SOCCER
MLS: New York City FC @ Orlando City SC (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
WNBA
Seattle Storm @ Minnesota Lynx (ESPN 2, 7pm)
Los Angeles Sparks @ Phoenix Mercury (ESPN 2, 9pm)
====
2016 MTV VMAs Preshow (MTV, 8pm)
Celebrity Family Feud; Gus Kenworthy vs. Sheryl Underwood, David Chokachi vs. Alan Thicke (ABC, 8pm)
Big Brother (CBS, 8pm)
2016 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV, 9pm)
Fear The Walking Dead (AMC, 9pm)
The $100,00 Pyramid; Kevin Pollak vs. Niecy Nash, Bridget Moynahan vs. Rex Lee (ABC, 9pm)
The Night Of (HBO, 9pm)
Power (Starz, 9pm)
Ray Donovan (Showtime, 9pm)
The Last Ship (TNT, 9pm)
Talking Dead (AMC, 10pm)
Match Game (ABC, 10pm)
BrainDead (CBS, 10pm) The Strain, PREMIERE (FX, 10pm)
Ballers (HBO, 10pm)
Survivor's Remorse (Starz, 10pm)
Roadies (Showtime, 10pm)
Murder In The First (TNT, 10pm)
Vice Principals (HBO, 10:30pm)
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 and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday at @TripleThreatCLE.
*** WWE ***
- The Best And Worst Of Summer Slam: Fox Sports posted an article by Nick Schwartz as he gave his opinion of the best and worst of Summer Slam 2016. Do you agree? What was your best and worst?
Best:
- AJ Styles vs. John Cena.
- Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens teamed together.
- Sami Zayn and Neville teamed together.
- Finn Balor wins the WWE Universal Championship.
- Finn Balor celebrates with his parents after huge win.
Worst:
- The Brooklyn Crowd.
- Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton.
- Sasha Banks' botches in her match against Charlotte.
- Original Summer Slam Plans: The product that we got last Sunday night was actually not what was originally planned by WWE. Due to Roman Reigns catching a 30 day suspension for failing his drug test and then suffering punishment on his return, the following was WWE's original plans for Summer Slam:
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": John Cena vs. AJ Styles
- Finn Balor vs. Chris Jericho
- Finn Balor Fun Facts: After defeating Seth Rollins at Summer Slam, Finn Balor set a couple records. Record number one, Balor became the only superstar to win a world title on his debut pay per view match. Record number two, Balor is the only superstar so far to have held both the NXT World Championship and the WWE Universal Championship. And of course Balor is and will forever be the first WWE Universal Champion.
- Finn Balor Injury: Sources have said that WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor may have injured his arm during his match against Seth Rollins at Summer Slam. You can see Balor land gingerly on his arm after taking the turn buckle power bomb into the barricade at the event. Balor was said to have had his arm in a sling and was expected to get checked out by WWE Medical on Monday.
- Finn Balor Vacates WWE Universal Championship: Just one day removed from winning the WWE Universal Championship, Finn Balor had to vacate the title due to a shoulder injury. Balor is expected to be out of action 4 to 6 months.
- WWE Universal Championship Plans: WWE already have plans set in motion to crown a new WWE Universal Champion. Tomorrow night on RAW it'll be a Fatal Four Way Match between Seth Rollins, Big Cass, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns to crown a new champion.
- Bayley Debuts: After consistently teasing the fans with a Bayley call up to the main roster the past few months, WWE finally pulled the trigger and debuted Bayley on RAW this past Monday.
- New Smackdown Live Titles Debut: This past Tuesday on Smackdown Live, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan introduced the new WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship and WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship. Both titles will be exclusive only to Smackdown Live.
- The Miz Goes Off: Last week on Talking Smack, a show hosted by Renee Young and Daniel Bryan, The Miz was their special guest. Bryan made a remark to Miz about Miz wrestling like a coward and Miz flew off the handle and cut a huge promo. It was a promo that was so emotional that many are still wondering if it was scripted or a real promo on how Miz really felt towards Bryan. Miz called Bryan the coward for making promises to the fans only to walk away from the business because he was consistently injured. Miz dared Bryan to get in the ring again and face Miz. Bryan said he would if WWE would clear him. Miz would cut Bryan off and call Bryan the coward, state that he gives his heart and soul in every match and the WWE Intercontinental Championship should be the top title on Smackdown Live because Miz has brought the tradition back in the championship. Bryan eventually walked off the set, pissed off at Miz, while catching more insults from Miz as he walked out. Whether a scripted or real promo, many are calling this one of The Miz's best promos to date.
- Daniel Bryan Wrestling Again?: WWE have stated that there is a small possibility that they may let Bryan wrestle again if a storyline calls for it. Bryan has stated on many occasions that he was cleared by his doctors in the past, it was WWE that refused to let him get back in the ring. If the timing is right and Bryan can still go without causing injury to himself, WWE have stated that they may clear him for a match.
- Sasha Banks Injury: According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, Sasha Banks is dealing with a back issue. Sources with direct knowledge are reporting Banks is scheduled for an evaluation with doctors, due to pain she’s dealing with in the lower lumbar section of her back. Banks lost the WWE Women's Championship to Charlotte this past Sunday at Summer Slam, due to the back injury.
- Sasha Banks Update: Sasha Banks dropped the WWE Women's Championship at Summer Slam as she needed to take time off to deal with a back injury. After her evaluation, Sasha will not need surgery and just needs to heal up. Sasha is expected to return by late September.
