klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Awesome Kong is NOT retiring. It was just the name in Japan being retired.
Cesaro is out 4-6 months with shoulder surgery.
Monday Night Raw
Date: November 23, 2015
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
The end of the year is almost upon us and we're in another Sheamus era. It seems that they're heading towards Roman Reigns playing Daniel Bryan this year because that's totally the same thing. There isn't much else coming out of Survivor Series but we could be in for a few very long months. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the World Title scene from last night.
Here's the Authority to open things up with Stephanie strutting down the ramp. Stephanie talks about opportunity striking very rarely and HHH brings up Reigns being stupid with his decision two weeks ago. Here's someone who seized opportunity when he had the chance: the new WWE World Champion Sheamus. The fans still say Sheamus looks stupid but there's nothing that is ruining his moment.
Last night he kicked Roman off his mountain because just as he promised, he was one Brogue Kick away. Sheamus holds up the title and asks who looks stupid now. Cue Reigns to say he wants his rematch and the fans chant YES. Stephanie is of course right there to make fun of the fans because she needs their balls for her collection.
There's no rematch tonight as Stephanie shouts at Roman to get out of her ring. Roman asks if HHH is hiding behind his wife so we get another staredown. HHH says no rematch tonight and leaves. Cue the returning Rusev to superkick Reigns down, followed by a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Oh yeah he's the new Bryan. Well at least in WWE's minds. Everyone leaves and HHH makes Sheamus vs. Reigns in a TLC match at the pay per view. Stephanie adds Rusev vs. Reigns tonight.
Recap of Undertaker and Kane squashing the Wyatts last night.
Dudley Boyz vs. Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt
Harper chops Bubba in the corner to start as the Wyatts are looking more aggressive tonight. Bubba kicks Harper in the face and it's off to D-Von for the reverse 3D. Bray saves his buddy from the regular version and we take an early break. Back with Bray chinlocking D-Von before switching things up with a nerve hold. D-Von fights up and makes the hot tag as everything breaks down. In the melee, Harper's discus lariat puts Bubba away at 7:53.
Post match Rowan and Strowman come in to continue the beatdown.
Video on Undertaker's career, the same from last night.
Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch
This starts after a commercial, the fourth in forty five minutes. Sasha takes over to start and chokes Becky on the ropes as we hear about the Irish dominance of WWE at the moment. Tamina gets in a cheap shot to give Sasha two and we hit the bow and arrow. Back up and Becky grabs a t-bone followed by the Disarm-Her but Tamina's distraction lets Naomi pull her under the ropes. A quick rollup with trunks gives Sasha the pin at 4:08.
Cole says Sasha might be in the running for #1 contender but Paige cuts him off and shows a clip of Charlotte's arm being under the rope in the Figure Eight last night. Charlotte is just a dirty cheater like her old man and Paige is going to prove it tonight.
Here's the New Day for a country music jamboree to celebrate their first anniversary as a team and to issue an open challenge. They come out on pink stick unicorns with Big E. wearing a cowboy hat. This is already funny by definition but JBL singing the Rawhide theme hurts it a bit. Big E.: “YIPPIE KAY AY MOTHER.....” Kingston: “Shut your mouth!”
They can't bring themselves to say that they're in the capital of country music so they make fun of the genres tropes of losing your girlfriend, your truck breaking down and your dog running away. Big E. goes on a rant about tractor songs and says that's enough country music for a lifetime. Kofi, with a braided horn on his head, sums it up by saying this is the truth and it's not even coming from his character: country music SUCKS.
The open challenge is on and we've got some challengers in the form of the Lucha Dragons. Actually wait as the New Day goes to leave but get cut off by the Usos. Woods: “BAD JIMMY! BAD JEY!” Big E: “SIT! STAY!” The open challenge was just a figure of speech according to Kofi but Cara says let's make it a triple threat. New Day doesn't like this spotlight stealing and says no title match because the challenge is canceled. The Dragons and the Usos attack anyway and the champions are cleared out.
Charlotte is ready to defend her title against Paige in a rematch tonight.
Mark Henry vs. Neville
Henry throws him into the corner to start and Mark gets annoyed at Neville for fighting back. A BIG throw sends Neville outside and Henry looks conflicted. Back in and Neville escapes the World's Strongest Slam before kicking Henry in the head. For some reason we cut to Miz in the back before the Red Arrow pins Henry at 2:22, even though he looked like he kicked out at two.
Henry shakes his hand post match and tells Neville he's going to be good.
Stardust is raving about Cesaro and Goldust when Titus O'Neil comes in. They talk about science and Titus barks at him. That's your random segment of the week.
Stardust/Ascension vs. Goldust/Prime Time Players
Byron on Stardust and the Ascension: “They look like they had a big gulp of evil.” The Dusts start things off but it's off to Konnor before any contact, just like last night. Viktor comes in before any contact as well so Goldust armdrags him down. Darren comes in to stay on the arm before Titus suplexes him onto Viktor as normal.
A belly to belly gets two for Darren and it's off to Stardust who eats a discus forearm. Viktor comes in off a blind tag to take over and I don't remember the last time a crowd was this silent. Stardust charges into a boot in the corner and the hot tag brings in Titus. Everything breaks down with Goldust clotheslining his brother to the floor, leaving Titus to hit the Clash on Konnor for the pin at 6:30.
The winners dance after the match.
Here are Zeb Colter and Alberto Del Rio for the state of the MexAmerican union. MexAmerica was supposed to be a perfect nation but the early growing pains have been turned into fuel for all the haters on social media. Del Rio talks about everyone wanting to see something great but not being entertained enough. Therefore, the borders of MexAmerica are closed forever.
Cue Jack Swagger because he hasn't lost to anyone recently enough. How many people are there that could stand up for America or just call Colter and Del Rio out for being stupid to get a rub? No instead here's good old Jack Swagger to get built up and then lose the big match AGAIN because we haven't done that recently enough. Swagger says Colter used to stand for something but now he's just complaining all the time. Jack comes to the ring but Del Rio holds up the title and backs off. Swagger does WE THE PEOPLE as they leave.
Divas Title: Charlotte vs. Paige
Charlotte is defending after beating Paige last night. After some big match intros they fight over a lockup, already showing more intensity than they had last night. They slap each other rather hard before Charlotte throws her face first onto the mat. A Fujiwara armbar sends Paige to the ropes and she yells at the fans to blow off some steam. Some knees to the chest get two for the champ and she puts on the figure four neck lock for those flipping slams.
Paige pulls her out of the corner for a crash and puts on a chinlock. That goes as far as a chinlock is going to go so Paige puts on her own figure four neck lock. A low superkick gets two and a suplex into the ropes gets the same. Paige gets tired of the submissions and hits Charlotte in the face a few times for two. After a leg lock from Paige, both of them score with kicks to the face as we take a break.
Back with the match turning more into a brawl until Paige kicks her down and nips back up. Charlotte puts on a rear naked choke of all things before spearing Paige out to the floor. I'm kind of digging this submission battle. At least it's better than last night. Paige throws her into the barricade but it's still a double countout at 15:02.
Paige sends her into the steps and puts on the PTO on the table.
We recap how the main event was set up.
Here's Heath Slater with a guitar to show us how real country music goes. He can't even get a note off before Ryback interrupts. The guitar to the back has no effect and there's the Shell Shock. I'm hoping Ryback at least mentions pinning the new World Champion last night.
