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Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Monday Night Raw
Date: April 11, 2016
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
Things have changed a bit now as we're past Wrestlemania weekend and back to the normal way of life around here. AJ Styles is the new #1 contender to WWE World Champion Roman Reigns and we have Shane McMahon as the new temporary boss of the show. It should be interesting to see where that goes but you never know if anything is actually going to happen. Let's get to it.
The show is dedicated to the memory of Blackjack Mulligan.
Here's Shane McMahon to get things going, unfortunately suggesting that the new regime means more talking. He gets right to the point: tonight we're starting a tournament for the #1 contendership to the Tag Team Titles. On top of that, AJ Styles is going to be facing Roman Reigns at some point in the future. That's quite the opportunity. Another opportunity will be given tonight as AJ Styles will be facing Sami Zayn. If Zayn wins, he's added to the World Title match at Payback.
This brings out Kevin Owens to say that he's getting ripped off because Shane has a few screws loose after diving off that Cell. Shane says Owens has blown his opportunities but Owens sees it as being ripped off over and over. Kevin wants his rematch at the Intercontinental Title so Shane is willing to give Owens a chance, if he can win a match tonight. The winner will get a title shot at the Miz, presumably at Payback.
Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
Winner gets Miz for the Intercontinental Title. Owens bails to the ropes to start and heads outside for an early breather. A headlock has Cesaro in trouble but Owens gets shoved outside again. Back in and Owens realizes that Cesaro has a big bandage on his shoulder and grabs a wristlock followed by an armbar. This turns into a discussion of the Authority with JBL brow beating Byron about how awesome HHH and Stephanie are. Cesaro comes back with the running European uppercuts and a dropkick for two. Owens sends him shoulder first into the post though and we take a break.
Back with Owens kicking him in the arm to break up the Swing before rolling through a high cross body into a crossface. Cesaro rolls into the ropes but Owens pops up to the top for a great looking frog splash and a near fall. The Pop Up Powerbomb is countered though (possibly due to Owens shouting about how it's over) with Cesaro scoring a springboard uppercut. The shoulder gives out on the Swing though and Owens sends the arm into the buckle. Another attempt at the powerbomb is countered with a hurricanrana though and Cesaro grabs the Neutralizer for the pin and the title shot at 14:50.
We look back at Natalya getting in Charlotte's face last week.
Charlotte is ranting about how she should be on Legends With JBL instead of defending against someone like Natalya. This brings in Dr. Phil to say that Ric is holding her back and now letting her be who she is. Phil wants her to stand on her own two feet and be her own woman. This results in a WOO off with Ric. Words cannot describe how forced Phil felt here.
Shane ejects Owens from the building to prevent him from screwing over Sami later.
Here's New Day to talk about the tag team tournament. Much like a game of NBA Jam, this division is on fire. Woods shows us the following brackets:
Usos
Social Outcasts
Golden Truth
Vaudevillains
Enzo/Big Cass
Ascension
Lucha Dragons
Dudley Boyz
They'll be at ringside for at least the first match.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Lucha Dragons vs. Dudley Boyz
This is joined in progress but we come back with Kalisto down on the floor and being attended to by medics. D-Von attacks Sin Cara anyway and we see a clip from the break of Kalisto being sent hard to the floor and taking a hard clothesline from D-Von to cause the injury. We get things going with the Dudleyz attacking Cara from behind, setting up a quick 3D at 2:04 shown.
Post match here are Enzo and Cass to draw a HOW YOU DOIN chant. Enzo says the catchphrases but the Dudleyz cut them off to say they're the kind of team that paved the way for Enzo and Cass. D-Von: “We're the reason you guys exist.” Enzo: “No the reason I exist is my mom and dad got it on, how you doin.” Cass says they're putting holes in the ground so Bubba and D-Von need to put on their hard hats and get back to work because they're SAWFT.
Owens leaves the arena.
Here's Roman Reigns with something to say, including the “I'm the guy” sequence. Roman talks about tonight's match for the #1 contendership, which doesn't matter because he's going to be champion for a long time. This brings out the League of Nations with Sheamus asking how confident Reigns would be if he was fighting one of them for the title. Rusev calls himself the best looking man in the WWE and Del Rio does his usual insults.
The fight is on and here are the Wyatts of all people for the save. The League is quickly out and we've got the Wyatts staring Reigns down. Before this goes anywhere, Shane comes out and says that tonight it's any two members of the League vs. Roman/Bray. BUT I THOUGHT BRAY WAS BURIED AT WRESTLEMANIA! HOW CAN HE BE IN THE MAIN EVENT EIGHT DAYS LATER????? THE INTERNET CAN'T BE WRONG ABOUT THIS STUFF!!!!!
Primo and Epico send their greetings from Puerto Rico.
Women's Title: Natalya vs. Charlotte
Charlotte is defending and Dr. Phil is at ringside. Natalya tries a choke to start but gets countered into a spinebuster, only to go for an armbar instead. That sends Charlotte bailing to the floor, followed by the stepover into the basement dropkick back inside. Back in and Charlotte starts dropping some knees before choking with the leg across the throat as we take a break.
Back with Charlotte doing those headscissor face pounds before putting on the Figure Four. That goes nowhere so Charlotte puts on a Sharpshooter but Natalya rolls through for the break. A release German suplex sets up the discus lariat but Charlotte punches her in the face to break up the Sharpshooter. Charlotte kicks her in the face for two more, only to miss a moonsault. Now the Sharpshooter goes on but Ric tries to get in. That goes nowhere so Ric pulls the referee out, just as Charlotte taps, drawing the DQ at 11:00.
Dr. Phil is disappointed.
We look back at Kevin Owens attacking Sami Zayn last week.
Sami says he didn't come this far to lose because he's the underdog from the underground. This brings in AJ Styles to say he agrees with all that, but he's the only #1 contender and that's how things are staying.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Usos vs. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel
Jimmy works on Axel's arm to start before it's off to Jey who seems to injury his arm/shoulder early on. Jey gets stomped down in the corner and it's back to Axel for a chinlock. Slater comes in as the referee sounds like he said to go home. Heath clotheslines Jey down and it's time for the Bo Train so Jimmy gets the tag and rolls up Slater for the pin at 4:21.
Post match the BULLET CLUB (Luke Gallows/Karl Anderson) debuts to beat the Usos down. Jey is sent shoulder first into the steps a few times as the fans are VERY pleased with the debut. They leave through the crowd as security forces them out.
Miz and Maryse are in the back with the latter yelling at a production assistant for having blue M&M's and American water. JoJo comes in and gets yelled at too but Miz brags about his car and calls himself Cesaro's Kryptonite. The last line requires two takes until Cesaro interrupts. Cesaro promises to roll out the red carpet version of all his uppercuts at Payback. Miz tries some water, causing Maryse to freak out that it's domestic.
Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles
If Sami wins, he's added to the World Title match at Payback. AJ goes after the taped arm to start but Sami reverses into some rollups. Sami jumps over him and snaps off some armdrags into an armbar and it's a standoff. That's fine with AJ who suplexes him down a few times, only to get chopped HARD in the corner. The dropdown into the dropkick gives AJ his first real advantage and we hit the quickly broken chinlock.
Zayn goes to the floor and eats a stiff knee to the face for two back inside. Back in and Sami knocks AJ right back to the floor for the big flip dive and we take a break. We come back with Sami fighting out of a chinlock, only to eat the seated forearm. The AA onto the knee gets two for Styles but Sami pops back up with the high cross body for two. A tornado DDT connects for two more as they're just trading big moves here.
The half and half suplex is countered with the Pele but the Phenomenal Forearm is countered into the Blue Thunder Bomb for the hottest near fall in the business from a move that has never won a match. AJ rolls into the Calf Crusher but Sami finally gets over to the ropes. With nothing else working, AJ loads up a super sunset powerbomb, only to have Sami backflip out. The Helluva Kick misses though and the Phenomenal Forearm puts Sami away at 16:50.
Shane congratulates Sami and AJ on a great match.
It's time for the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho and a surprise special guest. Jericho tells us to shut up and enjoy the greatness that is himself before talking about all the people he's beaten. Cue Dean Ambrose who gets in trouble for touching the potted plant. Dean has something from Shane and gives Jericho a piece of paper. Jericho: “This is a California speeding ticket.” Dean: “Oh wait I need that for later.”
