Weekend 3 Count 1/7/18

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT 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 ***

- John Cena Announces His Entry Into The Royal Rumble: This past week, the sixteen time WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena officially announced that he will compete in this year's Royal Rumble.

- The Balor Club Reunites: If you missed RAW this past week, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson reunited and battled Elias Samson and The Miztourage in a six man tag team match. It's unknown if this was a one night only team up or if The Balor Club is officially back.

- WWE Monday Night RAW Coming Back To Cleveland: It was announced this past week that WWE is bringing RAW back to Cleveland, two weeks before Wrestlemania 34. RAW will be at the Quicken Loans Arena on March 26th.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Akira Tozawa vs. TJ Perkins: The first match of the night saw the return of TJP, who's been out with an injury the past few months. The match closes out with TJP sticking a thumb in Tozawa's eye and then hitting the Detonation Kick to score the pinfall.

- Hideo Itami vs. Jack Gallagher: The second match of the night saw Jack Gallagher getting a rematch against Hideo Itami, who put Gallagher's friend, Brian Kendrick, out with an eye injury. The match goes to a No Contest, after Gallagher tries to attack Itami with his umbrella, before the bell. Itami unloads on Gallagher, but Gallagher reveals a lead pipe that he uses to knock out Itami with. 

- Goldust and Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari: The main event of the show saw a rematch from this week's Monday Night RAW. The match closes out with Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Gulak and scoring the pinfall. 

*** NXT ***

- Candice LeRae Signing: According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Candice LeRae is expected to sign with NXT soon. Candice is currently going through the standard signing process but there's no word yet on when she might be signed.

- Official NXT Takeover: Philadelphia Card: The following has been announced for NXT Takeover: Philadelphia the night before the WWE Royal Rumble.

** "NXT World Championship Match": Andrade "Cien" Almas (c) vs. Johnny Gargano.

** "NXT World Tag Team Championship Match": Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly (c) vs. The Authors of Pain. 

** "NXT Women's Championship Match": Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Bazsler.

** "Extreme Rules Match": Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole.

** Lars Sullivan vs. Killian Dain.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- "Impact X Division Championship Match": Taiji Ishimori defeated Trevor Lee (c), by pinfall to win the title. Ishimori counters a suplex and hits a handspring kick for the near fall. Lee gets a near fall sit down power bomb. Ishimori knees Lee in the face and hits a 540 Splash on Lee to win the title. After the match, Dezmond Xavier congratulates Ishimori backstage and challenges him.

- "Impact Grand Championship, Triple Threat Match": Ethan Carter (c) defeated Matt Sydal and Fallah Bahh, by split decision to retain the title. Bahh took the first round from the judges. EC3 took round number two from the judges. Sydal hits the Shooting Star Press on EC3 in round number three, however, time expires to end the match before Sydal can get the pinfall. The judges give EC3 the third round and the win to retain the title. 

- "Career vs. Career, No Holds Barred Match": Dan Lambert defeated James Storm, by pinfall, ending Storm's Impact career. Storm goes to finish off Lambert, however, KM hits the ring and smashes a beer bottle over Storm's head. Lambert gets a near fall on Storm. KM and Lambert both smash beer bottles over Storm's head, helping Lambert score the pinfall.

- Chandler Park defeated Jon Bolen, by pinfall in his in ring debut. Park gets dominated for most of the match until Joseph Park interferes while the referee is distracted and punches Bolen in the face. Park rolls up Bolen and scores the pinfall.

- "Impact World Heavyweight Championship Match": Eli Drake (c) defeated Alberto El Patron, by pinfall to retain the title. Drake tries to hit El Patron with the title but misses. El Patron drops Drake head first on the title and gets a near fall. The referee gets knocked out allowing Drake to hit El Patron with the title to score the pinfall when the referee woke up.

- "Impact World Tag Team Championship Match": LAX defeated oVe (c), by pinfall to win the titles. oVe gets a near fall powerbomb/blockbuster combo. Jake and Santana meet on the top rope where Santana attempts a splash. Jake counters and hits a midair cutter on Santana. Jake gets hit with the Street Sweeper giving LAX the win and The titles.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** Wrestle Kingdom 12 **

- "New Japan Rumble": Japan's version of the Royal Rumble kicked off the show. Mashito Kakihara came out victorious, last eliminating Cheeseburger to take the victory.

- "IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match": The Young Bucks defeated Roppongi 3K (c), by submission to win the tag team titles. The Bucks hit the Meltzer Driver on Yoh and then Matt Jackson makes Yoh tap out to the Sharpshooter.

- "NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship, Gauntlet Match": Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) came out victorious to win the titles.

** Suzuki Gun (Zack Sabre Jr, Taichi and Takahashi Izuka) defeated Michael Elgin and War Machine.

** Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) defeated Suzuki Gun.

** Chaos defeated Taguchi Japan (Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi and Togi Makabe)

** Chaos defeated The Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale and Guerillas of Destiny) to win the Gauntlet and the titles.

- Kota Ibushi defeated Cody Rhodes, by pinfall. Ibushi hits the Last Ride power bomb and the straight jacket german suplex. Ibushi then hits a Phoenix Splash and scores the pinfall.

- "IWGP Tag Team Championship Match": EVIL and SANADA defeated The Killer Elite Squad (c), by pinfall, to win the tag team titles. Evil and Sanada hit the Magic Killer on Davey Boy Smith Jr. Sanada hits a moonsault off the top rope to score the pinfall.

- "NEVER Openweight Championship, Haircut Match": Hirooki Goto defeated Minoru Suzuki (c), by pinfall to win the title. Goto hits two straight head butts, a super ushigoroshi off the ropes and two GTR's to score the pinfall. After the match, Suzuki refused to get his head shaved, but eventually returned to the ring and shaved his own head.

- "IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": Will Ospreay defeated Marty Scurll (c), Hiromu Takahashi and Kushida, by pinfall to win the title. Ospreay hits the OsCutter on Scurll to score the pinfall.

- "IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match": Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) defeated Jay "Switchblade" White, by pinfall to retain the title. Tanahashi hits two straight frog splashes on White to score the pinfall.

- "IWGP United States Championship, No DQ Match": Kenny Omega (c) defeated Chris Jericho, by pinfall, to retain the title. Omega hits the One Winged Angel, but Jericho survives by grabbing the ropes. Jericho hits the Code Breaker on Omega, but Omega kicks out at two and a half. Omega hits the One Winged Angel on Jericho on top of a steel chair and scores the pinfall to retain.

- "IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match": Kazuchika Okada (c) defeated Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall to retain the title. Naito counters the Rainmaker and hits Destino. Naito attempts another Destino, but Okada counters into a tombstone piledriver. Okada hits the Rainmaker on Naito and scores the pinfall.

** New Year's Dash Recap **

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima and Yuji Nagata defeated Ren Narita, Shota Umino, Tetsuhiro Yagi and Tomoyuki Oka, by pinfall, after Kojima hits a lariat on Umino.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": El Desperado, Taichi, Taka Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Henare, Hirai Kawato, Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask IV and Togi Makabe, by pinfall after Desperado hit the Pinche Loco on Kawato.

- “Switchblade” Jay White defeated Katsuya Kitamura, by pinfall with the Blade Runner.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson Nick Jackson defeated Cheeseburger & Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH), by pinfall with an assisted Indytaker on Cheeseburger.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": The Bullet Club (Chase Owens, Cody Rhodes, Leo Tonga, Marty Scurll and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Taguchi Japan (David Finlay, Juice Robinson, Kota Ibushi, Kushida and Ryusuke Taguchi), by submission with the American Nightmare from Rhodes on Finlay. After the match, The Bullet Club attack Ibushi, but Kenny Omega makes the surprising save and argues with Cody. Omega and Cody begin shoving each other until Omega grabs a microphone and says he's sick of Bullet Club’s infighting and he had the solution. Omega announces Switchblade Jay White as the newest member of The Bullet Club. White arrives, accepts the Bullet Club t-shirt, but then fakes out The Bullet Club by hitting the Blade Runner on Omega.

