klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Shane McMahon is fine after last night.
Monday Night Raw
Date: April 4, 2016
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Byron Saxton, John Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole
It's pretty much New Year's Day in WWE after everything came to a big conclusion last night. We're officially in the Roman Reigns Era (part three) and hopefully that means a little break from the Authority. The other interesting thing will be seeing where the McMahons go from here because they're the real stars of this show. Let's get to it.
We open with a long recap of Wrestlemania, because what else are they going to start with?
Opening sequence.
The announcers tell us that the crowd is going to be non-traditional tonight. Translation: Please don't listen to the fans booing Reigns. He's really AWESOME! JBL says they're just having fun. If fun means chanting for the Sheraton Hotel room that came in their travel packages, followed by a TRAVEL PACKAGE chant, I'd rather sign up for misery.
Here's Vince to get things going and the fans actually sing his theme song. Vince: Exactly the same chance my son had against the Undertaker! He brings up Reigns winning the title and the fans are really not pleased. However, as of this morning the lock box is all taken care of, save for explaining what the heck that's about. Last night was a great night but seeing his grandsons out there with Shane got to him a bit. It almost got to him when Shane climbed the Cell, which of course draws a Shane O'Mac chant.
Vince promises that tonight is a night we'll never forget and goes to leave but Shane slowly limps out to cut him off. The fans thank Shane but he wants to shake Vince's hand (Since I'm the only man in the family.) because Vince won at Wrestlemania. Shane thanks the fans and goes to leave but Vince cuts him off and blames the fans for what happened last night. Vince cuts him off again and says no one upstages him. He's often thought how insane it would be to have Shane running Raw.....so let's see how bad it can get.
Here's New Day for a talk before their title defense. Woods now has a smaller horn for reasons that aren't likely to be explained. Maybe Vince just lost his mind and felt it should be smaller. The fans do the HEY! WE WANT SOME NEW DAY song before Big E. says things didn't go according to plan last night.
Kofi did get to twerk with Shawn Michaels but Woods took a Stunner. Woods: Upon further review of the tape, I have to admit....that it was pretty much my own fault. However, they now have the last piece of Bootyo's from last night, which will be playing the role of Simba as Woods hums Circle of Life from Lion King. It's one of my all time favorites and the fans dug the heck out of that bit.
Tag Team Titles: King Barrett/Sheamus vs. New Day
The challengers come out after a break but first we get to see Lillian dancing with New Day, which she actually did twice. Kofi and Sheamus go into the corner to start as the announcers talk about the Shane story because the Tag Team Titles aren't interesting enough. Everything breaks down and the League is sent outside, followed by Kofi being launched over the top (complete with fanfare from Woods) for a big crash.
Sheamus gets back up and knocks Kofi off the top for a crash but thankfully Woods is there to reassure him that the Bootyo is magical. Kofi fights back on Barrett but gets kicked hard in the ribs. We take a break and come back with the Wave going on in the background. Even Sheamus gets in on it, which actually causes Woods to get the mic and say if you like the Wave you like Sheamus.
This was the second time he said something like that after he had to get the fans to stop chanting Rocksteady during the break. To his credit, the crowd stopped cold both times so that seems to be the solution to the annoying chants. Kofi kicks Sheamus away and makes the hot tag as the fans are busy chanting about how awesome they are. Big E. starts in with the suplexes and the Warrior splash, followed by a whip to send Barrett into Sheamus. The Midnight Hour retains the titles at 8:45.
Post match Sheamus says he's had it with all this losing. Every time he looks at one of these losses, he sees one weak link and that's going to change. That means a Brogue Kick to Barrett, which draws out the Wyatts to destroy the remainder of the League, complete with the fans singing He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. So there's the face turn for the Wyatts, though let's look at this League thing for a minute.
Did Sheamus forget that whole THEY WON AT WRESTLEMANIA part? Barrett knocked Woods silly to set up the win but now he's kicked out after one loss? As has been proven already, it seems that New Day should have won at Wrestlemania to set this up, especially since they won here like the Wrestlemania match meant nothing. It's bad storytelling and really should have been fixed before it became a stupid moment.
Vince goes to leave the arena but tells Renee Young that Shane is only in charge temporarily. He's leaving early because this is going to be a disaster and he doesn't want to watch the ship go down.
Summer Rae vs. Sasha Banks
Summer actually gets promo time and says if she was in charge of Bad and Blonde last night, they wouldn't have wound up flat on their faces like Sasha did. Banks is back in the shorts tonight. She grabs the mic away from Summer and reminds us that she is in fact the Boss before slapping Summer in the face. Summer begs off like a heel should and suckers Sasha in to a neck snap across the middle rope. We're in a chinlock thirty seconds in but Sasha is quickly up with a snapmare and running knees to the chest for two. The Bank Statement makes Summer tap at 1:40.
Shane McMahon is talking to Apollo Crews.
Apollo Crews vs. Tyler Breeze
This is Crews' main roster debut after only a few months down in NXT. Then again when you have those natural gifts, it's not expected that you'll see him in developmental that long. Crews starts fast with a pop up powerslam for two, followed by a suplex from Breeze for the same. We're already in the chinlock and it would be nice for Crews to at least look....something. He's just kind of there and ignoring that someone has him in a chinlock. Crews pops up with the gorilla press and standing moonsault, followed by the lifting powerbomb for the pin at 1:52. Typical debut squash.
Clips of Charlotte and Roman Reigns on the Today Show.
Here's Reigns to open the second hour with even louder booing than the previous night. During the entrance, JBL says Reigns is so happy to finally be on top of the mountain. That would be back on top of the mountain actually because this is his third reign which is supposed to mean more than the first two. The people boo him again but Reigns says he's not a bad guy. He's not a good guy either. No he's just THE guy because he won the World Title in the biggest Wrestlemania of all time. If anyone wants to come get this title from him, he's not going anywhere.
This brings out Chris Jericho, who brags about all his successes, which are far stronger than anything Reigns has ever done. Jericho stops though and calls out the fans for their stupid chants because they're not going to hijack the show. Fans: WE ARE IDIOTS! Jericho rips on the internet favorite AJ Styles, which brings out Styles himself.
Before he can say anything though, here's Kevin Owens. Again nothing is said though because Sami Zayn comes out, likely due to his leash to Owens getting a bit too tight. Owens and Zayn go right at it and fight to the floor with Zayn hitting a big flip dive. AJ is sent outside and Jericho eats a spear.
Of note: Zayn seemed to land awkwardly on that flip dive and BOLTED to the back with his arm dangling by his side. He ran off while the lights were down so most people couldn't see him but it was definitely visible.
We look back at Vince agreeing to let Shane run Raw.
Back from a break and Shane makes a four way between Zayn, Owens, Jericho and Styles for the #1 contendership. Reigns thinks that's just fine.
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler
Before the match, Corbin says all you need to know about him is this trophy. Ziggler hammers away in the corner but gets elbowed in the face for his efforts. A forearm knocks Ziggler off the apron and we take a break. Back with Ziggler in a nerve hold and the fans cheering for a beach ball because some nitwit fan felt the need to pull one out and bat it around.
This would be during the Raw debut of an NXT talent that the same people probably begged to be promoted for months while chanting for NXT. I'd also be willing to bet that they'll blame Vince for not pushing Corbin properly while Vince's reaction is they saw him in his first match and would rather play with a beach ball. BUT THEY'RE JUST HAVING FUN! Anyway Corbin misses a charge and hits the post, setting up a neckbreaker for two. Deep Six gets the same for Corbin and they head outside into the crowd for the double countout at 8:32.
Post match Corbin gives him the End of Days on the floor.
We look back at Lesnar destroying Ambrose last night.
Here's Zack Ryder with something to say. When Ryder was a kid he got to meet Razor Ramon and hold the Intercontinental Title. Well last night they took another picture with Ramon holding Ryder's title, which makes for a really good pair of photos. Ryder thanks his dad (in the front row) but here's Miz to interrupt. Last night Ryder stole what belongs to Miz and now it's time to show that Ryder is just a flash in the pan. That means it should be time for a title shot right now. Ryder says Woo Woo Woo let's do this.
Intercontinental Title: Zack Ryder vs. The Miz
Ryder is defending of course. Miz can't get in an early Reality Check so Ryder dropkicks him for two. A baseball slide sends Miz into the barricade and we take a break. Back with Ryder getting knocked to the floor like the jobber that he is. Ryder fights back with some clotheslines but misses a dropkick, setting up the low DDT for two. The Rough Ryder misses but Ryder counters a suplex with a neckbreaker. I've always liked that counter.