- Chris Jericho And Brock Lesnar Have A Backstage Fight After Summer Slam: According to F4WOnline.com’s Dave Meltzer, Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar got into a verbal and physical altercation following Lesnar’s WWE Summer Slam match against Randy Orton. Jericho reportedly went to the gorilla position following the match ending and Jericho asked if the finish was planned. Michael Hayes reportedly wouldn’t answer, and Jericho said "that’s bullsh*t". Brock Lesnar overheard Jericho and apparently thought Jericho was talking about the match. One source says that Lesnar called Jericho a p*ssy and another says Lesnar told Jericho to shut up and mind his own business. Sources then stated that Jericho and Lesnar went nose to nose with Lesnar pushing Jericho off. Jericho responded by pushing Lesnar into a wall, where both men were tangled up with each other wrestling. Triple H stepped in to separate both men as did Vince McMahon who told Jericho the match was planned and to act professional. Triple H reportedly told Vince that Jericho was defending himself and Lesnar started it. Later on, Randy Orton approached Jericho and assured him that the ending was in fact planned with the way it went down.
- WWE Announces Cruiserweight Division: The WWE announced last Monday on RAW that the Cruiserweight Division will officially kick off on September 19th. WWE also announced the first four superstars in the division. They are: Rich Swann, Brian Kendrick, Noam Dar and TJ Perkins.
- The Dudley Boys Are Finished With WWE: Last Monday's Retirement segment was said to be a legit angle with the Dudleys finishing with WWE. Rumors stated that The Dudleys signed a new one year contract with WWE, but now rumors are saying that The Dudleys backed out of the contract and decided to leave the WWE. WWE came up with the idea to have The Club beat down The Dudleys so The Club could grab major heat and to leave the door open for a future feud if The Dudleys come back to the WWE.
- The Rock vs. Vin Diesel: Yes you read that right.....according to PWMania, they are reporting that The Rock is setting up a match with Vin Diesel for Wrestlemania 33. Rock and Vin Diesel have reportedly been in a feud with each other while filming Fast and The Furious 8, due to Rock not liking some of the directions that star/producer Vin Diesel is taking their characters. Apparently things got so heated between the two that they had to call a unexpected private meeting between the two alone to settle things. According to rumors, the likelihood that these two will settle this score in the ring once and for all, and at wrestling’s biggest event, is extremely high and not just fanciful thinking.
- The Headbangers Returning: Sources have said that Mosh and Thrasher of the Attitude Era tag team known as The Headbangers may be the eighth team that will be included in the Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament.
*** Cruiserweight Classic Recap ***
This week the Cruiserweight Classic Tournament closed out all second round matches as they move ahead to the Final 8.
-- Rich Swann defeated Lince Dorado, by pinfall, with the Phoenix Splash.
-- Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Drew Gulak, by pinfall. Gulak goes for the Dragon Sleeper, but Sabre counters with a bridging rollup for the win.
-- TJ Perkins defeated Johnny Gargano, by submission, with a knee bar.
The Final 8 Are: TJ Perkins, Brian Kendrick, Gran Metalik, Rich Swann, Noam Dar, Akira Tozawa, Zack Sabre Jr and Kota Ibushi
*** WWE Backlash Card ***
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": Dean Ambrose (c) vs. AJ Styles
- "WWE SmackDown Live World Tag Team Championship Finals" ??? vs. ???
- "WWE SmackDown Live Women's Championship, Six Pack Challenge Match": Nikki Bella vs. Becky Lynch vs. Naomi vs. Nattie Neidhart vs. Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss
*** NXT ***
- The Best And Worst Of NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2: Uproxx recently posted an article by Brandon Stroud as he gave his opinion of the best and worst of NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2. Do you agree? What was your best and worst?
Best:
- Hideo Itami appearing and hitting Go To Sleep on Austin Aries.
- Ember Moon's debut.
- Bobby Roode's GLORIOUS debut.
- The Revival.
- Bayley's emotional exit.
- Shinsuke Nakamura's live entrance music.
Worst:
- No Way Jose's shirt.
- No Billie Kay music.
- The Cruiserweight Classic Trophy reveal.
- Who Is Sanity?: Last Saturday at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2, a new "Sanity" teaser for a character coming soon aired. F4Wonline.com noted that it's believed to be for indie star Crazy Mary Dobson, who has been confirmed as a recent signing. There have also been rumors that it may be for Eric Young, who is also believed to be re-debuting with NXT shortly.
- Austin Aries Injured: Austin Aries announced on Twitter that he suffered a ruptured eardrum in the post match attack from Hideo Itami at WWE NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2 on Saturday night.
- Bayley Says Goodbye: Bayley recently posted a letter to the NXT fans giving her thanks as she moves forward to the WWE main roster.
"Dear NXT,
Today I went into the Performance Center and had to clean out my locker. After almost 4 years with NXT, it's time for me to step away and the new crop of women to step up. I am so confident in the division and know we will see it be taken to newer heights. I've seen FCW shows grow from 12 people in the crowd to NXT payperviews with 15,000 in Brooklyn. NXT is my life, it's everything I am, everything I've ever wanted in wrestling.
The roster, the coaches, our bosses, our fans. All of it is everything I've ever wanted. I couldn't have dreamt up a better journey, and I couldn't have asked for better support and love that all of you have embraced me with. I love this industry with all of my heart but I mean this when I say it, I would not be able to do the things I've done without you guys. You fans match our passion. With everything we give you in the ring, you give us right back as fans. And that's what makes NXT special, and that's what I'll miss most.
I'll miss my NXT family backstage, I'll miss those once in a lifetime moments like doing Finn Balor's entrance or teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura or standing in the ring for 10 minutes as you guys sing a song, and I'll miss the proud feeling of being a part of it all. But I know it will continue. And I will never stop chasing that feeling. I am beyond excited to bring everything you all taught me, to WWE. Thank you for the memories, and as always, WE are NXT."
*** TNA ***
- TNA Turning Point Recap: This week's Impact was their made for TV Turning Point pay per view.
