Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 5/2/17: RAW Sacramento Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We are one day removed from WWE Payback as we were live for Monday Night RAW this week from Sacramento, California. Braun Strowman continues to wreck havoc on the WWE after defeating Roman Reigns at WWE Payback. The new WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho now belongs to Smackdown Live which will leave a huge RAW roster gap to fill. Alexa Bliss now runs the RAW Women's Division as the new WWE RAW Women's Champion. What new feuds will begin or current rivalries will continue on the red brand?

** This Weeks Card **
- Emma, Alicia Fox, Nia Jax and WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss battled Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Dana Brooke in an Eight Woman Tag Team Match.
- Enzo battled Luke Gallows.
- Tony Nese, Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar battled Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa and Jack Gallagher in a Six Man Tag Team Match.
- Apollo Crews battled Heath Slater.
- TJ Perkins battled Austin Aries.
- The Miz battled Finn Balor and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

- Alexa Bliss celebrates her WWE RAW Women's Championship victory.

- Promos By: Seth Rollins, Team Sheamus and Cesaro, and RAW GM Kurt Angle.

** RAW **

- Alexa Bliss Celebration: RAW kicks off with the RAW Women's Division all in the ring as new WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss arrives. Alexa says that the queen is dead and long live Alexa Bliss. Alexa says she's the new goddess and deserves a coronation. Alexa insults Mickie James and Sasha Banks, compliments Nia Jax and then thanks Bayley because none of this would be possible without her even though she lost the title in front of her family at WWE Payback. A brawl suddenly breaks out between all the ladies forcing Kurt Angle to make an Eight Woman Tag Team Match.

- "Eight Woman Tag Team Match": Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox and Emma vs. Bayley, Dana Brooke, Mickie James and Sasha Banks: The match closes out with all hell breaking loose and both teams brawling in and out of the ring. Bayley and Alexa trade shots until Alexa pokes Bayley in the eyes. Alexa capitalizes on Bayley being temporary blinded, hits the DDT and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Emma and Alicia Fox, by pinfall.

- Enzo vs. Luke Gallows: The match closes out with Karl Anderson distracting Enzo as he goes up top. Gallows takes advantage and gets Enzo on his shoulders. Gallows hits the flapjack on Enzo and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Luke Gallows, by pinfall.

- Backstage, TJ Perkins and Neville are talking. Neville says what happened at WWE Payback was unprofessionalism from the referee. Neville says Perkins has an easier chance at getting a title shot with Austin Aries out of the way and he has a huge opportunity tonight against Aries. 

- Seth Rollins Promo: Seth Rollins says he feels great and he wants Brock Lesnar and the WWE Universal Championship. Rollins says he's been to Suplex City and isn't afraid to go back. Finn Balor interrupts and says he respects Rollins. Balor says he never lost the title and the line to Lesnar starts behind him. Dean Ambrose interrupts and jokes about how Lesnar doesn't defend his title. The Miz interrupts next and says no one deserves a title shot except for him. Ambrose calls Kurt Angle on his phone. Ambrose says Angle wasn't happy that Ambrose has his number but tonight it's Rollins vs. Balor vs. Miz with the winner getting a WWE Intercontinental Championship Match.

- Tony Nese, Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar vs. Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa and Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Kendrick locking Gallagher in the Captain's Hook submission, but Tozawa breaks it up with a Shining Wizard. Swann and Tozawa suicide dive Nese and Dar outside as Gallagher hits the Gentleman's Dropkick on Kendrick for the pinfall.
Winners: Jack Gallagher, Akira Tozawa and Rich Swann, by pinfall.

- Sheamus and Cesaro Promo: Sheamus says he's finally free and he never liked the fans because they always treated him like a red headed step child. Sheamus says that he and Cesaro were robbed of their Wrestlemania moment by The Hardy Boys. Cesaro says that they proved last night that The Hardys are just a novelty act that don't belong in the ring with a Warrior and a Superman. Sheamus and Cesaro state that no one sets the bar because they are the bar and they will get back their WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship. The Hardy Boys interrupt and head to the ring. The Hardy's have arrived to give Sheamus and Cesaro their rebuttal as the fans chant "Delete". Sheamus and Cesaro retreat and head back up the ramp.

- Backstage, The Miz gets interrupted by Dean Ambrose who asks if his hair gel gets in his eyes while he wrestles. Miz walks off angry.