- "NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": The Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tonga Roa) defeated Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) (c), by pinfall with a Gun Stun from Tama on Beretta to win the titles.

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Suzuki-gun (Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre, Jr.) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin and War Machine, by pinfall with Killer Bomb from Smith and Archer onto Hanson. After the match, Suzuki attacks Tanahashi and celebrates with Tanahashi's IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match": Los Ingobernables de Japon (Bushi, Evil, Hiromu Takahashi, Sanada and Tetsuya Naito) defeated Chaos (Gedo, Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay and Yoshi Hashi), by pinfall with Destino from Naito on Yoshi Hashi. After the match, LIJ continue to attack and Sanada chokes out Okada with the Skull End.

- Chris Jericho Attacks Tetsuya Naito: Before the show ended, Naito cut a promo to talk about his loss to Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Chris Jericho suddenly hits the ring and attacks Naito from behind and beats him down 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 12/31/17

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT 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 ***

- John Cena's Return: This past week on Monday Night RAW, John Cena returned to action as he battled Elias Samson. According to reports, Cena is expected to stick around for a few more weeks leading into the WWE Royal Rumble at the end of January.

- New Tag Team Champions Crowned: If you missed Monday Night RAW this past week, there were new WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions crowned. Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan defeated Sheamus and Cesaro to close out 2017 the new tag team champions.

- Jason Jordan Makes History: After winning the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship this past Monday, Jason Jordan has made some history as well. Jordan currently is the first and only superstar to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship, the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship and the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.

- Dolph Ziggler Stripped Of The WWE United States Championship: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, GM Daniel Bryan announced that Dolph Ziggler was being stripped of the WWE United States Championship, after Ziggler laid down the title in the ring, walked out and hasn't been heard from since.

- WWE United States Championship Tournament Announced: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, GM Daniel Bryan announced a tournament to crown a new WWE United States Champion. Bobby Roode defeated Baron Corbin and Jinder Mahal defeated Tye Dillinger to start it off. The winner of Aiden English vs. Xavier Woods will face Mahal and the winner of Zack Ryder vs. Mojo Rawley will battle Roode in the final four.

- Batista Return Possible?: According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Batista has stated that he would love to return to the WWE for one more full time run with the company. Batista stated that he's been eyeing a lengthy return to the WWE, one that could last up to a whole year. Batista stated that he has already met with Vince McMahon about the idea and Batista would love to have a long feud with Triple H during that year. I'll keep you posted on this news as more is revealed.

- Randy Orton Taking A Hiatus?: According to PWInsider.com, Randy Orton could be out of action for most of February and all of March and will also work a light schedule in January. Rumors are stating that this could be leading to Orton eventually stepping down into a part time role with the company as well with Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Chris Jericho.

- Dean Ambrose Update: The Tuesday before Christmas, Dean Ambrose underwent successful surgery to repair a high grade triceps tendon injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas in Birmingham, Ala., and took around 40 minutes. Ambrose has begun physical therapy, starting with light range of motion exercises. Ambrose is expected to miss Wrestlemania 34, as he will be out for at least 9 months.

- Brian Kendrick Injured: This past Monday on RAW, Brian Kendrick was sent to local hospital to be checked for a potential injury, after taking a stiff Go To Sleep from Hideo Itami during their match. After tests came back it was discovered that Kendrick suffered a fractured orbital bone and a fractured nasal bridge. It's unknown at this time how long Kendrick will be out for.

- Paige Injured: This past Wednesday night at a live WWE event, Paige suffered a kick to the back by Sasha Banks which caused the match to be stopped and Paige in need of assistance. According to fans in attendance, initially, a stretcher was brought out, but Paige was able to walk to the back with the help of the doctors.

- Go To Sleep Banned: It was announced this week that after Hideo Itami accidentally injured Brian Kendrick delivering the Go To Sleep, Vince McMahon officially has banned the move from being used.

- Ronda Rousey News: After the announcement of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble at the WWE Royal Rumble, rumors began on a possible Ronda Rousey appearance in the match. Sources have said, however, that Rousey is still in training for her WWE debut and will also be filming a movie with Mark Wahlberg during the Royal Rumble time frame. It looks like her debut at the WWE Royal Rumble is false unless things change up to match time.

- Possible Fastlane Main Event Spoiler: The Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio has recently announced a Fatal Five Way Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Smackdown Live pay per view WWE Fastlane on March 11th. WWE have not confirmed this match to be true at the moment, but if it pans out to be true then it'll be WWE World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles defending his championship in the Fatal Five Way Match against Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Jack Gallagher vs. Hideo Itami: The first match of the night saw Gallagher looking to get revenge on Itami after Itami injured Brian Kendrick on Monday Night RAW. Itami locks in a submission on Gallagher and makes him tap out to get the victory.

- Tony Nese vs. Akira Tozawa: Earlier in the night Nese stated that he wanted to take out everyone in the Zo Train, but understands that Enzo Amore is the star of 205 Live and Nese has learned his place. Tozawa mocked Nese for that decision and ended up getting slapped in the face by Nese. The match closes out with Nese hitting the running knees on Tozawa and scoring the pinfall.

- Ariya Daivari and Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali: Earlier in the night, Cedric tries to talk sense into Gulak that Enzo Amore is just using him. The match closes out with Ali hitting the 054 Splash on Daivari and scoring the pinfall.

*** NXT ***

- Johnny Gargano New #1 Contender: This past week on NXT TV, Johnny Gargano officially became the new #1 Contender to the NXT World Championship, after defeated Aleister Black, Lars Sullivan and Killian Dain in a Fatal Four Way Match.

- NXT Takeover Philadelphia: With Johnny Gargano winning the Fatal Four Way Match, the official main event at NXT Takeover Philadelphia will be Andrade "Cien" Almas defending the NXT World Championship against Johnny Gargano. NXT Takeover Philadelphia will take place the night before WWE Royal Rumble.

- Shayna Bazsler Debuts: This past week on NXT TV, Shayna Bazsler made her official NXT debut, by attacking and choking out Kairi Sane.

- WWE Adds A 5th NXT Yearly Pay Per View: WWE announced this week that NXT will get a 5th yearly Takeover Pay Per View, starting this year. WWE will be including WWE Money In The Bank as their 5th main pay per view that will include all of RAW and Smackdown Live stars. NXT will get their pay per view the Saturday before Money In The Bank.

- James Storm Asked About Signing With NXT: Former Impact wrestler James Storm was interviewed recently and was asked about whether or not he would return to NXT if he was offered a spot on the roster again. Storm stated that he has been hitting the gym daily and keeping in excellent shape, just in case he was made an offer by any promotion out there right now. Storm stated that NXT in his eyes is a huge promotion on its own now and any wrestler should be honored to accept a roster spot with the company. Storm stated that he would love to have a good run in NXT and also help out the up and comers in the company. Will we see The Cowboy return?? Will have to stay tuned and find out.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

- Ethan Carter Files Documents To Trademark His Name: Impact Wrestling star EC3 has filed documents this past week in an attempt to legally own his character’s name. EC3 filed trademark documents which state that he wants to use the name for “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer. The documents also note that he wants to use the name for “conducting fitness classes.” Impact Wrestling announced a few weeks ago that they were allowing all Impact Wrestlers past and present the opportunity to keep their gimmicks that they created in Impact Wrestling. This opened the door to allow Matt Hardy to debut his Broken/Woken gimmick finally in the WWE.