The Elbow gets two on Miz but the Broski Boot misses. They head outside in front of Zack's dad, so as you might expect, Miz is shoved down by Ryder Sr. To be fair, Zack's dad is in better shape than half the roster. Fans: MR. RYDER! This brings out Maryse of all people (Miz's wife) to slap Papa Ryder in the face, which is enough of a distraction for Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin and the title at 10:26.
Also of note: Lillian started to get in the ring to announce a match before Miz came out at all. This led to what looked like quite an argument at ringside which went on for a bit between Lillian and a producer.
Owens says he lost the title because he was in the ring with six other guys so the loss was hardly fair. Last night Sami Zayn stole the title from him but now it's on to bigger and better things, like winning the WWE World Title. Sami cost him the Intercontinental Title last night but he's not costing him the World Title tonight. The road to KO Mania II begins tonight.
The Vaudevillains are coming on Smackdown.
All of the women including Lita come for the formal presentation of the Women's Title. Lita talks about not having many role models to look up to as a kid. That's not the case for the youngest generation today though because this division has never been stronger. Charlotte is introduced but the fans cut her off by wanting some Bayley. She says this title is about all the women in this ring who made this happen and because of all the fans.....who won't stop singing about how they want Bayley. JBL: These people are rude.
Charlotte finally goes with the heel stuff by saying she won the title, but now the fans are on a WOMEN'S WRESTLING chant. The real credit goes to Ric Flair though because she got her here. The energy from the fans fueled her to her victory. It makes her laugh that she hasn't even been here for a year while some of the less successful women have been here seven or eight years.
Sasha and Becky walk out and the rest of the women follow, save for Natalya. Somehow this turns into an argument over the Harts and the Flairs because that's still a thing they're pushing. Also ignore the fact that we just saw Charlotte vs. Natalya and haven't gotten Sasha vs. Charlotte in a one on one feud yet. Natalya puts her in the Sharpshooter until Ric makes the save.
AJ Styles says it's a new beginning and the start of a new era. That new era is going to be phenomenal.
Video on Primo and Epico, who really like Puerto Rico. This might actually be a downgrade from Los Matadores.
Usos vs. Dudley Boyz
Tables match. It's a brawl to start of course and they head outside as JBL talks about his tables matches against Bubba and D-Von. Jimmy gets slammed to set up What's Up but Bubba won't do GET THE TABLES. The Usos pop up and dive onto the Dudleyz and we take a break. Back with Jey breaking up a superplex through the table as the fans are almost entirely behind the Dudleyz.
Jimmy dives over a table and onto Bubba with a splash. A double superkick breaks up a double powerbomb attempt, followed by the Usos running the barricade for a double dive. Back in and the Superfly splashes miss but drive the Usos through the tables. Apparently that's enough to give the Dudley Boyz the win at 8:53, even though it's long since been established that you have to drive them through a table using an offensive move. They're not announced as the winners and JBL acknowledges that it was an early bell.
Sami Zayn says he's been in every kind of match around the world. He talks about wrestling around the world when Kevin Owens jumps him and gives him a powerbomb through a table.
Post break the Dudleyz are still at ringside yelling.....and here come Enzo and Cass to the pop of the night. Cole: If you haven't got a sample of them.....well some would say you're in for a treat. The fans start a loud HOW YOU DOIN chant before Enzo talks about being a smack talker skywalker with a lightsaber in his hand. The Dudleyz are still standing in the aisle and Enzo thinks they're jealous because they're ugly.
Bubba and D-Von look almost scared at how stupid this sounds but Enzo says he'll use the gift of jab to knock that lazy eye back into place. Enzo: Fall back like your hairline! Cass invites the Dudleyz down for a fight but they back off like true heels. That's enough for Cass to declare them SAWFT to wrap this up. Yeah the insults were kind of lame but this was all about the delivery and the reaction and these guys look like stars.
Zayn is officially out of the four way but a replacement will be named.
Ryder gets his rematch on Smackdown.
Dr. Phil will be the guest star next week. Why? No reason of course but he's a celebrity and therefore interesting.
Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles vs. ???
The mystery entrant is......Cesaro, who was the most likely option and very well received by the fans. If nothing else we get a cool new entrance as Cesaro comes out in a tear away suit with trunks underneath. AJ and Jericho fight in one corner with the other two across the ring before it's off to AJ vs. Cesaro to a very nice reaction. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker drops AJ for two and we take a break.
Back with Jericho supelxing Styles but Cesaro gets back in, only to have Owens break up the Swing. The big guys head outside again as Jericho loads up a superplex on AJ, only to have Owens and Cesaro come back in to make it a Tower of Doom. With everyone else down, Cesaro starts running the corners for European uppercuts, only to have Owens get a boot up. AJ enziguris Kevin but walks into Swiss Death. Jericho clotheslines Cesaro outside but gets jumped by his fellow Canadian.
The package side slam gets two on Jericho, who avoids a Cannonball. The Lionsault hits knees though, only to have AJ hit the springboard 450 for two of his own. Owens gets back again and tells AJ to stay down with his stupid haircut but Cesaro gets back in and sends both of them into the corner for rotating European uppercuts. Jericho takes over a third corner and now it's time for triple rotating uppercuts.
Chris breaks it up but dives into the Swing as it's all Cesaro at this point. Owens superkicks AJ to block a springboard and there's the Pop Up Powerbomb for two on Styles. A Codebreaker gets the same on Owens with Cesaro making the save. Cesaro gets caught in the Walls but he reverses into the Sharpshooter to a big reaction. AJ makes the save with the forearm to Cesaro and Peles Owens to the floor, only to eat a Codebreaker for two. A quick backslide attempt has Jericho in trouble but AJ keeps rolling forward into the Clash for the pin and the title shot at 16:44.
AJ celebrated for a very long time after the show went off the air.
Results
New Day b. Sheamus/King Barrett Midnight Hour to Barrett
Sasha Banks b. Summer Rae Bank Statement
Apollo Crews b. Tyler Breeze Lifting powerbomb
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler went to a double countout
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Dudley Boyz b. Usos The Usos went through tables
AJ Styles b. Chris Jericho, Cesaro and Kevin Owens Styles Clash to Jericho
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: April 5, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jeremy Borash, Josh Matthews
It's a night of revenge tonight in what might be (and hopefully is) the last match in the Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young feud. In this case they're inside a cage in a match that doesn't mean much, especially since the King of the Mountain Title isn't on the line. To be fair the thing is hardly ever defended so this isn't a big surprise. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the end of last week's show with Drew Galloway successfully defending the title against Jeff, setting up Matt Hardy challenging for the title tonight, along with Jeff vs. Eric.
Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young
Non-title and inside six sides of steel. Before the match, Young gets his standard promo time and promises to piledrive Hardy to death. Young has Bram with him so Hardy brings out a table. They start brawling on the floor without a bell and Bram helps Eric send him into the cage wall. A piledriver on the exposed concrete doesn't work as TNA's insurance policy doesn't cover death.
Young tells Bram to get a table as the handicap beating continues. They FINALLY get inside for the opening bell with a table and a bunch of chairs thrown inside for fun. A jawbreaker staggers Young and the whole double beatdown is forgotten. We take a break less than a minute after the bell and come back with Young sending Hardy head first into the cage. Eric wedges a chair into the corner but of course Hardy reverses him into it instead.
They tease putting each other through the table until Jeff gets kicked to the mat. The legdrop between the legs has Young down for two but Jeff takes too much time loading up some chairs in the middle of the ring, allowing Eric to piledrive him through them for two. You know, because of course a piledriver onto open chairs only gets two. Young sets up a table instead, only to have Jeff hit a quick Twist of Fate. That's not enough either of course as he puts Eric on the table for a heavily edited Swanton off the top of the cage for the pin at 13:19.
Dixie Carter talks to Maria and Gail over how they can't just make a #1 contender. The result is a three way for the title tonight because what else were they going to do. Dixie doesn't want to hear Maria's ideas either.
Jeff is icing his head and wants the Creatures to stay with him.
Here are Matt Hardy (with the Brand) and Drew Galloway for their final speeches before the title match. Granted they're also the first speeches but you have to stretch sometimes in TNA. Drew says Matt is going to talk all night long so it's time for him to shut up. Matt thinks that Drew has his property because he has an entourage like a champion and is the epitome of success in this business.