-- Ethan Carter and Drew Galloway meet on a rooftop for a TNA ordered summit throughout the show up until their main event match. Galloway hates EC3 for costing him the TNA World Heavyweight Championship 3 times. EC3 says he's apologized enough and Galloway's own faults is the real reason that he can't win the world title back.
-- Mike Bennett wins a #1 Contenders Battle Royal, earning him a TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match against Bobby Lashley. Bennett eliminated both Moose and Eddie Edwards at the same time for the win.
-- Moose is furious that Mike Bennett eliminated him. Bennett says it was an accident.
-- The Hardy's cut a promo. Jeff Hardy says that he is here to work and win for the creatures. Matt says that he is happy that Jeff is here to wrestle and win. The Decay appear and promise to destroy The Hardy Boy legacy. Matt says Jeff is ready to fight and Abyss answers the challenge.
-- Abyss defeated Jeff Hardy, by pinfall. Matt Hardy attacks Crazy Steve and bites him. Rosemary sprays mist in Jeff's eyes and Abyss hits the Black Hole Slam for the win.
-- Maria Bennett demands to know who authorized Sienna defending her TNA Knockouts Championship. TNA President Billy Corgan arrives and says he did. Corgan has plans for Sienna tonight.
-- Bobby Lashley and Mike Bennett go face to face. Lashley says he never needed help to get where he's at. Bennett needed Moose and his wife Maria Bennett to help him. Bennett tells Lashley to worry about his world title defense.
-- Allie defeated Sienna, Jade, Madison Rayne and Marti Bell, in a Five Way Knockouts Match, to win the TNA Knockouts Championship. Allie grabs Marti's baton from her and accidentally knocks out Sienna with it. Marti retrieves her baton and knocks out Allie with it. Allie, however, falls on top of Madison and scores the pinfall.
-- Bobby Lashley leaves the arena, but on his way out calls Moose Mike Bennett's puppet. Lashley offers Moose a chance to have a chat with him sometime.
-- Eli Drake cuts a promo. Drake calls TNA Management dummies and the battle royal was a joke. Rockstar Spud interrupts and calls the entire X-Division a joke. DJ Z interrupts and promises that he's winning the TNA X-Division Championship next week. A huge brawl breaks out that includes everyone competing in the title match next week. DJ Z is left alone and holding up the vacant championship.
-- Ethan Carter defeated Drew Galloway, by pinfall, to remain the #1 Contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA Bound For Glory. Aron Rex served as special guest referee. Galloway gets a near fall tombstone on EC3 and argues with Rex that it was a slow count. Galloway goes for the Future Shock, but EC3 counters and scores a rollup pinfall.
-- Drew Galloway viciously attacks Aron Rex. Galloway head butts Rex, slams Rex into the ring apron and the barricade and repeatedly rams Rex head first into the steel steps before walking out to end the show.
* One Night Only: August 2016 Recap *
-- Chuck Taylor defeated Rockstar Spud, by pinfall, with a roll up.
-- Marshe Rockett defeated Mandrews, by pinfall. Rockett counters a Mandrews slingshot, hits a uranage and scores the pinfall.
-- DJ Z defeated Jonathan Gresham, by pinfall, with a rolling DDT.
-- Suicide defeated David Starr, by pinfall, with a standing sliced bread for the win.
-- Braxton Sutter defeated JT Dunn, by pinfall, with a Flatliner.
-- Eddie Edwards defeated Caleb Konley, by pinfall. Konley misses a double jumping moonsault. Edwards hits a running knee for the win.
-- Crazy Steve defeated Zenshi, by pinfall, with a DDT off the second rope.
-- The Helms Dynasty defeated The BroMans, in an Ultimate X Match. Shane Helms tries to interfere, but gets a hurricanrana. Robbie and Trevor Lee climb for the X. The referee gets distracted as Robbie grabs the X for the win. Helms grabs the X away from Robbie and tosses it to Everett. The referee sees Everett with the X and awards the win to The Helms Dynasty.
-- Braxton Sutter defeated DJ Z, Chuck Taylor, Marshe Rockett, Eddie Edwards, Suicide and Crazy Steve in a Ladder Match, earning a future TNA X-Division Match. Crazy Steve climbs the ladder for the win, but Sutter leaps onto the ladder, sends Steve flying off and grabs the contract for the win.
- Final Deletion 2: PWInsider has stated that TNA is preparing to give us a second Final Deletion. TNA filmed a bunch of material at Matt Hardy’s Cameron, North Carolina home over the last few days. According to the site, they’ve confirmed that the filmed material will be building to “Final Deletion II: Delete or Decay,” which will be The Broken Hardy Boys vs. Abyss and Crazy Steve. The first Final Deletion between Matt and Jeff Hardy scored Impact’s highest viewership and ratings on POP TV by far with a 0.15 demo rating and 410,000 viewers.
- Bobby Lashley's Next MMA Fight: The next MMA fight for TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley will take place on October 21st from Memphis at Bellator 162. No word yet on his opponent. Lashley's MMA record is currently 14-2.
*** RING OF HONOR ***
- ROH TV Recap:
-- "Hangman" Adam Page defeated Jonathan Gresham, by pinfall, with the Rite To Passage.
-- The Cabinet cuts a promo on their quest to make wrestling great again.
-- Kamaitachi defeated Stuka Jr. by pinfall. The referee gets knocked out. Stuka hits a plancha on Daniels, who's at ringside. Stuka hits the El Torpedo on Kamaitachi, but the referee is still knocked out. Kamaitachi unmasks Stuka as the referee comes too. Kamaitachi rolls up and pins Stuka while trying to put his mask back on.
-- Jay Briscoe vs. Jay White goes to a 20 minute time limit draw.
