Weekend 3 Count 1/29/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, 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.

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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!

Weekend 3 Count 1/15/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore 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 ***

- Chris Jericho Wins The WWE United States Championship: If you missed RAW last Monday night, head on back to my RAW Recap this week and check out how Chris Jericho became the new WWE United States Champion.

- Chris Jericho Making History For Himself: With Chris Jericho winning the WWE United States Championship last Monday, Jericho has now held every single title ever invented in the WWE. Since WWE owns all of the rights to WCW I guess you can include the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, WCW Cruiserweight Championship and WCW Television Championship to this list too? Maybe? WWE wise, Jericho has won the WWE Undisputed World Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship, WWE European Championship, WWE Hardcore Championship, WWE Undisputed World Tag Team Championship and the WWE World Tag Team Championship.

- The Undertaker Returns: This past Monday on RAW, The Undertaker returned to officially announce that he will be entering this year's Royal Rumble match and looking to main event Wrestlemania 33.

- Brock Lesnar On RAW Tomorrow: Last Monday, WWE officially announced that The Beast Brock Lesnar will be on RAW tomorrow night. Lesnar will more than likely be hyping his involvement in this year's Royal Rumble match.

- Brock Lesnar and Goldberg Face To Face: WWE recently announced that the RAW show in Cleveland one week before the WWE Royal Rumble will have both Lesnar and Goldberg on the show. WWE originally were going to save Lesnar and Goldberg from meeting each other again until the actual Royal Rumble match, but it looks like that idea has changed.

- Triple H Comments On NJPW's Kenny Omega: NJPW's Kenny Omega has been the major topic throughout the whole month of January so far. Omega's contract with NJPW is set to expire at the end of January and many rumors are pointing at Omega arriving in the WWE soon. Triple H was recently asked about how he felt about the Omega, who has solidified a name for himself over in Japan and if he'd want Omega in the WWE. Triple H stated the following:

"As far as Kenny Omega goes, I'm just interested in talent, period. If somebody is talented as a performer and they wanna come work for the WWE, if they wanna come to the largest platform in the world where they can truly show what they do off on a global basis, then WWE is the choice for them. If they wanna come work for us and they're very talented, then I'm interested in talking to them, and that's across the board. To me, anytime anybody questions me on a talent, am I interested in them? The fact that you're questioning me on them means that person is probably pretty talented, so, yes, I'm interested."

- WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Brackets Revealed: The WWE revealed the official 16 man tournament bracket this past Tuesday for the upcoming WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament. The winner of the tournament will be crowned the first ever WWE United Kingdom Champion.

- WWE United Kingdom Championship  Reveal: Triple H recently revealed the new WWE United Kingdom Championship, which the winner of the United Kingdom Championship Tournament will take as their prize.

- WWE Hire A New Announcer: One of our own sports announcers in Cleveland was just hired on as a WWE Announcer this past week. According to PWInsider, WWE hired announcer Vic Travagliante. Vic will reportedly use the name Vic Joseph. Vic has been the voice of House of Hardcore and has previously worked for the Cleveland Browns Network, CBS Cleveland and was heard on 92.3 The Fan on Cleveland radio.

- Hall Of Fame News: Last week it was officially announced that Diamond Dallas Page and Ravishing Rick Rude have been chosen for the 2017 Hall of Fame. According to Brian Alvarez from Wrestling Observer Radio, the following names are being talked about possibly going into the Hall of Fame this year: NXT GM William Regal, Christian, Mike Rotunda (I.R.S.) and The Natural Disasters.

-- 205 Live Recap --
Tonight's main event saw WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann battle Tony Nese in a one on one match. Jack Gallagher also held his Parley with Ariya Daivari to try to bury the hatchet.

-- Noam Dar vs. Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Dar countering the Lumbar Check and nails Alexander with a handspring kick for a near fall. Dar rolls up Alexander, grabs his trunks and gets another near fall. Alexander goes to the top rope, but Dar shoves him off into the ring post. Alexander regains himself and goes for a moonsault, but Alicia Fox pulls Dar out of the way. Dar hits a running kick and scores the pinfall. After the match, Alicia kisses then slaps Dar in the face.
Winner: Noam Dar, by pinfall.

-- Brian Kendrick vs. Sean Maluta: The match closes out with Maluta hitting a DDT, but misses Rolling Thunder on Kendrick. Maluta kicks Kendrick, hits two suplexes and then a core buster. Maluta goes to the top rope, but Kendrick counters a frog splash by getting his knees up. Kendrick applies the Captain's Hook submission and forces Maluta to tap out.
Winner: Brian Kendrick, by submission.

- Backstage, Cedric Alexander kicks Alicia Fox to the curb and Alicia snaps into Crazy Alicia.

- Jack Gallagher and Ariya Daivari's Parley: Gallagher and Daivari meet in the ring. Gallagher says this little scuffle between them needs to end. Daivari says he's not a gentleman, he's here to squash guys like Gallagher and Gallagher should be here to surrender. Gallagher challenges Daivari to an I Forfeit Match, which Daivari accepts. Gallagher and Daivari start brawling and are separated by officials.

- Rich Swann vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Nese countering a Tiger Bomb by Swann, unloads a fury of strikes and then a double stomp on Swann, for a near fall. Swann plants Nese with the Tiger Bomb on the next attempt and gets a near fall. Swann hits some chops and then finally the Swann Song to score the pinfall. After the match, Swann mocks Neville, calls 205 Live his show and says that he's still the champ. Neville arrives and he and Swann take verbal jabs at each other. Neville challenges Swann for the title at the WWE Royal Rumble and Swann accepts to end the show. 

*** NXT ***

- Talent Name Changes: WWE announced that they have changed the ring names of two of their up and coming NXT talents. Tommy End has  changed his name to Aleister Black and Big Damo has had his name changed to Killian Dain.

- Is It Time To Debut Samoa Joe On The Main Roster?: As of this writing Samoa Joe has no match signed for NXT Takeover: San Antonio, leaving many to believe that Joe may finally make his main roster debut in the WWE in the Royal Rumble Match. Right now in NXT, Joe just ended his fall/winter long feud with Shinsuke Nakamura and looks to have nothing left to prove in NXT, after becoming the first 2 Time NXT World Champion. Many fans are thinking that the debut is finally here and RAW and Smackdown Live will be fighting over Joe's services for their show.

- Shane Thorne Injured: WWE recently announced that Shane Thorne of TM61 will be out of action for several months as he will be getting surgery on his knee. Thorne suffered the injury in a tag match against The Revival which was taped at the beginning of January and will air on NXT TV on January 25th.

- First Look At Kassius Ohno and Kimber Lee: With Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero) returning to NXT and Kimber Lee currently training at the Performance Center for a future NXT debut, I figured I'd give you a first look at both superstars for those of you not firmiliar with the independent wrestlers.

Chris Hero vs. Kimber Lee at Beyond Wrestling:



*** TNA ***
-- TNA Impact Recap --
A double main event highlighted TNA Impact this week. The Broken Hardy's defended their TNA World Tag Team Championship against The Wolves. Bobby Lashley battled Ethan Carter in a Last Man Standing Match with the winner becoming the #1 Contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

-- Backstage, The Broken Hardy's promise to delete The Wolves tonight.