Dean Ambrose/Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens/Tyler Breeze
Ziggler and Ambrose start things off with Tyler grabbing a wristlock. It's quickly off to Owens vs. Ambrose but Kevin tags right back out. A quick kick to the face puts Dolph down and the heels take over. The double teaming has Dolph in trouble until he comes back with a dropkick to set up the diving tag. Dean's suicide dive drops Breeze but he walks into a superkick from Owens. Not that it matters as Dirty Deeds puts Breeze away at 5:30. Owens stood by and watched the pin.
Earlier today, JBL and El Torito argues over whether to eat Tex or Mex food. Mark Henry was brought in to decide, leading to a dream sequence where Torito did JBL's entrance and it turns into a Hardee's commercial.
We look at the end of last night's show.
Rusev vs. Roman Reigns
Sheamus is in Rusev's corner. Cole says Rusev wrestles Reigns to the ground to start and probably gets yelled at as a result. Reigns pops him in the jaw and gets two off a running neckbreaker. Back up and Rusev starts kicking Reigns in the face, only to eat a big boot to send him outside. A whip sends Rusev into the barricade and we take our last break.
Back with Rusev holding a chinlock and throwing Reigns outside for a shot from Sheamus. The champ throws him back inside and Rusev starts setting up for the Accolade. That lasts all of ten seconds before it's off to a cravate instead. Sheamus trips Reigns again and finally gets ejected. The Samoan drop puts Rusev down but Reigns can't follow up.
The clotheslines in the corner stagger Rusev but he comes back with a spinwheel kick. A top rope headbutt gets two on Roman and Rusev loads up the Accolade. Reigns doesn't even bother letting it go on and comes back with a Superman Punch for two. Rusev bails to the floor before the spear can launch and superkicks Reigns to stop a charge.
Roman gets rammed into the announcers' table a few times but comes back with the knees to the face inside, followed by a Superman Punch to knock Rusev off the apron. A countout doesn't sound good for Reigns so he goes out to get Rusev, only to have King Barrett jump him for the DQ at 16:16.
Barrett gets a chair but Reigns fights off Rusev, Barrett and the invading Sheamus to end the show.
Results
Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt b. Dudley Boyz – Discus lariat to Bubba
Sasha Banks b. Becky Lynch – Rollup with a handful of trunks
Neville b. Mark Henry – Red Arrow
Goldust/Prime Time Players b. Stardust/Ascension – Clash of the Titus to Konnor
Paige vs. Charlotte went to a double countout
Dolph Ziggler/Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze/Kevin Owens – Dirty Deeds to Breeze
Roman Reigns b. Rusev via DQ when King Barrett interfered
Tuesday
Solomon Crowe has been released from NXT.
Wednesday
Brad Maddox has been released.
NXT
Date: November 25, 2015
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Rich Brennan, Corey Graves
It's another title match week with Bayley defending against Eva Marie in a match that has the potential to burn the place to the ground. The Full Sail fans just do not like Eva no matter what she does and it's going to be quite the moment if she takes the title from the most popular act in NXT. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Michael Cole of all people is in the ring to open the show, though unfortunately we don't get his sweet theme song about how awesome his life is. Cole says he's in charge while Regal is out recovering from neck surgery. First up tonight: a contract signing for Takeover: London (finally not the week before the match) between Finn Balor and Samoa Joe. Cole goes to introduce Joe but Balor comes out first and promises to take Joe out in London. This brings out Joe who walks into the ring, signs the contract and walks out without saying a word or even looking at Finn. The champ goes to leave but Joe attacks and chokes Finn out.
Tag Team Titles: Vaudevillains vs. Scott Dawson/Dash Wilder
Dawson and Wilder are defending and this is the Vaudevillains' rematch. Dawson starts on Gotch's leg to start but can't get very far, meaning it's off to English vs. Wilder. Aiden takes over for all of fifteen seconds before the champs go after his arm and take us to an early break. Back with Aiden in an armbar but he easily fights up and makes the hot tag to Gotch. Now it's the Vaudevillains taking over but Dawson trips up Gotch to stop the Whirling Dervish. Everything breaks down and the Shatter Machine to English retains the titles at 8:05.
Post match Enzo and Big Cass come out to beat up the champs for hurting Cass' leg a few weeks back.
Eva has taken over Regal's office because she needed a bigger place to get ready. Bayley is a swell girl but it's time for a woman to become champion. She knows the fans have her back too and there are a bunch of gifts waiting for the celebration. Nia Jax comes in with a present of her own.
We recap Asuka dismantling Dana Brooke at Takeover.
Someone whose face we can't see sings a song about needing liberators. Elias Sampson had a guitar a few months back so maybe it was him.
Dana Brooke vs. Asuka
Maybe not as Dana talks from the stage and Emma jumps Asuka from behind and puts her in the Emma Lock. No match.
Bayley understands why WWE wants Eva Marie to be the Women's Champion but there's one difference between them: Bayley is a wrestler. I know it wasn't meant to be one, but that was one of the best insults I've heard in a long time.
Sami Zayn is coming back.
Apollo Crews vs. Jesse Sorensen
This would be the former TNA guy Jesse Sorensen, who left because they didn't want him to wrestle any more after breaking his neck and decided to release him instead. Crews starts fast with a delayed vertical as the fans count the “time”. Just to show off, Crews waves them on and holds Jesse up even longer. A big running clothesline sets up a throw into a powerbomb (called an Alley Oop into a powerbomb) to end Jesse at 2:06. Total squash.
Crews accepts Baron Corbin's challenge for London.
Corbin says Crews is going to be the answer to a trivia question for doing one thing once. He's going down in London.
Women's Title: Eva Marie vs. Bayley
Eva is challenging so let the nuclear heat (and wolf whistles) begin. Nia Jax is here with Eva to make sure things aren't fair. Robinson is the outside referee here so something might be afooot. They trade headlocks to start and a suplex gets two on Bayley, who comes right back with the Bayley to Belly for two as Jax pulls the referee out. Robinson comes in to count two on Bayley off a rollup and Jax adds a headbutt to keep Bayley in trouble.
Eva covers several times for two but Bayley takes her down with a running clothesline. Robinson breaks up the running elbow in the corner and Sliced Red gets a very close two. Another try at Sliced Red results in a ref bump and Eva goes up. Bayley stops her again though and, after dealing with Nia, grabs a super Bayley to Belly with another referee coming in for the count at 6:38.
Nia Jax lays out Bayley post match and holds up the belt to end the show.
Results
Scott Dawson'/Dash Wilder b. Vaudevillains – Shatter Machine to English
Apollo Crews b. Jesse Sorensen – Throw into a powerbomb
Bayley b. Eva Marie – Super Bayley to Belly
Impact Wrestling
Date: November 25, 2015
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
It's the final night of group play as we're finally going to know the final sixteen people who could become the new World Champion. That means the matches almost all have meaning for a change, which should mix things up a good bit. There's no word on what happens after this but the finals should be coming soon. Let's get to it.
We open with the standard recap and preview.
Group X-Division: DJZ vs. Manik vs. Tigre Uno
This is a playoff after these three tied in points. It's a two fall match with the winner of the first fall getting to leave and then the second winner advancing as well. They all go after each other to start with Tigre sending both guys to the floor and hitting a huge moonsault off the top to take them both out. Back in and Manik and Uno trade arm holds until DJZ comes back in to break it up, only to be sent to the floor. Manik puts Tigre in a Gory Special and adds a reverse Boston crab to DJZ at the same time. Back up and DJZ grabs a quick double DDT to advance to the round of sixteen.
Tigre starts fast with a reverse suplex into a Stunner for two (cool move) but gets caught in a cross armbreaker. That sends Tigre to the ropes so Manik tries a belly to back superplex, only to get elbowed down. A split legged corkscrew moonsault sends Tigre to the next round at 7:57.