Apparently the gift from Shane is a note saying that the Highlight Reel has been canceled and replaced by the Ambrose Asylum. Dean even has a tie for the special occasion. Dean asks Jericho about losing last week and a brawl breaks out, capped off by Dean hitting Dirty Deeds to leave Chris laying.
R-Truth is in the back when Goldust comes in to see him. Goldust asks about the audition that Truth promised him for tonight but now they're in a tag team tournament. Truth says that is the audition and wants to know whose bright idea this was. Cue Dr. Phil (drawing a lot of booing) to say something but he just walks away instead.
Apollo Crews vs. Adam Rose
They run the ropes to start until Crews does a standing moonsault and clotheslines Rose to the floor. Rose clotheslines him down for two, only to lose a battle over a suplex. Dallas tries to offer a distraction but Crews just hits the toss powerbomb for the pin at 3:32.
Video on Baron Corbin.
Bray says Roman can trust him.
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt vs. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio
Bray insists that he start for his team and takes Sheamus into the corner, setting up a quick spider walk. Reigns tags himself in and helps stomp away, only to get booed out of the building. It's back to Bray for the cheering but Sheamus gives him a quick Irish Curse to set up a top rope double stomp from Del Rio for two. A chinlock goes nowhere so it's back to Reigns for the hot tag (because of the crowd heat) and a boot to Sheamus' face.
Sheamus tied him up for the ten forearms, only to have Del Rio kick him in the ribs to break up a comeback attempt. The fans count along with Sheamus before it's off to Del Rio. The top rope double stomp is broken up with a situp (thank you), only to have Sheamus break up the comeback. Roman drops Sheamus again and looks over at Bray before making the hot tag to Wyatt for the big comeback. A release Rock Bottom drops Del Rio and the running cross body gets two with Sheamus making the save.
Roman knocks Sheamus outside but the Superman Punch is knocked out of the air. Rusev kicks Bray in the head and the Backstabber gets two on Bray. Thank goodness for that as they had me thinking they were going to have him lose his first match as a face. Cue the Wyatts to take out Rusev and have a standoff with Del Rio. Alberto slides back in and eats Sister Abigail for the pin at 11:00.
Bray and the Family stares at Roman to end the show.
Results
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens – Neutralizer
Dudley Boyz b. Lucha Dragons – 3D to Cara
Natalya b. Charlotte via DQ when Ric Flair interfered
Usos b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Rollup to Slater
AJ Styles b. Sami Zayn – Phenomenal Forearm
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt b. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio – Sister Abigail to Del Rio
Tuesday
Kalisto was not injured last night on Raw and he is schedule to work the international tour.
Balls Mahoney passed away at the age of 44. No cause of death is known yet.
Impact Wrestling
Date: April 12, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: D'Angelo Dinero, Josh Matthews
Things have picked up a little bit in recent weeks around here after a strong showing last week. The big story continues to be the imminent Tyrus title shot but first we need to get through Matt vs. Jeff, which is still the biggest feud in the promotion despite Drew Galloway being World Champion. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Matt Hardy losing to Drew Galloway last week.
Here's the Matt Hardy Brand to open things up. Matt insults the fans that paid to see him (even though they don't charge for tickets) and says every dollar in his bank accounts was built on the Hardy name. However, there's a ball and chain around his ankle and it's named Jeff Hardy. Jeff comes out and says the title is bigger than any one of them because it means who is the best in this business.
Matt claims that he's carried Jeff over the years and has he's tired of seeing Jeff ruin their name. Therefore, Matt wants Jeff to go off and do his paintings or music or whatever and leave the Hardy name behind forever. Jeff says no to a match over the name (seriously) but the only thing that really scares him is Reby's crazy genes infecting the family tree. Apparently the fight is on.
Tag Team Titles: Beer Money vs. BroMans vs. Decay vs. Eric Young/Bram
Beer Money is defending and this is one fall to a finish. It's a huge brawl to start with Storm heading outside to ride around on the Boozer Cruiser and hit Bram low. Back in and Bram takes the double suplex which means it's time for the opening bell. It gets annoying to have all that brawling before the match actually starts with none of it really counting.
Anyway Young works on Roode to start before Abyss tags himself in, only to chokeslam his partner onto Bobby for two. Young comes in again and decks Storm but walks into a backdrop for two. Robbie gets the tag instead and it's a BroDown to set up the Adonis Lock on Eric with Abyss making the save. Everything breaks down and Robbie dives onto Bram and Steve. Young hits Bram by mistake and it's the Last Call on Eric to retain the titles at 4:54.
Matt comes up to Jeff and says the match is on for next week but he wants it to be an I Quit match. Jeff has no problem with this but wants a tag match tonight with the stipulations on the line. If Matt and Tyrus win then it's I Quit. If Jeff and his mystery partner win, it's Full Metal Mayhem. So now the main event is a Hardy vs. Hardy match to determine the stipulations of the next Hardy vs. Hardy match.
Eddie Edwards has been attacked in the back.
Here's Maria to say it's time for the genesis of the new Knockouts division. Maria asks Jade to come out here and hand over the title to its rightful owner. That's not cool with Jade because the champ calls the shot in the division, but here's Gail Kim to interrupt. We get the traditional “you have to work for this” thing before Maria laughs at the Knockouts and how they're all barking at her.
This brings out Brooke and Marti Belle to say they run this place, followed by the Beautiful People with Velvet saying they're the OG Knockouts. Madison says she knows how to lead, which Velvet doesn't quite get. Maria thinks the division needs a leader so here's Billy Corrgan to again explain that he has authority around here. He's been talking to Dixie and in a week there's going to be one big match over leadership of the division. For tonight though, Madison gets a title shot. Everyone brawls and Maria leaves.
EC3 doesn't think Mike Bennett is a miracle but he's certainly talented. Tonight though, Bennett takes a beating.
Here are Shane Helms and Trevor Lee with something to say. Apparently Lee was going to fight Eddie Edwards but that surprise attack has changed plans. There's a replacement though.
Trevor Lee vs. DJZ
Non-title for whatever reason. DJZ starts fast and snaps off a headscissors before hitting a big flip dive over the top to take Trevor out. A tornado DDT looks to put Lee away but Shane offers a distraction, allowing Trevor to load up his fisherman's DDT. DJZ is ready though and grabs a small package for the pin at 2:59.
Post match Edwards runs out to save DJZ from a post match beatdown.
Bennett promises to beat Carter tonight.
Drew Galloway will be Jeff's partner tonight.
Mike Bennett vs. Ethan Carter III
Carter takes him down and hammers away to start before cranking on the arm for some chops. They head outside with Bennett not being able to suplex him onto the ramp, only to have Carter give him one instead. Back in and Maria rakes the eyes while Bennett chokes on the ropes to give Mike his first real advantage.
Carter fights back but Bennett grabs the ropes to block an Irish whip. A jumping Downward Spiral gets two for Ethan and the TK3 gets the same with Maria having to put Mike's foot on the rope. Ethan gives chase but walks into a cutter for no cover. Instead Bennett brings in a chair, which Carter takes away and uses on Bennett for the DQ at 7:28.
We look back at Al Snow beating down Mahabali Shera and Grado two weeks back.
Snow is willing to apologize tonight.
Al Snow is in the ring to talk about what he did two weeks ago and apologize. All he wanted to do was make sure that some young talent paid some dues. Cue Shera to get in Snow's face and yell about how his friend is in the hospital. Snow says he's been doing this a long time and it's all he knows. Back in his day, you had to earn your way in here and that's what he wanted to happen again.
When he was 19, he was beaten in the back of the head so many times that he went blind in one eye for over an hour. Snow was trying to relive those old days and maybe it was out of jealousy but he's going to pay for all of Grado's medical bills. Al agrees to try and do better and offers to mentor Grado and Shera. That's fine with Shera and they go to leave, only to have Snow send him into the steps over and over. The segment worked well enough but was there NO ONE besides Al Snow that could play this role? No one at all?