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

- Young Lion Cup Winner: Last week the 11th Annual Young Lion Cup Tournament finished up at NJPW Lion's Gate Project 10. Katsuya Kitamura came out victorious in the tournament and claimed the Young Lion Cup Trophy. The following is the final standings of the tournament.

- Katsuya Kitamura 10
- Hirai Kawato 8
- Tomoyuki Oka 6
- Shota Umino 4
- Ren Narita 1
- Tetsuhiro Yagi 1

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 12/24/17

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT 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 ***

- Dolph Ziggler Wins Gold: If you missed WWE Clash of Champions this past Sunday night, Dolph Ziggler walked out of the event the new WWE United States Champion, defeating Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode in a Triple Threat Match.

- Dolph Ziggler Possibly Vacates Gold: This past week on Smackdown Live it appeared that Dolph Ziggler vacated the WWE United States Championship after promising to do something rememberable. Ziggler then proceeded to lay down the title in the ring and then walked out.

- Women's Royal Rumble Officially Announced: This past week on Monday Night RAW, Stephanie McMahon officially announced the first ever all women's Royal Rumble will take place at the WWE Royal Rumble.

- Dean Ambrose Injury: It was announced this past week that Dean Ambrose has been legitimately suffering from a right elbow injury but there's no word yet on the severity of the injury. Ambrose was scheduled to travel to Birmingham, Alabama this past Wednesday to have the injury checked out and dealt with.

- Jason Jordan And Seth Rollins Team Up: WWE announced this week, with Dean Ambrose more than likely out until next year with his elbow injury, Jason Jordan will take Ambrose's spot and team with Seth Rollins for the time being.

- #1 Contenders Announced: This past week on Monday Night RAW, RAW GM Kurt Angle officially announced both Braun Strowman and Kane as the #1 Contenders to the WWE Universal Championship. Both will battle Brock Lesnar in a Triple Threat Match at the WWE Royal Rumble.

- Hall Of Fame 2018 Rumors: This past week there was a list of names revealed that were rumored to be the five superstars going into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. Those names listed were Goldberg, Bam Bam Bigelow, Ivory, The Dudley Boys and Kid Rock. I'll keep you posted on the actual superstars picked when the inductees are officially announced.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Kalisto and Gran Metalik defeated Brian Kendrick and Jack Gallagher, by DQ. Kalisto hits Salida Del Sol on Gallagher, but Kendrick attacks Kalisto with boots until the referee calls the DQ. After the match, Kendrick drop kicks the steel steps into Metalik's leg.

- Hideo Itami defeated Colin Delaney, by pinfall. Itami squashes Delaney quickly in this match and hits the Go To Sleep for the pinfall.

- Cedric Alexander defeated Drew Gulak, by pinfall. Earlier in the night, Enzo Amore says that he has to lay into Drew Gulak and Ariya Daivari for letting Alexander win on RAW. Gulak promised Enzo that he'd annihilate Alexander tonight. Alexander confronts Enzo after Enzo says that Alexander needs to win twice to be the #1 Contender since he had two chances to get the win. Alexander tells Enzo that he should fight his own battles. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Gulak and scores the pinfall. After the match, Enzo distracts Alexander while Daivari tries to attack from behind. Alexander catches Daivari and hits the Lumbar Check to end the show.

*** NXT ***

- New Champions Crowned: This past week on NXT TV, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish defeated SAnitY to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **

- The Addiction defeated Coast To Coast, by pinfall. Kazarian is placed in a tree of woe by Ali, but Daniels makes the save. Kazarian with a Back Stabber and an Unprettier on Ali. LSG hits a springboard clothesline on Daniels and trades shots with Kazarian. The Addiction hit the Best Meltzer Ever on LSG and score the pinfall. After the match, LSG and Ali agree to have one more match as a team to see if it's worth going forward together or splitting up.

- Shane Taylor defeated Eli Isom, by referee stoppage. Taylor gets the quick victory, after hitting Isom right in the face with a knee, knocking Isom out cold. The referee decides to call the match, due to Isom being unable to continue. 

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) defeated Rocky Romero and The Best Friends, by submission. Omega counters Sliced Bread by Romero and hits a fireman's carry slam. Omega with a knee to Beretta and then Omega lifts Beretta into a Tombstone position. Omega and Matt hit tombstone piledrivers on Beretta and Chuckie after Nick hits drop kicks on both. Omega hits the One Winged Angel on Romero and then The Bucks force Romero to tap out to the Cease and Desist submission.

- ROH Announces A New Championship: ROH announced this week that they will be creating an ROH Woman Of Honor Championship and developing a women's division in the company in 2018.

** Final Battle Recap **

- Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara defeated Cheeseburger and Delirious.

- Jonathan Gresham defeated Josh Woods.

- Matt Taven defeated Will Ospreay, by pinfall. Ospreay hits a moonsault that takes out all of The Kingdom. Ospreay blocks a Taven frog splash with his knees up. Ospreay goes for the OsCutter, but Taven counters and hits a arm trap headlock driver on Ospreay for the pinfall.

- War Machine defeated The Addiction, by pinfall. All four men start brawling and eventually lay each other out. Hanson hits a springboard elbow and then Thor's Hammer on Daniels. Hanson suicide dives onto Kazarian and takes him out. War Machine hit Fallout and score the pinfall.

- Jay Lethal defeated Marty Scurll, by pinfall. Lethal traps Scurll in a figure four leg lock submission. Scurll reaches the ropes and then grabs his umbrella. Lethal grabs it away, distracting the referee and Scurll grabs a second umbrella. Scurll hits Lethal with the umbrella, hits a release piledriver and gets a near fall. Referee grabs the umbrella away from Lethal. Lethal low blows Scurll while the referee is distracted and then hits the Lethal Injection to score the pinfall.

- "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Motor City Machine Guns (c) defeated The Best Friends, by pinfall, to retain their titles. The Best Friends hit a dropkick/reverse piledriver and get a near fall. Shelley attempts Sliced Bread #2, but gets dropped with a Lawn Dart. Sabin gets hit with a piledriver, but Sabin rolls through and somehow scores the surprise pinfall on Beretta to retain the titles.

- "ROH Television Championship, Four Way Elimination Match": Silas Young defeated Kenny King (c), Punishment Martinez and Shane Taylor, to win the title. Shane Taylor was the first wrestler eliminated in the match. Taylor and Martinez were on the top rope together when Taylor gets chopped off. King with the Royal Flush on Taylor and Martinez with the top rope senton on Taylor for the pinfall. The champ, Kenny King, was the second man eliminated. King hits the Royal Flush on Martinez, but Beer City Bruiser distracts the referee allowing Young to bust a beer bottle over King's head for the pinfall. Martinez with a corner splash on Young. Young unloads with knees, but Martinez goes for a spinning kick. Young counters and hits Misery for the pinfall and the title. 

- "New York Street Fight Match": The Briscoe Brothers defeated Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer, by pinfall. Dreamer hits a Spicoli Driver through a table on Jay as Bully hits a splash through another table for a near fall. Bully sets up another table and tries to light it on fire, but gets stopped. The Briscoes hit the 3D on Bully into the table, but the table doesn't break. Frog Splash through the table on Bully and The Briscoes score the pinfall.