- Adam Cole New ROH World Heavyweight Champion: After defeating Jay Lethal at Death Before Dishonor last Friday night, Adam Cole wrote the following on how he felt about winning the top prize in Ring Of Honor:
"Relief…but only for a moment. In one word, that one emotion was what I was feeling back in 2013 when I won the Ring of Honor World Championship in Philadelphia for the first time. I was 23 years old, still a kid in many ways, and the pressure of holding a championship of such importance was weighing on me heavily leading up to that night. I didn’t have time to enjoy it. I didn’t have time to sit back and smell the roses. I was already thinking about the responsibilities I would have and the expectations I needed to fill with being Ring of Honor’s world champion. However, in those few short minutes of holding that championship after the bell rang, I felt a sense of relief. I did it. I accomplished a huge dream of mine.”
- ROH All Star Extravaganza 2016: With this year's Death Before Dishonor now in the books, ROH looks ahead to their next pay per view. On September 30th ROH will bring us ROH All Star Extravaganza 2016. So far two matches have been announced:
- "ROH World Heavyweight Championship Match": Adam Cole (c) vs. Micheal Elgin
- "ROH World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Ladder Match": The Addiction (c) vs. The Young Bucks vs. The Motor City Machine Guns
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Rey Mysterio Signs Deal With El Rey Network: Rey Mysterio will not only be appearing on the third season of Lucha Underground, but he also has signed a new one year first look deal with the El Rey Network. The new deal will see Mysterio develop, produce and be a consultant on creative projects and the series, both unscripted and scripted for Lucha Underground. El Rey Network President and General Manager Daniel Tibbets stated the following:
"Rey Mysterio's incredible talent extends far beyond the ring. He is creative and collaborative and has a keen eye for great entertainment. Rey embodies the El Rey Network brand and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with him."
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
* J-Cup Tournament 2016 Recap *
-- Gurukun Mask, Bushi and Kaiji Tomato defeated David Finlay, Eita and Yuma Aoyagi, by pinfall, in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Bushi hits a second rope Code Breaker to score the pinfall. After the match, Bushi attacks his own partners. Bushi spits mist in Tomato's face and ripped Gurukun's mask off.
-- Taichi defeated Jushin Thunder Liger, by count out, in a Quarter Final J Cup Tournament Match. Liger was attacked by a woman that accompanied Taichi and was attacked by Desperado. Desperado and the unknown lady held Liger down outside the ring allowing Taichi to win by count out.
-- Kushida defeated Kenoh, by submission, in a Quarter Final J Cup Tournament Match. Kushida traps Kenoh in a cross arm breaker submission for the tap out win.
-- Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall, in a Quarter Final J Cup Tournament Match.
-- Matt Sydal defeated Will Ospreay, by pinfall, in a Quarter Final J Cup Tournament Match. Sydal hits the Shooting Star Press on Ospreay for the win.
-- Titan, Mistico and Volador Jr. defeated Gran Guerrero, Ultimo Guerrero and Euforia, by pinfall, in a Six Man Tag Team Match. Volador hits a moonsault side slam on Euforia for the win.
-- Kushida defeated Taichi, by pinfall, in a Semi Final J Cup Tournament Match. Taichi again tried to use the mystery girl and Desperado to steal a win. Kushida fought off all three and won with a rollup.
-- Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Matt Sydal, by pinfall, in a Semi Final J Cup Tournament Match. Kanemaru hits a lariat and a brain buster on Sydal for the win.
-- Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada defeated ACH and Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall, to retain the GHC Jr. Tag Team Championship. The champs score the win with a bridging German suplex on Ishimori.
-- The Young Bucks defeated The Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall, to retain the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship. The Bucks hit a super kick and the Meltzer Driver on Chris Sabin for the win. After the match, The Young Bucks demand a title shot against the IWGP Tag Team Champions The Briscoe Brothers.
-- Kushida defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru, by submission, in the Finals, to win the J Cup Tournament. Kushida forces Kanemaru to tap out to the cross arm breaker submission.
*** EVOLVE ***
* EVOLVE 66 Recap *
-- TJ Perkins defeated Cedric Alexander, by submission. TJP traps Alexander in the TJP Clutch and forces the tap out.
-- Stokely Hathaway says if WWE wants what's best for business than they'll sign TJP because he's the future of the Cruiserweight Division.
-- Jigsaw and Peter Kaasa defeated Fred Yehi and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams, by pinfall. Jigsaw hits a brain buster on Yehi for the win.
-- Ethan Page defeated Dustin, by pinfall, with a Package Piledriver.
-- Drew Gulak defeated Tony Nese, by pinfall, with a sunset flip.
-- Timothy Thatcher goes after Drew Gulak who still has Thatcher's EVOLVE World Championship in his possession. Thatcher gets attacked from behind by Matt Riddle and their title match begins.
-- Timothy Thatcher defeated Matt Riddle, by submission, to retain the EVOLVE World Championship. Thatcher makes Riddle tap out to a cross arm bar.
-- Drew Gulak and Timothy Thatcher brawl until Gulak finally escapes, still with Thatcher's world title, and tells Thatcher to be ready at EVOLVE 67 because Gulak is winning the title and taking it for real.
-- Cody Rhodes defeated Zack Sabre Jr., by submission. Rhodes locked Sabre in a Indian Deathlock that Cody calls the American Nightmare to get the win.
* EVOLVE 67 Recap *
-- It's announced that former ECW and WWE announcer Joey Styles will be on commentary for the main event.
-- Ethan Page defeated Kobe Durst, by pinfall, with the Package Piledriver.
-- Tony Nese defeated Peter Kaasa, by pinfall, with a 450 Splash.
-- Matt Riddle defeated Tommy End, by submission, with the Bromission submission.
-- Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Cedric Alexander, by submission, with a grounded Octopus submission. After the match, Sabre shakes Alexander's hand and says he's coming for the EVOLVE World Championship.
-- Chris Hero defeated Cody Rhodes, by pinfall, with the Death Blow.