Tonight he's going to take the title that belongs to him. Drew talks about how Matt has lost his passion and is now only in it for the money. Matt doesn't like Drew bringing up his win over Jeff but promises to get the title back. That's it but Tyrus says he's coming for the winner. Are we really waiting for Tyrus vs. Galloway or Hardy now? Apparently it's set up like a Money in the Bank as he implies he might cash it in tonight.
Pope talks about being ready for a fight tonight because it might be the last thing he knows how to do. It's a lot easier to jump on than it is to jump off daddy.
Post break Ethan Carter III comes up to laugh at Tyrus' threat. Tyrus: I hate you. Ethan: I hate you more.
Lashley vs. D'Angelo Dinero
This is a street fight after Pope saved Josh Matthews from a beatdown a few weeks ago. Pope has been active at least down in OVW so he's certainly not coming out of mothballs. Lashley jumps him from behind to start and the beating is quickly on with Pope in early trouble. The opening bell is late again and it's all Lashley early.
As you might expect, the announcers ignore the match to talk about Tyrus cashing in, which apparently has to be announced in advance. That's a bit better at least. Lashley gets in a delayed vertical suplex and loads up a stomp onto the steps, only to get blasted with a trashcan. Some kendo stick shots to the back have Lashley down with Josh being far too happy over the beatdown. Not that it matters as Lashley comes right back with a spear for the pin at 6:48.
Lashley spears him down two more times before Ethan Carter III comes out for a slow save. As Lashley leaves, Mike Bennett sneaks in and jumps Carter from behind.
Post break, Carter offers to fight Bennett right now. Instead he gets Maria who talks about the people. Carter: OH PUT A SOCK IN IT TOOTS! Bennett comes out and accuses EC3 as someone who is looking for an excuse, just like everyone else around here. Carter is willing to get rid of Bennett at any time but Mike yells at him for losing the title. It means Carter has nothing left but he's still making excuse after excuse. Bennett goes on a great rant about how he's going to be World Champion after beating Carter, leaving everyone to say YES WE DO.
Carter is ready right now but Mike says we'll do it next week. That's not enough for Ethan as he goes after Mike and runs Maria over in the process. They go into the parking lot with Bennett getting hit in the back with a chair until he steals a tire iron from a car to knock Carter away, allowing him to steal the car and escape. This was REALLY good stuff and one of the best buildups to a match that I've seen TNA do in a long time.
Rockstar Spud has a plan for Tyrus but he crumples it up. Man that's just rude. Imagine the time and effort he put into that.
Knockouts Title: Jade vs. Madison Rayne vs. Gail Kim
Gail is defending. Jade gets beaten back and forth to start but Gail is sent to the floor, leaving Rayne to get a rollup for two. The champ gets suplexed and it's the challengers slugging it out until Gail pops back up for a neckbreaker to Madison and a DDT to Jade at the same time. Jade dives through the ropes to take Madison down as the announcers talk about Gail potentially injuring her leg. Well that and the Schitt's Creek show with a horrible transition. As the challengers fight on the floor, Maria sneaks in with a belt shot to Gail, setting up an STO from Jade for the pin and the title at 3:41.
Galloway is ready to defend his title.
Shane Helms wants to hear Eddie Edwards' answer but it should be obvious from here.
We look back at Al Snow beating up Grado last week.
Snow says Billy Corgan should understand his actions. Apparently Snow is upset that they're letting anyone in, including people like Grado. Snow is suspended for a week without pay and is expected to publicly apologize.
Here are Helms and Trevor Lee for Edwards' answer about joining up for a tag team. Eddie comes out and says everything takes time but Helms doesn't like that word. He's teamed with people a lot less talented than Eddie and found success so imagine what they could do together. Eddie doesn't buy it though and thinks Shane just wants the automatic title shot he has coming. That belongs to Davey Richards though, meaning he wants no part of the Helms Dynasty when he's already part of the Wolves Nation.
Violence is about to erupt when Beer Money comes out for the save. Insults are issued and Beer Money confirms that they are in fact, Beer Money. Storm says line up the teams because they'll knock them down. Cue Decay with Rosemary saying when you wish on a dying star, you will decay, decay, decay. Abyss wants the titles so Storm says they're ready to fight right now. The brawl is quickly on but security breaks it up even faster.
Matt talks about being ready to take his title back tonight. As he talks about how it's time for him to take, Tyrus is slowly seen walking up the hallway behind him for a really cool visual.
Beer Money wants Decay next week.
TNA World Title: Drew Galloway vs. Matt Hardy
Drew is defending. Tyrus stands in the ring for the intros before taking off his gear and....going to the floor. Matt is smart enough to use the distraction to jump Drew from behind for an early advantage. A bulldog and legdrop have Drew in trouble and we take a break. Back with Matt hitting a Side Effect on the apron and going back inside, allowing Spud (called a ring rat by Josh) to get in a few cheap shots. A pair of neckbreakers gets two for Matt but Drew comes back with a good looking belly to belly.
Matt takes him up top for a quick gutwrench superplex but has to stop and take off his boot due to an ankle injury. Apparently it's just a ruse though (how villainous) as Spud tries to come in for a cheap shot, only to get suplexed as well. Futureshock connects but Tyrus pulls the referee out at two. Cue Jeff to beat up Tyrus as Matt Twists Drew for another near fall. Drew is done with this though and grabs the Iron Maiden for the tap out at 12:10.
Results
Jeff Hardy b. Eric Young Swanton Bomb through a table
Lashley b. D'Angelo Dinero Spear
Jade b. Madison Rayne and Gail Kim STO to Kim
Drew Galloway b. Matt Hardy Iron Maiden
Wednesday
NXT
Date: April 6, 2016
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
This is the first of a series of special shows from Wrestlemania weekend with most of the matches taped from Axxess weekend. It should be interesting to see how things go with a very different style audience. Also it's not clear whether or not we'll get much advancement in the major angles as everything needs to reset after Takeover: Dallas. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Takeover as you might guess.
Phillips and Graves welcome us, clearly from Takeover.
New correspondent Catherine Kelly tells us what we can expect, including Apollo Crews vs. Elias Samson, which was a dark match at Takeover.
We see a video on American Alpha winning the Tag Team Titles, followed by Jordan (nearly in tears) and Gable talking about what it means to win the titles on the biggest weekend of the year.
Video on Asuka winning the Women's Title from Bayley.
Bayley says congratulations to Asuka and admits that Asuka is just on another level. A champion is made by how many times they get back up and get better so she'll rise to the occasion again.
We recap Elias Samson getting pinned by Johnny Gargano a few weeks back. Post match Samson beat him down until Apollo Crews made the save.
Recap video of Aries vs. Corbin.
Aries calls himself the most polarizing man in wrestling and that's just fine. He's not out there to prove anything to the people though because he's out there to prove something to himself. Talent and passion can't be measured with a ruler and a scale but he proved everything he needed to prove to Baron Corbin and isn't going anywhere soon.
We see Finn Balor retaining the NXT Title over Samoa Joe.
Balor says he escaped and survived Joe again.
Joe has nothing to say.
We see Samson singing a song to Crews but backing away from a fight.
No Way Jose is coming.
Elias Samson vs. Apollo Crews
Samson comes out with his guitar and has something to say but we have a lot of booing to get through first. The fans say that they want wrestling but thankfully Crews cuts it off to get things going. Crews throws him into the corner to start so Samson hides behind the guitar. A headlock doesn't get Elias anywhere and it's an armbar to put him on the mat. The armbar even goes to the floor so they head back inside for yet another armbar.
Back from a break with Samson getting in a shot to the back of the head and putting on a chinlock. Another chinlock doesn't go anywhere and it's Crews getting up and hammering away to a surprisingly strong reaction. Samson bails to the floor and gets taken down with an apron moonsault, only to have the standing version hit knees back inside. Elias gets in a jumping knee to the head but asks for silence, allowing Apollo to kick him in the face. The toss powerbomb puts Samson away at 14:46.
Video on Zayn vs. Nakamura.
Sami can't put all of his emotions into words.
Nakamura says strong style has arrived.
Results
Apollo Crews b. Elias Samson Toss powerbomb
Thursday
Blackjack Mulligan has passed away at the age of 73.
