Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 1/11/18: NXT Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action. Two weeks ago, Johnny Gargano became the new #1 Contender to the NXT World Championship. Ember Moon successfully defended her NXT Women's Championship against Sonya Deville. NXT was back at it in Atlanta, Georgia for this week's show after having a best of last week.

** NXT TV Card **

- Shayna Bazsler battled Dakota Kai.
- Kassius Ohno battled Raul Mendoza.
- Lars Sullivan battled Lio Rush.
- NXT World Tag Team Champions Undisputed Era defended their titles against Roderick Strong and Aleister Black.

** NXT **

- Shayna Baszler vs. Dakota Kai: The first match of the night saw the NXT debut of Baszler as she battled Dakota Kai. The match closes out with Baszler stomping repeatedly on Dakota's arm and elbow area, forcing the referee to step in and call off the match by stoppage. After the match, Baszler continues the assault and applies a sleeper on Dakota. Ember Moon finally hits the ring and makes the save. 

- Kassius Ohno vs. Raul Mendoza: The second match of the night saw Ohno battle Mendoza in a one on one match. The match closes out with Mendoza getting a near fall springboard kick. Mendoza ends up in the Electric Chair and gets dropped by Ohno. Ohno hits the rolling elbow on Mendoza and scores the pinfall.

- Lio Rush vs. Lars Sullivan: The third match of the night saw Lio Rush battle the monster called Lars. The match closes out with Rush dodging a Lars charge, but gets run over with a huge lariat, as he charged at Lars. Lars hits the Freak Accident and scores the pinfall. After the match, Lars challenges Killian Dain and then hits another Freak Accident on Rush.

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Undisputed Era (c) vs. Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe: The match never happens as SAnitY is found backstage laid out after Undisputed Era arrive in the ring. Nikki Cross tries to get revenge for SAnitY and hits the ring. NXT officials hold Nikki back as NXT GM William Regal arrives and announces that Undisputed Era is still defending their titles tonight against new challengers, Roderick Strong and Aleister Black.

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Undisputed Era (c) vs. Roderick Strong and Aleister Black: The match closes out with Black taking out Bobby Fish outside. Adam Cole distracts Black, forcing Black to chase Cole through the crowd. Fish and O'Reilly hit their double team finisher on Strong and score the pinfall to retain their titles. After the match, Black returns and unloads on Fish and O'Reilly. Cole returns and helps with the three on two on Strong and Black. Cole hits a fireman's carry onto a steel chair on Black. William Regal arrives and announces that it will be Adam Cole vs. Aleister Black in an Extreme Rules Match at Takeover: Philadelphia.

Weekend 3 Count 12/31/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

*** WWE ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

** 205 Live Recap **

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

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

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

*** NXT ***

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

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

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

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

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

*** Impact Wrestling ***

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

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

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

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

And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 12/28/17: NXT Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. This week, a new number one contender to the NXT World Championship was decided. NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon was also in action, defending her championship against Sonya Deville.

** NXT TV Card **

- The Street Profits battled Kris Starr and Riley Apex.
- NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon defended her title against Sonya Deville.
- Johnny Gargano, Lars Sullivan, Aleister Black and Killian Dain battled in a Fatal Four Way Match to determine a new number one contender to the NXT World Championship. 

** NXT **

- The Street Profits vs. Kris Starr and Riley Apex: The first match of the night kicked off NXT with tag team action. The current undefeated Street Profits took on Kris Starr and Riley Apex. The match closes out with The Street Profits making quick work of their opponents. Dawkins hits a big spine buster and Ford follows with a frog splash to score the pinfall.

- "NXT Women's Championship Match": Ember Moon (c) vs. Sonya Deville: The second match of the night saw Ember Moon put her title on the line against Sonya Deville. The match closes out with Sonya locking in a bear hug, but Ember escapes, blocks a wheel barrow lift and sends Sonya into the corner. Ember unloads on Sonya and gets a near fall. Ember hits a springboard drop kick and finishes Sonya off with the Eclipse Stunner for the pinfall. After the match, Kairi Sane appears and stares down Ember. Shayna Baszler suddenly debuts on NXT and chokes Kairi out on the stage.