Drew Galloway was in Glasgow and talks about being married to this business because it's all you have time for as a wrestler. This is the longest time he's been home in ten years and he can't wait to come back here with his perfect partner: the World Heavyweight Championship.
Group UK: Rockstar Spud vs. Drew Galloway
Feeling out process to start until Drew unleashes the power with a gorilla press. They head outside with Drew sending him back first into the apron, only to miss a charge and go head first into the steps. Drew barely beats the count back in and misses a charge into the post to make things even worse. Some running dropkicks and an enziguri mean it's time for Spud to take off the bowtie. The Underdog is broken up but Drew can't bring himself to take a cheap shot, allowing Spud to grab a jumping DDT for two. Not that it matters as the Claymore (running boot, to the chest in this case) puts Spud away at 7:17.
Group UK
Drew Galloway – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Bram – 3 points (1 match remaining)
Rockstar Spud – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Grado – 0 points (1 match remaining)
Group UK: Grado vs. Bram
If Bram wins, he advances to the round of sixteen. If Grado wins, there's a three way playoff with Spud, Bram and Grado later tonight. Grado dances a lot and gets rolled up in four seconds. They had to get seven matches in tonight so this almost had to happen at some point.
Group UK
Drew Galloway – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Bram – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Rockstar Spud – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Grado – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Group Future Four: Micah vs. Jesse Godderz
Winner advances. Micah gets sent to the floor to start as Pope talks about getting the job done no matter what he was doing. Well he certainly did a lot of jobs so he's got something there. Back in and Jesse slowly pounds away until Micah makes his comeback to indifference. A Samoan drop puts Jesse down but he avoids a top rope headbutt, setting up the Adonis Crab to advance Jesse at 4:29.
Group Future Four
Eli Drake – 7 points (0 matches remaining)
Jesse Godderz – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Micah – 4 points (0 matches remaining)
Crimson – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Recap of Group Tag Team.
Kurt Angle has been in the UK to hype up the Maximum Impact tour. He officially announced his retirement tour and says his run is over, possibly after this tour.
Group Tag Team Specialists: Robbie E. vs. Davey Richards
Winner advances. They trade armdrags to start and it's an early standoff. Robbie's armbar doesn't work and Davey sends him to the floor, only to have Robbie switch places for a flip dives off the apron. Back in and Davey takes over with a clothesline and inverted Indian deathlock. Robbie fights up with some clotheslines to set up the Boom Drop for a close two, more or less sealing his fate. They trade rollups until Davey stomps onto Robbie's chest for two more. Creeping Death advances Davey at 7:15.
Group Tag Team Specialists
Matt Hardy – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Davey Richards – 4 point (0 matches remaining)
Robbie E. – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Eddie Edwards – 1 point (0 matches remaining)
Group Wild Card: Crazzy Steve vs. Kenny King
If Steve wins we have another playoff but if King wins, he advances. They start fast and trade armdrags to continue a popular trend tonight. Josh recaps the Menagerie until King elbows Steve in the face to take over. Steve goes up top and honks his horn before a springboard hurricanrana gets two. What appeared to be a Codebreaker is countered into the Royal Flush to advance King, who I don't think is with the promotion anymore, at 4:29.
Group Wild Card
Mahabali Shera – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Kenny King – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Aiden O'Shea – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Crazzy Steve – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Aries says Lashley will have to be at his best to win.
Pope gives out more awards:
Move of the Tournament – Sky High to Kenny King
Upset of the Tournament – Brooke b. Gail Kim
Turkey of the Tournament – Grado vs. Rockstar Spud
Group Champions: Lashley vs. Austin Aries
Winner advances. Aries bounces off Lashley to start until a missile dropkick staggers Lashley a bit. That's fine with Lashley as he throws Aries away and starts driving shoulders in the corner. Aries knees his way out of a delayed vertical suplex by knocking Lashley down to a knee but Lashley stands back up and suplexes him anyway. That is SCARY power.
Back from a break with Aries elbowing out of Lashley's grip but getting caught in a belly to belly. The spear hits the post though and Aries follows up with a missile dropkick. Lashley slaps him out of the corner though and dead lifts him into a powerslam. I repeat my scary power line. The Last Chancery doesn't get Aries anywhere so he goes with discus forearms. Lashley again powers out of the brainbuster and throws Aries over his head with a release German.
Aries avoids the spear but Lashley sidesteps the suicide dive. The match comes to a screeching halt as Aries is holding his arm with ninety seconds to go. Lashley finally clotheslines him down again as this thing JUST WON'T END. Aries grabs the Lash Chancery but Lashley makes the rope. Instead of standing around for the last thirty seconds, Aries tries a 450 but eats a spear to send Lashley on at 15:05.
Group Champions
Ethan Carter III – 7 points (0 matches remaining)
Lashley – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Austin Aries – 4 points (0 matches remaining)
Mr. Anderson – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
We recap the night because just announcing the brackets isn't interesting enough.
Here are the official round of sixteen brackets:
Ethan Carter III
DJZ
Bram
Davey Richards
Lashley
Drew Galloway
Mahabali Shera
Eli Drake
Tigre Uno
Gail Kim
Eric Young
Kenny King
Jesse Godderz
Awesome Kong
Bobby Roode
Matt Hardy
That could be worse, but they've handed Carter a spot in the semifinals.
Ethan Carter III is thrilled with his draw.
DJZ is ready.....for the three women he's brought home.
Davey Richards is of course respectful about Bram.
Eli Drake is a smarmy jerk and says he won't be dancing with Shera. I like him more and more every time I hear him talk.
Eric Young IS GOD.
Jesse Godderz isn't worried about any man, woman or Kong.
Bobby Roode says his toughest test is coming.
Matt Hardy thinks no one is stopping him.
Results
Tigre Uno and DJZ b. Manik – Split legged corkscrew moonsault
Drew Galloway b. Rockstar Spud – Claymore
Bram b. Grado – Rollup
Jesse Godderz b. Micah – Adonis crab
Davey Richards b. Robbie E. – Creeping Death
Kenny King b. Crazzy Steve – Royal Flush
Lashley b. Austin Aries – Spear
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: November 26, 2015
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Booker T., Rich Brennan, Jerry Lawler
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving. We're in a strange period at the moment as we're waiting on TLC and the fans don't seem to be thrilled. Sheamus is World Champion again as Roman Reigns somehow managed to get screwed out of the title again. Those five minutes he held the title were the only five minutes a true good guy had held the title since Summerslam 2014. Let's get to it.
Here's Reigns to open things up with a table, a ladder and a chair in the ring. Reigns talks about wrestling with the Usos in the house, in the yard, at the beach and all over the streets. Their favorite spot was always on the trampoline though because they would always dream of winning the World Title. That actually happened this Sunday but it was a short dream because Sheamus crushed his face with a Brogue Kick.
This brings out Sheamus, which is probably best as they're keeping Reigns' talking short. Sheamus calls Reigns a walking Adele song and says he's been in elevators longer than Reigns was champion. You can't even heat up a frozen burrito in the time Reigns held the title. The fans (or at least the ones recorded and played back here) don't like these comments so Sheamus goes on about Reigns' success this past Sunday. All Reigns had to do was shake HHH's hand on Sunday but Reigns speared the boss instead. That was all Sheamus needed to see before he came down to the ring and snatched the title away.
Reigns says come down here and see what happens in five minutes. Sheamus comes down but of course stops and laughs. He'll see Reigns in his nightmares, fella. Reigns wants a preview of TLC, where he's going to break Sheamus' jaw with a Superman Punch. Then he'll break his back with a chair and powerbomb him through a table. When Sheamus can't get up, Reigns is going to climb up and win the title all over again. This was good and would make for an awesome midcard title feud, but Sheamus just does not fit as the World Champion after how horribly he's been booked in recent months. You can't just erase that time.
