Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the RAW Recap for the week.
This week RAW was live in Portland, Oregon. Samoa Joe kicked off RAW with the official contract signing to join the main roster on RAW. Bayley battled Nia Jax in a one on one Women's Division match. Braun Strowman battled four local talents in a Handicap Match as Strowman still searches for competition on RAW. Akira Tozawa made his RAW debut as he battled Drew Gulak in one on one Cruiserweight Division action. Goldberg returns to answer Brock Lesnar's challenge and earns a WWE Universal Championship Match. WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions The Club defended their titles against Sheamus and Cesaro. The New Day battled The Shining Stars in tag team division action. WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho defended his title against Sami Zayn. Austin Aries interviewed WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar battled Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Main event time saw Roman Reigns battle Samoa Joe in a one on one match.
** RAW **
- Samoa Joe Contract Signing: Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring with the RAW contract. Foley seems unhappy as he introduces Joe. Joe arrives and Stephanie reintroduces him with more excitement. Stephanie then insults Foley for not showing happiness and respect to Joe. Foley says he's a fan of Joe, but not a fan of the people he chooses to associate with. Joe says he's waited 18 years to get to the WWE, Triple H opened the door for him and if Seth Rollins was put on the DL because of it, well then so be it. Joe signs his RAW contract and puts the whole RAW locker room on notice. Roman Reigns interrupts and heads to the ring. Reigns says Joe wants to make threats, he just stepped into Reigns' yard so why don't he try to threaten him. Foley interrupts and reminds everyone that he is still the general manager of RAW and announces Reigns vs. Joe for tonight.
- Bayley vs. Nia Jax: The match closes out with Nia sending Bayley into the barricade. Nia charges, but misses Bayley and hits the ringpost. Charlotte arrives at ringside and distracts Bayley. Bayley flips Charlotte into the ring and then drop kicks her back to the floor. Bayley turns around, gets planted by a Nia Samoan Drop and Nia scores the pinfall. Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.
- "Handicap Match": Braun Strowman vs. Dusty Wallace, James Stock, CC Bonin and Rob Pelley: Strowman makes quick work of the four up and comers. One of them runs away as Strowman hits the running powerslam, stacks the remaining three on top of each other and scores the pinfall. After the match, Strowman says he warned Mick Foley to find him competition, Foley failed and now Strowman is coming for Foley. Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Braun Strowman confronts Mick Foley. Foley gets in Strowman's face and says that if it's competition that Strowman wants so bad, well than he can fight Roman Reigns at WWE Fastlane.
- Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak: The match closes out with Tozawa hitting a german suplex into a bridge on Gulak and scores the pinfall. After the match, Brian Kendrick arrives and offers Tozawa a welcoming handshake. Tozawa ignores the handshake and continues celebrating his win. Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall.
- Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho Promo: Owens brags about retaining the WWE Universal Championship last week and Jericho brags about how he'll retain the WWE United States Championship later tonight. Jericho adds the New England Patriots and Tom Brady to The List for stealing the greatest of all time nickname. Jericho says he has a great idea for a match at Wrestlemania 33, Jericho vs. Kevin Owens. Owens likes the idea, but says no because he can't fight his best friend. Goldberg interrupts and heads to the ring. Goldberg accepts Brock Lesnar's challenge then dares Owens and Jericho to grow a set and fight him. Owens brags about being the longest reigning WWE Universal champion. Goldberg says it's because Owens never fought Goldberg. Jericho mocks Goldberg. Goldberg grabs The List away from Jericho and writes his own name on it. Jericho says that if Goldberg wants a match than he's got it. Goldberg vs. Kevin Owens at WWE Fastlane for the WWE Universal Championship. Owens is left in shock that Jericho put his title on the line and begins arguing with Jericho.
- Backstage, Chris Jericho promises to have Kevin Owens' back at WWE Fastlane. Owens still can't believe Jericho did what he did and storms off.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The Club (c) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro: Enzo and Big Cass were on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Anderson getting double teamed and Cesaro gets a near fall. Gallows hits a boot on Sheamus, knocking him outside. Enzo talks trash to Gallows, forcing Gallows to kick Enzo. Cass boots Gallows and causes the DQ. After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro argue with Enzo and Big Cass for costing them the match. Winners: The Club, by DQ, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- Seth Rollins update states that he tore his MCL and his status for Wrestlemania 33 is unknown.
- The New Day vs. The Shining Stars: The match closes out with Big E hot tagging and unloading. Woods takes out Primo to the floor. Big E and Woods hit a double team on Epico and score the pinfall. Winners: The New Day, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Chris Jericho says he and Kevin Owens are having minor problems. Owens interrupts, gets on the same page with Jericho and they share a bro hug.
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Chris Jericho (c) vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Code Breaker and lays out Jericho with the exploder suplex. Zayn gets a near fall on Jericho with the Blue Thunder Bomb. Jericho counters a DDT and traps Zayn in the Walls of Jericho submission. Zayn reaches the ropes for the submission break. Jericho distracts the referee, allowing Kevin Owens to hit a super kick on Zayn. Jericho hits the Code Breaker on Zayn, scores the pinfall and retains the title. Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall, to retain the WWE United States Championship.
- Backstage, Charlotte brags to Sasha Banks about her success and mocks Sasha's knee injury. Charlotte says that apparently Roadblock: End of the Line meant the end of Sasha's career.
- Austin Aries Interviews WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville: Aries hypes up 205 Live tomorrow with the winner of a Five Way Elimination Match getting a title shot at WWE Fastlane. Neville says it doesn't matter who wins because none of them scare him and the winner will have to pay respects to the king. Cedric Alexander and Noam Dar both interrupt and head to the ring. Dar says he's taking Neville's title and brags about taking Alicia Fox away from Alexander. Jack Gallagher, Tony Nese and TJ Perkins all interrupt next and head to the ring. Perkins says he was the first ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion and knows what it takes to win it. Perkins decks Nese and a brawl breaks out which sets up a six man tag team match next.
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Neville, Tony Nese and Noam Dar vs. Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Neville walking out on his team and Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Dar for the pinfall. Winners: Jack Gallagher, TJ Perkins and Cedric Alexander, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Chris Jericho tells Kevin Owens that they are having a Festival of Friendship party next week on RAW in Las Vegas. Owens seems not interested but agrees.
- Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe: The match closes out with Reigns planting Joe with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Reigns goes for the Superman Punch, but Joe rolls to the floor. Reigns catches Joe with the Drive By and tosses Joe back in the ring. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Joe, but Braun Strowman suddenly arrives at ringside. Reigns lands a punch and a Superman Punch on Strowman, keeping him out of the ring. Joe kicks Reigns in the head and hits a suplex to score the pinfall. After the match, Strowman plants Reigns with the running powerslam. Strowman takes Reigns to the floor, connects with a punch and then smacks Reigns in the face with the steel steps. Strowman picks up Reigns and gives him a running powerslam, crashing through the barricade. WWE Officials back off Strowman and check on Reigns to end the show. Winner: Samoa Joe, by pinfall.
