klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
The Godfather has been announced for the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame.
Monday Night Raw
Date: February 22, 2016
Location: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
It's a big night for Raw as we're done with Fastlane and have less than six weeks before the biggest night of the year. In addition to that we also have the presentation of the first ever Vincent J. McMahon Award and the fallout from Brock Lesnar attacking Dean Ambrose before the show started tonight. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the triple threat main event from last night with Reigns pinning Ambrose to earn the title shot.
Opening sequence.
Cole tells us about Brock attacking Dean as he got to the arena earlier today and we see the video. Ambrose was put in a neck brace and driven away in an ambulance.
Vince McMahon comes out to present the Vincent J. McMahon Sr. Legacy of Excellence Award (which seems to be the same trophy that was give to Hornswoggle for winning a video game tournament a few years back). McMahon talks about his family's history of presenting sports entertainment for over 100 years and how it was all about a legacy. That's the kind of person we're honoring tonight so Vince brings out the first recipient: Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie comes out to a chorus of boos as Vince tries to tell her how much she deserves this award. She didn't expect to win but she happens to have a speech prepared. Stephanie starts talking about how much of an honor this is but hoe she couldn't do this without her husband.....and here's SHANE MCMAHON of all people to interrupt. The place goes NUTS at this and actually does a big old YES chant for the white haired Shane. Vince asks for a hug or a handshake but Shane isn't interested.
Shane seems genuinely choked up as he thanks the fans. It's quickly off to the reason he's here though: this Award, which Stephanie doesn't deserve. Stephanie rips into him a bit but Shane says she really doesn't know. Apparently Stephanie and HHH have been running this company into the ground, such as the stock price, the ratings and all of the injuries. Stephanie calls Shane a quitter so Shane asks if Vince wants to tell her. Years ago, Vince screwed up big time and Shane was there to save things.
Shane was able to take some time off but he never lost his place in line. The reason Stephanie has gotten this far is because Shane let it happen. Stephanie doesn't buy this but Vince looks....somewhere between annoyed and terrified. Stephanie offers Shane a spot at Wrestlemania this year but Vince cuts her off to talk to his son. Vince asks her to leave but Shane says it's all true because at the time it was best for business. She finally leaves but not before saying she'll never forgive Shane for screwing this up.
Vince offers to give Shane another big check to make this go away but this isn't about money. Every morning, Shane wakes up and is so glad to have his freedom. This is about legacy though because the McMahon Family with Shane's children now the fifth generation. Shane finally gets to the point: he wants control of Monday Night Raw. Vince says it's not that easy because the company is in a different place now. Shane wants to make sure that there's a generation for the future.
That just ticks Vince off but he has an idea. He'll give Shane what he wants if Shane has one match on one night. However, if Shane loses, he loses possession of anything he has over Vince's head. The deal is on so Vince says something that has to be censored. Shane goes to leave but Vince stops him to name the specifics. Naturally the match is at Wrestlemania and the opponent is......the Undertaker, inside the Cell.
Neville/Lucha Dragons vs. New Day
Kalisto and Woods get things going and Xavier is sent to the floor as we take a break. Back with Kalisto coming in to work on Woods' arm before it's off to Big E. for a belly to belly on Neville. The Unicorn Stampede keeps Neville in trouble and Kofi nails a running boot to the face. Kofi's dropkick keeps Neville down and Woods gets two as we take another break.
Back again with Big E. staying on Neville and standing on his wrist to keep Neville away from making the tag. Woods gets backdropped face first onto the steps, allowing Neville to kick Kofi away and make the tag off to Sin Cara. Everything breaks down and Cara hits a springboard back elbow to drop Kofi.
A standing Lionsault gets two on Kofi with Big E. making the save, only to get kicked to the floor for a Neville 450 from the apron. Woods does a springboard off Neville's back onto Woods, leaving Kofi to avoid a Swanton Bomb, tear at Cara's mask and hit Trouble in Paradise for the pin on Cara at 15:30.
Roman Reigns doesn't have an update on Dean Ambrose but is ready for his one on one fight at Wrestlemania against HHH. That night, it's all about his fist and his heart. Reigns likes his odds.
Here are Heyman and Lesnar with something to say. Heyman says this will be the main event of the evening even though Brock isn't even in his wrestling gear. It doesn't matter what Lesnar is doing because he's the main event. Last night Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns got beaten up by Brock Lesnar. If the Undertaker tapped out to Brock Lesnar, Roman certainly was going to as well.
However, Dean Ambrose saved his buddy and turned a wrestling match into a street fight. This ticked off Brock Lesnar so earlier today, Brock attacked Dean as he arrived at the arena. After looking at the clip from earlier, Heyman says there is no shield that can protect Dean from Brock Lesnar. HHH and Roman Reigns can kid themselves all they want by saying they're the main event when Brock is on the card. Brock needs a new Wrestlemania opponent so Heyman issues a warning to anyone in the locker room.
Go to the hospital tonight and visit Dean to ask what happens when you invoke the wrath of Brock Lesnar. They go to leave and of course, RIGHT ON TIME, here's the ambulance with Dean inside. Cole: “What is going on?” Man you called the 1999 Royal Rumble. I'm thinking you should know this.
Dean rips the neck brace off as he crawls down the ramp towards the ring. Brock runs him over with a single shot and keeps walking to the back. Makes sense. Dean grabs a mic and says he's indestructible, which Brock is going to find out the hard way. We get the challenge for Wrestlemania in a no holds barred street fight. Brock comes back to ringside for an F5 on the floor, which Heyman means is a yes.
Usos vs. Ascension
Before the match, here are the Dudley Boyz to interrupt. Bubba apologizes for what they did a few weeks back, even though they're the most decorated team in wrestling history. Their legacy won't be defined by a piece of furniture but rather by their accomplishments. That's why you'll never see a table again. Speaking of accomplishments, maybe the Usos' daddy (Rikishi) should have spent more time around them instead of going all over the place.
That's not much of an insult but it allows Ascension to jump them from behind to start. Konor kicks Jimmy in the face and Viktor drops a fist for two. Jey gets the hot tag a few seconds later as house is cleaned. Viktor dives into a double superkick and the Superfly Splash is good for the pin at 1:57.
Here's Chris Jericho with something to say. He's heard about AJ Styles for years and then last night he was defeated by Styles for the second time. He'd like AJ to come out and see him face to face. Cue Styles, who Jericho thanks for proving something last night. AJ has proven that he belongs here in the WWE and he has everything it takes to go to the top and become a champion. Jericho knows that AJ is phenomenal.....and here are the Social Outcasts.
Slater thinks this is pathetic but Bo finds it really beautiful. Slater: “Bo, I was being sarcastic.” Dallas: “Oh yeah. Me too.” The Outcasts don't buy Y2AJ as a thing but Jericho tells Slater to shut up. They weren't going to be a team but they'd be glad to if it means getting the Outcasts out of here.
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles vs. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel
This is joined in progress with AJ dropkicking Slater and hitting the basement forearm. Slater powers out of the Clash by sending Heath to the apron, only to have the other Outcasts interfere to take over. Axel stomps him down in the corner and it's back to Slater for a chinlock. That goes nowhere and it's the hot tag off to Jericho as everything breaks down. AJ springboard forearms onto Slater, leaving Jericho to make Axel tap to the Walls at 4:02.
We recap the long opening segment.
HHH tells Stephanie to shake off what happened earlier. Stephanie gets to go tell Roman something to make herself feel better.
Post break Roman goes to check on Dean but Stephanie stops him to make Reigns vs. Sheamus for later. The League isn't happy with the way Reigns is getting all this attention for Wrestlemania and it would be a shame if they hurt Reigns and took him out of Wrestlemania.
Goldust brings R-Truth a cake to make up for what happened last night. R-Truth doesn't think much of it but the cake has yellow frosting on chocolate, just like them. Goldust knew Truth would turn him down and that's exactly why they would be great partners. That fascinates Truth, but he's not going to smash the cake in Goldust's face. Actually he does just that, again much like a heel would. Goldust eats some of the cake.
