What's up gang, Brandon from Triple Threat CLE back with another special edition blog for you. This time it's all about Diamond Dallas Page, who if you haven't heard has just been announced to enter the WWE Hall of Fame this year. So my question is and you can get my top five answers below....
"With Diamond Dallas Page going into the WWE Hall of Fame, which DDP moment was your favorite?"
I would love to hear what everyone's favorite moment is and I'm actually curious to know if the man himself DDP has one favorite moment that sticks out for him in his huge career.
1.) DDP Swerves The nWo: With the nWo running things in WCW they were looking to recruit more members into their faction. DDP was just beginning to make a mid card name for himself at the time, was great friends with The Outsiders, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash and even nWo/WCW President Eric Bischoff. Many considered DDP to be an automatic lock in the group and it looked like everyone was right the night Hall and Nash confronted DDP. DDP hugged Hall and Nash, accepted the nWo t-shirt and even put it on to a mixed reaction of cheers and boos from the fans. What happened next no one expected, as DDP dropped Hall with a Diamond Cutter and escaped into the crowd to celebrate with the fans and staying a loyal WCW follower in the process. DDP became public enemy #1 to the nWo and would go on to have a great feud with the nWo's Macho Man Randy Savage.
2.) Feuding With "Macho Man" Randy Savage: Savage and DDP began their feud when Savage helped Hall and Nash attack and spray paint DDP, then later revealed that DDP and his valet Kimberly were really husband and wife, which was a huge secret at the time. DDP got revenge on Savage at Spring Stampede with a victory, but that didn't stop Savage. Savage, with the help from Scott Hall would defeat DDP at The Great American Bash in an Anything Goes, Lights Out Match. Hall and Savage would again defeat DDP at Bash At The Beach after DDP's partner Curt Hennig turned on DDP and sided with the nWo. DDP would battle Savage and Hall again two months later at Fall Brawl, teaming with Lex Luger and winning in a No DQ Match. DDP pulled off one of my favorite swerves during this time frame as well. Savage battled the masked La Parka and ended up getting upset by La Parka after he hit a Diamond Cutter, unmasked and revealed himself as DDP in disguise. DDP and Savage would battle one more time in a Las Vegas Sudden Death Match at Halloween Havoc, which saw Savage come out victorious after Hulk Hogan attacked DDP dressed as Sting.
3.) Feuding With Bret "The Hitman" Hart: DDP began feuding with the Excellence of Execution, Bret "The Hitman" Hart immediately following his feud with Randy Savage. Hart was in his "is he or isn't he a member of the nWo" stage of his career at this time and was the reigning WCW United States Champion. DDP would defeat Hart on an episode of Nitro to capture the WCW United States Championship and would grant Hart his rematch at World War 3. DDP again came out victorious at the pay per view, but his reign as WCW United States Champion didn't last much longer as Hart would win back the title at the next Nitro in a No DQ Match, after The Giant attacked DDP and helped Hart come out victorious.
4.) Winning Battlebowl,
Becoming Lord Of The Ring: In May of 1996, WCW held Battlebowl: Lethal Lottery at WCW Slamboree. If you're not firmiliar with this event, WCW would pair two unlikely guys together in a series of tag matches. The winning team would move on to a battle royal to decide a winner of Battlebowl. DDP drew Barbarian as his partner and went on to defeat Meng and Hugh Morrus. DDP and Barbarian would next defeat Rick Steiner and The Bootyman to advance to Battlebowl. The battle royal came down to DDP and his partner Barbarian, with DDP hitting two Diamond Cutters and securing the Battlebowl Lord of the Ring victory.
5.) Facing Goldberg At WCW Halloween Havoc: This match was voted WCW Magazine's "Match of the Year" in 1998. I remember ordering this pay per view and being disappointed that I didn't get to see this match...why?...because Halloween Havoc ran slightly longer than expected which resulted in cable companies blacking out the end of the Hulk Hogan vs. Warrior match and all of the DDP vs. Goldberg match. Thankfully WCW aired the entire DDP vs. Goldberg match on Nitro, which won Nitro the ratings war for the week. Though DDP came up short in winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, the match was definitely a five star match and had an awesome spot where DDP countered the Jackhammer into a Diamond Cutter.
These five moments are just the tip of the iceberg on DDP's career, which also included The Diamond Exchange in AWA, managing Badd Company to a AWA World Tag Team Championship, managing The Freebirds, Managing Hall and Nash before they were Hall and Nash, breaking into wrestling professionally as a 35 year old rookie, his battles with the nWo, WCW Television Championship runs, WCW World Heavyweight Championship runs, losing and then winning back the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in the same night, teaming with NBA great Karl Malone and Tonight Show Host Jay Leno, creating a faction with Bam Bam Bigelow and Chris Kanyon, arriving in the WWE and finally starting DDP Yoga and helping Scott Hall and Jake Roberts better their lives after knocking on death's door.
In closing I just want to say congratulations to Diamond Dallas Page on his Hall of Fame Induction into this year's 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Class and please go back and check out some of DDP's great matches on the WWE Network, you won't be disappointed!