NFL Super Bowl 51: Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots (FOX, 6:30)
---
Puppy Bowl XIII (Animal Planet, 8pm)
Blacks Sails (Starz, 9pm)
24: Legacy (FOX, 10:30pm)
Michigan State @ Michigan (ESPN, 9pm)
Iowa State @ Texas (ESPN 2, 9pm)
---
The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions (MTV, 9pm)
Tosh.0 (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Detroiters (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Akron @ Eastern Michigan (ESPNU, 7pm)
Dayton @ Rhode Island (ESPN 2, 7pm)
---
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (ABC, 8pm)
The First 48: Deadly Dealings (A&E, 8pm)
Reign (The CW, 9pm)
Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don't Shoot (Showtime, 9pm)
Ohio State @ Maryland (ESPN, 4pm)
Texas @ Oklahoma State (ESPN 2, 4pm)
Washington @ Utah (FOX Sports 1, 4:30pm) Florida State @ Notre Dame (ESPN, 6pm)
Oklahoma @ Iowa State (ESPN 2, 6pm)
South Carolina @ Mississippi State (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Gonzaga @ Saint Mary's (ESPN, 8:15pm)
California @ Arizona (ESPN 2, 10pm)
GOLF
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Third Round (CBS, 3pm)
MMA & BOXING
UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie- Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
SOCCER
English Premiere League: Liverpool FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur FC (NBC, 12:30pm)
OTHER SPORTS
FIS Alpine Skiing: Men's Downhill World Championships (NBC, 2:30pm)
Track and Field: Millrose Games (NBC, 4pm)
--- Saturday Night Live: Alec Baldwin, Ed Sheeran (NBC, 11:30pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, ICW, CZW, FIP, EVOLVE, SHINE, SHIMMER and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE
*** WWE ***
- John Cena Ties Ric Flair With World Title Win #16: In case you missed the Royal Rumble this past Sunday, John Cena defeated AJ Styles to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and tying Ric Flair's record of 16 World Title wins.
- Randy Orton Wins The Royal Rumble: In case you missed the Royal Rumble this past Sunday, Randy Orton won the 30 Man Royal Rumble Match and will go on to get a WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match at Wrestlemania 33.
- The Club Win The WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship: In case you missed the Royal Rumble this past Sunday, The Club, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defeated Sheamus and Cesaro to win the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- Neville Wins The WWE Cruiserweight Championship: In case you missed the Royal Rumble this past Sunday, Neville defeated Rich Swann to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
- Charlotte's Streak Continues: After successfully defending her WWE RAW Women's Championship against Bayley at the WWE Royal Rumble, Charlotte has moved to 16-0 in title matches on pay per views.
- Goldberg Coming To RAW: Last Monday night Brock Lesnar challenged Goldberg to one more match at Wrestlemania 33. Goldberg stated that he will be on RAW tomorrow night to answer Lesnar's challenge.
- Samoa Joe Debuts: This past week on RAW, Samoa Joe made his long awaited debut on the main roster of WWE. Joe attacked Seth Rollins and left Rollins unconscious after locking in the Coquina Clutch submission. Joe looks to be playing the part of Triple H's hired muscle.
- The Undertaker Possibly Injured At The Royal Rumble: Following The Undertaker's elimination at the Royal Rumble witnesses have said that The Undertaker was having mobility issues. WWE Officials are thinking that The Undertaker may have come back too soon from his previous surgery. It's still unknown who The Undertaker will face at Wrestlemania 33 and as of this writing The Undertaker is still planned to compete.
- Seth Rollins Injured: WWE stated this week that Seth Rollins may have suffered another knee injury this past Monday on RAW after being attacked by Samoa Joe. Rollins was seen leaving RAW on crutches and tweeted out a picture of his knee wrapped. Rumors stated later in the week that he would be out 4 to 6 months due to the knee injury. However, as of Thursday, reports were saying Rollins would be back in 8 weeks, which would be the Wednesday before WrestleMania 33. There still may be hope for the Rollins vs. Triple H match after all.
- Finn Balor Update: Rumors are stating that Finn Balor was supposed to be #30 at the Royal Rumble, however, Balor’s doctor wasn't able to clear him for the event. Roman Reigns was put in at the last minute since Balor couldn't go. Balor was also slated to start a storyline with The Undertaker during the Rumble which would've set up The Undertaker vs. Finn Balor at Wrestlemania 33. WWE looks to be going with The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 33 now.
- Nikki Bella Retiring: Sources have stated that Wrestlemania 33 will be Nikki Bella's last professional wrestling match. Nikki has stated that she has been having minor issues with her neck again and will look to get it surgically repaired after Wrestlemania. The injury is similar to what Edge had that forced him into retirement far too early.
- Rock N Roll Express Being Inducted Into The WWE Hall of Fame: WWE announced this week that Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson aka The Rock N Roll Express will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
- WWE Announces Their Madison Square Garden Show: This week WWE released some of the matches that will take place at the WWE Madison Square Garden show on March 13th.
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
- "WWE Intercontinental, Triple Threat Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin
- Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews
*** 205 Live Recap ***
Akira Tozawa made his 205 Live debut this week. The main event saw Cedric Alexander and Jack Gallagher battle WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and Noam Dar in tag team action.
1.) Tony Nese vs. Lince Dorado: The match closes out with Dorado landing a few punches and then lands a power slam on Nese. Dorado hits a springboard stunner on Nese. Nese regains advantage of the match, lowers his knee pad and hits the Running Kneese for the pinfall. After the match, Nese attacks Dorado until TJ Perkins hits the ring and nails the Detonation Kick on Nese.
2.) Backstage, Rich Swann is wearing a walking boot and is on crutches. Swann says he'll be out for a bit, but will be back to regain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Neville attacks Swann and leaves him laying.
3.) Akira Tozawa vs. Aaron Solo: The match closes out with Solo unloading strikes on Tozawa. Tozawa lands a jumping hurricanrana, sending Solo to the floor. Tozawa hits a suicide dive on Solo, then takes the action back into the ring. Tozawa misses some offense, but gets a roll through and hits a snap german suplex on Solo for the pinfall.
4.) Backstage, Neville tells Noam Dar he didn't ask for him to be his partner and he better not mess things up tonight. Neville then tells Dar to leave his baggage (Alicia Fox) at home.
