WWE Battleground 2017 Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

WWE Battleground finally arrived on the WWE Network and I'm here with your official WWE Battleground recap from the show! WWE Battleground was live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Wells Fargo Center. All the major championships were on the line and a few stipulated matches were included as well. Who walked out victorious in this Smackdown Live pay per view?

*** WWE Battleground Card ***

- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal defended his title against Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison Match.
- WWE United States Champion AJ Styles defended his title against Kevin Owens.
- WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Usos defended their titles against The New Day.
- John Cena battled Rusev in a Flag Match.
- Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Lana, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina battled it out in a Fatal Five Way Elimination Match, to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.
- Shinsuke Nakamura battled WWE Money In The Bank Winner Baron Corbin.
- Mike Kanellis battled Sami Zayn.
- Tye Dillinger battled Aiden English.

- Breezango looks to finally get to the bottom of who's been trashing their office and sending them threatening messages. 

** WWE Battleground Pre-Show **

- Social Media Lounge Interview With Mike and Maria Kanellis: Maria is asked when she'll be back in the ring. Maria says she's always in the ring with her man, showing the power of love. Mike is asked about his strategy tonight. Mike says it's simple, he's going to punch Sami Zayn as hard as he can in the head. Mike and Maria are both asked if they have advice for everyone looking for true love. Maria says it won't happen because there's only one Mike and Maria Kanellis. Mike is wished good luck, but he says he doesn't need it because he has love.

- Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English: The match closes out with English grounding Dillinger and taking control of the match. English taunts Dillinger by singing a song while keeping him grounded. Dillinger fights back with a drop kick, unloads on English and goes for the Tye Breaker. English escapes outside and then lands a cheap shot on Dillinger as Dillanger chased English. Back in the ring, Dillinger hits a spine buster on English and gets a near fall. Both men battle to the top rope, where English counters a superplex and head butts Dillinger to the mat. English hits a flying cross body, but Dillinger rolls through on the catch and gets a near fall on English. English counters another Tye Breaker, plants Dillinger into the mat face first and gets a near fall. English starts to have a temper tantrum before trading shots with Dillinger. Dillinger and English trade more offensive moves until English catches Dillinger with the Director's Cut and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Aiden English, by pinfall.

** WWE Battleground **

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day: The match closes out with Jimmy missing the Uso Splash and Woods getting a near fall. Jimmy counters the Honor Roll as Jey tags in and hits a Samoan Drop on Woods for a near fall. The Usos double team Woods on the apron until Woods connects with an enziguri on Jey. Woods goes for an elbow drop off the ropes, but eats an Uso Kick from Jimmy for a near fall. Jimmy traps Woods in the crab submission and locks it tight. Woods fights for the ropes and finally escapes as Jimmy argues with the referee. Kofi tags in and he and Woods hit Midnight Hour on Jimmy, but it's a surprising near fall. Kofi springboards, but eats an Uso Kick from Jimmy and then Jey hits the Uso Splash off the ropes, but its another near fall. Both Usos climb the ropes, but Woods takes out Jey. Jimmy leaps and misses Kofi. Kofi hits Jimmy with Trouble in Paradise and Woods follows with a flying elbow drop to score the pinfall and win the titles.
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall, to win the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Nakamura hitting a high knee on Corbin and follows with another for a near fall. Corbin hits a running clothesline on Nakamura and gets a near fall. Corbin unloads on Nakamura until Nakamura blocks a suplex attempt with a knee on Corbin. Nakamura delivers knees to Corbin's shoulder area, slams Corbin and measures for Kinshasa. Corbin counters Kinshasa, drills Nakamura with Deep Six and gets a near fall, leaving both men laid out. Both men are up as Corbin lands some shots on Nakamura. Nakamura fights back, counters a choke slam and hits a backstabber on Corbin. Nakamura takes offensive control and goes for the Exploder suplex on Corbin. Corbin purposely back kicks Nakamura below the belt and gets himself DQ'ed. 
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by DQ.

- After the match, Corbin smiles at his DQ loss and grabs his Money In The Bank briefcase. Corbin leaves, but comes back and lands a gut shot on Nakamura with the briefcase. Corbin hits End of Days and leaves Nakamura laid out.