-- Chris Hero and Drew Galloway cut a promo mocking Cody Rhodes' loss. Drew Gulak hits the ring and chases them off because he wants his world title shot now.
-- Timothy Thatcher defeated Drew Gulak, by pinfall, with a head butt, to retain the EVOLVE World Championship.
-- Drew Gulak cuts a promo and says he's a man of his word. He lost so he returns Thatcher his world title that he's been holding hostage. Thatcher takes back his title and then attacks Gulak, choking him out. Hot Sauce Tracy Williams makes the save, but Dustin, Drew Galloway and Ethan Carter arrive and take control.
-- Drew Galloway, Ethan Carter and Dustin try to cut a promo about wanting Joey Styles to be their mouth piece for their faction, but Fred Yehi and TJ Perkins hit the ring and we have a brawl.
-- Fred Yehi and TJ Perkins cut a promo and they want a EVOLVE World Tag Team Championship match now and they get it.
-- Dustin and Drew Galloway defeated Fred Yehi and TJ Perkins, by pinfall, in a No DQ Match, to retain the EVOLVE World Tag Team Championship. Dustin hits a Piledriver on TJ Perkins on top of one of the tag titles to score the pinfall. After the match, Cody Rhodes hits the ring and goes after Dustin and Galloway, but they escape.
-- Joey Styles cuts a promo to give his answer to Drew Galloway and his faction. Styles rips TNA, announces that he's now a matchmaker in EVOLVE and announces that at the next EVOLVE event in September, it'll be Drew Galloway and Chris Hero vs. Johnny Gargano and Cody Rhodes. Styles thanks everyone to close the show.
*** W3C Wrestler Of The Week ***
This week's Wrestler Of The Week goes to Kenny Omega of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Omega has made a huge name for himself over in Japan, as one of their main event attractions and Omega is the current leader of The Bullet Club.
- IWGP Intercontinental Champion (1 time)
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion (2 times)
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion (1 time) – with Kota Ibushi
- NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion (2 times) – with Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson
- NJPW G1 Climax Tournament Winner (2016)
Kenny Omega has also won many titles throughout the independent wresting circuit. Omega came close to the WWE in 2005 as he competed under a developmental deal, but never made the full time roster jump. Omega has yet to compete in WWE, TNA or ROH, but has been on their radar for the past year.
- Kenny Omega vs. El Generico (Sami Zayn):
- The Best Of Kenny Omega:
- Kenny Omega Turns On AJ Styles And Becomes Leader Of The Bullet Club:
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!
Well, this might be a long season. The Browns lost their "dress rehearsal" game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-13. The game overall told an interesting story of what we could expect from our beloved Browns. This team is going to struggle defensively and the only way they are going to help out their young secondary is if they get to the quarterback. At times they got to Jameis Winston who still delivered strikes to his guys deep down field and racked up 259 passing yards in one half.
*Note: Tampa had their second and third string guards in and the Browns still had problems. But overall I'm interested how defensive coordinator Ray Horton will create pressure this upcoming season.
Another down in this game was the offensive line play for the Browns. I don't know how many vines I've seen of Cam Erving looking completely lost. And on the five sacks Robert Griffin III took, three of them appeared to be the fault of Erving. I understand Erving is a project, but my goodness. Its just sad how bad the Browns drafted the past six years. Erving was the center/left tackle for the national champion Florida State Seminoles and a former first round pick and the same goes with Danny Shelton who was taken before Erving in the Draft. These two guys contributed almost nothing this preseason. They both look slow, both physically and mentally and are being out played by undrafted free agents.
The last down from the first team was the punt return touchdown they gave up. Now I'm not going to fault Andy Lee for slowing up and not stopping the touchdown, it is the preseason, but my goodness again. The Browns' special teams must have had a major miscommunication because all the of coverage guys were in the middle of the field and left the near side of the field wide open. And shout out to Marlon Moore who got hurt on the play but almost ran down the returner while coming from the opposite side of the field. That showed effort and how much he wants to make this team.
Now there were a few positives from the game despite the outcome:
First off, Josh Gordon is back. He had two catches for 87 yards, including a 43 yard touchdown catch. Both catches were against pro-bowler Brent Grimes. After Gordon's four week suspension the Browns' offense should be really good. Having a freak like Gordon will help rookie Corey Coleman, Terrelle Pryor Sr, and Gary Barnidge. Who no longer is our only target down the middle of the field.
Robert Griffin III was solid again this week. Now he didn't have great stats on paper but he handled the pressure really well. Yes he got sacked five times but overall he didn't look rattled in the pocket while taking the hits. There was one sack where instead of just rushing of four yards and taking a big hit he just slid down and took the sack. Now in the grand scheme of things it looks bad taking a sack, but for Griffin to understand that those four yards don't really matter overall is a huge step in his way back to becoming a solid NFL quarterback.
And the last positive for the offense I seen was Isaiah Crowell. He again ran the ball will force and decisiveness. This again is a huge step for Crowell and he did a nice job building off of his solid outing last week against the Falcons.
