Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the WWE Royal Rumble recap.
Remember The Rumble was the WWE's motto, as the WWE continued its invasion on San Antonio with the WWE Royal Rumble live at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. 30 Men entered this year's Royal Rumble with the winner getting a WWE World or WWE Universal Championship Match at Wrestlemania 33. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Roman Reigns in a No DQ Match, with Chris Jericho locked in a shark cage. WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles defended his title against the WWE franchise John Cena. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Sheamus and Cesaro defended their titles against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann defended his title against Neville. WWE RAW Women's Champion Charlotte defended her title against Bayley. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one RAW Women's Division match. Nikki Bella, Naomi and Becky Lynch battled WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss, Nattie Neidhart and Mickie James in a Smackdown Live Six Woman Tag Team Match.
** Royal Rumble Pre-Show **
- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss, Nattie Neidhart and Mickie James: The match closes out with Nattie taking control of the match, tags in Alexa and Alexa works over Becky. Mickie lands a cheap shot kick on Becky and Alexa gets a near fall on her. Nattie tags in, mocks Nikki and almost gets rolled up and pinned by Becky. Nattie takes control of the match again, beating down Becky and then tags in Alexa.
Becky finally hot tags Naomi in and Naomi unloads on Alexa and Nattie with punches. Naomi plants a series of kicks on Alexa, plants Alexa on the canvas and gets a near fall as Mickie breaks up the pinfall. Becky takes out Mickie and then Nattie takes out Becky. Nikki hits the ring and spears Nattie as Alexa and Naomi go at it. Naomi plants a kick on Alexa and then hits the split legged moonsault on Alexa to score the pinfall. Winners: Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch and Naomi, by pinfall.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Sheamus and Cesaro (c) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: A special stipulation was added to this match for tonight. There would not only be one referee in the ring, but a second referee outside the ring as well. The match closes out with Anderson countering a Cesaro Neutralizer, but Cesaro delivers a 619 followed by a crossbody for a near fall. Anderson hits a spine buster on Cesaro for a near fall. The Club goes for the Magic Killer on Cesaro, but Sheamus breaks it up. Cesaro DDT's Gallows as Sheamus accidentally Brogue Kicks the referee.
The second referee outside the ring slides in and takes over the match. Cesaro delivers the Cesaro Swing on Anderson and then locks in the Sharpshooter submission. Gallows breaks up the submission with a boot to Cesaro. Anderson gets the near fall on Cesaro, but Sheamus breaks up the pinfall. Gallows and Sheamus brawl until Gallows lands a kick on Sheamus. The Club plant Sheamus with the Magic Killer, but Cesaro stops the pinfall. Cesaro gets rolled up with his tights pulled for the pinfall, giving The Club the tag team titles. Winners: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, by pinfall, to win the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- Dean Ambrose is interviewed in the Social Media Lounge this edition. Ambrose answers questions about tonight's Royal Rumble.
- Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks: The match closes out with Nia completely dominating Sasha and over powering her. Sasha tries to apply the Banks Statement on Nia, but Nia breaks it and goes after Sasha's knee. Nia applies a knee vice and lifts Sasha in the air upside down. Sasha escapes and tries to fight back on Nia. Sasha leaps off the top rope and hits double knees on Nia for a near fall. Nia ends up catching a charging Sasha and hits the pop up Samoan Drop on Sasha and scores the pinfall for the quick victory. Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon is interviewed about Seth Rollins interrupting NXT Takeover: San Antonio on Saturday night. Stephaine announces that she will address Rollins on RAW for his actions and he's officially banned from the Royal Rumble and The Alamodome tonight.
- Shawn Micheals Promo: San Antonio's own Shawn Micheals heads out to the ring to close out the pre-show. Michaels talks about winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble in this very building. Michaels tells the fans to have fun and it's time to get the party started. And if you're not down with that he's got two words for ya.........SUCK IT!
** Royal Rumble 2017 **
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley: The match closes out with Charlotte and Bayley double clotheslining each other. Charlotte takes control and chops Bayley into the corner. Bayley makes a comeback and hits a springboard crossbody on Charlotte. Bayley unloads on Charlotte and then drops Charlotte face first. Bayley attempts a top rope move, but comes down and stomps Charlotte as Charlotte tries to escape. Bayley goes to the top rope again and this time hits a flying elbow for a near fall. Charlotte goes after Bayley's knee and works it over. Charlotte applies the Figure Four leglock submission, but Bayley reverses it.
Charlotte is able to turn the submission back in her favor and turns it into the bridged Figure Eight submission. Charlotte grabs the ropes for added leverage, but gets busted by the referee and forced to release the submission. Bayley tries to fight back, but ends up getting hit with the Natural Selection right on the apron. Charlotte covers, scores the pinfall and retains the title. Winner: Charlotte, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
- "WWE Universal Championship, No DQ Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Roman Reigns: Owens and Jericho both attack Reigns before the match and beat him down. Reigns fights back and finally gets Jericho locked in his shark cage and raised into the air. The match closes out with Reigns hitting a Samoan Drop on Owens through a chair for a near fall. Reigns brings a table into the ring and sets it against the turnbuckle. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Owens, but Owens kicks out at two and a half. Reigns goes for a spear, but Owens counters and drops Reigns with a Stunner for a near fall. Owens stomps Reigns in the corner and then hits the corner cannonball.
Owens goes to the top rope, but gets hit with a Superman Punch from Reigns sending Owens flying off the top rope and on top of the stacked mountain of chairs at ringside. Reigns sets up Owens and power bombs him through the announcers table. Reigns tosses a near lifeless Owens back into the ring and goes for the spear. Braun Strowman suddenly grabs Reigns and pulls Reigns outside. Strowman sends Reigns into the ring post and then choke slams Reigns on top of another announcers table. Strowman tosses Reigns into the ring and powerslams Reigns right through the table in the corner. Strowman leaves as Owens crawls over, covers Reigns and scores the pinfall to retain the title. Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Universal Championship.
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Rich Swann (c) vs. Neville: The match closes out with Swann hitting a jumping lariat and then a frog splash on Neville for a near fall. Swann goes to the top rope, but gets crotched by Neville. Neville and Swann trade shots on the ropes and end up back on the mat. Swann lands a kick on Neville, but Neville returns with a super kick of his own. Swann gets a near fall roll up on Neville and then nails the Swann Song kick on Neville. Swann covers, but Neville gets his foot on the ropes to break the pinfall. Swann goes to the top rope, but Neville pops up, charges, leaps onto the ropes and superplexes Swann off the ropes for a near fall. Neville immediately traps Swann in a Rings of Saturn submission and forces Swann to tap out to win the title. Winner: Neville, by submission, to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. John Cena: The match closes out with Cena going for the AA, but Styles counters it into the Calf Crusher submission. Cena escapes and locks Styles in the STF and traps Styles in the middle of the ring. Styles escapes and gets lifted up onto Cena's back for an AA. Styles counters out and Cena begins to trade counters with Styles. Cena locks in a Figure Four leglock submission, but Styles escapes. Cena and Styles trade more counters and reversals until Cena drops Styles. Cena goes for the top rope leg drop, but Styles dodges it, goes for the Styles Clash and hits it for a near fall on Cena.