- "Fatal Five Way, Elimination Match": Charlotte vs. Lana vs. Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart vs. Tamina:

** First Elimination: Lana drops Nattie and gets a near fall on Charlotte. Lana shows frustration and doesn't see Becky coming from behind. Becky traps Lana in the Dis Arm Her submission, but Tamina lands a kick, breaking the submission. Tamina plants Becky with a Samoan Drop and then spears Charlotte off the apron. Lana tries to steal the pinfall on Becky, but again gets trapped in the Dis Arm Her submission. Tamina again breaks the submission. Becky grabs Tamina and traps her in the Dis Arm Her submission and forces her to tap out.

** Second Elimination: Becky releases Tamina, immediately grabs Lana and forces her to tap out to the Dis Arm Her submission.

** Third Elimination: Nattie quickly grabs Becky after the submission and gets the surprise rollup pinfall.

** Final Elimination: We're down to Charlotte vs. Nattie Neidhart. Charlotte goes for the Figure Four leg lock submission, but Nattie counters into an arm breaker submission. Charlotte powers out and plants Nattie with a power bomb for a near fall. Charlotte goes for the moonsault off the ropes, but Nattie gets her knees up for the block. Nattie sends Charlotte head first into the turnbuckle and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Nattie Neidhart, to become the new #1 Contender.

- After the match, WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi gets in the ring and extends her hand to Nattie. Nattie stares down Naomi and walks off, blowing off the handshake.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens: The match closes out with Styles getting crotched on the ropes. Owens attempts a superplex, but Styles blocks it. Owens lands a shot to the face of Styles, but Styles slips free and sends Owens into the turnbuckle. Styles goes for a springboard, but Owens rolls outside. Owens takes out Styles, sends him into the ring post and then hits an arm breaker. Styles hits the Pele Kick and goes for the Styles Clash, but Styles' shoulder is bothering him and can't hit it. Owens sends Styles into the referee and all three men go down. Styles is up first, but eats a super kick from Owens. Styles counters out of the Pop Up Power Bomb and traps Owens in the Calf Crusher submission. The referee begins to wake up as Owens counters Styles' submission into one of his own. Styles counters out and traps Owens in a crossface submission. Owens counters the crossface into a pin and scores the pinfall to win the title.
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to win the WWE United States Championship.

- Backstage, The Singh Brothers inform Jinder Mahal that they are not going to be at ringside for his Punjabi Prison Match. Mahal says he's not worried because he'll take out Randy Orton alone and make the Punjabi Prison Orton's final resting place.

- "Flag Match": John Cena vs. Rusev: The match closes out with Cena going for the American Flag posted at the ramp. Rusev cuts him off and they both trade shots. Cena grabs the American Flag and tries to place it in the flag stand for the win, but Rusev grabs the flag stand and hits Cena with it. Rusev hits a stomp on Cena and locks on The Accolade submission. Rusev releases the hold and goes for the Bulgarian Flag. Rusev grabs the flag and heads toward the flag stand. Cena cuts off Rusev and they trade shots on the podium by the flag stand. Rusev counters an AA and hits Cena with the thrust kick. Rusev stomps on Cena's back and reapplies The Accolade submission. Cena powers out with Rusev on his back, walks up to the podium and AA's Rusev off the podium and through double stacked tables below. Cena grabs the American Flag and places it in the flag stand to win the match.
Winner: John Cena.

- We get a Fashion Files video with Breezango trying to figure out who's been threatening them. The Ascension try to take credit for everything that's been happening. The lights suddenly go out and when they come back on both Tyler Breeze and Fandango are laid out and dragged away by unknown men.

- Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn hitting a clothesline on Kanellis and follows with a back body drop. Zayn tosses Kanellis outside and then hits a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Zayn goes to the top rope and gets a near fall cross body on Kanellis. Kanellis counters a Blue Thunder Bomb from Zayn, but Zayn is able to hit a DDT. Zayn goes for the Exploder suplex, but Maria Kanellis gets in the ring and acts as a shield for Mike. Maria yells at the referee and Zayn, distracting both. The referee orders Maria out as Mike tries to cheap shot Zayn. Zayn counters and hits the Exploder suplex on Mike into the corner. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick on Mike and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Punjabi Prison Match": Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton: Jinder immediately calls for the first door of the inner cage to be opened. Mahal and Orton trade offense, send each other into the bamboo walls and stop each other from getting out of door number one as the 60 seconds expires, locking door number one permanently. We get back and forth offense as door number two is asked to be opened. Orton tries to escape after kicking Mahal away, but Mahal cuts off and stops Orton, as the 60 seconds expire, locking door number two permanently. More back and forth offense, which sees Mahal try to climb out of the inner structure, Orton suplexing Mahal into the bamboo cell and then trying to escape door number three. Both men stop each other from getting through door number three as the 60 seconds expire, closing it permanently. Orton hits the draping DDT on Mahal and asks for the last door to be opened. Mahal counters an RKO and knees Orton in the face. Mahal goes for the Cobra Clutch Slam, but Orton counters and hits the RKO.