Now I wanted to end this article on a positive note on the defensive side of the ball. Like the first two preseason games, Carl Nassib and Emmanuel Ogbah did their thing. It really looks like the Browns found two guys who can get pressure on the quarterback. And with the trade of Barkevious Mingo to New England, those two rookies will get an enormous amount of playing time this year. Yes they will have their struggles like any rookie but in two/three years they will be studs for this team.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
California vs. Hawaii (FRI, ESPN, 10pm)
Charleston Southern @ North Dakota State (SAT, ESPN, 7:30pm)
FOOTBALL Arena Bowl XXIX: Philadelphia Soul vs. Arizona Rattlers (FRI, ESPN, 7pm)
CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Edmonton Eskimos (FRI, ESPN 2, 10pm)
High School: Pine-Richland, PA @ St. Edward, OH (SAT, ESPN, 12pm)
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
International Championship (SAT, ABC, 12:30pm)
U.S. Championship (SAT, ABC, 3:30pm)
NASCAR & RACING
Camping World Truck Series: Michigan (SAT, FOX Sports 1, 1pm)
XFINITY Series: Road America 180 (SAT, NBC Sports, 3pm)
MMA & BOXING
Bellator MMA Live (FRI, Spike, 10pm)
UFC Fight Night - Prelims: Maia vs. Condit (SAT, FOX, 6pm)
UFC Fight Night: Demian Maia vs. Carlos Condit (SAT, FOX, 8pm)
Premier Boxing Champions (SAT, Spike, 9pm)
GOLF
The Barclays 2016 Golf Tournament (SAT, CBS, 3pm)
TENNIS
Connecticut Open, Second Semifinal (FRI, ESPN 2, 7pm)
Connecticut Open, Final (SAT, ESPN 2, 4pm)
WNBA
New York Liberty @ San Antonio Stars (FRI, NBA TV, 8pm)
Los Angeles Sparks @ Seattle Storm (FRI, NBA TV, 10pm)
SOCCER
English Premier League: Hull City AFC vs. Manchester United FC (SAT, NBC, 12:30pm)
Bundesliga: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayer 04 Leverkusen (SAT, FOX, 12:30pm)
OTHER SPORTS
Beach Volleyball: ASICS World Series (SAT, NBC, 3pm)
Horse Racing: Travers Stakes and King's Bishop Stakes (SAT, NBC, 4:30pm)
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
Elimination Game (ESPN, 7:30pm)
FOOTBALL
CFL: BC Lions @ Ottawa Redblacks (ESPN 2, 7:30pm)
=====
Battlebots (ABC, 8pm)
IMPACT Wrestling (POP, 8pm)
The $100,000 Pyramid (ABC, 9pm)
Big Brother (CBS, 9pm) A Conversation: Athletes, Responsibility & Violence (ESPN, 9:30pm)
Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (FX, 10pm)
Queen Of The South (USA, 10pm)
Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'n Out (MTV, 10pm)
Joking Off (MTV, 10:30pm)
Kingin' With Tyga (MTV, 11pm)
Well, this season has escalated rather quickly. After a few weeks to digest all that has happened in baseball for the last month, it’s finally time for another This Week in The Show. A lot has happened since we last had one of these, but now with the season coming down to the final stretch it’s time to highlight the biggest stories in Major League Baseball. We have a lot to dive into so let’s skip the formalities and dive right into this.
Fallen Angels- Going into the 2016 MLB Season, the Angels were looked at as a potential Wild Card team. Led by quite possibly the best player in the game in Mike Trout and a young talented pitching staff, the Angels seemed poised to make a run for the playoffs. But injuries soon started to pile up, especially in their starting rotation losing their ace Garrett Richards and Andrew Heaney. In August the bottom has seemed to fall out on the Angels starting the month 7-15 including an 11 game losing streak. You got to start thinking that the Angels will probably look in the offseason to replace Manager Mike Scoscia if they continue to struggle down the stretch.
My Thoughts- I’ve seen this coming for a while for the Angels and it’s time to face the facts…it’s time to rebuild the franchise. I would start by moving Mike Trout for a king’s ransom. It would replenish an extremely thin farm system and start the rebuilding process. I would also think that Mike Scoscia is entering his final days as Angels Manager. Since their 2002 World Series run, Scoscia really hasn’t done anything special as manager.
The Yankees Youth Movement- After dominating the trade deadline and completely rebuilding the franchise, the Yankees took the next big step in their rebuilding process. On August 13, the Yankees called up outfielders Aaron Judge and Tyler Austin, who proceeded to hit back-to-back HRs in their first at-bats. The Yankees also have finally seemingly give the spot behind the plate to long time top prospect Gary Sanchez who is answering the call hitting .382 with 8 HRs in the month August so far. Whether fans want to believe this or not, but with Clint Frazier on the way soon, this looks to be only the beginning of the next Yankee Dynasty.
My Thoughts- Gary Sanchez was brought up slowly and it seems their patience might pay off. Sanchez is a potential 25 HR/90 RBI threat one day with a great arm behind home. Austin should be a solid OF for the future, but the emergence of Aaron Judge is no surprise. If you recall Aaron Judge was my AL ROY dark horse selection and already is proving why I prized him so much. Once Frazier comes up and backs up the hype, the Yankees got an amazing core going forward.
Canadian Takeover- After starting off the year slow, the Toronto Blue Jays have started to heat up in the 2nd Half of the year, going 12-9 in the month of August. This is coming without star slugger Jose Bautista. The Blue Jays have been led by Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion for the most part this season, but Troy Tulowitzki is finally starting to swing the bat like he’s supposed to and has offset the loss of Bautista. What’s more surprising is the great starting pitching they’ve gotten this year, especially with Aaron Sanchez and J.A. Happ leading the way. The Blue Jays it seemed all season were underachieving and now they’re finally playing to their potential and aren’t at full strength still. With a month and a half to go, the Blue Jays are getting hot at the right time.
My Thoughts- The Blue Jays were my preseason pick to win the AL East and it never made sense why they weren’t in control of the division early on. Their offense is their strong suit and it carried them especially in the 2nd Half. I think their rotation really hasn’t even reached its potential yet, especially with the inconsistency of Marcus Stroman. If one more starter can get hot with Happ and Sanchez, the Blue Jays might not only win the division, but could be a very tough out in the playoffs.
