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Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Enzo Amore was released from the hospital last night and his neck seems to be fine.
Monday Night Raw
Date: May 2, 2016
Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
We're past Payback, meaning we have less than three weeks before Extreme Rules with a main event of AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns II for the World Title. The big story tonight though is the balance of power as Shane and Stephanie McMahon will be running the show together for the foreseeable future. I'm sure this will be fascinating. Let's get to it.
This week's recap, narrated for a change, talks about last night's main event and the announcement of Shane and Stephanie sharing power.
Opening sequence.
Here's Stephanie, carrying a present, to get things going. Before she can get anywhere though, here's Shane with 100% less presents. The bickering starts early but Stephanie's gift is for Shane. It's.....the the picture of Vince holding Shane as a child that was broken up before Wrestlemania.
Before Shane can talk about his ideas for the night, here's Kevin Owens to interrupt things. He has an idea of his own: a rematch for the Intercontinental Title. Owens appeals to Stephanie's business sense and mentions having a contractually obligated rematch. This brings out Cesaro to say that Owens and Zayn cost him the Intercontinental Title last night. Shane makes a #1 contenders match right now.
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens
Miz and Maryse are on commentary. Cesaro immediately starts with the uppercuts across the ring, followed by another big one on the floor. Back in and Cesaro gets two off the high cross body but Owens goes after the shoulder to take over. The superkick and backsplash get two and it's time to work on the arm a bit more. A quick strike exchange drops Cesaro but he crotches Owens on top.
Kevin cuts him off again with a Stunner over the top rope, followed by a frog splash off the apron as we take a break. Back with Owens hitting the Cannonball but running into the springboard uppercut. They head outside with Owens grabbing the title but Miz takes it away. That earns Miz an uppercut and it's time for the champ to run in for the DQ at 11:30.
Post match Cesaro gets double teamed until Sami Zayn runs in for the save before holding up the title. This sets up the four way, even though there's no logical reason for Sami to still be involved after losing last night. If they had gone with the logical move of Sami winning last night, you can still bring in Owens because of the required rematch. That's too simple for WWE though so we get more illogical storytelling.
Dean Ambrose is in the back with Stephanie, who volunteers to be the guest on the Ambrose Asylum.
R-Truth and Tyler Breeze are in the back talking about selfie sticks (Truth's has leaves) when Goldust comes in. Goldust insults Breeze a bit and a challenge is issued. Truth doesn't like Goldust insulting his friend so Fandango comes in to be Goldust's partner.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows say AJ was close to winning last night which makes AJ want it even more. They imply they'll help in the rematch but Roman Reigns comes in to say he respects AJ but not the other two. The Usos come in and a challenge is made for a six man.
Goldust vs. Tyler Breeze
Fandango and R-Truth are here as the seconds. Truth gives Breeze a headband to start but Goldust knocks it off. Goldust: “WHY DIDN'T YOU EVER GIVE ME ONE OF THESE???” Truth doesn't notice as he's playing with the stick, which distracts Goldust enough for Tyler to get in a few shots. They start dancing at each other, allowing Breeze to grab a rollup for the pin at 1:49.
Here's New Day to talk about their upcoming title defense against the Vaudevillains, who were awarded the match last night after Enzo's injury. We see a clip of the injury, which seems to be just a concussion. If this wasn't such a serious moment, Woods would be showing us all the nasty things Beyonce sent to him on Twitter last night.....but unfortunately that didn't happen. What did happen though was Enzo being released from the hospital after all the other tests were negative.
This brings out the Vaudevillains with Aiden singing about how they're going to win the titles. Apparently Enzo was the realest guy in the emergency room....and here are the Dudley Boyz to interfere. They say they didn't see the Vaudevillains win anything last night after the match was ended fast. A fight is about to break out when Big Cass interrupts. He's tired of hearing about the Vaudevillains taking out his family and the brawl is quickly on.
Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains vs. New Day/Colin Cassady
Joined in progress with Woods working over Gotch and bringing in Kofi for a kick to the chest. Big E. comes in for the splash before it's time for the Unicorn Stampede. Kofi gets in a running dropkick in the corner but Bubba kicks Woods in the face to take over. English comes in for a superkick as the heels start taking turns on Woods. A dropkick finally gets Xavier out of trouble, only to have D-Von drop an elbow on his back to stop the tag. The middle rope elbow misses though and there's the hot tag off to Kofi. Everything breaks down and Kofi gets sent out to the floor in a heap as we take a break.
Back with Kofi still in trouble and Gotch holding him in place for a D-Von elbow drop. Kofi finally dropkicks the Vaudevillains down and it's off to Cass to clean house. English is sent flying off a fall away slam, followed by a big boot the face. Everything breaks down again with Bubba suplexing Cass, only to have Kofi springboard in to break up 3D. Cass' East River Crossing puts D-Von away at 14:32.
We look back at the main event which set up Styles' rematch at Extreme Rules.