The Singh Brothers suddenly hit the ring and get inside the Prison. The Singh Brothers pull Mahal out of the final door into the outer structure right as the 60 seconds expire, trapping Orton with no unlockable doors in the inner structure. Orton climbs out of the inner structure and stops Mahal from climbing out of the outer structure, but gets caught in a 3 on 1 beat down. The match closes out with Orton unloading steel chair shots and kendo stick shots on The Singh Brothers and Mahal. Orton starts climbing out of the outer structure as Sunil Singh tries to stop Orton. Orton kicks Sunil away when suddenly The Great Khali's music hits and out comes Khali. Khali shakes the outside structure stopping Orton from escaping. Khali climbs the structure and grabs Orton by the throat. Orton gets choked out while dangling from the cell wall as Mahal climbs out from the other side of the cell and wins the match to retain his title. Mahal celebrates with Khali to end the show.
Winner: Jinder Mahal, to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

WWE Battleground Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

WWE returns this Sunday night with the next Smackdown Live pay per view event! WWE brings us the fifth edition of WWE Battleground, live at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Smackdown Live's main championships will be on the line as the WWE superstars do battle inside the squared circle. We'll also be treated to a Flag Match and the return of the Punjabi Prison Match! All that and a heck of alot more!!

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Punjabi Prison Match": Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, Mahal defeated Randy Orton for the second pay per view in a row to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Randy Orton demanded another match with Jinder Mahal and stated that winning the world title meant nothing to Orton now, instead this rematch was for Orton's revenge for Mahal touching Orton's dad Bob Orton at WWE Money In The Bank. Shane McMahon understood how Orton felt and immediately announced that Orton would receive another world title match at WWE Battleground, but also allowed Jinder Mahal to pick the stipulation. Mahal chose a match that his idol The Great Khali made famous, The Punjabi Prison Match. Can Randy Orton survive the Punjabi Prison, get redemption for his family and win back the WWE World Heavyweight Championship? Will Jinder Mahal use the Punjabi Prison to his advantage in taking down The Viper yet again?

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, The New Day defeated The Usos by countout, however, The Usos retained their titles. The New Day would go on to mock The Usos for the way they backed out of their title fight and taking the countout on purpose. The Usos went on to defeat The Hype Bros. in a match that could've given the bros. a title shot. Since no #1 Contender was yet to be determined, The New Day arrived and immediately asked for a rematch at WWE Battleground, which The Usos accepted. The New Day and The Usos battled it out in a tune up Rap Battle with Wale as the celebrity host, getting the fans hyped for this tag team title match at WWE Battleground. Can The New Day defeat The Usos and prove that The New Day still Rocks? Will The Usos defeat The New Day or find another loop hole to leave still the champions?

- "WWE United States Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens began issuing Open Challenges to anyone for a shot at his WWE United States Championship. AJ Styles immediately answered the challenge, however, Owens turned Styles down because Owens was only looking for someone that was from the city they were touring in. AJ Styles went to Daniel Bryan and told Bryan that Kevin Owens had no clue what an open challenge meant, considering Owens continued to turn down Styles. Styles then went on to win an Independence Day Battle Royal to become #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship. Styles would go on to defeat Owens at a live house show at Madison Square Garden and become the new WWE United States Champion, making Owens now the #1 Contender at WWE Battleground. Can AJ Styles defeat Kevin Owens and retain his newly won WWE United States Championship. Will Kevin Owens get back what Styles took from him and leave the champion?