-- Ethan Carter Promo: EC3 says that all he ever wanted was a fair title match, but it seems that The Wolves are colluding against him. EC3 calls out The Wolves but Bobby Lashley arrives instead. Lashley says the difference between he and EC3 is Lashley will do anything to win the title. Lashley handed EC3 a steel chair to use on Eddie Edwards last week, but he refused, so it's EC3's problem that he lost. Lashley challenges EC3 to a Last Man Standing Match with the winner meeting Eddie Edwards for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. EC3 accepts, a brawl breaks out between the two and security separates both men.

-- "Last Man Standing, #1 Contenders Match": Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter: The match is made official and starts now. The match closes out with Lashley hitting a spine buster on EC3 then lays EC3 on a table. EC3 counters a spear, hits the One Percenter and then spears Lashley through the table. Lashley rolls to the floor where EC3 grabs a steel chair and unloads on Lashley with it. Lashley is laid out, but gets up at a 9 count. EC3 applies a sleeper hold on Lashley while on the apron. Lashley falls backwards with EC3 on his back and both men crash through two tables at ringside. Lashley just beats the 10 count to win the match and become the #1 Contender.

-- Backstage, Eli Drake and Tyrus disrupt the TNA staff.

-- Aron Rex and Rockstar Spud Promo: Aron Rex and Rockstar Spud appear with new gimmicks. Rex has on a long white fur coat and rings on his fingers and Spud is dressed like a chauffer. Rex says that people don't pay to see him wrestle, they just pay to see him. Robbie E interrupts Rex and Spud and make fun of their new gimmick together. Rex and Spud beat down Robbie E and leave him laid out.

-- Backstage, Maria Bennett yells at Allie because she's still hanging out with Braxton Sutter.

-- The Decay vs. The DCC: The match closes out with Abyss splashing Bram and Eddie Kingston in the corner. James Storm distracts Abyss as Crazy Steve suicide dives onto Bram and Kingston. Abyss and Storm start to brawl and then Storm hits Abyss with a bottle of water. The referee throws out the match. After the match, The Decay and The DCC brawl to the backstage area.
Winners: No Contest

-- Backstage, Davey Richards says he feels naked without a belt. Eddie Edwards says that'll change tonight when they beat The Broken Hardy's.

-- TNA announces that former TNA Knockouts Champion Brooke Tessmacher will return next week.

-- Mike Bennett vs. Braxton Sutter: The match closes out with Sutter hitting a spine buster and a flying neck breaker off the ropes for a near fall. Maria Bennett distracts Sutter, which Bennett uses to hit the Miracle In Progress. Maria demands Bennett to finish Sutter off. Bennett with a piledriver on Sutter and then he celebrates with a kiss on Maria. Allie hits the ring, distracts Bennett and Maria both and Sutter plants Bennett with a jack knife into a pinfall for the win. 

-- Backstage, Maria is furious and blames Allie for Mike Bennett's loss.

-- Rosemary Promo: Rosemary says every Knockout on the roster will decay. Jade interrupts and says that she's still here and she's not leaving until she gets a rematch for the TNA Knockouts Championship. Rosemary accepts, but it has to be in a Monsters Ball Match. Jade accepts as Rosemary tries to attack. Jade kicks Rosemary and goes for a piledriver, but Rosemary escapes.

-- "TNA World Tag Team Championship Match": The Broken Hardy's (c) vs. The Wolves: The match closes out with The Wolves in control on Matt. Matt hits a Side Effect on Richards and tags in Jeff. Jeff with a near fall leg drop, followed by Whisper in the Wind on both Wolves. Edwards shoves The Hardy's into each other and then The Wolves drop Jeff with a superkick/brainbuster combo. The Wolves have Jeff pinned, but Matt stops the pinfall. The Hardy's hit Extreme Combination on Richards, but Edwards stops the pinfall. The Wolves go for a german suplex/superkick combo, but Matt grabs Edwards' foot. Jeff sneaks behind Richards and scores the rollup pinfall to retain the titles. Impact closes up with possible tension continuing to grow between The Wolves. 

- Jeff Jarrett's Official Position In TNA: Last week the new TNA owners, Anthem Sports and Entertainment officially announced that former TNA owner Jeff Jarrett was being brought back into the company, playing a major part backstage. The TNA Hall of Famer is reported to be assuming the position of an executive consultant at TNA and also returning to Impact Wrestling TV tapings. Former TNA President, Dixie Carter has stepped down from her position and remains on as a shareholder.

*** RING OF HONOR ***
-- ROH TV Recap --
This week the Decade of Excellence Tournament continued, with two more matches taking place. In the main event, it was Chris Sabin of the Motor City Machine Guns battling Colt Cabana.

-- "Decade of Excellence Tournament Match": Jay Briscoe vs. BJ Whitmer: The match closes out with Whitmer executing an exploder suplex on Briscoe. Kevin Sullivan slides Whitmer the golden spike foreign object. Whitmer goes to hit Jay, but Mark Briscoe hits the ring, stops Whitmer and then leaps on top of Punishment Martinez at ringside. Jay dodges another Whitmer attempt with the golden spike, hits the Jay Driller on Whitmer and scores the pinfall to advance to the semifinals. After the match, Whitmer promises that their will be a sacrifice next week.

-- "The Last Real Man" Silas Young and The Beer City Bruiser vs. Alex Reynolds and Jon Silver: The match closes out with Silver and Reynolds double teaming Young. Young tosses Reynolds outside, as Bruiser attacks Silver from behind. Young and Bruiser double team Silver and then Bruiser hits a Yokozuna Splash on Silver from the middle ropes. Young with a jack knife pinfall for the win. After the match, Young announces that he and Bruiser want to make a run at the ROH Six Man Tag Team Championship and announces Bull James (NXT's Bull Dempsey) as their new third partner. Young and Bruiser then change their mind and beat down James when he gets inside the ring. Bruiser hits a top rope splash on James and James is left laid out by the duo.

-- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia) vs. Cheeseburger, Will Ferrara and Joey Daddiego: The match closes out with Cheeseburger hitting the Shotei on Tavern, but Cheeseburger gets raked in the eyes. The Kingdom all hit their finishers on Cheeseburger while he's blinded. O'Ryan hits an over the shoulder driver, followed by a swanton bomb by Marseglia, and then a frog splash by Taven for the pinfall.

-- The Young Bucks Promo: The Bucks brag about the huge contract they just signed with ROH and brag that they are the best tag team in ROH history. The lights suddenly go out and Broken Matt Hardy's drone Vanguard One appears. Vanguard One flies out to the ring and lowers by The Bucks. The Bucks double super kick Vanguard One out of the ring and do crotch chops as the fans chant "delete".

-- "Decade Of Excellence Tournament Match": Colt Cabana vs. Chris Sabin: The match closes out with Cabana hitting a leaping hip attack on Sabin and gets the near fall. Dalton Castle's Boys suddenly hit ringside and distract Cabana. Sabin small packages Cabana on the distraction and scores the pinfall to advance to the semifinals.

** Decade of Excellence Semi Finals Tournament Bracket **
- Chris Sabin vs. Christopher Daniels
- Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal/Jushin Thunder Liger Winner

*** Lucha Underground ***
-- Lucha Underground TV Recap --
This week was the mid season finale of Lucha Underground. The main event saw Dragon Azteca battle Matanza Cueto in a Death Match.

-- Inside Dario Cueto's office, Cueto is meeting with LA City Councilman Delgado. Both share a chat about being Gods. Dragon Azteca arrives and asks for a match with Matanza Cueto in a Death Match. Dario accepts and books it as the main event.