Ryback/Big Show/Kane vs. Wyatt Family
Bray is swapped in for Strowman this time. Harper puts his mask on Byron before the match and for some reason Saxton can't speak. This is joined in progress with Kane and Bray trading big shots before it's off to Ryback vs. Harper. Ryback slugs away in the corner and brings in Kane, who eats a quick dropkick. JBL goes on about Hansen and Brody before Cole brings up JBL vs. Austin in a beer drinking contest at the first modern Saturday Night's Main Event.
Ryback cross bodies Rowan and hits two running knees in the corner. A clothesline sends Rowan to the floor and we take a break. Back with Harper getting two off a Michinoku Driver before Rowan drops an elbow on Ryback. The missile dropkick puts Rowan down and a hot tag brings in Big Show to clean house. Rowan gets chokeslammed but Strowman low bridges Show to the floor. Harper kicks away at the face but his sleeper is broken up, allowing the hot tag to bring in Kane. Everything breaks down and Ryback walks out, leaving Bray to hit Sister Abigail for the pin on Kane at 12:27.
After a break, Ryback says he's tired of being in tag teams because it's about him. This isn't anything personal with Big Show or Kane. He's just tired of not getting the spotlight, especially after he won the match last night. It's time to grab the brass ring and break the glass ceiling.
Sasha Banks vs. Naomi
It's still a thing. Sasha works on the arm to start and blocks a backslide attempt, only to get kicked in the ribs. Tamina pulls Sasha to the floor and we take a break. Back with Naomi still in control until Becky Lynch comes out to deal with Tamina. A quick Bank Statement makes Naomi tap at 6:45. No rating due to the break in the middle but it was fine.
Post match, here's Charlotte dressed like a Bella. Charlotte is still emotional after beating Brie Bella last night, even though there needs to be a #1 contender. She loves to see the two of them getting so close. “BECKY WATCH OUT!” Becky believes that Sasha is going to attack her and Charlotte laughs because it's clear that they don't trust each other. The next few weeks are going to be fun.
After another recap of the opening, Stephanie tells Vince that she refuses to work for Shane. Vince calls it a calculated risk and Stephanie seems a bit calmer.
We get the Godfather Hall of Fame announcement.
Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus
Sheamus goes after the arm that Brock had in the Kimura last night and Roman is in early trouble. Roman comes back with a headbutt and some right hands in the corner as the fans boo loudly. It's back to a regular armbar until Roman fires off right hands to the head. A big clothesline puts Sheamus on the floor and one from the steps drops him again.
Rusev gets in a kick to the head though and we take a break. Back with both guys down and the League having been ejected. Roman sends him to the floor for another running clothesline before diving into the ring at seven. Cue HHH in fighting clothes and the fight is on so we'll say the match is a DQ at 10:45.
A brawl breaks out as Sheamus has just disappeared. HHH hits him in the face/throat with the bell and then drives Reigns' face into the table about 25 times. Reigns is badly busted open as the fans are LOUDLY cheering for HHH. A Pedigree onto the steps ends the show.
Results
New Day b. Lucha Dragons/Neville – Trouble in Paradise to Cara
Usos b. Ascension – Superfly Splash to Viktor
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Walls of Jericho to Axel
Wyatt Family b. Kane/Big Show/Ryback – Sister Abigail to Kane
Sasha Banks b. Naomi – Bank Statement
Roman Reigns b. Sheamus via DQ when HHH interfered
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: February 23, 2016
Location: Wembley Arena, London, England
Attendance: 4,000
Commentators: D'Angelo Dinero, Josh Matthews
It's another special show tonight as we have Lockdown, meaning everything is inside a steel cage, even if the feud might not have warranted that yet. The main event is Matt Hardy defending the World Title against Ethan Carter III in Carter's rematch after the title was stolen away from him a few weeks back. Let's get to it.
The opening video explains Lockdown and the main event.
Beer Money vs. Eric Young/Bram
In a cage, like all other matches tonight. They start fighting in the aisle with Storm hitting Bram in the head with a beer. The fight goes inside quickly enough but first up Bram gives Storm the Brighter Side of Suffering on the floor. That leaves Roode inside in a glorified handicap match with Roode down two to one. Bram is quickly taken down though, allowing Roode to hit a Blockbuster on Young. Storm climbs in over the top and sends Bram into the cage ten straight times to drop him off the top.
Beer Money starts cleaning house but Bram breaks up a double suplex on Young. Roode is fast enough to catapult Young into Bram for a top rope crotching, setting up a hurricanrana and a top rope splash for two. DWI is broken up and Eric suplexes Roode down. Last Call hits Young but Bram spinwheel kicks Storm to put everyone on the mat. It's Beer Money up first with the double suplex on Young, setting up DWI for the pin on Bram at 8:30.
Madison Rayne has been attacked because this is TNA and they only know about three angles for their female wrestlers.
Here's Ethan to sit on the steps for a promo. He can't wait to fight here in foggy old London town because Matt Hardy has tried to do whatever he can to mess with Ethan. Whether it's having Tyrus interfere or cave Ethan's head in with a chair, it's just delaying the reality that Matt can't beat him. However, speaking of being alone, Ethan needs to talk about Rockstar Spud.
After the Rockstar comes to the ring, Ethan talks about their history and admits that he was wrong. They slowly shake hands and Spud says he'll always do what's right. Spud isn't scared of Matt or Tyrus because he's Rockstar Spud and no one tells him what to do. This brings out Matt and company to say that everything belongs to him. The Matt Hardy Brand has absorbed the Impact Wrestling Brand and if Spud comes anywhere near the cage tonight, his life will be destroyed. Carter says bring it.
A British man (the unnamed Jimmy Havoc) says Rosemary was his before she was Crazzy Steve's. They're good for each other and he's getting her back.
X-Division Title: Tigre Uno vs. Trevor Lee
Lee is defending and has Gregory Shane Helms in his corner. Tigre grabs a quick rollup to start before nailing Lee in the head to put him down. The champ comes right back with some choking on the bottom rope, followed by a release gutwrench suplex. A quick kick to the head staggers Lee and Tigre sends him into the cage a few times.
Uno gets two off a top rope legdrop between Lee's legs before climbing up the cage. Lee's save doesn't work as Tigre kicks him down, only to dive down with a huge high cross body and an equally large crash. The delayed cover only gets two and Trevor gets up with a knee to the head. The fisherman's buster retains Trevor's title at 6:16. Josh: “Tigre just wanted to have that Lockdown moment.” Give me a break.
Maria runs into Gail Kim and talks about leading the Knockouts. Gail is REALLY QUITE SERIOUS and tells Maria to get in the ring if she wants to be a leader.
Havoc gives Rosemary something which he says will make her remember how they are together. Steve comes up and grabs it, resulting in them staring at each other.
Dollhouse vs. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky/???
Lethal Lockdown meaning WarGames with the fall not being allowed to take place until all six (in theory) are in. Gail and Jade start things off by trading hurricanranas and kicking each other off the cage walls. They collide in the middle and we take a break with no one new coming out yet. Back with Marti Bell joining after a “five minute” (read as over seven) period ends. Marti beats on Gail for a minute until Velvet Sky comes in to even things up. Velvet cleans house for another minute until Rebel completes the Dollhouse, meaning it's time for weapons.
The Dollhouse starts beating up Velvet in the corner until the clock runs down again. Maria comes out to the apron but shakes her head and decides not to come in. Instead she locks the cage door, allowing Gail and Velvet to get beaten down. Velvet fights back by avoiding a charge in the corner and fighting back with a kendo stick. Gail gets a stick of her own and Rebel is pinballed between forearms and stick shots. Marti makes the save with a cookie sheet, only to have Gail hit Eat Defeat for two on Rebel. Jade's package piledriver onto a chair puts Gail away at 14:50.
Kurt Angle gives Ethan a pep talk. It turns out that Ethan, who made Kurt's life miserable, is a fan.
Decay video.
Here's Kurt with something to say to the live crowd. He talks about having so many great matches in this country, including one last year where he won the TNA World Title. Lashley comes out to say the last year has been in his head, but he's going to get revenge. He wants to have one more match with Kurt where they tear the roof off the house before he gets his revenge. The fans want Kurt to get the final win but Lashley knows he can win on Kurt's best day. Kurt wants to go right now but Lashley walks away with a smile.