Cena counters the springboard 450 and hits a Destroyer on Styles for a near fall. Cena sends Styles into the corner and hits a cutter on Styles for another near fall. Cena goes for a Super AA off the ropes, hits it and Styles kicks out again at two and a half. Styles counters another AA and hits the Styles Clash on Cena. Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Cena counters it with an AA. Cena hits another AA on Styles and scores the pinfall to become a 16 time World Champion. Winner: John Cena, by pinfall, to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- 30 Man Royal Rumble Match: ** Highlights of the Rumble **
- Big Cass and Chris Jericho draw #1 and #2.
- Kalisto debuts in the Royal Rumble at #3.
- Jack Gallagher debuts in the Royal Rumble at #5.
- Braun Strowman eliminates Mojo, Cass, Kalisto and Mark Henry all in a row.
- Sami Zayn comes in at #8 and immediately goes after Strowman renewing their feud.
- Big Show and Strowman go face to face and start trading punches.
- Chris Jericho tries a Code Breaker on Big Show, but gets caught and nailed with the Knockout Punch.
- Strowman and Show try to eliminate each other with Strowman coming our on top and eliminating Show.
- Tye Dillinger makes his main roster debut at #10.
- James Ellsworth makes his Royal Rumble debut at #11.
- Dean Ambrose talks Ellsworth into double teaming Strowman with him. Ambrose lies and watches Ellsworth get destroyed and eliminated by Strowman.
- Baron Corbin makes his Royal Rumble debut.
- Strowman gets a 4 on 1 attack, but eliminates Dillinger. Corbin finally eliminates Strowman.
- The Miz is in at #15 and hits a Skull Crashing Finale on Zayn.
- Corbin hits the Deep Six on The Miz.
- Corbin tries to eliminate Kofi, but eats Trouble in Paradise instead.
- Sheamus is in next and hits a Brogue Kick.
- Cesaro spins Zayn in the Cesaro Swing and then spins Ambrose, then Kofi, then Big E and then Corbin.
- Bray Wyatt goes for Sister Abigail, but it's countered by Kofi.
- Apollo Crews makes his Royal Rumble debut.
- Sheamus and Cesaro double team Big E and Kofi and eliminate them both. Jericho dumps Sheamus and Cesaro out and they are at ringside.
- Randy Orton is in and hits an RKO on Corbin, Rusev and Zayn.
- Dolph Ziggler is in and goes on a super kick party on everyone.
- Luke Harper is in, eliminates Crews and immediately stares down Orton. Bray tries to keep them in check, but Harper decks Bray. Harper and Orton go at it next as Harper hits a boot on Orton. Harper goes for Sister Abigail on Bray, but Orton saves Bray with an RKO on Harper.
- Brock Lesnar hits the ring next, eliminates Ambrose and Ziggler. Lesnar then takes Rusev, Jericho and Corbin to Suplex City. Lesnar hits F5's on Miz and Orton and stands alone. Enzo hits the ring, but eats a Lesnar clothesline and gets tossed out. Lesnar takes Jericho and Zayn to Suplex City again until Goldberg hits the ring.
- Goldberg immediately spears Lesnar and tosses Lesnar out for the elimination.
- Goldberg hits a Jackhammer on Zayn then double spears Orton and Bray.
- The Undertaker arrives and teams up with Goldberg until Goldberg eventually spears Undertaker.
- Goldberg eliminates Harper and Undertaker eliminates Goldberg.
- Undertaker choke slams Miz and Zayn.
- Roman Reigns enters at #30 and stares down The Undertaker. Reigns counters the choke slam and then Superman Punches Undertaker. Reigns tries a second one but gets choke slammed.
- Undertaker counters an RKO, drops Bray, eliminates Miz and Sami, dumps Reigns on the apron and choke slams Jericho. Reigns sneaks up behind Undertaker and eliminates him to a chorus of boos and bullshit chants from the fans.
** Rumble Conclusion **
The Rumble comes down to Jericho, Bray, Orton and Reigns. Jericho gets tossed onto the apron and then eliminated with a Reigns Superman Punch. Orton hits the draping DDT on Reigns. Reigns comes back and hits Superman Punches on Bray and Orton and then tosses Bray out. Reigns goes for a spear on Orton, but Orton hits a mid air RKO on Reigns. Orton clotheslines Reigns out and wins the Royal Rumble. Orton points at the Wrestlemania 33 sign as the Royal Rumble ends. Winner: Randy Orton
- Order Of Entrants:
1. Big Cass
2. Chris Jericho
3. Kalisto
4. Mojo Rawley
5. Jack Gallagher
6. Mark Henry
7. Braun Strowman
8. Sami Zayn
9. Big Show
10. Tye Dillinger
11. James Ellsworth
12. Dean Ambrose
13. Baron Corbin
14. Kofi Kingston
15. The Miz
16. Sheamus
17. Big E
18. Rusev
19. Cesaro
20. Xavier Woods
21. Bray Wyatt
22. Apollo Crews
23. Randy Orton
24. Dolph Ziggler
25. Luke Harper
26. Brock Lesnar
27. Enzo Amore
28. Bill Goldberg
29. The Undertaker
30. Roman Reigns
Order of Eliminations:
1. Jack Gallagher (by Mark Henry)
2. Mojo Rawley (by Braun Strowman)
3. Big Cass (by Braun Strowman)
4. Kalisto (by Braun Strowman)
5. Mark Henry (by Braun Strowman)
6. Big Show (by Braun Strowman)
7. James Ellsworth (by Braun Strowman)
8. Tye Dillinger (by Braun Strowman)
9. Braun Strowman (by Baron Corbin)
10. Kofi Kingston (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
11. Xavier Woods (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
12. Big E (by Sheamus and Cesaro)
13. Sheamus (by Chris Jericho)
14. Cesaro (by Chris Jericho)
15. Apollo Crews (by Luke Harper)
16. Dean Ambrose (by Brock Lesnar)
17. Dolph Ziggler (by Brock Lesnar)
18. Enzo Amore (by Brock Lesnar)
19. Brock Lesnar (by Goldberg)
20. Rusev (by Goldberg)
21. Baron Corbin (by The Undertaker)
22. Luke Harper (by Goldberg)
23. Goldberg (by The Undertaker)
24. The Miz (by The Undertaker)
25. Sami Zayn (by The Undertaker)
26. The Undertaker (by Roman Reigns)
27. Chris Jericho (by Roman Reigns)
28. Bray Wyatt (by Roman Reigns)
29. Roman Reigns (by Randy Orton)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE
*** WWE ***
- Who's Winning The Royal Rumble Tonight?: This past week a top 5 list of possible choices to win this year's WWE Royal Rumble was posted on Forbes.com. This year's Royal Rumble is actually not as predictable as it's been in the past and should be a great match with many surprises. The following is my current list of some of the superstars that I've chosen that could benefit them and the WWE by winning the Royal Rumble.