- "ROH Six Man Tag Team Championship Match": Hangman Adam Page and The Young Bucks (c) defeated Dragon Lee, Titan and Flip Gordon, by pinfall to retain the titles. Gordon unloads on Matt and hits a Pele Kick. Gordon gets a three on one beat down. Gordon tries to fight back, but a triple super kick party lays him out. Lee and Gordon get double IndyTaker's on them and Page and The Bucks score the pinfall. After the match, Scorpio Sky and The Addiction attack everyone and hold up the titles afterwards. 

- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Dalton Castle defeated Cody Rhodes (c), by pinfall to win the title. Castle counters the Cross Rhodes, but Cody hits the referee on an attempted clothesline. Castle traps Cody in a submission and Cody taps out, but the referee is still knocked out. Cody counters the Bang A Rang and hits Cross Rhodes on Castle for a near fall as the referee wakes up. Cody hits the Beautiful Disaster on Castle. Castle is back up and hits the Bang A Rang on Cody out of nowhere and scores the pinfall to win the title.

*** Defiant Wrestling ***

- Austin Aries Wins Gold: Last week on an episode of Defiant Wrestling, Austin Aries defeated Marty Scurll to become the new Defiant World Heavyweight Champion.

*** SHINE ***

** SHINE 47 Recap **

- "20 Woman Survival Battle Royal": Rain defeated 19 other women to earn the right to face LuFisto for the SHINE Championship at SHINE 48.

- Natalia Markova defeated Aerial Monroe, by pinfall, with the Underhook DDT.

- "Fatal Four Way Match": Dynamite DiDi defeated Tesha Price, Kikyo, and Robyn Reid, by pinfall after hitting Price with a double stomp.

- Leva Bates defeated Dementia D’Rose, by DQ.

- "SHINE Nova Championship Match": Priscilla Kelly (c) defeated Aja Perera, by submission, with the Koji Clutch to retain the title.

- Shotzi Blackheart defeated Kiera Hogan, by pinfall, with the top rope senton.

- Jessicka Havok defeated Brandi Lauren, by pinfall, with a tombstone piledriver.

- "SHINE Tag Team Championship Match": Ivelisse Velez and Mercedes Martinez (c) defeated The Cutie Pie Club (Aria Blake and Candy Cartwright) to retain the SHINE Tag Team Titles.

- Stormie Lee defeated Rain, by referee stoppage

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 12/10/17

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND, DEFIANT 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 ***

- Sheamus News: This past week it was reported that Sheamus has been dealing with serious neck issues for the past six months and has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Sheamus has been rehabbing his neck for quite some time, and even took a brief hiatus to recover in his home country of Ireland. Spinal stenosis is a serious injury that has shortened and ended the wrestling careers of WWE Hall of Famers Edge and Stone Cold Steve Austin. I'll keep you posted on this news in week's to come.

- WWE Testing Out "Woken" Matt Hardy: Last week at WWE live events, WWE began testing out the "Woken" Matt Hardy gimmick and as expected it has become a hit with the live audience. It may now only be a matter of time before we see the gimmick arrive on RAW now that Matt Hardy is clear from the lawsuit from Impact Wrestling and now can use the gimmick of being Broken. 

- WWE Testing Out Live Cruiserweight Shows: Vince McMahon announced during his weekly conference call that the WWE will run three live shows in January, featuring the 205 Live roster only. PWInsider reported that the 205 Live tours in January and potentially February will be an experiment by WWE to determine if it's a financially viable concept

- R-Truth Injury Update: WWE announced this week that R-Truth underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday morning. Truth had bone removed from his shoulder and there currently isn't a official return time as of yet.

- WWE Composer Jim Johnston Officially Released: Last week, there were rumors circulating on whether or not WWE composer Jim Johnston had been released or not. This week it was made official that Johnston was in fact released from the company. Johnston had worked for the company for over 32 years and had composed legendary themes for The Undertaker, DX, The Rock and many others. Over the past 3 years WWE had been using new comers CFO$ to compose theme music, leaving Johnston with limited work. Johnston wanted to stay with the company, but had a very high contract and WWE chose to let Johnston go.

- Ronda Rousey News: According to two sources close to Ronda Rousey, she is almost ready to make the announcement that she will be joining WWE as a full time wrestler. Two friends very close to Rousey told USA Today that she will be making the full time jump to WWE announcement very soon and is currently finalizing her contract. 

- Nia Jax Appearing With 205 Live Soon: According to advertisements, Nia Jax will be making special appearances with 205 Live soon to continue her new storyline with Enzo Amore. Nia will begin having a crush on Enzo and follow him around on 205 Live.

** 205 Live Recap **

- With WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore not in the building tonight, Drew Gulak took charge of the Zo Train.

- Noam Dar vs. Cedric Alexander: This match was originally supposed to be Alexander vs. Drew Gulak, but Gulak used his temporary leader of the Zo Train power and made Dar fight in his place. Dar went to the top rope and was immediately told to get down by Gulak, because he was breaking Gulak's "No Fly Zone" policy. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Dar while he's distracted and gets the pinfall. 

- Brian Kendrick vs. Gran Metalik: The second match of the night saw Kendrick battle Metalik in a one on one match. Kendrick distracts the referee allowing Jack Gallagher to shove Metalik off the ropes. Kendrick locks Metalik in the Captain's Hook submission and gets the tap out win.

- Tony Nese vs. Rich Swann: The main event of the show saw Swann battle Zo Train member Nese in a one on one match. Drew Gulak tries to help Nese, but Cedric Alexander arrives to help Swann. Swann gets the pinfall victory and then Gulak signals for Noam Dar and Ariya Daivari to hit the ring. Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali hit the ring to help Alexander and Swann to end the show. 

*** NXT ***

- Mystery Wrestler Coming: NXT showed a teaser this past week on NXT TV for an "ominous force" that will be coming to NXT soon. Rumors are saying it could either be Donovan Dijak, former TNA wrestler Gunner, former TNA wrestler Rockstar Spud or Shaya Baszler, who has the nickname "Queen of Spades". Spades were shown during the teaser trailer. 

- NXT To Be Broadcast On The USA Network: WWE announced that the December 13th episode of NXT will be aired on the USA Network, which will include a week of wrestling. That week, WWE will show Tribute To The Troops, RAW, Smackdown Live and NXT all on the USA Network.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- Caleb Konley vs. Taiji Ishimori: The first match of the night saw Konley and Taiji go one on one. Konley attacked Taiji from behind a few weeks back, setting up this match. Trevor Lee gets in a few shots on Taiji while the referee is distracted. Taiji escapes a Konley submission and ends up hitting a 450 Splash on Konley for the pinfall. After the match, Konley and Lee attack Taiji until Dezmond Xavier hits the ring to make the save.  

- "Knockouts Tournament, Triple Match Match": Sienna vs. Rosemary vs. Allie: The second match of the night saw the second triple threat match in the Knockouts Championship Tournament. Sienna gets taken out by Rosemary. Rosemary hits Allie with the Red Wedding and scores the pinfall to advance. Rosemary will battle Laurel Van Ness in the Finals to crown a new Impact Knockouts Champion.

- oVe And Sami Callihan Promo: The trio mock Canada because it's not Ohio. Callihan says things with LAX have gotten out of hand, they'll give LAX a rematch but it'll be under rules that they choose. A local Canadian tag team called TDT interrupt and mock oVe and Callihan in French. TDT kick Callihan and then splash oVe in the corner. Callihan grabs a kendo stick and unloads on TDT. LAX hit the ring and start brawling with oVe and Callihan. LAX clears the ring, Konnan throws a kendo stick at oVe and Callihan, misses and accidentally hits a fan at ringside. 

