NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Last week's show we saw the new faction of Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly continue to cause chaos in the company. This week, Asuka returned to give us an update on her NXT future, after suffering from a collar bone injury at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3.
** NXT TV Card **
- Andrade "Cien" Almas battled Cezar Bononi. - Lars Sullivan battled Three Local Talents in a 3 On 1 Handicap Match. - Sonya Deville battled Zeda. - Kassius Ohno battled Hideo Itami in a No DQ Match.
- Asuka says goodbye to NXT.
** NXT **
- Andrade "Cien" Almas vs. Cezar Bononi: The match closes out with Zelina Vega yelling at Almas from the commentators table, demanding him to finish off Bononi. Almas gains the upper hand and hits the Hammerlock DDT on Bononi to score the pinfall.
Winner: Andrade "Cien" Almas, by pinfall.
- NXT GM William Regal sends a message to Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Regal says they can all be apart of NXT, but they need to start competing in the ring and stop attacking people from behind.
- Backstage, an interview with Asuka is attempted, but The Velveteen Dream Patrick Clark interrupts and says he'll speak when the ambiance is right, because it's still not quite perfect.
- "Handicap Match": Lars Sullivan vs. Three Local Talents: Sullivan quickly destroys all three men and gets the easy pinfall. Winner: Lars Sullivan, by pinfall.
- After the match, Sullivan continues with the attack until No Way Jose hits the ring. Sullivan and Jose go face to face until Jose unloads. Sullivan takes control and lays out Jose with a spike slam.
- A video from earlier in the week shows Riddick Moss and Tino Sabetelli interrupting Johnny Gargano and taking credit for breaking up #DIY. Gargano challenges either of them to a match next week.
- A video plays of SAnitY sending a warning to Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, stating that by attacking SAnitY they have brought interest in them bringing chaos.
- Sonya Deville vs. Zeda: The match closes out with Sonya planting a big boot on Zeda and then locking in a arm bar/triangle choke combo submission and gets the tap out win. Winner: Sonya Deville, by submission.
- At the Performance Center, Ruby Riot asks William Regal for a Handicap Match against Peyton Royce and Billie Kay. Regal says he wouldn't feel right doing that. Instead, Regal suggests Ruby go find a tag team partner and he'll make the match official.
- "No DQ Match": Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami: The match closes out with Itami grabbing a steel chair and placing it over Ohno's head. Itami hits the running drop kick crushing the chair into Ohno's skull, but Ohno somehow kicks out at two and a half. Itami mocks Ohno and demands respect and then goes for a low blow. Ohno counters it. Itami grabs Ohno and hoists him on his shoulders for the Go To Sleep. Ohno escapes and lands a low blow on Itami. Ohno destroys Itami with the Roaring Elbow and scores the pinfall. Winner: Kassius Ohno, by pinfall.
- Asuka's Farewell: William Regal is in the ring and introduces NXT Women's Champion Asuka. Asuka says she's been in NXT almost two years and has fought many greats. Asuka says she loves NXT and has grown while here. Regal says that Asuka defended the title with honor and is one of the greatest champions in WWE history. Regal announces that Asuka will be arriving on either RAW or Smackdown Live in the near future and the whole world will realize that no one is ready for Asuka. Asuka officially vacates the NXT Women's Championship as the whole NXT roster applaud her from the stage. Ember Moon and Asuka go face to face and then share a hug. Triple H then arrives with a bouquet of flowers for Asuka and announces that Asuka's undefeated reign went 523 days. Triple H hugs Asuka to end the show.
10.Louisville
9. Michigan
8. Georgia
7. Oklahoma
6. Clemson
5. Washington
4. Penn State
3. USC
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama
Probably the first question upon reading this is where did Florida State go? I know that a loss to Alabama normally wouldn’t drop the #3 team in the country out of the top 10, but due to the QB position now up in the air, I’m taking a cautious approach to the Seminoles. QB Deondre Francois is out for the year, and freshman James Blackman now takes over as the starting QB, so FSU will have to earn back the trust before they are considered a top 10 team again.
Michigan is the lone newcomer to the top 10. After a sound beating of the Florida Gators, the Wolverines make their debut at #9. All other teams just slid up 1 spot due to Florida State’s exit except for Louisville, who was dropped from #9 to #10. The Cardinals won an unflattering game against Purdue, so they slid just a little bit here but with 2 big contests in a row(at North Carolina, vs Clemson), they can easily make their way up the rankings.
WEEK 2 HESIMAN WATCH
5. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
4. Saquan Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
2. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
I kept this ranking the same mainly because it was week 1 and some Heisman candidates had an underwhelming performance so I gave them a pass for it. After week 2 we are bound to see some shake-ups though, some big games involving these players are slated for week 2.
WEEK 2 PREVIEW
Week 1 is in the books and while Saturday was rather lackluster in great games(the 2 biggest games, Michigan-Florida and Alabama-Florida State turned out to be no contests in the 2nd half), the games on Sunday and Monday made up for it. UCLA’s 34 point comeback against Texas A&M in the final 18 minutes of the game, Virginia Tech’s win over West Virginia in a back and forth battle and Tennessee’s thrilling OT victory by stopping Georgia Tech on a 2 point conversion in OT were the highlights of the weekend.
Week 2 is now here and we have some big time games coming up, every college football fan should be ready for what’s in store come Saturday night when we have 4 big games all kicking off within an hour and half of each other.