-- At the commentary table, Vampiro  sends a message to Mil Muertes that it won't be tonight, but Vampiro will get Muertes back for his attack last week. 

-- El Texano vs. Joey Ryan: The match closes out with Joey taking control, hits a pump handle bridge suplex and then hits the Sleaze Kick for a near fall. Ryan goes for Texano's bullrope in the corner, but Famous B stops Ryan. Beautiful Brenda meanwhile slides Texano a horseshoe, while Texano uses to hit Ryan with to score the pinfall. After the match, Texano shoves Famous B, but shows interest in Brenda.

-- Johnny Mundo Promo: Lucha Underground Champion Johnny Mundo is in the ring. Mundo says Lucha Underground is an upstart fight league, he's the only star in the promotion, he saved the company, insults the fans and the only believers are PJ Black and Jack Evans. Mundo next mocks The Mack and says it's an insult to have to share the ring with Mack. Mack suddenly hits the ring and attacks Mundo from behind. Evans and Black try to help, but get hit with Mack Stunners. Mundo screams for security and security hits the ring to hold back Mack. Mack unloads punches and Stunners on security as Mundo escapes. Mack says he's taking Mundo's title and beating his ass all night long.

-- Cage vs. Veneno: The match closes out with Veneno getting in some high flying offense. Cage finally takes out the new comer with the Delayed Reverse Driver and scores the pinfall. After the match, Cage puts his Gauntlet glove on, snaps and grabs the referee. Cage comes back down from his power high and leaves the ring.

-- Sexy Star Attacks Veneno: Sexy Star hits the ring and begins to beat down Veneno and accuses him of being her spider stalker over the past month due to Veneno wearing a spider mask. 

-- Backstage, Prince Puma is training and hears the voices of his old mentor Konnan in his head, driving Puma nuts. Catrina arrives and says it's never the same when you die, you can't stop the voices when you cross over to the spiritual realm and Catrina claims to hear voices too. Catrina says the future holds blood and pain from Mil Muertes for Puma. Puma puts a kendo stick to Catrina's neck, but releases her and goes back to training.

-- "Death Match": Dragon Azteca vs. Matanza Cueto: The match closes out with Matanza and Azteca brawling into the crowd and onto the stair case. Azteca with a hurricanrana on Matanza. Matanza fires back with head butts and forearms. Matanza grabs Azteca and choke slams him off the side of the stairs and through a wood surface behind the bleachers. Smoke rises where Azteca landed and the match is called off by the referee. Dario Cueto appears and celebrates Matanza's victory with his brother. 

-- Rey Mysterio Attacks: After the match, Rey Mysterio hits the ring, looks for Azteca's body and then goes after Matanza. Rey and Matanza start brawling in the crowd and Matanza tosses Rey up to the top of the stairs. Matanza gets Rey on his shoulders and tries to toss Rey into The Temple's steel structure. Rey goes for a hurricanrana, but Matanza counters and tosses Rey into a wall. Matanza and Rey brawl into a cage where Matanza charges at Rey. Rey counters and sends Matanza over the railing and through a wood structure down below. Dario Cueto starts ringing the bell and demanding everyone to get out of his Temple now. Cueto officially closes The Temple as Rey Mysterio stands tall.

-- Outside The Temple, Marty The Moth Martinez appears to be stalking ring announcer Melissa Santos. Someone places a bag over Marty's head and takes him hostage. Marty is next show tied up and his kidnapper reveals themselves as Marty's sister Mariposa. Mariposa says that Marty has her attention and maybe Marty has seen the light. Mariposa slaps Marty. Marty laughs and says "I did good" several times as the show closes.

- Lucha Underground Season 3 News: This past Wednesday was the mid season finale of Lucha Underground Season 3. Lucha Underground will return with the second half of Season 3 in the summer of 2017.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

- Kenny Omega's Status: Last week, Kenny Omega tweeted out that he was stepping away from NJPW for the time being. Rumors have already begun that Omega may be WWE bound. John Cena has been tweeting teaser tweets about Omega turning up in the WWE. Some think that Omega is just messing with everyone and that he will be back in NJPW sometime in 2017. Omega's current contract with NJPW expires on January 31st. Omega was asked about what he thought of John Cena tweeting out possible spoilers of Omega arriving in the WWE. Omega stated that he has nothing but huge respect for Cena and everything he's done in the business and thinks it's an honor that Cena would go out of his way to tweet rumors about wanting Omega in the WWE. I will keep you posted on where exactly The Cleaner turns up.

- New Japan Fighting Back Against The WWE: With the WWE currently trying to sign as much talent as they can in all the major promotions, NJPW has changed up their contract offers. NJPW is now offering their talent multi year contract deals to try to keep their talent on lock and keep them from jumping ship to the WWE.

*** Full Impact Pro ***

-- FIP Everything Burns Recap --
Full Impact Pro Wrestling returned to FloSlam, the current channel that offers EVOLVE, House of Hardcore and Shine, with new not kid friendly wrestling action. The huge wrestling fans like myself know that guys like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, MVP, Colt Cabana, Homicide and Tyler Black (Seth Rollins) all got their starts at one time in Full Impact Pro and went on to make names for themselves. This new era of FIP promises to bring you the new future talent much like the old FIP did.

-- "Get The Contract Fight For All Match": Teddy Stigma ended up retrieving the contract to pick up the victory. Stigma was granted a FIP World Championship Match later tonight against the champion Fred Yehi for the win.

-- “American Viking” Alexander Rudolph vs. Billy Barboza: The match closes out with Rudolph applying a choke hold on Barboza and then executing a german suplex to score the pinfall.

-- Dezmond Xavier and Sammy Guevara vs. OI4K (Dave Crist and Sami Callihan): The match never starts as Darby Allin comes out to the ring and asks if anyone knows who Uncle John is. Crist and Callihan say they know Uncle John, but Xavier and Guevara have no clue. Allin, Crist and Callihan proceed to beat down Xavier and Guevara.

-- "Triple Threat Match": AR Fox vs. Jason Cade vs. Jason Kincaid: The match never starts as Darby Allin, Dave Crist and Sami Callihan come to the ring and ask if anyone knows who Uncle John is. Fox says he does, but Cade and Kincaid have no clue. Fox, Allin, Crist and Callihan all join forces and beat down Cade and Kincaid.

-- Aria Blake vs. Priscilla Kelly: The match closes out with Blake executing a folding press on Kelly and scoring the pinfall.

-- Austin Theory vs. Anthony Henry: The match closes out with Theory executing a folding press on Henry and uses the ropes for leverage to score the pinfall.

-- "FIP Florida Heritage Championship Match": Martin Stone (c) vs. Jon Davis: The match closes out with Stone grabbing a steel chain, wraps it around his hand and knocks out Davis with a steel chain punch to retain the title.

-- "FIP World Tag Team Championship Match": The Hooligans (Devin and Mason Cutter)(c) vs. Drennen and Parrow: The match closes out with The Hooligans hitting a double team spike piledriver to score the pinfall to retain the titles.

-- "FIP World Heavyweight Championship Match": Fred Yehi (c) vs. Teddy Stigma: The match closes out with Yehi grabbing barbed wire and locking in a Koji Clutch submission on Stigma with the barbed wire wrapped around Stigma. Stigma taps out and Yehi retains the title.

-- Uncle John’s Friends (AR Fox, Darby Allin, Dave Crist and Sami Callihan) vs. Dezmond Xavier, Jason Cade, Jason Kincaid and Sammy Guevara: The match closes out with Fox hitting the Fox Catcher on Xavier to score the pinfall to end the show.