- KM films himself walking into a random gym and beating up the students inside, trying to prove himself to American Top Team. 

- "Grand Championship Match": Ethan Carter (c) vs. Matt Sydal: EC3 takes round number one and leads 1-0. Sydal takes round number two and ties things at 1-1. Sydal counters the One Percenter and lands knees on EC3. EC3 stops Sydal climbing the ropes and slaps Sydal in the face. Sydal misses the Shooting Star Press, both he and EC3 bang heads and knock each other out. The third round ends and the match is called a draw. EC3 retains his title.

- Bobby Lashley and Dan Lambert vs. Moose and James Storm: An ATT member jumps on the apron and gets axe kicked off by Moose and into two other ATT guys outside. Lashley hits the spear on Storm and Lambert tags in. Lashley isn't happy as Lambert covers Storm and steals the pinfall.

- Eli Drake and Chris Adonis vs. Petey Williams and Johnny Impact: Williams goes for the Canadian Destroyer, but Adonis locks Williams in the Adonis Lock submission. Impact hits a springboard kick and then dumps Drake outside. Impact hits Starship Pain on Adonis and scores the pinfall. After the match, Alberto El Patron attacks Drake from behind and sends him into the ringpost. El Patron then lays out Drake with a DDT right on the world title. 

- More Content Added To The Network: Impact Wrestling announced this week that they have added DEFY Wrestling and Future Stars of Wrestling as the latest promotions that are being apart of Impact Wrestling’s “Global Wrestling Network” service. GWN includes all the past TNA/Impact pay per views, Border City Wrestling, SMASH Wrestling and much more.

- Laurel Van Ness News: It was revealed this week that Laurel Van Ness apparently didn't inform anyone in Impact management that she wanted to leave Impact Wrestling before the recent Impact tapings, where Laurel ends up winning the Impact Knockouts Championship. Laurel has been showing interest in signing with the WWE and Impact still has yet to grant Laurel her release as of yet considering she is their current Impact Knockouts Champion.

- More Talent Contracts Set To Expire: According to Impact Wrestling, it was made known this week that Ethan Carter, Bobby Lashley and Eddie Edwards all have contracts that are set to expire soon in Impact Wrestling. Rumors have begun that WWE is highly interested in Eddie Edwards to add to the NXT roster. There has been no word on whether WWE is interested in EC3 or Lashley at this time.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **

- Marty Scurll vs. Beer City Bruiser: The first match of the night saw Scurll battle Bruiser in a one on one match. The referee goes down in the match which allows Scurll to grab his umbrella and use it as a weapon on Bruiser to score the pinfall. Jay Lethal appeared during the match and watched from the ramp.  

- The Briscoe Brothers Trash The Dudley Boys' Wrestling School: Mark and Jay Briscoe arrived at Bully Ray and Devon's Wrestling School. The Briscoes attack the students in the dojo and in the ring and hit a 3D on a student. The Briscoes destroy and trash everything throughout the school before finally leaving.  

- Coleman's Pulpit With Caprice Coleman: Coleman interviewed himself and talked about how he will defeat Kenny King and win the ROH Television Championship.

- "ROH World Tag Team Championship Match": The Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. The Kingdom: The Motor City Machine Guns went on to defeat The Kingdom to retain their tag team titles in this match. 

- Flip Gordon vs. Hangman Adam Page: Gordon defeated Page by pinfall, but gets attacked and laid out, after the match, by The Young Bucks with super kicks. 

*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

- Wrestle Kingdom 12 Tickets Going Fast: NJPW announced this week that tickets for Wrestle Kingdom 12, live at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, are selling at a rapid pace and they are expecting a sell out. Wrestle Kingdom is NJPW's version of Wrestlemania. This year's show is highlighted with three huge main events, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada defends his title against Tetsuya Naito, IWGP United States Champion Kenny Omega defends his title against WWE Legend Chris Jericho and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi defends his title against Jay White. More matches for the event will be announced soon.

*** House of Hardcore ***

** HOH 36: Blizzard Brawl Recap **

- Tommy Dreamer's 36th edition of House of Hardcore returned last weekend at the Waukesha Expo Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

- Guido Maritato defeated Nick Cutler, by pinfall with a bridged roll up.

- MVP defeated Jay Bradley, by pinfall with Drive By Kick.

- Nick Aldis defeated Carlito, by pinfall with a top rope elbow. Former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas arrived with Aldis and officially named himself his manager. 

- "Fatal Four Way Match": Bull Dempsey defeated Curt Stallion, Conner Braxston, and Arik Cannon, by pinfall with a seated senton. 

- Willie Mack defeated Brian Cage, by pinfall with a frogsplash.

- Al Snow and Swoggle defeated “The Squad World Order” (Kenny and Mikey), by pinfall after Swoggle hit the Tadpole Splash.

- "Hardcore War Match": Abyss defeated Tommy Dreamer, by pinfall after Abyss hits the Black Hole Slam onto thumbtacks on Dreamer. Nick Aldis also got involved, helping Abyss.

- "Candice's Retirement Match": Candice Michelle defeated Lisa Marie Varon, by pinfall with a spinning DDT.

- Austin Aries defeated Joey Mercury, by pinfall with a rolling 450 Splash. Shane Douglas was in Mercury's corner. Tommy Dreamer came out to help Aries get the win.

*** Defiant Wrestling ***

- Defiant Wrestling Becomes Official: This past Monday, December 4th, WCPW officially dropped its name and has officially been repackaged as Defiant Wrestling. WCPW made the announcement of the change a few months back and also announced Stu Bennett (Wade Barrett) as Defiant's first General Manager.

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 12/3/17

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND 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

** Theme Song of the Week **
This week's theme song of the week goes to Braun Strowman.

*** WWE ***

- Matt Hardy Shows Signs Of Being Broken: This past week on RAW, Hardy suffered a loss to Bray Wyatt. After the match, Hardy began to snap and chanted "delete" repeatedly, appearing to be releasing the Broken Matt Hardy gimmick.

- Daniel Bryan Still Hoping For A Return To The Ring: This past week, Daniel Bryan's wife, Brie Bella, tweeted out that Bryan has been cleared by every doctor he's been to return to the ring to wrestle. WWE doctors, however, still have not given the ok to Bryan and have him currently still on the uncleared list.

- AJ Styles Silences Rumors: This past week a rumor began circling around Twitter that Styles was planning on retiring after Wrestlemania 34. Styles commented on the rumor and made the official announcement that the rumor was false and Styles wants to wrestle a few more years before he officially retires.

- Ford Suing John Cena: It was announced this week that Ford has filed a lawsuit against John Cena. According to the lawsuit, Cena was contractually obligated by Ford to hold onto the vehicle for at least two years. Ford, which is only producing 250 of the supercars a year that Cena purchased, carefully selected buyers out of an applicant pool of celebrities and Ford enthusiasts, alleges that Cena unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle. Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity and customer goodwill due to the improper sale.

- Marine 6 News: WWE announced this past week that The Miz will be taking time off to film the movie Marine 6. The movie will also guest star Becky Lynch. Both Miz and Becky Lynch have been written off WWE TV with injuries.

- Goldberg To Appear On CW's The Flash: WWE's Goldberg announced this week on his Twitter account that he will guest star in an episode of the CW show The Flash. It's unknown what character he'll be playing at the moment.

** 205 Live Recap **

- Rich Swann battled Noam Dar: The first match of the show saw, Rich Swann, who won the first Fatal Four Way Match to determine a #1 Contender on RAW, battle Noam Dar, who's still a loyal member of the Zo Train. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore was at ringside and made it clear before the match that he was upset that the Zo Train allowed Swann to win on Monday. Enzo tried to run distraction and help Dar during this match, but Swann hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar and gets the win.