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 and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday at @TripleThreatCLE.
*** WWE/NXT ***
- Brock Lesnar and Summer Slam: With Brock Lesnar set to fight Mark Hunt Saturday night at UFC 200, talks of Lesnar's next opponent at the WWE's hottest summer show have begun. It looks as if Brock Lesnar will go into Summer Slam 2016 and battle a returning "Viper" Randy Orton in a one on one match.
- Is The New Day Splitting Up?: This past week on RAW, WWE looked to have put the beginning stages of a New Day split into play, as Xavier Woods walked away and stated he wanted nothing to do with Kofi and Big E going to The Wyatt Family compound to do battle. Sources have said that even though The New Day are one of WWE's hottest merchandise sellers and over huge with the fans, a split may be coming. With the draft and Brand Extension coming July 19th, there have been rumors that Big E will be split from New Day and begin a singles push on which ever show he ends up on. Though this is not set in stone, it wouldn't surprise me if it happened because WWE has a habit of ruining things by splitting teams that draw them money (The Shield).
- Jerry Lawler Returns: Jerry Lawler returned to his commentary duties on Smackdown after his indefinite suspension was lifted by the WWE. Lawler's domestic assault charges were dropped and WWE allowed The King to return.
- The Club vs. The Shield, It Could Still Happen: According to sources, the man himself, Vince McMahon, wants to eventually have a Club vs. Shield feud happen. Some are wondering how WWE will pull this off with the brand extension and draft coming up on July 19th. Many think it'll be impossible to keep all six men on the same roster in order to pull this off. DailyWrestlingNews.com is claiming that even with the brand extension and draft, WWE officials and Vince McMahon are still very interested in the match, and it will likely take place at some point in the near future, possibly Summer Slam or Survivor Series.
- Building The Club Into A Major Threat: Sources have said that Vince McMahon wants The Club stable to become much more stronger before a feud with The Shield takes place. The trio of AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows have a lot of history together, but they need to be built up, for the WWE Universe to see their chemistry and dominance. There has also been talk of the possibility of WWE adding more members to The Club, which some feel would complicate matters in a potential feud with The Shield.
- Where Does Finn Balor Fit In?: This is a big question. For those not familiar with The Bullet Club history, Finn Balor (Prince Devitt), was the original Bullet Club leader before AJ Styles took over. There have been rumors that Balor is coming to the main roster in the WWE Draft, so how is he going to fit in with The Club? Will he join The Club, fight against them, or even reclaim his spot as the leader and feud with Styles? This is a major factor that fans are wondering how will be played out.
- How To Reform The Shield?: With Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns currently set to have a triple threat match at WWE Battleground, a reunion seems way out of the question at this time. The best way to get all three men on the same page again is to give them the same goal. In this case, WWE needs to have The Club get really strong and over take the WWE. The Shield can then go the route of what got them into the WWE, the protectors and eliminators of wrong doings and go after The Club, who'll play the wrong doers. There is no doubt that we’ll see The Club vs. The Shield someday, the question is when will WWE make our fantasy dream match come true.
- Nike vs. WWE: Last Tuesday, June 26th, Nike filed an opposition (PDF) to World Wrestling Entertainment’s application for trademarking the catchphrase “Just Bring It” for clothing. Under its previous name of World Wrestling Federation, WWE had previously held a similar trademark that the company applied for in 2001 and received approval for the following year, but it was cancelled in 2009 because the proper paperwork was not filed within the statutory six year deadline that the US Patent and Trademark Office provides. When it comes to getting a new trademark of the phrase for use on clothing, though, Nike isn’t having it. Nike has continuously used the JUST DO IT Mark in interstate commerce since early 1989 in connection with various clothing items. The argument is, basically, that the marks are too similar, are likely to cause confusion and that Nike has won similar cases in the past.
- Who Are The Highest Paid Superstars In WWE Right Now?: The following is a posted list of the top 10 highest paid WWE superstars as of this month.
#1. John Cena $9.5 Million yearly.
#2. Brock Lesnar $6 Million yearly.
#3. Triple H $2.8 Million yearly.
#4. Randy Orton $2.7 Million yearly.
#5. Seth Rollins $2.4 Million yearly.
#6. Roman Reigns $2.1 Million yearly.
#7. The Undertaker $2 Million yearly.
#8. Big Show $1.5 Million yearly.
#9. Kane $1.3 Million yearly.
#10. Dean Ambrose $1.1 Million yearly.
- Wrestlers On WWE's Radar: Sources have said that with the Brand Extension and Draft coming up soon, the WWE have contacted four guys for possible WWE runs. The WWE are looking at possibly re-debuting Curt Hawkins and Jimmy Wang Yang and first time debuting lucha wrestling stars Volador Jr. and Rush.
- Dolph Ziggler Inducted Into Kent State Hall of Fame: Kent State Athletics announced last week that Dolph Ziggler will be inducted into the 2016 Kent State University Athletics Hall of Fame. The 38th annual ceremony takes place on Saturday, September 17th. Ziggler was a top amateur wrestler during his days at Kent.