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

Weekend 3 Count 1/8/17

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday at @TripleThreatCLE. 

** Editors Note **
First off, with this being the first official edition of Weekend 3 Count for 2017, I just want to say Happy New Year to all of you crazy wrestling fans! I'm honored to continue to be able to bring you major news and recaps throughout the wrestling world weekly with Triple Threat CLE. I'm looking forward to yet another great year of wrestling throughout the entire industry. I try my best to be a little unique as I bring you recaps of independent shows like HOH, EVOLVE, Shimmer, GFW and anything that might be local that I attend in the Carolinas. This business might seem like it revolves around the WWE, but there is just so much great wrestling out there that you just can't find in the WWE. So with that, I hope you all continue to check out my weekly news and recap reports, as I promise to continue to deliver!

Thank you for reading!
Brandon

*** WWE *** 

- Smackdown Live Defeats RAW In Ratings: What a huge moment for Smackdown Live, as the final ratings total for the last shows of 2016 came in and showed that Smackdown Live defeated RAW in the ratings. Smackdown Live had a 2.885 in viewership and a 2.02 in ratings. RAW brought in a 2.855 in viewership and a 1.94 in ratings.

- New Champion Crowned: Dean Ambrose became a 2 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion this past Tuesday on Smackdown Live after defeating The Miz.

- Undertaker and HBK Return To RAW: WWE announced that The Undertaker and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will be on tomorrow nights edition of RAW, making a "special appearance". Dave Meltzer stated on F4Wonline.com that both appearances might be built up to something for the WWE Royal Rumble on January 29th. Rumors are that The Undertaker might take part in the Royal Rumble match, though not confirmed. The Royal Rumble will take place in San Antonio, Texas, the hometown of Shawn Micheals, which have many speculating that Michaels might also be apart of the Royal Rumble event in some way. 

- Brock Lesnar Returning: WWE is currently advertising the return of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman for the January 16th RAW in Little Rock, Arkansas. WWE has stated that Brock Lesnar and Goldberg will probably not have another face to face until the actual WWE Royal Rumble.

- Update On Goldberg's Contract: Sources have said that Goldberg's current WWE contract has him appearing at the WWE Royal Rumble, WWE Fastlane and Wrestlemania 33. Goldberg will also be making a good amount of RAW appearances during that four month window.

- Wrestlemania 34 Location Announced: WWE has stated, but not officially announced as of yet that Wrestlemania 34 will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The last time Wrestlemania was in New Orleans was Wrestlemania 30. That was the night when Brock Lesnar defeated The Undertaker to end "The Streak" and Daniel Bryan defeated Triple H and then Randy Orton and Batista to win the WWE Undisputed Championship.

- Who Should Turn Heel in 2017?: This past week, Forbes posted an article on the top 5 wrestlers that need to turn heel in 2017 to jump start their current gimmicks. Here is that top 5 list:

#5: Randy Orton: Right now Orton is kinda playing the Tweener gimmick with The Wyatt Family. He's still liked because we all know he's eventually going to turn on The Wyatts. Orton loves playing the heel though and it brings out the best in his gimmick.

#4: Big E: Face it, we all know the WWE doesn't keep factions or tag teams together forever. Someone always becomes the Shawn Micheals and the other becomes the Marty Jannetty. The New Day have been going for almost 3 years and there are already rumors of Big E turning heel and getting a push.

#3: Sasha Banks: Banks seemed to always be on top of her game in NXT as the heel. Right now with Banks out of the Women's Championship title picture, it may be time to turn heel and run RAW like a "BOSS".

#2: Dolph Ziggler: Many feel that Ziggler is a great face that the fans can get behind, but Ziggler was always better as the cocky showoff that did what he wanted, whenever he wanted. (Editor's Note: If you saw Smackdown Live this past Tuesday, WWE appeared to have brought back Heel Ziggler)

#1: Dean Ambrose: Ambrose has been a face in the company since the night The Shield broke up. Many feel that his 2 year run as a face is getting stale and it's time to turn heel and revive his gimmick as the loose cannon lunatic.

- 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Inductees  Announced: This past week WWE announced that Diamond Dallas Page has been selected as the first inductee for the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame. WWE also announced that Page isn't the main headliner this year, that name has yet to be announced. Page is a former WCW World Heavyweight Champion and has helped many wrestlers clean up their lives with his DDP Yoga and healthy eating program. Rumors are also saying that "Ravishing" Rick Rude will be inducted this year too.

- Mandrews Signs With WWE: WWE announced this week that Mark Andrews (TNA's Mandrews) has signed with the WWE to compete in the up coming WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament.

- New Women Signees: WWE recently posted an article highlighting four of the newest recruits in the WWE Women's Division. Kimber Lee, Heidi Lovelace and Andrea have all competed in EVOLVE, Shine and Chikara Wrestling. Julia Ho is a model, a singer and has also fought in MMA, posting a 2-0 record. All 4 ladies will be reporting to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. 

** 205 Live Recap **
This week's main event saw Neville battle TJ Perkins in one on one action. This week, Tajiri also made his return to the WWE.

-- Tajiri vs. Sean Maluta: The match closes out with Tajiri trapping Maluta in the Tarantula and then unloads a series of Buzzsaw Kicks. Tajiri hits the springboard back elbow, unloads one more stiff kick on Maluta and scores the pinfall. After the match, Brian Kendrick welcomes Tajiri back to the WWE. Tajiri isn't falling for any of Kendrick's tricks and immediately spits green mist in Kendrick's face.

-- Backstage, Neville says he's being discriminated against and would be the only WWE Cruiserweight Champion right now if he would've been allowed to compete in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament.

-- Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Gallagher in control with a corner attack on Nese. Gallagher sends Nese to the floor and then Ariya Daivari comes out of nowhere and chop blocks Gallagher from behind, DQ'ing Nese. After the match, Daivari beats Gallagher down until officials pull Daivari off.

-- Backstage, Cedric Alexander and Alicia Fox blame themselves for Alexander's current losing streak.

-- Noam Dar vs. Mustafa Ali: The match closes out with Dar countering a Ali springboard and locks Ali in an arm bar submission. Ali escapes, plants a kick on Dar and then goes to the top rope. Ali hits the Inverted 450 Splash and scores the pinfall. After the match, Dar says he lost, but with lady luck, Alicia Fox, by his side, 2017 will be a great year.

-- Neville vs. TJ Perkins: The match closes out with Perkins connecting with a punch on Neville and then goes to the top rope. Neville follows and goes for a superplex on Perkins. Neville kicks Perkins in the head and lands the superplex on the second try. Neville covers and scores the pinfall on Perkins. After the match, Neville celebrates to end the show.

*** NXT ***

- Asuka Setting Records: This past weekend, NXT Women's Champion Asuka became the longest reigning NXT Women's Champion. Asuka won the title at NXT Takeover: Dallas on April 1st and has yet to be defeated. Asuka is currently approaching 280 days as champion.

- Oh No, It's Kassius Ohno: Independent wrestler, Chris Hero, made his return to NXT this week using his Kassius Ohno character. Ohno came out in a suit and made his presence felt on NXT World Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.

*** TNA Impact Wrestling ***

** TNA Impact Recap **
TNA kicked off the new year with a live edition of TNA Impact. The main event saw Eddie Edwards defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley and Ethan Carter in a Triple Threat Match.