#13 Auburn Tigers at #3 Clemson Tigers - 7:00 PM
The big action of the night starts in Clemson as the defending national champs welcome the Auburn Tigers to Death Valley. Both teams looked very good last Saturday, although they played more of a tune-up game against 2 lesser opponents but got the practice they desired while coasting to a win. Auburn defeated Georgia Southern 41-7 as QB Jarrett Stidham was impressive for the Tigers while RB Kam Martin added 136 yards on 14 carries. Their defense was even more impressive, holding Georgia Southern to only 78 total yards and they look to bring that kind of tenacity this weekend. Clemson rolled over Kent State, 56-3 and many people are not hesitating to crown new Clemson QB Kelly Bryant as the next Deshaun Watson. That will be tested here big time, we will see if Bryant is picking up right where Watson left off or if he struggles in his first primetime game against a stout defense. Clemson's home crowd will definitely play a factor in this though as they are known to have one of the loudest stadiums in all of college football, could give them the big swing that's needed.
PREDICTION: AUBURN 24-20 - This will be a good, close game but the Tigers get it done on the road.
The big news coming out of Georgia is that QB Nick Eason will not be playing in this game due to an injury. That means that freshman Jake Fromm will make the start for the Bulldogs as they travel to South Bend. The good news for Jake Fromm is that a lot of his duty as QB should be turning around and handing the ball off the RB Nick Chubb, who went for 96 yards on 18 carries with 2 TD's in UGA's 31-10 win over Appalachian State. Coming off a disastrous 4-8 season, the Fighting Irish started their season on a positive note as they rolled over Temple, 49-16. New ND QB Brandon Wimbush looked impressive and RB Josh Adams looked even better, if those two keep it up then Notre Dame could find themselves victorious in this game. Georgia is more battle tested and looks to have the better team, but the newcomers from Notre Dame and homefield advantage could keep them in the game, possibly even steal this one.
PREDICTION: Georgia 34-17 - Nick Chubb should wear the ND defense down and while the ND's offense looked good last week, this may be too tall of a task for them.
#5 Oklahoma Sooners at #2 Ohio State Buckeyes - 7:30 PM
Last season, Ohio State went to Oklahoma and brought home a 45-24 victory, and the Sooners are now looking to return the favor here. Ohio State's young secondary was tested last week against the passing attack of Indiana, and they will be tested again here against Heisman candidate QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield brings the experience and talent needed to play against a defense like OSU's, and while they looked good last week against UTEP, the losses of Samaje Perine, Joe Mixon and Dede Westbrook is a lot to make up. They will need to be made up for though if Oklahoma wants to have a shot at this, because Ohio State will be putting up points as they have one of the more electric offenses in the country. The Buckeyes had a rough first half last Thursday against Indiana, but made some adjustments and got it rolling and beat Indiana 49-21. OSU will be led by QB J.T. Barrett and freshman RB J.K. Dobbins as the team hopes to have similar success as they did last season against Oklahoma.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 42-31 - The score may end up closer than the actual game, but Ohio State's ability to get to the QB will stop the Sooners from being able to score with the Buckeyes.
#14 Stanford at #6 USC - 8:30 PM
Pac-12 powerhouses clash in this primetime game here, with USC hosting Stanford. Stanford currently has a 3 game winning streak over the Trojans but USC has national championship hopes, and will need to get over the roadblock here for people really buy into them. USC has playmakers everywhere, Heisman candidate QB Sam Darnold, RB Ronald Jones II and Deontay Burnett gives this team a ton of firepower. Stanford had last weekend off as they played the weekend before, and dominated Rice 62-7. QB Keller Chryst is the Stanford QB once again and looked very good in that first game, and got a lot of help from RB Bryce Love, who had 180 yards on just 13 carries. Stanford's defense will be the difference maker in this, they are typically known for a strong, stringent defense and if they can hold USC in check then this game could be theirs. That is a tough task though, USC is looking to rebound after struggling to beat Western Michigan and should be coming out firing on all cylinders.
PREDICTION: STANFORD 20-17 - This one should come down to the wire, Stanford's defense will rise to the occasion at the end though and halt a USC drive to end the game.
Smackdown Live was live this week in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Last week, Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable debuted as a new tag team. WWE United States Champion AJ Styles held another US Open Challenge. The Viper Randy Orton struck Shinsuke Nakamura, after their tag team match, setting up their #1 Contenders Match this week.
** Smackdown Live Card **
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Nattie Neidhart battled Ms. Money In The Bank Carmella in a non title match. - Aiden English battled Sami Zayn. - Baron Corbin battled Tye Dillinger. - Randy Orton battled Shinsuke Nakamura in a #1 Contenders Match for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- The Shane McMahon/Kevin Owens feud heats up.
** Smackdown Live **
- Backstage, Randy Orton is interviewed. Orton says that his RKO last week was a reminder to Shinsuke Nakamura that no one stands in his way when it comes to getting the WWE World Heavyweight Championship back from Jinder Mahal.
- Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura is interviewed. Nakamura says that Orton is chasing his destiny and the pain he inflicts on the Viper will be felt everywhere.
