WWE Battleground Preview

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE Backlash Recap #WWEBacklash

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

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

** WWE Backlash Card **

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

** WWE Backlash Pre-Show **

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

** WWE Backlash **

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 4/12/17: Smackdown Live Boston Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Day two of Draft Day is upon us ladies and gents! What an exciting first night of the "Superstar Shakup" WWE Draft gave us on Monday night! Smackdown Live may have lost some superstars to RAW, but now it's Smackdown Live's turn to strengthen their roster. What superstars will be gained for Smackdown Live tonight as we were live in Boston, Massachusetts.

** This Weeks Card **
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton battled Erick Rowan in a non title match.
- The Usos defended the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship against American Alpha.
- Mojo Rawley battled Jinder Mahal.
- Tye Dillinger battled Aiden English.
- AJ Styles battled Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin in a Triple Threat Match to determine a #1 Contender for the WWE United States Championship.

- Promos By: WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens, Smackdown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon and Dolph Ziggler.

- Day Two of the "Superstar Shakeup" WWE Draft took place.

** Smackdown Live **

- After RAW ended on Monday night, it was announced that RAW announcer Byron Saxton had been drafted to Smackdown Live and Smackdown Live announcer David Otunga had been drafted to RAW.

- Kevin Owens Promo: RAW's WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens arrives to announce that the Kevin Owens Show is now on Smackdown Live and the show is now a huge upgrade with Owens here. Owens mocks the USA fans, the Boston Bruins and says he could beat up anyone here. Baron Corbin is out for the interruption, says he knows Owens can beat everyone up...but...he can't beat up Corbin. Corbin demands a WWE United States Championship Match because he feels he's owed one after beating WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose last week and then Ambrose ran to RAW.

RAW's Sami Zayn interrupts and announces that he's now on Smackdown Live, which angers Owens because he can't get away from his arch enemy. AJ Styles interrupts next and says that he's still here, he's still the reason Smackdown Live is #1 and he's still the face that runs the place. Daniel Bryan interrupts next and loves the tension in the ring right now. Bryan announces Styles vs. Corbin vs. Zayn tonight with the winner becoming #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship.

- Randy Orton vs. Erick Rowan: The match closes out with Orton delivering the draping DDT to Rowan and then sets up for an RKO. The Wyatt Family graphic suddenly flashes on the TitanTron, the lights go out and Bray Wyatt taunts Orton on the screen. Bray says their paths will cross again at WWE Payback in the House of Horrors Match. The lights pop back on and Orton gets drilled with the steel steps by Rowan causing a DQ. After the match, Rowan leaves Orton laid out in the ring.
Winner: Randy Orton, by DQ.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Match": The Usos (c) vs. American Alpha: The match closes out with Gable hitting a bulldog and Jordan getting the near fall. The Usos toss Jordan and Gable outside, The Usos attempt suicide dives, but both get suplexed on the floor. Back in the ring, Gable eats an Uso Kick, but comes back and dumps Jey on the apron. Gable rolls up Jimmy, but missed Jey tagging in. The Usos double team Gable and end up hitting the top rope Uso Splash for the pinfall and the title retain. After the match, RAW's Shining Stars, now apart of Smackdown Live, attack American Alpha from behind and leave Jordan and Gable laid out.
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Jinder Mahal vs. Mojo Rawley: RAW's Jinder Mahal arrives as a newly drafted superstar of Smackdown Live. Rob Gronkowski was in the crowd again cheering on Mojo. The match closes out with Mahal getting in Gronk's face again and talking trash. Mojo comes to Gronk's aid and decks Mahal. Gronk tosses his drink in Mahal's face and then Mojo tosses Mahal back into the ring. Mojo hits his finisher on Mahal and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall.

- Shane McMahon Promo: Shane gives the Women's Division props and says he's here to introduce the newest members. Shane then calls out Naomi, Nattie Neidhart, Carmella and Becky Lynch to be present during the announcement. James Ellsworth is with Carmella, says Naomi is a horrible champion and everyone wants to see Carmella. Naomi tells Carmella to control her side chick before he gets chin checked. Shane first introduces a returning Tamina Snuka to the roster. Tamina appears and shakes Shane's hand. Shane then announces RAW's Charlotte as a new Smackdown Live superstar.