5.) Neville and Noam Dar vs. Jack Gallagher and Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Neville refusing to tag in and leaves Dar alone. Alexander hits a springboard clothesline on Dar and follows that with a springboard enziguri. Dar tries to run, but gets caught by Gallagher and tossed back into the ring to Alexander. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Dar and scores the pinfall.
*** NXT ***
- Bobby Roode Wins The NXT World Championship: In case you missed NXT Takeover: San Antonio last Saturday night, Bobby Roode defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the NXT World Championship.
- Authors Of Pain Win The NXT World Tag Team Championship: In case you missed NXT Takeover: San Antonio last Saturday night, The Authors of Pain defeated #DIY to win the NXT World Tag Team Championship.
- Seth Rollins Invades NXT: In case you missed NXT Takeover: San Antonio last Saturday night, RAW's Seth Rollins invaded NXT in hopes of finally getting his hands on Triple H. Triple H had Rollins escorted out of the building by security.
- Corey Graves Leaving NXT: This past week at NXT Takeover: San Antonio, Corey Graves announced that he would be stepping down from being an NXT announcer and moving on the other projects within the WWE. Graves will be replaced by ROH and Independent wrestling icon Nigel McGuinness.
- Shinsuke Nakamura Staying In NXT: Royal Rumble came and went and there was no Nakamura debut like many thought would happen. According to Triple H, he feels that Nakamura is still needed in NXT due to not having a high profile babyface to battle Bobby Roode at the moment. Triple H also stated that Nakamura is not ready for the television aspect of a live main roster show as of yet.
*** IMPACT WRESTLING ***
* Impact: Open Fight Night Recap * This week the four briefcase winners from a couple weeks ago get to turn in their briefcases and challenge anyone they choose on Open Fight Night.
1.) The Broken Hardy's Promo: Broken Matt Hardy says he's seen visions from the 7 deities of tag team championships all over the world that they must win. Matt says they have a teleportation mechanism that will allow them to leap into any promotion at any time and help them delete every tag team in the world. Jeff Hardy with briefcase #1 announces that he's challenging Bobby Lashley tonight for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Lashley appears and says he expected this from Jeff Hardy and accepts the challenge.
2.) "TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match": Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Jeff Hardy: The match closes out with Hardy hitting the Twist Of Fate and the Swanton Bomb for a near fall. Hardy hits a second Swanton Bomb, but Lashley gets his foot on the ropes for the pinfall break. Lashley goes out to the floor where Hardy tosses him into the steel steps. Hardy misses a suicide springboard and crashes on the floor. Lashley tosses Hardy back into the ring, hits the spear to score the pinfall and retain the title.
3.) Eddie Edwards and Bobby Lashley Face To Face: After the match, Eddie Edwards hits the ring and has a face to face with Lashley. Edwards congratulates Lashley and compliments him. Lashley says he doesn't need Edwards' praise. Edwards says he's here for his title rematch and calls Lashley Triple B "Bitch Boy Bobby". Lashley claims that when Edwards was the champ, Lashley had to jump through hoops for a title shot, so the answer is no. Edwards mocks Lashley with the Triple B name again until Lashley finally agrees to give Edwards a rematch, but it'll be his last opportunity.
4.) Backstage, Eli Drake refuses to announce who he's turning his briefcase in on yet.
5.) Backstage, Rosemary again confronts Brandi Rhodes, trying to get her to join The Decay, but Brandi says no.
6.) Sienna vs. Brooke Tessmacher: The match closes out with Maria beating down Brooke while Sienna distracted the referee. Brooke counters the AK47 and unloads some offense on Sienna. Sienna counters a suplex and goes for The Silencer. Brooke counters and locks Sienna in a reverse bridged chinlock. Sienna powers out, but gets hit with a backbreaker by Brooke. Brooke goes to the top rope, but gets shoved off by Maria. Sienna hits The Silencer on Brooke and scores the pinfall.
7.) Backstage, Aron Rex is getting makeup applied, Rockstar Spud yells at the makeup lady, dismisses her and applies the makeup for Rex. Rex gets mad when Spud calls him bloody fabulous because he hates violence and bodily fluids. Spud calls him Rexcellent instead.
8.) The DCC use briefcase #2 to challenge The Decay to a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
9.) "Falls Count Anywhere Match": The DCC vs. The Decay: The match closes out with James Storm laying out Crazzy Steve with a side winder suplex. Abyss goes for a choke slam on Storm unto a barbed wire board, but Bram makes the save and hits Abyss with a beer bottle. Storm connects with The Last Call on Abyss and Abyss falls onto the barbed wire board. Crazzy Steve takes control with steel chair shots to The DCC. The DCC finally over power Steve and beat him down. Bram piledrives Steve through a table bridged between the apron and the guardrail and scores the pinfall on the floor.
10.) Backstage, Maria tells Braxton Sutter that he has to propose and marry Laurel Van Ness or else Allie will suffer. Sutter doesn't want to, but Mike Bennett says he needs a powerful woman by his side.
11.) Drew Galloway Promo: Galloway says he made a bold statement when he said the TNA Grand Championship will be better than the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Galloway says some people don't like the title, but he feels it's because of the rules and the fact that Aron Rex was the inaugural champion. Galloway says that since tonight is Open Fight Night he'll challenge anyone for the title. Moose comes out and says he doesn't appreciate Galloway kicking him in the jewels two times in a row to win and then retain the title, he wants a rematch tonight. Galloway says no one wants to see them wrestle again and he's too late because he already had a challenger lined up. Galloway announces an unknown wrestler named Rob Rizen as his opponent.
12.) "TNA Grand Championship Match": Drew Galloway (c) vs. Rob Rizen: The match closes out with Galloway making quick work of Rizen in round one. Galloway with a spike piledriver and the Future Shock DDT to score the pinfall, to retain the title.
13.) Trevor Lee is out with briefcase #3 and challenges DJ Z for his TNA X-Division Championship in a Ladder Match.
14.) "TNA X-Division Championship, Ladder Match": DJ Z (c) vs. Trevor Lee: DJ Z comes out with his leg wrapped after Lee's attack from last week. The match closes out with Lee and DJ Z trading shots on the ladder. DJ Z knocks Lee off, but struggles to climb the ladder with his bad leg. DJ Z leaps off the ladder and plants Lee with the ZDT. DJ Z tries to climb the ladder as Shane Helms slides Lee a steel chair. Lee hits DJ Z with the chair on his bad leg and knocks him off the ladder. Lee traps DJ Z's leg in the chair and sets the ladder on top of the chair so DJ Z can't move. Lee climbs the ladder, grabs the title and becomes the new champion.
15.) Backstage, Tyrus says that Eli Drake still isn't announcing his challenge just yet.
16.) Backstage, Robbie E mocks Aron Rex and Rockstar Spud and challenges Rex to a match next week.