- Jack Gallagher battled Kalisto: The second match of the night saw Gallagher, who was accompanied to the ring by his current running buddy Brian Kendrick, take on Kalisto. Gallagher was in control of things until Kalisto makes the comeback and unloads. Kalisto sets Gallagher up for Salida Del Sol, however, Kendrick hits the ring, attacks and beats down Kalisto, getting Gallagher DQ'ed. 

- Tony Nese and Drew Gulak battled Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali: The main event of the show saw all four men that will battle it out in the second Fatal Four Way Match on this Monday's RAW battle in tag team action. Alexander and Ali showed a little bit of miscommunication in this match, as Gulak and Nese took advantage of it. Ali gets sent into Alexander, who flies off the apron and to the floor. Nese rolls up Ali during the mishap and gets the pinfall.

** Starrcade Recap **

WWE brought back the NWA classic event for a live house show last Saturday night in Greensboro, North Carolina. Greensboro has been the home of many classic NWA events in the past and was dubbed the heart of NWA Wrestling.

- Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler, Special Enforcer Arn Anderson: The opening match of the show saw Roode and Ziggler go one on one with NWA/WCW great and WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson serving as special enforcer. Ziggler would get two near falls on Roode with a Fameasser and a Zig Zag. Ziggler grabs a steel chair and looks to use it on Roode. Arn Anderson enters the ring and has a stare down with Ziggler, after stopping Ziggler from using the chair. Anderson lays out Ziggler with one of his trademarked spinebusters, which allows Roode to hit the Glorious DDT on Ziggler for the pinfall.

- "Twelve Man Tag Team Match": The Bludgeon Brothers, The Colons, Mike Kanellis and Rusev vs. Breezango, The Ascension, Tye Dillinger and Sin Cara: The second match of the night saw some classic multi men tag team action. The Bludgeon Brothers finally get involved in the match and destroy everyone in their path, including their own teammates. The Bludgeon Brothers hit their double team Crucifix Power Bomb and score the pinfall for their team. 

- Naomi vs. Tamina: The third match of the night turned to women's wrestling action. Naomi was able to fight off the powerhouse Tamina and pick up the pinfall with the split legged moonsault.

- "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes vs. Dash Wilder: Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) made an appearance with his WCW gimmick "The Natural", which he competed as at past NWA/WCW Starrcades. Rhodes gets a quick win over Wilder with the Bionic Elbow and the Bulldog. After the match, Dustin cuts a promo about his father, the late great Dusty Rhodes and how proud Dusty would be right now to see the NWA tradition of Starrcade back tonight.

- Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat Promo: NWA legend and WWE Hall of Famer Ricky The Dragon Steamboat makes a special appearance and talks about the NWA. Steamboat calls Greensboro Coliseum hollowed ground and it was known as the Madison Square Garden of the NWA. Steamboat talks about some of his great memories in the NWA and told stories of some of his NWA/WCW United States Championship matches.

- "WWE United States Championship Match": Baron Corbin (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: The fifth match of the night saw Ricky Steamboat ring announce both men to the ring as Corbin defended his title against Nakamura. Nakamura hits a knee on Corbin and then goes for the Kinshasa. Corbin grabs a steel chair and hits Nakamura with it to get himself DQ'ed. Nakamura wins but Corbin retains his title.

- The Hardy Boys And The Rock N Roll Express: Current WWE icons the Hardy Boys and former NWA tag team and WWE Hall of Famers The Rock N Roll Express came out to give the fans some history on how important wrestling has been in North Carolina. The Hardy's tell the Rock N Roll Express that they were their heroes growing up. The Rock N Roll Express talk about all their great battles in the past at Starrcade. The New Day interrupt next and start dancing with The Hardy's and Rock N Roll Express. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn interrupt next and head to the ring for their tag team match next.  

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship, Fatal Four Way Match": The Usos (c) vs. The New Day vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn: The sixth match of the night saw The Usos defending their tag team titles and retaining, after unloading an Uso Kick party.

- Ric Flair Promo: 16 time world champion and 2 time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair arrives. Flair was given an NWA tribute video and says that he's cried three times today already being back in Greensboro. Flair talks about his NWA memories and meeting with his legendary friends backstage. Flair introduces his daughter, the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion, Charlotte, for her title defense tonight. 

- "WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship, Steel Cage Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Nattie Neidhart: In the first of two steel cage matches tonight, Charlotte defended her title against Nattie. Nattie lands a superplex off the ropes and gets Charlotte trapped in The Sharpshooter submission twice. Charlotte is able to hold on and escape the submission. Charlotte hits a spear on Nattie and then makes her tap out to the Figure Eight submission to retain her title. 

- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Steel Cage Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Jinder Mahal: The main event of the show saw the second steel cage match of the show, as Styles defended his title against Mahal. The Singh Brothers climb into the cage and try to attack Styles. Styles hits the Styles Clash on both Singh Brothers. Mahal tries to escape through the cage door as Styles tries to escape by climbing over the cage wall. Styles meets Mahal on the other side and kicks the door into Mahal's head, stopping him from escaping. Styles jumps down to the floor and escapes the cage to retain his title.

*** NXT ***

- New Tag Team Champions Crowned: This week during NXT TV tapings, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly defeated SAnitY to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.

- Main Event For NXT Philadelphia Announced: This week during the NXT tapings, it was revealed that newly crowned NXT World Champion Andrade "Cien" Almas will defend his title against Johnny Gargano at NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, which takes place the night before the WWE Royal Rumble in January. 

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- "Impact Knockouts Championship Tournament, Triple Threat Match": Laurel Van Ness vs. KC Spinelli vs. Madison Rayne: With Gail Kim officially vacating the title and retiring, Impact began a tournament to crown a new champion. KC lifts Madison into the air and hits the electric chair drop. Laurel grabs KC and lays her out with the Unprettier to score the pinfall and advance into the finals of the tournament.

- Hakim Zane vs. Taiji Ishimori: The second match of the night saw Hakim Zane and Taiji Ishimori battle in a one on one match. Zane attempts a hurricanrana, but gets countered and hit with knees to the face by Taiji. Taiji climbs the ropes and hits a 450 Splash on Zane for the pinfall. After the match, Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley hit the ring, attack and lay out Taiji.

- Sami Callihan vs. Randy Myers: The third match of the night is shown in Seattle, Washington with Defy Wrestling. Callihan hits a huge lariat on Myers to score the pinfall in this one. 

- KM Tries To Prove Himself To American Top Team: KM is spotted backstage attacking random people, trying to prove himself in joining Bobby Lashley and American Top Team. KM finds ATT arriving and asks them if he proved enough to them. Dan Lambert says they didn't see anything because they just arrived to the building. KM tries to talk to Lashley, but Lashley isn't listening.

- Texano vs. James Storm: The fourth match of the night saw James Storm continue in his feud with Texano. Texano targets Storm's back during the match. Storm attempts Eye of the Storm twice, but can't hit it due to his back pain. Storm finally is able to lift Texano on the third attempt, but Texano counters and hits a super kick. Texano puts on Storm's cowboy hat and taunts him. Texano walks right into The Last Call and Storm scores the pinfall. After the match, American Top Team hit the ring and attack Storm. Lashley sends Storm back first into the apron and then the steel steps. Storm tries to fight back, landing The Last Call on an ATT member. Lashley scoops up Storm and plants him on his bad back with a running power slam. Moose hits the ring with a steel chair and saves Storm from anymore damage. Dan Lambert announces that next week it'll be him and Lashley vs. Moose and Storm, so they can end Impact Wrestling once and for all.