- Braun Strowman: Braun Strowman has been built up like a true heel monster should be built up and actually has proven to have the ability to compete in entertaining matches, unlike past big monster type superstars WWE have had in the past. Strowman has been teased as possible opponents for Goldberg, Roman Reigns and The Undertaker leading into the Royal Rumble.
- Chris Jericho: One of the greatest wrestlers of all time steps into the Royal Rumble this year and could very well come out victorious. Jericho right now is one of the bright spots on RAW with his entertaining segments with WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. What better way to catapult Jericho into even higher ranks as the GOAT then to have him win the Royal Rumble and challenge his best friend Kevin Owens at Wrestlemania 33 for the WWE Universal Championship.
- Baron Corbin: Baron Corbin has already tasted the main event spotlight, as he's challenged for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship recently on Smackdown Live. Smackdown Live continues to build up the future stars of the company and could possibly go with a Corbin vs. AJ Styles match or even a Corbin vs. John Cena match at Wrestlemania 33.
- Finn Balor: What better way to bring the Demon King back from injury? Balor was forced to vacate the WWE Universal Championship back in August due to injury and Balor returning and reclaiming his championship is almost a given. Balor has teased entering at #30 in the Royal Rumble recently on Twitter, but is Balor 100% or is he just teasing us again? Finn Balor is actually my pick to win this year's Royal Rumble.
- Samoa Joe: There is no secret about Samoa Joe debuting on the main roster right now. Joe has accomplished all there is to accomplish in NXT and very well could debut at the Royal Rumble. Rumors are saying that Joe is expected a huge push when he debuts on the main roster. What better way than to debut and win the Royal Rumble and main event Wrestlemania 33.
- The Undertaker: The Deadman returned on RAW a few weeks back and guaranteed a Royal Rumble appearance. WWE have been teasing a possible Undertaker vs. John Cena match at Wrestlemania 33. So Taker wins the Rumble and then battles Cena who very well could be the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania 33? It has been mentioned as a possibility.
- Seth Rollins: Right now Seth Rollins is possibly a long shot on winning the Royal Rumble this year. WWE have been building up a possible Triple H vs. Seth Rollins match at Wrestlemania 33, which would completely eliminate any chance of Rollins winning the Royal Rumble. Stephanie McMahon has even gone as far as taking away Rollins' Royal Rumble spot. If Rollins were to somehow get back into the Royal Rumble and were to win the Royal Rumble, then a match with Kevin Owens or Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 33 would definitely be a money match.
- Goldberg: Another long shot on this one, as The Man is more than likely battling Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 33. Goldberg will mostly be used for his name and presence to build the Royal Rumble match.
- Brock Lesnar: Again just like Goldberg, Lesnar will be used for his name and presence in the Royal Rumble match and build towards his money match with Goldberg at Wrestlemania 33.
- Dean Ambrose: Ambrose winning the WWE Royal Rumble and setting up a rematch against either AJ Styles or John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship would definitely be a money match at Wrestlemania 33. This scenario may be unlikely though as Ambrose may have the WWE Intercontinental Championship to defend at Wrestlemania 33.
- Dolph Ziggler: Ziggler has returned to heel form on Smackdown Live and it could be for the best. Face Ziggler has gotten the man lost in the crowd and almost forgettable. Ziggler has stated that 2017 may be his last year before retirement. Ziggler deserves one more good championship run and could possibly pull off the upset and take the Royal Rumble.
- The Miz: Right now The Miz is the hottest heel on Smackdown Live and has been at top performance. Miz returned the WWE Intercontinental Championship into a credible championship again and has owned his opponents on promos with the gift to run his mouth. The Miz deserves to win the Royal Rumble and main event Wrestlemania 33. A Miz WWE World Heavyweight Championship run could be a great thing for Smackdown Live right now.
- Rusev: Rusev is one huge win away from getting a main event shot and winning the Royal Rumble would be huge for the Bulgarian. Rusev terrorized the United States Division owning everyone that stepped up to challenge for his WWE United States Championship. Rusev winning the WWE Universal Championship could start a great feud against the U.S. again.
** Surprise Entrants **
As usual, the WWE will definitely deliver on the surprise entrants for the Royal Rumble, but just who will show up this year? And more importantly could they win the Royal Rumble?
- Kurt Angle: We all know that Kurt Angle has been signed to the WWE for his WWE Hall of Fame Induction in April, but is there more to it? Could Angle show up at the Royal Rumble? What a moment in Angle's career it would be if he won the Royal Rumble, got inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and then wins either the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or WWE Universal Championship at Wrestlemania 33.
- Kenny Omega: Much like last year with AJ Styles being the hottest free agent and debuting at the WWE Royal Rumble, this year everyone is talking about Kenny Omega. Though this is considered unlikely and a long shot due to Omega's NJPW contract not running out until January 31st, I doubt we'll see The Cleaner at the Royal Rumble. Omega has also recently stated he was renegotiating with NJPW so a WWE run may be officially out.
- Shinsuke Nakamura: Just like Samoa Joe, Nakamura has pretty much accomplished everything there is to accomplish in NXT. Nakamura battles Bobby Roode with Nakamura's NXT World Championship on the line the day before the Royal Rumble at NXT Takeover: San Antonio. I wouldn't be surprised to see Nakamura drop the title to Roode and then debut at the Royal Rumble the next night.
So as you can see, anyone can win this year's WWE Royal Rumble and it should be a huge event leading into Wrestlemania 33.
- Jerry Lawler Signs A New Contract: WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler signed a new one year contract after returning to Smackdown Live last week for a King's Court edition. Lawler will also be calling the 30 man Royal Rumble match this Sunday at WWE Royal Rumble. Lawler's not sure what's next after that but stated that everything is good between he and the WWE and will be with the company for at least another year.
- Paige Update: Paige tweeted out this week that she has begun rehab on her neck after surgery and was told by her doctor that she's already ahead of schedule on her return.
- Official 2018 Royal Rumble Weekend Plans Announced: WWE officially announced that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will host the WWE's Royal Rumble Weekend next year. Royal Rumble Weekend will include: NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, WWE Royal Rumble, RAW and Smackdown Live. WWE is in the process of offering a ticket package deal to see all 4 shows in Philadelphia.
- Weekly UK Show: Triple H announced this week that the WWE is going forward with a weekly United Kingdom wrestling show on the WWE Network.
- Wrestlemania 33 News: This week a rough draft of the matches for Wrestlemania 33 were drawn up of what matches we may or may not see happen on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Some of these matches are already expected to happen and some of them are just rumors at the moment.
- Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
- Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
- Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho
- Shaquille O'Neal vs. Big Show
- The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns
- Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
- Charlotte vs. Nia Jax vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks
- AJ Styles vs. John Cena or Shane McMahon
- 4th Annual Andre the Giant Battle Royal
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Dean Ambrose
- The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan (Huge rumor, WWE still hasn't said they'd clear DB)
- Nikki Bella vs. Mickie James
*** 205 Live *** This week's main event saw Cedric Alexander battle the self proclaimed King of the Cruiserweight Division Neville in a one on one match.
1.) Backstage, Neville says he showed Rich Swann too much mercy on Monday, but it won't happen at the WWE Royal Rumble. Neville says that Cedric Alexander will kneel before Neville tonight.
2.) TJ Perkins vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Perkins landing an arm drag and then connects on Nese with a Mule Kick. Perkins unloads on Nese and then connects with the Detonation Kick that sends Nese flying outside. Perkins gets crushed by a Nese clothesline as he allowed Nese time to recover. Perkins catches Nese in a surprise roll up and scores the pinfall. After the match, Nese lays out Perkins with a suplex and the Running Kneese.
3.) Brian Kendrick vs. Tripp Bradshaw: Kendrick makes quick work of Bradshaw and makes Bradshaw submit to the Captain's Hook submission.
4.) Backstage, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann gives Cedric Alexander a pep talk for his match against Neville tonight.
5.) Neville vs. Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with both men trading blows. Neville counters the Lumbar Check, hits a german suplex on Alexander and follows that with a deadlift suplex for a near fall. Alexander counters a superplex and nails Neville with an enziguri. Noam Dar suddenly arrives and distracts Alexander. Alexander nails Dar, but then gets trapped in a Neville submission hold. Alexander has no choice but to tap out. After the match, Neville gets rid of Dar as Rich Swann hits the ring. WWE officials hit the ring and separate Swann and Neville to end the show.
*** NXT ***
- Shane Thorne Injury Update: This past week on NXT, it was announced that Shane Thorne of TM61 will be out seven to nine months. Thorne suffered a knee injury recently and had surgery to repair it.
- NXT In A Rebuilding Stage: Triple H stated in a conference call this week that he wasn't happy with the position NXT was in right now and would consider this a rebuilding stage. Triple H stated the following:
-- On The Current State of NXT: “I’m not happy with where it is right now by far. I want it to be much better than it is, but it’s a rebuilding process. All these things going on, they all make changes in the ecosystem. Where everything lands at the end of the day is a moving target.”
-- On Expanding NXT:“I think NXT has the potential to be a lot of things. Where it sits is not 100% my decision. I know those conversations have happened.”
*** TNA IMPACT WRESTLING ***
*** TNA Impact: Genesis Recap *** This year's TNA Genesis saw Eddie Edwards defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley in a 30 Minute Ironman Match.
1.) Broken Hardy's Promo: Matt reminds us that The Broken Hardy's are the best tag team in time and space. Jeff Hardy reminds us that he has the #1 briefcase and it may be time to go after the TNA World Heavyweight Championship again. Matt reveals that he has seen a vision and the Hardy's must obtain every single tag team title in the wrestling world. The DCC suddenly interrupt, remind us that they have the #2 briefcase and they want to remind The Hardy's why they are called the Death Crew Council. The Decay interrupt next, state that they want to kill two birds with one stone and want to face both The Hardy's and The DCC for the tag team titles. Both teams agree to the challenge and we have an impromptu tag team title match.
2.) "TNA World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Match": The Broken Hardy's (c) vs. The DCC vs. The Decay: The match closes out with Matt dropping Eddie Kingston with a Side Effect. Matt hits a bulldog on Crazzy Steve and a clothesline on Kingston at the same time. Bram attacks Matt and then brawls with Abyss. Matt tosses Bram outside and then Kingston follows with an STO on Matt for a near fall. Kingston goes to the top rope, but gets mist spit at him by Steve. Matt plants a blinded Kingston with the Twist Of Fate and scores the pinfall to retain the titles.
3.) Braxton Sutter is irritated as he's on a forced date with Laurel Van Ness. Laurel demands wine from the waiter and Sutter says he's going to need to drink a lot to get through this date.
4.) Drew Galloway Promo: Galloway says everything he does will benefit TNA, brags about beating both Eddie Edwards and Moose in the past and then lays down an open challenge for his TNA Grand Championship. Moose interrupts and answers the challenge.
5.) "TNA Grand Championship Match": Drew Galloway (c) vs. Moose: Moose takes the first round of the match with the judges giving Moose the 30-27 score. The match closes out in the second round with Moose hitting the Game Changer on Galloway, but Galloway kicks Moose in the jewels on the landing. The referee deducts a point on Galloway's score card for the low blow. Galloway hits The Claymore on Moose, but Moose kicks out at two and a half. Moose and Galloway trade punches until Galloway gets sent into the referee. Galloway low blows Moose again as the referee is regaining himself and then hits the Future Shock DDT. Galloway covers and scores the pinfall to retain the title.
6.) Laurel Van Ness says she forgives Braxton Sutter for training Allie and that he should just forget Allie. Sutter drinks directly from the wine bottle trying to drown away Laurel's talking.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HsI5Caprycs/hqdefault.jpg
7.) "TNA Knockouts Championship, Monster’s Ball Match": Rosemary (c) vs. Jade: The match closes out with Jade bringing a table into the ring. Rosemary regains offense, suplexes Jade and then grabs a barbed wire board. Rosemary goes for the Red Wedding on the barbed wire board, but Jade counters and plants Rosemary on the barbed wire board for a near fall. Jade lays the barbed wire board on top of Rosemary and hits a moonsault, driving the board into Rosemary. While Rosemary tries to untangle herself from the barbed wire, Jade sets up a table in the ring. Jade lays Rosemary on the table and goes to the top rope. Rosemary pops off the table and meets Jade on the ropes. Rosemary superplexes Jade through the table, scores the pinfall and retains the title. After the match, Gail Kim checks on Jade in the ring. Rosemary sneaks in and spits mist in Gail's face, blinding Gail.
8.) Backstage, Rosemary threatens Brandi Rhodes and tells her that she either joins The Decay or she'll make her disappear.
9.) Laurel Van Ness mentions going back to her place and Braxton Sutter gets up to get the check. Laurel calls Maria Bennett and says the plan is working to ruin Allie's life.