17.) Eli Drake and Tyrus are out with briefcase #4 and are about to announce their challenge. Ethan Carter interrupts and heads to the ring. Tyrus mocks EC3's injured midsection. Drake cheap shots EC3 and chooses his challenger.
18.) Eli Drake vs. Ethan Carter: The match closes out with Drake hitting a backbreaker and working over EC3's injured midsection. EC3 lands a clothesline on Drake and follows that with a jawbreaker. Drake hits a lariat and goes for his finisher, but EC3 counters out. Drake regains control and tries the finisher again, but EC3 again counters out of it. EC3 surprises Drake with a rollup and scores the pinfall. After the match, Drake argues with Tyrus, grabs a baseball bat and goes after EC3. Drake connects with the bat on EC3 and then lays EC3 out with an inverted stunner. Drake unloads bat shots on EC3 when the lights suddenly go out. The lights are back on and The DCC are in the ring. The DCC join Drake in beating down EC3. The DCC then turn on Drake and Tyrus and attack them. James Storm hits The Last Call on Drake as Bram and Kingston beat down Tyrus. The DCC then spike piledrive EC3 on top of a steel chair and stand tall to end the show.
- Anthem Dropping The TNA Name: After buying TNA Wrestling last month, Anthem have made another decision on a change in their new investment. TNA Impact Wrestling will now have the TNA name dropped and will just be called Impact Wrestling from this day forward.
*** RING OF HONOR ***
* ROH TV Recap * This week we saw the last Semi Finals match of the Decade of Excellence Tournament with Jay Lethal battling Jay Briscoe. The winner would go on to meet Christopher Daniels in the Finals.
1.) "#1 Contenders Triple Threat Match": Cheeseburger and Will Ferrara vs. Coast To Coast vs. The Tempura Boyz: The ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks made their way out to watch this match. The match closes out with Coast to Coast hitting Coast to Coast drop kicks in the corner and get a near fall. The Tempura Boyz break up the pinfall and beat down Coast to Coast. Yohei hits the package piledriver on Ali and scores the pinfall, making The Tempura Boyz the new #1 Contenders.
2.) The Young Bucks Promo: The Bucks say they came out here to open challenge The Broken Hardy's, but they're not in the building. The Bucks offer The Tempura Boyz their title shot next week. The Tempura Boyz accept and then get attacked with the Super Kick Party from The Bucks. The Bucks invite their friend the ROH World Champion Adam Cole to the ring next.
3.) Adam Cole Promo: Cole calls himself a God and a living breathing legend. Cole says he is way more special then his up coming opponents, Dalton Castle, Bobby Fish and the winner of the Decade of Excellence Tournament because he's the only 3 time ROH World Champion. Cole says that he will continue to run ROH and The Bullet Club will continue to run the show.
4.) "ROH Television Championship Match": Marty Scurll (c) vs. Juice Robinson: Alex Shelley was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Scurll sending Robinson outside. Scurll misses a kick and gets face planted on the apron. Robinson misses a cannonball into the barricade on Scurll. Back in the ring, Scurll gets a near fall piledriver on Robinson. Robinson goes for Pulp Friction, but Scurll counters and traps Robinson in the Crossface Chicken Wing submission, forcing Robinson to tap out and retaining the title. After the match, Scurll throws out an open challenge to anyone that dares to face him for the title. Chris Sabin, Jay White, Jonathan Gresham, Lio Rush, and Donovan Dijak all appear on the ROH stage, throwing their name out for the challenge.
5.) "Decade of Excellence Tournament Semi-Finals Match": Jay Lethal vs. Jay Briscoe: Kazarian and Adam Cole are on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Briscoe blocking the Lethal Combination, but Lethal hits a cutter. Lethal hits the Lethal Combination on the next attempt and gets a near fall. Lethal counters a backslide and hits a bicycle kick and enziguri combo. Lethal climbs the ropes, but gets crotched by Briscoe. Lethal counters a superplex and Briscoe counters Hail to The King. Lethal attacks the legs and gets Briscoe trapped in the Figure Four leglock submission. Briscoe reaches the ropes for the break. Briscoe and Lethal counter each other's finishers until Briscoe hits a rolling elbow and a lariat to score the pinfall. Jay Briscoe will face Christopher Daniels in the Finals of the Decade of Excellence Tournament. After the match, Lethal and Briscoe shake hands as Adam Cole stands up and stares them down.
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Second Half Of Season 3 Announced: Lucha Underground announced this week that the second half of Season 3 will debut on May 31st.
- Lucha Underground Coming To Netflix: Lucha Underground announced this week that they have officially made a deal with Netflix to show past episodes of Lucha Underground on Netflix. The first 2 seasons will come to Netflix on February 15th.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
- How To Make Kenny Omega's 2017 Perfect: This past week a top 10 list was created on things that Kenny Omega should do in 2017 now that he has agreed to stay in NJPW for another year, to make his NJPW career iconic and memorable.
#10.) Feud with Suzuki-Gun
#9.) Rematch with Naito
#8.) Defend his G1 Climax Trophy
#7.) Turn Face
#6.) Break The Elite away from The Bullet Club
#5.) Rematch with Okada
#4.) Main event Wrestle Kingdom 12
#3.) Win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
#2.) Feud with Ibushi
#1.) Cement his NJPW Legacy
- Kenny Omega Firing Shots At WWE: With Kenny Omega's contract currently expiring on January 31st with NJPW and officially announcing that he was renegotiating with NJPW, this past week Omega took shots at AJ Styles and John Cena. Omega tweeted the following on his Twitter page:
"You can't compare apples to oranges. And at the end of the day, I could easily have Cena and AJ's best match in the WWE. There is no argument."
My response to that Mr. Omega, is sign with the WWE and prove it!
*** EVOLVE ***
* EVOLVE 76 Recap *
"A Hero's Exit Night #1": Tonight's show saw Catch Point defend their EVOLVE World Tag Team Championship against Jeff Cobb and EVOLVE World Champion Timothy Thatcher. Tonight was also the first night of the farewell show to Chris Hero, as Hero is heading back to the WWE to play his Kassius Ohno character in NXT.
1.) Catch Point Promo: Hot Sauce Williams says 2017 will bring us new faces in EVOLVE and in Catch Point. Tonight Jaka and Chris Dickinson will prove that Catch Point is the standard.
2.) Jaka vs. Peter Kaasa: The match closes out with Jaka going to the top rope. Kaasa meets him there and hits a Super Olympic Slam. Kaasa goes up top, but the ropes break and Kassa hits the mat hard. Jaka with a spinning heel kick and scores the pinfall.
3.) Catch Point Promo: Hot Sauce Williams says that is exactly what Catch Point is about. Catch Point will seize every opportunity. Williams says they will beat EVOLVE World Champion Timothy Thatcher and Jeff Cobb tonight too.