Drew is getting ready when Tyrus comes in and suggests that Drew get a bodyguard. Bad things happen to good people and he can have his title shot anytime he wants, which makes him very dangerous.
Knockouts Title: Jade vs. Madison Rayne
Madison is defending and gets an early two count off a rollup. Jade comes back with a hard shot to the face and something like a reverse DDT for two. A release northern lights suplex gets the same on Madison but she comes back with a kick to the head for a breather. Some hard chops have Jade in trouble and a discus forearm sets up a loud screech. Jade shrugs them off though and avoids a high cross body, followed by an STO to retain at 5:15.
Matt Hardy/Tyrus vs. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway
If Matt's team wins, next week is an I Quit match but if Jeff's team wins, next week is Full Metal Mayhem. Tyrus and Jeff get things going but things quickly break down with Drew and Jeff cleaning house. Drew isn't quite Jeff as he tries some Poetry in Motion but it's enough to have them in control as we take a break. Back with Matt pounding Drew down in the corner, followed by Tyrus stomping on Drew's hand.
We hit the camel clutch for a bit, followed by a belly to belly for two on the champ. Drew avoids a charge in the corner and it's a double tag to the brothers Hardy. Jeff beats Matt down with ease and gets two off a backslide. Matt rolls away before the Swanton is launched though so Jeff dives onto Tyrus instead. A quick Claymore drops Tyrus but Reby slips Matt a hammer, which goes upside Jeff's chin. Somehow this doesn't kill him so Matt hits a quick Twist of Fate for the pin at 11:54.
Post match the losers are in the ring when Lashley comes in for some spears to Galloway.
Results
Beer Money b. Decay, BroMans and Eric Young/Bram – Last Call to Young
DJZ b. Trevor Lee – Small package
Mike Bennett b. Ethan Carter III via DQ when Carter used a chair
Jade b. Madison Rayne – STO
Matt Hardy/Tyrus b. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway – Twist of Fate to Jeff
Wednesday
NXT
Date: April 13, 2016
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
We're back to normal now after Takeover: Dallas but we'll be seeing some the action from Wrestlemania Axxess where about four weeks of shows were taped. This is going to include some TV debuts and potentially the fallout from the big show, though there's a good chance a lot of that will be included in backstage segments. Let's get to it.
Commissioner William Regal runs down some of tonight's big events, including Shinsuke Nakamura's TV debut.
Opening sequence.
The camera is a little different here as the hard camera is opposite the entrance. Other than that it looks like a regular setup, despite Axxess taking place just a few feet away.
Austin Aries vs. Angelo Dawkins
The fans are behind Aries here of course. Dawkins quickly takes off his headband but gets taken to the mat and ridden a bit. A hard shoulder puts the much smaller Aries down but he snaps off some armdrags to take over. Dawkins throws him down and stomps away before slapping on a front facelock. This sets up a lot of yelling about Dawkins' Island, the meaning of which I'm sure will be covered later. Back up and Dawkins misses a charge in the corner, allowing Aries to start in with those hard forearms. The neckbreaker over the middle rope sets up a roaring elbow for the pin on Dawkins at 4:15.
Samoa Joe says nothing has changed and now he wants Apollo Crews next week.
No Way Jose is coming next week.
Alexa Bliss vs. Tessa Blanchard
Tessa is of course the daughter of Tully. Bliss takes her down to the mat to start but gets kneed in the face for two. Back up and Alexa drops her again, allowing Bliss to stand on her back for Graves calls a Tony Hawk. We hit the cravate for a bit before Bliss loads up a slap. Tessa blocks it though and shouts I DON'T THINK SO in a Stephanie style screech. Alexa is done with this though and grabs Blanchard by the throat while giving us the best crazy eyes I've seen since Edge retired. A shove Tessa down and a standing moonsault into knees to the chest gives Alexa the pin at 3:52.
Finn Balor is ready for any challenger as the new #1 contender. He'll be sticking around for Nakamura's in ring debut. That's really the only option right now but it still seems a little soon.
Tommaso Ciampa/Johnny Gargano vs. Vaudevillains
Gargano armdrags Gotch into an armbar to start before it's quickly off to Ciampa who takes English's head off for two. Everything breaks down for a bit and Gargano gets double teamed on the floor to give the Vaudevillains their first real advantage. Gotch works on the arm and tags in English, who comes in between the bottom and middle rope. I've never seen a male wrestler come in that way unless he was injured.
Gargano knees Gotch off the apron and quickly crawls over to Tommaso for the hot tag. A hanging downward spiral (think Randy Orton) gets two on English but Gotch makes a blind tag to come in. The rollup doesn't work though and the flip over armbar makes Simon tap at 5:03 in a big upset.
Tye Dillinger says Nakamura is great but tonight Nakamura is competing against him, not the other way around. Tonight Nakamura is being sent back to Japan. Dillinger leaves but comes back to give interviewer Rich Brennan a 3.
Baron Corbin vs. Tucker Knight
Corbin takes him into the corner for some right hands to start but Knight gets in a nice dropkick and a Thesz press. Back up and End of Days puts Knight away at 1:57. Nothing to see here.
American Alpha stood in the empty convention center wearing their new titles earlier today when Enzo and Cass showed up to praise the new champions. They'd also like a match, which doesn't even need to be for the titles. Jordan and Gable seem to agree with the idea.
Bayley vs. Liv Morgan
Wristlocks are exchanged to start as the fans sing the HEY WE WANT SOME BAYLEY song. Morgan does a Matrix move to avoid a clothesline, only to get elbowed in the back. The fans think Bayley is going to hug her but Morgan grabs an ankle scissors to take over. A bulldog sets up a monkey flip, only to have Bayley counter a whip into the Bayley to Belly for the pin at 3:24.
Post match Bayley says she was beaten by a better woman but the fans make her want to keep standing and be champion again.
Tye Dillinger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
The chants are almost split to start but Nakamura's fans cut off Tye's with a HE'S ELEVEN chant. Tye armdrags him down and holds up the ten fingers, which fascinate Nakamura for some reason. He even asks the referee about it but Tye tells him to bring it, which you just don't do to this guy. Back up and Nakamura takes him to the ropes before casually putting his head on Tye's chest. That gets a ten from Shinsuke and an offer to bring it.
The fans already say it's awesome and while I get the sentiment, could you save that for more than two minutes into a glorified squash? Tye gets two off a good looking superkick and we hit the chinlock. Graves has to mock the fans for failing to chant ELEVEN in rhythm as Shinsuke starts his comeback. We get the kicks to the chest and head, including the shaking stomp in the corner. The Kinshasa puts Dillinger away at 5:14.
Results
Austin Aries b. Angelo Dawkins – Roaring elbow
Alexa Bliss b. Tessa Blanchard – Moonsault knees to the chest
Johnny Gargano/Tomasso Ciampa b. Vaudevillains – Flip over armbar to Gotch
Baron Corbin b. Tucker Knight – End of Days
Bayley b. Liv Morgan – Bayley to Belly
Shinsuke Nakamura b. Tye Dillinger – Kinshasa
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: April 13, 2016
Location: Valley View Casino, San Diego, California
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
It's going to be an interesting week as most of the roster is off on the international tour. However we have some fresh names tonight in the Vaudevillains who debuted last week and the even fresher team of Enzo and Big Cass, both of whom will be in the tag team tournament tonight. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Del Rio vs. Styles and Jericho vs. Zayn tonight, both for the first time ever.
Maryse introduces the Miz for MizTV. Miz calls her the love of his life and the only woman worthy of being his wife. It seems that Maryse is the guest this week as Miz asks what it's like to be married to him. That would be perfection with Maryse calling Miz an a-lister and a role model for children around the world. Miz actually gets on his knee in front of her to promise holidays with Leo in St. Bart's, which Maryse calls the real life People Magazine.
This leads to them making out, only to be interrupted by Zack Ryder because he doesn't seem to get that it's over. Ryder asks Maryse what it's like to be married to someone who wears more makeup than her. Yeah the title might be gone but Ryder is looking forward to seeing Cesaro take the title from Miz at Payback. This sets up a challenge for a title match right now but apparently Ryder already has a match tonight. For some reason Miz knows this and Ryder doesn't.