- "#1 Contenders, Fatal Four Way Match": Killian Dain vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano: The main event of the show saw the Fatal Four Way Match to crown a new #1 Contender to the NXT World Championship. The match closes out with Sullivan taking out Black and Gargano then faces off with Dain. Black comes back in and unloads strikes on both Dain and Sullivan. Black nails the Black Mass kick and covers, but Undisputed Era hit the ring and interrupt the match. Gargano unloads on Undisputed Era and then tries to cover Black. Sullivan gets sent into the steel steps and then Gargano sends Dain into Sullivan after a counter. Gargano hits a leaping DDT and scores the pinfall to take the victory.

Weekend 3 Count 12/24/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

*** WWE ***

- Dolph Ziggler Wins Gold: If you missed WWE Clash of Champions this past Sunday night, Dolph Ziggler walked out of the event the new WWE United States Champion, defeating Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode in a Triple Threat Match.

- Dolph Ziggler Possibly Vacates Gold: This past week on Smackdown Live it appeared that Dolph Ziggler vacated the WWE United States Championship after promising to do something rememberable. Ziggler then proceeded to lay down the title in the ring and then walked out.

- Women's Royal Rumble Officially Announced: This past week on Monday Night RAW, Stephanie McMahon officially announced the first ever all women's Royal Rumble will take place at the WWE Royal Rumble.

- Dean Ambrose Injury: It was announced this past week that Dean Ambrose has been legitimately suffering from a right elbow injury but there's no word yet on the severity of the injury. Ambrose was scheduled to travel to Birmingham, Alabama this past Wednesday to have the injury checked out and dealt with.

- Jason Jordan And Seth Rollins Team Up: WWE announced this week, with Dean Ambrose more than likely out until next year with his elbow injury, Jason Jordan will take Ambrose's spot and team with Seth Rollins for the time being.

- #1 Contenders Announced: This past week on Monday Night RAW, RAW GM Kurt Angle officially announced both Braun Strowman and Kane as the #1 Contenders to the WWE Universal Championship. Both will battle Brock Lesnar in a Triple Threat Match at the WWE Royal Rumble.

- Hall Of Fame 2018 Rumors: This past week there was a list of names revealed that were rumored to be the five superstars going into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. Those names listed were Goldberg, Bam Bam Bigelow, Ivory, The Dudley Boys and Kid Rock. I'll keep you posted on the actual superstars picked when the inductees are officially announced.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Kalisto and Gran Metalik defeated Brian Kendrick and Jack Gallagher, by DQ. Kalisto hits Salida Del Sol on Gallagher, but Kendrick attacks Kalisto with boots until the referee calls the DQ. After the match, Kendrick drop kicks the steel steps into Metalik's leg.

- Hideo Itami defeated Colin Delaney, by pinfall. Itami squashes Delaney quickly in this match and hits the Go To Sleep for the pinfall.

- Cedric Alexander defeated Drew Gulak, by pinfall. Earlier in the night, Enzo Amore says that he has to lay into Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari for letting Alexander win on RAW. Gulak promised Enzo that he'd annihilate Alexander tonight. Alexander confronts Enzo after Enzo says that Alexander needs to win twice to be the #1 Contender since he had two chances to get the win. Alexander tells Enzo that he should fight his own battles. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Gulak and scores the pinfall. After the match, Enzo distracts Alexander while Daivari tries to attack from behind. Alexander catches Daivari and hits the Lumbar Check to end the show.

*** NXT ***

- New Champions Crowned: This past week on NXT TV, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish defeated SAnitY to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **

- The Addiction defeated Coast To Coast, by pinfall. Kazarian is placed in a tree of woe by Ali, but Daniels makes the save. Kazarian with a Back Stabber and an Unprettier on Ali. LSG hits a springboard clothesline on Daniels and trades shots with Kazarian. The Addiction hit the Best Meltzer Ever on LSG and score the pinfall. After the match, LSG and Ali agree to have one more match as a team to see if it's worth going forward together or splitting up.

- Shane Taylor defeated Eli Isom, by referee stoppage. Taylor gets the quick victory, after hitting Isom right in the face with a knee, knocking Isom out cold. The referee decides to call the match, due to Isom being unable to continue. 