- Shane McMahon And Kevin Owens Face To Face: Carmella and James Ellsworth are in the ring for a promo. Before anything can be said, Kevin Owens interrupts and heads to the ring. Owens tells the referee to leave because he's the special guest referee for the Carmella/Nattie Neidhart match. Shane McMahon interrupts next and heads to the ring. Shane says Owens has continued to be defiant with him as Owens begins to mock Shane. Owens says he would go back to RAW if it was up to him because he knows Shane never wanted him on Smackdown Live. Shane says that's because Triple H handed Owens everything, that's not how it goes on Smackdown Live and Owens only has himself to blame for failure. Owens says Shane has daddy issues and the whole McMahon family would've been better off if Shane died in the helicopter crash he was in last month. Shane explodes and unloads on Owens, as they brawl all over ringside. WWE Officials and Daniel Bryan break things up. Bryan asks Shane what the hell is he doing as Shane walks away.
- Backstage, Daniel Bryan apologizes to Kevin Owens and says that Shane McMahon was way out of line. Owens says Bryan better enjoy his job while he has it because it's about to become the Kevin Owens Show soon. Owens says he's suing Shane, The McMahon Family and the WWE. Owens then says he's pressing criminal charges on Shane as well and promises to bring down the whole WWE company.
- Nattie Neidhart vs. Carmella: The match closes out with Carmella in control of Nattie, as James Ellsworth hands the briefcase to the referee. Carmella yells at Ellsworth and says she's not cashing in yet. Nattie scores the rollup pinfall on Carmella during the distraction. Winner: Nattie Neidhart, by pinfall.
- After the match, Carmella mocks Ellsworth, calling him a sorry excuse of a human, a genetic defect, a charity case and he should've been given away at birth. Ellsworth begs for forgiveness, but Carmella kicks Ellsworth to the curb.
- Dolph Ziggler Promo: Ziggler tells the fans that they have no appreciation for what Ziggler can do. Ziggler mocks John Cena's gimmick and asks if that works for the fans. Ziggler then mocks the late great Macho Man Randy Savage's gimmick and asks the fans if this nostalgia crap works for them. Ziggler then mocks Naomi's entrance with the full neon light show and everything. Ziggler says that this is what sports entertainment has come to just to try to entertain the WWE fans. Ziggler says that anyone can do those gimmicks and he just proved it. Ziggler says the fans make him sick and he doesn't give a damn about any of them.
- Aiden English vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out quickly with Zayn missing a cross body block and English gets a rollup pinfall for the win. Winner: Aiden English, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Daniel Bryan is with The New Day and The Usos. The Usos get to pick their stipulation for next week's match and pick a Street Fight Match. Daniel Bryan gets a phone call and is ordered by the person on the phone to head to the ring now. Bryan looks concerned as the segment ends.
- Daniel Bryan Promo: Bryan immediately calls out Shane McMahon. Shane appears and heads to the ring. Shane apologizes and says he was way out of control earlier. Bryan reminds Shane how he's told Bryan in the past of not letting personal confrontations get to him and just do the job the fair legal way. Bryan says that they can't run Smackdown Live with Shane assaulting the employees. Shane agrees, but wonders what Bryan would've done if his family was threatened like Shane's was earlier. Bryan let's Shane known that Vince McMahon was on the phone with him earlier and has suspended Shane indefinitely from the company. Shane surprisingly accepts his fate and lays down the microphone to end the segment.
- Backstage, Jinder Mahal is interviewed. Mahal says he doesn't care who wins the #1 Contenders Match tonight because he's already beaten both Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura.
- Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger: The match closes out with Dillinger getting a near fall rollup. Corbin lands a cheap shot on Dillinger and then hits End of Days to score the pinfall. Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall.
- After the match, Corbin talks trash to AJ Styles, who was on commentary for the match.
- Backstage, AJ Styles offers Tye Dillinger a WWE United States Championship Match next week. Dillinger accepts and they wish each other good luck.
- Backstage, James Ellsworth begs Carmella for forgiveness and promises to never interfere in her business again. Carmella says from now on they do things her way. Carmella then kisses Ellsworth and then slaps him.
- "#1 Contenders Match": Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Randy Orton: The match closes out with Orton hitting the draping DDT on Nakamura. Nakamura counters the RKO and traps Orton in an arm bar submission. Nakamura then attempts a triangle lock submission, but Orton fights it. Orton powers out and slams Nakamura. Nakamura again counters the RKO, hits the Kinshasa and scores the pinfall. Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall, to become the new #1 Contender.
- Backstage, Kevin Owens gets approached by Daniel Bryan. Owens says Shane McMahon getting suspended solved nothing and promises that Smackdown Live will be his own personal playground next week. Bryan tells Owens that he can take that up personally with Vince McMahon when he shows up on Smackdown Live next week.
It's the beginning of the week and time to kick things off in wrestling with Monday Night RAW, live from Omaha, Nebraska. Last week Alexa Bliss became the new WWE RAW Women's Champion and Jeff Hardy became the #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship. This week, two monsters collided as Braun Strowman battled The Big Show in a Steel Cage Match.
** This Weeks Card **
- John Cena battled Jason Jordan. - Sheamus and Cesaro battled Heath Slater and Rhyno. - WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz defended his title against Jeff Hardy. - Drew Gulak, Tony Nese and Noam Dar battled Enzo, Cedric Alexander and Gran Metalik in a Six Man Tag Team Match. - WWE RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and Sasha Banks battled Nia Jax and Emma. If Nia and Emma win they will become #1 Contenders with Sasha Banks. - WWE RAW World Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins battled Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a non title match. - Braun Strowman battled The Big Show in a Steel Cage Match.