Dudley Boyz vs. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman
Sequel to Monday where Harper and Wyatt beat the Dudleyz. D-Von hammers on Rowan to start and clotheslines him into the corner for the tag off to Bubba. Strowman is requested though and Bubba grabs a headlock. That actually works for a few seconds before Strowman throws him into the corner and blasts Bubba with a clothesline. Rowan wraps Bubba's arm around the post and we take a break.
Back with Strowman staying on the arm. A guy his size working on an armbar really doesn't look right. Rowan kicks Bubba in the face but eats a clothesline, allowing for the tag off to D-Von. Some clotheslines put Rowan down and everything breaks down. It's table time but Harper comes in with a superkick for the DQ at 9:25.
Post match Strowman chokes D-Von out and puts him through the table.
New Day shills merchandise better than anyone since DX.
Becky Lynch vs. Paige
Becky armdrags her around to start and a dropkick puts Paige on the floor. Back in and some legdrops get two each for Becky but a quick fall away slam gives Paige control as we take a break. Back with Paige cranking on both arms before missing a big kick to the head. Becky's t-bone suplex gets two but she can't get the Disarm-Her. Instead Paige sends her throat first into the middle rope and grabs a rollup for the pin at 9:03. It sounds a bit lame but Paige couldn't get her feet onto the ropes to cheat, which would have made it a lot better.
The New Day is holding a potluck dinner and Big E. is in a chef's hat. The Divas seem more interested in his tricep meat and it's time to dance while they clap THANKS TO US. Heath Slater brings in Slater Slaw but Big E. finds a Band-Aid. Adam Rose offers some rabbit stew to freak Big E. out even more. The Ascension brings desolation and destruction so they're thrown out.
There's a disagreement over who was supposed to bring the turkey but here's Gobbledy Gooker, as played by Xavier Woods. It was the Gooker's anniversary this Sunday too and it's time to dance. Lawler: “Somewhere the real Gobbledy Gooker is rolling over in his gravy.” Dang it Lawler stop making me chuckle at bad jokes.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger
Non-title of course. Before the match, Colter talks about not knowing Swagger anymore due to Jack's blind American loyalty. Del Rio says that Swagger is going to be thankful that he can walk out of the building. Alberto kicks him into the corner to start but a double leg takedown puts Del Rio on the mat.
Never mind though as he plants Jack with a DDT and stomps away even more. Then to really mix it up, he stomps away from the middle rope. A quick powerslam gets two for Jack and they head outside for a clothesline to put Alberto in the timekeeper's area. Swagger looks at Colter so Del Rio chairs him in the back for the DQ at 3:08.
Post match Jack gets the chair and chases them off.
The Usos run into the Gobbledy Gooker and Jimmy has an idea.
Lucha Dragons vs. New Day
Non-title. The Gooker is accompanying Big E. and Kofi here. Kofi and Kalisto start things off as the fans seem to be behind New Day. Cara comes in and drops Kalisto into a backsplash for two as the Dragons take over. Kofi's hurricanrana is countered into a sunset flip for two more but it's quickly off to Big E. to change momentum. The Gooker gets on the apron for some dancing (Lawler: “A turkey twerk?”
and some interference by pulling Cara out to the floor as we take a break.
Back with Cara suffering the Unicorn Stampede (it's deadly you know) and the Warrior Splash for two. Another splash misses though and it's off to Kalisto to speed things up. The hurricanrana driver plants Kofi and a springboard kick to the head knocks E. to the floor. Kofi tries a rollup and puts his feet on the ropes but the Gooker shoves them away, setting up a springboard Salida Del Sol for the pin at 8:25.
Of course the Gooker is revealed as an Uso. The other one brings out Woods in his underwear with his hands taped together. The Usos superkick and splash the helpless Woods. Dude that's evil.
Tyler Breeze is ready for his match against Dean Ug-brose and Dolph Ziggler. They're just jealous of Breeze's style and tonight it's time to get gorgeous.
Undertaker anniversary video.
Renee Young (looking better than usual tonight) asks Dean Ambrose about his #1 contenders match for the Intercontinental Title tonight. Ambrose says the win over Owens on Sunday wasn't luck and neither was Reigns beating him because Reigns was the better man. He doesn't believe in luck though and tonight he's winning because he's the better man.
Tyler Breeze vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
Winner gets an Intercontinental Title shot, likely at TLC. Champion Kevin Owens comes out to watch do commentary. Owens during Dolph's entrance: “Hang on. He's going to show the world.” Ambrose throws his hoodie at Owens but Kevin says the joke's on Dean because now he gets a free hoodie. Breeze gets sent to the floor to start, leaving Dean to send Ziggler outside as well. Dean dives onto Breeze but gets superkicked down. Ziggler stares at Owens (“You want the hoodie?” as we take a break.
Back with Breeze shoving Ziggler off the apron before focusing on Ambrose. The rebound lariat is broken up as Ziggler superkicking Ambrose when he's bouncing off the ropes in a cool break. The Fameasser gets two on Ambrose and now the rebound lariat takes Ziggler down. Breeze throws Dean to the floor but gets taken down by Dean's top rope elbow.
All three are back up so Dean and Ziggler try cross bodies at the same time, only to crush Breeze in the middle instead. Why that puts Ziggler and Ambrose down when they just hit a regular move isn't clear. The Zig Zag gets two on Dean with Breeze making the save. There's the Beauty Shot to Ziggler but Dean hits a quick Dirty Deeds to Tyler for the pin at 10:52.
Owens and Ambrose stare each other down to end the show.
Results
Dudley Boyz b. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman via DQ when Luke Harper interfered
Paige b. Becky Lynch – Rollup
Jack Swagger b. Alberto Del Rio via DQ when Del Rio used a chair
Lucha Dragons b. New Day – Springboard Salida Del Sol to Kingston
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze and Dolph Ziggler – Dirty Deeds to Ambrose
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing again.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt b. Dudley Boyz – Discus lariat to Bubba
Sasha Banks b. Becky Lynch – Rollup with a handful of trunks
Neville b. Mark Henry – Red Arrow
Goldust/Prime Time Players b. Stardust/Ascension – Clash of the Titus to Konnor
Paige vs. Charlotte went to a double countout
Dolph Ziggler/Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze/Kevin Owens – Dirty Deeds to Breeze
Roman Reigns b. Rusev via DQ when King Barrett interfered
NXT
Scott Dawson'/Dash Wilder b. Vaudevillains – Shatter Machine to English
Apollo Crews b. Jesse Sorensen – Throw into a powerbomb
Bayley b. Eva Marie – Super Bayley to Belly
Impact Wrestling
Tigre Uno and DJZ b. Manik – Split legged corkscrew moonsault
Drew Galloway b. Rockstar Spud – Claymore
Bram b. Grado – Rollup
Jesse Godderz b. Micah – Adonis crab
Davey Richards b. Robbie E. – Creeping Death
Kenny King b. Crazzy Steve – Royal Flush
Lashley b. Austin Aries – Spear
Smackdown
Dudley Boyz b. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman via DQ when Luke Harper interfered
Paige b. Becky Lynch – Rollup
Jack Swagger b. Alberto Del Rio via DQ when Del Rio used a chair
Lucha Dragons b. New Day – Springboard Salida Del Sol to Kingston
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze and Dolph Ziggler – Dirty Deeds to Ambrose
Awesome Kong is NOT retiring. It was just the name in Japan being retired.