Dry Spell in Phoenix- After their big moves in the offseason, the Diamondbacks looked to be everyone’s pick to win the NL West, but instead the Diamondbacks look to be the biggest flop in recent memory. The acquisition of Shelby Miller and Zack Greinke signaled the start of a new dynamic duo of starters to go with a lineup led by Paul Goldschmidt. Instead Zack Greinke has been anything but his 2015 form and Shelby Miller has pitched so terribly, he was sent down to the minors. On top of that, a report by ESPN’s Keith Law explained how messed up the Diamondbacks Front Office is during what he called, “The Timeline of Error”. In it he explains that Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart has no knowledge of the rules when it comes to making moves. On top of that he explains how little they understand how the draft works. And we haven’t even mentioned trading 2015 #1 Overall draft pick SS Dansby Swanson and Diamondbacks 2014 1st Round pick SP Touki Touissant for a simple salary dump. When you read what Keith Law writes, it’s alarming.
My thoughts- Whether Dave Stewart or Tony La Russa is at fault here, the moves they’ve made over the past few years are inexcusable. It definitely shows total incompetence by the Front Office and I’d argue they took incompetence to the next level. When your GM makes a trade that would’ve violated rules and it takes the OPPOSING GM to tell your GM the rules…he must be fired. I can run the Diamondbacks better than Tony La Russa and Dave Stewart and that says a lot.
Here Come The Champs- It seemed like a month ago, the Kansas City Royals were dead and buried and weren’t going to be able to defend their crown and might actually be virtually out of contention by September, but the Royals got back to the basics. They’ve played smart and efficient baseball and have racked up a 16-6 record through the month of August. Their offense is finally getting back some of the players they’ve lost to injuries earlier this year and the Royals starting staff has gotten a major boost from lefty Danny Duffy who has been red hot over the past few months and has an 11-1 record with a 2.66 ERA and might garner Cy Young contention if he continues this.
My Thoughts- The Royals seemed to underperform all year on both sides, now with a starter to anchor the rotation in Duffy and players like Kendrys Morales who have played better as of recently. They were efficient and clutch when it came to scoring runs last year and with their bullpen still looking good, nobody should be sleeping on them. They could make a run at the Wild Card and while a long shot, could make a run at the division, with 6 games against the Indians in the last week, including the last 3 games of the year, which will be played in Kansas City.
Thank You A-Rod- On August 12, one of the most talented, yet polarizing players in the history of Baseball took what looked to be his final bow in Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod had been having the worst season of his career and was a shell of what he once was. But what has happened since August 12 is the speculation of if Alex Rodriguez is really retired. Rumors have said Miami was among a few of the teams that might want to bring in Rodriguez for a potential pennant run. But it seems for now those rumors have gone away, but nobody seems sure if A-Rod is done for good. I find it completely interesting myself that people are so intrigued about a player who is a shell of his former self and whether he’s really retired or not.
My Thoughts- Bottom line… A-Rod is done. He would look like Baseball’s Brett Favre if he plays anywhere else at this point. Rodriguez is 41 years old and had hit only 9 HRs and was hitting .200. Who would want that on their team, plus the fact he’s a highly controversial character for the locker room. It seemed after the game A-Rod was at peace with his decision and I expect that his playing days are done.
I Don’t Believe What I Just Saw- I have to throw this in there because of how improbable this victory was. The Cleveland Indians down 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth against the Toronto Blue Jays faced their dominant closer Roberto Osuna. Up stepped Jose Ramirez who proceeded to get a hanging off-speed pitch and get a hold of it and the ball just barely cleared the wall to tie the ballgame. The next batter was rookie CF Tyler Naquin. Naquin would proceed to hit another fly ball that RF Michael Saunders missed leaping at the wall and the ball hit the wall and rolled to center field. Naquin would fly around the bases and after Melvin Upton Jr. slipped grabbing the ball, Naquin would proceed to be the first Indian in 100 years to hit a Walk-Off Inside the Park Home Run. While that was rare, it was more rare that it was back to back HRs, capped off by the Inside the Park Home Run.
My Thoughts- THIS IS WHY BASEBALL IS THE BEST SPORT. YOU CAN’T SCRIPT THIS, I REST MY CASE!
The playoff picture is finally starting to take shape and teams are bracing for the final month of the season. As we’ve seen so far this year that anything can happen in a split second. We’ve seen sudden retirements, amazing comebacks and historic feats already this year. Once again Baseball continues to show why it’s the best sport of them all. You cannot predict what you’ll see next and trust me, I think this season has one more shocker left in store for us yet.
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your NXT Recap Edition.
This week's NXT took place at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Wesley Blake battled Tye Dillinger in one on one action. Highlights and interviews are shown from last Saturday's NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 2 pay per view. Main event time saw The Authors Of Pain battle TM61 in tag team action.
*** NXT ***
- Wesley Blake vs. Tye Dillinger: The match closes out with a near fall back stabber by Blake. Blake slams Dillinger, but misses a top rope senton. Dillinger unloads a series of clotheslines on Blake, does the perfect ten stops in the corner, hits a Russian leg sweep and finishes Blake off with the Tye Breaker for the pinfall. Winner: Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.
- Austin Aries is interviewed and he says he's sick of everyone interrupting him. First it was Baron Corbin, then No Way Jose, now Hideo Itami. Aries promises to teach Itami a lesson.
- Bayley is interviewed and talks about winning her first NXT Women's Championship, having the chance to do it again and her body giving out the first time against Asuka. New comer Ember Moon interrupts and tells Bayley she took Asuka to the limit, Bayley is the reason Moon is here and then thanks Bayley.
- The Revival are interviewed and tell everyone that they proved that they are the greatest tag team in NXT history.
- TM61 vs. The Authors of Pain: The match closes out with AOP 1 going for a power bomb on Thorne, but Thorne counters and hits an enziguri. Miller tags in and hits AOP 1 with a clothesline and then knocks AOP 2 off the apron. Miller gets a near fall cross body block off the top rope. TM61 hit a clothesline/leg sweep. Thorne gets pulled outside by AOP 2 and AOP 1 hits a spine buster on Miller. The Authors Of Pain hit power bombs on Miller and Thorne and then finish Miller off with their double team finisher for the pinfall. Winners: Authors Of Pain, by pinfall.