10.) "TNA X-Division Championship, Five Way Match": DJ Z (c) vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett vs. Marshe Rockett vs. Caleb Konley: The match closes out with Everett taking everyone out at ringside with a corkscrew dive. DJ Z steps up next and suicide dives onto everyone at ringside. Next up, Rockett suicide dives and takes everyone out at ringside. Lee and Everett double team Rockett, Lee goes for the pinfall, but Everett stops it. Lee and Everett begin to argue with each other, which allows Konley to hit a cradle suplex on Lee. Everett hits a Shooting Star Press on Konley, stopping a pinfall attempt on Lee. DJ Z comes out of nowhere and hits the ZDT on Everett, scores the pinfall and retains the title. After the match, Lee and Shane Helms attack DJ Z. Helms holds DJ Z down as Lee destroys DJ Z's left leg with repeated steel chair shots.
11.) Backstage, Davey Richards offers to help Eddie Edwards tonight. Edwards pleads with Richards to stay backstage because he needs to prove that he can beat Bobby Lashley alone.
12.) Backstage, The Broken Hardy's are going over Jeff's choices to cash his briefcase in on next week. Jeff says it's time to be the world champion again. Matt starts convulsing and has a vision of who Jeff should face next week.
13.) TNA World Heavyweight Championship, 30 Minute Ironman Match": Eddie Edwards (c) vs. Bobby Lashley:
** First Fall: Edwards and Lashley trade offense as they counter each other's moves. Lashley hits a spear out of nowhere finally on Edwards, scores the pinfall and takes the 1-0 lead at the 20 minute mark.
** Second Fall: Lashley is in control of Edwards and sends Edwards over the top rope with an over head suplex. Edwards grabs his knee, appearing to have injured it on the landing and Lashley follows Edwards outside. Lashley and Edwards brawl up onto the rampway to the ring where Lashley plants Edwards hard on the ramp with a power bomb. Edwards can't answer the ten count and gets counted out. Lashley goes up 2-0 at the 15 minute mark.
** Third Fall: Lashley loosens one of the turnbuckle pads as Edwards finally gets back in the ring. Lashley hits a german suplex on Edwards and goes for the spear. Edwards counters and Lashley goes head first into the exposed turnbuckle, knocking himself loopy. Edwards scores the pinfall and makes it 2-1 with a little under 10 minutes left.
** Fourth Fall: Edwards and Lashley begin brawling on the floor again, where Edwards nails Lashley with the Boston Knee Party. Lashley just beats the ten count back into the ring, but gets destroyed with another Boston Knee Party. Edwards covers, scores the pinfall and ties things at 2-2 with 5 minutes left to go.
** Fifth Fall: Edwards climbs the ropes and goes for a hurricanrana on Lashley. Lashley catches Edwards and plants him with a power bomb. Lashley applies a submission hold, locking in Edwards' head and arm. Edwards tries to fight it, but eventually taps out. Lashley takes the 3-2 lead with 2 minutes left.
** Match Ending: Lashley tries to waste time by going outside. The Pope on commentary yells at Lashley to win the match like a man. Edwards suicide dives Lashley during the Pope distraction. Back in the ring, Lashley counters the Boston Knee Party and plants Edwards with a spine buster. Lashley goes for the spear, but Edwards counters and locks Lashley in a Guillotine Choke submission. Lashley refuses to tap, but begins to fade into unconsciousness. Time expires just before Lashley passes out. Bobby Lashley wins 3-2 and is the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion as the show closes out.
- Drew Galloway Contract Update: Current TNA Grand Champion Drew Galloway was interviewed this week and asked about his current TNA contract coming close to an end. Galloway stated the following:
"My contract comes up in like three weeks. We're currently in talks. I really hope things work out the way I want them to work out, we just have to figure things out. There's obviously people reaching out, but I'm just hoping things work out the way that I hope they work out because I'm having such a good ride right now."
*** RING OF HONOR ***
*** ROH TV Recap *** This week ROH held the first of two Semi Finals matches of the Decade of Excellence Tournament. Christopher Daniels battled Chris Sabin with the winner advancing to the Finals.
1.) Marty Scurll vs. Jonathan Gresham: The match closes out with Scurll trapping Gresham in the cross face chicken wing submission and forcing Gresham to tap out.
2.) "Decade of Excellence Semi-Finals Match": Christopher Daniels vs. Chris Sabin: The match closes out with Sabin making the mistake of going outside and talking trash to Kazarian, who's sitting in on commentary. Daniels takes advantage and unloads on Sabin. Daniels hits the Best Moonsault Ever on Sabin, scores the pinfall and advances to the Finals of the tournament. After the match, Daniels and Sabin shake hands and Bro hug.
3.) "Triple Threat Match": Kushida vs. Dragon Lee vs. Will Ospreay: The match closes out with Kushida hitting the Fisherman’s Buster Bomb on Ospreay to score the pinfall.
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Pentagon Jr. Possibly Done With LU: Pentagon Jr. made a surprise appearance this week with wrestlers Daga and Garza Jr. at The Crash Luchas promotion in Tijuana Mexico, which is run by Konnan. Pentagon Jr. announced his departure from AAA and has changed his name to PENTA EL 0M (Cero Miedo). AAA and Lucha Underground both own the names of Pentagon Jr. and Pentagon Dark, making the character gimmick illegal for Pentagon to use in any other promotions. As of this writing Pentagon Jr. will no longer be competing in Lucha Underground's future TV tapings.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
* Road To The New Beginning Recap *
1.) The show kicked off with an announcement that David Finlay would not be competing tonight due to a right shoulder injury.
2.) Yuji Nagata vs. Takayuki Oka: The match closes out with Nagata trapping Oka in a cross armbreaker submission. Oka fights it and reaches for the ropes. Nagata stops Oka and keeps the submission applied, leaving Oka no choice but to tap out.
3.) Tiger Mask and Yoshitatsu vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Henare: The match closes out with Tiger Mask hitting a suicide dive on top of Liger. Yoshitatsu then hits the Pedigree and scores the pinfall.
4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Gedo, Jado and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Takashi Iizuka: The match closes out with HASHI attempting his finisher, but Iizuka hits the ring with a steel chair and unloads on HASHI causing a DQ for his team. After the match, Desperado, Kanemaru and Iizuka beat down and leave their opponents laying.
5.) Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer vs. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan: The match closes out with Smith and Archer hitting the Hart Attack on Kojima. Kojima counters a lariat and hits a cutter. Smith comes back and grabs Kojima. Smith and Archer hit the Killer Bomb power bomb on Kojima and score the pinfall.
6.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Juice Robinson and Katsuyori Shibata vs. Will Ospreay, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii: The match closes out with everyone getting involved and hitting their finishers. Yano goes for a low blow, but gets beaten down by all his opponents. Yano gets drilled with the Kokeshi as Honma scores the pinfall.
7.) "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Manabu Nakanishi, KUSHIDA and Ryusuke Taguchi: The match closes out with Nakanishi applying the torture rack submission on SANADA. BUSHI comes in and spits mist in Nakanishi's face, blinding him. SANADA locks in the Skull End submission on Nakanishi and forces him to tap out.