Cesaro is out 4-6 months with shoulder surgery.
Monday Night Raw
Date: November 23, 2015
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
The end of the year is almost upon us and we're in another Sheamus era. It seems that they're heading towards Roman Reigns playing Daniel Bryan this year because that's totally the same thing. There isn't much else coming out of Survivor Series but we could be in for a few very long months. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the World Title scene from last night.
Here's the Authority to open things up with Stephanie strutting down the ramp. Stephanie talks about opportunity striking very rarely and HHH brings up Reigns being stupid with his decision two weeks ago. Here's someone who seized opportunity when he had the chance: the new WWE World Champion Sheamus. The fans still say Sheamus looks stupid but there's nothing that is ruining his moment.
Last night he kicked Roman off his mountain because just as he promised, he was one Brogue Kick away. Sheamus holds up the title and asks who looks stupid now. Cue Reigns to say he wants his rematch and the fans chant YES. Stephanie is of course right there to make fun of the fans because she needs their balls for her collection.
There's no rematch tonight as Stephanie shouts at Roman to get out of her ring. Roman asks if HHH is hiding behind his wife so we get another staredown. HHH says no rematch tonight and leaves. Cue the returning Rusev to superkick Reigns down, followed by a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Oh yeah he's the new Bryan. Well at least in WWE's minds. Everyone leaves and HHH makes Sheamus vs. Reigns in a TLC match at the pay per view. Stephanie adds Rusev vs. Reigns tonight.
Recap of Undertaker and Kane squashing the Wyatts last night.
Dudley Boyz vs. Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt
Harper chops Bubba in the corner to start as the Wyatts are looking more aggressive tonight. Bubba kicks Harper in the face and it's off to D-Von for the reverse 3D. Bray saves his buddy from the regular version and we take an early break. Back with Bray chinlocking D-Von before switching things up with a nerve hold. D-Von fights up and makes the hot tag as everything breaks down. In the melee, Harper's discus lariat puts Bubba away at 7:53.
Post match Rowan and Strowman come in to continue the beatdown.
Video on Undertaker's career, the same from last night.
Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch
This starts after a commercial, the fourth in forty five minutes. Sasha takes over to start and chokes Becky on the ropes as we hear about the Irish dominance of WWE at the moment. Tamina gets in a cheap shot to give Sasha two and we hit the bow and arrow. Back up and Becky grabs a t-bone followed by the Disarm-Her but Tamina's distraction lets Naomi pull her under the ropes. A quick rollup with trunks gives Sasha the pin at 4:08.
Cole says Sasha might be in the running for #1 contender but Paige cuts him off and shows a clip of Charlotte's arm being under the rope in the Figure Eight last night. Charlotte is just a dirty cheater like her old man and Paige is going to prove it tonight.
Here's the New Day for a country music jamboree to celebrate their first anniversary as a team and to issue an open challenge. They come out on pink stick unicorns with Big E. wearing a cowboy hat. This is already funny by definition but JBL singing the Rawhide theme hurts it a bit. Big E.: “YIPPIE KAY AY MOTHER.....” Kingston: “Shut your mouth!”
They can't bring themselves to say that they're in the capital of country music so they make fun of the genres tropes of losing your girlfriend, your truck breaking down and your dog running away. Big E. goes on a rant about tractor songs and says that's enough country music for a lifetime. Kofi, with a braided horn on his head, sums it up by saying this is the truth and it's not even coming from his character: country music SUCKS.
The open challenge is on and we've got some challengers in the form of the Lucha Dragons. Actually wait as the New Day goes to leave but get cut off by the Usos. Woods: “BAD JIMMY! BAD JEY!” Big E: “SIT! STAY!” The open challenge was just a figure of speech according to Kofi but Cara says let's make it a triple threat. New Day doesn't like this spotlight stealing and says no title match because the challenge is canceled. The Dragons and the Usos attack anyway and the champions are cleared out.
Charlotte is ready to defend her title against Paige in a rematch tonight.
Mark Henry vs. Neville
Henry throws him into the corner to start and Mark gets annoyed at Neville for fighting back. A BIG throw sends Neville outside and Henry looks conflicted. Back in and Neville escapes the World's Strongest Slam before kicking Henry in the head. For some reason we cut to Miz in the back before the Red Arrow pins Henry at 2:22, even though he looked like he kicked out at two.
Henry shakes his hand post match and tells Neville he's going to be good.
Stardust is raving about Cesaro and Goldust when Titus O'Neil comes in. They talk about science and Titus barks at him. That's your random segment of the week.
Stardust/Ascension vs. Goldust/Prime Time Players
Byron on Stardust and the Ascension: “They look like they had a big gulp of evil.” The Dusts start things off but it's off to Konnor before any contact, just like last night. Viktor comes in before any contact as well so Goldust armdrags him down. Darren comes in to stay on the arm before Titus suplexes him onto Viktor as normal.
A belly to belly gets two for Darren and it's off to Stardust who eats a discus forearm. Viktor comes in off a blind tag to take over and I don't remember the last time a crowd was this silent. Stardust charges into a boot in the corner and the hot tag brings in Titus. Everything breaks down with Goldust clotheslining his brother to the floor, leaving Titus to hit the Clash on Konnor for the pin at 6:30.
The winners dance after the match.
Here are Zeb Colter and Alberto Del Rio for the state of the MexAmerican union. MexAmerica was supposed to be a perfect nation but the early growing pains have been turned into fuel for all the haters on social media. Del Rio talks about everyone wanting to see something great but not being entertained enough. Therefore, the borders of MexAmerica are closed forever.
Cue Jack Swagger because he hasn't lost to anyone recently enough. How many people are there that could stand up for America or just call Colter and Del Rio out for being stupid to get a rub? No instead here's good old Jack Swagger to get built up and then lose the big match AGAIN because we haven't done that recently enough. Swagger says Colter used to stand for something but now he's just complaining all the time. Jack comes to the ring but Del Rio holds up the title and backs off. Swagger does WE THE PEOPLE as they leave.
Divas Title: Charlotte vs. Paige
Charlotte is defending after beating Paige last night. After some big match intros they fight over a lockup, already showing more intensity than they had last night. They slap each other rather hard before Charlotte throws her face first onto the mat. A Fujiwara armbar sends Paige to the ropes and she yells at the fans to blow off some steam. Some knees to the chest get two for the champ and she puts on the figure four neck lock for those flipping slams.
Paige pulls her out of the corner for a crash and puts on a chinlock. That goes as far as a chinlock is going to go so Paige puts on her own figure four neck lock. A low superkick gets two and a suplex into the ropes gets the same. Paige gets tired of the submissions and hits Charlotte in the face a few times for two. After a leg lock from Paige, both of them score with kicks to the face as we take a break.
Back with the match turning more into a brawl until Paige kicks her down and nips back up. Charlotte puts on a rear naked choke of all things before spearing Paige out to the floor. I'm kind of digging this submission battle. At least it's better than last night. Paige throws her into the barricade but it's still a double countout at 15:02.
Paige sends her into the steps and puts on the PTO on the table.
We recap how the main event was set up.
Here's Heath Slater with a guitar to show us how real country music goes. He can't even get a note off before Ryback interrupts. The guitar to the back has no effect and there's the Shell Shock. I'm hoping Ryback at least mentions pinning the new World Champion last night.
Dean Ambrose/Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens/Tyler Breeze
Ziggler and Ambrose start things off with Tyler grabbing a wristlock. It's quickly off to Owens vs. Ambrose but Kevin tags right back out. A quick kick to the face puts Dolph down and the heels take over. The double teaming has Dolph in trouble until he comes back with a dropkick to set up the diving tag. Dean's suicide dive drops Breeze but he walks into a superkick from Owens. Not that it matters as Dirty Deeds puts Breeze away at 5:30. Owens stood by and watched the pin.