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) defeated Rocky Romero and The Best Friends, by submission. Omega counters Sliced Bread by Romero and hits a fireman's carry slam. Omega with a knee to Beretta and then Omega lifts Beretta into a Tombstone position. Omega and Matt hit tombstone piledrivers on Beretta and Chuckie after Nick hits drop kicks on both. Omega hits the One Winged Angel on Romero and then The Bucks force Romero to tap out to the Cease and Desist submission.

- ROH Announces A New Championship: ROH announced this week that they will be creating an ROH Woman Of Honor Championship and developing a women's division in the company in 2018.

** Final Battle Recap **

- Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara defeated Cheeseburger and Delirious.

- Jonathan Gresham defeated Josh Woods.

- Matt Taven defeated Will Ospreay, by pinfall. Ospreay hits a moonsault that takes out all of The Kingdom. Ospreay blocks a Taven frog splash with his knees up. Ospreay goes for the OsCutter, but Taven counters and hits a arm trap headlock driver on Ospreay for the pinfall.

- War Machine defeated The Addiction, by pinfall. All four men start brawling and eventually lay each other out. Hanson hits a springboard elbow and then Thor's Hammer on Daniels. Hanson suicide dives onto Kazarian and takes him out. War Machine hit Fallout and score the pinfall.

- Jay Lethal defeated Marty Scurll, by pinfall. Lethal traps Scurll in a figure four leg lock submission. Scurll reaches the ropes and then grabs his umbrella. Lethal grabs it away, distracting the referee and Scurll grabs a second umbrella. Scurll hits Lethal with the umbrella, hits a release piledriver and gets a near fall. Referee grabs the umbrella away from Lethal. Lethal low blows Scurll while the referee is distracted and then hits the Lethal Injection to score the pinfall.

- "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Motor City Machine Guns (c) defeated The Best Friends, by pinfall, to retain their titles. The Best Friends hit a dropkick/reverse piledriver and get a near fall. Shelley attempts Sliced Bread #2, but gets dropped with a Lawn Dart. Sabin gets hit with a piledriver, but Sabin rolls through and somehow scores the surprise pinfall on Beretta to retain the titles.

- "ROH Television Championship, Four Way Elimination Match": Silas Young defeated Kenny King (c), Punishment Martinez and Shane Taylor, to win the title. Shane Taylor was the first wrestler eliminated in the match. Taylor and Martinez were on the top rope together when Taylor gets chopped off. King with the Royal Flush on Taylor and Martinez with the top rope senton on Taylor for the pinfall. The champ, Kenny King, was the second man eliminated. King hits the Royal Flush on Martinez, but Beer City Bruiser distracts the referee allowing Young to bust a beer bottle over King's head for the pinfall. Martinez with a corner splash on Young. Young unloads with knees, but Martinez goes for a spinning kick. Young counters and hits Misery for the pinfall and the title. 

- "New York Street Fight Match": The Briscoe Brothers defeated Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer, by pinfall. Dreamer hits a Spicoli Driver through a table on Jay as Bully hits a splash through another table for a near fall. Bully sets up another table and tries to light it on fire, but gets stopped. The Briscoes hit the 3D on Bully into the table, but the table doesn't break. Frog Splash through the table on Bully and The Briscoes score the pinfall.

- "ROH Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": Hangman Adam Page and The Young Bucks (c) defeated Dragon Lee, Titan and Flip Gordon, by pinfall to retain the titles. Gordon unloads on Matt and hits a Pele Kick. Gordon gets a three on one beat down. Gordon tries to fight back, but a triple super kick party lays him out. Lee and Gordon get double IndyTaker's on them and Page and The Bucks score the pinfall. After the match, Scorpio Sky and The Addiction attack everyone and hold up the titles afterwards. 

- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Dalton Castle defeated Cody Rhodes (c), by pinfall to win the title. Castle counters the Cross Rhodes, but Cody hits the referee on an attempted clothesline. Castle traps Cody in a submission and Cody taps out, but the referee is still knocked out. Cody counters the Bang A Rang and hits Cross Rhodes on Castle for a near fall as the referee wakes up. Cody hits the Beautiful Disaster on Castle. Castle is back up and hits the Bang A Rang on Cody out of nowhere and scores the pinfall to win the title.