- It's announced that Sin Cara and Rusev have been drafted to Smackdown Live.

- Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger: The match closes out with Dillinger hitting the Tye Breaker and scoring the pinfall.
Winner: Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

- It's announced that Lana has been drafted to Smackdown Live.

- Dolph Ziggler Promo: Ziggler talks about the Superstar Shakeup, how he's not going anywhere and is still the best on Smackdown Live. Shinsuke Nakamura interrupts and heads to the ring. Ziggler says he doesn't know Nakamura, but wants to know who he thinks he is interrupting Ziggler. Nakamura asks Ziggler if he'd like to know who he is. Nakamura counters a Ziggler super kick attempt and drops Ziggler. Ziggler rolls to the floor and escapes Nakamura.

- It's announced that The New Day have been drafted to Smackdown Live.

- "Triple Threat, #1 Contenders Match": AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Corbin getting a near fall Deep Six on Zayn. Corbin misses a charge on Styles and hits the ring post. Styles lands a kick and then gets a near fall 450 springboard on Corbin. All three men brawl until Styles hits a Pele Kick on Zayn. Zayn counters the Styles Clash and dumps Styles onto the apron. Zayn hits the Helluva Kick on Corbin sending Corbin to the floor. Styles hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Zayn and scores the pinfall.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship.

Weekend 3 Count 3/26/17

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, Impact Wrestling, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, AAW, 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 ***

- The Usos Win Gold: In case you missed Smackdown Live this past Tuesday, The Usos defeated American Alpha to become the new WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions.

- Finn Balor Update: The WWE Universe has anxiously been awaiting the return of Finn Balor ever since it was announced that Balor has been cleared to wrestle. Recent updates, however, now are saying that we may not see the return of The Demon King until the RAW after Wrestlemania, which leaves Balor off the biggest event of the year.

- Naomi Update: Naomi's father recently tweeted out this week that Naomi should be back in time for Wrestlemania 33 and has been on the DL with a sprained ACL. Naomi had to vacate her WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship a few weeks back due to the injury.

- Kurt Angle Update: Kurt Angle was interviewed this week and stated that WWE have huge plans for Angle coming up after his induction into the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame. Angle wouldn't say what those plans were, but he did say that they will be un-wrestling related at the moment. There have been rumors circulating that Angle may take over as the new RAW General Manager after Mick Foley leaves to have hip surgery. Angle also said that Vince McMahon and Triple H may let Angle get a few more matches in sometime in the future.

- Diamond Dallas Page's Inductor Announced: WWE announced this past week that Eric Bischoff will induct Diamond Dallas Page into this year's WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017 during Wrestlemania 33 weekend.

- Beth Phoenix's Inductor Announced: WWE announced this past week that Nattie Neidhart will induct Beth Phoenix into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017 during Wrestlemania 33 weekend.

- Rock and Roll Express' Inductor Announced: WWE announced this week that former WWE manager Jim Cornette will induct Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Cornette had a major feud with the R&R Express in NWA in the 80's with his clients The Midnight Express.

- WWE Make Contract Offer To The Hardy Boys: This past week WWE reportedly offered new contracts to Matt and Jeff Hardy, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet. As of right now rumors are that all signs are pointing to an inevitable return. The Hardys are currently under a short term ROH contract and are the reigning ROH World Tag Team Champions. The Hardys are also currently in a legal battle with Impact Wrestling over the likeness to their "Broken" gimmick. Impact Wrestling reportedly wants a percentage of any deal that the Hardys make using the likeness, which was the brainchild of Matt Hardy, although it first debuted on Impact television.

- Hardy Boys Contract Update: A day after the announcement of contract talks with the Hardy Boys were announced, a contract update was released. Rumors were stating that The Hardys were in the "When" they will return to WWE and not "If" they will return talks. One major obligation The Hardy's are looking to have in their contracts are a part time schedule, as they don't want to be on a full time travelling schedule again.

- WWE Talking With ROH: Sources are saying that WWE is in the early stages of talking with Sinclair Broadcast Group on a possible buyout of Ring of Honor Wrestling. WWE's plan is to show past ROH footage and pay per views in their vault on WWE Network and broadcast ROH's weekly TV show on the WWE Network.