Earlier today, JBL and El Torito argues over whether to eat Tex or Mex food. Mark Henry was brought in to decide, leading to a dream sequence where Torito did JBL's entrance and it turns into a Hardee's commercial.
We look at the end of last night's show.
Rusev vs. Roman Reigns
Sheamus is in Rusev's corner. Cole says Rusev wrestles Reigns to the ground to start and probably gets yelled at as a result. Reigns pops him in the jaw and gets two off a running neckbreaker. Back up and Rusev starts kicking Reigns in the face, only to eat a big boot to send him outside. A whip sends Rusev into the barricade and we take our last break.
Back with Rusev holding a chinlock and throwing Reigns outside for a shot from Sheamus. The champ throws him back inside and Rusev starts setting up for the Accolade. That lasts all of ten seconds before it's off to a cravate instead. Sheamus trips Reigns again and finally gets ejected. The Samoan drop puts Rusev down but Reigns can't follow up.
The clotheslines in the corner stagger Rusev but he comes back with a spinwheel kick. A top rope headbutt gets two on Roman and Rusev loads up the Accolade. Reigns doesn't even bother letting it go on and comes back with a Superman Punch for two. Rusev bails to the floor before the spear can launch and superkicks Reigns to stop a charge.
Roman gets rammed into the announcers' table a few times but comes back with the knees to the face inside, followed by a Superman Punch to knock Rusev off the apron. A countout doesn't sound good for Reigns so he goes out to get Rusev, only to have King Barrett jump him for the DQ at 16:16.
Barrett gets a chair but Reigns fights off Rusev, Barrett and the invading Sheamus to end the show.
Results
Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt b. Dudley Boyz – Discus lariat to Bubba
Sasha Banks b. Becky Lynch – Rollup with a handful of trunks
Neville b. Mark Henry – Red Arrow
Goldust/Prime Time Players b. Stardust/Ascension – Clash of the Titus to Konnor
Paige vs. Charlotte went to a double countout
Dolph Ziggler/Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze/Kevin Owens – Dirty Deeds to Breeze
Roman Reigns b. Rusev via DQ when King Barrett interfered
Tuesday
Solomon Crowe has been released from NXT.
Wednesday
Brad Maddox has been released.
NXT
Date: November 25, 2015
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Rich Brennan, Corey Graves
It's another title match week with Bayley defending against Eva Marie in a match that has the potential to burn the place to the ground. The Full Sail fans just do not like Eva no matter what she does and it's going to be quite the moment if she takes the title from the most popular act in NXT. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Michael Cole of all people is in the ring to open the show, though unfortunately we don't get his sweet theme song about how awesome his life is. Cole says he's in charge while Regal is out recovering from neck surgery. First up tonight: a contract signing for Takeover: London (finally not the week before the match) between Finn Balor and Samoa Joe. Cole goes to introduce Joe but Balor comes out first and promises to take Joe out in London. This brings out Joe who walks into the ring, signs the contract and walks out without saying a word or even looking at Finn. The champ goes to leave but Joe attacks and chokes Finn out.
Tag Team Titles: Vaudevillains vs. Scott Dawson/Dash Wilder
Dawson and Wilder are defending and this is the Vaudevillains' rematch. Dawson starts on Gotch's leg to start but can't get very far, meaning it's off to English vs. Wilder. Aiden takes over for all of fifteen seconds before the champs go after his arm and take us to an early break. Back with Aiden in an armbar but he easily fights up and makes the hot tag to Gotch. Now it's the Vaudevillains taking over but Dawson trips up Gotch to stop the Whirling Dervish. Everything breaks down and the Shatter Machine to English retains the titles at 8:05.
Post match Enzo and Big Cass come out to beat up the champs for hurting Cass' leg a few weeks back.
Eva has taken over Regal's office because she needed a bigger place to get ready. Bayley is a swell girl but it's time for a woman to become champion. She knows the fans have her back too and there are a bunch of gifts waiting for the celebration. Nia Jax comes in with a present of her own.
We recap Asuka dismantling Dana Brooke at Takeover.
Someone whose face we can't see sings a song about needing liberators. Elias Sampson had a guitar a few months back so maybe it was him.
Dana Brooke vs. Asuka
Maybe not as Dana talks from the stage and Emma jumps Asuka from behind and puts her in the Emma Lock. No match.
Bayley understands why WWE wants Eva Marie to be the Women's Champion but there's one difference between them: Bayley is a wrestler. I know it wasn't meant to be one, but that was one of the best insults I've heard in a long time.
Sami Zayn is coming back.
Apollo Crews vs. Jesse Sorensen
This would be the former TNA guy Jesse Sorensen, who left because they didn't want him to wrestle any more after breaking his neck and decided to release him instead. Crews starts fast with a delayed vertical as the fans count the “time”. Just to show off, Crews waves them on and holds Jesse up even longer. A big running clothesline sets up a throw into a powerbomb (called an Alley Oop into a powerbomb) to end Jesse at 2:06. Total squash.
Crews accepts Baron Corbin's challenge for London.
Corbin says Crews is going to be the answer to a trivia question for doing one thing once. He's going down in London.
Women's Title: Eva Marie vs. Bayley
Eva is challenging so let the nuclear heat (and wolf whistles) begin. Nia Jax is here with Eva to make sure things aren't fair. Robinson is the outside referee here so something might be afooot. They trade headlocks to start and a suplex gets two on Bayley, who comes right back with the Bayley to Belly for two as Jax pulls the referee out. Robinson comes in to count two on Bayley off a rollup and Jax adds a headbutt to keep Bayley in trouble.
Eva covers several times for two but Bayley takes her down with a running clothesline. Robinson breaks up the running elbow in the corner and Sliced Red gets a very close two. Another try at Sliced Red results in a ref bump and Eva goes up. Bayley stops her again though and, after dealing with Nia, grabs a super Bayley to Belly with another referee coming in for the count at 6:38.
Nia Jax lays out Bayley post match and holds up the belt to end the show.
Results
Scott Dawson'/Dash Wilder b. Vaudevillains – Shatter Machine to English
Apollo Crews b. Jesse Sorensen – Throw into a powerbomb
Bayley b. Eva Marie – Super Bayley to Belly
Impact Wrestling
Date: November 25, 2015
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
It's the final night of group play as we're finally going to know the final sixteen people who could become the new World Champion. That means the matches almost all have meaning for a change, which should mix things up a good bit. There's no word on what happens after this but the finals should be coming soon. Let's get to it.
We open with the standard recap and preview.
Group X-Division: DJZ vs. Manik vs. Tigre Uno
This is a playoff after these three tied in points. It's a two fall match with the winner of the first fall getting to leave and then the second winner advancing as well. They all go after each other to start with Tigre sending both guys to the floor and hitting a huge moonsault off the top to take them both out. Back in and Manik and Uno trade arm holds until DJZ comes back in to break it up, only to be sent to the floor. Manik puts Tigre in a Gory Special and adds a reverse Boston crab to DJZ at the same time. Back up and DJZ grabs a quick double DDT to advance to the round of sixteen.
Tigre starts fast with a reverse suplex into a Stunner for two (cool move) but gets caught in a cross armbreaker. That sends Tigre to the ropes so Manik tries a belly to back superplex, only to get elbowed down. A split legged corkscrew moonsault sends Tigre to the next round at 7:57.
Drew Galloway was in Glasgow and talks about being married to this business because it's all you have time for as a wrestler. This is the longest time he's been home in ten years and he can't wait to come back here with his perfect partner: the World Heavyweight Championship.