- "Flag Match": John Cena vs. Rusev: John Cena returned to Smackdown Live on July 4th and announced he would be appearing on both RAW and Smackdown Live whenever needed. Rusev interrupted John Cena's return and complained about not getting as much exposure for his Smackdown Live return like Cena did. Rusev then went on a tirade about how much he hates America and why we're the lowest of the low out of all the other countries. Cena would go on to challenge Rusev to a Flag Match at WWE Battleground to determine which country was the toughest, America or Rusev's home country of Bulgaria. Rusev accepted the challenge and then attacked Cena from behind one week before the event to send one last message to Cena. Can Cena defend old glory and win the match? Will Rusev defend his home country of Bulgaria and stomp on America? 

- "#1 Contenders Fatal Five Way Elimination Match": Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart vs. Tamina vs. Lana: WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi is to thank for this match getting signed, after going to Shane McMahon and asking who her next #1 Contender would be. Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Nattie Neidhart, Tamina and Lana all interrupted and stated their cases on why they should face Naomi next. Shane McMahon took them all under consideration and then announced that they would figure it out themselves in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match with the winner going to WWE SummerSlam to face Naomi. Which Smackdown Live lady will come out victorious and punch her ticket to SummerSlam?

- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin: Baron Corbin began his feud with Shinsuke Nakamura last month at WWE Money In The Bank when he attacked Nakamura from behind during Nakamura's entrance. Corbin went on to win the Money In The Bank briefcase in the process as well. The following week Nakamura stated that he'd love to face Corbin one on one because he knows that Corbin is scared. Corbin went on to attack and beat down Nakamura after those comments and said he wasn't afraid of Nakamura. Corbin and Nakamura faced each other on Smackdown Live, however, the match was ruled a no contest after both men brawled all over the arena. Daniel Bryan went on to announce that both men would face each other again at WWE Battleground. Can Nakamura defeat the self proclaimed lone wolf? Will Corbin defeat the Japanese Rockstar and possibly cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase as well against the WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

- Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn: Last month at WWE Money In The Bank, Mike and Maria Kanellis made their WWE debut. During their promo on Smackdown Live, Sami Zayn accidentally interrupted them, which upset Maria. Maria demanded an apology from Zayn for his intrusion and Zayn stated he apologized twice and wasn't apologizing again. Maria ended up slapping Zayn and then Mike busted a vase over Zayn's head. One week before WWE Battleground, Mike Kanellis defeated Zayn in a one on one match. Zayn would get another shot at Kanellis at WWE Battleground in a rematch. 

- Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English: Two months at WWE Backlash, Tye Dillinger defeated Aiden English on the Pre-Show. Five days before WWE Battleground it was announced that Dillinger and English would go one on one again on the WWE Battleground Pre-Show.

WWE Backlash Recap #WWEBacklash

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We have returned to the Windy City for night number two of the WWE's two night extravaganza in Chicago, Illinois. WWE Backlash, was live at the Allstate Arena on the WWE Network. NXT set things up with yet another incredible show on Saturday night. Can WWE deliver on their half with Smackdown Live's roster looking to grab the spotlight.

** WWE Backlash Card **

- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton defended his title against Jinder Mahal.
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against AJ Styles.
- WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Usos defended their titles against Breezango.
- Shinsuke Nakamura made his Smackdown Live wrestling debut battling Dolph Ziggler.
- Charlotte, Becky Lynch and WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi battled Carmella, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina in a Six Woman Tag Team Match.
- Baron Corbin battled Sami Zayn.
- Luke Harper battled Erick Rowan.
- Tye Dillinger battled Aiden English.

** WWE Backlash Pre-Show **

- Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English: The match closes out with Dillinger hitting ten corner punches on English. English escapes to the floor and gets Dillinger to follow him, allowing English to toss Dillinger outside. English goes to the top rope, but gets tossed off by Dillinger. Dillinger misses a top rope splash then gets sent into the mat by English for a near fall. English gets frustrated and starts talking trash to Dillinger. English slams Dillinger then goes to the top rope. English misses the aerial move and then misses again charging at Dillinger. Dillinger hits the Tye Breaker on English and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