Zack Ryder vs. Baron Corbin
Corbin throws Ryder around like the jobber that he is to start before sending him out to the apron. Whatever springboard move Ryder was trying is knocked out of the air with a single punch as the announcers put Corbin's battle royal win over very hard. We hit the chinlock on Ryder, followed by a northern lariat (correctly called by Ranallo). Zack gets in a middle rope dropkick for his hope spot but the Broski Boot doesn't work. Instead the End of Days puts Ryder away at 3:12.
Post match Corbin goes after Ryder again but Dolph Ziggler runs out for the save. I'm assuming that's Corbin's first major win.
Kevin Owens mocks Renee Young and threatens to get involved in Zayn vs. Jericho. His advice is to have Renee go ask Sami if there's any insight as to what's going to happen in the main event.
Emma vs. Paige
Paige gets a jobber entrance. The announcers make various unfunny jokes and puns as Paige takes Emma into the corner to start, only to get caught in a rollup to send her head first into the bottom buckle. Emma stomps away in the corner and we hit a seated full nelson as Ranallo actually brings up the Fabulous Kangaroos. Paige kicks away and gets two off a running knee to the chest. Some right hands in the corner are broken up with Emma dropping Paige face first onto the top turnbuckle.....for the pin at 3:16.
We recap the first two tournament matches and the debut of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.
We look back at Bray Wyatt teaming with Roman Reigns on Monday. I guess we can call that the first shovel of dirt out of Bray's grave after Rock buried him eight days prior. You know, because he totally did and when you're buried, it's because your career is over. Like, totally over and there's no recovery ever.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady vs. Ascension
Enzo and Cass are WAY over here, as you would expect. Before the match, Enzo talks about how tough a neighborhood they grew up in. It was so tough that they almost got sent to live with their auntie and uncle in Bel-Air. He could think of a million bad things to say about the Ascension but the worst of all is that they're the Ascension. Cass promises to win the titles and declares all of their opponents to be SAWFT.
Enzo and Konnor get things going with a hard shoulder dropping Amore. It's off to Viktor who is quickly sent into the wrong corner, allowing the tag to Big Cass. Enzo gets slammed onto Viktor for two but Konnor knocks Amore off the apron and into the barricade to take over. Back in and Viktor slaps on a chinlock for a bit before avoiding a charge to send Konnor into the post. The hot tag brings in Cass for the house cleaning, including the Empire Elbow to Viktor. Everything breaks down and Konnor gets kicked in the face, followed by the East River Crossing and Rocket Launcher for the pin on Viktor at 4:33.
AJ Styles talks about fighting everywhere to get to the top and now he has to fight Roman Reigns to get to the top of WWE. Alberto Del Rio comes in and says that Del Rio has been fighting for table scraps but tonight we'll get to see if all that hype is real. Del Rio says AJ doesn't belong here and AJ agrees. AJ: “I belong in the ring.”
AJ Styles vs. Alberto Del Rio
In a far too common theme tonight, Del Rio drives him into the corner to start as Ranallo compares AJ vs. Reigns to Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton. Well at least it's not Scott Norton. The feeling out process sets up the dropdown into the dropkick, which you really should see coming if you've ever watched any AJ Styles match.
AJ fires off chops but gets kicked in the chest for two. A top rope ax handle gets two more before AJ sidesteps a charge to send Alberto's shoulder into the post. The running enziguri knocks AJ off the apron and a big dropkicks ends AJ out to the floor again. Back from a break with AJ fighting out of a chinlock, as so often happens when we come back from a break.
The striking sequence drops Del Rio and AJ nips up, followed by the running clothesline in the corner. AJ loads up a pumphandle but gets countered into a Backstabber to leave his mouth hanging open. The low superkick misses though and AJ Pele's him for two. Del Rio gets in a reverse superplex and thankfully doesn't severely hurt AJ by dropping him on his head. Alberto misses the top rope double stomp but avoids the forearm. Instead it's the armbreaker, which is quickly countered into a rollup for the pin on Alberto at 13:55.
Goldust tells R-Truth that Golden Truth won't be a thing tonight. Fandango comes in and announces himself as Goldust's new partner, which means tandem gyrating. Truth doesn't want to join them and looks flabbergasted.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Vaudevillains vs. Goldust/Fandango
English stomps on Goldust to start and a double right hand puts him down. The snap powerslam gets Goldust out of trouble and it's off to Fandango for a comeback that goes nowhere. Well other than into a Whirling Dervish to send the Vaudevillains to the semi-finals that is.
We look back at Dean Ambrose taking over the Highlight Reel and laying Jericho out.
Jericho says he's been beating up amateurs since he got back because people like Styles and Ambrose have no respect for the veterans. He's the greatest of all time and proved it right here in this dump (“Yeah it's a dump!”
when he beat the Rock and Stone Cold in one night. Tonight he'll make Zayn feel the pain because he's the best in the world at what he does.
Greetings From Puerto Rico video.
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho poses to start so Sami rips the skin off his chest with a chop. That sends Jericho outside for a chair through....and here's Kevin Owens. He doesn't get very far down the ramp before Dean Ambrose comes out with fliers for the Ambrose Asylum before sitting in on commentary. Sami finally remembers that a match is going on and rolls Jericho up for two. Dean annoys Jericho with a flier and we take a break.
Back with Owens on commentary as well and actually complimenting Dean on the new show. Jericho knocks Zayn outside and poses a bit before a top rope back elbow gets two. We hit the ASK HIM chinlock as Dean and Owens get in a mini argument, resulting in Owens throwing away his flier. Sami gets a quick two off a high cross body and the climb up the corner tornado DDT gets the same. The Helluva Kick misses though and the Walls go on to put Sami in real trouble.
Ropes are of course reached but Sami's springboard is broken up by a running forearm. Owens and Ambrose are now full on cheerleaders until Jericho runs Dean over and sends him into the barricade. Jericho dives at Sami but hits Owens by mistake before heading back inside. Chris yells at Sami a lot, earning himself an exploder suplex into the corner. The Helluva Kick is loaded up but Owens comes in for the DQ at 15:11.
Sami and Dean clean house to end the show and likely set up a tag match.
Results
Baron Corbin b. Zack Ryder – End of Days
Emma b. Paige – Emma pinned Paige after dropping her onto the top turnbuckle
Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady b. Ascension – Rocket Launcher to Viktor
AJ Styles b. Alberto Del Rio – Rollup
Vaudevillains b. Goldust/Fandango – Whirling Dervish to Fandango
Sami Zayn b. Chris Jericho via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Adam Rose and Konnor have been suspended sixty days for Wellness violations.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens – Neutralizer
Dudley Boyz b. Lucha Dragons – 3D to Cara
Natalya b. Charlotte via DQ when Ric Flair interfered
Usos b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Rollup to Slater
AJ Styles b. Sami Zayn – Phenomenal Forearm
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt b. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio – Sister Abigail to Del Rio
Impact Wrestling
Beer Money b. Decay, BroMans and Eric Young/Bram – Last Call to Young
DJZ b. Trevor Lee – Small package
Mike Bennett b. Ethan Carter III via DQ when Carter used a chair
Jade b. Madison Rayne – STO
Matt Hardy/Tyrus b. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway – Twist of Fate to Jeff
NXT
Austin Aries b. Angelo Dawkins – Roaring elbow
Alexa Bliss b. Tessa Blanchard – Moonsault knees to the chest
Johnny Gargano/Tomasso Ciampa b. Vaudevillains – Flip over armbar to Gotch
Baron Corbin b. Tucker Knight – End of Days
Bayley b. Liv Morgan – Bayley to Belly
Shinsuke Nakamura b. Tye Dillinger – Kinshasa
Smackdown
Baron Corbin b. Zack Ryder – End of Days
Emma b. Paige – Emma pinned Paige after dropping her onto the top turnbuckle
Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady b. Ascension – Rocket Launcher to Viktor
AJ Styles b. Alberto Del Rio – Rollup
Vaudevillains b. Goldust/Fandango – Whirling Dervish to Fandango
Sami Zayn b. Chris Jericho via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Monday Night Raw
Date: April 11, 2016
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
Things have changed a bit now as we're past Wrestlemania weekend and back to the normal way of life around here. AJ Styles is the new #1 contender to WWE World Champion Roman Reigns and we have Shane McMahon as the new temporary boss of the show. It should be interesting to see where that goes but you never know if anything is actually going to happen. Let's get to it.