** RAW **
- John Cena vs. Jason Jordan: The match closes out with Jordan countering an AA and hits two nothern lights suplexes on Cena for a near fall. Jordan with a corner shoulder thrust and Cena with a near fall slam. Cena finally hits the AA on Jordan and scores the pinfall. Winner: John Cena, by pinfall.
- After the match, Roman Reigns heads to the ring.
- Roman Reigns And John Cena Face To Face: Reigns asks Cena why it took him 20 minutes to beat a rookie and calls Cena a lying, fake ass, little bitch. Cena says Reigns is doing the worst thing for his career right now and that's trying to use his brain and then accuses Reigns of having no balls. Cena says Reigns is a golden boy that needs taught respect, because Cena has none for Reigns. Cena wonders if Reigns sees what's going on or if Cena will have to beat sense into Reigns. Reigns taunts Cena and dares him to attack him right now. Cena holds his ground and doesn't attack. Reigns says that's why he doesn't respect Cena because Cena is all talk and can't back up his big mouth. Reigns drops the microphone and walks away to end the segment.
- Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno: The match closes out with Sheamus and Cesaro taking control of Rhyno. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Rhyno and scores the pinfall. Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro, by pinfall.
- Backstage, The Hardy's are interviewed. Jeff Hardy says he's going out in a blaze of glory and winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship tonight. Matt Hardy sends a warning to The Miztourage to not get involved tonight.
- "WWE Intercontinental Championship Match": The Miz (c) vs. Jeff Hardy: The match closes out with Jeff hitting Miz with Poetry in Motion off the steel steps. Jeff misses the Swanton Bomb, after Maryse wakes up Miz and tells him to move. Jeff and Miz are both up as Jeff lands a gut kick. Miz counters the Twist of Fate and hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Jeff to score the pinfall and retain his title. Winner: The Miz, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- Backstage, Nia Jax interrupts RAW GM Kurt Angle. Nia asks Angle why Sasha Banks is getting a title shot before her. Angle says that Sasha gets her rematch with Alexa Bliss because she was the former champion and gets an automatic rematch. Emma interrupts and asks for a chance at the WWE RAW Women's Championship. Emma and Nia argue, but Angle interrupts and says that if they win their tag match tonight he'll put them in the title match too.
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Drew Gulak, Tony Nese and Noam Dar vs. Enzo, Cedric Alexander and Gran Metalik: The match closes out with Enzo cheating again by poking Gulak in the eye and then hitting the JawdonZO for the pinfall. Winners: Enzo, Gran Metalik and Cedric Alexander, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Alexa Bliss doesn't like the fact she has to team up with Sasha Banks. Alexa tells Sasha to check her boss ego at the door. Sasha says they'll win tonight and then she'll make Alexa scream in pain at WWE No Mercy.
- Finn Balor Promo: Balor talks about Bray Wyatt costing Balor a chance at the WWE Intercontinental Championship last week. Balor says he'll be ready for Bray next time, he doesn't run from his demons because he becomes his demon and tells Bray they can continue to play games if he wants to. Bray's graphic flashes and Bray appears on the TitanTron. Bray tells Balor to put the demon away and face him one on one. Bray challenges Balor to a match at WWE No Mercy and Balor accepts. Bray wonders if Balor will run like a scared little rabbit to end the segment.
- Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss vs. Emma and Nia Jax: The match closes out with Sasha hitting a Shining Wizard and getting a near fall. Sasha goes for the Banks Statement submission, but can't apply it. Nia plants Sasha and hits a leg drop on her. Emma blind tags in, covers Sasha and scores the pinfall. Winners: Emma and Nia Jax, by pinfall, to become #1 Contenders.
- After the match, Emma goes to shake Nia Jax's hand, but Nia lays Emma out with the Samoan Drop.
- Backstage, Braun Strowman is interviewed. Strowman says he'll destroy Big Show tonight. Strowman says he'll send a message to Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Big Show and everyone else.
- Backstage, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins walk past Elias Samson who's playing his guitar.
- Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Ambrose hitting a suicide dive on Gallows as Rollins hits a hurricanrana on Anderson. Sheamus suddenly appears and distracts the referee, as Cesaro and Ambrose go at it. Anderson ends up getting accidentally hit and allows Rollins to score the rollup pinfall. Winners: Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, by pinfall.
- After the match, Sheamus, Cesaro, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson start brawling with each other in the ring as Ambrose and Rollins watch from the ramp.
- Backstage, Neville informs Enzo, Gran Metalik and Cedric Alexander that they'll be in Fatal 5 Way on 205 Live, with the winner facing Neville at No Mercy.
- Backstage, The Big Show is interviewed. Show says he's breaking Braun Strowman and leaving victorious. Show says Braun may be the Monster Among Men, but Show is the World's Largest Athlete.
- "Steel Cage Match": Braun Strowman vs. The Big Show: The match closes out with Show planting Strowman with a chokeslam for a near fall. Strowman ducks the Knockout Punch and Show then counters a Strowman scoop slam, before sending Strowman into the cage wall. Show climbs the wall to escape, but Strowman stops him with forearms to the back. Show and Strowman trade shots until Strowman falls to the mat. Show tries to climb over the cage, but Strowman climbs up and stops Show again. Show and Strowman battle on the ropes again and Strowman goes for a superplex. After a second attempt Strowman finally hits the superplex on Show. Show slowly gets up allowing Strowman to hit the running power slam to score the pinfall. Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.