** WWE Backlash **

- Dolph Ziggler vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: The match closes out with Ziggler getting a near fall Zig Zag. Ziggler and Nakamura trade counters until Nakamura hits a knee and a kick to the head on Ziggler. Ziggler counters an Exploder suplex and plants a super kick on Nakamura, getting a near fall. Ziggler and Nakamura trade offensive moves until Nakamura plants a knee to the face of Ziggler. Nakamura attempts a Kinshasa off the ropes, but Ziggler moves. Nakamura dodges a Ziggler super kick and hits an inverted Exploder suplex. Nakamura delivers the Kinshasa on Ziggler and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Fandango landing a kick on Key for a near fall. Jey misses a corner splash allowing Fandango to get a near fall DDT. Breeze and Fandango double team Jey until he fights back and tags in Jimmy. The Usos double team Breeze and catch a near fall. Breeze and Jey trade offense until Breeze hits an Unprettier for a near fall. Breeze leaps off the apron onto The Usos, but gets dumped over the barricade. Fandango flies off the apron and takes out The Usos next. Back in the ring, Fandango gets shoved off the top rope by Jey, allowing Jimmy to hit the Uso Kick for the pinfall.
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn blocking a superplex off the ropes and hits Corbin with a sunset flip power bomb for a near fall. Corbin blocks a corner DDT by Zayn. Corbin then blocks an Exploder suplex attempt by Zayn next. Zayn rolls up Corbin and gets a near fall. Corbin catches Zayn and drills him with Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin unloads stomps on Zayn and then unloads forearms. The referee warns Corbin as he begins to land more stomps on Zayn. Corbin charges, but Zayn tosses Corbin out to the floor. Corbin gets back into the ring and eats a kick by Zayn. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick on Corbin and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers arrive. Mahal mocks Chicago, says he'll take the fans hatred for him and make it a positive and he's going to make everyone across the world understand what the 1.3 billion people of India already know, that Mahal is the modern day Maharaja.

- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Naomi, Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella, Tamina and Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Naomi hot tagging Becky. Becky unloads on all three members of the Welcoming Committee. Becky hits uppercuts and the Bexploder suplex on Nattie for a near fall. Tamina tries to knock Becky off the top rope, but gets sent flying off the apron. Nattie takes control of Becky and attempts the Sharpshooter submission. Becky counters and locks Nattie in the DisArmHer submission. Carmella breaks up the submission, but gets tossed outside by Charlotte. Tamina plants a super kick on Charlotte then hits a head butt on Naomi. Becky and Nattie trade offense until Becky drops Tamima, as she tries to interfere again. Nattie drops Becky, locks in the Sharpshooter submission and makes Becky tap out. 
Winners: Carmella, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina, by submission.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles: The match closes out with Styles failing on a Phenomenal Forearm attempt as his leg that Owens worked on in the match goes out. Owens gets a near fall, kicks Styles around and talks trash. Styles catches Owens right in the face with a Pele Kick as Owens talked trash. Styles goes to the corner, but Owens attacks and takes Styles down with a suplex for a near fall. Owens climbs the ropes, but Styles rolls onto the apron. Styles counters Owens and suplexes him on the apron, sending himself and Owens to the floor. Owens tosses Styles into the timekeepers area, but Styles flies back and nails a forearm. Styles grabs Owens and attempts the Styles Clash right on the announcers table. Owens counters by grabbing Styles' leg and trapping it in between a gap in the table. Styles is trapped as Owens rolls back into the ring and wins by countout. After the match, Owens drills Styles with a super kick to the head while he's still trapped in the table, as he leaves ringside.
Winner: Kevin Owens, by countout.

- Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper: The match closes out with Harper hitting a tilt a whirl slam for a near fall. Rowan hits a spin kick and then a power bomb on Harper for a near fall. Rowan unloads on Harper, but Harper comes back and gets another near fall. Rowan and Harper trade shots back and forth, Harper unloads chops and then Rowan lands a gut shot on Rowan. Harper counters a power bomb and tosses Rowan across the ring. Harper hits a super kick on Rowan. Rowan looks to his sheep mask for motivation. Harper hits the Harper Lariat and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Luke Harper, by pinfall.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Randy Orton (c) vs. Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Orton hitting the hanging DDT and measures up for the RKO. Mahal rolls outside where the Singh Brothers are. Orton heads outside and goes after Mahal from behind. Orton lands a slap and a kick on both Singh Brothers. Orton tosses one Singh Brother into the barricade and the other into the apron. Mahal attacks Orton from behind and tosses Orton back into the ring. Orton pops up and hits the RKO outta nowhere on Mahal. The Singh Brothers grab Mahal and pull him out of the ring before Orton can make the cover. Orton attacks the Singh Brothers again, tosses one over the announcers table and the other on top of the announcers table. Orton drags both Singh Brothers into the ring and drills them both with draping DDT's. Mahal grabs Orton from behind, hits the Cobra Clutch Slam and scores the upset pinfall to win the title.
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall, to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 5/10/17: Smackdown Live London Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

London Calling!!!!! No it's not The Clash song, it's day 2 of the WWE's live shows in London, England this week. Smackdown Live returned to jolly ol' England and featured it's current top stars on the roster!