The show is dedicated to the memory of Blackjack Mulligan.
Here's Shane McMahon to get things going, unfortunately suggesting that the new regime means more talking. He gets right to the point: tonight we're starting a tournament for the #1 contendership to the Tag Team Titles. On top of that, AJ Styles is going to be facing Roman Reigns at some point in the future. That's quite the opportunity. Another opportunity will be given tonight as AJ Styles will be facing Sami Zayn. If Zayn wins, he's added to the World Title match at Payback.
This brings out Kevin Owens to say that he's getting ripped off because Shane has a few screws loose after diving off that Cell. Shane says Owens has blown his opportunities but Owens sees it as being ripped off over and over. Kevin wants his rematch at the Intercontinental Title so Shane is willing to give Owens a chance, if he can win a match tonight. The winner will get a title shot at the Miz, presumably at Payback.
Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
Winner gets Miz for the Intercontinental Title. Owens bails to the ropes to start and heads outside for an early breather. A headlock has Cesaro in trouble but Owens gets shoved outside again. Back in and Owens realizes that Cesaro has a big bandage on his shoulder and grabs a wristlock followed by an armbar. This turns into a discussion of the Authority with JBL brow beating Byron about how awesome HHH and Stephanie are. Cesaro comes back with the running European uppercuts and a dropkick for two. Owens sends him shoulder first into the post though and we take a break.
Back with Owens kicking him in the arm to break up the Swing before rolling through a high cross body into a crossface. Cesaro rolls into the ropes but Owens pops up to the top for a great looking frog splash and a near fall. The Pop Up Powerbomb is countered though (possibly due to Owens shouting about how it's over) with Cesaro scoring a springboard uppercut. The shoulder gives out on the Swing though and Owens sends the arm into the buckle. Another attempt at the powerbomb is countered with a hurricanrana though and Cesaro grabs the Neutralizer for the pin and the title shot at 14:50.
We look back at Natalya getting in Charlotte's face last week.
Charlotte is ranting about how she should be on Legends With JBL instead of defending against someone like Natalya. This brings in Dr. Phil to say that Ric is holding her back and now letting her be who she is. Phil wants her to stand on her own two feet and be her own woman. This results in a WOO off with Ric. Words cannot describe how forced Phil felt here.
Shane ejects Owens from the building to prevent him from screwing over Sami later.
Here's New Day to talk about the tag team tournament. Much like a game of NBA Jam, this division is on fire. Woods shows us the following brackets:
Usos
Social Outcasts
Golden Truth
Vaudevillains
Enzo/Big Cass
Ascension
Lucha Dragons
Dudley Boyz
They'll be at ringside for at least the first match.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Lucha Dragons vs. Dudley Boyz
This is joined in progress but we come back with Kalisto down on the floor and being attended to by medics. D-Von attacks Sin Cara anyway and we see a clip from the break of Kalisto being sent hard to the floor and taking a hard clothesline from D-Von to cause the injury. We get things going with the Dudleyz attacking Cara from behind, setting up a quick 3D at 2:04 shown.
Post match here are Enzo and Cass to draw a HOW YOU DOIN chant. Enzo says the catchphrases but the Dudleyz cut them off to say they're the kind of team that paved the way for Enzo and Cass. D-Von: “We're the reason you guys exist.” Enzo: “No the reason I exist is my mom and dad got it on, how you doin.” Cass says they're putting holes in the ground so Bubba and D-Von need to put on their hard hats and get back to work because they're SAWFT.
Owens leaves the arena.
Here's Roman Reigns with something to say, including the “I'm the guy” sequence. Roman talks about tonight's match for the #1 contendership, which doesn't matter because he's going to be champion for a long time. This brings out the League of Nations with Sheamus asking how confident Reigns would be if he was fighting one of them for the title. Rusev calls himself the best looking man in the WWE and Del Rio does his usual insults.
The fight is on and here are the Wyatts of all people for the save. The League is quickly out and we've got the Wyatts staring Reigns down. Before this goes anywhere, Shane comes out and says that tonight it's any two members of the League vs. Roman/Bray. BUT I THOUGHT BRAY WAS BURIED AT WRESTLEMANIA! HOW CAN HE BE IN THE MAIN EVENT EIGHT DAYS LATER????? THE INTERNET CAN'T BE WRONG ABOUT THIS STUFF!!!!!
Primo and Epico send their greetings from Puerto Rico.
Women's Title: Natalya vs. Charlotte
Charlotte is defending and Dr. Phil is at ringside. Natalya tries a choke to start but gets countered into a spinebuster, only to go for an armbar instead. That sends Charlotte bailing to the floor, followed by the stepover into the basement dropkick back inside. Back in and Charlotte starts dropping some knees before choking with the leg across the throat as we take a break.
Back with Charlotte doing those headscissor face pounds before putting on the Figure Four. That goes nowhere so Charlotte puts on a Sharpshooter but Natalya rolls through for the break. A release German suplex sets up the discus lariat but Charlotte punches her in the face to break up the Sharpshooter. Charlotte kicks her in the face for two more, only to miss a moonsault. Now the Sharpshooter goes on but Ric tries to get in. That goes nowhere so Ric pulls the referee out, just as Charlotte taps, drawing the DQ at 11:00.
Dr. Phil is disappointed.
We look back at Kevin Owens attacking Sami Zayn last week.
Sami says he didn't come this far to lose because he's the underdog from the underground. This brings in AJ Styles to say he agrees with all that, but he's the only #1 contender and that's how things are staying.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Usos vs. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel
Jimmy works on Axel's arm to start before it's off to Jey who seems to injury his arm/shoulder early on. Jey gets stomped down in the corner and it's back to Axel for a chinlock. Slater comes in as the referee sounds like he said to go home. Heath clotheslines Jey down and it's time for the Bo Train so Jimmy gets the tag and rolls up Slater for the pin at 4:21.
Post match the BULLET CLUB (Luke Gallows/Karl Anderson) debuts to beat the Usos down. Jey is sent shoulder first into the steps a few times as the fans are VERY pleased with the debut. They leave through the crowd as security forces them out.
Miz and Maryse are in the back with the latter yelling at a production assistant for having blue M&M's and American water. JoJo comes in and gets yelled at too but Miz brags about his car and calls himself Cesaro's Kryptonite. The last line requires two takes until Cesaro interrupts. Cesaro promises to roll out the red carpet version of all his uppercuts at Payback. Miz tries some water, causing Maryse to freak out that it's domestic.
Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles
If Sami wins, he's added to the World Title match at Payback. AJ goes after the taped arm to start but Sami reverses into some rollups. Sami jumps over him and snaps off some armdrags into an armbar and it's a standoff. That's fine with AJ who suplexes him down a few times, only to get chopped HARD in the corner. The dropdown into the dropkick gives AJ his first real advantage and we hit the quickly broken chinlock.
Zayn goes to the floor and eats a stiff knee to the face for two back inside. Back in and Sami knocks AJ right back to the floor for the big flip dive and we take a break. We come back with Sami fighting out of a chinlock, only to eat the seated forearm. The AA onto the knee gets two for Styles but Sami pops back up with the high cross body for two. A tornado DDT connects for two more as they're just trading big moves here.
The half and half suplex is countered with the Pele but the Phenomenal Forearm is countered into the Blue Thunder Bomb for the hottest near fall in the business from a move that has never won a match. AJ rolls into the Calf Crusher but Sami finally gets over to the ropes. With nothing else working, AJ loads up a super sunset powerbomb, only to have Sami backflip out. The Helluva Kick misses though and the Phenomenal Forearm puts Sami away at 16:50.
Shane congratulates Sami and AJ on a great match.
It's time for the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho and a surprise special guest. Jericho tells us to shut up and enjoy the greatness that is himself before talking about all the people he's beaten. Cue Dean Ambrose who gets in trouble for touching the potted plant. Dean has something from Shane and gives Jericho a piece of paper. Jericho: “This is a California speeding ticket.” Dean: “Oh wait I need that for later.”