-- Eddie Edwards Promo: Edwards is humble and honored to kick off 2017 as TNA World Heavyweight Champion and he has a surprise for the Wolves Nation fans. Bobby Lashley suddenly interrupts and says that he deserves a rematch and demands it. Ethan Carter suddenly interrupts next and mocks both Edwards for being a goofy babyface and Lashley for being the angry heel. EC3 demands a rematch, as Lashley begins to run down EC3. Edwards cuts them both off and proposes a Triple Threat Match so they both get their rematch. Edwards also promises us a surprise as the segment ends. 

-- "TNA Grand Championship Match": Moose (c) vs. Mike Bennett: The match goes all three rounds and concludes with the judges ruling Moose with the split decision win to retain the title. Moose took round one and three 10-9 and Bennett took round two 10-9.

-- Backstage, Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero confront Swoggle, thank him for coming to Total Nonstop Deletion and ask if he was sent to TNA by his dastardly father "Meek Mahon". Swoggle says "Meek Mahon" isn't really his dad, which excites Matt.

-- Rockstar Spud Promo: Spud says 2017 will be better for him and then calls out Swoggle for turning on him at Total Nonstop Deletion. Swoggle arrives and we get a match. 

-- Rockstar Spud vs. Swoggle: The match closes out with Spud shoving down Swoggle. Swoggle gets up, spears Spud, hits a german suplex and then the Celtic Cross to score the pinfall. After the match, Spud throws a temper tantrum and says TNA sucks because Spud lost to an infant at Total Nonstop Deletion and someone who looks like an infant tonight. Spud throws out an "I Quit" before leaving. 

-- Backstage, Mike Bennett is furious over the split decision earlier in the TNA Grand Championship Match. Bennett challenges Moose to an anything goes match at One Night Only and Moose accepts.  

-- Fact Of Life with Eli Drake: Drake says his feud with Ethan Carter is far from over and then introduces The Broken Hardy's as his guests. Drake insults the Hardy's Total Nonstop Deletion show and is mad that he was never invited. Matt says maybe Drake was just afraid to show up just like "Meek Mahon's" "Day Of The New". Matt says Drake talks trash, but doesn't back it up just like "The Bucks of Youth". Brother Nero says the invite was eternal so Drake is a dummy for not showing up. Drake threatens to put Brother Nero in a Hardy Hospital, makes fun of their drones, fireworks and dumb magic and states that he is the one deity that they need to worry about. Drake hits his dummy button and Matt gets insulted because his 2,009 year old magic was questioned by Drake and calls this blasphemy. Drake says he hasn't understood a single thing the Hardy's have said and challenges The Hardy's to a TNA World Tag Team Championship Match at One Night Only. Drake says he'll find a partner as The Hardy's accept and promise to delete Drake.

-- Backstage, Eddie Edwards says he wants to prove he's a great champion tonight. Bobby Lashley interrupts, demands he hand over the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and avoid a beating. Edwards and Lashley go nose to nose to end the segment.

-- The Helms Dynasty (Trevor Lee and Andrew Everett) vs. The Decay (Abyss and Crazzy Steve): The match closes out with Abyss taking out Lee and Everett with a double clothesline, after they block a double chokeslam. Shane Helms gets in the ring and attempts a choke slam on Abyss. Rosemary gets in the ring and spits green mist at Helms. Abyss catches Everett springboarding and choke slams him to hell for the pinfall. After the match, The DCC countdown clock counts down as the lights go out. The lights pop back on and James Storm, Bram and Eddie Kingston are standing behind The Decay. The DCC bust beer bottles over The Decay's heads, laying them out.

-- Backstage, Maria Bennett mocks Allie for thinking she's a wrestler now just because she beat Laurel Van Ness. Maria says she has a surprise for Allie. 

-- Maria Bennett Promo: Maria takes credit for herself and Mike Bennett being the reason TNA has been saved. Maria calls out Allie for some unfinished business. Maria blames Allie for all of Maria's problems and dares her to face Sienna. Allie accepts the challenge.

-- Sienna vs. Allie: The match closes out with Laurel Van Ness distracting Allie by flirting with Braxton Sutter. Sienna takes advantage, slaps and then spits on Allie. Allie slaps back and hits two clotheslines on Sienna. Allie with a crossbody on Sienna as Laurel hugs all over Sutter, distracting Allie again. Sienna hits The Silencer on Allie and scores the pinfall.

-- "TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Triple Threat Match": Eddie Edwards (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter: The match closes out with Lashley spearing both EC3 and Edwards into the corner. EC3 falls outside and Edwards gets tossed outside by Lashley. Lashley hits a spear on EC3 outside as Edwards gets in the ring. Edwards hits a suicide dive on Lashley and then takes Lashley back into the ring. Lashley hits a spear on Edwards, but Edwards falls to the outside. Lashley grabs the TNA World Title and shoves the referee down. Edwards' partner Davey Richards returns as Edwards' surprise and grabs the title away from Lashley. Lashley gets distracted by Richards and ends up eating the Boston Knee Party from Edwards. Edwards scores the pinfall and retains the title. The Wolves celebrate together to end the show. 

** TNA One Night Only Recap **
TNA kicked off the new year with a One Night Only pay per view. In the main event Eddie Edwards defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Ethan Carter.

-- Bobby Lashley vs. Davey Richards: The match closes out with Richards locking in an ankle lock submission. Lashley escapes, goes for the spear, but his leg buckles. Richards locks in the ankle lock submission again, but Lashley counters it into an arm bar submission and makes Richards tap out. 

-- "TNA X-Division Championship, Fatal Four Way Elimination Match": DJ Z (c) vs. Braxton Sutter vs. Trevor Lee vs. Andrew Everett:

** First Elimination: DJ Z goes for the ZDT on Lee, but it gets countered. DJ Z grabs Everett and rolls him up for the pinfall and elimination.

** Second Elimination: Lee sends DJ Z outside and unloads on Sutter. DJ Z eventually gets back in and goes for the ZDT on Sutter. Sutter counters, but gets crushed with a knee by Lee. Lee rolls up Sutter and scores the pinfall for the elimination.

** Final Elimination: Lee takes control and looks to be on his way to winning the title, but DJ Z hits a ZDT and scores the pinfall to retain the title. 

-- Backstage, Davey Richards is frustrated with his loss earlier. Eddie Edwards tries to calm Richards down.

-- Bram vs. Robbie E: The match closes out with Bram delivering a low blow on Robbie behind the referee's back. Bram hits the Brighter Side of Suffering on Robbie and scores the pinfall.

-- Backstage, Mike Bennett says the only reason Moose retained the TNA Grand Championship on Impact was because of crooked judges.

-- "No Holds Barred Match": Moose vs. Mike Bennett: The match closes out with Moose setting up a table in the ring. Moose goes to the top rope and leaps off, but Bennett hits a Cutter on Moose right through the table. Moose comes back and goes for the pinfall, but Maria breaks it up. Bennett goes for a spear, but Moose moves and Bennett accidentally spears Maria. Moose hits the Game Changer on Bennett and scores the pinfall.

-- Backstage, Eli Drake reveals his mystery partner tonight to be "The Fixer" Tyrus.

-- Mahabali Shera vs. Marshe Rocket: The match closes out with Shera hitting the Sky High on Rocket and scoring the pinfall.