4.) Chris Dickinson vs. Darby Allin: The match closes out with Allin landing a series of headbutts, but Dickinson hits a german suplex. Dickinson hits a second german suplex and then tries a third. Allin counters the third german suplex into a near fall cradle. Dickinson goes for the Pazuzu Bomb, but Allin counters and scores a surprise victory roll pinfall. After the match, Dickinson attacks and beats down Allin.
5.) DUSTIN vs. Jason Kincaid: The match closes out with Kincaid going for a suicide dive into a DDT, but DUSTIN counters and suplexes Kincaid on the floor. DUSTIN grabs a steel chair, but the referee takes it away from him. Kincaid hits a diving Stunner on DUSTIN during the distraction and then a double stomp off the ropes. Kincaid locks in the Compassionate Release submission and forces DUSTIN to tap out.
6.) "All Ego" Ethan Page vs. Zack Sabre, Jr.: The match closes out with Sabre hitting a Pele Kick and then locks Page in a body scissor Kimura Lock submission. Page powers out with a fallaway slam. Page tries for a Iconoclasm submission, but Sabre tries to counter with a Dragon Sleeper submission. Sabre gets dropped with a power slam and an RKEGO for a near fall. Page goes for the Spinning Dwayne, but Sabre counters and locks on a Triangle Choke submission. Page tries to power out, but Sabre applies major presser to the choke and forces Page to tap out. After the match, Sabre refuses to release the hold until choking Page unconscious. The Gatekeepers try to help Page, but are stopped by Darby Allin. The referee reverses the decision to a Page DQ victory, due to Sabre not releasing the choke hold.
7.) ACH vs. Matt Riddle: The match closes out with ACH and Riddle laying each other out with german suplexes. Riddle is up first and unloads forearms on ACH. ACH connects with a super kick and tries a second one. Riddle counters the second one, hits a Pele Kick and then the Bro 2 Sleep. Riddle hits the Fisherman’s Buster on ACH and scores the pinfall. After the match, both men shake hands.
8.) Matt Riddle Promo: Riddle says 2017 has been pretty good so far career wise for him. The one thing he wants though is the EVOLVE World Championship, he'll get it and 2017 will be the year of the bro. DUSTIN suddenly attacks Riddle from behind with a steel chair. DUSTIN grabs Riddle and lays him out with a DDT on the steel chair.
10.) DUSTIN Promo: DUSTIN says Riddle might be tough in the octagon, but there won't be any rules to help him in their match at EVOLVE 77. DUSTIN is curious to see how tough Riddle is when there are no rules and DUSTIN dedicates this beat down to Drew Galloway.
11.) "EVOLVE World Tag Team Championship": Catch Point (Fred Yehi and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams) (c) vs. Jeff Cobb and Timothy Thatcher: The match closes out with Williams beating down Cobb and sending him to the floor. Williams hits a suicide dive and then sends Cobb into the ringpost. Williams then lays Cobb out with a lariat. Thatcher meanwhile unloads elbows and knees on Yehi. Yehi lands a reverse STO then applies a Koji Clutch submission on Thatcher. Thatcher tries to power out but can't do it as Yehi makes the EVOLVE World Champion tap out.
12.) Stokely Hathaway Promo: Hathaway says that Timothy Thatcher didn't tap out and calls Thatcher's partner Jeff Cobb a fat, stupid slob that cost them their match. Cobb says he's known them a long time, but at EVOLVE 77 he's taking the EVOLVE World Championship. Cobb stares down Thatcher before leaving.
13.) "Chris Hero's Farewell Match": Chris Hero vs. Keith Lee: The match had to be stopped and then restarted due to the ropes breaking again. The match closes out with Lee countering the Rolling Elbow with a lariat and gets a very close near fall. Lee goes for a moonsault but the ropes break again. The referee let's it go this time as Hero unloads a series of elbows on Lee. Hero goes for the Rolling Elbow, but Lee counters and hits the Spirit Bomb for a near fall. Hero can barely stand, but refuses to let the referee call the match. Lee goes for a fireman's carry, but Hero comes back to life with a series of elbows. Hero hits the Cyclone Kill on Lee. Hero hits two straight Rolling Elbows and then a third to the back of Lee's head. Hero hits the Gotch Piledriver on Lee and scores the pinfall.
14.) Chris Hero Promo: Hero says that is why he's the greatest of all time, even with a broken ring, he was still able to finish off Keith Lee. Hero puts over Lee and tells the fans to applaud Lee for his performance. Hero says Lee has everything in him that Hero has. Lee just needs that killer instinct and he will be just as great as Hero is. Zack Sabre Jr. hits the ring and says that Hero's farewell doesn't end until Sabre beats Hero at EVOLVE 77 and then Kassius Ohno can piss off down to NXT. This closed out the show.
* EVOLVE 77 Recap * "A Hero's Exit Night #2": Chris Hero returned for his last night in EVOLVE wrestling, as he battled Zack Sabre Jr in the main event. EVOLVE World Champion Timothy Thatcher defended his title against Jeff Cobb.
1.) Barrett Brown vs. Darby Allin: Before the match can even start Ethan Page and The Gatekeepers hit the ring, attack and beat down Allin. Page lays out Brown with a lariat as well and the match is ruled a no contest.
2.) Ethan Page Promo: Page says no matter what Darby Allin does, he'll always be worthless. Page was going to give Allin a match but he's not on Page's level. Allin comes to and challenges everyone to a match. Page tells Allin to walk away, but Allin wants a piece of everyone.
3.) "Handicap Match": Barrett Brown and Darby Allin vs. "All Ego" Ethan Page and The Gatekeepers: The match closes out with Page in control of Allin. Page goes for the Package Piledriver, but Allin counters and drills Page with a headbutt. Page escapes to the floor and retreats with The Gatekeepers. Allin hits a suicide dive and takes out Page and The Gatekeepers. Zack Sabre Jr. hits the ring and joins with Allin and Brown, evening the odds. The referee changes the match to a six man tag team match.
4.) "Six Man Tag Team Match": Barrett Brown, Darby Allin, and Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. "All Ego" Ethan Page and The Gatekeepers: The match closes out with Sabre unloading uppercuts on both Gatekeepers. Sabre hits the Penalty Kick on Blaster, but Flex spears Sabre. Barrett hits a missile dropkick, but gets laid out with a Page lariat. Page delivers a crucifix bomb to the floor on Barrett. Page and Sabre brawl into the crowd as The Gatekeepers beat down Barrett. Allin climbs on top of a support beam, leaps off and hits the Coffin Drop. Back in the ring, Page hits a power bomb, Allin hits a headbutt, Blaster plants Allin with a Black Hole Slam and Sabre finally traps Blaster in a Triangle Choke submission to get the tap out victory.