- Wrestlemania Axxess: WWE announced this week that they will have talent from PROGRESS Wrestling and Insane Championship Wrestling at this year's Wrestlemania Axxess shows the weekend of Wrestlemania 33. Wrestlemania Axxess will also have NXT and 205 Live talent at the shows. As of now the list of PROGRESS and ICW wrestlers appearing are: Jimmy Havoc, Mark Haskins, TK Cooper, Travis Banks, Dahlia Black, Toni Storm and Jinny. WWE United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate, PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne and ICW Champion Trent Seven.

- WWE Badd Blood Returning: WWE announced this week that they will be bringing back the Badd Blood pay per view for a July event for RAW.

- AJ Styles' Original Wrestlemania 33 Opponent: Shawn Michaels was recently on The Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast and broke the news that he was asked to work with AJ Styles at Wrestlemania 33 and turned it down. Michaels stated the following on the podcast:

"I guess I'm breaking something with you and I don't even know if I should but look, I mean, I could have had that match. They did not have an opponent for AJ at Wrestlemania. It was just something 'hey, we don't have anybody to work with him and everybody would like to see you guys, are you interested?' And I said 'look, I wish that young man was here 10 years ago, man. I honestly do. I think he's very talented.' But I think him and Shane will have a pretty decent match."

- Conor McGregor Will Not Be At Wrestlemania 33: WWE have been working hard to land the Irish UFC Fighter for a Wrestlemania 33 special appearance, however, McGregor has stated that he will not be at the sports entertainment's version of the Super Bowl. McGregor is focusing only on boxing at the moment and getting his challenge to Floyd Mayweather locked down for this year. Many wrestling fans were hoping for a McGregor appearance after making insults about the wrestling industry and how scripted it is.

- Can Paige Bounce Back From All The Negatives In Her Career Right Now?: The past two weeks the most talked about wrestler in the WWE has been Paige, unfortunately it hasn't been good press. Paige is currently involved in the latest hacking of celebrities, as personal sex tapes were leaked with her in the act with past WWE superstar Brad Maddox and current WWE superstar Xavier Woods. One question that is on everyone's mind right now is "Should the WWE continue with Paige on their roster?"

This hasn't been Paige's only hiccup with the WWE, as she's had other problems in the past that has raised the WWE's eye. Last year, while fighting a nagging neck injury which ended up requiring surgery, Paige was busted twice for failing the WWE Wellness Policy. Paige and her family were very vocal about the suspension on Twitter, accusing the WWE doctors of knowing about the medication she was taking for her injury. Throughout the year, her father, brother and mother have each taken turns publicly criticizing the WWE leader for one reason or another every chance they get.

Paige then began dating Alberto Del Rio, which immediately caught heat with everyone, as everyone claimed that Del Rio would only continue to ruin Paige's career more. And now that brings us to the current sex tapes that were leaked out. With all the negative press that Paige has been attracting, the fact of the matter is should WWE consider letting Paige go? Can Paige bounce back from all of these set backs that have ruined her career the past two years?

** 205 Live Recap **
This week WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville battled Mustafa Ali in the main event.

1.) Backstage, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville says he's fighting Mustafa Ali tonight to prove to the locker room that he annihilates anyone that dares to step up to the King of the Cruiserweights.

2.) TJ Perkins vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Nese nailing a dropkick on Perkins, but Perkins comes back and goes to the top rope. Nese moves, forcing Perkins to jump down and then goes for the Detonation Kick. Nese counters and german suplexes Perkins head first into the exposed steel turnbuckle. Nese then hits Running Kneese on Perkins and scores the pinfall.

3.) Backstage, Drew Gulak appears dressed in a suit and tie. Gulak apologizes for his outburst last week, but says there is a problem in 205 Live like he said last week. Gulak says the problem isn't the wrestlers, it's the fans who demand high spot maneuvers every week. Gulak says he has a solution to this problem.

4.) Akira Tozawa vs. A Local Talent: Tozawa makes quick work of the local, hits the snap german suplex and scores the pinfall. After the match, Tozawa demands Brian Kendrick to come out. Kendrick doesn't appear so Tozawa says he'll go find Kendrick than. Tozawa gets jumped from behind by a security guard that is really Kendrick in disguise. Kendrick beats Tozawa down and says that this is yet another lesson for Tozawa to learn.

5.) Backstage, Noam Dar and Rich Swann mock each other and agree to a match next week.