*** WWE Battleground 2016 Card ***
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Triple Threat Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": John Cena, Enzo and Big Cass vs. The Club (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson)
- Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart
*** TNA ***
- TNA Impact Final Deletion Recap:
-- Mike Bennett wants to cash in his TNA X-Division Championship tonight instead of waiting for Destination X. Dixie Carter informs Bennett he's defending the title one more time before Destination X in Ultimate X, because she's the president of TNA and has voided Billy Corgan's decision of freeing Bennett from defending the title.
-- Eddie Edwards defeated Mike Bennett, Trevor Lee, Braxton Sutter, Mandrews, Rockstar Spud, DJ Z and Andrew Everett, in an Ultimate X Match, to win the TNA X-Division Championship.
-- James Storm defeated Eli Drake, by DQ, after Drake hit Storm with the TNA King of the Mountain Championship. Drake retains the TNA King of the Mountain Championship.
-- Eddie Edwards is thinking about cashing in the TNA X-Division Championship for a shot at Bobby Lashley and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Destination X.
-- Jade defeated Marti Belle, by pinfall, in a Street Fight Match. Jade hit the package pile driver on top of a steel chair on Marti for the win.
-- Mike Bennett demands a TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match. Maria Bennett demands to be TNA President. Maria tells Billy Corgan and Dixie Carter to their faces that either Dixie goes or Maria goes. Dixie refuses to resign. The Bennett's both threaten to walk out. Corgan sticks up for Dixie and tells the Bennett's that they know where the door is if they walk out. The Bennett's decide to stay and instead threaten to ruin Destination X.
-- Bobby Lashley congratulates Eddie Edwards and tells him that he suggests Edwards keep the TNA X-Division Championship instead of cashing it in, if he knows what's best for him.
-- The BroMans and Raquel defeated The Decay, by pinfall, in a Six Person Tag Team Match. The BroMans hit their BroDown finisher for the victory.
-- Eddie Edwards cuts a promo to make a decision on his cash in. Bobby Lashley interrupts and instead makes a proposal. Champion vs. Champion, both titles on the line, or Edwards can walk away and keep his TNA X-Division Championship. Edwards accepts the champion vs. champion match. Lashley attacks and suplexes Edwards. Lashley goes for the spear, but Edwards lands a kick and Lashley retreats.
-- Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter air out their differences and problems with each other via satellite. Both plan to meet face to face at Destination X and kick each others ass.
-- Matt Hardy defeated Jeff Hardy, by pinfall, in a Final Deletion Match. Matt lit the Hardy symbol on fire as Jeff stood on top of it, causing Jeff to fall off and hit the ground below. Matt covers and scores the pinfall.
Prepare for Final Deletion!
- TNA Impact Move: With the WWE announcing the beginning of live Smackdown's on Tuesday in July, TNA have proposed a TNA Impact move. TNA Impact will be moving on PopTV from Tuesday at 9pm to Thursday at 8pm, starting July 21st. TNA is obviously worried about the effect a live WWE Smackdown show will have on TNA Impact ratings, which brought up the move.
*** TNA Destination X 2016 Card ***
- "Title vs. Title Match": TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley vs. TNA X-Division Champion Eddie Edwards
- "TNA Knockouts Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": Sienna (c) vs. Jade vs. Marti Belle vs. Gail Kim
- "#1 Contenders, Six Way Ladder Match, For A TNA X-Division Championship Match": DJ Zema Ion vs. Mandrews vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. Rockstar Spud vs. Braxton Sutter
- "Grudge Match": Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Carter
- Matt Hardy addresses The Final Deletion
*** RING OF HONOR *** - ROH TV Recap: With the 4th of July falling on Monday, ROH didn't air anything new this week.
- Shibata At ROH Death Or Dishonor: ROH who have a working relationship with NJPW announced that IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shibata has been booked to appear at Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor pay per view on August 20th. Shibata's opponent is unknown at this time.
- Jay Lethal Throws Out First Pitch: ROH World Heavyweight Champion, Jay Lethal, received the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Anaheim Angels baseball game on July 6th. Lethal who resides in Tampa, Florida was honored to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
*** LUCHA UNDERGROUND ***
- Lucha Underground: Ultima Lucha Dos Part 1 Recap:
-- The Mack defeated Brian Cage, by pinfall, in a Unique Opportunity Tournament, Falls Count Anywhere Match. Mack scored a rollup pinfall on Cage, after Cage slipped on beer going for a curb stomp on a cinder block.
-- Dario Cueto announces Son of Havoc vs. El Texano will now be a Boyle Heights Bar Fight Match.
-- Son of Havoc defeated El Texano, by pinfall, in a Unique Opportunity Tournament, Boyle Heights Bar Fight Match. Havoc hits a Bicycle Kick that sent Texano into a box of wine for the pinfall.
-- Dario Cueto announces that the Unique Opportunity Tournament Finals between Son of Havoc and The Mack will be a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
-- Son of Havoc defeated The Mack, by pinfall, in a Falls Count Anywhere Match, to win the Unique Opportunity Tournament. Havoc hit the Shooting Star Press for the win.