5.) Laredo Kid vs. "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams: The match closes out with Kid planting Williams with a half nelson driver and then climbs the ropes. Kid misses the Phoenix Splash on Williams, allowing Williams to regain control with a series of forearms. Williams locks Kid in a crossface submission and gets the tap out victory.
6.) Doom Patrol (Chris Dickinson and Jaka) vs. Jason Kincaid and Sammy Guevara: The match closes out with Dickinson planting Kincaid with a power bomb and then Jaka hits a bridging german suplex. Guevara unloads a series of missile dropkicks. Guevara misses a double stomp and gets laid out with a Michinoku Driver. Dickinson and Jaka hit a choke slam Doomsday Device combo on Kincaid and score the pinfall. Hot Sauce Williams brags about another Catch Point win after the match.
7.) ACH vs. Fred Yehi: The match closes out with Yehi hitting a dropkick power bomb combo on ACH for a near fall. Yehi unloads with elbows and slaps to the face. ACH fires up and unloads chops in return. Yehi returns chops and then both men unload forearms on each other. ACH hits the Buster Call and scores the pinfall.
8.) "No DQ Match": DUSTIN vs. Matt Riddle: The match closes out with DUSTIN setting up a table and laying Riddle on top. DUSTIN throws a chair at Riddle and then hits the Tope Con Giro on Riddle right through the table. DUSTIN gets a near fall double stomp and then hits a super kick. DUSTIN plants Riddle with a DDT on a steel chair for a very close near fall. DUSTIN begins stacking chairs up in the middle of the ring and then throws a chair at Riddle. DUSTIN goes to the top rope, but Riddle meets him there and plants DUSTIN with a Fisherman’s Buster right through the pyramid of steel chairs in the ring. Riddle destroys DUSTIN with repeated kicks and forearms to the head and finally scores the pinfall.
9.) "EVOLVE World Championship Match": Timothy Thatcher (c) vs. Jeff Cobb: The match closes out with Thatcher hitting a butterfly suplex on Cobb, but Cobb comes back with a series of throws and a standing moonsault. Cobb misses the standing shooting star press and Thatcher locks in a Fujiwara armbar submission. Cobb tries to power lift his way out, but Thatcher locks the Fujiwara armbar submission back into place. Cobb again powers out and hits a german suplex on Thatcher. Thatcher somehow holds onto the arm on the landing and again locks in the Fujiwara armbar submission on Cobb. Cobb can't escape this time and eventually taps out.
10.) "Farewell Match": Chris Hero vs. Zack Sabre, Jr.: The match closes out with Hero hitting a Tombstone piledriver on Sabre, but misses the Death Blow as Sabre gets a near fall crucifix pin. Hero connects with the Rolling Elbow on Sabre, but Sabre somehow kicks out at two and a half. Hero grabs Sabre and plants him with a Pedigree for another near fall. Sabre gets fired up and unloads a series of forearms on Hero until Hero finally shuts down the momentum with a kick. Hero plants Sabre with a piledriver, then a jumping piledriver and then goes for the Gotch piledriver. Sabre escapes and locks in a Guillotine Choke submission on Hero. Hero tries to escape, but Sabre lands kicks to the head of Hero and reapplies the Ode to Jim Breaks submission and finally makes Hero tap out.
11.) Chris Hero Farewell Speech: Hero says he loves all the fans, thanks everyone including Sabre who he's wrestled the most for the past three years. Hero says great things about Sabre and also talks about his 18 year career and where he's come from to get here. Hero talks about all his great Japanese opponents he's faced and he can't wait to get to NXT so he can kick Hideo Itami in the face. Hero talks about his long running career in EVOLVE, doesn't see anyone but Sabre matching up to him and Sabre should be given a title shot. ACH comes out to the ring next to say a few things. ACH puts over Sabre and talks about his great memories with Chris Hero. ACH talks about how Sabre has come a long way, but ACH feels he has too, so if there were any title shots being handed out, ACH deserves a shot too. Stokely Hathaway comes out next and states that all three of them must be illiterate because the WWN Alerts page said no one gets title shots against Timothy Thatcher unless Stokely approves it first. Thatcher arrives to the ring, smiles and points at Sabre before walking away. Sabre says that after he beats Thatcher for the title, he'll give ACH the first title shot. Sabre says a few more nice things about Hero being a leader and an idol in the locker room and says it's time for Hero to show the whole world that up north. Hero mentions being released by the WWE back in 2013, but he didn't let it bring him down, became what he is in the wrestling independent scene, busted is ass and was fortunate enough to be given a second chance from the WWE. Hero gives thanks again to his colleagues, friends, family and friends and says he'll see us all again. Hero gives out hugs and high fives at ringside to end the show.
*** Other ***
- Daffney Receiving Neck Surgery: It was reported this week that Shannon Spruill (Daffney in WCW and TNA) will be undergoing surgery in order to fuse her C-5 and C-6 vertebrae. The neck fusion surgery is being done in order to resolve an extrusion pressing on her spinal column. Spruill made the announcement on her Facebook page and stated that she’s been dealing with serious pain and is at the point where she can’t sleep even with medication or think straight. She was sent to a spinal surgeon by her doctor, who immediately scheduled the surgery.
- Conor McGregor Talks WWE Again: This past week UFC's Conor McGregor took part in a Q&A Session. McGregor was asked about stealing Vince McMahon's walk at the last UFC fight he competed at. McGregor stated the following about the WWE Chairman:
"I'm thinking Vince McMahon must be pissed. I don't give a f*** about Vince McMahon. I stole that walk and that walk is now mine. Not Vince or any of those mother f****** over in the WWE will do anything about it. That's my walk. I created that walk. I made that walk."
WWE is reportedly trying to get Conor McGregor to appear at Wrestlemania 33 which McGregor stated he'd be more than happy to show up for the right price. As of this writing McGregor reportedly turned down what's being called a "hefty" pay day from WWE for Wrestlemania 33.
- ESPN 30 For 30: If you haven't already, be sure to check out the latest edition of ESPN's 30 For 30 special that aired this week. The show centered around Vince McMahon's attempt at starting a football league called the XFL.
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!
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you Wrestling Q&A.
Wrestling Q&A is my way of getting into social media, whether Facebook, Twitter, or any other means of communication to hear other fans' wrestling ideas on how they would book a match or an angle. I am currently apart of four different wrestling groups on Facebook where we talk about nothing but wrestling and of course I am vocal on Twitter. My idea basically is to fire a question into the groups on Facebook or onto Twitter and sit back and read what other fans would do and of course with this article that you're reading I will share hopefully some interesting and I'm sure off the wall answers, but that's what makes social media great! So let's get to this week's question.