6.) Austin Aries Promo: Aries says he's out for an interview tonight, but instead of interviewing his guest Neville like originally planned, he decided to interview himself instead. Aries says that Neville has been right that Aries isn't on Neville's level because Aries is above the Neville level, on the A Double level. Neville interrupts and heads out for his match against Mustafa Ali as Aries goes to commentary.

7.) Mustafa Ali vs. Neville: The match closes out with Neville hitting a top rope release german suplex on Ali, laying Ali out. Neville drags Ali to the outside and swings Ali right into the ring post, right in front of Austin Aries, sending Aries a message. Neville stares down Aries, while holding Ali’s lifeless body at the commentary table. Neville tosses Ali into the ring, locks in the Rings of Saturn submission and wins by tap out. The show ends with Neville holding his WWE Cruiserweight Championship and staring down Aries.

*** NXT ***

- Shinsuke Nakamura Added To The UK Tour: Shinsuke Nakamura announced this past Monday that he will be in fact touring with NXT for their United Kingdom Tour this spring. Many were speculating that Nakamura would make his main roster debut the night after Wrestlemania. After this announcement, Nakamura is expected to be apart of NXT a little bit longer now.

- More NXT On The Network: Can't get enough of NXT? Well now you'll get more. WWE announced this week that they are adding more NXT episodes from 2012 and 2013 to the WWE Network. Now you'll get an even closer look at Triple H's brain child as it slowly began to develop into what it is today. Check out NXT's early days with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Bo Dallas, Ethan Carter III aka Derrick Bateman, Kassius Ohno and more. 

- Top 10 NXT Superstars That Should've Been NXT World Champion: A top 10 list was recently posted this week of 10 former NXT superstars that felt should've been an NXT World Champion before jumping to the main roster or leaving the company all together. Looking at this list I probably disagree with 50% of the names chosen, but that's just my opinion. Here is the Top 10 names listed.

#10: Baron Corbin
#9: Curtis Axel
#8: CJ Parker
#7: Solomon Crowe
#6: Austin Aries
#5: Tye Dillinger
#4: Kalisto
#3: Tyson Kidd
#2: Tyler Breeze
#1: Apollo Crews

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact Wrestling Recap **
The "She" that is running the company finally reveals herself. Tag team action took place this week as Impact Wrestling gets ready to crown new tag team champions next week.

1.) Davey Richards vs. Suicide: The match closes out with Richards hitting a suplex and then a running forearm on Suicide. Richards ends up connecting with a side kick to the head of Suicide and scores the pinfall.

2.) Backstage, Konnan says last week was just a warning, LAX are marksmen and never miss their targets. Konnan brings up The Hardy's, without name dropping them, taking his tag team titles out of Mexico last month and plans on LAX taking Impact Wrestling's in return.

3.) Backstage, a drunk Laurel Van Ness still in her wedding dress claims to be fine, then bursts into tears and says she's not fine. Laurel blames everyone including Maria Bennett and Sienna. Sienna arrives and tells Laurel the real enemies are Allie and Braxton Sutter and to go clean herself up.

4.) Idris Abraham, Fallah Bahh and Mario Bokara vs. Mahabali Shera, The Laredo Kid and Garza Jr.: The match closes out with Shera getting the hot tag and unloads on everyone. Shera hits Bahh with a Sky High and then follows that up with another Sky High on Bokara for the pinfall.

5.) The Decay vs. Reno Scum: The match closes out with Luster tossing Abyss into the steel steps. Crazzy Steve grabs Thornstowe and Rosemary spits mist. Thornstowe dodges the mist and it blinds Steve instead. Luster press slams Rosemary on top of Abyss outside. Reno Scum hit a double foot stomp on Steve to score the pinfall.

6.) Bobby Lashley Backstage Interview: Lashley talks about his career, how he almost made the 2004 Olympic Team, how he was in the military during that time, how he was robbed and assaulted while training for the Olympics and $40,000 was taken from him. Lashley says after that he's had a huge chip on his shoulder and changed the person he is today.

7.) "Impact Grand Championship Match": Moose (c) vs. Eli Drake: The match never happens as Cody Rhodes appears and attacks Moose from behind. Cody lays Moose out with Cross Rhodes and holds up Moose’s title as Impact Medical attend to Moose.