Smackdown
Date: April 7, 2016
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton, Jerry Lawler
Things have changed a bit since last time and WWE has hit the ground mostly running since this Sunday's Wrestlemania. The big story coming out of Monday is AJ Styles being crowned as a surprising #1 contender to new champion Roman Reigns, which might get some buildup starting tonight. Also we have the Vaudevillains making their main roster debut so let's get to it.
We open with a long recap of Wrestlemania.
Opening sequence.
Here's Roman Reigns to get things going, drawing a good deal of booing in the process. Reigns gets right to the point by saying he took on the Authority and won this title. When you have this title, everybody wants it so that means it's one vs. all again. Reigns gets in the I'm THE guy line again and I'm still not sure how I feel on that. I get what they're going for here but it's still not the answer to their problems. Saying Reigns isn't a good guy might take away some of the stigma around him but it's not going to make people like him either. Maybe that's what they're going for and if so then cool, though it's still not working great.
Anyway Reigns brings up being the new champion and getting ready to beat AJ Styles, which brings out AJ himself. Styles praises Reigns for having a great Wrestlemania, but he had a heck of a Monday Night Raw. That means it's time for AJ to come for the World Title because he's been all over the world and wants to win that prize. Reigns says AJ can want it all he wants but it means he has to beat THE GUY. Yeah AJ has beaten a lot of guys but he's never beaten Reigns, and he never will.
This feud could go somewhere interesting but I'm still not sure how well it's going to get there yet. Reigns beating AJ as a challenger of the month is a good idea because AJ will get a good match out of him, though that THE GUY idea needs some work. It's certainly an interesting idea but they need to figure out how to put everything together.
We look back at Vince giving Shane control over Raw, completely negating the importance of the last six weeks or so of this story. That might be better for everyone involved actually.
Lucha Dragons vs. Vaudevillains
This is the Vaudevillains' (Aiden English/Simon Gotch) main roster debut after a long time down in NXT. Cara and English get things going with Mauro telling us about some martial art that English practices. Cara backdrops him down and brings Kalisto in for the monkey flip 450. As Lawler seems to call him Hayden English, Simon breaks up Kalisto's dive with a quick knee from the corner.
English puts on a chinlock as Mauro gives a quick history of some martial art that Gotch uses called Bartitsu. Cara armdrags Aiden down and makes the hot tag off to Kalisto as things speed way up. Everything breaks down with Cara being taken down on the floor, leaving Kalisto to take the Whirling Dervish for the pin at 4:03, because SIN CARA CAN'T TAKE A PIN FOR WHATEVER FREAKING REASON.
Stills package of the ladder match and a video of Ryder losing the title the next night to Miz.
We see Lita presenting Charlotte with the new Women's Title and everyone but Natalya leaving, probably setting up a title match soon down the line.
Natalya vs. Summer Rae
Charlotte is on commentary with Flair by her side. Natalya easily takes it to the mat to start and does her stepover into the basement dropkick. Summer sends her outside for a snap suplex as we actually get a Beautiful Fierce Females reference from the champ. That's a faction I haven't thought of in years. We hit the chinlock back inside, only to have Natalya pop up and grab the Sharpshooter for the tap out at 2:54. This was exactly what you would have expected.
We look back at Reigns winning the title and being challenged by Jericho, Styles, Owens and Zayn, followed by Styles winning the four way to become #1 contender.
Intercontinental Title: Zack Ryder vs. Miz
Miz is defending and has Maryse introduce him. Ryder gets a quick rollup for two and he's already looking desperate. A forearm and slingshot splash get two for Ryder, followed by a dropkick through the ropes for the same. Back from a break with Miz kicking out of something we don't see and getting in a quick shot to set up the Reality Check for two. A knee to the ribs keeps Ryder in trouble and Miz makes it even worse by calling him a loser. Now come on. Just because you're a cocky heel with a gorgeous wife doesn't mean you have to be impolite.
Ryder comes back with a dropkick but dives into a sitout powerbomb. That's not something you see Miz use that often. The short DDT gets two on Ryder but he comes right back with a facebuster for two of his own. A Broski Boot on the floor sets up the Elbro (yes the Elbro) for two back inside. Not that it matters as Maryse offers a distraction, allowing Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale to retain at 12:36.
The Social Outcasts play Rock Paper Scissors to determine who gets to face Apollo Crews. Axel is the odd man out but says he wins because the ax beats all.
Curtis Axel vs. Apollo Crews
Axel gets in a quick shot but heads outside for the Bo Train. That's not cool with Crews who goes outside and pops Axel in the jaw. A Rose distraction lets Axel get in another cheap shot to take over but Crews clotheslines him down and nips up. The standing moonsault gets two and the lifting sitout powerbomb puts Axel away at 2:35.
Video on the Andre battle royal, focusing on Shaquille O'Neal appearing and Baron Corbin getting the win. We also see Corbin beating up Ziggler, though the match wound up as a double countout.
Corbin says the end of days is here.
Stills of the Women's Title triple threat from Sunday. Thankfully Ranallo says the Women's Title is back instead of being introduced.
Becky Lynch says Sunday was a brutal match but she'll never lose her passion. That's what it's all about and that's why she walked out of Charlotte's speech on Monday. Emma comes in to brag about getting to the WWE first, probably setting up a match for some point in the future.
Primo and Epico video about how awesome Puerto Rico is.
Dean Ambrose vs. Tyler Breeze
Dean is right on him with shots in the corner and avoids a charge to make things even worse. A big clothesline sets up Dirty Deeds for the pin on Breeze at 1:15.
Ambrose leaves as Chris Jericho is coming out for the main event, giving us a staredown.
Goldust is pitching Shattered Dreams Productions II when R-Truth comes in with a camera to be the director. Apparently there's going to be a top Hollywood producer at Raw this Monday and Truth can get him an audition. For some reason Goldust goes along with this.
Cesaro/AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho/Kevin Owens
Cesaro still has that awesome tear away suit. Jericho and Styles get things going with Chris eating an early dropkick. Cesaro comes in and scares Jericho to the floor as we take a break. Back with Styles knocking Jericho into the wrong corner before it's off to Cesaro vs. Owens for some hard shouts to the face. Both heels have to avoid the Cesaro Swing and Jericho is able to get in a shot to the back for his first advantage.
Owens teases the Cannonball but opts for a clothesline instead before tagging Jericho in (Owens: High five!). The already slow paced match slows down even more with Jericho cranking on Cesaro's arms. Back up and Cesaro throws him to the floor, only to have Jericho pull AJ off the apron to break up the hot tag. Owens comes in and misses the Cannonball and NOW it's the hot tag to AJ as everything breaks down.
AJ cleans house but Owens quickly takes over, only to eat a Pele. Jericho breaks up the Phenomenal Forearm and the package side slam gets two on AJ. Cesaro beats on Jericho outside as Sami Zayn comes out to go after Owens. The distraction lets AJ roll Owens up for the pin at 13:03.
Owens and Zayn (whose arm is heavily taped) brawl post match with security breaking it up but accidentally allowing Owens to get in a clean shot to the jaw. Zayn is sent into the steps to end the show.
Results
Vaudevillains b. Lucha Dragons Whirling Dervish to Kalisto
Natalya b. Summer Rae Sharpshooter
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Apollo Crews b. Curtis Axel Lifting sitout powerbomb
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze Dirty Deeds
AJ Styles/Cesaro b. Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho Rollup to Owens
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
New Day b. Sheamus/King Barrett Midnight Hour to Barrett
Sasha Banks b. Summer Rae Bank Statement
Apollo Crews b. Tyler Breeze Lifting powerbomb
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler went to a double countout
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Dudley Boyz b. Usos The Usos went through tables
AJ Styles b. Chris Jericho, Cesaro and Kevin Owens Styles Clash to Jericho
Impact Wrestling
Jeff Hardy b. Eric Young Swanton Bomb through a table
Lashley b. D'Angelo Dinero Spear
Jade b. Madison Rayne and Gail Kim STO to Kim
Drew Galloway b. Matt Hardy Iron Maiden
NXT
Apollo Crews b. Elias Samson Toss powerbomb
Smackdown
Vaudevillains b. Lucha Dragons Whirling Dervish to Kalisto
Natalya b. Summer Rae Sharpshooter
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Apollo Crews b. Curtis Axel Lifting sitout powerbomb
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze Dirty Deeds
AJ Styles/Cesaro b. Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho Rollup to Owens
Shane McMahon is fine after last night.