The Night Shift (NBC, 10pm)
American Gothic (CBS, 10pm)
Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons (HBO, 10pm)
Catfish (MTV, 10pm)
Tyrant (FX, 10pm)
Mr. Robot (USA, 10pm)
Wahlburgers (A&E, 10pm)
Another Period (Comedy Central, 10pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your Smackdown Live Recap Edition.
This week's Smackdown Live took place at The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Smackdown Live introduced the newly created WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship and the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship. A tournament to crown the new tag team champions began. Becky Lynch battled Alexa Bliss in one on one Women's Division action. Nikki Bella battled Carmella in one on one Women's Division action. AJ Styles battled Dolph Ziggler to crown a #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
*** Smackdown Live ***
- Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is in a bad mood after losing at Summer Slam. AJ Styles introduces himself as the new WWE franchise after beating John Cena at Summer Slam. Styles mocks Ziggler for losing and says he hates losers. Ziggler attacks and starts swinging on Styles. Other WWE Superstars and WWE Officials separate Ziggler and Styles. Ziggler tells Styles to mind his own business.
- Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan Promo: The whole Smackdown Live roster is present and we see the brand new WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship and WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship on display. Bryan announces that there will be a Six Pack Challenge Match at WWE Backlash to crown the first WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion between Nikki Bella, Nattie Neidhart, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Naomi and Becky Lynch.
Shane announces a tag team tournament with the Finals taking place at WWE Backlash to crown the first WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions. Heath Slater interrupts and wants in. Shane and Bryan tell Slater that if he can find a partner and win the whole tournament, they'll give him a Smackdown Live contract. AJ Styles interrupts, but gets jumped from behind by Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler and Styles brawl until they're separated by WWE Officials.
- Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss: Nattie Neidhart and Naomi are on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Becky unloading on Alexa and hitting a leg lariat. Becky hits a flying forearm in the corner, but Alexa comes back and gets a near fall power bomb. Becky ends up trapping Alexa in the Dis-Arm-Her submission and forces Alexa to tap out. Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission.
- Backstage, Heath Slater is trying to get WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz to be his tag team partner.
- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament": The Usos vs. The Ascension: The match closes out with Viktor getting a near fall back slide. Jey hits the Samoan Drop, but can't hit the running hip splash as Konnor hits a pounce on Jey. Jimmy hits an Uso Kick on Konnor and follows that with a suicide dive. Jey hits an Uso Kick on Viktor and Jimmy hits the Uso Splash for the pinfall. Winners: The Usos, by pinfall, to advance in the tag team tournament.
- AJ Styles Promo: Styles says he sees a lot of angry faces and a lot of jealousy from guys like Dolph Ziggler. Styles brags about beating John Cena and is wearing Cena's wrist band. Styles says he runs this place now and should be the #1 contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Dolph Ziggler comes out, but gets held back by Jamie Noble, Billy Kidman and WWE Officials. Daniel Bryan arrives and says enough is enough. Styles will face Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash. Tonight Styles faces Dolph Ziggler. If Ziggler wins then it'll be Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler at WWE Backlash for the title.
- Nikki Bella vs. Carmella: Carmella attacks Nikki from behind and ground and pounds Nikki. Carmella hits a thrust kick and a reverse STO on Nikki. More ground and pound on Nikki. Carmella hits Nikki with her own Bella Buster and leaves Nikki laid out. Winner: No Contest
- Backstage, Heath Slater offers The Miz a shot at being his partner again. Slater feels this is the best opportunity for him. Miz says he's currently talking to Steven Spielberg about being the next Indiana Jones.
- Randy Orton Promo: Nobody thought Orton would be here but here he is. Orton says that Shane McMahon thought by intervening he did the right thing, but their paths will cross again. Bray Wyatt interrupts and asks Orton how his head is, he saw what Brock Lesnar did to him and his eyes changed to blank. Bray says that Orton is proof that he is just a man, not a god like Bray is and a god never dies. The lights go out and Bray disappears.
- Backstage, Shane McMahon says he doubts Stephanie McMahon will do anything about what Brock Lesnar did to him at Summer Slam. Last he heard Brock was only fined $500. Shane promises that he's not done with Brock yet.
- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament": American Alpha vs. Breezango: The match closes out with Breeze hitting Jordan with a modified Beauty Shot for a near fall. Gable hits Fandango with a cross body and they both fall to the floor. Jordan gets a near fall rollup on Breeze and then hits a Alpha Plex on Breeze. Jordan hits a corner spear on Breeze and tags in Gable. Jordan and Gable hit Grand Amplitude and score the pinfall. Winners: American Alpha, by pinfall, to advance in the tag team tournament.
- Backstage, Heath Slater asks Arn Anderson to be his partner. Anderson says no because Slater is no Ric Flair. Rhyno interrupts and asks if a tag team champion will be able to make payments on an above ground pool. Rhyno then accepts Slater’s offer to be his tag team partner.
- Backstage, Dean Ambrose says he was gambling at the Mohegan Casino when he heard he'd have a #1 contender announced tonight. Ambrose is sitting in on commentary to watch.
- #1 Contenders Match For The WWE World Heavyweight Championship": AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler: Dean Ambrose sits in on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Styles missing a springboard 450 on Ziggler. Ziggler hits a DDT on Styles for a near fall. Ziggler blocks the Styles Clash, shoves Styles off and hits the Zig Zag for a near fall. Styles counters a super kick, shoves Ziggler off and then kicks Ziggler in the knee. Styles plants Ziggler with the Styles Clash and scores the pinfall. After the match, Styles gets in Ambrose's face and knocks his head set off his head. Styles and Ambrose go nose to nose to end the show. Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to become #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