Eli Drake is in the ring and wants to talk about Odarg the Great. Grado was fired a few weeks back and now he's running around with a mask and singlet on, trying to hide his identity. Cue Odarg, which Josh thinks is Grado spelled backwards and it's time for a match.
Odarg the Great vs. Eli Drake
Josh complains about how everyone knows what's going on and how they have to be stupid and sit through it. This coming from the man who called fans idiots for pointing out plot holes in TNA's stories. Odarg can't pull himself over the top so he pokes Eli in the face and goes for the door but Jesse Godderz holds it shut. The mask starts to come off so we pause a bit for Odarg to fix things. Drake slams him down and suplexes Odarg into the cage. It's still too early to climb out though and Odarg brings him down with an electric chair.
Drake can't crawl out so Jesse tries to help, only to have Mahabali Shera come out to take care of Jesse. The tug of war causes Drake's trunks to come halfway down, meaning it's time to censor stuff. Odarg hits a Cannonball in the corner and very slowly climbs over, allowing Drake to come up the cage. He grabs the mask but Odarg falls down and loses the mask for the win at 6:32.
After his face appears on camera for at least fifteen seconds, Grado covers up and runs off, seemingly more worried about people seeing his bare chest.
Jimmy Havoc gets in Decay's faces and calls himself hardcore. The beatdown ensues and Rosemary leaves his present (which looked like some kind of a mask) on top of him.
Eli Drake tells Billy Corrgan to have Grado (sans mask) thrown out and that's exactly what the Harris Twins do.
Mike Bennett can't believe that people think anything of Drew Galloway because he carries around a briefcase.
TNA World Title: Ethan Carter III vs. Matt Hardy
Hardy is defending. Ethan draws a line on the mat and it's time to slug it out. Matt's chops don't have much effect but Ethan's splash hits the cage. It's time for a chair with Matt getting in some good shots, only to have the Twist of Fate broken up as Matt is sent head first into the chair in the corner. Another Twist is broken up so Matt settles for the Side Effect and a two count.
The champ grabs a chain but walks into a TK3 (TKO) to give Ethan a chance. Tyrus blocks the way so Ethan flips him off, drawing the big man in. Ethan runs the ropes and has a free chance to get out but opts to clothesline Tyrus instead. A Big Ending drops Carter but he's still able to reverse an attempt at being chained to the cage. Instead it's Tyrus being chained up but Matt grabs a Twist of Fate for two.
Carter is back up in time to pull Matt off the cage to put both guys down. Matt is up first and hits a low blow, setting up a Twist of Fate with Ethan's neck in a chair. Of course that's not enough to finish it so Ethan kicks Matt low to even things up. A slow double crawl towards the door draws out Reby with a hammer but Spud comes out for the save. Then, in the swerve that isn't a swerve, Spud slams the door on Carter's head to turn heel and help Matt get out to retain at 11:39.
Post match Spud gives Carter a Conchairto on the chair to end the show.
Results
Beer Money b. Eric Young/Bram – DWI to Bram
Trevor Lee b. Tigre Uno – Fisherman's buster
Dollhouse b. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky – Package piledriver onto a chair to Kim
Odarg the Great b. Eli Drake – Odarg escaped the cage
Matt Hardy b. Ethan Carter III – Hardy escaped the cage
Wednesday
NXT
Date: February 24, 2016
Location: CFE Arena, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
As has been the case recently, this is going to be about fallout from last week and the main event in particular. Last week, Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn went to a double pin in a match for the #1 contendership, meaning we don't have a challenger for Finn Balor. Odds are that won't be established tonight either but odds are we'll get a fun show out of it anyway. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
American Alpha vs. Blake and Murphy
Gable and Murphy get things going with Chad easily taking him down into a leg lock. The good guys start in on the arm as Corey talks about Chad being able to dribble a bowling ball. Blake comes in and is quickly ridden down to the mat. Some rapid fire dropkicks (and a Ricky Morton reference) has the bad guys in trouble as Chad waits in the middle. A double dropkick puts Blake on the floor and we take a break.
Back with Jordan staying on the arm and Gable doing the same. You don't often see the good guys in control this long. Blake's slam doesn't get him away from the armbar but the heels FINALLY get him into the corner to take over. We hit a chinlock on Gable for a bit before it's back to Blake for forearms to the head.
A double arm crank keeps things slow and the heels keep pulling Gable away from the hot tag. You can only do that so many times before it stops working though and the hot tag brings in Jordan for the series of suplexes. Murphy's dropkick is swatted away and the Grand Amplitude puts Blake away at 13:37. That's a long match for a non-main event in NXT.
We look back at the ending to last week's show.
Regal says we'll be seeing Sami vs. Joe in a 2/3 falls match in two weeks. As for next week though, there's a new talent debuting.
Elias Samson song.
Christopher Girard vs. Apollo Crews
Girard is indy star Biff Busick in his NXT debut. Crews punches him into the corner to start and scores with a quick dropkick. Busick comes back with a running European uppercut (From an indy wrestler? You don't say.) and a chinlock, which he flips backwards to keep Crews in trouble. Another elbow to the face sets up another chinlock as this is starting to drag. Crews gets up with a spear and a running corner splash, followed by the toss into the helicopter bomb for the pin at 5:12.
We look back at Carmella vs. Bayley from two weeks ago with Eva Marie and Nia Jax attacking until Asuka made the save.
Carmella and Bayley are ready for Eva and Nia tonight. They're friends now but Carmella wants another shot at the title. Bayley isn't worried about Asuka, even though she's going to be a threat down the line.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bull Dempsey
Bull takes 40 seconds to get his shirt off and we get some jumping jacks before any contact. Ciampa wants a test of strength but is quickly run over, setting up a rolling backsplash from Bull. Back up and Ciampa easily drops him with some hard shots and he rips at Bull's face. Ciampa starts cranking on the arm but misses a charge in the corner, allowing Bull to fire off the left hands. Not that it matters as a Fujiwara Armbar with Ciampa flipping over onto Bull's back is good for the submission at 4:18.
Joe says the announcement means Sami has to suffer twice and that's just fine with him.
Sami sounds a bit nervous about the two out of three falls match but this is why he came back from the shoulder injury. He's ready though because his goal is to be the first ever two time NXT Champion.
Carmella/Bayley vs. Nia Jax/Eva Marie
Carmella starts with some Thesz Presses and left hands to Eva, followed by a double suplex to give Bayley a quick two. That means it's time for Nia to throw Bayley around and easily block a rollup attempt. Eva comes back in and is booed out of the arena, only to have Bayley take her down like the easy target that she is.
We take a break and come back with Carmella holding Eva in a headlock on the mat. Eva gets up and makes the tag off to Nia, who plants Carmella with a shoulder breaker. It's back to Eva for her grunting based offense, including a choke in the corner. Something like a cobra clutch from Nia keeps the villains in control and she swings Carmella around with ease.
Nia misses a charge and falls out to the floor though, allowing the hot tag to Bayley. The running elbows in the corner have Eva in trouble (like, more trouble than her trying to work a match) but Nia breaks up the cover off the Bayley to Belly. Carmella comes back in for her leg crossface with Nia making another save. Jax drops three straight legs on Carmella, allowing Eva to get the pin at 11:34.
Regal and Balor are in the back with the boss talking about how Balor is approaching the longest reign in NXT Title history. Therefore, next week he'll be facing Neville. No word on if that's a title match or not.
Results
American Alpha b. Blake and Murphy – Grand Amplitude to Blake
Apollo Crews b. Christopher Girard – Helicopter Bomb
Tommaso Ciampa b. Bull Dempsey – Fujiwara Armbar
Eva Marie/Nia Jax b. Bayley/Carmella – Eva pinned Carmella after three legdrops from Jax
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: February 25, 2016
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
We're getting close to Wrestlemania in a hurry and things are really starting to change. This past Monday saw the return of Shane McMahon and the announcement of his match against Undertaker of all people inside the Cell at the biggest show of the year. Other than that we have what seems like the face HHH vs. the heel Roman Reigns for the World Title coming up. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the main event of Fastlane and the post match staredown with Reigns vs. HHH.