- After the match, Strowman says that this will be Brock Lesnar's fate at WWE No Mercy. Strowman picks up Show and hits another running power slam on Show right through the cage wall, collapsing the cage completely.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Texas A&M @ UCLA (FOX, 7:30pm)
West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech (ABC, 7:30)
MLB
Red Sox @ Yankees (ESPN, 7:30pm)
TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Round of 16 (ESPN 2, 7pm)
RACING
Monster Energy Cup Series: Bojangles Southern 500 (NBC Sports, 6pm)
---
Power, FINALE (Starz, 9pm)
Twin Peaks: The Return, FINALE (Showtime, 9pm)
MONDAY 9/4
MLB
Brewers @ Reds (ESPN, 1pm) Indians @ White Sox (STO, 2pm)
Cubs @ Pirates (ESPN, 4pm)
Diamondbacks @ Dodgers OR Blue Jays @ Red Sox (MLB, 8pm)
TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Round of 16 (ESPN 2, 7pm)
GOLF
Dell Technologies Championship, Final Round (NBC, 1:30pm)
---
American Ninja Warrior, Las Vegas Final Night 1 (NBC, 8pm)
Road to 9/11, Part 1, PREMIERE (History, 9pm)
Man v. Food; Des Moines, IA (Travel, 9pm)
Gear Dogs, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)
TUESDAY 9/5
MLB
Yankees @ Orioles OR Blue Jays @ Red Sox (MLB, 7pm) Indians @ White Sox (STO, 8pm)
NFL
Inside The NFL, PREMIERE (Showtime, 9pm)
Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, FINALE (HBO, 10pm)
---
Road to 9/11, Part 2 (History, 9pm)
The Bold Type, FINALE (Freeform, 9pm)
Below Deck, PREMIERE (Bravo, 9pm)
American Horror Story: Cult, PREMIERE (FX, 10pm)
A Season With Navy Football, PREMIERE (Showtime, 10pm)
Shooter, FINALE (USA, 10pm)
WNBA PLAYOFFS
Dallas Wings @ Washington Mystics (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Seattle Storm @ Phoenix Mercury (ESPN 2, 10pm)
---
Road to 9/11, Part 3 (History, 9pm)
Total Bellas, PREMIERE (E!, 9pm)
Hollywood Game Night, FINALE (NBC, 10pm)
Snowfall, FINALE (FX, 10pm)
You're The Worst, PREMIERE (FXX, 10pm)
Blood Drive, FINALE (Syfy, 10pm)
I'm Sorry, FINALE (TruTV, 10pm)
THURSDAY 9/7
NFL
Chiefs @ Patriots (NBC, 8:30pm)
MLB
Cubs @ Pirates OR Phillies @ Nationals (MLB, 7pm) Indians @ White Sox (STO, 8pm)
Rockies @ Dodgers OR Cardinals @ Padres (MLB, 10pm)
---
Battle Of The Network Stars, FINALE (ABC, 8pm & 9pm)
The Gong Show, FINALE (ABC, 10pm)
FRIDAY 9/8
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Oklahoma State @ South Alabama (ESPN 2, 8pm)
Ohio @ Purdue (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
NBA 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony (NBA TV, 7:30pm)
RACING
XFINITY Series: Virginia 529 College Savings 250 (NBC Sports, 7:30pm)
MMA & BOXING
BOXING: David Benavidez vs. Ronald Gavril (Showtime, 10pm)
---
EIF Presents: XQ Super School Live (NBC/ABC/FOX/CBS, 8pm)
MTV Unplugged; Shawn Mendes (MTV, 8pm)
Guy's Family Road Trip, FINALE (Food Network, 9pm)
COMEDY: Gary Owen: I Got My Associates (Showtime, 9pm)
ELeague; CS:GO Premiere 2017, Group A Winners (TBS, 10pm)
SATURDAY 9/9
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
South Florida @ Connecticut (ESPNEWS, 12pm)
Pittsburgh @ Penn State (ABC, 3:30pm)
TCU @ Arkansas (CBS, 3:30pm)
Fresno State @ Alabama (ESPN 2, 3:30pm)
Nebraska @ Oregon (FOX, 4:30pm)
MLB Orioles @ Indians (FOX, 1pm)
Brewers @ Cubs OR Astros @ Ahtletics (MLB, 4pm)
Rays @ Red Sox OR Twins @ Royals (MLB, 7pm)
Rockies @ Dodgers OR Padres @ Diamondbacks (MLB, 10pm)
TENNIS
2017 U.S. Open, Women's FINAL (ESPN, 4:30pm)
RACING
Global RallyCross Series; Seattle (NBC, 4:30pm)
Monster Energy Cup Series: Federated Auto Parts 400 (NBC Sports, 7:30pm)
GOLF
Walker Cup, Day 1 (FOX Sports 1, 12pm)
MMA & BOXING
UFC 215: Johnson vs. Borg - Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
BOXING: Roman Gonzalez vs. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (HBO, 10:15pm)
---
MOVIE: Hidden Figures (HBO, 8pm)
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, GFW, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, 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
** Theme Song Of The Week **
This week's theme song is the Mae Young tournament theme song as the Mae Young Classic Tournament kicked off on the WWE Network.
*** WWE ***
- Alexa Bliss Wins The WWE RAW Women's Championship: If you missed Monday Night RAW this week, Alexa Bliss defeated Sasha Banks to win the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
- Jeff Hardy Becomes #1 Contender: This past week on Monday Night RAW, Jeff Hardy won a 15 Man Battle Royal Match to become the new #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- Samoa Joe Injury: WWE announced this week that Samoa Joe will be out of action for the next 4-6 week's due to a knee injury.