** Smackdown Live Card **
- Becky Lynch battled Nattie Neidhart.
- Former Wyatt Family members Erick Rowan and Luke Harper went one on one.
- Fandango and Tyler Breeze battled The Ascension.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn battled Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin in a Six Man Tag Team Match.

- Rusev sends a warning to Shane McMahon.

** Promos By: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler. 

** Smackdown Live **

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton blames Jinder Mahal for costing him the House of Horrors Match. Mahal immediately interrupts, says he'll beat Orton for his title and take it home to India where a statue will be built in Mahal's honor. Mahal states that The Age of The Maharaja will begin at WWE Backlash. Kevin Owens interrupts next, mocks Mahal, claims to have ended Chris Jericho's career and is again the Face of America. Owens promises that AJ Styles is next and then he's coming for Orton. AJ Styles interrupts next, reminds us this is the house that he built and he respects what Owens can do, but Owens and Jericho both are no AJ Styles. Baron Corbin interrupts next and starts talking trash, but suddenly gets jumped from behind by Sami Zayn. Orton goes after Mahal, but The Singh Brothers pull Mahal to safety. The heels all retreat as Orton, Styles and Zayn stand in the ring.

- Becky Lynch vs. Nattie Neidhart: The match closes out with Becky hitting a dropkick and a Bexploder for a near fall. Tamina goes for the distraction on Becky, but Naomi makes the save and drops Tamina. Charlotte pulls Naomi off of Tamina and Nattie capitalizes with the pinfall distraction on Becky.
Winner: Nattie Neidhart, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Charlotte and Naomi are arguing. Becky separates them as Naomi threatens Charlotte and Charlotte mocks Naomi. Becky says they'll never beat the Welcoming Committee faction if they're not on the same page.

- The Fashion Files return with Fandango and Tyler Breeze dressed as a London policeman and Sherlock Holmes. Breezango mock The Usos in the segment and hype their future WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match.

- Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Rowan getting a near fall side slam on Harper. Rowan grabs his sheep mask and looks at it before attempting to use it as a weapon. The referee grabs it allowing Rowan to stick his thumb in Harper's eyes while the referee was distracted. Rowan hits a spinning power slam and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall.

- Dolph Ziggler Promo: Ziggler calls the fans hypocrites and no one appreciates him. The fans chant for Shinsuke Nakamura which angers Ziggler because Nakamura hasn't even had a match yet on Smackdown Live but he gets chants. Ziggler calls out Nakamura and out comes Nakamura to cheers. Ziggler tries to talk down to Nakamura, but Nakamura cuts Ziggler off. Nakamura says he'll show Ziggler what he can do tonight as a referee arrives to the ring. Ziggler refuses and says he'll face Nakamura at WWE Backlash. Ziggler then cheap shots Nakamura and beats him down. Nakamura fires back and sends Ziggler out to the floor.

- Backstage, Sami Zayn hypes his match tonight teamed with AJ Styles and Randy Orton. Styles and Orton walk off unable to handle his excitement.

- The Ascension vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Breeze unloading on Viktor and then connects with the Supermodel Kick. Viktor unloads on Breeze, but Fandango makes the save with the tag. Fandango hits the Last Dance on Viktor and scores the pinfall. After the match, The Usos appear on the stage and taunt Breezango.
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Mojo Rawley is giving a tour to some kids and shows off his Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy.

- A Twitter video Rusev made earlier in the day is shown. Rusev says he's coming to Smackdown Live next week and demanding Shane McMahon to answer his demands of a WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at WWE Money In The Bank or else he's going back to Bulgaria.

- Randy Orton, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal, Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens: The match closes out with Orton hitting the power slam on Mahal. Corbin tries to make the save but takes a power slam from Orton. Orton with the draping DDT on Owens and goes for the RKO on Mahal. The Singh Brothers jump on the apron and distract Orton. Zayn hits the Blue Thunder Bomb on Mahal. Corbin with a backbreaker on Zayn and Styles hits the Pele Kick on Corbin. Orton hits the RKO on Owens, but Mahal hits the Cobra Clutch Slam on Orton and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin, by pinfall.