Here's HHH for a rare Smackdown appearance to open things up. He gets things going by quoting some Rolling Stones with a little Sympathy for the Devil. HHH talks about how Monday left no doubt in Roman Reigns' mind about what's coming for him at Wrestlemania and we see a long clip of the attack on Reigns to end the show.
We see a picture of Reigns after his surgery, which HHH says is a man who has been humbled. You see HHH in a suit right now but make no mistake about it: he is the authority. Everyone wants to rebel and HHH has even been there himself but there's no point to it. Instead you bow your head and you go to work to do your job. Either accept the authority or let your soul go to waste.
HHH has had to walk over a lot of people to get where he is. Reigns has the sweat part down and HHH knows Roman is good. He saw the blood on Monday, which just leaves the tears. HHH will save those for Wrestlemania when he humbles Roman once and for all because he's the Game and that's what he does as the Game, the Cerebral Assassin and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This didn't fix everything but it's the best promo these guys have done for their match so far.
League of Nations vs. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler and Barrett get things going with the King making his first actual in ring appearance in weeks. Everything breaks down less than a minute in with the Dragons diving on Del Rio and Rusev. Alberto kicks them both down as Ziggler DDT's Barrett, only to get taken down by Sheamus and Rusev as we take a break.
Back with Del Rio giving Ziggler a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Rusev mocks Ziggler's attempts to tag his partners before bringing Sheamus back in for a suplex. Ziggler comes back with a superkick (of course) and Lawler is suddenly a League fan. The hot tag brings in Neville to clean house with a running clothesline and a basement dropkick to Barrett before heading up top. Sheamus tries to make a save so Neville dives over him with a 450 for a near fall. The Dragons take out Rusev as Neville hits a Red Arrow on Barrett. Del Rio makes the save but eats a superkick, followed by the Brogue Kick to put Neville away at 8:22.
Kevin Owens talks about seeing Dean Ambrose take a beating on Monday and then come back to face Brock Lesnar again. It inspired him so much that Ambrose deserves an Intercontinental Title shot. However, Ambrose isn't here tonight so that's just too bad. There's no one left for Owens to beat so he has the night off, which brings in Big Show. Owens makes some retirement jokes until Show grabs him by the shirt and threatens to KO KO.
D-Von Dudley vs. Jimmy Uso
Before the match, Bubba goes on his same rant about not being a nostalgia act because they're the nine time WWE Tag Team Champions. D-Von promises that they'll be doing whatever they have to do to prove that they're the greatest tag team of all time whether you like it or not. Jimmy starts fast with a series of kicks before going up top. Bubba distracts the referee with a table though, allowing him to shove Jimmy off the top. D-Von gets a rollup for the pin at 53 seconds in a storyline segment.
Long recap of Shane McMahon returning on Monday.
Undertaker will be on Raw to address everything.
Chris Jericho talks to AJ Styles about being being partners and potentially Tag Team Champions. They need a third man for a six man tag against New Day later, so here's Mark Henry to say he'd love to teach those three clowns a lesson.
Godfather Hall of Fame announcement.
Video of Ryback walking out on his partners on Monday, saying it was time for things to be about him.
Big Show vs. Kevin Owens
Non-title. Owens goes right after him to start and is promptly knocked into the corner. A shot to the throat puts Show down and the backsplash gets two. The near fall ticks Show off and he chops away in the corner, sending Owens out to the floor for a breather. Back in and a chokeslam sends Kevin right back to the floor. For some reason Show goes up, only to get crotched out to the floor for a countout at 3:05.
Natalya vs. Becky Lynch
They shake hands to start and Natalya takes her down with a headlock. Becky fights up with a dropkick but she misses the spinning legdrop. A suplex sends Becky outside but here are Naomi and Tamina to lay Natalya out for the DQ at 1:58.
Sasha Banks runs out for the save and the villains are cleared out. Cue Charlotte to laugh about Becky vs. Sasha for the #1 contendership taking place on Monday. She'll be in the front row and wishes both of them the best of luck.
R-Truth vs. Heath Slater
Before the match, Goldust comes out to stand in a neutral corner despite the GOLDEN TRUTH chants. They start with some basic stuff until Truth puts the brakes on and thrusts his hips. Some forearms give Truth the first advantage but Slater comes back with a running knee. Truth gets pulled to the mat by the hair, only to catch Slater with a jumping side kick to the head. Dallas offers a quick distraction but Goldust punches Slater into a backslide to give Truth the pin at 3:10.
Post match Truth still doesn't want help but is a bit nicer about it.
Video on Brock and Ambrose from Raw.
New Day vs. Mark Henry/AJ Styles/Chris Jericho
Before the match, New Day rips on the League of Nations a bit more but then switches over to Y2AJ. As for tonight though, Kofi is stunned that Mark Henry still thinks he's the World's Strongest Man. They jump back to insulting Jericho and Styles, who will never be the WWE Tag Team Champions (dance time) because NEW DAY ROCKS.
Big E. shoulders Jericho down to start but it's quickly off to Henry for a staredown. Some headbutts stagger Big E. and a shoulder puts him down. Henry clotheslines Woods and Kingston out to the floor and his partners add dives. The heroes dance (nice to see AJ getting to show some personality) and we take a break.
Back with Jericho chopping Woods to draw some screams. AJ hits a backbreaker and brings Jericho in again for the springboard dropkick. The distraction lets Big E. take over though as he drops Jericho face first onto the buckle for two. The Unicorn Stampede sets up some tromboning and we get a dance from Big E. Saxton: “When Big E. dances it looks like a penguin in a hula hoop contest.”
Kofi puts Jericho in a chinlock and avoids a dropkick to keep Chris in trouble. Big E.'s Warrior Splash and a Woods legdrop get two, followed by the abdominal stretch. The Big Ending doesn't work though and Jericho makes the tag to Styles as everything speeds up. The moonsault into the reverse DDT (still botched a bit but it was closer this time) drops Woods and everything breaks down. Trouble in Paradise hits Henry but Jericho takes a bullet for AJ in a nice moment of friendship. AJ grabs the Calf Crusher to make Woods tap at 11:19.
Results
League of Nations b. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler – Brogue Kick to Neville
D-Von Dudley b. Jimmy Uso – Rollup
Kevin Owens b. Big Show via countout
Natalya b. Becky Lynch via DQ when Tamina and Naomi interfered
R-Truth b. Heath Slater – Backslide
AJ Styles/Chris Jericho/Mark Henry b. New Day – Calf Crusher to Woods
Friday
Davey Richards has torn his ACL and will be out of action 6-9 months.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
New Day b. Lucha Dragons/Neville – Trouble in Paradise to Cara
Usos b. Ascension – Superfly Splash to Viktor
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Walls of Jericho to Axel
Wyatt Family b. Kane/Big Show/Ryback – Sister Abigail to Kane
Sasha Banks b. Naomi – Bank Statement
Roman Reigns b. Sheamus via DQ when HHH interfered
Impact Wrestling
Beer Money b. Eric Young/Bram – DWI to Bram
Trevor Lee b. Tigre Uno – Fisherman's buster
Dollhouse b. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky – Package piledriver onto a chair to Kim
Odarg the Great b. Eli Drake – Odarg escaped the cage
Matt Hardy b. Ethan Carter III – Hardy escaped the cage
NXT
American Alpha b. Blake and Murphy – Grand Amplitude to Blake
Apollo Crews b. Christopher Girard – Helicopter Bomb
Tommaso Ciampa b. Bull Dempsey – Fujiwara Armbar
Eva Marie/Nia Jax b. Bayley/Carmella – Eva pinned Carmella after three legdrops from Jax
Smackdown
League of Nations b. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler – Brogue Kick to Neville
D-Von Dudley b. Jimmy Uso – Rollup
Kevin Owens b. Big Show via countout
Natalya b. Becky Lynch via DQ when Tamina and Naomi interfered
R-Truth b. Heath Slater – Backslide
AJ Styles/Chris Jericho/Mark Henry b. New Day – Calf Crusher to Woods
The Godfather has been announced for the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame.