Group UK: Rockstar Spud vs. Drew Galloway
Feeling out process to start until Drew unleashes the power with a gorilla press. They head outside with Drew sending him back first into the apron, only to miss a charge and go head first into the steps. Drew barely beats the count back in and misses a charge into the post to make things even worse. Some running dropkicks and an enziguri mean it's time for Spud to take off the bowtie. The Underdog is broken up but Drew can't bring himself to take a cheap shot, allowing Spud to grab a jumping DDT for two. Not that it matters as the Claymore (running boot, to the chest in this case) puts Spud away at 7:17.
Group UK
Drew Galloway – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Bram – 3 points (1 match remaining)
Rockstar Spud – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Grado – 0 points (1 match remaining)
Group UK: Grado vs. Bram
If Bram wins, he advances to the round of sixteen. If Grado wins, there's a three way playoff with Spud, Bram and Grado later tonight. Grado dances a lot and gets rolled up in four seconds. They had to get seven matches in tonight so this almost had to happen at some point.
Group UK
Drew Galloway – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Bram – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Rockstar Spud – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Grado – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Group Future Four: Micah vs. Jesse Godderz
Winner advances. Micah gets sent to the floor to start as Pope talks about getting the job done no matter what he was doing. Well he certainly did a lot of jobs so he's got something there. Back in and Jesse slowly pounds away until Micah makes his comeback to indifference. A Samoan drop puts Jesse down but he avoids a top rope headbutt, setting up the Adonis Crab to advance Jesse at 4:29.
Group Future Four
Eli Drake – 7 points (0 matches remaining)
Jesse Godderz – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Micah – 4 points (0 matches remaining)
Crimson – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Recap of Group Tag Team.
Kurt Angle has been in the UK to hype up the Maximum Impact tour. He officially announced his retirement tour and says his run is over, possibly after this tour.
Group Tag Team Specialists: Robbie E. vs. Davey Richards
Winner advances. They trade armdrags to start and it's an early standoff. Robbie's armbar doesn't work and Davey sends him to the floor, only to have Robbie switch places for a flip dives off the apron. Back in and Davey takes over with a clothesline and inverted Indian deathlock. Robbie fights up with some clotheslines to set up the Boom Drop for a close two, more or less sealing his fate. They trade rollups until Davey stomps onto Robbie's chest for two more. Creeping Death advances Davey at 7:15.
Group Tag Team Specialists
Matt Hardy – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Davey Richards – 4 point (0 matches remaining)
Robbie E. – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Eddie Edwards – 1 point (0 matches remaining)
Group Wild Card: Crazzy Steve vs. Kenny King
If Steve wins we have another playoff but if King wins, he advances. They start fast and trade armdrags to continue a popular trend tonight. Josh recaps the Menagerie until King elbows Steve in the face to take over. Steve goes up top and honks his horn before a springboard hurricanrana gets two. What appeared to be a Codebreaker is countered into the Royal Flush to advance King, who I don't think is with the promotion anymore, at 4:29.
Group Wild Card
Mahabali Shera – 9 points (0 matches remaining)
Kenny King – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Aiden O'Shea – 3 points (0 matches remaining)
Crazzy Steve – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
Aries says Lashley will have to be at his best to win.
Pope gives out more awards:
Move of the Tournament – Sky High to Kenny King
Upset of the Tournament – Brooke b. Gail Kim
Turkey of the Tournament – Grado vs. Rockstar Spud
Group Champions: Lashley vs. Austin Aries
Winner advances. Aries bounces off Lashley to start until a missile dropkick staggers Lashley a bit. That's fine with Lashley as he throws Aries away and starts driving shoulders in the corner. Aries knees his way out of a delayed vertical suplex by knocking Lashley down to a knee but Lashley stands back up and suplexes him anyway. That is SCARY power.
Back from a break with Aries elbowing out of Lashley's grip but getting caught in a belly to belly. The spear hits the post though and Aries follows up with a missile dropkick. Lashley slaps him out of the corner though and dead lifts him into a powerslam. I repeat my scary power line. The Last Chancery doesn't get Aries anywhere so he goes with discus forearms. Lashley again powers out of the brainbuster and throws Aries over his head with a release German.
Aries avoids the spear but Lashley sidesteps the suicide dive. The match comes to a screeching halt as Aries is holding his arm with ninety seconds to go. Lashley finally clotheslines him down again as this thing JUST WON'T END. Aries grabs the Lash Chancery but Lashley makes the rope. Instead of standing around for the last thirty seconds, Aries tries a 450 but eats a spear to send Lashley on at 15:05.
Group Champions
Ethan Carter III – 7 points (0 matches remaining)
Lashley – 6 points (0 matches remaining)
Austin Aries – 4 points (0 matches remaining)
Mr. Anderson – 0 points (0 matches remaining)
We recap the night because just announcing the brackets isn't interesting enough.
Here are the official round of sixteen brackets:
Ethan Carter III
DJZ
Bram
Davey Richards
Lashley
Drew Galloway
Mahabali Shera
Eli Drake
Tigre Uno
Gail Kim
Eric Young
Kenny King
Jesse Godderz
Awesome Kong
Bobby Roode
Matt Hardy
That could be worse, but they've handed Carter a spot in the semifinals.
Ethan Carter III is thrilled with his draw.
DJZ is ready.....for the three women he's brought home.
Davey Richards is of course respectful about Bram.
Eli Drake is a smarmy jerk and says he won't be dancing with Shera. I like him more and more every time I hear him talk.
Eric Young IS GOD.
Jesse Godderz isn't worried about any man, woman or Kong.
Bobby Roode says his toughest test is coming.
Matt Hardy thinks no one is stopping him.
Results
Tigre Uno and DJZ b. Manik – Split legged corkscrew moonsault
Drew Galloway b. Rockstar Spud – Claymore
Bram b. Grado – Rollup
Jesse Godderz b. Micah – Adonis crab
Davey Richards b. Robbie E. – Creeping Death
Kenny King b. Crazzy Steve – Royal Flush
Lashley b. Austin Aries – Spear
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: November 26, 2015
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Booker T., Rich Brennan, Jerry Lawler
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving. We're in a strange period at the moment as we're waiting on TLC and the fans don't seem to be thrilled. Sheamus is World Champion again as Roman Reigns somehow managed to get screwed out of the title again. Those five minutes he held the title were the only five minutes a true good guy had held the title since Summerslam 2014. Let's get to it.
Here's Reigns to open things up with a table, a ladder and a chair in the ring. Reigns talks about wrestling with the Usos in the house, in the yard, at the beach and all over the streets. Their favorite spot was always on the trampoline though because they would always dream of winning the World Title. That actually happened this Sunday but it was a short dream because Sheamus crushed his face with a Brogue Kick.
This brings out Sheamus, which is probably best as they're keeping Reigns' talking short. Sheamus calls Reigns a walking Adele song and says he's been in elevators longer than Reigns was champion. You can't even heat up a frozen burrito in the time Reigns held the title. The fans (or at least the ones recorded and played back here) don't like these comments so Sheamus goes on about Reigns' success this past Sunday. All Reigns had to do was shake HHH's hand on Sunday but Reigns speared the boss instead. That was all Sheamus needed to see before he came down to the ring and snatched the title away.
Reigns says come down here and see what happens in five minutes. Sheamus comes down but of course stops and laughs. He'll see Reigns in his nightmares, fella. Reigns wants a preview of TLC, where he's going to break Sheamus' jaw with a Superman Punch. Then he'll break his back with a chair and powerbomb him through a table. When Sheamus can't get up, Reigns is going to climb up and win the title all over again. This was good and would make for an awesome midcard title feud, but Sheamus just does not fit as the World Champion after how horribly he's been booked in recent months. You can't just erase that time.