8.) LAX vs. The DCC: The match closes out with Storm fighting off LAX alone and nails a lung blower on Santana. Storm goes for The Last Call, but Ortiz grabs Storm's leg. Kingston goes after Ortiz, but accidentally hits Storm in the process. Santana and Ortiz hit a double team flapjack on Storm and score the pinfall. After the match, Storm and Kingston argue with each other and start shoving each other. Storm tells Kingston and Bram that he doesn't need their crap anymore because he's The Cowboy.

9.) Backstage, Braxton Sutter says he heard the threats that Sienna and Laurel Van Ness made against him and Allie. Sutter says he'll do whatever it takes to protect Allie.

10.) ODB vs. Rebel: The match closes out with Rebel irritated with referee Earl Hebner's slow count. Rebel tries to slap Hebner, but he blocks it and kisses Rebel. ODB hits a fall away slam and goes for her flask, but Hebner grabs it and takes a swig from it. ODB kisses Hebner, hits the TKO on Rebel and scores the pinfall.

11.) Bobby Lashley vs. Jake Holmes: Easy squash match for Lashley, who toys with Holmes until finally hitting the spear for the pinfall.

12.) Karen Jarrett Promo: Karen is revealed as the "She" running the company. Karen says the Jarretts had a lot to do with Impact being successful in the past, Impact had changed so much since the last time the Jarretts were in charge and the Jarretts will bring Impact Wrestling back to the great company that it once was. Ethan Carter interrupts, praises everyone and the fans, considers himself a leader of the locker room, claims to be the only great superstar that Impact has created and says he's on board with making Impact great again......but not for the Jarretts, for the Carters. Commentator Josh Mathews interrupts and rips into Karen about Bruce Prichard, Dutch Mantell and Jeremy Borash being stooges. Mathews makes fun of the fans and says the only reason they're here is because they couldn't afford a ticket. Mathews says his wife Madison Rayne has been put on the back burner and has been completely ignored by Impact Wrestling. Mathews says it'll only be a matter of time before the Jarretts screw things up and will be gone from Impact Wrestling again, but this time permanently. Karen slaps Mathews, which sends him flying to the mat. Impact ends with Karen and Mathews staring each other down.

- Impact Wrestling and AAA Mexico Make A Deal: Impact Wrestling and Anthem announced this week that a deal has been worked out with the Lucha Libre style promotion AAA in Mexico for both companies to work together in the future.

- Reby Hardy Continues Her War With Impact Wrestling: Just when you thought the current war between Reby Hardy and Impact Wrestling couldn't get anymore interesting...Reby Hardy returns. This past week, Reby Hardy made it well known that Impact Wrestling never once had her son Maxel included in The Hardy's contracts, which would be breaking child labor laws, as Maxel appeared on many occasions and even "wrestled" for the company. Reby Hardy is accusing the company of breaking television child labour laws by employing the services of her son, Maxel Hardy, without signing any legal documents that’d permit the company to use him as an on-screen character. We're still waiting for Impact Wrestling to respond.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **
The main feud advertised for this week was Lio Rush battling Kenny King, after Rush refused to join King and The Rebellion. The Top Prospect Tournament continued and Jay Briscoe battled Jay White in the main event.

1.) Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser vs. Will Ferrara and Cheeseburger: The match closes out with Bruiser delivering a frog splash on Ferrara and scoring the pinfall.

2.) "Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match": Josh Woods vs. Chris LeRusso: The match closes out with Woods getting the pinfall victory and advancing to the next round.

3.) Lio Rush vs. Kenny King: The match closes out with Rush hitting a frog splash on King and gets a near fall. King comes back and hits the TKO on Rush for a near fall. King ends up hitting the Royal Flush on Rush and scores the pinfall. After the match, Rush gets beat down by The Rebellion. Shane Taylor hits the ring to help Rush, but pulls a swerve, joins The Rebellion and helps beat Rush down. 

4.) Jay Briscoe vs. Jay White: The match closes out with Briscoe taking off White's head with a lariat and scores the pinfall to end the show.