Monday Night Raw
Date: February 22, 2016
Location: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
It's a big night for Raw as we're done with Fastlane and have less than six weeks before the biggest night of the year. In addition to that we also have the presentation of the first ever Vincent J. McMahon Award and the fallout from Brock Lesnar attacking Dean Ambrose before the show started tonight. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the triple threat main event from last night with Reigns pinning Ambrose to earn the title shot.
Opening sequence.
Cole tells us about Brock attacking Dean as he got to the arena earlier today and we see the video. Ambrose was put in a neck brace and driven away in an ambulance.
Vince McMahon comes out to present the Vincent J. McMahon Sr. Legacy of Excellence Award (which seems to be the same trophy that was give to Hornswoggle for winning a video game tournament a few years back). McMahon talks about his family's history of presenting sports entertainment for over 100 years and how it was all about a legacy. That's the kind of person we're honoring tonight so Vince brings out the first recipient: Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie comes out to a chorus of boos as Vince tries to tell her how much she deserves this award. She didn't expect to win but she happens to have a speech prepared. Stephanie starts talking about how much of an honor this is but hoe she couldn't do this without her husband.....and here's SHANE MCMAHON of all people to interrupt. The place goes NUTS at this and actually does a big old YES chant for the white haired Shane. Vince asks for a hug or a handshake but Shane isn't interested.
Shane seems genuinely choked up as he thanks the fans. It's quickly off to the reason he's here though: this Award, which Stephanie doesn't deserve. Stephanie rips into him a bit but Shane says she really doesn't know. Apparently Stephanie and HHH have been running this company into the ground, such as the stock price, the ratings and all of the injuries. Stephanie calls Shane a quitter so Shane asks if Vince wants to tell her. Years ago, Vince screwed up big time and Shane was there to save things.
Shane was able to take some time off but he never lost his place in line. The reason Stephanie has gotten this far is because Shane let it happen. Stephanie doesn't buy this but Vince looks....somewhere between annoyed and terrified. Stephanie offers Shane a spot at Wrestlemania this year but Vince cuts her off to talk to his son. Vince asks her to leave but Shane says it's all true because at the time it was best for business. She finally leaves but not before saying she'll never forgive Shane for screwing this up.
Vince offers to give Shane another big check to make this go away but this isn't about money. Every morning, Shane wakes up and is so glad to have his freedom. This is about legacy though because the McMahon Family with Shane's children now the fifth generation. Shane finally gets to the point: he wants control of Monday Night Raw. Vince says it's not that easy because the company is in a different place now. Shane wants to make sure that there's a generation for the future.
That just ticks Vince off but he has an idea. He'll give Shane what he wants if Shane has one match on one night. However, if Shane loses, he loses possession of anything he has over Vince's head. The deal is on so Vince says something that has to be censored. Shane goes to leave but Vince stops him to name the specifics. Naturally the match is at Wrestlemania and the opponent is......the Undertaker, inside the Cell.
Neville/Lucha Dragons vs. New Day
Kalisto and Woods get things going and Xavier is sent to the floor as we take a break. Back with Kalisto coming in to work on Woods' arm before it's off to Big E. for a belly to belly on Neville. The Unicorn Stampede keeps Neville in trouble and Kofi nails a running boot to the face. Kofi's dropkick keeps Neville down and Woods gets two as we take another break.
Back again with Big E. staying on Neville and standing on his wrist to keep Neville away from making the tag. Woods gets backdropped face first onto the steps, allowing Neville to kick Kofi away and make the tag off to Sin Cara. Everything breaks down and Cara hits a springboard back elbow to drop Kofi.
A standing Lionsault gets two on Kofi with Big E. making the save, only to get kicked to the floor for a Neville 450 from the apron. Woods does a springboard off Neville's back onto Woods, leaving Kofi to avoid a Swanton Bomb, tear at Cara's mask and hit Trouble in Paradise for the pin on Cara at 15:30.
Roman Reigns doesn't have an update on Dean Ambrose but is ready for his one on one fight at Wrestlemania against HHH. That night, it's all about his fist and his heart. Reigns likes his odds.
Here are Heyman and Lesnar with something to say. Heyman says this will be the main event of the evening even though Brock isn't even in his wrestling gear. It doesn't matter what Lesnar is doing because he's the main event. Last night Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns got beaten up by Brock Lesnar. If the Undertaker tapped out to Brock Lesnar, Roman certainly was going to as well.
However, Dean Ambrose saved his buddy and turned a wrestling match into a street fight. This ticked off Brock Lesnar so earlier today, Brock attacked Dean as he arrived at the arena. After looking at the clip from earlier, Heyman says there is no shield that can protect Dean from Brock Lesnar. HHH and Roman Reigns can kid themselves all they want by saying they're the main event when Brock is on the card. Brock needs a new Wrestlemania opponent so Heyman issues a warning to anyone in the locker room.
Go to the hospital tonight and visit Dean to ask what happens when you invoke the wrath of Brock Lesnar. They go to leave and of course, RIGHT ON TIME, here's the ambulance with Dean inside. Cole: “What is going on?” Man you called the 1999 Royal Rumble. I'm thinking you should know this.
Dean rips the neck brace off as he crawls down the ramp towards the ring. Brock runs him over with a single shot and keeps walking to the back. Makes sense. Dean grabs a mic and says he's indestructible, which Brock is going to find out the hard way. We get the challenge for Wrestlemania in a no holds barred street fight. Brock comes back to ringside for an F5 on the floor, which Heyman means is a yes.
Usos vs. Ascension
Before the match, here are the Dudley Boyz to interrupt. Bubba apologizes for what they did a few weeks back, even though they're the most decorated team in wrestling history. Their legacy won't be defined by a piece of furniture but rather by their accomplishments. That's why you'll never see a table again. Speaking of accomplishments, maybe the Usos' daddy (Rikishi) should have spent more time around them instead of going all over the place.
That's not much of an insult but it allows Ascension to jump them from behind to start. Konor kicks Jimmy in the face and Viktor drops a fist for two. Jey gets the hot tag a few seconds later as house is cleaned. Viktor dives into a double superkick and the Superfly Splash is good for the pin at 1:57.
Here's Chris Jericho with something to say. He's heard about AJ Styles for years and then last night he was defeated by Styles for the second time. He'd like AJ to come out and see him face to face. Cue Styles, who Jericho thanks for proving something last night. AJ has proven that he belongs here in the WWE and he has everything it takes to go to the top and become a champion. Jericho knows that AJ is phenomenal.....and here are the Social Outcasts.
Slater thinks this is pathetic but Bo finds it really beautiful. Slater: “Bo, I was being sarcastic.” Dallas: “Oh yeah. Me too.” The Outcasts don't buy Y2AJ as a thing but Jericho tells Slater to shut up. They weren't going to be a team but they'd be glad to if it means getting the Outcasts out of here.
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles vs. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel
This is joined in progress with AJ dropkicking Slater and hitting the basement forearm. Slater powers out of the Clash by sending Heath to the apron, only to have the other Outcasts interfere to take over. Axel stomps him down in the corner and it's back to Slater for a chinlock. That goes nowhere and it's the hot tag off to Jericho as everything breaks down. AJ springboard forearms onto Slater, leaving Jericho to make Axel tap to the Walls at 4:02.
We recap the long opening segment.
HHH tells Stephanie to shake off what happened earlier. Stephanie gets to go tell Roman something to make herself feel better.
Post break Roman goes to check on Dean but Stephanie stops him to make Reigns vs. Sheamus for later. The League isn't happy with the way Reigns is getting all this attention for Wrestlemania and it would be a shame if they hurt Reigns and took him out of Wrestlemania.
Goldust brings R-Truth a cake to make up for what happened last night. R-Truth doesn't think much of it but the cake has yellow frosting on chocolate, just like them. Goldust knew Truth would turn him down and that's exactly why they would be great partners. That fascinates Truth, but he's not going to smash the cake in Goldust's face. Actually he does just that, again much like a heel would. Goldust eats some of the cake.