- Heath Slater vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Slater and Crews trading offense with each other. Titus O'Neil shouts orders at Crews at ringside. Crews hits the Apollo Bomb on Slater and scores the pinfall. After the match, Titus celebrates with Crews and it looks like Crews is going along with the Titus Brand idea.
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall.

- Kurt Angle Promo: Angle says that Roman Reigns re-injured his ribs and Braun Strowman tore his rotator cuff, but both men said they're not done with each other. The Wyatt Family graphic flashes and out comes Bray Wyatt. Bray says he's not here to harm Angle, he's here to offer to be his savior. Bray says that he's forever locked Randy Orton in his House of Horrors and is here to fix RAW. Angle says he's not sure what Bray has in mind, but he needs to remember that this is Angle's show. Bray laughs and says that he knows it's Angle's show, but this is Bray's world.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins tease each other and talk about renewing their rivalry.

- TJ Perkins vs. Austin Aries: The match closes out with Aries going for the Discus Five Arm, but Perkins kicks Aries in the leg. Perkins goes for the Detonation Kick, but Aries counters and applies the Last Chancery submission, making Perkins tap out. After the match, Perkins attacks Aries knee from behind and works it over. Perkins traps Aries in the knee bar submission and keeps it applied until officials force Perkins to release the hold.
Winner: Austin Aries, by submission.

- Backstage, Finn Balor tells Dean Ambrose that he eats nerves and puts out results. Ambrose gives Balor a doughnut and tells him to eat a carb. Elias Samson walks by playing his guitar and Ambrose asks him if he knows any Pearl Jam.

- Backstage, The Golden Truth ask Kurt Angle for a WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match. Angle says no due to their win/loss record, but they can participate in the Tag Team Turmoil Match next week where the winners become the #1 Contenders.

- "Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match": Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz: The match closes out with Rollins hitting a suicide dive on Balor and then to The Miz. Samoa Joe suddenly attacks Rollins and lays him out with a Uranage on the floor. Balor hits Slingblade on Miz and then hits the dropkick. The Wyatt Family graphic suddenly flashes and Bray Wyatt is on the apron when the lights come back on. Bray hits Sister Abigail on Balor, The Wyatt Family graphic flashes again and Bray is gone when the lights come back on. Miz covers Balor and scores the pinfall to become the new #1 Contender.
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/25/17: RAW Kansas City Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We're back at it this week with the Monday Night RAW recap! One thing you think WWE would have learned by now is to reinforce the ring every time Big Show wrestles someone around his size, as we saw last week when Big Show and Braun Strowman collapsed the ring. Shout out to the referee of the match who probably took the best bump of the night when he fell out of the ring! What did we have in store for us this week, as RAW was live in Kansas City, Missouri for their go home show to this Sunday night's WWE Payback pay per view.

** This Weeks Card **
- WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy battled Sheamus.
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and TJ Perkins battled Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher.
- Braun Strowman battled Kalisto in a Dumpster Match.
- Alicia Fox battled Dana Brooke.
- Seth Rollins, Enzo and Big Cass battled Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a Six Man Tag Team Match.
- Sasha Banks battled Alexa Bliss.
- Apollo Crews battled Curt Hawkins.
- Chris Jericho and WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled The Miz and a Mystery Opponent. 

- Promos By: Alexa Bliss

- Chris Jericho, The Miz and WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battle over Jericho's Highlight Reel, The Miz's Miz TV and Ambrose's Ambrose Asylum.

** RAW **

- The Highlight Reel With Chris Jericho: Jericho says this will be the last RAW Highlight Reel because he's winning the WWE United States Championship from Kevin Owens at WWE Payback and will be moving to Smackdown Live. Jericho mocks Owens and calls Owens the Hemorrhoid of America. The Miz and Maryse suddenly interrupt, mock Kansas City, announce that the Highlight Reel is officially cancelled and it's now time for Miz TV on RAW. Dean Ambrose suddenly interrupts, agrees with Chris Jericho that The Miz is a stupid idiot and no one in KC wants to see Miz TV.

Ambrose welcomes us to the Ambrose Asylum and welcomes Jericho, Miz and Maryse as his guests. Ambrose says he's rooting for Jericho even though they've had their differences in the past. Jericho reminds Ambrose he still owes him $15,000 for his light up jacket. Ambrose says he had it but lost it at the blackjack table. Ambrose gives Jericho a new jacket with Christmas lights on it and Jericho loves it. Miz finally interrupts and mocks both Jericho and Ambrose and demands presents from other superstars as well. Ambrose says he has a gift for Miz too and lays Miz out with Dirty Deeds. Jericho then adds Maryse to The List for being married to a stupid idiot. 

- Matt Hardy vs. Sheamus: The match closes out with Sheamus countering the Twist of Fate, sends Matt to the floor and hits a rolling senton on Matt. Jeff Hardy checks on Matt, but gets shoved away by Sheamus. Jeff gets on the apron and argues with Sheamus, forcing Cesaro to pull Jeff off the apron. Matt hits the Twist of Fate on Sheamus and scores the pinfall. After the match, Cesaro isn't happy that Jeff cost Sheamus the match. Sheamus calms Cesaro down and says it's ok. Both teams shake hands.
Winner: Matt Hardy, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Kurt Angle is on the phone and says he'll ask Kalisto if he really wants to compete in his Dumpster Match tonight against Braun Strowman. Miz and Maryse interrupt, angry about what happened earlier. Angle tells Miz to go find a partner and he can battle Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho later.

- Neville and TJ Perkins vs. Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Gallagher landing forearms and an uppercut on Neville. Neville unloads kicks on Gallagher, but Gallagher lands a big head butt. Gallagher counters a Perkins kick, allowing Aries to drop Perkins. Aries hits the Discus Five Arm on Perkins to score the pinfall.
Winners: Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher, by pinfall.

- "Dumpster Match": Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto: The match closes out with Strowman unloading chest shots on Kalisto and sends him to the mat. Strowman tosses Kalisto over the ropes, but he hangs on from falling into the dumpster. Strowman clubs Kalisto and lifts him into the air. Kalisto counters out, kicks Strowman in the legs and causes Strowman to land in the dumpster still standing. The referee gives the win to Kalisto even though Strowman didn't fall in the dumpster, he was still legally in it. After the match, Strowman beats down Kalisto, tosses Kalisto into the barricade, tosses Kalisto into the dumpster and rolls him up the ramp. Strowman ends up shoving the dumpster off the stage with Kalisto still inside.
Winner: Kalisto

- Backstage, they show Kalisto being loaded into an ambulance.

- A video highlight plays of Bray Wyatt hyping the House of Horrors Match at WWE Payback.

- Alicia Fox vs. Dana Brooke: Emma shows up at ringside to watch the match. The match closes out with Dana unloading on Alicia, but Alicia fights back. Alicia misses the scissors kick and gets hit with a modified Michinoku Driver to score the pinfall. After the match, Emma gets in the ring, hugs Dana then leaves. 
Winner: Dana Brooke, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Samoa Joe and The Club talk about how they're beating Enzo, Big Cass and Seth Rollins tonight. Joe promises to break Rollins other leg tonight.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Seth Rollins, Enzo and Big Cass: Before the match can even start, Samoa Joe jumps Cass from the crowd. The Club attack Enzo and lay him out with the Magic Killer. Seth Rollins finally arrives and makes the save as WWE Medical check on Enzo. Kurt Angle arrives and announces that Enzo can not continue so he got Rollins and Cass a new partner. Angle announces Finn Balor as Balor heads to the ring.
Winner: No Contest.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Seth Rollins, Big Cass and Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Anderson getting tossed outside and Rollins hitting a suicide dive. Joe attacks Rollins until Balor hits Joe with a drop kick. Rollins with a flying clothesline on Anderson and then goes for the Pedigree. Rollins holds back, hits a knee to Anderson's face instead and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Seth Rollins, Big Cass and Finn Balor, by pinfall.

- Alexa Bliss Promo: Alexa says every week everyone comes out, talk about who they want to wrestle, living their childhood dreams and it makes Alexa want to vomit. Alexa says she'll be the next WWE Women's Champion because she came to RAW to win. Bayley interrupts and heads to the ring. Bayley says Alexa has always been the type to talk behind someone's back. Bayley says she works her butt off everyday and will do whatever it takes to keep the WWE Women's Championship. Alexa is glad that WWE Payback is in Bayley's hometown so she can beat her in front of Bayley's family. Sasha Banks suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Alexa mocks Bayley and Sasha's friendship and Sasha calls Alexa a troll doll. Sasha tells Alexa she has a match right now against Alexa. Alexa says she's going to go get Kurt Angle to cancel it before it can happen. Sasha drops Alexa and the match starts now.

- Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss: The match closes out with Sasha unloading on Alexa. Sasha counters a kick and lands a knee on Alexa. Sasha goes for the Banks Statement submission, but Alexa reaches the ropes. Alexa escapes outside and takes the countout loss. After the match, Bayley chases Alexa backstage. Alexa comes back, attacks Bayley from behind and leaves Bayley laid out.
Winner: Sasha Banks, by countout.

- Backstage, Dean Ambrose asks Chris Jericho if he can be taken off The List now. Jericho says Ambrose still owes him  $15,000 and still owes him for dropping him on thumb tacks in their Asylum Match a few months back. Jericho then says that he really does like his new jacket and takes Ambrose off The List.

- Backstage, Heath Slater and Curtis Axel promote Marine 5. Miz interrupts and asks if one of them could be his partner tonight. Both men turn Miz down. Miz suddenly gets a letter and smiles because he now has a partner for tonight.

- Curt Hawkins vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Crews making quick work of Hawkins and scores the pinfall with the Apollo Bomb. After the match, Titus O'Neil arrives, takes a selfie with Crews and says that Crews is on his way with the Titus Brand.
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Austin Aries proposes a match idea to Kurt Angle for 205 Live.

- Backstage, The Miz tells Kurt Angle he's got his partner and everyone will be sorry once they see who it is. Elias Samson suddenly appears, playing his guitar. Angle tells Miz that that's an interesting choice and walks off. Miz says he has no clue who Elias Samson is and Samson is not his partner tonight. 

- Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz and ????: The Miz arrives, says his partner is late so he'll have to cancel the match. Kurt Angle arrives and says with or without a partner the match is still on. The match starts with The Miz in a 2 on 1 disadvantage. The match closes out with Ambrose setting Miz up to go through the announcers table. The lights suddenly go out, pop back on and Bray Wyatt is here. Bray lays out Ambrose with Sister Abigail right into the LED board. Bray and Miz double team Jericho back into the ring. Bray lays Jericho out with Sister Abigail and poses in his crab walk position. Bray suddenly pops back up, grabs Miz and lays Miz out with Sister Abigail. Bray poses over the carnage and tells us to follow the buzzards to end the show.
Winner: No Contest.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 2/7/17: RAW Portland Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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 Portland, Oregon. Samoa Joe kicked off RAW with the official contract signing to join the main roster on RAW. Bayley battled Nia Jax in a one on one Women's Division match. Braun Strowman battled four local talents in a Handicap Match as Strowman still searches for competition on RAW. Akira Tozawa made his RAW debut as he battled Drew Gulak in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Goldberg returns to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge and earns a WWE Universal Championship Match. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions The Club defended their titles against Sheamus and Cesaro. The New Day battled The Shining Stars in tag team division action. WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho defended his title against Sami Zayn. Austin Aries interviewed WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar battled Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Main event time saw Roman Reigns battle Samoa Joe in a one on one match.

** RAW **

- Samoa Joe Contract Signing: Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring with the RAW contract. Foley seems unhappy as he introduces Joe. Joe arrives and Stephanie reintroduces him with more excitement. Stephanie then insults Foley for not showing happiness and respect to Joe. Foley says he's a fan of Joe, but not a fan of the people he chooses to associate with. Joe says he's waited 18 years to get to the WWE, Triple H opened the door for him and if Seth Rollins was put on the DL because of it, well then so be it. Joe signs his RAW contract and puts the whole RAW locker room on notice. Roman Reigns interrupts and heads to the ring. Reigns says Joe wants to make threats, he just stepped into Reigns' yard so why don't he try to threaten him. Foley interrupts and reminds everyone that he is still the general manager of RAW and announces Reigns vs. Joe for tonight.

- Bayley vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Nia sending Bayley into the barricade. Nia charges, but misses Bayley and hits the ringpost. Charlotte arrives at ringside and distracts Bayley. Bayley flips Charlotte into the ring and then drop kicks her back to the floor. Bayley turns around, gets planted by a Nia Samoan Drop and Nia scores the pinfall.
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.

- "Handicap Match": Braun Strowman vs. Dusty Wallace, James Stock, CC Bonin and Rob Pelley: Strowman makes quick work of the four up and comers. One of them runs away as Strowman hits the running powerslam, stacks the remaining three on top of each other and scores the pinfall. After the match, Strowman says he warned Mick Foley to find him competition, Foley failed and now Strowman is coming for Foley.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Braun Strowman confronts Mick Foley. Foley gets in Strowman's face and says that if it's competition that Strowman wants so bad, well than he can fight Roman Reigns at WWE Fastlane.

- Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak: The match closes out with Tozawa hitting a german suplex into a bridge on Gulak and scores the pinfall. After the match, Brian Kendrick arrives and offers Tozawa a welcoming handshake. Tozawa ignores the handshake and continues celebrating his win.
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall.

- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: Owens brags about retaining the WWE Universal Championship last week and Jericho brags about how he'll retain the WWE United States Championship later tonight. Jericho adds the New England Patriots and Tom Brady to The List for stealing the greatest of all time nickname. Jericho says he has a great idea for a match at Wrestlemania 33, Jericho vs. Kevin Owens. Owens likes the idea, but says no because he can't fight his best friend. Goldberg interrupts and heads to the ring. Goldberg accepts Brock Lesnar's challenge then dares Owens and Jericho to grow a set and fight him. Owens brags about being the longest reigning WWE Universal champion. Goldberg says it's because Owens never fought Goldberg. Jericho mocks Goldberg. Goldberg grabs The List away from Jericho and writes his own name on it. Jericho says that if Goldberg wants a match than he's got it. Goldberg vs. Kevin Owens at WWE Fastlane for the WWE Universal Championship. Owens is left in shock that Jericho put his title on the line and begins arguing with Jericho. 

- Backstage, Chris Jericho promises to have Kevin Owens' back at WWE Fastlane. Owens still can't believe Jericho did what he did and storms off.

- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Club (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: Enzo and Big Cass were on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Anderson getting double teamed and Cesaro gets a near fall. Gallows hits a boot on Sheamus, knocking him outside. Enzo talks trash to Gallows, forcing Gallows to kick Enzo. Cass boots Gallows and causes the DQ. After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro argue with Enzo and Big Cass for costing them the match.
Winners: The Club, by DQ, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Seth Rollins update states that he tore his MCL and his status for Wrestlemania 33 is unknown.

- The New Day vs. The Shining Stars: The match closes out with Big E hot tagging and unloading. Woods takes out Primo to the floor. Big E and Woods hit a double team on Epico and score the pinfall.
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho says he and Kevin Owens are having minor problems. Owens interrupts, gets on the same page with Jericho and they share a bro hug.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Code Breaker and lays out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn gets a near fall on Jericho with the Blue Thunder Bomb. Jericho counters a DDT and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes for the submission break. Jericho distracts the referee, allowing Kevin Owens to hit a super kick on Zayn. Jericho hits the Code Breaker on Zayn, scores the pinfall and retains the title.
Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall, to retain the WWE United States Championship.

- Backstage, Charlotte brags to Sasha Banks about her success and mocks Sasha's knee injury. Charlotte says that apparently Roadblock: End of the Line meant the end of Sasha's career.

- Austin Aries Interviews WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville: Aries hypes up 205 Live tomorrow with the winner of a Five Way Elimination Match getting a title shot at WWE Fastlane. Neville says it doesn't matter who wins because none of them scare him and the winner will have to pay respects to the king. Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar both interrupt and head to the ring. Dar says he's taking Neville's title and brags about taking Alicia Fox away from Alexander. Jack Gallagher, Tony Nese and TJ Perkins all interrupt next and head to the ring. Perkins says he was the first ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion and knows what it takes to win it. Perkins decks Nese and a brawl breaks out which sets up a six man tag team match next.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar vs. Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Neville walking out on his team and Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Dar for the pinfall.
Winners: Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho tells Kevin Owens that they are having a Festival of Friendship party next week on RAW in Las Vegas. Owens seems not interested but agrees.

- Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe: The match closes out with Reigns planting Joe with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Reigns goes for the Superman Punch, but Joe rolls to the floor. Reigns catches Joe with the Drive By and tosses Joe back in the ring. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Joe, but Braun Strowman suddenly arrives at ringside. Reigns lands a punch and a Superman Punch on Strowman, keeping him out of the ring. Joe kicks Reigns in the head and hits a suplex to score the pinfall. After the match, Strowman plants Reigns with the running powerslam. Strowman takes Reigns to the floor, connects with a punch and then smacks Reigns in the face with the steel steps. Strowman picks up Reigns and gives him a running powerslam, crashing through the barricade. WWE Officials back off Strowman and check on Reigns to end the show.
Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall.

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 1/31/17: RAW Laredo Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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 Laredo, Texas, just one night removed from the WWE Royal Rumble. Stephanie McMahon announced that Seth Rollins would receive punishment for invading NXT Takeover: San Antonio on Saturday night, trying to go after Triple H. What was Rollins' punishment? WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho battled Sami Zayn in a one on one non title match. Tony Nese battled Mustafa Ali in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley battled The Club and Charlotte in a Six Person Tag Team Match. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against Braun Strowman. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman send out a challenge to Goldberg. Nia Jax battled Sasha Banks in a one on one Women's Division match. Enzo and Big Cass battled Rusev and Jinder Mahal in a Texas Tornado Tag Team Match. Triple H finally returns and sends a message to Seth Rollins.

** RAW **

- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho kick off RAW. Owens talks about retaining the title at Royal Rumble, proving Mick Foley wrong, beating Roman Reigns because he's the best and thanks Chris Jericho for his friendship and for all his help. Jericho brags about his Royal Rumble history, how he lasted 61 minutes last night and demands us all to tweet out on social media #61MinuteMan and #GreatestOfAllTime. Braun Strowman suddenly interrupts and heads to the ring. Strowman says he helped because he hates Reigns and he was promised a title shot from Owens. Owens tries to play it off like he never said that and never asked Strowman to interfere in the match. Strowman plays a video of Owens promising Strowman a title shot, but Owens still denies it and says it was photoshopped. Strowman threatens to break Owens in half as Mick Foley arrives. Foley announces that Owens promised Strowman the match so Strowman is getting it tonight. Owens is furious as Strowman stares down Owens.

- Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Walls of Jericho submission and hits a tornado DDT. Jericho counters the Helluva Kick and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes to break the submission and eventually takes out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are arguing when Bayley tells them to stop because they all have a six person tag match tonight. The Club and Charlotte appear and crack jokes, stating the champs will beat the chumps tonight.

- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon tells Kevin Owens that she had no clue about what Foley's plans were tonight. She tells Owens that after she's finished with Seth Rollins, she'll deal with Foley and get Owens' title match cancelled. Owens thanks Stephanie and walks off.

- Tony Nese vs. Mustafa Ali: The match closes out with Nese catching Ali on the top rope. Ali kicks Nese away then goes for the inverted 450. Nese takes Ali's legs out and Ali falls to the mat. Nese takes down his knee pad and hits the running knee on Ali for the pinfall. After the match, Austin Aries tries to interview Nese, but Nese says he doesn't have to answer questions for his critics.
Winner: Tony Nese, by pinfall.

- Stephanie McMahon and Seth Rollins Face To Face: Seth Rollins says he knows Triple H is backstage, but he wants to talk to Stephanie McMahon. Stephaine arrives and says Triple H isn't here. Rollins asks Stephanie when she's going to let Triple H off his leash. Stephanie says Triple H is afraid of what he'll do to Rollins, he's afraid Rollins will bring out his darkside again. Stephanie mentions how Rollins missed Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania 32 last year so he owes everyone an apology, accept for the fans because the fans don't deserve an apology. Rollins says he's sorry for exposing Triple H as a gutless snake. Rollins wonders who the guy in the suit is because it isn't Triple H and Triple H is scared of Rollins because Rollins is a threat to Triple H's legacy. Stephanie says Rollins disgusts her, he doesn't measure up to Triple H because Triple H is a creator, a destroyer and a king. Stephaine guarantees Rollins will be the architect of his own demise. Rollins says he has nothing to lose, if need be he'll show up at WWE HQ, interrupt a board meeting or just show up at their house just to get his hands on Triple H. Stephanie backs away and promises Triple H is coming tonight and is coming for Rollins.

- "Six Person Tag Team Match": Cesaro, Sheamus and Bayley vs. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Charlotte: The match closes out with Cesaro spinning Gallows in the Cesaro Swing. Charlotte comes in and brawls with Bayley. Cesaro leaps off the top rope and takes out Gallows and Anderson outside. Bayley catches Charlotte and plants her with Bayley To Belly to score the pinfall.
Winners: Sheamus, Cesaro and Bayley, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Stephanie McMahon demands to know why she wasn't told about Strowman vs. Owens for the WWE Universal Championship tonight. Foley says let him do his job that he was hired to do and demands answers on why Triple H's music played last week costing Seth Rollins his match. Stephanie says it was a production error. Foley says he's not stupid and Stephanie says Triple H will be here tonight.