- Tyson Dux vs. Matt Sydal: The fifth match of the night saw Tyson Dux battle Matt Sydal, as Ethan Carter looked on from the commentary table. Sydal climbs the ropes, going for the Shooting Star Press, when Dux cuts him off with a near fall DDT. Sydal hits double boots to the face and then hits the Shooting Star Press to score the pinfall. After the match, EC3 and Sydal have a stare down with EC3 stating that Sydal can't beat him. 

- Johnny Impact vs. Alberto El Patron: The main event of the show saw Impact and El Patron finally get their one on one match against each other. El Patron cost Impact the World Title at Bound For Glory and both men brawled all over the arena last week, as Impact looked for revenge. The referee goes down and El Patron hits a low blow on Impact. El Patron puts Impact in a tree of woe, rips Impact's tape off his arm and shoves it in Impact's mouth. Eli Drake suddenly appears and distracts El Patron. El Patron attacks Drake and beats him down on the floor. El Patron gets pulled back to the ring by Impact, who hits Starship Pain and scores the pinfall. After the match, Drake hits El Patron with his world title, as Chris Adonis attacks Impact. Petey Williams hits the ring and attacks Drake and Adonis. Drake attempts Gravy Train on Williams, but he counters it. Impact hits a super kick on Drake and Williams follows with the Canadian Destroyer to end the show.

- Anthem Announces They Have Dropped The Broken Gimmick Lawsuit: Anthem announced this week that they have dropped the lawsuit on Matt Hardy, banning him from using the "Broken" gimmick in the WWE or anywhere else. Anthem stated that they have now given all their wrestlers the right to use any gimmick they come up with and use it in other promotions.

- Laurel Van Ness Asks For Her Release: PWInsider announced this week that Laurel Van Ness has asked for her release from Impact Wrestling. As of this time Impact Wrestling has not agreed to release Laurel yet as her contract isn't up until the summer of 2018.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **

- "#1 Contender Match": Silas Young vs. Jonathan Gresham: The winner of this match received the final spot in the Fatal Four Way Survival Match at ROH Final Battle, for the ROH Television Championship. Beer City Bruiser gets involved and distracts the referee. Gresham comes off the top rope, but Young dodges it. Young hits Misery on Gresham and scores the pinfall to take the final spot.

- The Addiction Attacks War Machine: War Machine made their way to the ring for their match when suddenly Christopher Daniels and Kazarian jumped them from behind. Rowe picks up Kazarian and tosses him into the crowd, taking out a female fan at ringside. Both teams are separated and the fan, who was bleeding from the nose, was given medical attention.

- The Kingdom Continues To Blame Conspiracy: The Kingdom state that they should be ROH World Tag Team Champions and ROH Six Man Tag Team Champions, but there is a conspiracy within ROH holding them back. The Kingdom state that they will end that next week when they defeat The Motor City Machine Guns and take home the tag team titles.

- Coleman's Pulpit With Special Guest Kenny King: King is excited to be defending the ROH Television Championship at ROH Final Battle. Coleman tells King that ROH is using him as a pawn and only want the ratings that he's bringing. King says he's doing this for his daughter. Coleman accuses King of not being a good father, using his daughter for ratings and calls King a pimp. King calls Coleman a false prophet and is going to tell ROH officials to put his title on the line so he can get his hands on Coleman for talking about his family. After King storms off, Coleman smiles because he just baited King into a match for his title.

- Eight Man Tag Team Action: The main event of the show saw The Bullet Club battle Flip Gordon, Scorpio Sky and Coast To Coast in an eight man tag team match. Before the match The Bullet Club mocked their opponents, calling them spot monkeys and mocking Flip Gordon, stating he'll never flip again when they get done with him. Gordon attempted a suicide dive, but eats four Bullet Club super kicks. Sky hits a hurricanrana and Gordon with a 450 Splash gets the near fall. The Bullet Club hit an Indytaker, a Meltzer Driver and The Rite of Passage on Sky and Gordon to take the victory.

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 11/26/17

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, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER, BEYOND 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

** Theme Song of the Week **
This week's theme song goes to the former NXT Women's Champion and WWE Divas Champion Paige, who made her return to Monday Night RAW this past week.

*** WWE ***

- Survivor Series Recap: If you missed WWE Survivor Series last weekend, be sure to check out my recap of the show and see how RAW came out victorious in this year's battle.

- Paul Heyman Praises AJ Styles: In the video below you can check out an interview with Paul Heyman backstage after WWE Survivor Series ended, giving his opinions on AJ Styles and how much respect he has for the Phenomenal One.

- Paige Returns: This past Monday on RAW, Paige returned from her two year absence from the WWE. Paige arrived with the main roster debuts of Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose and beat down Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Bayley. 

- A New Champion Crowned On RAW: This past Monday on RAW, Roman Reigns defeated The Miz to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. Reigns is now an official WWE Grand Slam Winner, as he has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE United States Championship and WWE World Tag Team Championship at least one time in his career.

- NXT Call Ups Arrive: This past week on Smackdown Live, NXT's Ruby Riot, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan all interrupted the show and attacked Naomi, Becky Lynch, Nattie Neidhart and Charlotte.

- Hideo Itami Debuting With 205 Live: It was announced this week on 205 Live that former NXT superstar Hideo Itami will be debuting soon with the 205 Live Roster.

** 205 Live Recap **

- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore informs his running buddies that they're all in matches tonight. Which ever one impresses Enzo the most could be next in line for a title shot.

- "Street Fight Match": Akira Tozawa defeated Drew Gulak. Tozawa placed a garbage can over Gulak's head and unloaded a series of kendo stick shots. Tozawa then put Gulak through a table to score the pinfall.

- Tony Nese defeated Mustafa Ali. Ali goes for the 054, but Nese counters and sends Ali into the ring post. Nese hits the running knees on Ali and gets the pinfall.

- Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari and Noam Dar. Swann hits the Phoenix Splash on Dar after Enzo Amore tried to interfere and scored the pinfall. After the match, Enzo jumps Alexander and Swann. Akira Tozawa and Mustafa Ali try to make the save but get jumped by Tony Nese and Drew Gulak. The show ends with Enzo, Daivari, Dar, Nese and Gulak all celebrating. 

*** NXT ***

- New Champions Crowned At NXT WarGames: If you missed NXT WarGames last weekend, be sure to check out my recap and see how Ember Moon became the new NXT Women's Champion and see how Andrade "Cien" Almas pulled off the upset and became the new NXT World Champion.

- Drew McIntyre Injury News: According to reports, Drew McIntyre suffered a left bicep tear during his match against Andrade "Cien" Almas at NXT WarGames. A full report on the injury will be made public after an MRI has been completed.

*** Impact Wrestling ***

** Impact TV Recap **

- Highlights of when Alex Shelley lost his match and had to wear a turkey suit a few years back is shown.

- Highlights of Eric Young defeating Robbie E and then Rob Terry had to wear the turkey suit from a few years back is shown.

- Highlights of last year's match between Robbie E and Grado are shown with Grado losing and wearing the turkey suit.

- "Ten Man Tag Team Match, Wrestler That Gets Pinned Must Wear The Turkey Suit": Eddie Edwards, Fallah Bahh, Dick Justice, Garza Jr and Allie vs. Chris Adonis, Caleb Konley, KM, Fantasma and Laurel Van Ness: Adonis goes for the Adonis Lock submission on Edwards. Edwards is able to counter out of it and gets the rollup pinfall on Adonis. Chris Adonis must wear the turkey suit. 