** Question Of The Week **
"If Seth Rollins is injured and can't go for Wrestlemania 33, should Triple H wrestle someone else or take this year off?"
** Answers **
- Triple H vs. Shane McMahon "Loser Leaves WWE Match". Because Shane has been rumored to be leaving WWE for awhile.
- Shane wouldn't make much sense, but then again this entire HHH v. Seth feud hasn't made a ton of sense as it is. I guess he could wrestle Joe?
- Triple H should just be left off the card. No Seth, no match. He doesn't need to be at every WM. He's becoming like Taker, and it's bloody annoying.
- Should be Shane because they sort of have a decent storyline with Shane insulting Stephanie and the Family. Anyone else would not make sense and they would have to make an exciting storyline with very limited time.
- Depends on whether they're willing to gamble with Rollins. Early reports say he should be good days before WM, so the issue now becomes do they risk advertising a match they can't guarantee, or yeah, do something else.
- If Rollins is good by WM, I say you instead have Seth come out and we get a suprise match between the two, there's not enough time for the build they wanted now, so just give us another huge suprise at Wrestlemania and give us an unscheduled match.
- Finn could be a good stand in. Have HHH come out and taunt Rollins, only for Balor to come out. Wouldn't make much sense story wise, but would give Balor a good rub.
- I liked the idea of having HHH and Joe attack Shane-O-Mac on Smackdown and then have AJ save Shane, then you can do Styles vs Joe at Mania cross brand match, HHH's guy vs Shane's.
- Rollins but I know he's hurt, so I'd also like to see, AJ Styles give it a go. How about Samoa Joe, too soon? I've got it how about Cesaro!!!!!
- Undertaker
- Kurt Angle
- Rematch with Sting
- Batista
- The Rock
- Goldberg
- Dean Ambrose
- I'd love to see Triple H vs Jericho vs Angle vs Cena.
- Daniel Bryan
- AJ Styles
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
- Lesnar
- The first ever creative control match between triple h and Seth Rollins. The winner must listen to the fans with the best reasonable story lines and follow through with them.
- Other than Seth no one I'm tired of seeing him there.
- Doink the Clown
- Nobody, he needs to worry about NXT.
- Four way elimination last man standing match. HHH, Goldberg, Undertaker and Brock Leasner
- Maybe Samoa Joe(kind of flip the story line and have HHH attack him on Raw for messing up his Wrestlemania match with Rollins) of course gotta have some bad blood lead up to it, maybe a month and have Joe attack someone HHH is close with, like Kevin Owens
- I want Triple H to face RETIREMENT! HHH is way overrated and has only lasted this long because he is Stephanie Mcmahon's play toy. She don't even take her marriage to HHH serious enough to take his last name. Chances are her oldest child belongs to Macho Man.
- His own ego, that match would never end.
- CM Punk
- One of my dream matches Triple H vs. Bobby Roode they both have similar styles
** My Top 3 Favorite Answers **
- This is one of the reasons why I hate when WWE begins to build up a feud but wants to wait until Wrestlemania for the payoff. Granted accidents happen and it really sucks because it hurts the company and the fans. Example, I hated the idea of John Cena and The Rock agreeing to wrestle at Wrestlemania one year later because anything could've happened to ruin the match in that one year time frame.
1.) Now what would I do? First off I'm hoping Seth Rollins can come back in time. Rollins' estimated time on the DL is 8 weeks which would put him at the Wednesday before Wrestlemania. I really like the idea that was stated above about Rollins being cleared, he shows up at Wrestlemania and challenges Triple H to an impromptu match. Right now without anymore build up that might be the best way to go.
2.) I like the Samoa Joe idea above as well. Some say it wouldn't make sense. All you do is have Joe demand something from Triple H for taking out Rollins, possibly a WWE Universal Championship Match. Triple H says no, which angers Joe and there you go take it from there and build to Wrestlemania. Joe could viciously attack Triple H for not getting what he should have coming to him and build from there.
3.) I like the Shane McMahon idea as well. Possibly make it a battle for control of WWE, or winner gets Smackdown Live, or winner gets NXT, or winner leaves WWE, or just a family feud. There are so many ideas they could run with if Triple H battles Shane McMahon. Sadly if they went with the loser leaves WWE idea, Shane would definitely lose because Shane has stated that he won't be in WWE forever.
So there you go, that about wraps up my Wrestling Q&A session. Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you this week's NXT recap.
This week's NXT saw Ember Moon battle Aliyah in one on one Women's Division action. WWE United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate battled Oney Lorcan in a non title one on one match. In the main event No Way Jose battled Elias Samson in a one on one match.
** NXT **
- Ember Moon vs. Aliyah: The match closes out with Ember hitting a springboard moonsault on Aliyah. Ember attempts a power bomb, but Aliyah lands a head scissors take down. Ember cracks Aliyah across the face with a forearm and then hits the Eclipse Stunner to score the pinfall. Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall.
- NXT Women's Champion Asuka was shown being interviewed after NXT Takeover: San Antonio. Asuka was asked about Ember Moon wanting to face Asuka next for the title. Asuka says "Ember Who? She works here?" smiles and says "Ok".
- Backstage, Ember Moon is told about Asuka's comments. Ember says Asuka is tough, but after the war is settled, Asuka will know exactly who Ember Moon is.
- Tyler Bate vs. Oney Lorcan: The match closes out with Bate uppercutting Lorcan and then spins Lorcan around. Bate stops and then spins Lorcan in the opposite direction. Bate and Lorcan trade shots with each other. Bate hits the Tiger Driver 97 on Lorcan and scores the pinfall. Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall.
- The new NXT World Champion Bobby Roode will be on NXT next week for his Glorious Celebration.
- No Way Jose vs. Elias Samson: The match closes out with Samson applying a headlock and counters a Jose reversal by grabbing his hair. Jose lands a side slam and then unloads jabs and a hip toss on Samson. Jose hits Samson with the pop up knockout punch to score the pinfall. Winner: No Way Jose, by pinfall.
The Cavaliers just finished up a tough month of January where they went 7-8. It marked the first time since 2006 where a LeBron lead team had a month under .500. Even with that being said the Cavs and their fans should panic to any crazy level but there are a few areas that should have them a bit concerned.
So why should the Cavs be concerned?
1. The Cavs have been beating themselves up this past month. In many of these losses they've committed a ton of turnovers and missed free throws. For example, in their 116-112 OT loss to the Kings on January 25, the Cavs shot 17/34 from the free throw line and committed 18 turnovers. Or even in their loss against the Mavericks. The Cavs shot 71% from the line and committed 17 turnovers compared to the Mavericks who only committed 9 turnovers. Obviously the Cavs are one of the most talented teams in the league and these issues usually end up fixing themselves but their might be a correlation between free throws and turnovers and the second reason why the Cavs might be concerned.