Ryback/Big Show/Kane vs. Wyatt Family
Bray is swapped in for Strowman this time. Harper puts his mask on Byron before the match and for some reason Saxton can't speak. This is joined in progress with Kane and Bray trading big shots before it's off to Ryback vs. Harper. Ryback slugs away in the corner and brings in Kane, who eats a quick dropkick. JBL goes on about Hansen and Brody before Cole brings up JBL vs. Austin in a beer drinking contest at the first modern Saturday Night's Main Event.
Ryback cross bodies Rowan and hits two running knees in the corner. A clothesline sends Rowan to the floor and we take a break. Back with Harper getting two off a Michinoku Driver before Rowan drops an elbow on Ryback. The missile dropkick puts Rowan down and a hot tag brings in Big Show to clean house. Rowan gets chokeslammed but Strowman low bridges Show to the floor. Harper kicks away at the face but his sleeper is broken up, allowing the hot tag to bring in Kane. Everything breaks down and Ryback walks out, leaving Bray to hit Sister Abigail for the pin on Kane at 12:27.
After a break, Ryback says he's tired of being in tag teams because it's about him. This isn't anything personal with Big Show or Kane. He's just tired of not getting the spotlight, especially after he won the match last night. It's time to grab the brass ring and break the glass ceiling.
Sasha Banks vs. Naomi
It's still a thing. Sasha works on the arm to start and blocks a backslide attempt, only to get kicked in the ribs. Tamina pulls Sasha to the floor and we take a break. Back with Naomi still in control until Becky Lynch comes out to deal with Tamina. A quick Bank Statement makes Naomi tap at 6:45. No rating due to the break in the middle but it was fine.
Post match, here's Charlotte dressed like a Bella. Charlotte is still emotional after beating Brie Bella last night, even though there needs to be a #1 contender. She loves to see the two of them getting so close. “BECKY WATCH OUT!” Becky believes that Sasha is going to attack her and Charlotte laughs because it's clear that they don't trust each other. The next few weeks are going to be fun.
After another recap of the opening, Stephanie tells Vince that she refuses to work for Shane. Vince calls it a calculated risk and Stephanie seems a bit calmer.
We get the Godfather Hall of Fame announcement.
Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus
Sheamus goes after the arm that Brock had in the Kimura last night and Roman is in early trouble. Roman comes back with a headbutt and some right hands in the corner as the fans boo loudly. It's back to a regular armbar until Roman fires off right hands to the head. A big clothesline puts Sheamus on the floor and one from the steps drops him again.
Rusev gets in a kick to the head though and we take a break. Back with both guys down and the League having been ejected. Roman sends him to the floor for another running clothesline before diving into the ring at seven. Cue HHH in fighting clothes and the fight is on so we'll say the match is a DQ at 10:45.
A brawl breaks out as Sheamus has just disappeared. HHH hits him in the face/throat with the bell and then drives Reigns' face into the table about 25 times. Reigns is badly busted open as the fans are LOUDLY cheering for HHH. A Pedigree onto the steps ends the show.
Results
New Day b. Lucha Dragons/Neville – Trouble in Paradise to Cara
Usos b. Ascension – Superfly Splash to Viktor
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Walls of Jericho to Axel
Wyatt Family b. Kane/Big Show/Ryback – Sister Abigail to Kane
Sasha Banks b. Naomi – Bank Statement
Roman Reigns b. Sheamus via DQ when HHH interfered
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: February 23, 2016
Location: Wembley Arena, London, England
Attendance: 4,000
Commentators: D'Angelo Dinero, Josh Matthews
It's another special show tonight as we have Lockdown, meaning everything is inside a steel cage, even if the feud might not have warranted that yet. The main event is Matt Hardy defending the World Title against Ethan Carter III in Carter's rematch after the title was stolen away from him a few weeks back. Let's get to it.
The opening video explains Lockdown and the main event.
Beer Money vs. Eric Young/Bram
In a cage, like all other matches tonight. They start fighting in the aisle with Storm hitting Bram in the head with a beer. The fight goes inside quickly enough but first up Bram gives Storm the Brighter Side of Suffering on the floor. That leaves Roode inside in a glorified handicap match with Roode down two to one. Bram is quickly taken down though, allowing Roode to hit a Blockbuster on Young. Storm climbs in over the top and sends Bram into the cage ten straight times to drop him off the top.
Beer Money starts cleaning house but Bram breaks up a double suplex on Young. Roode is fast enough to catapult Young into Bram for a top rope crotching, setting up a hurricanrana and a top rope splash for two. DWI is broken up and Eric suplexes Roode down. Last Call hits Young but Bram spinwheel kicks Storm to put everyone on the mat. It's Beer Money up first with the double suplex on Young, setting up DWI for the pin on Bram at 8:30.
Madison Rayne has been attacked because this is TNA and they only know about three angles for their female wrestlers.
Here's Ethan to sit on the steps for a promo. He can't wait to fight here in foggy old London town because Matt Hardy has tried to do whatever he can to mess with Ethan. Whether it's having Tyrus interfere or cave Ethan's head in with a chair, it's just delaying the reality that Matt can't beat him. However, speaking of being alone, Ethan needs to talk about Rockstar Spud.
After the Rockstar comes to the ring, Ethan talks about their history and admits that he was wrong. They slowly shake hands and Spud says he'll always do what's right. Spud isn't scared of Matt or Tyrus because he's Rockstar Spud and no one tells him what to do. This brings out Matt and company to say that everything belongs to him. The Matt Hardy Brand has absorbed the Impact Wrestling Brand and if Spud comes anywhere near the cage tonight, his life will be destroyed. Carter says bring it.
A British man (the unnamed Jimmy Havoc) says Rosemary was his before she was Crazzy Steve's. They're good for each other and he's getting her back.
X-Division Title: Tigre Uno vs. Trevor Lee
Lee is defending and has Gregory Shane Helms in his corner. Tigre grabs a quick rollup to start before nailing Lee in the head to put him down. The champ comes right back with some choking on the bottom rope, followed by a release gutwrench suplex. A quick kick to the head staggers Lee and Tigre sends him into the cage a few times.
Uno gets two off a top rope legdrop between Lee's legs before climbing up the cage. Lee's save doesn't work as Tigre kicks him down, only to dive down with a huge high cross body and an equally large crash. The delayed cover only gets two and Trevor gets up with a knee to the head. The fisherman's buster retains Trevor's title at 6:16. Josh: “Tigre just wanted to have that Lockdown moment.” Give me a break.
Maria runs into Gail Kim and talks about leading the Knockouts. Gail is REALLY QUITE SERIOUS and tells Maria to get in the ring if she wants to be a leader.
Havoc gives Rosemary something which he says will make her remember how they are together. Steve comes up and grabs it, resulting in them staring at each other.
Dollhouse vs. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky/???
Lethal Lockdown meaning WarGames with the fall not being allowed to take place until all six (in theory) are in. Gail and Jade start things off by trading hurricanranas and kicking each other off the cage walls. They collide in the middle and we take a break with no one new coming out yet. Back with Marti Bell joining after a “five minute” (read as over seven) period ends. Marti beats on Gail for a minute until Velvet Sky comes in to even things up. Velvet cleans house for another minute until Rebel completes the Dollhouse, meaning it's time for weapons.
The Dollhouse starts beating up Velvet in the corner until the clock runs down again. Maria comes out to the apron but shakes her head and decides not to come in. Instead she locks the cage door, allowing Gail and Velvet to get beaten down. Velvet fights back by avoiding a charge in the corner and fighting back with a kendo stick. Gail gets a stick of her own and Rebel is pinballed between forearms and stick shots. Marti makes the save with a cookie sheet, only to have Gail hit Eat Defeat for two on Rebel. Jade's package piledriver onto a chair puts Gail away at 14:50.
Kurt Angle gives Ethan a pep talk. It turns out that Ethan, who made Kurt's life miserable, is a fan.
Decay video.
Here's Kurt with something to say to the live crowd. He talks about having so many great matches in this country, including one last year where he won the TNA World Title. Lashley comes out to say the last year has been in his head, but he's going to get revenge. He wants to have one more match with Kurt where they tear the roof off the house before he gets his revenge. The fans want Kurt to get the final win but Lashley knows he can win on Kurt's best day. Kurt wants to go right now but Lashley walks away with a smile.