-- Dario Cueto presents Son of Havoc with a briefcase with $250,000 inside. Cueto then states that Havoc can use it to buy into a Lucha Underground Championship Match next year at Ultima Lucha 3. Havoc accepts the opportunity. Cueto, however, changes his mind, takes back the money and announces Havoc first has to beat Dr. Wagner Jr.
-- Dr. Wagner Jr. defeated Son of Havoc, by pinfall. Wagner dodges the Shooting Star Press and hits the Dr. Driver for the pinfall. Wagner is given the briefcase with $250,000 inside.
Ultima Lucha Dos Part 1 Highlights:
- Kevin Kross Signs With Lucha: Sources are saying that “The Tollman” Kevin Kross has officially signed with Lucha Underground. Kross has been wrestling regularly for Future Stars Of Wrestling in Las Vegas and he appeared on Global Force Wrestling’s TV tapings last year. Sources have said that he may have done some work during the season 3 tapings and the talk going around is that he will be brought back for season 4.
- Sexy Star Entering Women's Boxing: Former Lucha Underground Champion Sexy Star stated recently that she was taking off her mask and making a big move into the world of boxing. Star, whose real name is Dulce Maria Garcia Rivas, is married to 58-10 Mexican boxer Jhonny Gonzalez, and trained in kickboxing and Muay Thai. Star has stepped back considerably from wrestling at this point, but is expected to continue on with Lucha Underground going forward, while starting her boxing career.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
*** NJPW Kizuna Road 2016 Recap ***
-- Chase Owens defeated David Finley.
-- Tenzan, Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, Sakuraba, Rocky Romero and Trent Baretta) in an Eight Man Tag Team Match.
-- The Bullet Club (Hangman Adam Page and Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Yoshitatsu and Captain New Japan.
-- Yuji Nagata and Nakanishi defeated Togi Makabe and Juice Robinson.
-- Ricochet, Matt Sydal and Satoshi Kojima defeated The Bullet Club Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, to win the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship. After the match, Kojima unofficially relinquished his G1 Climax spot to Tenzan.
-- CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Will Ospreay and YOSHI-HASHI) defeated L.I.J. (Naito, Sanada, BUSHI and EVIL) in an Eight Man Tag Team Match.
-- Shibata defeated Honma, to retain the NEVER Openweight Championship. After the match, Shibata respectfully helped Honma to his feet, but then proved it was a hoax as Shibata tossed Honma to the floor.
*** OTHER NEWS ***
- Moose Sighting: MLW Radio reported earlier today that former ROH star Moose, who has been on WWE's radar as of late, might have signed with TNA. Later in the day they posted an update, stating that Moose confirmed to them that TNA made an offer but he has not signed yet. ROH is also in the running for resigning Moose and bringing him back to the promotion. WWE originally was set to sign Moose, but backed off after finding out about his domestic assault charge from back in 2009. WWE have had enough issues recently with Adam Rose and Jerry Lawler catching domestic assault charges and are trying to steer clear of anymore issues.
- nWo Anniversary: This past week marked the 20th anniversary of the night the nWo was formed.
And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you Wrestlemania 31! Wrestlemania 31 was live, last night, at Levi's Stadium, in San Francisco, California. If you missed the show, have no worries, because I am here to give you the results of the Super Bowl of Sports Entertainment.
*** Kickoff Show ***
- "WWE World Tag Team Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (c) vs. The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. Kofi Kingston and Big E: Cesaro attacks Jey Uso on the floor, tosses him into the barricade, which injures Jey and takes Jey out of the match. Kofi with a near fall on Fernando. Los Matadores double team Kofi, until Cesaro tags in. Cesaro and Kidd with the "Cesaro Swing" double team on Kofi, for a near fall. Jimmy is in and connects with super kicks and "Rikishi Splashes" on Cesaro, Kidd, Fernando and Big E. Jimmy with a near fall on Kidd. Big E and Kofi hit a double team move on Cesaro for a near fall. Chaos breaks out and we get a lot of double teaming. Los Matadores double team Kofi for a near fall. El Torito and Xavier Woods get involved, as Torito sends Woods into the barricade. Nattie locks Torito in a "Sharpshooter". Naomi hits Nattie with the "Rear View". Big E and Kofi double team Diego for a near fall. Big E goes for the "Big Ending" on Kidd and Fernado, but eats a Jimmy super kick. Cesaro european uppercut on Fernando and Jimmy. Kofi "Trouble in Paradise" on Kidd. A huge six man tower of doom superplex, out of the corner, puts everyone out. Jimmy with a "Superfly Splash" on Big E. Cesaro blind tagged himself in, tosses Jimmy out of the ring and scores the pinfall on Big E. Cesaro and Kidd retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- "Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal": The final four come down to Ryback, Big Show, Miz and Damien Sandow. Show finished eliminating Cesaro and mocks the fans. Show turns right into a Ryback spine buster. Show rebounds back, chokes Ryback and tosses Ryback to the floor. Miz barks orders at Sandow, but Sandow refuses to listen. Miz yells at Sandow and then shoves Sandow. Sandow tells Miz that he quits, grabs Miz and tosses Miz over the ropes to the floor. We're down to Show and Sandow. Referees pull Miz back as he tries to go after Sandow.