-- Gail Kim Promo: Gail says she's still not medically cleared to wrestle, but she will be back to win back the TNA Knockouts Championship. Current champion Rosemary interrupts Gail and goes nose to nose with Gail. TNA officials quickly separate the two.

-- "TNA Knockouts Championship Match": Rosemary (c) vs. Sienna: The match closes out with Sienna hitting The Silencer, but Rosemary falls outside. Sienna shoves the referee out of the way and gets a face full of mist from Rosemary. Rosemary hits the Red Wedding and scores the pinfall to retain the title. 

-- James Storm vs. Jesse Godderz: The match closes out with Godderz locking in the Boston Crab submission but Bram and Eddie Kingston distract Godderz. Storm hits The Last Call and scores the pinfall. After the match, the lights go out and pop back on to reveal The Decay. Abyss and Crazzy Steve spit mist at Storm and Bram and then beat down Kingston.

-- "TNA World Tag Team Championship Match": The Broken Hardy's (c) vs. Eli Drake and Tyrus: The match closes out with Drake going for a Twist of Fate, but Matt shoved Drake into Tyrus. Matt and Jeff both hit Twists of Fate on Drake. Jeff hits the Swanton Bomb and scores the pinfall to retain the titles.

-- "TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match": Eddie Edwards (c) vs. Ethan Carter: The match closes out with the referee getting knocked out and EC3 hitting a hanging One Percenter on Edwards. Bobby Lashley hits the ring and hands EC3 a steel chair to use. EC3 throws the chair down and gives Lashley the bird. Lashley hits a spear on EC3 then grabs the steel chair. Davey Richards hits the ring, grabs the chair away from Lashley, but accidentally cracks EC3 with it in the process. Edwards hits the Boston Knee Party on EC3, scores the pinfall and retains the title to end the show.

- Anthem Sports and Entertainment Officially Take Over TNA: Anthem Sports and Entertainment officially announced this week that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TNA, forming Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions LLC. Anthem also announced that former TNA President Dixie Carter will remain on as a minority equity stakeholder.

- Jeff Jarrett Officially Returning To TNA: According to PWInsider, Anthem Media has come to terms for Jeff Jarrett to return to TNA. Jarrett will be at this week’s TV tapings, as will his wife Karen Jarrett. It's also being noted that Jarrett will be helping behind the scenes in terms of creative.

- TNA Still Interested In Alberto Del Rio: Sources have said that TNA officials have continued to have talks with former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron (Alberto Del Rio) but as of earlier this week, no deal between the two had been signed. The talks between Del Rio and the company go back several months following his release from WWE on September 9th.

*** Ring of Honor Wrestling ***

** ROH TV Recap **
This week's show was a best of 2016 show, no new recap this week.

- Ring Of Honor Wrestler Contract Statuses: This past week PWInsider posted the following list of Ring of Honor wrestlers that as of my writing have either resigned or have yet to resign with ROH to new contracts. Here is that list of ROH top talent contract statuses:

-- Jay Lethal has resigned with ROH after turning down offers from WWE for their NXT promotion.
-- Bobby Fish has resigned with ROH after hinting of possibly going to the WWE.
-- War Machine and BJ Whitmer have not signed new contracts with ROH as of yet and may be shopping around to other promotions.
-- ROH commentator Steve Corino has accepted a contract with the WWE as a Performance Center Coach. 
-- ROH Matchmaker Nigel McGuinness has accepted a contract with the WWE as a Performance Center Coach.
-- Kyle O'Reilly has yet to resign with ROH. Rumors are stating that if O'Reilly doesn't resign with ROH he will most likely lose the ROH World Championship to Adam Cole at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11.(Editor's Note: This in fact happened at WK11 as O'Reilly still has not resigned with ROH)
-- Current ROH World Champion Adam Cole's ROH contract will expire in April of 2017.
-- The Briscoe Brothers' contracts with ROH expire in June of 2017.
-- Scarlett Bordeaux appeared on RAW last Monday, getting squashed by Nia Jax, but it's unknown if Scarlett accepted a WWE contract as of yet.

*** Lucha Underground ***

** Lucha Underground TV Recap **
This week's main event saw Lucha Underground Champion Johnny Mundo face The Mack with the winner given the opportunity to pick the stipulation for their up coming title match.

-- Somewhere backstage, Mil Muertes can't believe Prince Puma has returned. Catrina blames Vampiro for resurrecting Puma. Catrina suggests taking out Vampiro first then go after Puma.

-- Backstage Jeremiah Crane brags to Catrina that he beat her boyfriend, the man she loves, Mil Muertes last week. Catrina says Muertes isn't the only one she loves.

-- Sexy Star vs. Mariposa: The match closes out with Mariposa applying a modified indian death lock submission, but Sexy Star gets to the ropes to break the hold. Mariposa misses a top rope moonsault and Sexy hits a drop kick. Both ladies fight onto the top rope where Sexy drops Mariposa on the mat, hits a double foot stomp off the ropes and scores the pinfall. After the match, Mariposa's brother Marty The Moth checks on Mariposa. Marty ends up turning on his sister and chokeslams her.

-- Backstage, Mascarita Sagrada is lifting weights when he's approached by The Rabbit Tribe. The Rabbit Tribe bow before Mascarita and claim that he's their white rabbit. Mascarita refuses, but Paul London says that he is their guru, their god and the leader of their tribe. Mascarita calls London "loco" and walks away.

-- "Six Person Tag Team Match": The Rabbit Tribe (Paul London, Mala Suerte and Saltador) vs. Kobra Moon, Pindar and Vibora w/Drago: The match closes out with The Rabbits taking advantage and triple teaming their opponents. Vibora drops London with a jumping tombstone piledriver. Kobra Moon orders Drago to get in the ring and finish off Saltador. Drago obeys, drops Saltador with a running neck breaker and scores the pinfall. After the match, Aerostar and Fenix hit the ring and attack Vibora and Pindar. Kobra Moon orders Drago to attack his former best friends. Aerostar and Fenix try to talk down Drago, but Drago pushes them away. Kobra demands Drago to attack, but Aerostar and Fenix are able to hold Drago back from doing so.  

-- Backstage, The Mack congratulates Sexy Star on her win tonight. Sexy offers to be in The Mack's corner tonight, but Mack politely turns Sexy down.

-- Backstage, Dario Cueto confronts The Mack, tries to talk him up and then says that his match tonight won't be for the Lucha Underground Championship, instead it's just a warm up match. Mack says he doesn't need a warm up match. Cueto says he'll still get his title match, but tonight the winner will get to choose the stipulation for that match.

-- "Winner Picks The Stipulation For The Lucha Underground Championship Match": Johnny Mundo vs. The Mack: The match closes out with Mack hitting a Code Breaker while Mundo tittered in between the ropes and gets a near fall. Mack goes for the Stunner, but gets shoved into the referee. Mack plants Mundo with a sit down power bomb, but there's no referee to count. The referee comes too and counts, but Mundo kicks out at two and a half. PJ Black and Jack Evans distract Mack, allowing Mundo to land a low blow and roll up Mack for the pinfall. After the match, Mundo, Black and Evans beat down Mack as Mundo grabs a microphone and verbally assaults Mack. Mundo announces their title match will be an All Night Long Match and then proceeds to Curb Stomp Mack.

-- Mil Muertes Confronts Vampiro: Johnny Mundo and his faction run for cover as Mil Muertes and Catrina hit the ring and go after Vampiro. Muertes knocks down and then pounds on Vampiro at the commentary table. Muertes drags Vampiro into the ring as Prince Puma hits the ring to help his new master. Vampiro orders Puma to stand down, not interfere and then accepts a Flatliner by Muertes to end the show.