Apparently the gift from Shane is a note saying that the Highlight Reel has been canceled and replaced by the Ambrose Asylum. Dean even has a tie for the special occasion. Dean asks Jericho about losing last week and a brawl breaks out, capped off by Dean hitting Dirty Deeds to leave Chris laying.
R-Truth is in the back when Goldust comes in to see him. Goldust asks about the audition that Truth promised him for tonight but now they're in a tag team tournament. Truth says that is the audition and wants to know whose bright idea this was. Cue Dr. Phil (drawing a lot of booing) to say something but he just walks away instead.
Apollo Crews vs. Adam Rose
They run the ropes to start until Crews does a standing moonsault and clotheslines Rose to the floor. Rose clotheslines him down for two, only to lose a battle over a suplex. Dallas tries to offer a distraction but Crews just hits the toss powerbomb for the pin at 3:32.
Video on Baron Corbin.
Bray says Roman can trust him.
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt vs. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio
Bray insists that he start for his team and takes Sheamus into the corner, setting up a quick spider walk. Reigns tags himself in and helps stomp away, only to get booed out of the building. It's back to Bray for the cheering but Sheamus gives him a quick Irish Curse to set up a top rope double stomp from Del Rio for two. A chinlock goes nowhere so it's back to Reigns for the hot tag (because of the crowd heat) and a boot to Sheamus' face.
Sheamus tied him up for the ten forearms, only to have Del Rio kick him in the ribs to break up a comeback attempt. The fans count along with Sheamus before it's off to Del Rio. The top rope double stomp is broken up with a situp (thank you), only to have Sheamus break up the comeback. Roman drops Sheamus again and looks over at Bray before making the hot tag to Wyatt for the big comeback. A release Rock Bottom drops Del Rio and the running cross body gets two with Sheamus making the save.
Roman knocks Sheamus outside but the Superman Punch is knocked out of the air. Rusev kicks Bray in the head and the Backstabber gets two on Bray. Thank goodness for that as they had me thinking they were going to have him lose his first match as a face. Cue the Wyatts to take out Rusev and have a standoff with Del Rio. Alberto slides back in and eats Sister Abigail for the pin at 11:00.
Bray and the Family stares at Roman to end the show.
Results
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens – Neutralizer
Dudley Boyz b. Lucha Dragons – 3D to Cara
Natalya b. Charlotte via DQ when Ric Flair interfered
Usos b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Rollup to Slater
AJ Styles b. Sami Zayn – Phenomenal Forearm
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt b. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio – Sister Abigail to Del Rio
Tuesday
Kalisto was not injured last night on Raw and he is schedule to work the international tour.
Balls Mahoney passed away at the age of 44. No cause of death is known yet.
Impact Wrestling
Date: April 12, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: D'Angelo Dinero, Josh Matthews
Things have picked up a little bit in recent weeks around here after a strong showing last week. The big story continues to be the imminent Tyrus title shot but first we need to get through Matt vs. Jeff, which is still the biggest feud in the promotion despite Drew Galloway being World Champion. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Matt Hardy losing to Drew Galloway last week.
Here's the Matt Hardy Brand to open things up. Matt insults the fans that paid to see him (even though they don't charge for tickets) and says every dollar in his bank accounts was built on the Hardy name. However, there's a ball and chain around his ankle and it's named Jeff Hardy. Jeff comes out and says the title is bigger than any one of them because it means who is the best in this business.
Matt claims that he's carried Jeff over the years and has he's tired of seeing Jeff ruin their name. Therefore, Matt wants Jeff to go off and do his paintings or music or whatever and leave the Hardy name behind forever. Jeff says no to a match over the name (seriously) but the only thing that really scares him is Reby's crazy genes infecting the family tree. Apparently the fight is on.
Tag Team Titles: Beer Money vs. BroMans vs. Decay vs. Eric Young/Bram
Beer Money is defending and this is one fall to a finish. It's a huge brawl to start with Storm heading outside to ride around on the Boozer Cruiser and hit Bram low. Back in and Bram takes the double suplex which means it's time for the opening bell. It gets annoying to have all that brawling before the match actually starts with none of it really counting.
Anyway Young works on Roode to start before Abyss tags himself in, only to chokeslam his partner onto Bobby for two. Young comes in again and decks Storm but walks into a backdrop for two. Robbie gets the tag instead and it's a BroDown to set up the Adonis Lock on Eric with Abyss making the save. Everything breaks down and Robbie dives onto Bram and Steve. Young hits Bram by mistake and it's the Last Call on Eric to retain the titles at 4:54.
Matt comes up to Jeff and says the match is on for next week but he wants it to be an I Quit match. Jeff has no problem with this but wants a tag match tonight with the stipulations on the line. If Matt and Tyrus win then it's I Quit. If Jeff and his mystery partner win, it's Full Metal Mayhem. So now the main event is a Hardy vs. Hardy match to determine the stipulations of the next Hardy vs. Hardy match.
Eddie Edwards has been attacked in the back.
Here's Maria to say it's time for the genesis of the new Knockouts division. Maria asks Jade to come out here and hand over the title to its rightful owner. That's not cool with Jade because the champ calls the shot in the division, but here's Gail Kim to interrupt. We get the traditional “you have to work for this” thing before Maria laughs at the Knockouts and how they're all barking at her.
This brings out Brooke and Marti Belle to say they run this place, followed by the Beautiful People with Velvet saying they're the OG Knockouts. Madison says she knows how to lead, which Velvet doesn't quite get. Maria thinks the division needs a leader so here's Billy Corrgan to again explain that he has authority around here. He's been talking to Dixie and in a week there's going to be one big match over leadership of the division. For tonight though, Madison gets a title shot. Everyone brawls and Maria leaves.
EC3 doesn't think Mike Bennett is a miracle but he's certainly talented. Tonight though, Bennett takes a beating.
Here are Shane Helms and Trevor Lee with something to say. Apparently Lee was going to fight Eddie Edwards but that surprise attack has changed plans. There's a replacement though.
Trevor Lee vs. DJZ
Non-title for whatever reason. DJZ starts fast and snaps off a headscissors before hitting a big flip dive over the top to take Trevor out. A tornado DDT looks to put Lee away but Shane offers a distraction, allowing Trevor to load up his fisherman's DDT. DJZ is ready though and grabs a small package for the pin at 2:59.
Post match Edwards runs out to save DJZ from a post match beatdown.
Bennett promises to beat Carter tonight.
Drew Galloway will be Jeff's partner tonight.
Mike Bennett vs. Ethan Carter III
Carter takes him down and hammers away to start before cranking on the arm for some chops. They head outside with Bennett not being able to suplex him onto the ramp, only to have Carter give him one instead. Back in and Maria rakes the eyes while Bennett chokes on the ropes to give Mike his first real advantage.
Carter fights back but Bennett grabs the ropes to block an Irish whip. A jumping Downward Spiral gets two for Ethan and the TK3 gets the same with Maria having to put Mike's foot on the rope. Ethan gives chase but walks into a cutter for no cover. Instead Bennett brings in a chair, which Carter takes away and uses on Bennett for the DQ at 7:28.
We look back at Al Snow beating down Mahabali Shera and Grado two weeks back.
Snow is willing to apologize tonight.
Al Snow is in the ring to talk about what he did two weeks ago and apologize. All he wanted to do was make sure that some young talent paid some dues. Cue Shera to get in Snow's face and yell about how his friend is in the hospital. Snow says he's been doing this a long time and it's all he knows. Back in his day, you had to earn your way in here and that's what he wanted to happen again.
When he was 19, he was beaten in the back of the head so many times that he went blind in one eye for over an hour. Snow was trying to relive those old days and maybe it was out of jealousy but he's going to pay for all of Grado's medical bills. Al agrees to try and do better and offers to mentor Grado and Shera. That's fine with Shera and they go to leave, only to have Snow send him into the steps over and over. The segment worked well enough but was there NO ONE besides Al Snow that could play this role? No one at all?
Drew is getting ready when Tyrus comes in and suggests that Drew get a bodyguard. Bad things happen to good people and he can have his title shot anytime he wants, which makes him very dangerous.