Sandow gets tossed over the ropes, but skins the cat back in. Show charges at Sandow, Sandow ducks and Show goes over the ropes but hangs on. Sandow grabs Show by the neck and tries to pull him over the ropes. Show blocks the elimination and is back in the ring. Sandow goes for a submission hold, but Show powers out and tosses Sandow out for the victory.
*** Wrestlemania 31 ***
- Aloe Blacc sings America The Beautiful, to kick off Wrestlemania 31.
- "WWE Intercontinental Championship, Seven Man Ladder Match": Bad News Barrett (c) vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper: Barrett hits Ambrose with a ladder. Harper splashes everyone on the floor. Ambrose climbs a ladder and takes everyone out with a flying elbow. Bryan drop kicks Stardust into a ladder. Bryan gets Harper in a tree of woe on a ladder and unloads stiff kicks. Ziggler superkick on Bryan and we have a group scramble up the ladder for the title. Barrett grabs a piece of ladder and beats Stardust with it. Harper sends Ambrose into a wedged ladder in the corner. Harper swings the ladder at Bryan and Truth hits a leg drop on it into Bryan. Barrett superplexes Stardust off the top of the ladder.
Bryan and Ziggler trade blows at the top of the ladder and get shoved off by Ambrose. Ambrose climbs the ladder, but gets power bombed off onto another ladder by Harper. Harper and Ziggler both climb, but take each other down. Ziggler climbs again but gets laid out by a Barrett "Bullhammer". Barrett hits a "Bullhammer" on Stardust and Truth. Bryan gets knocked off the ladder by Barrett, but Bryan hits the running knee on Barrett. Bryan and Ziggler trade punches and head butts with each other at the top of the ladder. Bryan knocks Ziggler off, grabs the IC Title and wins the match. Daniel Bryan is the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion.
- Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton: Orton and Rollins trade punches and kicks. Rollins with a turnbuckle bomb, but Orton hits a clothesline. Mercury and Noble get on the apron, but Orton DDT's them both off the apron. Rollins suicide dives Orton, sending Orton into the announcers table. Orton counters a splash with a power slam. Rollins lands a springboard moonsault to the floor on Orton. Orton crotches Rollins on the ropes and hits a hanging DDT. Rollins tries to counter a backdrop but Orton counters into the "RKO" for a near fall. Orton goes for the punt, but Mercury and Noble get in the ring. Orton hits an "RKO" on both men. Rollins hits the "Curb Stomp" on Orton for a near fall. Rollins goes for a splash off the ropes but Orton moves. Orton goes for another "RKO", but Rollins counters and goes for the "Curb Stomp". Orton counters the "Curb Stomp" and catches Rollins with an "RKO" in mid air. Orton covers and scores the pinfall.
- Sting's entrance we seen a performance by drummers in Sting face paint. Triple H comes out to a Terminator theme with Terminator robots and dressed in Terminator barbarian gear.
- Sting vs. Triple H: Back and forth early with punches and hip tosses. Triple H hits a knee drop that doesn't faze Sting and he goes for the "Scorpion Deathlock" submission. Triple H rolls to the floor. Triple H tosses Sting into the barricade. Triple H takes offense with punches, Irish whips into the turnbuckles, knees to the head and plants Sting with a spine buster, for a near fall. Triple H comes off the middle rope, but Sting catches Triple H and locks him in the "Scorpion Deathlock" submission.
Billy Gunn, Road Dog and X-Pac of DX hit the ring, but get laid out by Sting. Sting climbs the ropes and dives off to the floor, taking out all of DX. Triple H hits the "Pedigree" on Sting for a near fall. Triple H grabs his sledgehammer, but Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash of the nWo come out. DX and the nWo brawl on the floor. Sting hits the "Scorpion Death Drop" on Triple H for a near fall.
Sting puts Triple H in the "Scorpion Deathlock" submission. Triple H reaches for his sledgehammer but Hogan takes it from him. DX and the nWo brawl again. Shawn Michaels arrives and hits "Sweet Chin Music" on Sting. Triple H covers and gets a near fall. Triple H grabs the sledgehammer, as Hall tosses Sting his bat. Sting connects on Triple H, busts his sledgehammer and stomps Triple H in the corner.
Sting hits a "Stinger Splash" then goes for a second one. Triple H grabs the head of the sledgehammer and blasts Sting with it. Triple H covers and scores the pinfall. DX and the nWo go face to face after the match, but Triple H and Sting shake hands.
- Backstage, Daniel Bryan celebrates his WWE Intercontinental Championship win with past WWE Legends and former IC Champions.
This year's musical performance is by Skylar Grey, Travis Barker, and Kid Ink.
- Paige and A.J. Lee vs. The Bella Twins: The Bellas double team suplex Paige for a near fall. Nikki hits "Rack Attack" on Paige for a near fall. A.J. tags in and hits a Thesz press, punches, knees and a tornado DDT. A.J. goes for the shining wizard, Nikki counters with the electric chair drop, A.J. counters with a DDT for a near fall. A.J. applies the "Black Widow" submission on Nikki, but Brie breaks it up. Nikki slams A.J. for a near fall. Paige tosses Brie to the floor, then into the steel steps. A.J. counters a Nikki Irish whip and applies the "Black Widow" submission, forcing Nikki to tap out.