Monday Night Raw
Date: April 4, 2016
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Byron Saxton, John Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole
It's pretty much New Year's Day in WWE after everything came to a big conclusion last night. We're officially in the Roman Reigns Era (part three) and hopefully that means a little break from the Authority. The other interesting thing will be seeing where the McMahons go from here because they're the real stars of this show. Let's get to it.
We open with a long recap of Wrestlemania, because what else are they going to start with?
Opening sequence.
The announcers tell us that the crowd is going to be non-traditional tonight. Translation: Please don't listen to the fans booing Reigns. He's really AWESOME! JBL says they're just having fun. If fun means chanting for the Sheraton Hotel room that came in their travel packages, followed by a TRAVEL PACKAGE chant, I'd rather sign up for misery.
Here's Vince to get things going and the fans actually sing his theme song. Vince: Exactly the same chance my son had against the Undertaker! He brings up Reigns winning the title and the fans are really not pleased. However, as of this morning the lock box is all taken care of, save for explaining what the heck that's about. Last night was a great night but seeing his grandsons out there with Shane got to him a bit. It almost got to him when Shane climbed the Cell, which of course draws a Shane O'Mac chant.
Vince promises that tonight is a night we'll never forget and goes to leave but Shane slowly limps out to cut him off. The fans thank Shane but he wants to shake Vince's hand (Since I'm the only man in the family.) because Vince won at Wrestlemania. Shane thanks the fans and goes to leave but Vince cuts him off and blames the fans for what happened last night. Vince cuts him off again and says no one upstages him. He's often thought how insane it would be to have Shane running Raw.....so let's see how bad it can get.
Here's New Day for a talk before their title defense. Woods now has a smaller horn for reasons that aren't likely to be explained. Maybe Vince just lost his mind and felt it should be smaller. The fans do the HEY! WE WANT SOME NEW DAY song before Big E. says things didn't go according to plan last night.
Kofi did get to twerk with Shawn Michaels but Woods took a Stunner. Woods: Upon further review of the tape, I have to admit....that it was pretty much my own fault. However, they now have the last piece of Bootyo's from last night, which will be playing the role of Simba as Woods hums Circle of Life from Lion King. It's one of my all time favorites and the fans dug the heck out of that bit.
Tag Team Titles: King Barrett/Sheamus vs. New Day
The challengers come out after a break but first we get to see Lillian dancing with New Day, which she actually did twice. Kofi and Sheamus go into the corner to start as the announcers talk about the Shane story because the Tag Team Titles aren't interesting enough. Everything breaks down and the League is sent outside, followed by Kofi being launched over the top (complete with fanfare from Woods) for a big crash.
Sheamus gets back up and knocks Kofi off the top for a crash but thankfully Woods is there to reassure him that the Bootyo is magical. Kofi fights back on Barrett but gets kicked hard in the ribs. We take a break and come back with the Wave going on in the background. Even Sheamus gets in on it, which actually causes Woods to get the mic and say if you like the Wave you like Sheamus.
This was the second time he said something like that after he had to get the fans to stop chanting Rocksteady during the break. To his credit, the crowd stopped cold both times so that seems to be the solution to the annoying chants. Kofi kicks Sheamus away and makes the hot tag as the fans are busy chanting about how awesome they are. Big E. starts in with the suplexes and the Warrior splash, followed by a whip to send Barrett into Sheamus. The Midnight Hour retains the titles at 8:45.
Post match Sheamus says he's had it with all this losing. Every time he looks at one of these losses, he sees one weak link and that's going to change. That means a Brogue Kick to Barrett, which draws out the Wyatts to destroy the remainder of the League, complete with the fans singing He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. So there's the face turn for the Wyatts, though let's look at this League thing for a minute.
Did Sheamus forget that whole THEY WON AT WRESTLEMANIA part? Barrett knocked Woods silly to set up the win but now he's kicked out after one loss? As has been proven already, it seems that New Day should have won at Wrestlemania to set this up, especially since they won here like the Wrestlemania match meant nothing. It's bad storytelling and really should have been fixed before it became a stupid moment.
Vince goes to leave the arena but tells Renee Young that Shane is only in charge temporarily. He's leaving early because this is going to be a disaster and he doesn't want to watch the ship go down.
Summer Rae vs. Sasha Banks
Summer actually gets promo time and says if she was in charge of Bad and Blonde last night, they wouldn't have wound up flat on their faces like Sasha did. Banks is back in the shorts tonight. She grabs the mic away from Summer and reminds us that she is in fact the Boss before slapping Summer in the face. Summer begs off like a heel should and suckers Sasha in to a neck snap across the middle rope. We're in a chinlock thirty seconds in but Sasha is quickly up with a snapmare and running knees to the chest for two. The Bank Statement makes Summer tap at 1:40.
Shane McMahon is talking to Apollo Crews.
Apollo Crews vs. Tyler Breeze
This is Crews' main roster debut after only a few months down in NXT. Then again when you have those natural gifts, it's not expected that you'll see him in developmental that long. Crews starts fast with a pop up powerslam for two, followed by a suplex from Breeze for the same. We're already in the chinlock and it would be nice for Crews to at least look....something. He's just kind of there and ignoring that someone has him in a chinlock. Crews pops up with the gorilla press and standing moonsault, followed by the lifting powerbomb for the pin at 1:52. Typical debut squash.
Clips of Charlotte and Roman Reigns on the Today Show.
Here's Reigns to open the second hour with even louder booing than the previous night. During the entrance, JBL says Reigns is so happy to finally be on top of the mountain. That would be back on top of the mountain actually because this is his third reign which is supposed to mean more than the first two. The people boo him again but Reigns says he's not a bad guy. He's not a good guy either. No he's just THE guy because he won the World Title in the biggest Wrestlemania of all time. If anyone wants to come get this title from him, he's not going anywhere.
This brings out Chris Jericho, who brags about all his successes, which are far stronger than anything Reigns has ever done. Jericho stops though and calls out the fans for their stupid chants because they're not going to hijack the show. Fans: WE ARE IDIOTS! Jericho rips on the internet favorite AJ Styles, which brings out Styles himself.
Before he can say anything though, here's Kevin Owens. Again nothing is said though because Sami Zayn comes out, likely due to his leash to Owens getting a bit too tight. Owens and Zayn go right at it and fight to the floor with Zayn hitting a big flip dive. AJ is sent outside and Jericho eats a spear.
Of note: Zayn seemed to land awkwardly on that flip dive and BOLTED to the back with his arm dangling by his side. He ran off while the lights were down so most people couldn't see him but it was definitely visible.
We look back at Vince agreeing to let Shane run Raw.
Back from a break and Shane makes a four way between Zayn, Owens, Jericho and Styles for the #1 contendership. Reigns thinks that's just fine.
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler
Before the match, Corbin says all you need to know about him is this trophy. Ziggler hammers away in the corner but gets elbowed in the face for his efforts. A forearm knocks Ziggler off the apron and we take a break. Back with Ziggler in a nerve hold and the fans cheering for a beach ball because some nitwit fan felt the need to pull one out and bat it around.
This would be during the Raw debut of an NXT talent that the same people probably begged to be promoted for months while chanting for NXT. I'd also be willing to bet that they'll blame Vince for not pushing Corbin properly while Vince's reaction is they saw him in his first match and would rather play with a beach ball. BUT THEY'RE JUST HAVING FUN! Anyway Corbin misses a charge and hits the post, setting up a neckbreaker for two. Deep Six gets the same for Corbin and they head outside into the crowd for the double countout at 8:32.
Post match Corbin gives him the End of Days on the floor.
We look back at Lesnar destroying Ambrose last night.
Here's Zack Ryder with something to say. When Ryder was a kid he got to meet Razor Ramon and hold the Intercontinental Title. Well last night they took another picture with Ramon holding Ryder's title, which makes for a really good pair of photos. Ryder thanks his dad (in the front row) but here's Miz to interrupt. Last night Ryder stole what belongs to Miz and now it's time to show that Ryder is just a flash in the pan. That means it should be time for a title shot right now. Ryder says Woo Woo Woo let's do this.
Intercontinental Title: Zack Ryder vs. The Miz
Ryder is defending of course. Miz can't get in an early Reality Check so Ryder dropkicks him for two. A baseball slide sends Miz into the barricade and we take a break. Back with Ryder getting knocked to the floor like the jobber that he is. Ryder fights back with some clotheslines but misses a dropkick, setting up the low DDT for two. The Rough Ryder misses but Ryder counters a suplex with a neckbreaker. I've always liked that counter.