*** New Japan Pro Wrestling ***

** Wrestle Kingdom 11 Recap **
The Wrestlemania of New Japan Pro Wrestling has arrived again this year. Wrestle Kingdom 11 took place live at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. This year's main event saw Kazuchika Okada defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against G1 Tournament Winner and Bullet Club leader Kenny Omega.

-- New Japan Rumble: The Final Four come down to Michael Elgin, Cheeseburger, Scott Norton and Tenzan. Elgin ends up tossing Norton to the floor for the elimination. Cheeseburger and Tenzan double team Elgin, but Elgin fires back and tosses Tenzan out of the ring for the elimination. Cheeseburger unloads a series of strikes on Elgin, but then eats a punch. Cheeseburger hits a super kick, but Elgin hits the Buckle Bomb on Cheeseburger and then scores the pinfall with the Elgin Bomb.

-- Tiger Mask W vs. Tiger the Dark: The match closes out with Tiger Dark countering a Tombstone and plants Tiger W with his own piledriver for a near fall. Tiger W lands a german suplex and a tiger suplex on Tiger Dark for a near fall. Tiger W hits a Golden Star Powerbomb on Tiger Dark and scores the pinfall.

-- "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": The Young Bucks (c) vs. Roppongi Vice: The match closes out with Romero hitting a hurracanrana on Nick and Matt Jackson, but The Bucks hit a double super kick and a PJ Kick by Nick for a near fall. The Bucks nail a Buckle Bomb and a kick to the head on Romero. Nick with the 450 Splash on Romero for another near fall. The Bucks begin the super kick party on Romero, laying Romero out, but Romero somehow still kicks out at two and a half. The Bucks go to put Romero away with More Bang For Your Buck, but Beretta distracts Nick. Romero sneaks up on Nick and scores the rollup pinfall to win the titles for Roppongi Vice.

-- "NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship, Gauntlet Match": David Finlay, Ricochet and Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. The Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Hangman Adam Page and Yujiro Takahashi) vs. Chaos (Jado, Will Ospreay and Yoshi-Hashi) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Bushi, Evil and Sanada):

** First Elimination: The Bullet Club eliminate Chaos by pinfall to advance in the Gauntlet after Takahashi hits his finisher on Jado.

** Second Elimination: Sanada shoves Takahashi into the referee, knocking him out. Sanada grabs a steel chair, puts it around Takahashi's neck and then swings a second steel chair, crushing Takahashi's neck. Sanada locks in the Skull End submission and makes Takahashi tap out.

** Final Elimination: Ricochet and Finlay double team EVIL. EVIL hits a top rope Super Code Breaker on Ricochet. Kojima hits a cutter on EVIL and gets a near fall. Kojima plants EVIL with a brainbuster, but then gets sprayed in the face with mist by Bushi, as the referee is distracted. EVIL hits a sit down power bomb and then his Evil finisher on Kojima to score the pinfall and win the titles.

-- Cody Rhodes vs. Juice Robinson: The match closes out with Cody dropping Juice with a DDT after hanging him from the ropes and getting a near fall. Juice hits a lariat on Cody then goes for a power bomb. Juice's knee gives out and Cody counters it into Cross Rhodes to score the pinfall.

-- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Kyle O'Reilly (c) vs. Adam Cole: The match closes out with O'Reilly locking in a rear naked choke and then hits a german suplex on Cole. Cole hits a shining wizard on O'Reilly and then the Last Shot for a near fall. O'Reilly counters a Cole super kick and traps Cole in an ankle lock submission. Cole escapes by kicking O'Reilly in his injured shoulder. Cole plants four straight superkicks on O'Reilly, then the Last Shot to score the pinfall and win back the ROH World Championship.

-- "IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Match": Guerrillas of Destiny (Tanga and Roa)(c) vs. Chaos (Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) vs. G.B.H. (Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma): The match closes out with Makabe hitting a double clothesline on Roa and Tanga. Honma hits a flying headbutt off the top rope and makes the cover, but Ishii stops the pinfall. Ishii catches a headbutt and then Honma gets dropped with a Gun Stun. GOD goes for the Guerrilla Warfare, but Honma fights out of it and Yano blind tags. Ishii unloads on Roa and Tanga and Yano lands a double low blow on GOD. Ishii hits a double clothesline and Yano scores a rollup pinfall to win the tag team titles.

-- "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match": Kushida (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi: The match closes out with Kushida getting a near fall victory roll. Kushida and Takahashi unload punches on each other until both go down. Takahashi lands a belly to belly suplex and then places Kushida on the top rope. Takahashi hits a Victory Roll Bomb off the top rope for a near fall. Takahashi hits the Time Bomb on Kushida, scores the pinfall and wins the title.

-- "NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Hirooki Goto: The match closes out with Shibata locking in a rear naked choke submission on Goto. Goto escapes by reaching the ropes and Shibata shoves the referee down. Goto and Shibata trade head butts on each other until Shibata plants a kick to Goto's chest. Goto and Shibata unload more headbutts and elbows nonstop at each other. Goto finally hits two GTR's on Shibata, scores the pinfall and wins the title.

-- "IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match": Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi: The match closes out with Naito hitting a reverse tornado DDT off the top rope on Tanahashi for a very close near fall. Naito hits Destino on Tanahashi and scores the pinfall to retain the title.

-- "IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kenny Omega: The match closes out with Omega reversing a Tombstone and hitting one of his own on Okada for a near fall. Both men trade punches until Omega hits a snap suplex and follows that with a running knee on Okada for a near fall. Okada counters the One Winged Angel and hits the Rainmaker on Omega. Omega is back up and unloads kicks and knees on Okada. Okada hits a second Rainmaker, but Omega kicks out again at two and a half. Omega is back up, hits a drop kick and a running knee on Okada. Okada again counters the One Winged Angel and plants Omega with a leaping Tombstone. Okada hits another Rainmaker on Omega and finally scores the pinfall to retain the title to end the show.

** New Year's Dash Recap **
What's NJPW New Year's Dash? It's the event that takes place right after Wrestle Kingdom. A good example of this? Think of the RAW after Wrestlemania. New Year's Dash is where new stories begin, big things happen and sometimes old legends return.

-- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask and Henare vs. David Finlay, Ricochet and Kyle O’Reilly: The match closes out with Liger, Tiger and Henare all applying submission holds at the same time to take control. The submissions are broken and all six men brawl. Finlay plants Henare with Rolling Hills and Ricochet hits a Shooting Star Press to score the pinfall. After the match, Finlay hugs his mom and his dad, former WCW and WWE superstar Fit Finlay.

-- Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page vs. Billy Gunn and Yoshitatsu: The match closes out with Yoshi hitting a drop kick and a spinning wheel kick on Page. Tanahashi pulls Yoshi outside and DDT's him on the floor. Gunn taunts Page with the DX "Suck It" crotch chop, so Page grabs Gunn by his jewels and slams him. Page grabs Yoshi and hits Rite Of Passage to score the pinfall. After the match, an angry Billy Gunn goes face to face with one of NJPW's up and comers Katsuya Kitamaru.

-- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Roppongi Vice and Yoshi-Hashi vs. Adam Cole and The Young Bucks: The match closes out with Cole hitting The Last Shot and The Bucks nailing super kicks on Romero. Beretta and Yoshi clean house, but Cole super kicks Romero. Baretta hits a Canadian Destroyer and Cole gets The Last Shot reversed and gets pinned in a rollup. After the match, Cole hits The Last Shot on Yoshi and The Bucks destroy Yoshi with super kicks.

-- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Team 2000 (Scott Norton, Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Hiro Saito and Cheeseburger) vs. The Bullet Club (Kenny Omega, Guerrillas of Destiny, Bad Luck Fale and Bone Soldier): The match closes out with Saito unloading stomps on Tama, which causes a huge brawl. Bone Soldier gets destroyed by Team 2000 with all their finishers. Saito hits a running senton and Kojima hits a lariat on Bone Soldier to score the pinfall. 

-- Michael Elgin and Kushida vs. Tetsuya Naito and Himoru Takahashi: The match closes out with Elgin going for the Buckle Bomb, but Naito dropkicks Elgin's legs out. Naito throws the referee out of the ring and then kicks Kushida and Elgin in the jewels. A masked wrestler hits the ring, lays out Naito and reveals himself as Dragon Lee. Himoru gets head scissored outside and Lee suicide dives onto him. Elgin hits Burning Hammer on Naito and scores the pinfall. After the match, Lee plants Himoru with the Phoenix Plex and then goes nose to nose with Kushida.

-- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Katsuyori Shibata, Tomoaki Honma, Togi Makabe, Juice Robinson and Yuji Nagata vs. Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto and Will Ospreay: The match closes out with Ospreay splashing Shibata into the barricade. Ishii drops Nagata, Honma drops Kokeshi, Okada drop kicks Honma and Juice clotheslines Goto. Shibata lands a kick on Ospreay and then Goto gets laid out with the PK Kick. Juice hits the Unprettier, covers and scores the pinfall. After the match, a gang of guys in black and white hit the ring and attack everyone. They're revealed to be Lance Archer, Taka Michinoku and Suzuki Gun. Gedo, Rocky Romero and Baretta hit the ring to try to help, but get beat down. Minoru Suzuki arrives, locks Okada in a choke and then hits a Gotch Piledriver. Suzuki blames Okada for what just happened and promises that he will rule NJPW again.

-- "NEVER Openweight 6-Man Championship Match": Los Ingobernables de Japon (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi and Ryusuke Taguchi: The match closes out with Bushi going for a drop kick, but gets caught by Nakanishi and he goes for a Hercules Cutter. Bushi counters by raking the eyes and gets a near fall on Nakanishi with a Code Breaker. Tanahashi drops EVIL with a dragon screw and Sanada hits a dragon screw on Tanahashi. Tanahashi hits a Slingblade on Bushi and then suicide dives onto EVIL. A Hercules Cutter and a pinfall and we have new champions.

- Kenny Omega Taking Time Off: Kenny Omega recently tweeted out that he will be taking some time off away from NJPW to figure out the next journey in his career.

*** Other ***

- Cody Rhodes Conquers A First In Wrestling History: Cody Rhodes became the first wrestler to appear in all 4 major pay per views in a single year's time for the top 4 promotions. Cody Rhodes appeared at WWE Wrestlemania 32, April 2016. TNA Bound for Glory, October 2016. ROH Final Battle , December 2016. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11, January 2017.

- Could Ronda Rousey Make It In The WWE?: After coming off of one of the worst losses in her MMA career at UFC 207, many are now speculating on whether or not Ronda Rousey would be feared or even accepted if she were to make the jump to the WWE. Some fear that the WWE Universe won't accept her at all and will heckle Rousey about her two straight losses in the UFC, mostly her recent defeat in only 48 seconds to Amanda Nunes. Rousey has stated in the past that she is a huge WWE fan and would love to make the jump to the WWE one day. The WWE even had an altercation with The Rock and Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon back at Wrestlemania 31, that they eventually wanted to build on. Some fans think that Rousey, if used right, could make an impact in the WWE and make it no problem. Some fans think that maybe Rousey should start out in NXT and earn back her dominance and get noticed again. Some feel that maybe she should be a heel and play into her last two failed UFC bouts. There is also the possibility of teaming her with a well liked Women's wrestler to help her get in with the crowd and well received (Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, maybe Mickie James). Or maybe WWE should just say screw it and put Rousey vs. Stephanie McMahon at Wrestlemania 33 or 34 and see what happens. My opinion on the subject? I'm a fan win or lose of Ronda Rousey and I'd be more than happy to see her used in some way in the WWE, whether full time or part time.

- Ricochet Interested In Working With The WWE: This past week, Ricochet (Prince Puma in Lucha Underground) was interviewed by SI.com and was asked his opinion on possibly working in the WWE one day. Ricochet stated that he met Triple H and William Regal in the past and would love to work in the WWE or even NXT one day. Ricochet stated the following about his opinions on a possible career in the WWE or NXT:

“I would love to be Intercontinental champion in 2017. That would be exceeding my goal. I’ve met Triple H a couple times, and he and William Regal are awesome guys. I would love to be with NXT. I feel like the Performance Center has a bunch of tools that I could benefit from, all the classes they have available could make me better. I don’t have a contract at the moment, but I want to focus on New Japan. It’s a super cool place, it’s gaining steam, especially with AJ and Nakamura coming from there to WWE. And I really want that junior heavyweight belt.”

Ricochet also gave his opinions on the WWE's new 205 Live Cruiserweight Division show:

“The guys on the 205 Live cruiserweight show are awesome, my boy Swann is killing it. But that’s not the route I want. I want to go the Fergal Devitt route. Seth Rollins. Kevin Owens. That’s the route I want to take. I want to work my way up from NXT champion to U.S. or Intercontinental champion. I have goals, and I’m not willing to settle. This is nothing against the cruiserweights on 205, but it’s just not for me.”

- Kurt Angle's Possible WWE Return: The rumors have been making the internet rounds the past few weeks about Kurt Angle finally returning home to where his professional wrestling career started, the WWE. Angle himself has even begun to tell independent wrestling promotions that he can't wrestle at any shows after April because he'll be under contract with the WWE. If Angle returns, fans have already picked five of WWE's top talents that they want to see Angle feud with.

#5: Roman Reigns
#4: Brock Lesnar
#3: Rusev
#2: AJ Styles
#1: Seth Rollins

- Alberto Del Rio Arrested: According to an Austrian news website, Alberto Del Rio was arrested in Austria on Friday, December 30th. Following an indie show in Leoben, Austria, Del Rio and his brother El Hijo del Dos Cara were reportedly involved in a brawl at a local nightclub. After the fight at the club, the man they fought reportedly went to the hospital while Del Rio and his brother were taken to the local police precinct. Del Rio and Dos Cara then got into a fist fight with each other while at the precinct, apparently because Del Rio was trying to calm his brother down. Del Rio's brother is reportedly still hospitalized in Austria, while Del Rio was released on bail.

- Jimmy Snuka's Murder Charges Dropped: Last Tuesday afternoon, all charges were dropped against WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka at an unscheduled hearing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, by Judge Kelly L. Banach. The judge ruled that Snuka's mental health will not improve enough to stand trial. Snuka was facing third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in the 1983 death of his then girlfriend Nancy Argentino at a motel in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. Snuka's lawyers argued that Snuka has dementia and is not fit to stand trial. Both the prosecution and the defense asked the judge to drop the case back in August if she believed Snuka's health would not improve. The judge needed more time to evaluate Snuka's condition and made her ruling finally on Tuesday.

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!