- Xavier Woods Injury: WWE announced that Xavier Woods suffered a knee injury during a live event on Monday. It's unknown how long Woods will be out for.
- John Cena vs. Roman Reigns Green Lit For WWE No Mercy: Due to Samoa Joe being injured, WWE have decided to pull the trigger on John Cena vs. Roman Reigns at WWE No Mercy. WWE's original plan was to have Samoa Joe vs. John Cena at WWE No Mercy.
- The Mae Young Classic Tournament Kicks Off: In case you're unaware, WWE Network have released the first four episodes of the Mae Young Classic Tournament, which includes the whole first round of action.
** 205 Live Recap ** This week Enzo made his official debut in wrestling action with 205 Live. Brian Kendrick and Jack Gallagher continued their feud in a No DQ Match.
- "No DQ Match": Brian Kendrick vs. Jack Gallagher: The match closes out with Gallagher getting busted open after getting sent into the steel steps repeatedly from Kendrick. Kendrick uses the ring bell on Gallagher and then locks in a kendo stick assisted Captain's Hook submission to get the win.
Winner: Brian Kendrick, by submission.
- Backstage, Noam Dar, Drew Gulak, and Tony Nese mock Enzo and claim that he'll be a disaster for 205 Live.
- Rich Swann vs. Ariya Daivari: The match closes out with Daivari grabbing TJ Perkins' crutch, who was sitting at ringside, but TJP grabs it back. Swann rolls up Daivari on the distraction and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Rich Swann, by pinfall.
- After the match, Daivari attacks Perkins. Perkins fires back with a spinning kick, proving his knee injury may be a fraud. Swann leaves the ring in disbelief as Perkins claims his leg still hurts. Perkins goes back to Daivari and hits a Detonation Kick.
- Backstage, Cedric Alexander and Gran Metalik blow off Enzo as Enzo wants to game plan their match.
- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, and Noam Dar vs. Enzo, Cedric Alexander, and Gran Metalik: The match closes out with Enzo tagging in, hits a cross body on Nese, tosses Dar outside and then rolls up Nese with his feet on the ropes to steal the pinfall.
Winners: Enzo, Cedric Alexander, and Gran Metalik, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Neville is shown laughing at Enzo to end the show.
*** NXT ***
- NXT Women's Championship News: According to reports, Triple H is making plans to possibly crown the winner of the Mae Young Classic Tournament as the new NXT Women's Champion next month when the Finals take place. As reported last week, Asuka had to vacate the championship after suffering from a collar bone injury while wrestling Ember Moon at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3.
*** GFW ***
** GFW Impact Recap ** The main event of the show saw GFW Undisputed Champion Eli Drake and Chris Adonis battle Eddie Edwards and Johnny Impact, with special rewards for Edwards and Impact if they won.
- Backstage Jeff Jarrett again gets into an argument with Bobby Lashley's MMA Fight Team for causing chaos last week.
- Eli Drake and Chris Adonis Promo: Drake says it took him 14 years to win a world championship and it pisses him off. Drake says no one, including Jim Cornette could stop him from this moment. Johnny Impact interrupts and demands a title shot. Eddie Edwards interrupts next and says he's speaking up for a title shot too. Edwards says he outranks the newbie Impact and wants his shot now. Drake tries to get Edwards and Impact to fight as Jim Cornette arrives. Cornette announces that tonight it's Drake/Adonis vs. Impact/Edwards. If Impact and Edwards win then they get title shots.
- Backstage, Allie introduces herself to Taryn Terrell and asks why she's so mean to Gail Kim. Taryn beats down Allie and tells Allie to give that message to Gail.
- oVe (Dave and Jake Crist) vs. Mario Bokara and Fallah Bahh: The match closes out with oVe hit double kicks on Bahh, sending him outside. oVe hit an elevation cutter on Bokara to score the pinfall.
Winners: oVe, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Ethan Carter interrupts Moose and Jim Cornette. Cornette announces that EC3 will defend his GFW Global Championship against new #1 Contender El Hijo del Fantasma.
- Caleb Konley vs. Petey Williams: The match closes out with Williams going for the Canadian Destroyer, but Trevor Lee distracts Williams. Konley gets tossed into Lee, taking him out. Williams hits a hurricanrana on Conley and scores the pinfall with the Canadian Destroyer.
Winner: Petey Williams, by pinfall.
- After the match, Lee attacks Williams, but Sonjay Dutt makes the save.
- Backstage, Karen Jarrett interrupts Sienna and Taryn Terrell. Karen announces Sienna/Taryn vs. Allie/Gail Kim for next week.
- Richard Justice vs. Kongo Kong: The match closes out quick with Kong laying out Justice with a punch and then the top rope splash for the pinfall.
Winner: Kongo Kong, by pinfall.
- After the match, Kong beats down Justice until Mahabali Shera makes the save.
- Backstage, Johnny Impact makes it clear that he came to GFW for the Undisputed Championship.
- At LAX's Hideout, Konnan tells Low Ki to injure James Storm tonight, send him to the hospital and show the locker room that no one disrespects LAX.
- Low Ki vs. James Storm: The match closes out with Storm countering Warriors Way and hits Eye of the Storm for a near fall on Low Ki. Ortiz jumps on the apron and distracts the referee allowing Santana to hit Storm with the tag team title. Low Ki hits Warriors Way and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Low Ki, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Braxton Sutter checks on Allie. Garza Jr. also checks on Allie which makes Sutter jealous. Allie tells Sutter that Garza was just checking on her. Sutter says he knows what his real intentions were.