Eli Drake is in the ring and wants to talk about Odarg the Great. Grado was fired a few weeks back and now he's running around with a mask and singlet on, trying to hide his identity. Cue Odarg, which Josh thinks is Grado spelled backwards and it's time for a match.
Odarg the Great vs. Eli Drake
Josh complains about how everyone knows what's going on and how they have to be stupid and sit through it. This coming from the man who called fans idiots for pointing out plot holes in TNA's stories. Odarg can't pull himself over the top so he pokes Eli in the face and goes for the door but Jesse Godderz holds it shut. The mask starts to come off so we pause a bit for Odarg to fix things. Drake slams him down and suplexes Odarg into the cage. It's still too early to climb out though and Odarg brings him down with an electric chair.
Drake can't crawl out so Jesse tries to help, only to have Mahabali Shera come out to take care of Jesse. The tug of war causes Drake's trunks to come halfway down, meaning it's time to censor stuff. Odarg hits a Cannonball in the corner and very slowly climbs over, allowing Drake to come up the cage. He grabs the mask but Odarg falls down and loses the mask for the win at 6:32.
After his face appears on camera for at least fifteen seconds, Grado covers up and runs off, seemingly more worried about people seeing his bare chest.
Jimmy Havoc gets in Decay's faces and calls himself hardcore. The beatdown ensues and Rosemary leaves his present (which looked like some kind of a mask) on top of him.
Eli Drake tells Billy Corrgan to have Grado (sans mask) thrown out and that's exactly what the Harris Twins do.
Mike Bennett can't believe that people think anything of Drew Galloway because he carries around a briefcase.
TNA World Title: Ethan Carter III vs. Matt Hardy
Hardy is defending. Ethan draws a line on the mat and it's time to slug it out. Matt's chops don't have much effect but Ethan's splash hits the cage. It's time for a chair with Matt getting in some good shots, only to have the Twist of Fate broken up as Matt is sent head first into the chair in the corner. Another Twist is broken up so Matt settles for the Side Effect and a two count.
The champ grabs a chain but walks into a TK3 (TKO) to give Ethan a chance. Tyrus blocks the way so Ethan flips him off, drawing the big man in. Ethan runs the ropes and has a free chance to get out but opts to clothesline Tyrus instead. A Big Ending drops Carter but he's still able to reverse an attempt at being chained to the cage. Instead it's Tyrus being chained up but Matt grabs a Twist of Fate for two.
Carter is back up in time to pull Matt off the cage to put both guys down. Matt is up first and hits a low blow, setting up a Twist of Fate with Ethan's neck in a chair. Of course that's not enough to finish it so Ethan kicks Matt low to even things up. A slow double crawl towards the door draws out Reby with a hammer but Spud comes out for the save. Then, in the swerve that isn't a swerve, Spud slams the door on Carter's head to turn heel and help Matt get out to retain at 11:39.
Post match Spud gives Carter a Conchairto on the chair to end the show.
Results
Beer Money b. Eric Young/Bram – DWI to Bram
Trevor Lee b. Tigre Uno – Fisherman's buster
Dollhouse b. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky – Package piledriver onto a chair to Kim
Odarg the Great b. Eli Drake – Odarg escaped the cage
Matt Hardy b. Ethan Carter III – Hardy escaped the cage
Wednesday
NXT
Date: February 24, 2016
Location: CFE Arena, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves
As has been the case recently, this is going to be about fallout from last week and the main event in particular. Last week, Samoa Joe and Sami Zayn went to a double pin in a match for the #1 contendership, meaning we don't have a challenger for Finn Balor. Odds are that won't be established tonight either but odds are we'll get a fun show out of it anyway. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
American Alpha vs. Blake and Murphy
Gable and Murphy get things going with Chad easily taking him down into a leg lock. The good guys start in on the arm as Corey talks about Chad being able to dribble a bowling ball. Blake comes in and is quickly ridden down to the mat. Some rapid fire dropkicks (and a Ricky Morton reference) has the bad guys in trouble as Chad waits in the middle. A double dropkick puts Blake on the floor and we take a break.
Back with Jordan staying on the arm and Gable doing the same. You don't often see the good guys in control this long. Blake's slam doesn't get him away from the armbar but the heels FINALLY get him into the corner to take over. We hit a chinlock on Gable for a bit before it's back to Blake for forearms to the head.
A double arm crank keeps things slow and the heels keep pulling Gable away from the hot tag. You can only do that so many times before it stops working though and the hot tag brings in Jordan for the series of suplexes. Murphy's dropkick is swatted away and the Grand Amplitude puts Blake away at 13:37. That's a long match for a non-main event in NXT.
We look back at the ending to last week's show.
Regal says we'll be seeing Sami vs. Joe in a 2/3 falls match in two weeks. As for next week though, there's a new talent debuting.
Elias Samson song.
Christopher Girard vs. Apollo Crews
Girard is indy star Biff Busick in his NXT debut. Crews punches him into the corner to start and scores with a quick dropkick. Busick comes back with a running European uppercut (From an indy wrestler? You don't say.) and a chinlock, which he flips backwards to keep Crews in trouble. Another elbow to the face sets up another chinlock as this is starting to drag. Crews gets up with a spear and a running corner splash, followed by the toss into the helicopter bomb for the pin at 5:12.
We look back at Carmella vs. Bayley from two weeks ago with Eva Marie and Nia Jax attacking until Asuka made the save.
Carmella and Bayley are ready for Eva and Nia tonight. They're friends now but Carmella wants another shot at the title. Bayley isn't worried about Asuka, even though she's going to be a threat down the line.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bull Dempsey
Bull takes 40 seconds to get his shirt off and we get some jumping jacks before any contact. Ciampa wants a test of strength but is quickly run over, setting up a rolling backsplash from Bull. Back up and Ciampa easily drops him with some hard shots and he rips at Bull's face. Ciampa starts cranking on the arm but misses a charge in the corner, allowing Bull to fire off the left hands. Not that it matters as a Fujiwara Armbar with Ciampa flipping over onto Bull's back is good for the submission at 4:18.
Joe says the announcement means Sami has to suffer twice and that's just fine with him.
Sami sounds a bit nervous about the two out of three falls match but this is why he came back from the shoulder injury. He's ready though because his goal is to be the first ever two time NXT Champion.
Carmella/Bayley vs. Nia Jax/Eva Marie
Carmella starts with some Thesz Presses and left hands to Eva, followed by a double suplex to give Bayley a quick two. That means it's time for Nia to throw Bayley around and easily block a rollup attempt. Eva comes back in and is booed out of the arena, only to have Bayley take her down like the easy target that she is.
We take a break and come back with Carmella holding Eva in a headlock on the mat. Eva gets up and makes the tag off to Nia, who plants Carmella with a shoulder breaker. It's back to Eva for her grunting based offense, including a choke in the corner. Something like a cobra clutch from Nia keeps the villains in control and she swings Carmella around with ease.
Nia misses a charge and falls out to the floor though, allowing the hot tag to Bayley. The running elbows in the corner have Eva in trouble (like, more trouble than her trying to work a match) but Nia breaks up the cover off the Bayley to Belly. Carmella comes back in for her leg crossface with Nia making another save. Jax drops three straight legs on Carmella, allowing Eva to get the pin at 11:34.
Regal and Balor are in the back with the boss talking about how Balor is approaching the longest reign in NXT Title history. Therefore, next week he'll be facing Neville. No word on if that's a title match or not.
Results
American Alpha b. Blake and Murphy – Grand Amplitude to Blake
Apollo Crews b. Christopher Girard – Helicopter Bomb
Tommaso Ciampa b. Bull Dempsey – Fujiwara Armbar
Eva Marie/Nia Jax b. Bayley/Carmella – Eva pinned Carmella after three legdrops from Jax
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: February 25, 2016
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
We're getting close to Wrestlemania in a hurry and things are really starting to change. This past Monday saw the return of Shane McMahon and the announcement of his match against Undertaker of all people inside the Cell at the biggest show of the year. Other than that we have what seems like the face HHH vs. the heel Roman Reigns for the World Title coming up. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the main event of Fastlane and the post match staredown with Reigns vs. HHH.