- ROH Wrestlers Possibly Leaving The Company Soon: Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently reported that there is a list of wrestlers that have currently left ROH or their contracts are expiring soon and may be on their way out of ROH. The following are the names that dropped:

** The Broken Hardy's: According to sources they only signed on until April 1st. Rumors have already begun that the Hardys might be signing with the WWE and might be at Wrestlemania 33 on April 2nd.
** ROH World Champion Adam Cole: Rumors have said that Cole has already shown interest in jumping to the WWE when his contract expires soon.
** Bobby Fish: Fish announced that he is opening up his options to other independent companies.
** Lio Rush, Donovan Dijak, and Kyle O’Reilly all have departed from ROH. Out of the three, O'Reilly has been the only name that has been brought up as a possible future WWE signing.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** New Japan Cup Night #7 Recap **
Night #7 was upon us with the Semi-Finals to the New Japan Cup Tournament. EVIL battled Bad Luck Fale and Tomohiro Ishii battled Katsuyori Shibata. Which two wrestlers would move on to the Finals on Night #8 and battle for the New Japan Cup Trophy?

1.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Hirai Kawato, Katsuya Kitamura and Yuji Nagata vs. David Finlay, Juice Robinson and Yomoyuki Oka: The match closes out with Robinson hitting Pulp Friction on Kitamura and scoring the pinfall.

2.) Jado and Gedo vs. Taka Michinoku and El Desperado: The match closes out with Jado dropping Michinoku with the draping DDT and scoring the pinfall.

3.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Tiger Mask, Jushin Thunder Liger, Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki: The match closes out with Suzuki locking in a sleeper on Tiger Mask and then turning it into a Gotch Piledriver for the pinfall.

4.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Ryusuke Taguchi, KUSHIDA, Michael Elgin and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi: The match closes out with Taguchi scoring the pinfall with the La Magistral cradle.

5.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano, Hirooki Goto and Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega, Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa: The match closes out with Okada delivering the Rainmaker on Takahashi and scoring the pinfall.

6.) "New Japan Cup Semi-Finals Match": EVIL vs. Bad Luck Fale: The match closes out with EVIL countering the Grenade and BUSHI trying to interfere. BUSHI spits mist in Fale’s face, allowing EVIL to unload a series of clotheslines. Tama Tonga grabs the referee and pulls him to the floor. BUSHI unloads on Tonga and they brawl backstage. EVIL counters the Bad Luck Fall, but gets dropped with a Fale STO instead. EVIL sneaks a super kick in on Fale, but EVIL gets drilled with a Fale lariat. Fale hits the Grenade, follows that with the Bad Luck Fall, scores the pinfall and advances to the Finals.

7.) "New Japan Cup Semi-Finals Match": Tomohiro Ishii vs. Katsuyori Shibata: The match closes out with Ishii unloading kicks, but then gets drilled by a Shibata enziguri. Shibata applies a sleeper on Ishii and after Ishii tries to fight out of it, Shibata hits a sleeper suplex. Shibata hits the PK and follows up with a drop kick for a near fall. Ishii comes back with a big lariat on Shibata and gets a near fall. Shibata takes a headbutt, but comes back with some strikes and then goes back to the sleeper. Ishii tries to fight it, but Shibata hits another PK and then goes right back to the sleeper again. Shibata cinches the sleeper, applies a body lock on Ishii and puts Ishii to sleep for the win. Shibata advances to the Finals.

** New Japan Cup Night #8 Recap **
The Finals of the New Japan Cup have finally arrived, after a grueling week long tournament. The final two have come down to Katsuyori Shibata and Bad Luck Fale in the Finals. Which man will walk out the 2017 New Japan Cup Winner?

1.) Yomoyuki Oka vs. Hirai Kawato: The match closes out with Oka dropping Kawato with a shoulder block and then trades punches with him. Kawato gets a near fall small package on Oka when the bell suddenly rings. Both men have gone to a ten minute time limit draw, but continue to brawl with each other after the match.

2.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Tiger Mask, Jushin Thunder Liger and David Finlay vs. Takashi Iizuka, Taka Michinoku and El Desperado: The match closes out with Tiger's team working over Michinoku. Finlay hits a Stunner and picks up the pinfall for the win.

3.) Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Katsuya Kitamura and Yuji Nagata: The match closes out with Kojima and Tenzan attempting the TenKoji Cutter, but Nagata counters with an Xploder. Kojima hits the Koji Cutter on Kitamura, but Nagata stops the pinfall. Nagata gets taken care of and then Kojima hits a lariat on Kitamura to score the pinfall.