The Elbow gets two on Miz but the Broski Boot misses. They head outside in front of Zack's dad, so as you might expect, Miz is shoved down by Ryder Sr. To be fair, Zack's dad is in better shape than half the roster. Fans: MR. RYDER! This brings out Maryse of all people (Miz's wife) to slap Papa Ryder in the face, which is enough of a distraction for Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin and the title at 10:26.
Also of note: Lillian started to get in the ring to announce a match before Miz came out at all. This led to what looked like quite an argument at ringside which went on for a bit between Lillian and a producer.
Owens says he lost the title because he was in the ring with six other guys so the loss was hardly fair. Last night Sami Zayn stole the title from him but now it's on to bigger and better things, like winning the WWE World Title. Sami cost him the Intercontinental Title last night but he's not costing him the World Title tonight. The road to KO Mania II begins tonight.
The Vaudevillains are coming on Smackdown.
All of the women including Lita come for the formal presentation of the Women's Title. Lita talks about not having many role models to look up to as a kid. That's not the case for the youngest generation today though because this division has never been stronger. Charlotte is introduced but the fans cut her off by wanting some Bayley. She says this title is about all the women in this ring who made this happen and because of all the fans.....who won't stop singing about how they want Bayley. JBL: These people are rude.
Charlotte finally goes with the heel stuff by saying she won the title, but now the fans are on a WOMEN'S WRESTLING chant. The real credit goes to Ric Flair though because she got her here. The energy from the fans fueled her to her victory. It makes her laugh that she hasn't even been here for a year while some of the less successful women have been here seven or eight years.
Sasha and Becky walk out and the rest of the women follow, save for Natalya. Somehow this turns into an argument over the Harts and the Flairs because that's still a thing they're pushing. Also ignore the fact that we just saw Charlotte vs. Natalya and haven't gotten Sasha vs. Charlotte in a one on one feud yet. Natalya puts her in the Sharpshooter until Ric makes the save.
AJ Styles says it's a new beginning and the start of a new era. That new era is going to be phenomenal.
Video on Primo and Epico, who really like Puerto Rico. This might actually be a downgrade from Los Matadores.
Usos vs. Dudley Boyz
Tables match. It's a brawl to start of course and they head outside as JBL talks about his tables matches against Bubba and D-Von. Jimmy gets slammed to set up What's Up but Bubba won't do GET THE TABLES. The Usos pop up and dive onto the Dudleyz and we take a break. Back with Jey breaking up a superplex through the table as the fans are almost entirely behind the Dudleyz.
Jimmy dives over a table and onto Bubba with a splash. A double superkick breaks up a double powerbomb attempt, followed by the Usos running the barricade for a double dive. Back in and the Superfly splashes miss but drive the Usos through the tables. Apparently that's enough to give the Dudley Boyz the win at 8:53, even though it's long since been established that you have to drive them through a table using an offensive move. They're not announced as the winners and JBL acknowledges that it was an early bell.
Sami Zayn says he's been in every kind of match around the world. He talks about wrestling around the world when Kevin Owens jumps him and gives him a powerbomb through a table.
Post break the Dudleyz are still at ringside yelling.....and here come Enzo and Cass to the pop of the night. Cole: If you haven't got a sample of them.....well some would say you're in for a treat. The fans start a loud HOW YOU DOIN chant before Enzo talks about being a smack talker skywalker with a lightsaber in his hand. The Dudleyz are still standing in the aisle and Enzo thinks they're jealous because they're ugly.
Bubba and D-Von look almost scared at how stupid this sounds but Enzo says he'll use the gift of jab to knock that lazy eye back into place. Enzo: Fall back like your hairline! Cass invites the Dudleyz down for a fight but they back off like true heels. That's enough for Cass to declare them SAWFT to wrap this up. Yeah the insults were kind of lame but this was all about the delivery and the reaction and these guys look like stars.
Zayn is officially out of the four way but a replacement will be named.
Ryder gets his rematch on Smackdown.
Dr. Phil will be the guest star next week. Why? No reason of course but he's a celebrity and therefore interesting.
Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho vs. AJ Styles vs. ???
The mystery entrant is......Cesaro, who was the most likely option and very well received by the fans. If nothing else we get a cool new entrance as Cesaro comes out in a tear away suit with trunks underneath. AJ and Jericho fight in one corner with the other two across the ring before it's off to AJ vs. Cesaro to a very nice reaction. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker drops AJ for two and we take a break.
Back with Jericho supelxing Styles but Cesaro gets back in, only to have Owens break up the Swing. The big guys head outside again as Jericho loads up a superplex on AJ, only to have Owens and Cesaro come back in to make it a Tower of Doom. With everyone else down, Cesaro starts running the corners for European uppercuts, only to have Owens get a boot up. AJ enziguris Kevin but walks into Swiss Death. Jericho clotheslines Cesaro outside but gets jumped by his fellow Canadian.
The package side slam gets two on Jericho, who avoids a Cannonball. The Lionsault hits knees though, only to have AJ hit the springboard 450 for two of his own. Owens gets back again and tells AJ to stay down with his stupid haircut but Cesaro gets back in and sends both of them into the corner for rotating European uppercuts. Jericho takes over a third corner and now it's time for triple rotating uppercuts.
Chris breaks it up but dives into the Swing as it's all Cesaro at this point. Owens superkicks AJ to block a springboard and there's the Pop Up Powerbomb for two on Styles. A Codebreaker gets the same on Owens with Cesaro making the save. Cesaro gets caught in the Walls but he reverses into the Sharpshooter to a big reaction. AJ makes the save with the forearm to Cesaro and Peles Owens to the floor, only to eat a Codebreaker for two. A quick backslide attempt has Jericho in trouble but AJ keeps rolling forward into the Clash for the pin and the title shot at 16:44.
AJ celebrated for a very long time after the show went off the air.
Results
New Day b. Sheamus/King Barrett Midnight Hour to Barrett
Sasha Banks b. Summer Rae Bank Statement
Apollo Crews b. Tyler Breeze Lifting powerbomb
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler went to a double countout
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Dudley Boyz b. Usos The Usos went through tables
AJ Styles b. Chris Jericho, Cesaro and Kevin Owens Styles Clash to Jericho
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: April 5, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jeremy Borash, Josh Matthews
It's a night of revenge tonight in what might be (and hopefully is) the last match in the Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young feud. In this case they're inside a cage in a match that doesn't mean much, especially since the King of the Mountain Title isn't on the line. To be fair the thing is hardly ever defended so this isn't a big surprise. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of the end of last week's show with Drew Galloway successfully defending the title against Jeff, setting up Matt Hardy challenging for the title tonight, along with Jeff vs. Eric.
Jeff Hardy vs. Eric Young
Non-title and inside six sides of steel. Before the match, Young gets his standard promo time and promises to piledrive Hardy to death. Young has Bram with him so Hardy brings out a table. They start brawling on the floor without a bell and Bram helps Eric send him into the cage wall. A piledriver on the exposed concrete doesn't work as TNA's insurance policy doesn't cover death.
Young tells Bram to get a table as the handicap beating continues. They FINALLY get inside for the opening bell with a table and a bunch of chairs thrown inside for fun. A jawbreaker staggers Young and the whole double beatdown is forgotten. We take a break less than a minute after the bell and come back with Young sending Hardy head first into the cage. Eric wedges a chair into the corner but of course Hardy reverses him into it instead.
They tease putting each other through the table until Jeff gets kicked to the mat. The legdrop between the legs has Young down for two but Jeff takes too much time loading up some chairs in the middle of the ring, allowing Eric to piledrive him through them for two. You know, because of course a piledriver onto open chairs only gets two. Young sets up a table instead, only to have Jeff hit a quick Twist of Fate. That's not enough either of course as he puts Eric on the table for a heavily edited Swanton off the top of the cage for the pin at 13:19.
Dixie Carter talks to Maria and Gail over how they can't just make a #1 contender. The result is a three way for the title tonight because what else were they going to do. Dixie doesn't want to hear Maria's ideas either.
Jeff is icing his head and wants the Creatures to stay with him.
Here are Matt Hardy (with the Brand) and Drew Galloway for their final speeches before the title match. Granted they're also the first speeches but you have to stretch sometimes in TNA. Drew says Matt is going to talk all night long so it's time for him to shut up. Matt thinks that Drew has his property because he has an entourage like a champion and is the epitome of success in this business.