Knockouts Title: Jade vs. Madison Rayne
Madison is defending and gets an early two count off a rollup. Jade comes back with a hard shot to the face and something like a reverse DDT for two. A release northern lights suplex gets the same on Madison but she comes back with a kick to the head for a breather. Some hard chops have Jade in trouble and a discus forearm sets up a loud screech. Jade shrugs them off though and avoids a high cross body, followed by an STO to retain at 5:15.
Matt Hardy/Tyrus vs. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway
If Matt's team wins, next week is an I Quit match but if Jeff's team wins, next week is Full Metal Mayhem. Tyrus and Jeff get things going but things quickly break down with Drew and Jeff cleaning house. Drew isn't quite Jeff as he tries some Poetry in Motion but it's enough to have them in control as we take a break. Back with Matt pounding Drew down in the corner, followed by Tyrus stomping on Drew's hand.
We hit the camel clutch for a bit, followed by a belly to belly for two on the champ. Drew avoids a charge in the corner and it's a double tag to the brothers Hardy. Jeff beats Matt down with ease and gets two off a backslide. Matt rolls away before the Swanton is launched though so Jeff dives onto Tyrus instead. A quick Claymore drops Tyrus but Reby slips Matt a hammer, which goes upside Jeff's chin. Somehow this doesn't kill him so Matt hits a quick Twist of Fate for the pin at 11:54.
Post match the losers are in the ring when Lashley comes in for some spears to Galloway.
Results
Beer Money b. Decay, BroMans and Eric Young/Bram – Last Call to Young
DJZ b. Trevor Lee – Small package
Mike Bennett b. Ethan Carter III via DQ when Carter used a chair
Jade b. Madison Rayne – STO
Matt Hardy/Tyrus b. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway – Twist of Fate to Jeff
Wednesday
NXT
Date: April 13, 2016
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
We're back to normal now after Takeover: Dallas but we'll be seeing some the action from Wrestlemania Axxess where about four weeks of shows were taped. This is going to include some TV debuts and potentially the fallout from the big show, though there's a good chance a lot of that will be included in backstage segments. Let's get to it.
Commissioner William Regal runs down some of tonight's big events, including Shinsuke Nakamura's TV debut.
Opening sequence.
The camera is a little different here as the hard camera is opposite the entrance. Other than that it looks like a regular setup, despite Axxess taking place just a few feet away.
Austin Aries vs. Angelo Dawkins
The fans are behind Aries here of course. Dawkins quickly takes off his headband but gets taken to the mat and ridden a bit. A hard shoulder puts the much smaller Aries down but he snaps off some armdrags to take over. Dawkins throws him down and stomps away before slapping on a front facelock. This sets up a lot of yelling about Dawkins' Island, the meaning of which I'm sure will be covered later. Back up and Dawkins misses a charge in the corner, allowing Aries to start in with those hard forearms. The neckbreaker over the middle rope sets up a roaring elbow for the pin on Dawkins at 4:15.
Samoa Joe says nothing has changed and now he wants Apollo Crews next week.
No Way Jose is coming next week.
Alexa Bliss vs. Tessa Blanchard
Tessa is of course the daughter of Tully. Bliss takes her down to the mat to start but gets kneed in the face for two. Back up and Alexa drops her again, allowing Bliss to stand on her back for Graves calls a Tony Hawk. We hit the cravate for a bit before Bliss loads up a slap. Tessa blocks it though and shouts I DON'T THINK SO in a Stephanie style screech. Alexa is done with this though and grabs Blanchard by the throat while giving us the best crazy eyes I've seen since Edge retired. A shove Tessa down and a standing moonsault into knees to the chest gives Alexa the pin at 3:52.
Finn Balor is ready for any challenger as the new #1 contender. He'll be sticking around for Nakamura's in ring debut. That's really the only option right now but it still seems a little soon.
Tommaso Ciampa/Johnny Gargano vs. Vaudevillains
Gargano armdrags Gotch into an armbar to start before it's quickly off to Ciampa who takes English's head off for two. Everything breaks down for a bit and Gargano gets double teamed on the floor to give the Vaudevillains their first real advantage. Gotch works on the arm and tags in English, who comes in between the bottom and middle rope. I've never seen a male wrestler come in that way unless he was injured.
Gargano knees Gotch off the apron and quickly crawls over to Tommaso for the hot tag. A hanging downward spiral (think Randy Orton) gets two on English but Gotch makes a blind tag to come in. The rollup doesn't work though and the flip over armbar makes Simon tap at 5:03 in a big upset.
Tye Dillinger says Nakamura is great but tonight Nakamura is competing against him, not the other way around. Tonight Nakamura is being sent back to Japan. Dillinger leaves but comes back to give interviewer Rich Brennan a 3.
Baron Corbin vs. Tucker Knight
Corbin takes him into the corner for some right hands to start but Knight gets in a nice dropkick and a Thesz press. Back up and End of Days puts Knight away at 1:57. Nothing to see here.
American Alpha stood in the empty convention center wearing their new titles earlier today when Enzo and Cass showed up to praise the new champions. They'd also like a match, which doesn't even need to be for the titles. Jordan and Gable seem to agree with the idea.
Bayley vs. Liv Morgan
Wristlocks are exchanged to start as the fans sing the HEY WE WANT SOME BAYLEY song. Morgan does a Matrix move to avoid a clothesline, only to get elbowed in the back. The fans think Bayley is going to hug her but Morgan grabs an ankle scissors to take over. A bulldog sets up a monkey flip, only to have Bayley counter a whip into the Bayley to Belly for the pin at 3:24.
Post match Bayley says she was beaten by a better woman but the fans make her want to keep standing and be champion again.
Tye Dillinger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
The chants are almost split to start but Nakamura's fans cut off Tye's with a HE'S ELEVEN chant. Tye armdrags him down and holds up the ten fingers, which fascinate Nakamura for some reason. He even asks the referee about it but Tye tells him to bring it, which you just don't do to this guy. Back up and Nakamura takes him to the ropes before casually putting his head on Tye's chest. That gets a ten from Shinsuke and an offer to bring it.
The fans already say it's awesome and while I get the sentiment, could you save that for more than two minutes into a glorified squash? Tye gets two off a good looking superkick and we hit the chinlock. Graves has to mock the fans for failing to chant ELEVEN in rhythm as Shinsuke starts his comeback. We get the kicks to the chest and head, including the shaking stomp in the corner. The Kinshasa puts Dillinger away at 5:14.
Results
Austin Aries b. Angelo Dawkins – Roaring elbow
Alexa Bliss b. Tessa Blanchard – Moonsault knees to the chest
Johnny Gargano/Tomasso Ciampa b. Vaudevillains – Flip over armbar to Gotch
Baron Corbin b. Tucker Knight – End of Days
Bayley b. Liv Morgan – Bayley to Belly
Shinsuke Nakamura b. Tye Dillinger – Kinshasa
Thursday
Smackdown
Date: April 13, 2016
Location: Valley View Casino, San Diego, California
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
It's going to be an interesting week as most of the roster is off on the international tour. However we have some fresh names tonight in the Vaudevillains who debuted last week and the even fresher team of Enzo and Big Cass, both of whom will be in the tag team tournament tonight. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Del Rio vs. Styles and Jericho vs. Zayn tonight, both for the first time ever.
Maryse introduces the Miz for MizTV. Miz calls her the love of his life and the only woman worthy of being his wife. It seems that Maryse is the guest this week as Miz asks what it's like to be married to him. That would be perfection with Maryse calling Miz an a-lister and a role model for children around the world. Miz actually gets on his knee in front of her to promise holidays with Leo in St. Bart's, which Maryse calls the real life People Magazine.
This leads to them making out, only to be interrupted by Zack Ryder because he doesn't seem to get that it's over. Ryder asks Maryse what it's like to be married to someone who wears more makeup than her. Yeah the title might be gone but Ryder is looking forward to seeing Cesaro take the title from Miz at Payback. This sets up a challenge for a title match right now but apparently Ryder already has a match tonight. For some reason Miz knows this and Ryder doesn't.