Here's HHH for a rare Smackdown appearance to open things up. He gets things going by quoting some Rolling Stones with a little Sympathy for the Devil. HHH talks about how Monday left no doubt in Roman Reigns' mind about what's coming for him at Wrestlemania and we see a long clip of the attack on Reigns to end the show.
We see a picture of Reigns after his surgery, which HHH says is a man who has been humbled. You see HHH in a suit right now but make no mistake about it: he is the authority. Everyone wants to rebel and HHH has even been there himself but there's no point to it. Instead you bow your head and you go to work to do your job. Either accept the authority or let your soul go to waste.
HHH has had to walk over a lot of people to get where he is. Reigns has the sweat part down and HHH knows Roman is good. He saw the blood on Monday, which just leaves the tears. HHH will save those for Wrestlemania when he humbles Roman once and for all because he's the Game and that's what he does as the Game, the Cerebral Assassin and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. This didn't fix everything but it's the best promo these guys have done for their match so far.
League of Nations vs. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler and Barrett get things going with the King making his first actual in ring appearance in weeks. Everything breaks down less than a minute in with the Dragons diving on Del Rio and Rusev. Alberto kicks them both down as Ziggler DDT's Barrett, only to get taken down by Sheamus and Rusev as we take a break.
Back with Del Rio giving Ziggler a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Rusev mocks Ziggler's attempts to tag his partners before bringing Sheamus back in for a suplex. Ziggler comes back with a superkick (of course) and Lawler is suddenly a League fan. The hot tag brings in Neville to clean house with a running clothesline and a basement dropkick to Barrett before heading up top. Sheamus tries to make a save so Neville dives over him with a 450 for a near fall. The Dragons take out Rusev as Neville hits a Red Arrow on Barrett. Del Rio makes the save but eats a superkick, followed by the Brogue Kick to put Neville away at 8:22.
Kevin Owens talks about seeing Dean Ambrose take a beating on Monday and then come back to face Brock Lesnar again. It inspired him so much that Ambrose deserves an Intercontinental Title shot. However, Ambrose isn't here tonight so that's just too bad. There's no one left for Owens to beat so he has the night off, which brings in Big Show. Owens makes some retirement jokes until Show grabs him by the shirt and threatens to KO KO.
D-Von Dudley vs. Jimmy Uso
Before the match, Bubba goes on his same rant about not being a nostalgia act because they're the nine time WWE Tag Team Champions. D-Von promises that they'll be doing whatever they have to do to prove that they're the greatest tag team of all time whether you like it or not. Jimmy starts fast with a series of kicks before going up top. Bubba distracts the referee with a table though, allowing him to shove Jimmy off the top. D-Von gets a rollup for the pin at 53 seconds in a storyline segment.
Long recap of Shane McMahon returning on Monday.
Undertaker will be on Raw to address everything.
Chris Jericho talks to AJ Styles about being being partners and potentially Tag Team Champions. They need a third man for a six man tag against New Day later, so here's Mark Henry to say he'd love to teach those three clowns a lesson.
Godfather Hall of Fame announcement.
Video of Ryback walking out on his partners on Monday, saying it was time for things to be about him.
Big Show vs. Kevin Owens
Non-title. Owens goes right after him to start and is promptly knocked into the corner. A shot to the throat puts Show down and the backsplash gets two. The near fall ticks Show off and he chops away in the corner, sending Owens out to the floor for a breather. Back in and a chokeslam sends Kevin right back to the floor. For some reason Show goes up, only to get crotched out to the floor for a countout at 3:05.
Natalya vs. Becky Lynch
They shake hands to start and Natalya takes her down with a headlock. Becky fights up with a dropkick but she misses the spinning legdrop. A suplex sends Becky outside but here are Naomi and Tamina to lay Natalya out for the DQ at 1:58.
Sasha Banks runs out for the save and the villains are cleared out. Cue Charlotte to laugh about Becky vs. Sasha for the #1 contendership taking place on Monday. She'll be in the front row and wishes both of them the best of luck.
R-Truth vs. Heath Slater
Before the match, Goldust comes out to stand in a neutral corner despite the GOLDEN TRUTH chants. They start with some basic stuff until Truth puts the brakes on and thrusts his hips. Some forearms give Truth the first advantage but Slater comes back with a running knee. Truth gets pulled to the mat by the hair, only to catch Slater with a jumping side kick to the head. Dallas offers a quick distraction but Goldust punches Slater into a backslide to give Truth the pin at 3:10.
Post match Truth still doesn't want help but is a bit nicer about it.
Video on Brock and Ambrose from Raw.
New Day vs. Mark Henry/AJ Styles/Chris Jericho
Before the match, New Day rips on the League of Nations a bit more but then switches over to Y2AJ. As for tonight though, Kofi is stunned that Mark Henry still thinks he's the World's Strongest Man. They jump back to insulting Jericho and Styles, who will never be the WWE Tag Team Champions (dance time) because NEW DAY ROCKS.
Big E. shoulders Jericho down to start but it's quickly off to Henry for a staredown. Some headbutts stagger Big E. and a shoulder puts him down. Henry clotheslines Woods and Kingston out to the floor and his partners add dives. The heroes dance (nice to see AJ getting to show some personality) and we take a break.
Back with Jericho chopping Woods to draw some screams. AJ hits a backbreaker and brings Jericho in again for the springboard dropkick. The distraction lets Big E. take over though as he drops Jericho face first onto the buckle for two. The Unicorn Stampede sets up some tromboning and we get a dance from Big E. Saxton: “When Big E. dances it looks like a penguin in a hula hoop contest.”
Kofi puts Jericho in a chinlock and avoids a dropkick to keep Chris in trouble. Big E.'s Warrior Splash and a Woods legdrop get two, followed by the abdominal stretch. The Big Ending doesn't work though and Jericho makes the tag to Styles as everything speeds up. The moonsault into the reverse DDT (still botched a bit but it was closer this time) drops Woods and everything breaks down. Trouble in Paradise hits Henry but Jericho takes a bullet for AJ in a nice moment of friendship. AJ grabs the Calf Crusher to make Woods tap at 11:19.
Results
League of Nations b. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler – Brogue Kick to Neville
D-Von Dudley b. Jimmy Uso – Rollup
Kevin Owens b. Big Show via countout
Natalya b. Becky Lynch via DQ when Tamina and Naomi interfered
R-Truth b. Heath Slater – Backslide
AJ Styles/Chris Jericho/Mark Henry b. New Day – Calf Crusher to Woods
Friday
Davey Richards has torn his ACL and will be out of action 6-9 months.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
New Day b. Lucha Dragons/Neville – Trouble in Paradise to Cara
Usos b. Ascension – Superfly Splash to Viktor
Chris Jericho/AJ Styles b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Walls of Jericho to Axel
Wyatt Family b. Kane/Big Show/Ryback – Sister Abigail to Kane
Sasha Banks b. Naomi – Bank Statement
Roman Reigns b. Sheamus via DQ when HHH interfered
Impact Wrestling
Beer Money b. Eric Young/Bram – DWI to Bram
Trevor Lee b. Tigre Uno – Fisherman's buster
Dollhouse b. Gail Kim/Velvet Sky – Package piledriver onto a chair to Kim
Odarg the Great b. Eli Drake – Odarg escaped the cage
Matt Hardy b. Ethan Carter III – Hardy escaped the cage
NXT
American Alpha b. Blake and Murphy – Grand Amplitude to Blake
Apollo Crews b. Christopher Girard – Helicopter Bomb
Tommaso Ciampa b. Bull Dempsey – Fujiwara Armbar
Eva Marie/Nia Jax b. Bayley/Carmella – Eva pinned Carmella after three legdrops from Jax
Smackdown
League of Nations b. Lucha Dragons/Neville/Dolph Ziggler – Brogue Kick to Neville
D-Von Dudley b. Jimmy Uso – Rollup
Kevin Owens b. Big Show via countout
Natalya b. Becky Lynch via DQ when Tamina and Naomi interfered
R-Truth b. Heath Slater – Backslide
AJ Styles/Chris Jericho/Mark Henry b. New Day – Calf Crusher to Woods