WWE Payback Recap #WWEPayback

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

What's up wrestling fans, welcome to the WWE Payback recap from last night's show on the WWE Network. WWE Payback was live at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

** WWE Payback Card **

- "House of Horrors Match": Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hardy Boys (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
- Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe
- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Enzo and Big Cass

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse, with Special Guest Finn Balor

** WWE Payback Pre-Show **

- Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Gallows and Anderson in control of the match and take turns working over Enzo. Cass hot tags in finally and unloads on The Club. Cass plants the Empire Elbow on Gallows and follows that up with a couple splashes. Both teams battle on the floor until Anderson tosses Enzo back into the ring. The Club set Enzo up for the Magic Killer, but Cass makes the save by delivering a big boot. Cass sends Anderson to the floor as Enzo sneaks a roll up pinfall on Gallows.
Winners: Enzo and Big Cass, by pinfall.

- Backstage, The Hardy Boys and Golden Truth talk about old times. Golden Truth state that they're going to ask Kurt Angle if they can be the next #1 Contenders to the tag team titles. Matt thinks that's a tremendous idea.

- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are in the Social Media Lounge, hype tonight's tag team title match against The Hardy's. Renee Young then talks about the House of Horrors Match.

- Miz TV with The Miz and Maryse, with Special Guest Finn Balor: The Miz introduces Finn Balor after taking in the boos from the fans. Miz can't believe the fans cheer Balor's five minute entrance and then mocks it. Miz asks Balor what exactly is The Balor Club and if he and Maryse can be apart of it. Balor says it's not up to him, it's up to The Club. The fans boo so Balor says the answer is no. Miz asks Balor if he felt like a failure last year, considering he was injured and only held the WWE Universal Championship for 24 hours. Miz takes credit for Smackdown Live being the must see show while Balor was gone, mocks Balor more and asks Balor what is next for him. Balor states that he's getting the title back and Miz says Brock Lesnar would break Balor in two. Miz says he could even mop the floor with him, which gets Balor ready to fight. Balor says every Miz TV ends the same with Miz getting his ass beat, but Balor is going to be the bigger man today. Miz says Balor is afraid he'll get injured again. Balor changes his mind, hits a Sling Blade and a drop kick on Miz, chasing him out of the ring.

** WWE Payback **

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Chris Jericho: The match closes out with Owens attempting the Pop Up Power Bomb, but Jericho blocks it. Owens counters the Code Breaker, but eats an elbow from Jericho. Owens counters the Lionsault, hits the corner cannonball and gets a near fall. Jericho counters another Pop Up Power Bomb and applies the Walls of Jericho submission, but Owens reaches the ropes. Jericho attacks Owens' hand, slamming it into the steel steps. Jericho shoves Owens's hand in between the steps and apron and kicks it hard.

Owens is in pain clutching his hand as Jericho smiles. Owens pokes Jericho in the eye and gets a near fall rollup. Owens lands a super kick, but can't hit the Pop Up Power Bomb as his injured hand won't allow it. Jericho traps Owens in the Walls of Jericho and Owens surprisingly taps out, making Jericho the new champion.
Winner: Chris Jericho, by submission, to win the WWE United States Championship.

- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Neville (c) vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Aries applying the Last Chancery submission, but Neville escapes it. Aries hits an elbow on Neville, but misses the Discus Five Arm, as Neville counters it. Aries counters a Neville kick, hits a chin breaker and then lands a charging shot into the corner on Neville. Aries goes for the 450 Splash, but Neville meets Aries up top. Aries smacks Neville, sunset flips him off the ropes and into the Last Chancery submission. Neville grabs the referee and pulls him into Aries, breaking the submission and catching a DQ.
Winner: Austin Aries, by DQ. Neville still retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hardy Boys (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: The match closes out with Matt landing a boot on Cesaro, but Cesaro comes back with an uppercut. Sheamus tags in, hits White Noise on Matt, but Jeff stops the pinfall. Cesaro gets sent to the floor, catches Jeff on a dive, but gets sent over the barricade by Jeff. Matt dodges a Brogue Kick and Sheamus blocks a Twist of Fate into a near fall DDT. Sheamus blocks another Twist of Fate, slams Matt, but misses that he tagged in Jeff. Jeff hits a Swanton Bomb on Sheamus and scores the pinfall. After the match, both teams shake hands, but then suddenly Sheamus and Cesaro turn on The Hardy's and beat them down. Sheamus tosses Matt into the barricade. Cesaro tosses Jeff into the ring post twice. Sheamus tosses Matt into the ring post and then hits a Brogue Kick into the ring post on Jeff. Sheamus and Cesaro talk trash before Sheamus hits another Brogue Kick on Matt.
Winners: The Hardy Boys, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman says he's going to hurt Roman Reigns permanently tonight.

- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Bayley sending Alexa into the turnbuckle, hitting a suplex and then plants an elbow to the back. Bayley hits a clothesline  unloads shoulder thrusts on Alexa and gets a near fall side suplex. Bayley hits a second rope elbow, but can't hit Bayley To Belly. Alexa sends Bayley into the turnbuckle and goes to the top rope. Bayley hits a forearm and attempts a Super Bayley To Belly. Alexa blocks it and gets a near fall sunset flip power bomb on Bayley. Alexa talks trash and delivers some knees until Bayley hits a running knee of her own. Bayley hits the flying elbow drop off the top rope on Alexa and gets a near fall. Alexa sends Bayley into the turnbuckle, hits a DDT, scores the pinfall and wins the title.
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall, to win the WWE RAW Women's Championship.

- "House of Horrors Match": Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton: Orton arrives to Bray's house and gets jumped in the living room. Orton chases after Bray into a room with baby dolls hanging from the ceiling, before getting jumped by Bray again. Both men brawl into the kitchen where Bray shoves a refrigerator over on Orton. Bray heads outside, jumps into the limo Orton came in and tells the driver to take him to the arena.
TO BE CONTINUED............

- Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins: The match closes out with Rollins attempting a power bomb on Joe, but his knee gives out that Joe worked on throughout the match. Rollins hits a Falcon Arrow instead for a near fall. Rollins hits a frog splash for another near fall, but clutches his bad knee on the landing, buying Joe some time. Rollins and Joe trade shots until Joe unloads open hand slaps on Rollins. Rollins hits a kick on Joe putting him down, but Joe comes back with a sleeper hold. Joe takes Rollins down to the mat and gets a near fall. Joe hits a clothesline on Rollins and then reapplies the sleeper hold. Rollins counters out of it and gets a surprise roll up pinfall on Joe.
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall.

- "House of Horrors Match Part 2": Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton: Bray makes it to the ring as the lights pop back on from his ring entrance and Orton is standing behind him. Orton with steel chair shots, tosses Bray over the announcers table and then hits the draping DDT onto the floor. Orton goes for the RKO, but suddenly gets jumped by the Singh Brothers. Orton fights them off and then hits an RKO on Bray. Jinder Mahal suddenly appears and hits Orton with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Mahal beats Orton down and then allows Bray to hit Sister Abigail to score the pinfall.
Winner: Bray Wyatt, by pinfall.

- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman: Reigns comes out taped up from Strowman's attack two weeks ago. The match closes out with both men out on the floor where they trade shots. Back in the ring, Strowman blocks a Superman Punch, but Reigns gets a near fall Samoan Drop. Reigns hits a Drive By and goes for a Spear, but Strowman catches him. Reigns counters out and tosses Strowman into the ring post. Strowman eats the ring post again as he misses a charge at Reigns. Back in the ring, Reigns gets a near fall Spear on Strowman. Reigns attempts a second one, but eats a Strowman boot. Reigns counters out of the power slam and hits the Superman Punch. Reigns tries for a second one, but Strowman catches Reigns and locks Reigns in a Triangle Choke submission.

Strowman releases, hits the running power slam on Reigns and gets a near fall. Strowman scoops Reigns up, hits a second running power slam and finally scores the pinfall. After the match, Strowman scoops Reigns up and hits the running power slam on top of the steel steps. Strowman picks up the steel steps and then slams them on top of Reigns. Fit Finlay and Adam Pearce force Strowman to finally back off of Reigns. WWE Medical and Officials try to help Reigns who appears to be busted open. Reigns refuses to go out on a stretcher and tries to walk on his own to end the show.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.