- Backstage, Joseph Park goes over the wedding list with Grado and Laurel Van Ness. Grado discovers that Laurel is actually from Canada which won't help Grado and he'll still get deported back to England.
- Its announced that former Lucha Underground wrestler and Johnny Impact's fiancee, Taya Valkyrie, will debut with GFW next week.
- Backstage, Bobby Lashley talks with his coach on his MMA Team. Lashley's coach tells Lashley that he needs to go back to MMA, but Lashley doesn't want to close the door on professional wrestling completely.
- Eli Drake and Chris Adonis vs. Johnny Impact and Eddie Edwards: The match closes out with Drake and Adonis double teaming Impact. Edwards is in and hits a top rope hurricanrana. Impact hits the Thursday Night Delight corkscrew elbow on Drake and covers, but Adonis stops the pinfall. Adonis gets tossed outside and Impact follows him. Drake hits the Bottom Rung on Edwards and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Eli Drake and Chris Adonis, by pinfall.
- After the match, Bobby Lashley's MMA Fight Team hit the ring and challenge all four men. Jim Cornette arrives and tells Lashley that he needs to keep his team in check and then announces that it'll be Matt Sydal vs. Eli Drake next week for the GFW Undisputed Championship, upsetting Lashley to close the show.
*** RING OF HONOR ***
** ROH TV Recap ** This week's show saw the ROH World Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks defend their titles against the Motor City Machine Guns.
- War Machine defeated Jonathan Gresham and Jay White.
- Josh Woods defeated Shane Taylor, by pinfall with a rollup, after Taylor tried to use a steel chair. After the match, QT Marshall encourages Taylor to attack Woods, which he does and beats Woods down. Marshall hands Taylor an envelope of money for beating down Woods.
- Backstage, Kenny King says he's bringing out the best of himself when he challenges Kushida for the ROH Television Championship at Death Before Dishonor.
- The Young Bucks vs. The Motor City Machine Guns for the ROH World Tag Team Championship went to a No Contest. The Addiction hit the ring and attacked both teams, the referee and a fan in a Bullet Club shirt at ringside.
- Cody Rhodes' Next Opponent: Ring of Honor Wrestlimg announced this week that ROH World Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against NJPW Never Openweight Champion Minoru Suzuki at the next ROH pay per view, Death Before Dishonor, on September 22nd at Sam's Town Live in Las Vegas, NV.
*** Lucha Underground ***
** Lucha Underground TV Recap ** The main event of the show saw Son of Havoc battle Son of Madness with an Aztec Medallion on the line.
- In The Temple Dungeon, Dario Cueto admits to his caged brother Matanza Cueto that he was wrong about Rey Mysterio and realizes Matanza wanted to protect Dario. Dario announces Matanza vs. Rey in two weeks for LU's 100th episode.
- Son of Madness vs. Mascarita Sagrada: The match closes out with Madness hitting a kick and a suplex on Sagrada to score the quick pinfall.
Winner: Son of Madness, by pinfall.
- After the match, Son of Havoc attacks Madness and they brawl throughout The Temple. Dario Cueto announces Havoc vs. Madness tonight in a Biker's Brawl Match with the winner receiving Medallion #4.
- Marty The Moth vs. Argenis: The match closes out with Argenis getting busted open. Marty pounds on a bloody Argenis, counters a neck breaker and hits a Code Breaker for the pinfall.
Winner: Marty The Moth, by pinfall.
- After the match, Marty attempts to rip off Argenis' mask until he finally does it. Marty takes the mask to ring announcer Melissa Santos and throws it at her. Marty then promises to take Fenix's mask next. Fenix hits ringside and lays out Marty and Mariposa. Fenix accepts Marty's challenge of a Hair vs. Mask Match at Ultima Lucha Tres.
- Sexy Star vs. Joey Ryan: The match closes out with Taya arriving and taunting Sexy. Sexy plants Ryan with rolling suplexes and then attacks Taya outside. Ryan takes advantage, hits a super kick on Sexy and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Joey Ryan, by pinfall.
- After the match, Castro attacks Ryan with a kendo stick and chases him off.
- In Dario Cueto's office, Castro threatens to arrest Cueto for killing Mr. Cisco. Cueto talks Castro out of it by announcing Castro vs. Joey Ryan next week in a 5-0 Street Fight Match, for Medallion #5.
- "Boyle Heights Biker’s Brawl Match, For Medallion #4": Son of Havoc vs. Son of Madness: The match closes out with Madness unloading forearms and lands a brainbuster for a near fall on Havoc. Madness grabs a beer bottle, toolbox and a trash can. Madness hits a DVD on Havoc on the trash can for a near fall. Madness grabs a hammer, but Havoc counters by busting the beer bottle over Madness' head. Havoc hits a Shooting Star Press on Madness for the pinfall.
Winner: Son of Havoc, by pinfall, to win Medallion #4.
*** AAA ***
** TripleMania 25 Recap **
- Dragon Solar, Pardux, Solaris and Ashley defeated Bronco Gonzalez, Chicano, Fetiche and Hashtary.
- Angelikal, Hijo del Vikingo and The Tigger defeated Angel Mortal Jr., Tiger Boy and Villano III Jr.