Tonight he's going to take the title that belongs to him. Drew talks about how Matt has lost his passion and is now only in it for the money. Matt doesn't like Drew bringing up his win over Jeff but promises to get the title back. That's it but Tyrus says he's coming for the winner. Are we really waiting for Tyrus vs. Galloway or Hardy now? Apparently it's set up like a Money in the Bank as he implies he might cash it in tonight.
Pope talks about being ready for a fight tonight because it might be the last thing he knows how to do. It's a lot easier to jump on than it is to jump off daddy.
Post break Ethan Carter III comes up to laugh at Tyrus' threat. Tyrus: I hate you. Ethan: I hate you more.
Lashley vs. D'Angelo Dinero
This is a street fight after Pope saved Josh Matthews from a beatdown a few weeks ago. Pope has been active at least down in OVW so he's certainly not coming out of mothballs. Lashley jumps him from behind to start and the beating is quickly on with Pope in early trouble. The opening bell is late again and it's all Lashley early.
As you might expect, the announcers ignore the match to talk about Tyrus cashing in, which apparently has to be announced in advance. That's a bit better at least. Lashley gets in a delayed vertical suplex and loads up a stomp onto the steps, only to get blasted with a trashcan. Some kendo stick shots to the back have Lashley down with Josh being far too happy over the beatdown. Not that it matters as Lashley comes right back with a spear for the pin at 6:48.
Lashley spears him down two more times before Ethan Carter III comes out for a slow save. As Lashley leaves, Mike Bennett sneaks in and jumps Carter from behind.
Post break, Carter offers to fight Bennett right now. Instead he gets Maria who talks about the people. Carter: OH PUT A SOCK IN IT TOOTS! Bennett comes out and accuses EC3 as someone who is looking for an excuse, just like everyone else around here. Carter is willing to get rid of Bennett at any time but Mike yells at him for losing the title. It means Carter has nothing left but he's still making excuse after excuse. Bennett goes on a great rant about how he's going to be World Champion after beating Carter, leaving everyone to say YES WE DO.
Carter is ready right now but Mike says we'll do it next week. That's not enough for Ethan as he goes after Mike and runs Maria over in the process. They go into the parking lot with Bennett getting hit in the back with a chair until he steals a tire iron from a car to knock Carter away, allowing him to steal the car and escape. This was REALLY good stuff and one of the best buildups to a match that I've seen TNA do in a long time.
Rockstar Spud has a plan for Tyrus but he crumples it up. Man that's just rude. Imagine the time and effort he put into that.
Knockouts Title: Jade vs. Madison Rayne vs. Gail Kim
Gail is defending. Jade gets beaten back and forth to start but Gail is sent to the floor, leaving Rayne to get a rollup for two. The champ gets suplexed and it's the challengers slugging it out until Gail pops back up for a neckbreaker to Madison and a DDT to Jade at the same time. Jade dives through the ropes to take Madison down as the announcers talk about Gail potentially injuring her leg. Well that and the Schitt's Creek show with a horrible transition. As the challengers fight on the floor, Maria sneaks in with a belt shot to Gail, setting up an STO from Jade for the pin and the title at 3:41.
Galloway is ready to defend his title.
Shane Helms wants to hear Eddie Edwards' answer but it should be obvious from here.
We look back at Al Snow beating up Grado last week.
Snow says Billy Corgan should understand his actions. Apparently Snow is upset that they're letting anyone in, including people like Grado. Snow is suspended for a week without pay and is expected to publicly apologize.
Here are Helms and Trevor Lee for Edwards' answer about joining up for a tag team. Eddie comes out and says everything takes time but Helms doesn't like that word. He's teamed with people a lot less talented than Eddie and found success so imagine what they could do together. Eddie doesn't buy it though and thinks Shane just wants the automatic title shot he has coming. That belongs to Davey Richards though, meaning he wants no part of the Helms Dynasty when he's already part of the Wolves Nation.
Violence is about to erupt when Beer Money comes out for the save. Insults are issued and Beer Money confirms that they are in fact, Beer Money. Storm says line up the teams because they'll knock them down. Cue Decay with Rosemary saying when you wish on a dying star, you will decay, decay, decay. Abyss wants the titles so Storm says they're ready to fight right now. The brawl is quickly on but security breaks it up even faster.
Matt talks about being ready to take his title back tonight. As he talks about how it's time for him to take, Tyrus is slowly seen walking up the hallway behind him for a really cool visual.
Beer Money wants Decay next week.
TNA World Title: Drew Galloway vs. Matt Hardy
Drew is defending. Tyrus stands in the ring for the intros before taking off his gear and....going to the floor. Matt is smart enough to use the distraction to jump Drew from behind for an early advantage. A bulldog and legdrop have Drew in trouble and we take a break. Back with Matt hitting a Side Effect on the apron and going back inside, allowing Spud (called a ring rat by Josh) to get in a few cheap shots. A pair of neckbreakers gets two for Matt but Drew comes back with a good looking belly to belly.
Matt takes him up top for a quick gutwrench superplex but has to stop and take off his boot due to an ankle injury. Apparently it's just a ruse though (how villainous) as Spud tries to come in for a cheap shot, only to get suplexed as well. Futureshock connects but Tyrus pulls the referee out at two. Cue Jeff to beat up Tyrus as Matt Twists Drew for another near fall. Drew is done with this though and grabs the Iron Maiden for the tap out at 12:10.
Results
Jeff Hardy b. Eric Young Swanton Bomb through a table
Lashley b. D'Angelo Dinero Spear
Jade b. Madison Rayne and Gail Kim STO to Kim
Drew Galloway b. Matt Hardy Iron Maiden
Wednesday
NXT
Date: April 6, 2016
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
This is the first of a series of special shows from Wrestlemania weekend with most of the matches taped from Axxess weekend. It should be interesting to see how things go with a very different style audience. Also it's not clear whether or not we'll get much advancement in the major angles as everything needs to reset after Takeover: Dallas. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Takeover as you might guess.
Phillips and Graves welcome us, clearly from Takeover.
New correspondent Catherine Kelly tells us what we can expect, including Apollo Crews vs. Elias Samson, which was a dark match at Takeover.
We see a video on American Alpha winning the Tag Team Titles, followed by Jordan (nearly in tears) and Gable talking about what it means to win the titles on the biggest weekend of the year.
Video on Asuka winning the Women's Title from Bayley.
Bayley says congratulations to Asuka and admits that Asuka is just on another level. A champion is made by how many times they get back up and get better so she'll rise to the occasion again.
We recap Elias Samson getting pinned by Johnny Gargano a few weeks back. Post match Samson beat him down until Apollo Crews made the save.
Recap video of Aries vs. Corbin.
Aries calls himself the most polarizing man in wrestling and that's just fine. He's not out there to prove anything to the people though because he's out there to prove something to himself. Talent and passion can't be measured with a ruler and a scale but he proved everything he needed to prove to Baron Corbin and isn't going anywhere soon.
We see Finn Balor retaining the NXT Title over Samoa Joe.
Balor says he escaped and survived Joe again.
Joe has nothing to say.
We see Samson singing a song to Crews but backing away from a fight.
No Way Jose is coming.
Elias Samson vs. Apollo Crews
Samson comes out with his guitar and has something to say but we have a lot of booing to get through first. The fans say that they want wrestling but thankfully Crews cuts it off to get things going. Crews throws him into the corner to start so Samson hides behind the guitar. A headlock doesn't get Elias anywhere and it's an armbar to put him on the mat. The armbar even goes to the floor so they head back inside for yet another armbar.
Back from a break with Samson getting in a shot to the back of the head and putting on a chinlock. Another chinlock doesn't go anywhere and it's Crews getting up and hammering away to a surprisingly strong reaction. Samson bails to the floor and gets taken down with an apron moonsault, only to have the standing version hit knees back inside. Elias gets in a jumping knee to the head but asks for silence, allowing Apollo to kick him in the face. The toss powerbomb puts Samson away at 14:46.
Video on Zayn vs. Nakamura.
Sami can't put all of his emotions into words.
Nakamura says strong style has arrived.
Results
Apollo Crews b. Elias Samson Toss powerbomb
Thursday
Blackjack Mulligan has passed away at the age of 73.