- This year's WWE Class of 2015 Hall of Famers are introduced.
- Rusev makes his entrance with Russian Soldiers and a tank. Cena gets a patriotic entrance.
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Rusev (c) vs. John Cena: Rusev takes control with ground moves and strikes. Rusev tries to hit Cena with the Russian flag but Cena counters with a shoulder tackle. Rusev lands kicks, but Cena hits a standing leg drop for a near fall. Cena applies the "STF" submission, but Rusev makes the ropes. Rusev hits a top rope diving head butt for a near fall. Cena with a tornado DDT for a near fall. Rusev goes for "The Accolade", but Cena counters and hits a springboard stunner on Rusev for a near fall.
Rusev blocks the "AA", goes for a side slam, Cena rolls through, but catches a thrust kick by Rusev. Cena is locked in "The Accolade" submission, but Cena powers out of it and applies the "STF" submission. Rusev breaks out and charges at Cena. Lana gets on the apron during the "STF" and gets thrown off the apron by Rusev, on accident, after Cena dodges the Rusev charge. Cena hits the "AA" on Rusev, covers and scores the pinfall. Cena is the NEW WWE United States Champion and Rusev is no longer unpinned or unsubmitted.
- In Ring Segment With Triple H and Stephanie McMahon: Stephanie announces that they set a new attendance record at Levi's Stadium at 76,976, advertises the WWE Network, and she and Triple H take full credit for everything and own everyone. Triple H says he always beats everyone that opposes him. The Rock's music hits and out comes The Rock. The Rock says they don't own him, Triple H can dress like The Terminator again or make a Wrestlemania moment with The Rock. Triple H says he's kicked Rock's ass before, he has nothing to prove. Rock says Triple H left his balls at WWE Headquarters. Steph says without the McMahon's there'd be no Rock. Rock says without Vince's johnson, there'd be no Steph. Stephanie slaps Rock and orders him to get the hell out of her ring.
Stephanie continued to mock The Rock as he left the ring. The Rock, however, finds Ronda Rousey of the UFC in the crowd and brings her to the ring with him. Rock and Ronda go face to face with Triple H and Stephanie. Stephanie tries to talk her way out of it but then tells Ronda to get the hell out of her ring. Ronda tells Steph to make her leave. Rock warns Steph about the look on Ronda's face, when she's about to kick ass. A fight breaks out with Rock punching Triple H and Ronda hip tossing Triple H. Ronda locked Steph in an arm wrench submission, until releasing the hold and allowing Triple H and Stephanie to escape.
- Bray Wyatt makes an entrance with scarecrows following him to the ring. Undertaker makes his usual dark entrance.
- Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker: Taker takes control early and hits "Old School". Wyatt clotheslines Taker over the ropes, but Taker lands on his feet. Taker with a big boot and the apron leg drop. Taker splash in the corner, then hits "Snake Eyes". Wyatt takes control, beats Taker in the corner and gets a near fall with a splash. Wyatt mat wrestles Taker, smashes Taker's head into the ring post and kicks Taker. Taker grabs Wyatt and locks on the "Hells Gate" submission. Wyatt escapes and near falls Taker with a back splash. Wyatt goes for "Sister Abigail", but Taker counters with a choke slam. Taker hits the "Tombstone", but gets a near fall.
Taker goes for another "Tombstone", but Wyatt counters and hits "Sister Abigail" for a near fall. Wyatt does the spider walk as Taker sits up, for a pretty cool Wrestlemania scene. Wyatt and Taker trade punches. Wyatt lands a head butt and goes for "Sister Abigail". Wyatt kisses Taker's forehead, but Taker counters out, hits the "Tombstone" and scores the pinfall. Taker goes 22-1 at Wrestlemania.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns: Lesnar takes Reigns to the corner, hits a german suplex and an early "F5". Lesnar another suplex, takes two Reigns clotheslines without flinching and plants Reigns with another german suplex. Lesnar beats Reigns in the corner, hits another suplex, lands knees to the gut, hits another german suplex, more knees, another german suplex, more knees and knocks Reigns off the apron to the floor, with a forearm. Five minutes into the match and Reigns looks like he's dead.
Reigns lands some knees and kicks, until Lesnar catches the leg and clotheslines Reigns hard to the floor. Lesnar hits more knees, another german suplex, a belly to belly suplex and hits a second "F5". Lesnar covers but Reigns somehow kicks out at two. Lesnar grabs Reigns by the head and slaps Reigns in the face over and over. Reigns laughs with every slap, angering Lesnar. Lesnar hits another german suplex and "F5" number three, but Reigns kicks out at two. Lesnar tosses Reigns to the floor and follows. Reigns sends Lesnar head first into the ringpost and Lesnar is busted wide open. Reigns hits two "Superman Punches", putting Lesnar on one knee. Lesnar goes for a german suplex, but Reigns counters out with headbutts. Reigns with a third "Superman Punch" and two spears and gets a near fall on Lesnar.