- After the match, Eli Drake arrives and says this isn't happening as Chris Adonis starts to put on the turkey suit. Adonis then refuses to put on the suit and leaves the ring. Impact security stop Adonis from leaving. Jeremy Borash informs Adonis and Drake that Adonis is contractually obligated to wear the suit. If he chooses not to then Eli Drake must wear it. Drake and Adonis have a conversation and Drake forces Adonis to put the suit on. A food fight breaks out between everyone at ringside with the tables of food props to end the show.

*** RING OF HONOR ***

** Survival of the Fittest Night #1 **

- The star of the CW show Arrow, Stephen Amell, was the host of tonight's show. Amell was also granted admission into The Bullet Club, as he interfered in the eight man tag team main event, involving The Bullet Club and delivered an IndyTaker.

- Cheeseburger defeated Jastin Taylor.

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Silas Young defeated Josh Woods.

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Shane Taylor defeated Beer City Bruiser.

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Punishment Martinez defeated Jay Lethal.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan and Vinny Marseglia) defeated Search and Destroy (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin and Jonathan Gresham).

- Deonna Purrazzo defeated Britt Baker.

- Esfinge and Rey Cometa defeated The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara).

- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kenny King (c) defeated Joey Ryan.

- Dalton Castle defeated Marty Scurll.

- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": The Bullet Club (Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) (with Stephen Amell) defeated The Addiction (Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian), Scorpio Sky, and Flip Gordon.

** Survival of the Fittest Night #2 **

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Jonathan Gresham defeated Vinny Marseglia.

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Flip Gordon defeated TK O’Ryan.

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Match": Matt Taven defeated Cheeseburger.

- "No DQ Match": Deonna Purrazzo defeated Karen Q.

- "ROH World Tag Team Championship, Four Corner Survival Match": The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley)(c) defeated The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara), Silas Young and Beer City Bruiser and Rey Cometa and Esfringe to retain their titles. 

- Marty Scurll defeated Josh Woods.

- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kenny King (c) defeated Scorpio Sky to retain the title. After the match, Shane Taylor, Punishment Martinez and Silas Young all interfered and brawled until they were separated by ROH officials.

- Dalton Castle and Jay Lethal defeated The Young Bucks.

- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship, Texas Death Match": Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Christopher Daniels to retain the title. Cody power bombed Daniels right through a flaming table, Daniels failed to answer the ten count.

** Survival of the Fittest Night #3 **

- Jay Lethal defeated Josh Woods.

- “The Unholy” Gregory James vs. Cheeseburger went to a No Contest after The Briscoe Brothers interrupted and laid out James with a 3D. The Briscoes stated that with Bully Ray officially retired, they were taking the 3D as their new permanent finishing move. Cheeseburger interrupted and challenged Jay Briscoe, which he accepted.

- Jay Briscoe defeated Cheeseburger.

- Marty Scurll defeated Rhett Titus.

- Joey Ryan defeated Kikutaro.

- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Beer City Bruiser.

- Deonna Perozzo defeated Madyson Rayne.

- Dalton Castle defeated Christopher Daniels.

- The Young Bucks defeated Vinny Marseglia and TK O’Ryan

- "Survival of the Fittest Tournament Finals Match": Punishment Martinez defeated Matt Taven, Shane Taylor, Jonathan Gresham, Silas Young and Flip Gordon to win the tournament.

*** Lucha Underground ***

- Season 4 Officially Announced: This past week, Lucha Underground made the huge announcement that they have been given the green light to begin taping Season 4. LU is planning to begin filming soon and will air season 4 sometime in 2018.

*** ICW ***

** ICW Fear & Loathing X Recap:

- Big Sexy In Charge: The show kicked off with Mark Dallas arriving to the ring and announcing that Big Sexy Kevin Nash was placed in charge tonight as the commissioner of ICW for the event.

- "#1 Contender Ladder Match": Bram defeated Jody Fleisch, Kid Fite, Joe Hendry, Ravie Davie, Aaron Echo and “The International Sex Hero” DCT to become the number one contender to the Undisputed ICW Championship. During the match, Martina turned on Ravie Davie and helped Bram get the victory.

- "ICW World Tag Team Championship Match": Polo Promotions (Jackie Polo and Mark Coffey) defeated The Maruaders (Wild Boar and Mike Bird)(c), by pinfall to win the titles. After the match, Iestyn Rees attacked Polo Promotions until Kevin Nash made the save.

- “The Bollocks” Kenny Williams defeated Rey Mysterio, by pinfall.

- "King Of Insanity, Fatal Four Way, Death Match ": Stevie Boy defeated Chris Renfrew, Jimmy Havoc and Mikey Whiplash, by pinfall.

- "ICW Women’s Championship, Triple Threat, Steel Cage Match, with Special Enforcer: Carmel": Kasey defeated Kay Lee Ray (c) and Viper, by escaping the steel cage to win the title. During the match, Jamie Winters attacked Carmel and The Kings Of Catch interfered, helping Kay Lee Ray.

- "Triple Threat Elimination Match": Lionheart defeated Rob Van Dam and Zack Gibson.

- The Kinky Party (Jack Jester and Sha Samuels) defeated The Kings Of Catch (Aspen Faith and Lewis Girvan), by pinfall.

- "ICW World Heavyweight Championship and ICW Zero-G Championship Unification Match": “The Oddity” BT Gunn defeated “The Iron King” Joe Coffey, by submission to win both titles and unifying them as one. During the match, the official was knocked out, which lead to Kevin Nash coming out to the ring. Joe Coffey hit Kevin Nash with a steel chair. BT Gunn lands a kick on Coffey and then gives the ‘too sweet’ hand gesture to Kevin Nash. The lights went out and two unknown men in BT Gunn masks attack Coffey and super kick him.

*** House of Hardcore ***

** HOH 34 Recap **

- Bull Dempsey defeated Young Hot Briley (former WWE developmental talent Ryan Nemeth), by pinfall.

- Vik Dalishus defeated Ace Romero, by pinfall.

- Luchasaurus (former WWE developmental talent Judas Devlin) defeated Alex Reynolds, by pinfall.

- Billy Gunn defeated MVP, by pinfall.

- Austin Aries defeated Matt Delray, by pinfall.

- "Triple Threat Match": Petey Williams defeated Willie Mack and Matt Cross.

- "Eight Man Elimination Tag Team Match": Tommy Dreamer, Shane Douglas, Little Guido and Super Crazy defeated Joey Matthews, Nick Aldis and The Spirit Squad.

** HOH 35 Recap **

- Tommy Dreamer puts over NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tim Storm and invited NWA owner Billy Corgan to come to House of Hardcore anytime. Nick Aldis interrupted and accused Dreamer of playing politics to get an NWA World Title shot against Storm, when Aldis is the #1 Contender for the NWA World Title.

- Bull Dempsey defeated Hot Young Briley.

- MVP defeated Lance Anoai.

- Matt Cross defeated Petey Williams.

- Ace Romero defeated Vik Dalishus.

- Nick Aldis defeated Billy Gunn.

- Super Crazy and Little Guido Maritato defeated The Spirit Squad.

- "Triple Threat Match": The Luchasaurus defeated Willie Mack and Matt Riddle.

- Austin Aries defeated Alex Reynolds.

- "First Blood Match": Joey Mercury defeated Tommy Dreamer. Nick Aldis interfered and attacked Dreamer. Shane Douglas arrived to make the save for Dreamer, but turns heel and attacks Dreamer. The Sandman makes his way to the ring to save Dreamer, but gets jumped and beat down by The Briscoe Brothers.

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!