Smackdown
Date: April 7, 2016
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Byron Saxton, Jerry Lawler
Things have changed a bit since last time and WWE has hit the ground mostly running since this Sunday's Wrestlemania. The big story coming out of Monday is AJ Styles being crowned as a surprising #1 contender to new champion Roman Reigns, which might get some buildup starting tonight. Also we have the Vaudevillains making their main roster debut so let's get to it.
We open with a long recap of Wrestlemania.
Opening sequence.
Here's Roman Reigns to get things going, drawing a good deal of booing in the process. Reigns gets right to the point by saying he took on the Authority and won this title. When you have this title, everybody wants it so that means it's one vs. all again. Reigns gets in the I'm THE guy line again and I'm still not sure how I feel on that. I get what they're going for here but it's still not the answer to their problems. Saying Reigns isn't a good guy might take away some of the stigma around him but it's not going to make people like him either. Maybe that's what they're going for and if so then cool, though it's still not working great.
Anyway Reigns brings up being the new champion and getting ready to beat AJ Styles, which brings out AJ himself. Styles praises Reigns for having a great Wrestlemania, but he had a heck of a Monday Night Raw. That means it's time for AJ to come for the World Title because he's been all over the world and wants to win that prize. Reigns says AJ can want it all he wants but it means he has to beat THE GUY. Yeah AJ has beaten a lot of guys but he's never beaten Reigns, and he never will.
This feud could go somewhere interesting but I'm still not sure how well it's going to get there yet. Reigns beating AJ as a challenger of the month is a good idea because AJ will get a good match out of him, though that THE GUY idea needs some work. It's certainly an interesting idea but they need to figure out how to put everything together.
We look back at Vince giving Shane control over Raw, completely negating the importance of the last six weeks or so of this story. That might be better for everyone involved actually.
Lucha Dragons vs. Vaudevillains
This is the Vaudevillains' (Aiden English/Simon Gotch) main roster debut after a long time down in NXT. Cara and English get things going with Mauro telling us about some martial art that English practices. Cara backdrops him down and brings Kalisto in for the monkey flip 450. As Lawler seems to call him Hayden English, Simon breaks up Kalisto's dive with a quick knee from the corner.
English puts on a chinlock as Mauro gives a quick history of some martial art that Gotch uses called Bartitsu. Cara armdrags Aiden down and makes the hot tag off to Kalisto as things speed way up. Everything breaks down with Cara being taken down on the floor, leaving Kalisto to take the Whirling Dervish for the pin at 4:03, because SIN CARA CAN'T TAKE A PIN FOR WHATEVER FREAKING REASON.
Stills package of the ladder match and a video of Ryder losing the title the next night to Miz.
We see Lita presenting Charlotte with the new Women's Title and everyone but Natalya leaving, probably setting up a title match soon down the line.
Natalya vs. Summer Rae
Charlotte is on commentary with Flair by her side. Natalya easily takes it to the mat to start and does her stepover into the basement dropkick. Summer sends her outside for a snap suplex as we actually get a Beautiful Fierce Females reference from the champ. That's a faction I haven't thought of in years. We hit the chinlock back inside, only to have Natalya pop up and grab the Sharpshooter for the tap out at 2:54. This was exactly what you would have expected.
We look back at Reigns winning the title and being challenged by Jericho, Styles, Owens and Zayn, followed by Styles winning the four way to become #1 contender.
Intercontinental Title: Zack Ryder vs. Miz
Miz is defending and has Maryse introduce him. Ryder gets a quick rollup for two and he's already looking desperate. A forearm and slingshot splash get two for Ryder, followed by a dropkick through the ropes for the same. Back from a break with Miz kicking out of something we don't see and getting in a quick shot to set up the Reality Check for two. A knee to the ribs keeps Ryder in trouble and Miz makes it even worse by calling him a loser. Now come on. Just because you're a cocky heel with a gorgeous wife doesn't mean you have to be impolite.
Ryder comes back with a dropkick but dives into a sitout powerbomb. That's not something you see Miz use that often. The short DDT gets two on Ryder but he comes right back with a facebuster for two of his own. A Broski Boot on the floor sets up the Elbro (yes the Elbro) for two back inside. Not that it matters as Maryse offers a distraction, allowing Miz to hit the Skull Crushing Finale to retain at 12:36.
The Social Outcasts play Rock Paper Scissors to determine who gets to face Apollo Crews. Axel is the odd man out but says he wins because the ax beats all.
Curtis Axel vs. Apollo Crews
Axel gets in a quick shot but heads outside for the Bo Train. That's not cool with Crews who goes outside and pops Axel in the jaw. A Rose distraction lets Axel get in another cheap shot to take over but Crews clotheslines him down and nips up. The standing moonsault gets two and the lifting sitout powerbomb puts Axel away at 2:35.
Video on the Andre battle royal, focusing on Shaquille O'Neal appearing and Baron Corbin getting the win. We also see Corbin beating up Ziggler, though the match wound up as a double countout.
Corbin says the end of days is here.
Stills of the Women's Title triple threat from Sunday. Thankfully Ranallo says the Women's Title is back instead of being introduced.
Becky Lynch says Sunday was a brutal match but she'll never lose her passion. That's what it's all about and that's why she walked out of Charlotte's speech on Monday. Emma comes in to brag about getting to the WWE first, probably setting up a match for some point in the future.
Primo and Epico video about how awesome Puerto Rico is.
Dean Ambrose vs. Tyler Breeze
Dean is right on him with shots in the corner and avoids a charge to make things even worse. A big clothesline sets up Dirty Deeds for the pin on Breeze at 1:15.
Ambrose leaves as Chris Jericho is coming out for the main event, giving us a staredown.
Goldust is pitching Shattered Dreams Productions II when R-Truth comes in with a camera to be the director. Apparently there's going to be a top Hollywood producer at Raw this Monday and Truth can get him an audition. For some reason Goldust goes along with this.
Cesaro/AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho/Kevin Owens
Cesaro still has that awesome tear away suit. Jericho and Styles get things going with Chris eating an early dropkick. Cesaro comes in and scares Jericho to the floor as we take a break. Back with Styles knocking Jericho into the wrong corner before it's off to Cesaro vs. Owens for some hard shouts to the face. Both heels have to avoid the Cesaro Swing and Jericho is able to get in a shot to the back for his first advantage.
Owens teases the Cannonball but opts for a clothesline instead before tagging Jericho in (Owens: High five!). The already slow paced match slows down even more with Jericho cranking on Cesaro's arms. Back up and Cesaro throws him to the floor, only to have Jericho pull AJ off the apron to break up the hot tag. Owens comes in and misses the Cannonball and NOW it's the hot tag to AJ as everything breaks down.
AJ cleans house but Owens quickly takes over, only to eat a Pele. Jericho breaks up the Phenomenal Forearm and the package side slam gets two on AJ. Cesaro beats on Jericho outside as Sami Zayn comes out to go after Owens. The distraction lets AJ roll Owens up for the pin at 13:03.
Owens and Zayn (whose arm is heavily taped) brawl post match with security breaking it up but accidentally allowing Owens to get in a clean shot to the jaw. Zayn is sent into the steps to end the show.
Results
Vaudevillains b. Lucha Dragons Whirling Dervish to Kalisto
Natalya b. Summer Rae Sharpshooter
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Apollo Crews b. Curtis Axel Lifting sitout powerbomb
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze Dirty Deeds
AJ Styles/Cesaro b. Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho Rollup to Owens
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
New Day b. Sheamus/King Barrett Midnight Hour to Barrett
Sasha Banks b. Summer Rae Bank Statement
Apollo Crews b. Tyler Breeze Lifting powerbomb
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler went to a double countout
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Dudley Boyz b. Usos The Usos went through tables
AJ Styles b. Chris Jericho, Cesaro and Kevin Owens Styles Clash to Jericho
Impact Wrestling
Jeff Hardy b. Eric Young Swanton Bomb through a table
Lashley b. D'Angelo Dinero Spear
Jade b. Madison Rayne and Gail Kim STO to Kim
Drew Galloway b. Matt Hardy Iron Maiden
NXT
Apollo Crews b. Elias Samson Toss powerbomb
Smackdown
Vaudevillains b. Lucha Dragons Whirling Dervish to Kalisto
Natalya b. Summer Rae Sharpshooter
Miz b. Zack Ryder Skull Crushing Finale
Apollo Crews b. Curtis Axel Lifting sitout powerbomb
Dean Ambrose b. Tyler Breeze Dirty Deeds
AJ Styles/Cesaro b. Kevin Owens/Chris Jericho Rollup to Owens