce that this year's Wrestlemania brought in 75,245 people in attendance and thank the fans.
- "No Holds Barred Match": The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns: The match closes out with Reigns hitting two Superman Punches on Taker and tries a third. Taker counters and chokeslams Reigns on top of a steel chair for a near fall. Taker scoops Reigns and hits the Tombstone for another near fall. Reigns comes back, hits a Superman Punch and gets a near fall. Reigns hits the spear on Taker, but Taker counters it into the Hell's Gate submission. Reigns fights for his life trapped in the submission and somehow is able to break the hold. Reigns grabs a steel chair away from Taker and unloads chair shots. Reigns backs off and drills Taker with a spear and gets a near fall. Reigns hits another spear on Taker as he gets up and gets another near fall. Reigns measures up Taker and connects with the Superman Punch.
Reigns watches as Taker sits up and slowly gets back up again. Taker talks trash to Reigns as Reigns unloads punches. Reigns runs the ropes and drills Taker with all his momentum on a spear and finally puts Taker away for the pinfall. After the match, Taker finally sits back up and places his gloves, hat and trench coat in the middle of the ring as the fans chant "Thank You Taker". Taker meets his wife Michelle McCool at ringside and the rest of the family before leaving. The camera zooms in on Taker's ring gear, his gong erupts with lightning and the lights go out to end Wrestlemania. Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall.
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!