Dudley Boyz vs. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman
Sequel to Monday where Harper and Wyatt beat the Dudleyz. D-Von hammers on Rowan to start and clotheslines him into the corner for the tag off to Bubba. Strowman is requested though and Bubba grabs a headlock. That actually works for a few seconds before Strowman throws him into the corner and blasts Bubba with a clothesline. Rowan wraps Bubba's arm around the post and we take a break.
Back with Strowman staying on the arm. A guy his size working on an armbar really doesn't look right. Rowan kicks Bubba in the face but eats a clothesline, allowing for the tag off to D-Von. Some clotheslines put Rowan down and everything breaks down. It's table time but Harper comes in with a superkick for the DQ at 9:25.
Post match Strowman chokes D-Von out and puts him through the table.
New Day shills merchandise better than anyone since DX.
Becky Lynch vs. Paige
Becky armdrags her around to start and a dropkick puts Paige on the floor. Back in and some legdrops get two each for Becky but a quick fall away slam gives Paige control as we take a break. Back with Paige cranking on both arms before missing a big kick to the head. Becky's t-bone suplex gets two but she can't get the Disarm-Her. Instead Paige sends her throat first into the middle rope and grabs a rollup for the pin at 9:03. It sounds a bit lame but Paige couldn't get her feet onto the ropes to cheat, which would have made it a lot better.
The New Day is holding a potluck dinner and Big E. is in a chef's hat. The Divas seem more interested in his tricep meat and it's time to dance while they clap THANKS TO US. Heath Slater brings in Slater Slaw but Big E. finds a Band-Aid. Adam Rose offers some rabbit stew to freak Big E. out even more. The Ascension brings desolation and destruction so they're thrown out.
There's a disagreement over who was supposed to bring the turkey but here's Gobbledy Gooker, as played by Xavier Woods. It was the Gooker's anniversary this Sunday too and it's time to dance. Lawler: “Somewhere the real Gobbledy Gooker is rolling over in his gravy.” Dang it Lawler stop making me chuckle at bad jokes.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger
Non-title of course. Before the match, Colter talks about not knowing Swagger anymore due to Jack's blind American loyalty. Del Rio says that Swagger is going to be thankful that he can walk out of the building. Alberto kicks him into the corner to start but a double leg takedown puts Del Rio on the mat.
Never mind though as he plants Jack with a DDT and stomps away even more. Then to really mix it up, he stomps away from the middle rope. A quick powerslam gets two for Jack and they head outside for a clothesline to put Alberto in the timekeeper's area. Swagger looks at Colter so Del Rio chairs him in the back for the DQ at 3:08.
Post match Jack gets the chair and chases them off.
The Usos run into the Gobbledy Gooker and Jimmy has an idea.
Lucha Dragons vs. New Day
Non-title. The Gooker is accompanying Big E. and Kofi here. Kofi and Kalisto start things off as the fans seem to be behind New Day. Cara comes in and drops Kalisto into a backsplash for two as the Dragons take over. Kofi's hurricanrana is countered into a sunset flip for two more but it's quickly off to Big E. to change momentum. The Gooker gets on the apron for some dancing (Lawler: “A turkey twerk?”
and some interference by pulling Cara out to the floor as we take a break.Back with Cara suffering the Unicorn Stampede (it's deadly you know) and the Warrior Splash for two. Another splash misses though and it's off to Kalisto to speed things up. The hurricanrana driver plants Kofi and a springboard kick to the head knocks E. to the floor. Kofi tries a rollup and puts his feet on the ropes but the Gooker shoves them away, setting up a springboard Salida Del Sol for the pin at 8:25.
Of course the Gooker is revealed as an Uso. The other one brings out Woods in his underwear with his hands taped together. The Usos superkick and splash the helpless Woods. Dude that's evil.
Tyler Breeze is ready for his match against Dean Ug-brose and Dolph Ziggler. They're just jealous of Breeze's style and tonight it's time to get gorgeous.
Undertaker anniversary video.
Renee Young (looking better than usual tonight) asks Dean Ambrose about his #1 contenders match for the Intercontinental Title tonight. Ambrose says the win over Owens on Sunday wasn't luck and neither was Reigns beating him because Reigns was the better man. He doesn't believe in luck though and tonight he's winning because he's the better man.
Tyler Breeze vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
Winner gets an Intercontinental Title shot, likely at TLC. Champion Kevin Owens comes out to watch do commentary. Owens during Dolph's entrance: “Hang on. He's going to show the world.” Ambrose throws his hoodie at Owens but Kevin says the joke's on Dean because now he gets a free hoodie. Breeze gets sent to the floor to start, leaving Dean to send Ziggler outside as well. Dean dives onto Breeze but gets superkicked down. Ziggler stares at Owens (“You want the hoodie?”
as we take a break.Back with Breeze shoving Ziggler off the apron before focusing on Ambrose. The rebound lariat is broken up as Ziggler superkicking Ambrose when he's bouncing off the ropes in a cool break. The Fameasser gets two on Ambrose and now the rebound lariat takes Ziggler down. Breeze throws Dean to the floor but gets taken down by Dean's top rope elbow.
All three are back up so Dean and Ziggler try cross bodies at the same time, only to crush Breeze in the middle instead. Why that puts Ziggler and Ambrose down when they just hit a regular move isn't clear. The Zig Zag gets two on Dean with Breeze making the save. There's the Beauty Shot to Ziggler but Dean hits a quick Dirty Deeds to Tyler for the pin at 10:52.
Owens and Ambrose stare each other down to end the show.
Results
Dudley Boyz b. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman via DQ when Luke Harper interfered
Paige b. Becky Lynch – Rollup
Jack Swagger b. Alberto Del Rio via DQ when Del Rio used a chair
Lucha Dragons b. New Day – Springboard Salida Del Sol to Kingston
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze and Dolph Ziggler – Dirty Deeds to Ambrose
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing again.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Luke Harper/Bray Wyatt b. Dudley Boyz – Discus lariat to Bubba
Sasha Banks b. Becky Lynch – Rollup with a handful of trunks
Neville b. Mark Henry – Red Arrow
Goldust/Prime Time Players b. Stardust/Ascension – Clash of the Titus to Konnor
Paige vs. Charlotte went to a double countout
Dolph Ziggler/Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze/Kevin Owens – Dirty Deeds to Breeze
Roman Reigns b. Rusev via DQ when King Barrett interfered
NXT
Scott Dawson'/Dash Wilder b. Vaudevillains – Shatter Machine to English
Apollo Crews b. Jesse Sorensen – Throw into a powerbomb
Bayley b. Eva Marie – Super Bayley to Belly
Impact Wrestling
Tigre Uno and DJZ b. Manik – Split legged corkscrew moonsault
Drew Galloway b. Rockstar Spud – Claymore
Bram b. Grado – Rollup
Jesse Godderz b. Micah – Adonis crab
Davey Richards b. Robbie E. – Creeping Death
Kenny King b. Crazzy Steve – Royal Flush
Lashley b. Austin Aries – Spear
Smackdown
Dudley Boyz b. Erick Rowan/Braun Strowman via DQ when Luke Harper interfered
Paige b. Becky Lynch – Rollup
Jack Swagger b. Alberto Del Rio via DQ when Del Rio used a chair
Lucha Dragons b. New Day – Springboard Salida Del Sol to Kingston
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze and Dolph Ziggler – Dirty Deeds to Ambrose