8.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku and Taichi vs. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero and Baretta: The match closes out with Romero and Baretta hitting suicide dives on Taichi and Michinoku. Suzuki comes in and unloads on Okada. Suzuki traps Okada in a sleeper hold and takes Okada out of the match. Taichi hits a press powerbomb on Romero and scores the pinfall to close the show.
- Kenny Omega Makes His Decision: Wrestling Observer has stated that Kenny Omega has decided to stay with New Japan Pro Wrestling. His contract was set to expire on January 31st with NJPW and Omega stated he was stepping away for a little while. There were rumors of Omega possibly showing up at the WWE Royal Rumble, however, those rumors are now invalid. Omega stated he will more than likely sign a new NJPW contract in February.
*** AAW ***
** AAW Don't Stop Believing Recap **
1.) "Steel Cage Match": Outlawz Inc. (Eddie Kingston and Homicide) vs. OI4K (Jake and Dave Crist): The match closes out with The Outlawz busting open the Crist brothers with steel chair shots. Homicide opened a bottle of liquor and poured it on the wounds. Jake Crist climbed to the top of the cage and dove off onto Kingston. Kingston returned the favor to Dave Crist and suplexed him off the cage onto a bed of steel chairs. Homicide hits the Cop Killer on Dave, but JT Davidson and Sami Callihan break into the cage and attack. Callihan hits a Tombstone piledriver on Homicide as Abyss suddenly hits the cage. Abyss goes for the choke slam on Callihan, however, releases and choke slams Homicide instead. Dave Crist covers Homicide and scores the pinfall. After the match, Kingston yells for medical assistance for Homicide and yells at the AAW officials.
2.) "Fatal Four Way Match": Dezmond Xavier vs. DJZ vs. Moose vs. AR Fox: The match closes out with DJZ dropping Moose and then flipping over the ropes to the floor and taking out Fox and Xavier outside. Moose flies from the stage and over the ropes, taking his three opponents out. Fox flips over the ropes, takes everyone out and into the crowd. Xavier dives off the top rope and takes out Moose. Fox tosses Xavier to the floor and then hits a 450 Splash on DJZ to score the pinfall.
3.) "AAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Andrew Everett and Jack Evans (c) vs. Davey Vega and Mat Fitchett: The match closes out with Everett accidentally kicking Evans in the back of the head and Vega got a near fall on it. Evans and Everett were able to rebound from the accident as Evans scored a roll up pinfall on Vega to retain the titles. After the match, Vega and Fitchett showed anger and frustration with each other as they argued over losing the match.
4.) Sami Callihan and JT Davidson Promo: Davidson announces that Callihan is ready to proceed with his AAW World Championship Open Challenge. Callihan dares any wrestler or even fan to step up to him tonight. Candice LeRae interrupts Callihan and accepts the challenge. Callihan mocks Candice and states that she first has to beat him in a non title match before he'd ever give her a title shot. Callihan also states that if Candice loses she won't get a title shot and she has to waive any claims if Callihan injures her. Candice accepts the challenge.
5.) "Open Challenge Match": Sami Callihan vs. Candice LeRae: Candice pulls out a squash victory on Callihan pinning him in a minute with a spike reverse hurricanrana. After the match, Candice demands her title shot now and it's on.
6.) "AAW World Heavyweight Championship Match": Sami Callihan (c) vs. Candice LeRae: The match closes out with JT Davidson tossing in a chair which Callihan tries to use, but he accidentally knocks himself out with it. Candice with a near fall tornado DDT on Callihan. Candice with the spike reverse hurricanrana again on Callihan, but Callihan kicks out this time at two and a half. Candice hits the Ballsplex off the top rope on Callihan for yet another near fall. Candice goes for a submission hold on Callihan, but Callihan counters out, traps Candice in the Stretch Muffler submission and forces Candice to tap out to retain the title. After the match, Callihan again insulted everyone and dared any wrestler or fan to challenge him. Kongo Kong emerged from the back and headed to the ring. Callihan retreated and said he'd fight some other time.
7.) "Handicap Match": Kongo Kong vs. Conor Braxton and Eddie Machete: The match closes out with Kong choke slamming Machete who was trying to save Braxton. Kong hits a splash on Machete, as Scarlett Bordeaux gets in the ring to try to help. Kong corners Scarlett, licks her face and then plants her with a Rikishi Driver. Braxton grabs Scarlett and then yells at Machete for losing as they all retreated to the back.
8.) Matt Sydal vs. Davey Richards: The match closes out with Richards hitting a suplex on Sydal and follows that up with a double stomp off the top rope for a near fall. Richards applied the Sharpshooter submission on Sydal, but Sydal was able to escape the hold. Sydal comes back with a diving knee on Richards off the ropes and hits the Shooting Star Press on Richards to score the pinfall.
9.) Mercedes Martinez vs. Angelina Love: The match closes out with Angelina hitting a Flatliner on Mercedes for a near fall and then applies a submission. Mercedes escapes and hits a Code Breaker on Angelina and then scores the pinfall with a Fisherman’s brainbuster.
10.) Backstage, JT Davidson explains why Abyss is now a member of The Killer Cult. Davidson promises that Colt Cabana will be Abyss' first victim.
11.) "Silas Young’s Farewell To AAW Match": Silas Young vs. Drew Galloway: The match closes out with Galloway countering the Pee Gee Waja Plunge and nails Young with the Future Shock DDT for a near fall. Young traps Galloway in the figure four leglock submission, but Galloway makes the ropes for the break. Galloway played opossum with a leg injury and catches Young with a spike piledriver. Galloway plants Young with two Future Shock DDT's and scores the pinfall. After the match, Young showed respect to Galloway and thanked the fans for everything.
12.) "No DQ Match": Abyss vs. Colt Cabana: The match closes out with JT Davidson sliding a steel chair to Abyss who used it repeatedly on Cabana. Cabana fights back, grabs the steel chair and unloads on Abyss with it. Cabana low blows Abyss with the steel chair and then drives it into Abyss' back. Cabana sits Abyss on the steel chair, unloads punches and an elbow. Abyss charges at Cabana, but Cabana counters by throwing the steel chair in Abyss' face. Cabana hits a moonsault on Abyss, but can't score the pinfall, as Davidson pulls the referee out of the ring. Cabana chases Davidson around ringside for the interferance. Cabana gets back in the ring and gets planted by Abyss with the Black Hole Slam for the pinfall.
13.) Brian Cage and Michael Elgin vs. Rey Fenix and ACH: The match closes out with ACH and Elgin trading punches. ACH hits a Stunner on Elgin as Cage tries to make the save. Fenix attacks Cage, allowing ACH to go outside on the stage. ACH runs from the stage, leaps over the top rope into the ring and hits an RKO on Cage. Fenix hits the Canadian Destroyer on Cage to score the pinfall. After the match, all four men showed respect to each other to end the show.