*** Defiant Wrestling ***

- Austin Aries Wins Gold: Last week on an episode of Defiant Wrestling, Austin Aries defeated Marty Scurll to become the new Defiant World Heavyweight Champion.

*** SHINE ***

** SHINE 47 Recap **

- "20 Woman Survival Battle Royal": Rain defeated 19 other women to earn the right to face LuFisto for the SHINE Championship at SHINE 48.

- Natalia Markova defeated Aerial Monroe, by pinfall, with the Underhook DDT.

- "Fatal Four Way Match": Dynamite DiDi defeated Tesha Price, Kikyo, and Robyn Reid, by pinfall after hitting Price with a double stomp.

- Leva Bates defeated Dementia D’Rose, by DQ.

- "SHINE Nova Championship Match": Priscilla Kelly (c) defeated Aja Perera, by submission, with the Koji Clutch to retain the title.

- Shotzi Blackheart defeated Kiera Hogan, by pinfall, with the top rope senton.

- Jessicka Havok defeated Brandi Lauren, by pinfall, with a tombstone piledriver.

- "SHINE Tag Team Championship Match": Ivelisse Velez and Mercedes Martinez (c) defeated The Cutie Pie Club (Aria Blake and Candy Cartwright) to retain the SHINE Tag Team Titles.

- Stormie Lee defeated Rain, by referee stoppage

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 12/21/17: NXT Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. This week, NXT had the NXT World Tag Team Championship as well as the WWE United Kingdom Championship on the line this week. 

** NXT TV Card **

- NXT World Tag Team Champions SAnitY defended their titles against The Undisputed Era.
- Roderick Strong battled Lars Sullivan for the last #1 Contenders Fatal Four Way spot.
- WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne defended his title against Tyler Bate.

** NXT **

- "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": SAnitY (c) vs. Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish: The first match of the show saw Eric Young and Killian Dain of SAnitY putting the tag team titles on the line against Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of Undisputed Era. The match closes out with EY going for the elbow drop off the top rope, but Adam Cole crotches him in the corner. Nikki Cross appears from the crowd, tackles Cole on the floor and beats on him. Nikki gets dragged away by officials as Cole shoves Dain into the ringpost. EY gets distracted by what's going on outside, gets hit with O'Reilly and Fish's double team finisher for the pinfall and O'Reilly and Fish leave the new tag team champions.

- Roderick Strong vs. Lars Sullivan: The second match of the night saw Strong and Sullivan battle it out to determine who would get the last spot in the #1 Contenders Fatal Four Way Match. The match closes out with Strong escaping a bear hug with claps to the head of Sullivan. Sullivan misses a kick on a charge and gets hung up in the ropes. Strong unloads on Sullivan while hung up until escaping and going to the top rope. Strong cuts off Sullivan and hits a superplex for a one count. Strong hits an Angle Slam for a near fall. Sullivan hits a pop up power slam on Strong and then hits the Freak Accident for the pinfall.

- "WWE United Kingdom Championship Match": Pete Dunne (c) vs. Tyler Bate: The main event of the show saw Dunne defend his title against Bate one on one in a rubber match between the two. Bate took the first match and Dunne took the second match. The match closes out with Dunne countering Tyler Driver 97 with a Triangle Lock submission. Bate finds a way to power out and slam Dunne. Bate airplane spins Dunne ten times, reverses into another ten and then reverses again into another ten spins. Bate uses the ropes to catapult suplex Dunne for a near fall. Bate and Dunne trade punches back and forth until Dunne hits the Bitter End for a near fall. Both men turn each other inside out with clotheslines. Out to the apron, Bate roll kicks Dunne and then climbs the ropes. Dunne counters Bate's high risk move with a huge punch. Dunne with a sit down power bomb on Bate for another near fall. Bate hits a rebound clothesline on Dunne outside and then hits a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Bate hits Tyler Driver 97 on Dunne for another near fall. Dunne counters a top rope german suplex from Bate, hits the Bitter End and scores the pinfall to retain the title.

Weekend 3 Count 12/17/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, Impact, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

*** WWE ***

- Rich Swann Arrested: Last weekend, 205 Live superstar Rich Swann was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and battery, according to reports in Florida. Alachua County's Sheriff in Florida said the 26 year old faces allegations of kidnap/false imprisonment of an adult and battery. Kidnapping and false imprisonment in Florida is a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Battery is a first degree misdemeanour in Florida, with penalties of up to one year in jail or 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine.

- Rich Swann Suspended: After the announcement of Rich Swann being arrested, WWE immediately announced that Swann was suspended indefinitely. WWE has a zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence. Rich Swann was scheduled to face Drew Gulak on Monday Night RAW this week in a #1 Contenders Match, but those plans will obviously change.

- Christmas Title Match Rumors: According to sources, WWE may be planning a huge WWE Intercontinental Championship Match for Christmas Night on Monday Night RAW. As of right now rumors are stating that Roman Reigns will be defending his WWE Intercontinental Championship against John Cena.

- WWE Signs Superstar From Kuwait: WWE announced by Twitter that they made history and signed their first ever Kuwaiti wrestler, Nasser Alruwayeh, to a performer's contract. Triple H was part of the reveal process along with Shadia Bseiso who was the first Arab woman from the Middle East to sign with the company.

- Porn Star Takes Shots At WWE: Mia Khalifa is currently stirring the pot with the world of professional wrestling. The former adult film star recently made comments about Ronda Rousey jumping to the WWE. Mia stated that Ronda was committing career suicide by jumping to professional wrestling.

Mia stated the following: "This is where her career will go to die. I have no respect for the WWE, it's not a real sport. It's embarrassing. That's embarrassing, though, to go from real fights to wearing a sequin unitard to pretending to fight."

Hurricane Helms stated the following on Twitter about Mia's comments: "I'm not gonna get upset that a porn star doesn't respect Pro Wrestling. She's entitled to her opinion. Our bodies take a pounding and well... so does hers."

** 205 Live Recap **

- Ariya Daivari vs. Cedric Alexander: The first match of the night saw Zo Train member Daivari battle Alexander in a one on one match. Alexander will battle Drew Gulak next week in a #1 Contender match to determine who will go on and battle Enzo Amore for his WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Gulak is at ringside and guarantees he's defeated Alexander next week. Gulak gets involved and clotheslines Alexander outside while the referee is distracted. Gulak tells Daivari to get off the top rope, but Daivari leaps anyway and gets a near fall splash on Alexander. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Daivari and scores the pinfall.

- Jack Gallagher vs. Kalisto: The second match of the night saw Gallagher battle Kalisto. This match focused on Brian Kendrick and Jack Gallagher being angry that Kalisto keeps being handed opportunity after opportunity while they are passed over. Kalisto hurricanranas Gallagher into the mat. Gallagher tries to cheat with a thumb into Kalisto's eye and then a headbutt. Kalisto wraps up Gallagher in a rollup and scores the pinfall. After the match, Kendrick attacks and chop blocks Kalisto. Gran Metalik hits the ring and helps Kalisto fight off his attackers.

- Enzo Amore vs. Tony Nese: The main event of the show saw Enzo Amore battle fellow Zo Train member Tony Nese. Enzo has accused Drew Gulak, Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari of forming a faction behind Enzo's back, which all three denied. Enzo singled out Nese for this match, after Nese told Enzo to calm down. Before the match even begins, Enzo trash talks Nese, making Nese angry. Ariya Daivari then jumps in and attacks Nese from behind. Enzo and Daivari beat down Nese and remind him to know his place on the Zo Train. Enzo then orders Drew Gulak to help with the beat down. Gulak goes nose to nose with Enzo and finally backs down by kicking Nese in the face. Enzo orders Gulak to continue beating down Nese and then finally hits the JawDoneZo on Nese to end the show.

** Tribute To The Troops Recap **

- Lillian Garcia returned to sing the National Anthem.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Shield defeated Samoa Joe, Sheamus and Cesaro, by pinfall after Roman Reigns spears Cesaro.

- "Triple Threat Match": Charlotte defeated Ruby Riot and Carmella. Charlotte trapped Ruby in the Figure Eight submission and got the tap out win. 

- Cleveland's own, Machine Gun Kelly, made a special performance for the troops.

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": The New Day and The Usos defeated Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable, Rusev and Aiden English, by pinfall after The New Day hit the Midnight Hour.

- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Absolution defeated Bayley, Mickie James and Sasha Banks, by pinfall after Paige hit the RamPaige on Mickie.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": AJ Styles, Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, by pinfall after Nakamura hit the Kinshasa on Zayn.

- Announced WWE Pay Per Views For 2018:

** Jan. 28th: Royal Rumble, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
** Feb. 25th: Elimination Chamber (RAW), Las Vegas, Nevada.
** March 11th: Fastlane (SDL), Columbus, Ohio.
** April 8th: Wrestlemania 34, New Orleans, Louisiana.
** May 6th: Backlash (RAW), Newark, New Jersey.
** May 27th: Payback (SDL), Baltimore, Maryland.
** June 17th: Money In The Bank, Chicago, Illinois.
** July 15th: Battleground (RAW), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
** Aug. 19th: SummerSlam, Brooklyn, New York.
** Sept. 16th: Extreme Rules (RAW), San Antonio, Texas.
** Sept. 30th: Hell In A Cell (SDL), Nashville, Tennessee.
** Oct. 21st: TLC (RAW), Boston, Massachusetts.
** Nov. 18th: Survivor Series, Los Angeles, California.
** Dec. 16th: Clash of Champions, San Jose, California.

*** NXT ***

- Shayna Baszler Coming Soon: This past week, NXT revealed that the spade vignettes from the past few weeks is indeed MMA fighter Shayna Baszler. Baszler will be making her debut very soon.

Coming soon to @WWENXT.@QoSBaszler #QueenOfSpades pic.twitter.com/CsZ0xtjtKE

— WWE Southeast Asia (@WWESEAsia) December 15, 2017

- Announced NXT Pay Per Views For 2018:

** Jan. 27th: NXT Takeover: Philadelphia.
** April 6th: NXT Takeover: New Orleans.
** June 16th: NXT Takeover: Chicago.
** Aug. 18th: NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 4.
** Nov. 17th: NXT Takeover: WarGames 2, Los Angeles.

** Impact TV Recap **

- "Triple Threat, #1 Contenders Match": Allie defeated Sienna and KC Spinelli. Sienna goes for the AK47 on KC, but Allie sneaks in a rollup on Sienna for the pinfall.

- Taiji Ishimori and Dezmond Xavier defeated Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley, by pinfall after Ishimori rolls up Lee for the pinfall.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Alberto El Patron, Johnny Impact and Petey Williams defeated Eli Drake, Chris Adonis and Kongo Kong, by pinfall after Impact hits Starship Pain, but El Patron steals the pinfall after throwing Impact on the floor and hitting a splash. 

- Moose and James Storm Promo: Moose and Storm say that American Top Team are pissing them off and Moose knows Bobby Lashley can't beat him one on one. Lashley and Dan Lambert interrupt and Lashley says he'll fight Moose anytime, anyplace, but on Lashley's time. Storm says he has no respect for Lambert and wants him in a one on one match. Lambert says Storm's love for wrestling makes him sick. Lambert says he'll wrestle Storm only if Storm puts his career on the line because Storm is an Impact original and Lambert wants to cut the head off of the snake. Storm accepts but only if Lambert and ATT leave Impact when Storm wins. Lambert spits in Storm's face as Lashley and Moose brawl to the back. KM tries to save Lambert, but gets a Last Call from Storm. 

- "Impact Knockouts Championship Match": Laurel Van Ness defeated Rosemary, by pinfall to win the vacant title. Rosemary tries to mist Laurel in the face, but misses. Laurel uses the most on her hands to wipe in Rosemary's eyes to blind her. Laurel with the Unprettier on Rosemary for the pinfall.

- Sami Callihan and Konnan Face To Face: Callihan and Konnan agree to let LAX and oVe battle one more time for the tag team titles. Callihan says that if oVe win than LAX needs to leave Impact forever. Konnan agrees and then says that if oVe back out of the match than LAX will destroy everything that they love in Ohio. 

*** RING OF HONOR ***
*** ROH TV Recap **

- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kenny King (c) defeated Caprice Coleman, by pinfall to retain the title. Coleman countered the Royal Flush and shoved King into Shane Taylor. King hits a corkscrew plancha on Taylor and then the Royal Flush on Coleman for the pinfall. After the match, Punishment Martinez, Shane Taylor and Silas Young three on one attack King and then start brawling with each other.

- The Addiction Promo: The Addiction mock Rowe of War Machine for getting suspended 30 days for hitting a fan last week. Daniels demands that both Rowe and Hanson should be fired. Hanson hits the ring and attacks Daniels and Kazarian. Kazarian grabs a steel chair and unloads on Hanson. The Addiction tape Hanson to the ropes and then start cutting off his beard. Daniels goes to cut off Hanson's ear, but security hit the ring. The Addiction unload on security and then escape as Hanson gets free and chases them.

- The Briscoes/Bully Ray/Tommy Dreamer Face To Face: The Briscoes brag about ruining Bully's retirement speech, attacking Tommy Dreamer at one of his shows and trashing the 3D Wrestling School. Bully Ray and Dreamer appear, but are held back by security. ROH owner Jeff Koff tells Bully and Dreamer to back off. The Briscoes mock Bully and Dreamer for taking orders from Koff. Koff announces that Bully and Dreamer will battle The Briscoes at ROH Final Battle. Bully, Dreamer and The Briscoes brawl until security separates them. 

- Matt Taven defeated Jay Lethal, by pinfall. Marty Scurll arrived and slid his umbrella into the ring. Lethal grabbed the umbrella, tossed it at Scurll and talked trash to him. Taven rolls up Lethal during the distraction and scores the pinfall.

- Cody Rhodes vs. Dalton Castle Final Battle Contract Signing: Cody arrived with meats, cheeses and champagne and told Castle to try them. Cody is questioned on not taking Castle seriously and Cody says he'd rather drink champagne with his wife Brandi. Castle says he's breaking Cody's heart at Final Battle and all Cody is....is overdressed, overpaid and overrated. Cody and Castle both sign the contract and stare each other down to end the show.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

- Chris Jericho Attacks Kenny Omega: This past week at the NJPW World Tag League Finals Show, Chris Jericho made a surprise appearance and attacked Kenny Omega from behind. Jericho laid Omega out with a Code Breaker and then unloaded on Omega, busting Omega open. Jericho then proceeded to hit a Code Breaker on NJPW official Don Callis after Callis attempted to check on Omega's condition.

- Kenny Omega Gets Revenge: After the vicious attack by Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega got his revenge by attacking Jericho while he was at a press conference, promoting Wrestle Kingdom 12 and talking about his attack on Omega. Omega tackled Jericho and unloaded on him behind the press conference table until NJPW officials and press were able to separate both men.

*** EVOLVE ***

** EVOLVE 96 Recap **

- Dominic Garrini defeated Joey Lynch, by submission with the Mighty Mouse.

- Kyle the Beast and Shane Mercer defeated Matt Knicks and Stevie Fierce, by pinfall with Moonsault and Battery by Mercer on to Fierce.

- Jarek 1:20 defeated Stephen Wolf, by pinfall with a Doctor Bomb lift drop into a DDT.

- Zack Sabre, Jr. defeated DJZ, by pinfall with the European Clutch.

- AR Fox defeated Jason Kincaid, by pinfall with Lo Mein Pain and a 450 Splash.

- Darby Allin defeated Austin Theory, by pinfall with Last Supper.

- "EVOLVE World Tag Team Championship Match": Catch Point (Jaka and “Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams)(c) vs. The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry and James Drake) ended in a No Contest, after The End invaded and beat everyone down.

- "No Rope Breaks Match": Matt Riddle defeated Fred Yehi, by submission with the Bromission.

- "WWN World Championship Match": Keith Lee (c) defeated WALTER, by pinfall with Ground Zero to retain his WWN World Championship.

** EVOLVE 97 Recap **

- Dominic Garrini defeated Craig Mitchell, by submission after trapping Mitchell in the Mighty Mouse submission. After the match, The End arrive and attack both men. Parrow tosses Garrini at Odinson who lays out Garrini with a Pounce. Parrow plants Mitchell with a Blue Thunder Bomb. The End hit a double team powerbomb on Mitchell before leaving. 