2. The lack of a playmaker outside of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. This might be the main concern going forward for this team. And its just not for the playoffs but during late March and early April when the Cavs will be resting guys like Irving and James. An addition of a playmaker would help ease the minute load for James and Irving. James is averaging 37.5 minutes per game which is leading in the NBA. At 32 years old the Cavs would love to cut down James' minutes by a few especially since the calendar is getting closer to April.
Unfortunately for the Cavs, their help probably won't come until the trading deadline or later (buyout season). There are a few names the Cavs might/are targeting. Guys like Rondo, Deron Williams, and TJ McConnell would fit perfectly. They are all guys who can create shots for themselves and for others, Adding one of these players with the second unit of Shumpert, Frye, Korver, and Jefferson would give LeBron and Kyrie and opportunity to stay fresh for the 4th quarter. Also it pairing one of these guys with LeBron or Kyrie will give them and opportunity to play off the ball, opening up the three-ball for the Cavs' sharpshooters.
With all (or most) of the concerns being aired there are a few reasons why the Cavs shouldn't worry about this rough patch.
1. The Cavaliers are the defending champions and should be given the benefit of the doubt. LeBron is working on going to his seventh straight NBA Finals. He knows how to get his team back on track (if you really think they jumped track...I guess). This team is a veteran championship team and LeBron and company seem to pick their spots at times. January games matter to lottery teams but for teams like the Cavs, Warriors, and Spurs these games don't really matter. If anything, this is the time of year where teams are trying to get healthy and assessing their situations before the trading deadline. So many this struggle is more of a blessing than a curse.
2. The Cavs aren't 100% health wise. The loss of J.R, Smith and off and on injuries to Kevin Love are putting guys like James Jones and Deandre Liggins into rotation. Usually injuries are one of the reasons to be concerned but with this team it isn't. Even Kevin Love's back aches shouldn't be a problem during the playoffs. And the lack of a scorer and defender like Smith really hurts the Cavs right now. But with Smith back before the playoffs and the injury being only his thumb, it shouldn't take long for him to get back into playing shape before the playoffs.
3. The past three years the Cavs have had January struggles since the "Big three" teamed up. The first year was the two weeks off for LeBron and the J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Mozgov trade. And last year was the firing of David Blatt and promotion of Tyronn Lue. The Cavs aren't going to make a drastic change like in years before but we know for a fact this team plays its best during adversity. Hell, they came back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals against the best regular season team in NBA history, so who really cares about struggles in January?
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, brings you the Smackdown Live Recap for the week.
This week Smackdown Live was live in Corpus Christi, Texas. WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena and Luke Harper battled Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton in tag team action. Carmella battled Delilah Dawson in one on one Women's Division action. Dolph Ziggler battled Kalisto in one on one action. WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and Mickie James battled Becky Lynch and Naomi in Women's Division tag team action. WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha issued an open challenge for tonight. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose battled AJ Styles in a one on one non title match.
*** Smackdown Live ***
- Backstage, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan brag about the success Smackdown Live had at the WWE Royal Rumble. AJ Styles demands a one on one rematch with John Cena. Shane and Bryan decline Styles' request and instead announce he along with Bray Wyatt, Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose and The Miz will face John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the Elimination Chamber. Dean Ambrose interrupts, mocks Styles and Styles storms off.
- John Cena Promo: New WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena kicks off the show. Cena talks about his WWE Royal Rumble victory over AJ Styles and also gives Styles credit. Cena hypes defending the title inside the Elimination Chamber when suddenly The Wyatt Family interrupt. Bray says it's the same old thing with John Cena and guarantees he's taking Cena's title at Elimination Chamber because it's Bray's destiny. Randy Orton reminds Cena that he won the Royal Rumble match, so if Cena makes it out of the Chamber alive and is still the champ then he has to face Orton at Wrestlemania 33. The Wyatts promise that one way or the other they will set the title free. Bray and Orton surround Cena when the lights suddenly go out. The lights pop back on, Luke Harper is in the ring and joins Cena's side. Shane McMahon arrives and announces Bray and Orton vs. Harper and Cena to kick off Smackdown Live.
- John Cena and Luke Harper vs. Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton: The match closes out with Cena hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Orton, but Orton comes back with a power slam. Harper gets in and stares down Orton as Bray tries to keep both men separated. Harper punches Orton and then he and Bray both counter Sister Abigail attempts. Orton hits Harper and helps set up Bray to hit Sister Abigail on Harper. Orton then hits the RKO on Cena and scores the pinfall on the champion. Winners: Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton, by pinfall.
- Carmella vs. Delilah Dawson: The match closes out with Carmella making quick work of Delilah. Ellsworth trips up Delilah which sets up Carmella to lock in the Code of Silence submission for the tap out victory. Winner: Carmella, by submission.
- Dolph Ziggler vs. Kalisto: The match closes out with Ziggler taking control and hitting a super kick on Kalisto for the quick pinfall. After the match, Ziggler attacks Kalisto and tries to rip Kalisto's mask off. Apollo Crews hits the ring to make the save as Ziggler escapes into the crowd. Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Becky Lynch and Naomi hype their up coming match against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James.
- Becky Lynch and Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James: The match closes out with Naomi hot tagging and unloading. Mickie and Alexa double team Naomi until Becky makes the save and tackles Mickie out of the ring and to the floor. Naomi takes out Alexa with the Split Legged Moonsault and scores the pinfall on the champion. Winners: Becky Lynch and Naomi, by pinfall.
- Backstage, WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions American Alpha throw out an open challenge to any tag team tonight.
- "American Alpha Open Challenge": Jason Jordan and Chad Gable are in the ring awaiting their opponents. The Usos, The Ascension, The Vaudevillains, Tyler Breeze and Fandango, and Heath Slater and Rhyno hit the ring and a huge 12 man brawl breaks out. The brawl continues with referees trying to separate everyone and no official match taking place.
- Backstage, Daniel Bryan calls a meeting with both Nattie Neidhart and Nikki Bella. Bryan announces that Nikki will battle Nattie at WWE Elimination Chamber. Nattie storms off furious with the decision.
- Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles: The Miz and Baron Corbin are on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Ambrose countering the Styles Clash and then both men counter pinfalls. Styles hits the Pele Kick, but Ambrose rebounds with the lariat. Styles escapes outside, but gets hit with the Ambrose elbow off the ropes. Miz and Corbin start brawling at ringside which distracts the referee. Ambrose lays out Corbin and Miz, but gets hit by Styles with the Styles Clash for the pinfall. After the match, Miz lays out Ambrose with the Skull Crushing Finale. Corbin lays out Miz with End of Days and then picks up Ambrose and lays him out with End of Days to end the show. Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.