Lesnar catches Reigns and goes for a fourth "F5" but Seth Rollins hits the ring, money in the bank briefcase in hand. Rollins is cashing in and making this a triple threat match. Rollins tosses Reigns to the floor, hits a "Curb Stomp" on Lesnar, then goes for another "Curb Stomp" on Lesnar, but gets caught in an "F5". Reigns spears Lesnar as he's holding Rollins in the air. Rollins hits the "Curb Stomp" on Reigns, covers and scores the pinfall. Seth Rollins is the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
- Wrestlemania closes out with Rollins celebrating and pyro going off.
** My Predictions **
- Cesaro and Kidd win: RIGHT
- Show wins battle royal: WRONG
- Bryan wins Ladder Match: RIGHT
- Orton wins: RIGHT
- Triple H wins: WRONG
- A.J. and Paige win: RIGHT
- Cena wins: RIGHT
- Taker wins: RIGHT
- Rollins wins: WRONG.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE. It's the RAW recap from last night's show. RAW took place this week in the lone star state of Dallas, Texas. No more football for all those Cowboys down the street in Jerry's World, so wrestling is gonna have to do for ya. The go home show to the Royal Rumble is here and it's a special RAW. How special? It's so special that even the WWE Legends of the past came out tonight to watch. That's right it's the RAW Legends Reunion Show. Many Legends of the past have been advertised but will we see any other surprises? Find out in the RAW recap below.
- RAW kicks off with a Martin Luther King Tribute video.
- In Ring Segment with Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman: Lesnar cuts Heyman off and actually speaks tonight. Lesnar says he wants Seth Rollins' ass, because Lesnar is here to fight. Lesnar gives Rollins 10 seconds to get to the ring, but Rollins no shows. Triple H's music hits and out comes "The Game". Triple H tries to calm down Lesnar, but states that Lesnar did start the fight last week with a german suplex. Heyman tries to calm down Lesnar as Lesnar wants Triple H now. Stephanie McMahon, Big Show and Kane are out next. Stephanie says they're not trying to make Lesnar feel defensive, but cooler heads need to prevail. Seth Rollins appears on the TitanTron next. Rollins tells Lesnar he's always two steps ahead of Lesnar and tells Lesnar to relax, cause he'll get his shot, right before Rollins takes his title. Heyman tells The Authority to get their boy, Rollins, on a leash before Lesnar leaves bodies laying. John Cena's music hits and out comes Mr. Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. Cena says they'll settle this on Sunday and has a message for The Authority. Everything The Authority does to Cena, lights a fire under him and he will take that fire to Royal Rumble and win the title. Stephanie and Rollins make fun of Cena, blame him for Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan and Ryback getting fired, tell him the fans don't want to see him win at the Rumble and call Cena a failure. Triple H closes the segment out by announcing that in Cena's match tonight he must win in order to stay in the rumble and allow Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback to come back. Before Cena can agree or disagree to the idea, Triple H announces the WWE Universe will vote on the WWE app and make the decision for him.
- Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan: DB's first match back on RAW. DB unloads with kicks in the corner. Wyatt takes control with a right hand and stomps. DB hits a drop kick through the ropes and flies off the top rope and to the floor on Wyatt. Kane arrives and watches at ringside. DB gets hit with a head butt and sent back to the floor. Wyatt tosses DB into the barricade, then the apron. Wyatt continues to take control of the match with a clothesline, head locks and working on DB's repaired neck. DB finally makes the comeback, hitting a drop kick in the corner, then unleashing more kicks. DB with a hurricanrana for a near fall. DB hits a suicide dive to the floor on Wyatt. The referee gets distracted, allowing Kane to pull DB off the apron. Bryan gets thrown back in the ring where Wyatt awaits. Wyatt throws DB into the turn buckle, head first, then hits "Sister Abigail" for the pinfall. After the match, Kane is applauding DB's loss. Kane lays DB out with a choke slam, then unloads on DB with mounted punches until finally letting up.
- Backstage, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Shawn Michaels and Triple H (The Kliq) are together again. Triple H is made fun of for wearing a suit now. Damien Sandow appears dressed as Sean "X-Pac" Waltman. The real Sean Waltman appears and Sandow stunt doubles him. The Miz appears and yells at Sandow to go change. Nash asks Triple H what kind of a show does he run here.
- In Ring Royal Rumble Legends Panel with Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels: All three give their opinion on John Cena's voting tonight and talk about the Rumble's that they have all won in the past. HBK predicts Bray Wyatt will win, Hogan predicts Daniel Bryan will win and Flair predicts Dean Ambrose will win. Big Show's music hits and out comes the giant. Show says the legends are jealous of Show and reminds Hogan about the time he beat him for the WCW World Title and chased Flair out of WCW. Show calls them all washed up has beens that beg for the fans attention. Show predicts he'll win the Rumble. Show threatens the legends and Flair stands up. Flair hits chops and punches on Show until getting hit with the Show knockout punch. Hogan and HBK check on Flair as Roman Reigns comes to the ring. Show tells Reigns to back off, but Reigns unloads on Show with punches. Reigns counters the choke slam and dodges the knockout punch before sending Show over the ropes. Show escapes up the ramp to end the segment.