Zack Ryder vs. Baron Corbin
Corbin throws Ryder around like the jobber that he is to start before sending him out to the apron. Whatever springboard move Ryder was trying is knocked out of the air with a single punch as the announcers put Corbin's battle royal win over very hard. We hit the chinlock on Ryder, followed by a northern lariat (correctly called by Ranallo). Zack gets in a middle rope dropkick for his hope spot but the Broski Boot doesn't work. Instead the End of Days puts Ryder away at 3:12.
Post match Corbin goes after Ryder again but Dolph Ziggler runs out for the save. I'm assuming that's Corbin's first major win.
Kevin Owens mocks Renee Young and threatens to get involved in Zayn vs. Jericho. His advice is to have Renee go ask Sami if there's any insight as to what's going to happen in the main event.
Emma vs. Paige
Paige gets a jobber entrance. The announcers make various unfunny jokes and puns as Paige takes Emma into the corner to start, only to get caught in a rollup to send her head first into the bottom buckle. Emma stomps away in the corner and we hit a seated full nelson as Ranallo actually brings up the Fabulous Kangaroos. Paige kicks away and gets two off a running knee to the chest. Some right hands in the corner are broken up with Emma dropping Paige face first onto the top turnbuckle.....for the pin at 3:16.
We recap the first two tournament matches and the debut of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.
We look back at Bray Wyatt teaming with Roman Reigns on Monday. I guess we can call that the first shovel of dirt out of Bray's grave after Rock buried him eight days prior. You know, because he totally did and when you're buried, it's because your career is over. Like, totally over and there's no recovery ever.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady vs. Ascension
Enzo and Cass are WAY over here, as you would expect. Before the match, Enzo talks about how tough a neighborhood they grew up in. It was so tough that they almost got sent to live with their auntie and uncle in Bel-Air. He could think of a million bad things to say about the Ascension but the worst of all is that they're the Ascension. Cass promises to win the titles and declares all of their opponents to be SAWFT.
Enzo and Konnor get things going with a hard shoulder dropping Amore. It's off to Viktor who is quickly sent into the wrong corner, allowing the tag to Big Cass. Enzo gets slammed onto Viktor for two but Konnor knocks Amore off the apron and into the barricade to take over. Back in and Viktor slaps on a chinlock for a bit before avoiding a charge to send Konnor into the post. The hot tag brings in Cass for the house cleaning, including the Empire Elbow to Viktor. Everything breaks down and Konnor gets kicked in the face, followed by the East River Crossing and Rocket Launcher for the pin on Viktor at 4:33.
AJ Styles talks about fighting everywhere to get to the top and now he has to fight Roman Reigns to get to the top of WWE. Alberto Del Rio comes in and says that Del Rio has been fighting for table scraps but tonight we'll get to see if all that hype is real. Del Rio says AJ doesn't belong here and AJ agrees. AJ: “I belong in the ring.”
AJ Styles vs. Alberto Del Rio
In a far too common theme tonight, Del Rio drives him into the corner to start as Ranallo compares AJ vs. Reigns to Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton. Well at least it's not Scott Norton. The feeling out process sets up the dropdown into the dropkick, which you really should see coming if you've ever watched any AJ Styles match.
AJ fires off chops but gets kicked in the chest for two. A top rope ax handle gets two more before AJ sidesteps a charge to send Alberto's shoulder into the post. The running enziguri knocks AJ off the apron and a big dropkicks ends AJ out to the floor again. Back from a break with AJ fighting out of a chinlock, as so often happens when we come back from a break.
The striking sequence drops Del Rio and AJ nips up, followed by the running clothesline in the corner. AJ loads up a pumphandle but gets countered into a Backstabber to leave his mouth hanging open. The low superkick misses though and AJ Pele's him for two. Del Rio gets in a reverse superplex and thankfully doesn't severely hurt AJ by dropping him on his head. Alberto misses the top rope double stomp but avoids the forearm. Instead it's the armbreaker, which is quickly countered into a rollup for the pin on Alberto at 13:55.
Goldust tells R-Truth that Golden Truth won't be a thing tonight. Fandango comes in and announces himself as Goldust's new partner, which means tandem gyrating. Truth doesn't want to join them and looks flabbergasted.
Tag Team Tournament First Round: Vaudevillains vs. Goldust/Fandango
English stomps on Goldust to start and a double right hand puts him down. The snap powerslam gets Goldust out of trouble and it's off to Fandango for a comeback that goes nowhere. Well other than into a Whirling Dervish to send the Vaudevillains to the semi-finals that is.
We look back at Dean Ambrose taking over the Highlight Reel and laying Jericho out.
Jericho says he's been beating up amateurs since he got back because people like Styles and Ambrose have no respect for the veterans. He's the greatest of all time and proved it right here in this dump (“Yeah it's a dump!”
when he beat the Rock and Stone Cold in one night. Tonight he'll make Zayn feel the pain because he's the best in the world at what he does.Greetings From Puerto Rico video.
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho poses to start so Sami rips the skin off his chest with a chop. That sends Jericho outside for a chair through....and here's Kevin Owens. He doesn't get very far down the ramp before Dean Ambrose comes out with fliers for the Ambrose Asylum before sitting in on commentary. Sami finally remembers that a match is going on and rolls Jericho up for two. Dean annoys Jericho with a flier and we take a break.
Back with Owens on commentary as well and actually complimenting Dean on the new show. Jericho knocks Zayn outside and poses a bit before a top rope back elbow gets two. We hit the ASK HIM chinlock as Dean and Owens get in a mini argument, resulting in Owens throwing away his flier. Sami gets a quick two off a high cross body and the climb up the corner tornado DDT gets the same. The Helluva Kick misses though and the Walls go on to put Sami in real trouble.
Ropes are of course reached but Sami's springboard is broken up by a running forearm. Owens and Ambrose are now full on cheerleaders until Jericho runs Dean over and sends him into the barricade. Jericho dives at Sami but hits Owens by mistake before heading back inside. Chris yells at Sami a lot, earning himself an exploder suplex into the corner. The Helluva Kick is loaded up but Owens comes in for the DQ at 15:11.
Sami and Dean clean house to end the show and likely set up a tag match.
Results
Baron Corbin b. Zack Ryder – End of Days
Emma b. Paige – Emma pinned Paige after dropping her onto the top turnbuckle
Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady b. Ascension – Rocket Launcher to Viktor
AJ Styles b. Alberto Del Rio – Rollup
Vaudevillains b. Goldust/Fandango – Whirling Dervish to Fandango
Sami Zayn b. Chris Jericho via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Adam Rose and Konnor have been suspended sixty days for Wellness violations.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens – Neutralizer
Dudley Boyz b. Lucha Dragons – 3D to Cara
Natalya b. Charlotte via DQ when Ric Flair interfered
Usos b. Heath Slater/Curtis Axel – Rollup to Slater
AJ Styles b. Sami Zayn – Phenomenal Forearm
Roman Reigns/Bray Wyatt b. Sheamus/Alberto Del Rio – Sister Abigail to Del Rio
Impact Wrestling
Beer Money b. Decay, BroMans and Eric Young/Bram – Last Call to Young
DJZ b. Trevor Lee – Small package
Mike Bennett b. Ethan Carter III via DQ when Carter used a chair
Jade b. Madison Rayne – STO
Matt Hardy/Tyrus b. Jeff Hardy/Drew Galloway – Twist of Fate to Jeff
NXT
Austin Aries b. Angelo Dawkins – Roaring elbow
Alexa Bliss b. Tessa Blanchard – Moonsault knees to the chest
Johnny Gargano/Tomasso Ciampa b. Vaudevillains – Flip over armbar to Gotch
Baron Corbin b. Tucker Knight – End of Days
Bayley b. Liv Morgan – Bayley to Belly
Shinsuke Nakamura b. Tye Dillinger – Kinshasa
Smackdown
Baron Corbin b. Zack Ryder – End of Days
Emma b. Paige – Emma pinned Paige after dropping her onto the top turnbuckle
Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady b. Ascension – Rocket Launcher to Viktor
AJ Styles b. Alberto Del Rio – Rollup
Vaudevillains b. Goldust/Fandango – Whirling Dervish to Fandango
Sami Zayn b. Chris Jericho via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered