Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 7/26/17: Smackdown Live Richmond Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We're back with this week's Smackdown Live recap, just two days removed from this past Sunday's WWE Battleground pay per view. Jinder Mahal continues his reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Kevin Owens and The New Day are new champions and now we're just one month away from WWE SummerSlam. What surprises would Smackdown Live have for us this week, as they were live in Richmond, Virginia.

** Smackdown Live Card **

- Shinsuke Nakamura battled Baron Corbin in a rematch from WWE Battleground.
- Charlotte and Becky Lynch battled Tamina and Lana.
- Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn battled Mike Kanellis and Aiden English.
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against AJ Styles and Chris Jericho in a Triple Threat Match.

- New WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens gets a surprise visit.

- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal demanded his next opponent for WWE SummerSlam.

- The Usos send a message to the newly crowned WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The New Day.

** Smackdown Live **

- Kevin Owens Promo: Kevin Owens brags about his Battleground victory over AJ Styles and how good things come to good people. Owens announces the return of the United States Championship Open Challenge....but....not this week in front of the hick fans of Virginia. AJ Styles interrupts and demands his rematch for the title right here, right now. Owens shoots down that idea and then gets interrupted by.....CHRIS JERICHO! Jericho says he's back and wants his rematch for the title that he never got because he was stretchered out last time he was in a WWE ring. Styles says he's glad he's back, but Jericho needs to get in line behind Styles. Jericho accuses Styles of line jumping him and adds Styles to The List. Owens tries to walk out, but gets interrupted by Shane McMahon. Shane announces a Triple Threat Match for the title tonight between Styles, Jericho and Owens to end the segment.

- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Corbin getting a near fall Deep Six. Nakamura counters End of Days and trades shots with Corbin. Nakamura blocks a low blow from Corbin and connects with kicks. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Corbin and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Naomi talks about Nattie Neidhart disrespecting her. Nattie interrupts and mocks Naomi for what she's done to the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship since winning it. Nattie says Naomi is disrespectful and needs to appreciate the ones that paved the way for Naomi. Naomi says she has respect, earned the title and will make Nattie feel the glow at WWE SummerSlam. Carmella appears and reminds Naomi that she's watching her with her Money In The Bank briefcase.

- Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Tamina and Lana: The match closes out with Charlotte in control of Tamina. Tamina counters a slam and plants a super kick on Charlotte. Lana tags in as Charlotte kicks Tamina outside. Charlotte then hits a Big Boot on Lana for the pinfall.
Winners: Charlotte and Becky Lynch, by pinfall.

- After the match, Tamina yells at Lana for losing, but still let's Lana leave with her.

- Jinder Mahal Promo: Mahal brags about defeating Randy Orton at WWE Battleground and demands to know who his next opponent is for WWE SummerSlam. Mahal begins speaking in his home language to his fans in India when John Cena interrupts. Cena says he's here to congratulate Mahal after Mahal sarcastically guesses at what Cena is going to say to him. Cena sends his congratulations and sends a heads up to Mahal, because at WWE SummerSlam Mahal will meet Super Cena as Cena will become a 17 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Daniel Bryan interrupts and informs Cena that Cena doesn't make the matches he has to earn them just like everyone else. Bryan announces a #1 Contenders Match next week between John Cena and Shinsuke Nakamura to end the segment.

- Backstage, Kevin Owens tells Shane McMahon that it's not fair that he has to defend his title in a Triple Threat Match. Shane says he's not worried about Owens he's worried about putting on a great main event for the fans.

- Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn vs. Aiden English and Mike Kanellis: The match closes out with Dillinger hitting a ten count punch on Kanellis in the corner. Dillinger drops English and unloads more offense on Kanellis. Zayn tags in and scores with the Helluva Kick to score the pinfall.
Winners: Sami Zayn and Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

- The New Day head to the ring and suddenly get jumped from behind by The Usos. The Usos drag Kofi and Woods out to the stage, beat them down and toss them into the LED board. Big E tries to make a comeback, but gets drilled with double Uso Kicks. The Usos celebrate as The New Day is left laid out. 

- Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura says that next week John Cena won't see him and Jinder Mahal will see him at WWE SummerSlam.

- "WWE United States Championship, Triple Threat Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho: The match closes out with Owens hitting double corner cannonballs on Jericho and Styles. Jericho plants an enziguri on Styles and then Jericho eats an Owens super kick. Styles hits a Pele Kick on Owens and all three men are down. Jericho tosses Styles outside and then eats another Owens super kick. Owens hits the Pop Up Power Bomb on Jericho, but Jericho somehow kicks out at two and a half. Owens hits a frog splash on Jericho, but Styles grabs Owens and tosses him outside. Styles quickly covers Jericho and scores the pinfall to win the title.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to win the WWE United States Championship.

- After the match, Kevin Owens has a temper tantrum, tears apart the announcers table and tosses steel chairs. Owens grabs a microphone and demands a title shot against Styles next week. Styles accepts as the show closes out.

WWE Battleground Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE Money In The Bank Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Here comes the money....here comes the money! WWE Money In The Bank was live at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Two Money In The Bank Ladder Matches and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match headlined this year's event, that belonged to Smackdown Live. Who walked out Mr. and Ms. Money In The Bank? Who walked out the WWE World Heavyweight Champion? Read on and find out the results for yourself!

** Money In The Bank Card **

- The Hype Bros. battled The Colons.
- Breezango battled The Ascension 
- WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The Usos defended their titles against The New Day.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi defended her title against Lana.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal defended his title against St. Louis' own Randy Orton.
- Carmella, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, Nattie Neidhart and Tamina battled it out in the Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.
- AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura battled it out in the Men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

- Mike and Maria Kanellis make their WWE debut for Smackdown Live.

** Money In The Bank PreShow **

- Social Media Lounge Interview With The Usos: The Usos state that they really don't want to answer any fan questions but they were forced to. The Usos talk about wanting to face The Hardy Boys one day. 

- The Hype Bros. vs. The Colons: The match closes out with Epico working over Ryder's knee. Ryder lands a boot on Epico, but Epico drops Ryder and gets a near fall. Primo tags in, he and Epico double team Ryder and then Primo goes to work on Ryder's knee. Ryder hits a neck breaker and finally tags in Mojo. Mojo unloads on Primo and then hits the Hyper Drive for a near fall, as Epico breaks it up. Ryder is back in and attacks Epico. Ryder sends Epico into the corner and then hits the Broski Boot on him. Primo goes after Mojo, but misses and gets drilled into the mat by Mojo. Ryder tags in, hits the Rough Ryder and scores the pinfall.
Winners: The Hype Bros., by pinfall.

** Money In The Bank **

- "Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match": Carmella vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Nattie Neidhart vs. Tamina: The match closes out with Charlotte taking Tamina outside and tossing her into the steel steps. Nattie goes after Charlotte's leg, but Charlotte kicks away Nattie and then goes to the top rope. Charlotte leaps and takes out Nattie and Tamina outside on the floor. Carmella climbs the ladder, going for the briefcase, but Becky power bombs Carmella off the ladder. Becky climbs the ladder, but James Ellsworth hits the ring and tips Becky off the ladder and into the ropes. Ellsworth tries to wake up Carmella, but it's not working.

Ellsworth climbs the ladder himself, grabs the briefcase and tosses it to Carmella, giving Carmella the victory. Ellsworth celebrates as The referees argue over the decision. Ellsworth steps in and argues back with the referees about the decision. Ellsworth grabs a microphone and announces Carmella the winner. Carmella and Ellsworth escape with the briefcase as there's still a huge controversy over the ending to the match.
Winner: Carmella, to become Ms. Money In The Bank.

- Backstage, Lana says everyone was lucky that she wasn't in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match. Lana then says she'll prove all the doubters wrong tonight when she becomes the new WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day: The match closes out with Kofi eating an Uso Kick as Big E tags in. Jey goes for the Uso Splash on Kofi, but Big E catches him in mid air and hits the Big Ending for a near fall, as Jimmy breaks it up. Woods gets on the apron with his trombone, distracts Jimmy and allows Big E to nail a clothesline. Big E goes for a spear, but The Usos hit double knees on Big E. Big E comes back and sends both Usos over the top rope and to the floor. Kofi tags in, climbs the ropes and flies out to the floor taking out both Usos. Back in the ring, New Day hit Midnight Hour on Jey, but Jimmy grabs Jey and pulls him to the floor before the pinfall. The Usos grab their titles and leave, taking the count out loss.
Winners: The New Day, by countout, The Usos retain the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Backstage, Bob Orton and Sgt. Slaughter are here to watch the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match": Naomi (c) Lana: The match closes out with Lana landing knees to the back and then slams Naomi. Lana hits a suplex into the corner on Naomi and then another into the ropes. Lana attacks Naomi's knee and works it over. Naomi hits a Rear View on Lana and gets a near fall. Lana rolls to the floor and kicks Naomi in the face. Lana plants Naomi with a sitdown spinebuster and gets a near fall. Carmella and James Ellsworth suddenly arrive at ringside with the Money In The Bank briefcase and watch the match after faking a cash in. Lana unloads on Naomi and goes for her finisher again. Naomi counters out and traps Lana in a submission and gets the tap out win to retain her title. After the match, Carmella taunts Naomi and fakes another cash in until leaving with Ellsworth.
Winner: Naomi, by submission, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- Another edition of The Fashion Files shows Breezango being challenged by a mystery team.

- Mike and Maria Kanellis Promo: Formerly known as Mike Bennett from Impact Wrestling has arrived and is going by his wife's last name. Maria says that we are not seeing things, the first lady of the WWE is back after 7 years of searching for the perfect partner. Mike says she found him and now they're here to educate Smackdown Live on the power of love. Mike and Maria dance to end the segment.

- We get a shot of WWE Legends Greg Gagne, Larry Hennig, Baron Von Raschke, Sgt. Slaughter, Bob Orton and Ric Flair sitting in the crowd.

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton: The match closes out with Orton hitting the RKO on Mahal, but one of The Singh Brothers put Mahal's foot on the ropes. The referee tosses The Singh Brothers from ringside. The Singh Brothers stare down the WWE Legends as they leave and stop and talk trash as the Legends mock them. The Singh Brothers grab Orton's dad Bob Orton, but Randy makes the save. Orton tosses one into the ring post and the other into the timekeepers area. Orton tosses a Singh brother into the barricade and then the other into the announcers table.

Orton hits the RKO on one Singh Brother on the floor and an RKO on the other through the announcers table. Orton gets back in the ring and gets laid out with the Cobra Clutch Slam by Mahal. Mahal covers, scores the pinfall and retains his title.
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by pinfall, to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- Breezango vs. The Ascension: The match closes out with Breezango getting the quick win as Fandango gets the rollup pinfall.
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall.

- "Men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match": AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens: The match closes out with Nakamura hitting a boot on Ziggler and then hits a Kinshasa off the ropes on Ziggler. Nakamura hits another Kinshasa on Ziggler and then an exploder on Zayn. Nakamura hits a Kinshasa on Zayn and then grabs a ladder. Owens tries to stop Nakamura from grabbing the ladder, but Nakamura shoves the ladder into Owens and then hits a Kinshasa on Owens outside. Nakamura climbs the ladder where Styles meets him on the other side.

Nakamura and Styles shove the ladder aside and trade shots with each other. Nakamura locks in a submission and then hits an exploder on Styles. Styles counters the Kinshasa with a forearm to Nakamura. Styles climbs the ladder where Nakamura meets him and they trade shots at the top. Corbin runs in and shoves the ladder over sending Styles and Nakamura flying. Corbin climbs the ladder, grabs the briefcase and becomes Mr. Money In The Bank.
Winner: Baron Corbin, to become Mr. Money In The Bank.

WWE Backlash Recap #WWEBacklash

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

** WWE Backlash Card **

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

** WWE Backlash Pre-Show **

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

** WWE Backlash **

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

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

- Rusev sends a warning to Shane McMahon.

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

** Smackdown Live **

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/26/17: Smackdown Live Des Moines Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Remember the old WWE slogan...."Where Anything Can Happen"? Well that is exactly what's going on over on Smackdown Live. The current #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is Jinder Mahal.....let that sink in a minute.....Jinder Mahal! The same Jinder Mahal that was jobbing with Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre in 3MB a few years back. What would this week's Smackdown Live have in store for us live in Des Moines, Iowa.

** This Weeks Card **
- AJ Styles battled Baron Corbin. 
- American Alpha battled The Shining Stars in a Beat The Clock Challenge Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton battled Erick Rowan in a non title No DQ Match.
- Breezango battled The Ascension in a Beat The Clock Challenge Match to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Naomi defended her title against Charlotte.

- Promos By: Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and a video promo from Rusev.

** Smackdown Live **

- Shinsuke Nakamura Promo: Before Nakamura can talk Dolph Ziggler interrupts and heads to the ring. Ziggler says most of us don't know Japanese so he'll translate for us. Ziggler says that Nakamura looks up to Ziggler, thinks his dance moves are stupid and is feeling really intimidated right now being close to his idol, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler says Nakamura's real name is Michael and he grew up poor in Indiana. Ziggler continues the story making Nakamura out to be Michael Jackson. Nakamura grabs the microphone, asks Ziggler if he has a problem and then mocks Ziggler in Japanese. Ziggler lands a cheap shot on Nakamura and then goes for the super kick. Nakamura counters it and goes for the Kinshasa, but Ziggler escapes out of the ring.

- AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin: Kevin Owens is at the commentary table for this match. The match closes out with Corbin dropping Styles and then sending him into the corner. Styles plants a boot on a charging Corbin. Styles goes for a springboard, but Owens talks trash to Styles. Styles has to back off and land on his feet when he attempted the Phenomenal Forearm due to the distraction. Corbin goes for a power bomb, but Styles counters and scores a roll up pinfall. After the match, Owens helps Corbin double team Styles. Sami Zayn hits the ring and sends Corbin into the ring post. Zayn drops Owens and then hits the Helluva Kick on Corbin. Owens attacks Zayn from behind and then plants Styles with the Pop Up Power Bomb. Owens stands tall with his WWE United States Championship in hand.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Charlotte says she dominated RAW and needed a new place to dominate. Tonight she'll show Naomi that she's the greatest of all time when she takes her WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship.

- "Beat The Clock Challenge Match": American Alpha vs. The Colons: The match closes out with Primo planting Gable with a power slam and hits a leg drop for a near fall. Primo lands a cheap shot on Jordan and Primo and Epico go for a double team Back Stabber on Gable. Jordan makes the save and he and Gable hit Grand Amplitude on Primo to score the pinfall. The time to beat is 5:17.
Winners: American Alpha, by pinfall.

- Rusev Video Promo: Rusev says he hates that he was drafted to Smackdown Live and the only way he'll come work for Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan is if he gets a WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at WWE Money In The Bank in June.

- Backstage, Tamina Snuka, Nattie Neidhart, Carmella and James Ellsworth try to intimidate Becky Lynch to join their new stable.

- "No DQ Match": Randy Orton vs. Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Orton hitting the draping DDT on Rowan. Rowan counters the RKO, plants Orton then tosses him out of the ring. Rowan grabs the steel steps and smacks Orton in the side of the face with them. Rowan tosses Orton back into the ring and then grabs a steel chair. Rowan wedges the chair in the corner and sends Orton towards it. Orton counters, tosses Rowan head first into the chair and then hits the RKO to score the pinfall.
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall.

- Randy Orton Promo: Orton still has no clue what a House of Horrors Match is, but Bray Wyatt will be sent to his eternal hell by Orton at WWE Payback. Jinder Mahal interrupts and feels disrespected that Orton is thinking about Bray Wyatt and not Jinder Mahal being his next challenger. Mahal says he has more wealth, talent, class and culture and feels disrespected by Orton for looking different. Mahal says he will win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, take the title home to Punjabi and be given respect. Mahal tries to attack Orton, but Orton counters the attack and goes for the draping DDT. The Singh Brothers hit the ring and grab Orton. Mahal plants Orton with the Cobra Clutch Slam and leaves Orton laid out. Mahal and the Singh Brothers leave in possession of Orton's WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- Backstage, Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers drive away in an SUV, Mahal still has the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

- "Beat The Clock Challenge Match": The Ascension vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Fandango unloading on Viktor, but gets distracted by Konnor and then hit with a knee by Viktor for a near fall. Breezango regain control of the match after being double teamed and score the pinfall in 2:36 to win the Beat The Clock Challenge and become #1 Contenders.
Winners: Breezango, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contenders.

- Backstage, Naomi respects Charlotte, but hates her trash talking. Naomi says she'll prove why she's the champion and make Charlotte feel the glow.

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship Match": Naomi (c) vs. Charlotte: The match closes out with Naomi landing a kick on Charlotte for a near fall. Naomi hits the Rear View on Charlotte and gets another near fall. Charlotte catches Naomi in mid air and hits a sit down power bomb for a near fall. Charlotte attempts a moonsault off the top rope, but Naomi blocks it with her knees. Carmella, Tamina Snuka and Nattie Neidhart suddenly hit the ring and attack Charlotte, causing a DQ. After the match, Naomi and Charlotte both get beat down by the trio of girls and are left laid out to end the show.
Winner: Charlotte, by DQ.