- Backstage, John Cena finds out his title match and Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback's jobs will be on the line tonight. The WWE Universe voted yes at 65%.
- Dean Ambrose vs. Bad News Barrett: Ambrose and Barrett go back and forth early. Ambrose misses a clothesline, eats a kick and a running boot from Barrett. Barrett stays in control and scores a near fall with a knee to Ambrose's gut. Ambrose hits a bulldog and lands chops on Barrett. Barrett near fall rollup after countering an Ambrose corner charge. Ambrose hits a clothesline but gets crotched on the ropes by Barrett. Ambrose counters the "Bullhammer" then counters the "Wasteland" and hits "Dirty Deeds" on Barrett. Ambrose covers and scores the pinfall.
- Hey look it's the Dallas Cowboys at ringside.
- Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro: Xavier Woods announces he has an ankle injury. Kidd hits a drop kick on Big E. Kofi is in next and takes control of Kidd. Adam Rose runs distraction on the apron, allowing Cesaro to tag in. Cesaro goes to work on Kofi. Cesaro and Kidd with a double team move for a near fall. Cesaro knocks Big E off the apron and "Cesaro Swings" Kofi. Kidd and Cesaro hit a double team move during the swing for a near fall. Kofi fights back on Cesaro with corner kicks and scores a rollup pinfall out of nowhere on Cesaro.
- In Ring nWo Reunion: Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman are in the ring. Hall with the "hey yo" and the survey. Nash talks about the Monday Night Wars. The Ascension interrupt and make their way to the ring. The Ascension call the nWo three old dogs begging to be put out of misery. Claim that no team past, present or future is better than they are, especially one from WCW. Hall flips his toothpick in Konnar's face and we have a stand off. JBL stands up at the commentators table and rips The Ascension for coming out here in front of legends.
JBL reveals an APA shirt and out comes his former APA partner Ron (DAMN!) Simmons. Next out is the New Age Outlaws, Billy Gunn and Road Dogg. The Ascension are surrounded by Legends and have nowhere to run. Gunn and Dogg beat Konnar and Viktor into the corners. Konnar gets knocked to the floor and Viktor gets his head taken off by the "Clothesline From Hell" by JBL.
- Backstage, we find out John Cena will face Seth Rollins, Big Show and Kane. Cena has to win to keep his title shot at Rumble and get Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback their jobs back.
- Paige and Nattie Neidhart vs. Summer Rae and Alicia Fox: Summer spin kicks Nattie and Fox hits her in the corner. Fox with a northern lights suplex for a near fall. Paige is in finally and hits a clothesline and a drop kick. Nattie tosses Summer out to the floor. Page kicks Fox in the face and than applies the PTO submission. Fox ends up tapping out to end the match.
- Rusev vs. R-Truth: Before the match begins, Truth tells Rusev that every American in the Rumble is coming after him. Truth gets some offense in early, but Rusev hits the thrust kick then applies "The Accolade" on Truth for the submission victory.
- Backstage, Lesnar tells Rollins he is not going to hurt him tonight. He hopes that Rollins takes Cena out and then Lesnar will take Rollins out on Sunday.
- The Miz vs. Jey Uso: Both guys will be in tag team action against each other, this Sunday at the Royal Rumble, with the WWE World Tag Team Championship on the line. Jey blocks the "Skull Crushing Finale" and Miz gets sent into the ring post. Jey goes to the top rope and hits the "Superfly Splash" for the pinfall.
- John Cena vs. Seth Rollins, Big Show and Kane: Triple H and Stephanie are ringside. Rollins hits a couple stomps in the corner on Cena, but Cena counters with a bulldog. Show with a backsplash in the corner on Cena. Cena tries to body slam Show, but can't hold him, as Show falls on Cena for a near fall. Rollins is in next, gets a near fall, then locks Cena in a sleeper hold. Show is tagged back in and goes to the second rope. Show misses the second rope splash, as Cena rolls out of the way. Super Cena emerges and hits the "Five Knuckle Shuffle" on Rollins and then goes for "AA". Mercury and Noble distract Cena but Cena ends up hitting the "AA" on a second attempt. Cena gets the near fall on Rollins, as Kane pulls Cena out of the ring. Show spears Cena on the floor and Cena barely makes it back in the ring at a 9 count.
Kane drops Cena with a chokeslam for a near fall. Rollins is in the ring and is setting Cena up for the "Curb Stomp" when suddenly............Sting appears on the titantron. The lights are out and when they come back on, Sting is on the ramp pointing at Triple H. Cena uses Sting's distraction to roll Rollins up for the pinfall.
After the match, Triple H is livid as Rowan, Ziggler and Ryback now have their jobs back. Triple H yells for Sting to come out and he doesn't belong here. HERE COMES THE PAIN! Brock Lesnar hits the ring instead and lays out Rollins. Lesnar then lays Kane and Show out with "F5's" as Rollins escapes to end RAW.
And that's a wrap on this week's RAW results, till next time tap or snap.