- Hernandez, La Hiedra, Mamba and Mini Psycho Clown defeated Big Mami, Dinastía, Estrella Divina and Máscara de Bronce
- Sexy Star (c) defeated Ayako Hamada, Lady Shani and Rosemary, to retain the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship.
- Monster Clown and Murder Clown defeated Dark Cuervo and Dark Scoria (c), Aero Star and Drago, and Team GFW (DJZ and Andrew Everett), to win the AAA World Tag Team Championship.
- Team Parka (Argenis, Bengala and La Parka) defeated Team Relevos Increibles (Australian Suicide, Faby Apache and Pimpinela Escarlata), Ex-AAA (Heavy Metal, Pirata Morgan and Villano IV), Los OGT's (Averno, Chessman and Super Fly), Los Guapos (Decnnis, Scorpio Jr. and Zumbido), Team GFW (Jeff Jarrett, Bobby Lashley and Moose), Los Vipers (Histeria, Maniaco and Psicosis), Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, Lanzelot and Ñino Hamburguesa), Los Perros del Mal (Halloween, Joe Líder and Mr. Águila) and Leyendas (Blue Demon Jr., El Cobarde and El Intocable)
- Pagano vs. El Mesías, in a Street Fight Match, ended in a no contest.
- Johnny Mundo (c) defeated Hijo del Fantasma and Texano Jr. in a Triple Threat TLC Match to retain the AAA Mega Championship, AAA Latin American Championship and AAA World Cruiserweight Championship.
- Psycho Clown defeated Dr. Wagner Jr., in a Mask vs. Mask Match.
- Sexy Star Incident At TripleMania 25: Sexy Star made the news this week at the AAA TripleMania 25 show for her accused unprofessionalism. According to reports, during the women's title defense, Sexy Star was delivering real blows on Lady Shani attempting to legitimately injure her. Then during the finish of the match, Sexy Star locked Rosemary in an arm bar submission for the tap out win. Sexy refused to release the hold after the tap out and purposely tightened the hold which popped Rosemary's elbow out of place. It's unknown why Sexy Star legitimately tried to injure both ladies, but I'll keep an eye out on this story as it unfolds.
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!
The Cleveland Browns defensive back group just got a bit interesting with the release of Joe Haden. The Browns have a few spots open at DB that will likely be filled with waiver wire pickups or maybe a trade.
Cornerbacks: We know for a fact the three starting corners for week one. Jamar Taylor, Jason McCourty, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun. Taylor and BBC were breakout players for the Browns last season.
Taylor was acquired from Miami last season on during the draft. The former second round pick played in 15 games last season. He finished the season with 46 tackles, 13 pass defended, and three interceptions. Taylor's play in 2016 earned him a three year contract extension and a starting job going forward. Its not like the talent wasn't there with Taylor during his tenure with Miami but seems like the change of scenery was need in order to get a fresh start.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun was an undrafted free agent pickup last season. BBC played in 14 games, starting half of them. Boddy-Calhoun recorded 36 tackles, 11 pass defended, and three picks (including one returned for a touchdown). During the preseason BBC has been everywhere. Playing not just at corner but spell some at safety.
The lone veteran at defensive back is Jason McCourty who will be entering his ninth season in the NFL. He has spent the last eight with the Tennessee Titans. The Browns brought him in because they absolutely needed someone with the veteran leadership McCourty brings. But its not just the leadership, McCourty spent a season with Gregg Williams so his familiarity with Williams gives the Browns almost another coach on the field. Despite his age McCourty's stats haven't really dropped. Last season he had 59 tackles, 12 pass defended, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery in the 14 games he played/started. During the preseason, McCourty has been showing max effort, he's played solid defense and even forced a fumble that set up a scoring drive for the offense.
Outside of those three, the Browns defense backs are kind of a mystery. Expect them to keep one of the undrafted rookies (Najee Murray, Darius Hillary, Alvin Hill) or four year veteran Marcus Burley. And then use the waiver wire to add an additional corner to the team.
Safety: The Browns safety room is extremely young. They potentially could be starting a rookie and a second year pro at the two safety positions.
Jabrill Peppers is a lock to start week one. Peppers has impressed coaches and fans alike with his hard hitting tackling and his exciting playmaking ability when he gets his hands on the ball.
Opposite of Peppers will likely be Derrick Kindred. Kindred's rookie season was cut short because of an injury but in the games he played Kindred showed decent cover skills and being a sure tackler. During the preseason Kindred played extremely well and earned his spot as a starter on defense.
The backup safety position is fluid just like the corner position. The Browns traded for former first round pick Calvin Pryor during the off-season. Think of it as a Jamar Taylor 2.0 move. Pryor has played well during the preseason, he even recorded a safety during the Browns preseason victory over the Bears. Ibraheim Campbell is entering his third season with the Browns. Campbell isn't a lock to make the team, but it is expected. The preseason wasn't that great for the third year pro as he battled a concussion that kept him out for a couple weeks. It seems unlikely but undrafted rookie Kai Nacua out of BYU has played well. If the Browns cut either Pryor or Campbell, Nacua would be a logical replacement. He was always around the ball during the preseason. It wouldn't be surprising if Nacua makes the practice squad and gets called up during the middle of the season.
Defensive Backs Overview: The DBs in 2017 have talent but the Browns are really thin. If everyone stays healthy the defensive backs shouldn't hurt them too bad. And with the improvement of a pass rush the defensive backs will be given a position to succeed in 2017.