*** Other ***
- Kenny Omega Wrestles First Match Since New Year's Dash: Kenny Omega returned to the ring last Saturday night for the first time since NJPW's New Year's Dash. Omega substituted for fellow Bullet Club member Cody Rhodes and battled Tiger Ali in England for their 4 Front Wrestling promotion. Cody Rhodes, along with his wife Brandi was attending a memorial service for Drax Shadow back in the United States.
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 is back with the first big pay per view preview of 2017!
The road to Wrestlemania 33 officially begins at the WWE Royal Rumble, as we look to see who will main event Wrestlemania 33 and receive a once in a lifetime opportunity, a world title match on the grandest stage of them all. The Royal Rumble takes place this year at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. This year's Royal Rumble will be the 30th edition of this huge event and is the second Rumble to ever take place in The Alamodome. The event will be live on the WWE Network and as usual if you can't catch the show, I'll have all of your recap news on Monday afternoon.
- "30 Man Royal Rumble Match": 30 superstars step inside of the squared circle, all with one goal in mind, winning the Royal Rumble and going on to Wrestlemania 33 to compete for either the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or the WWE Universal Championship. This year's event promises the return of Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, The New Day, Chris Jericho, The Monster Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Sheamus, Cesaro, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, The Wyatt Family, Randy Orton, many more superstars and of course maybe some surprise entrants (AJ Styles debuted in the WWE in the Royal Rumble match last year). Who will be the last man standing in the Royal Rumble and punch their ticket to main eventing Wrestlemania 33?
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Roman Reigns: Last month at WWE Roadblock, Kevin Owens retained his title against Roman Reigns, after Chris Jericho purposely got Owens disqualified to save his title. RAW General Manager Mick Foley announced that Roman Reigns would get a rematch against Owens at the WWE Royal Rumble. Foley also banned Chris Jericho from the match by announcing that Jericho would be locked in a shark cage and suspended above the ring, keeping Jericho from any interferance ideas. Foley also made it clear to Jericho that if he refused to enter the cage, he would be terminated immediately. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho targeted Reigns and his WWE United States Championship before the Royal Rumble, with Jericho ending up defeating Reigns and claiming the title. Roman Reigns now looks to get revenge on Owens and Jericho both at the WWE Royal Rumble and take Owens' WWE Universal Championship.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. John Cena: Last month at WWE Tables Ladders and Chairs, AJ Styles successfully defeated Dean Ambrose to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Styles would then go on to successfully defend his title again on Smackdown Live in a Triple Threat Match against Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin. The same edition of Smackdown Live saw the return of the WWE Franchise, John Cena. Cena immediately challenged the winner of the Triple Threat Match to a title match at WWE Royal Rumble. With Styles coming out victorious and going into WWE Royal Rumble with 3 straight wins over Cena currently, Styles is very confident on his chances. Cena, meanwhile, has returned with a new attitude and is sick of the current New Era in the WWE. Cena promises to prove that he's still the face of the WWE and looks to tie Ric Flair's 16 World Title wins record with a victory over Styles.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": Sheamus and Cesaro (c) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: Last month at WWE Roadblock, Sheamus and Cesaro defeated The New Day to capture the tag team titles. The Club stepped up and challenged the champions next as Karl Anderson defeated Cesaro in a one on one match. Sheamus got revenge the following week when he defeated Luke Gallows. Gallows and Anderson would go on to defeat Sheamus and Cesaro and appeared to have won the tag team titles, however, the decision was changed to a DQ win. Due to the controversial victory Gallows and Anderson have been given another shot at Sheamus and Cesaro for the tag team titles.
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley: Last month at WWE Roadblock Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks in a 30 minute Ironman Match to become a 4 time WWE RAW Women's Champion and declared herself the greatest female wrestler of all time. Bayley arrived and reminded Charlotte that she was undefeated against Charlotte and then beat Charlotte again in an impromptu match. Due to controversy in the match, Charlotte's lawyers got the loss erased from the record books and Charlotte would defeat Bayley in a rematch with Dana Brooke as the referee. Bayley received a #1 contenders match against Nia Jax, even though Stephanie McMahon straight up told Bayley she'd never be a champion or even worthy enough to make RAW great. With the help of Sasha Banks, Bayley defeated Nia Jax and received her championship match against Charlotte at the WWE Royal Rumble. Charlotte looks to make a fool out of Bayley and Bayley looks to prove Charlotte and Stephanie McMahon wrong about not being able to win the championship.
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": Rich Swann (c) vs. Neville: Last month at WWE Roadblock Swann retained his championship in a Triple Threat Match against TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick, but after the match Neville returned from injury and beat down Swann and Perkins. Neville made it clear that his intention is to become the king of the Cruiserweight Division and then attacked Swann again when Swann questioned Neville. Neville went on to defeat Swann in a non title match and then beat Swann down again. Swann demanded a rematch against Neville, but Neville refused unless Swann put the WWE Cruiserweight Championship on the line. Swann accepted the challenge and the match was signed for the WWE Royal Rumble.
- Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: Last month, Sasha Banks came up short in her WWE RAW Women's Championship Ironman Match against Charlotte at WWE Roadblock. Banks has also been nursing a knee injury through the month of January after being attacked by Nia Jax on RAW. Nia Jax has been the unstoppable monster in the RAW's Women's Division, taking out opponent after opponent. Nia has put a target on the self proclaimed "Boss" of the Women's Division and looks to end Sasha's career with a permanent injury. Sasha received doctors clearance to wrestle and immediately demanded a match with Nia Jax at the WWE Royal Rumble.
- "Six Woman Tag Team Match": Becky Lynch, Naomi and Nikki Bella vs. Alexa Bliss, Nattie Neidhart and Mickie James: All six ladies have some kind of a feud going on in this tag team match. Becky Lynch is currently battling WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and the returning Mickie James. Nikki Bella is in a heated feud with Nattie Neidhart after it was learned that Nattie attacked Nikki at the WWE Survivor Series. This past Tuesday, Naomi was mocked and humiliated by Alexa Bliss. All six ladies will go at it in this six woman tag team match to possibly try to settle their feuds.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the RAW Recap for the week.
This week RAW was live in Triple Threat CLE's home sweet home, Cleveland, Ohio! Tonight's RAW served it's go home show to this Sunday night's WWE Royal Rumble. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Cesaro battled Luke Gallows of The Club in one on one action. Sami Zayn battled Seth Rollins in a one on one match with a special Royal Rumble stipulation added to the match. Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari and Drew Gulak battled TJ Perkins, Mustafa Ali and Jack Gallagher in Six Man Tag Team Cruiserweight Division action. The New Day, Enzo and Big Cass battled Rusev, Jinder Mahal, Titus O'Neil and Braun Strowman in Eight Man Tag Team action. WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho defended the title against Roman Reigns. Nia Jax battled Ray Lyn in one on one Women's Division action. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann battled Noam Dar in a one on one non title match. Goldberg and Brock Lesnar meet face to face with a surprise guest interrupting.
*** RAW ***
- Roman Reigns Promo: Roman Reigns kicks off RAW inside the ring with Chris Jericho's shark cage and talks about his match at the WWE Royal Rumble against WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho immediately interrupt Reigns and give their opinions on the Royal Rumble. Owens says Reigns may have power bombed his way through the WWE, but Owens can say that he's actually power bombed Reigns through a table. Reigns says Owens is about to be the one to get his ass kicked in front of the world and in front of his best friend Chris Jericho. Jericho interrupts Reigns which leads to Reigns challenging Jericho for the WWE United States Championship, which will take place later tonight.
- Cesaro vs. Luke Gallows: The match closes out with Cesaro going for the Sharpshooter submission on Gallows. Karl Anderson attacks Sheamus at ringside, distracting the referee, who misses Gallows tapping out to the submission. Cesaro thinks he's won, but gets nailed by Gallows with a big boot. Gallows covers and scores the pinfall. Winner: Luke Gallows, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Mick Foley is talking to Stephanie McMahon on speaker phone. Sami Zayn interrupts and wants to announce that he's entering the WWE Royal Rumble match. Stephanie tells Zayn that he has to beat Seth Rollins tonight to earn that opportunity. Stephaine then tells Foley to take her off of speaker phone so she can tell Foley her plans for Rollins. Foley doesn't look too happy about her decision afterwards.
- Bayley Interview: Bayley gets a sit down interview this week and talks about her WWE RAW Women's Championship Match against Charlotte at the WWE Royal Rumble. Bayley is confident that she will leave the Royal Rumble the new champion.
- Backstage, Mick Foley tells Seth Rollins he's fighting Sami Zayn tonight. If Zayn wins then he gets Rollins' Royal Rumble spot and Rollins will be out of the Royal Rumble match. Rollins says he's winning tonight, he's winning the Royal Rumble and going to Wrestlemania 33 and then he'll throw it in Stephanie McMahon and her coward husband Triple H's faces.
- "Seth Rollins' Royal Rumble Spot On The Line": Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Rollins catching Zayn on the top rope and goes for a Super Pedigree. Zayn blocks and hits a sunset flip power bomb on Rollins for a near fall. Rollins with an enziguri, but Zayn comes back with the exploder suplex. Rollins counters the Helluva Kick and plants Zayn with the Pedigree. Triple H's music suddenly hits and distracts Rollins. Rollins looks toward the RAW stage waiting for Triple H. Triple H never appears and Zayn rolls up Rollins and scores the pinfall. Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall, Zayn is in the Royal Rumble and Rollins is out of the Royal Rumble.
- Backstage, Seth Rollins finds Mick Foley and demands to know where Triple H is. Foley says he had nothing to do with what happened and Stephanie McMahon might have had connections to the production crew to play Triple H's music.
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari and Drew Gulak vs. TJ Perkins, Mustafa Ali and Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Nese missing the springboard moonsault. Ali tags in and unloads on everyone. Ali plants Daivari with a neckbreaker and gets a near fall. A six man brawl breaks out that ends with Ali hitting a reverse 450 Splash on Gulak to score the pinfall. Winners: TJ Perkins, Mustafa Ali and Jack Gallagher, by pinfall.
- The New Day Promo: The New Day are in the ring and talk about how they will win the Royal Rumble. Enzo and Big Cass suddenly interrupt and Cass officially announces that he's entering the Royal Rumble. Rusev and Jinder Mahal interrupt next and Rusev announces that he will also be in the Royal Rumble. Titus O'Neil interrupts next and says that he and Braun Strowman are joining Rusev and Jinder Mahal and their having an Eight Man Tag Team Match right now.
- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": The New Day, Enzo and Big Cass vs. Rusev, Jinder Mahal, Titus O'Neil and Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Strowman cornering Enzo and laying him out with a shoulder block. Enzo unloads on Strowman then goes to the top rope. Strowman catches Enzo and hits a power slam for the pinfall. After the match, Big Show heads to the ring and goes face to face with Strowman. Strowman backs off and says he fights when he wants. Winners: Rusev, Jinder Mahal, Titus O'Neil and Braun Strowman, by pinfall.
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Roman Reigns: The match closes out with Reigns going for the Superman Punch, but Jericho counters with a drop kick for a near fall. Reigns counters the Code Breaker and gets a near fall sit down power bomb. Kevin Owens arrives at ringside, gets in the ring and starts brawling with Reigns, DQ'ing Jericho. After the match, Owens and Jericho beat down Reigns and Owens demands the shark cage be lowered into the ring. Reigns gets tossed into the cage, but Reigns sends Owens and Jericho into the cage and then busts out. Reigns locks Owens in the cage and it's raised into the air. Reigns hits the Superman Punch and a spear on Jericho. Winner: Roman Reigns, by DQ.
- Chris Jericho finally gets Kevin Owens released from the shark cage and Owens is told that his match against Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble will now be a No DQ Match.
- Charlotte Interview: Charlotte guarantees she'll defeat Bayley at the Royal Rumble and continue her undefeated pay per view streak.
- Nia Jax vs. Ray Lyn: The match closes out with Nia squashing Ray quickly picking up the pinfall. After the match, Nia dedicates this match to Sasha Banks' dead career. Nia continues to mock Sasha and says she's broken Sasha. Sasha interrupts and heads to the ring still on crutches. Sasha unloads on Nia with the crutch and chases Nia out of the ring. Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.
- Rich Swann vs. Noam Dar: The match closes out with Dar in control of the match. Swann lands a clothesline and a kick on Dar. Swann hits a double stomp on Dar and then hits the Swann Song to score the pinfall. After the match, Swann calls out Neville. Neville heads to the ring, but fakes Swann out and retreats. Swann hits a suicide dive on Neville and chases Neville off. Winner: Rich Swann, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Alicia Fox and Noam Dar walk up to Cedric Alexander. Alicia says Alexander will be nothing without Alicia. Dar wants to make sure things are cool even though he stole Alexander's girlfriend. Alexander decks Dar and Alicia calls him jealous.
- Goldberg Promo: Goldberg says nothing will stop him from winning the Royal Rumble and going to Wrestlemania 33 for the WWE Universal Championship. Paul Heyman interrupts and introduces Brock Lesnar. Heyman says that Goldberg will be beaten, victimized, emasculated, embarrassed and conquered in the Rumble by Lesnar and then tossed over the top rope. Goldberg asks if Lesnar is going to come fight or stand there like a dumbass. Lesnar heads to the ring and stares down Goldberg on the way. Lesnar gets in the ring and goes face to face with Goldberg. The lights go out and the bell tolls in the arena. The lights pop back on and The Undertaker is standing inside the ring staring down Lesnar and Goldberg. Undertaker's purple glow cast over the arena as the three men continue to stare each other down to end the show.