4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Hirooki Goto, Jado and Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru: The match closes out with Gedo landing a low blow on Kanemaru and then lays out Taichi with a microphone stand. Jado locks Taichi in a crossface submission and gets the tap out victory.

5.) "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Ryusuke Taguchi, KUSHIDA, Michael Elgin, Juice Robinson and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi and EVIL: The match closes out with Robinson getting a near fall on Naito with a jackhammer. Naito counters Pulp Friction and lands a low blow on Robinson. Naito hits Destino on Robinson and scores the pinfall.

6.) "Eight Man Tag Team Match": YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega, Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa: The match closes out with Ishii taking out Takahashi and Omega. Roa counters out of Okada's Rainmaker, but eats an Okada drop kick instead. HASHI lays out Omega as Okada hits the Rainmaker on Roa to score the pinfall.

7.) "New Japan Cup Finals Match": Katsuyori Shibata vs. Bad Luck Fale: The match closes out with Shibata unloading kicks on Fale. Fale returns fire and drops Shibata with a lariat and a running splash for a near fall. Fale hits the Grenade, but Shibata kicks out at two and a half. Fale goes for the Bad Luck Fall, but Shibata leaps onto Fale’s back and applies the sleeper. Fale escapes with a side slam, but Shibata quickly gets up and drills Fale with a lariat. Shibata unloads a fury of kicks and then reapplies the sleeper. Fale is about to go out when Shibata releases the sleeper. Shibata hits a half conscious Fale with the PK and scores the pinfall. Katsuyori Shibata is the 2017 New Japan Cup Winner!

- IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match Announced: Immediately after the 2017 New Japan Cup winner was crowned, NJPW announced their main event for April's Sakura Genesis Show. Kazuchika Okada will defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against the New Japan Cup Winner Katsuyori Shibata.

*** AAW ***

** Homecoming Recap **
The main event of the show saw AAW World Champion Sami Callihan defend his title against independent wrestling icon and former Impact Wrestling X Division Champion Low-Ki. New AAW World Tag Team Champions were crowned. The show also included Impact Wrestling's Abyss, Impact Wrestling's Homicide, Impact Wrestling's DJ Z, former WWE and Impact Wrestling's Drew Galloway, ROH's ACH, Lucha Underground's Pentagon Jr., Impact Wrestling's Trevor Lee and many more independent wrestling greats.

1.) "AAW World Tag Team Tournament Semi-Finals Match": Jake Crist and Dave Crist [OI4K] defeated Chuck Taylor and Trent [Best Friends], by pinfall, to advance to the Finals of the tag team tournament.

2.) "No DQ Match": Abyss defeated Homicide, by pinfall.

3.) Drew Galloway defeated DJ Z, by pinfall.

4.) AR Fox defeated Shane Strickland, by pinfall, in Strickland’s debut with AAW.

5.) "AAW Heritage Championship Match": Pentagon Jr. defeated ACH, to win the AAW Heritage Championship. 

6.) "AAW World Tag Team Tournament Semi-Finals Match": Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz defeated Davey Vega and Matt Fitchett [Besties in the World], to advance to the Finals of the tag team tournament.

7.) The “Iron Manager” JT Davidson dared Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz to face his clients Jack and Dave Crist right now in the Finals of the tournament. Xavier and Wentz accept, get attacked from behind by the Crist brothers and the Finals are happening now.

8.) "AAW World Tag Team Tournament Finals Championship Match": Jake Crist and Dave Crist [OI4K] defeated Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz in a quick squash match, to win the AAW World Tag Team Championship.

9.) Rey Fenix defeated Trevor Lee.

10.) Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Kyle O’Reilly.

11.) "AAW World Championship Match": Sami Callihan defeated Low-Ki, to retain the title. Lots of controversy in this match. Low-Ki fought off JT Davidson and Abyss from interfering. Callihan tosses powder in Low-Ki's eyes, blinding him. Abyss hits a choke slam off the top rope on Low-Ki which seals the win for Callihan.

*** Other ***

- Jan Ross Passes Away: This past Wednesday, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross suffered a major tragedy in his family. JR's wife Jan Ross was struck by a car why riding home from the gym on her scooter. Jan suffered major skull fractures, was placed on life support and later passed away. Deepest Condolences to one of the greatest commentators of my generation.

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!