- Matt Knicks and Stevie Fierce defeated Brandon Watts and Stephen Wolf, by pinfall with a double team Unprettier on Wolf.

- Jared 1:20 vs. Jason Kincaid went to a time limit draw.

- The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry and James Drake) defeated Kyle The Beast and Shane Mercer, by pinfall after Drake hit a moonsault on Mercer.

- AR Fox defeated DJZ, by pinfall with the Foxcatcher.

- Darby Allin defeated Keith Lee and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams in a Triple Threat Match. Darby pins Williams with the Last Supper. Allin earns any match of his choosing in 2018. After the match, Stokely Hathaway calls Lee garbage and then begs for forgiveness as Lee stalks him. Williams attacks Lee with elbows, but Lee fights back with his own elbows. Jaka hits the ring, but eats a Lee lariat. Chris Dickinson hits the ring and drops Lee with a German suplex. Dickinson and Jaka pick Lee up and lay him out with the Death Trap.

- "FIP World Heavyweight Championship Match": Austin Theory defeated Fred Yehi (c), by pinfall to win the FIP World Heavyweight Championship. Yehi gets a near fall in the end, but Priscilla Kelly saves Theory by putting his foot on the ropes. Theory hits the single underhook fisherman spinning reverse STO and scores the pinfall to take the title.

- "No Rope Breaks Match": Matt Riddle defeated WALTER, by stoppage after Riddle unloads a non stop series of elbow strikes on WALTER until the referee stepped in and stopped the match. After the match, Riddle offers a hand shake, but WALTER lays Riddle out with a boot.

- "EVOLVE World Championship Match": Zack Sabre Jr. (c) defeated Jaka, by submission with a calf killer/stretch muffler combination submission. After the match, The End arrives and attacks. Chris Dickinson hits the ring and german suplexes Parrow and hits a Michinoku Driver on Odinson. Drennan has a steel chair and unloads on Jaka's knee, injuring it. Dickinson with a suicide dive on The End. Dickinson and Tracy Williams chase off The End to end the show.

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 12/14/17: NXT Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. This week, NXT was shown not only on the WWE Network, but it was also shown as a special on the USA Network. There have been rumors of WWE possibly bringing NXT to the USA Network, this was kind of a test run.

** NXT TV Card **

- NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas battled Fabian Aichner in a non title match
- The Authors of Pain battled Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch.
- NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon battled Peyton Royce in a non title match.
- Aleister Black battled Adam Cole in a qualifying match for the #1 Contenders Fatal Four Way Match.

** NXT **

- Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Fabian Aichner: The first match of the night saw the NXT World Champion Almas battle up and comer Aichner. Aichner took it to Almas with a flying suicide dive and a springboard DDT for a near fall. Almas finally fights back and sends Aichner hard into the steel steps. Almas hits the Hammerlock DDT on Aichner and scores the pinfall.

- The Authors of Pain vs. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch: Lorcan and Burch put up a small fight against AOP, until AOP hit double Death Valley Drivers into the corner. AOP hit the Super Collider and follow that up with The Last Chapter to take the quick pinfall.

- Ember Moon vs. Peyton Royce: This match was a WWE Network exclusive match only and wasn't shown on the USA Network due to commercial time needed. Peyton held her own against the NXT Women's Champion, as Billie Kay was also at ringside pulling off distraction antics. Ember hits the Eclipse Stunner on Peyton and scores the pinfall. After the match, Billie Kay helps Peyton two on one attack Ember, sending Ember face first into Billie's knee. Nikki Cross suddenly hits the ring and unloads on Peyton and Billie, chasing them both from the ring. Nikki eyes Ember and the NXT Women's Championship lying on the mat until running off into the crowd. 

- Adam Cole vs. Aleister Black: The main event of the show saw Cole and Black battle in a one on one match with the winner advancing to the Fatal Four Way Match to determine a new #1 Contender. Cole gets a near fall Back Stabber. Both men traded shots on each other until Cole gets a near fall neck breaker. Black counters the super kick and hits Cole with a high knee. Black hits the Black Mass kick on Cole and scores the pinfall.