- Neville Promo: Neville says he proved everyone wrong, the fans never supported him and he is the king of the cruiserweights. Rich Swann interrupts and informs Neville that Swann has a rematch tonight. Neville demands Swann to bow to the king and a brawl suddenly breaks out. Neville unloads kicks, but Swann comes back and takes advantage of Neville forcing Neville to retreat.

- Backstage, Sasha Banks is preparing for her rematch with Nia Jax. Bayley arrives and tries to warn Sasha about Nia, but Sasha refuses to listen.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho informs Kevin Owens that his title match is still on. Owens asks Jericho for help. Jericho says he wrestled 61 minutes at the Royal Rumble and Owens wasn't there for his match with Zayn earlier. Owens tries to pep talk Jericho and get him hyped up, but Jericho seems to be not buying it.

- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Braun Strowman: The match closes out with Owens hitting a leg drop and a senton. Owens hits a frog splash on Strowman for a near fall. Owens kicks Strowman in the face then goes to the top rope. Strowman grabs Owens and goes for the running power slam. Roman Reigns' music hits and Reigns shows up at ringside. Reigns and Strowman stare each other down until Reigns drills Strowman with a Superman Punch causing the DQ. After the match, Reigns clotheslines Strowman to the floor. Reigns hits a leaping punch off the steel steps, but Strowman is still standing. Reigns does a leaping spear off the steel steps and takes out Strowman. Reigns gets back in the ring and hits a spear on Owens.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by DQ.

- Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman Promo: Heyman admits that Goldberg has had Lesnar's number the past few months with the Survivor Series match and the easy elimination at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says all that must be eliminated and eradicated, so Brock Lesnar is challenging Goldberg to one more match at Wrestlemania 33. Lesnar points up to the WrestleMania sign and then walks off with Heyman.

- Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Sasha sending Nia to the floor. Sasha tries a baseball slide, but gets caught by Nia. Nia sends Sasha's injured knee into the ringpost twice, then tosses back into the ring. Nia goes for a leg submission, but the bell suddenly rings confusing everyone. Nia finally releases the submission and the referee checks on Sasha. Nia locks in another submission on Sasha forcing Bayley to finally hit the ring to make the save for Sasha.
Winner: Nia Jax, by stoppage.

- "Texas Tornado Tag Team Match": Enzo and Big Cass vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Rusev and Mahal double teaming Cass. Mahal runs the ropes, but gets grabbed and pulled outside by Enzo. Enzo sends Mahal into the steel steps and then uses a rope to choke Rusev. Cass hits the Big Boot on Rusev. Enzo and Cass hit the Rocket Launcher on Rusev and score the pinfall.
Winners: Enzo and Big Cass, by pinfall.

- Outside, a limousine pulls into the arena and Triple H gets out.

- It's announced that Goldberg will be on RAW next week to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge.

- Triple H Promo: Triple H says that Seth Rollins had everything, all he had to do was hold up his end of the bargain, but he failed. Triple H says the pressure got to Rollins, he caved, got injured, vacated the championship and it felt like a spit in the face to Triple H. Triple H calls Rollins a failure, took no responsibility for failing and Triple H feels that he's owed an apology. Triple H says all those times Rollins called him out, it was hard not to come out and beat Rollins' ass, but it was best for business not to. Triple H says he tries daily to enjoy his office job, tries to leave the wrestler behind and be a creator in the WWE.

Triple H says it's hard to be a creator when someone like Seth Rollins wants to interrupt things and cause problems. Triple H takes off his jacket, tells Rollins he's right here and it's time for Rollins' creator to become Rollins' destroyer. Seth Rollins appears, stares down Triple H and heads to the ring. Just before Rollins can get in the ring, Samoa Joe comes out of nowhere and attacks Rollins. Joe beats down Rollins and tosses him into the barricade twice. Triple H looks down on Rollins' body and leaves Joe to finish Rollins off. Joe lands a kick to the head of Rollins, hits three senton splashes and then chokes Rollins unconscious with the Coquina Clutch to end the show.