Now we look at the Montreal Screwjob finish to the Women's Title match. You all know the Montreal Screwjob. I mean, WWE certainly thinks you do because they're certainly not going to explain it because they know that every fan, including those under the age of 18, have gone back and looked at every bit of the company's history ever. We do however get a clip of Charles Robinson as Little Naitch from back in the day to actually explain the screwjob.
Emma vs. Becky Lynch
Apparently they've been arguing on Twitter lately. Becky quickly knocks her to the floor and does her head shaking dance, only to get pulled off the middle rope to change control. A butterfly suplex gets two on Becky and we hit a half nelson of all things. Emma sends her hard into the corner for the Emma Sandwich and a near fall. Becky gets all fired up and forearms her in the corner, followed by an exploder suplex for two. A quick poke to the eye slows Becky down though and a Michinoku Driver puts Becky away at 5:45.
Greetings From Puerto Rico.
Here's Dean Ambrose for the Asylum with Stephanie as his guest. Stephanie talks about how happy she is so Dean shows us a shot from Wrestlemania where Reigns speared her. That was the result of Stephanie being overzealous and she does her corporate speech about how awesome WWE is because of loyalty.
Dean goes on a long rant about loyalty and asks how many sacrifices Stephanie has made. I mean, yeah she's made a ton but Shane has made all of the same sacrifices over the years. That must make Stephanie mad because now she and Shane are exactly the same. Stephanie isn't happy with this so she cancels the Asylum and brings out Jericho for the Highlight Reel once again. Dean gets in a brawl with him of course but walks into a Codebreaker. Jericho breaks Mitch over Dean's head in the ultimate act of evil.
Battle Royal
Apollo Crews, Darren Young, Alberto Del Rio, Damien Sandow, Stardust, Titus O'Neil, Zack Ryder, Sheamus, Curtis Axel, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler, Sin Cara, Baron Corbin, Viktor, Bo Dallas,
For the #1 contendership to the US Title and I think I have everyone involved. Kalisto is on commentary and it's Viktor quickly being eliminated. Sandow is sent out a few seconds later and Crews gets rid of Stardust. Darren gets eliminated and Sheamus Brogue Kicks Crews out for a bit of a surprise.
Someone puts Sheamus out off camera but he slides back in with no issue. Ziggler superkicks Corbin over the top for an elimination but Corbin pulls him outside under the ropes and beats the tar out of him. For a nice change of pace, Corbin is smart enough to throw the half dead Ziggler back in so Rusev can get the official elimination as we take a break.
Back with Sheamus eliminating Titus (great use of his comeback) and Del Rio hitting his double stomp on Axel for a quick elimination. Cara tosses Dallas and we're down to Cara, Rusev, Del Rio, Sheamus and Ryder. A spinning cross body puts Rusev down and a springboard moonsault does the same to Sheamus and Del Rio.
There's an Irish Curse to Ryder but not enough for an elimination. Cara makes the eternally stupid mistake of going to the top, allowing Del Rio to shove him out and get us down to four. We've got the former League of Nations and Ryder, meaning Sheamus thinks they should join forces again. Ryder gets stomped down but hangs onto the top rope, leaving the League to fight each other.
Del Rio gets in a Backstabber on Rusev but walks into a Rough Ryder. Rusev spinwheel kicks Ryder down though and all four are still in it. The jumping superkick and a regular superkick are enough to get rid of Sheamus, followed by another superkick to send Del Rio to the floor. Ryder puts Alberto out and we're down to Ryder vs. Rusev, sending the fans into a short lived frenzy. Rusev charges into some knees in the corner and a missile dropkick puts Rusev down. The Broski Boot actually connects but Rusev no sells it and throws Ryder out for the win at 13:38.
Here are Charlotte and Ric Flair to address the end of last night's title match. Charlotte really doesn't see the controversy in the decision so here's Charles Robinson to explain his actions. Charles says Natalya was screaming to stop it last night and that counts as a submission. Robinson gets a bit confused about whether his admiration for Ric had anything to do with his decision so here's a CHEATER chant for him.
That's enough from Charles so here's Natalya to say this is all about Ric. Well of course it is. I mean, he's RIC FLAIR. Whether he wants to admit it or not, Bret is the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. Charlotte goes after Natalya but gets sent to the floor, leaving Ric to take off his gear. Natalya slaps him in the face and puts on a Sharpshooter before Charlotte gets her dad out of there. The Flairs leave so Natalay grabs Ric's Hall of Fame ring and Rolex.
After the announcers shill for WWE, Stephanie makes Charlotte vs. Natalya in a submissions match at Extreme Rules. As a bonus, Ric is banned from ringside. Stephanie's request for a WOO is denied.
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows vs. Usos/Roman Reigns
AJ and Reigns get things going with Styles grabbing a headscissors but easily being thrown off. Some kicks to the leg have Reigns in trouble so it's off to Gallows for a battle of uppercuts. Jey comes in for his running forearm in the corner, only to dive into a big boot for two. It's time for the big standoff on the floor after Jey is thrown over the top and we take a break.
Back with Anderson hammering away on Jey before it's off to AJ. The beatdown is on and Styles doesn't seem to like the idea of his buddies breaking up a tag. The distraction lets Jey get in a superkick to set up the tag off to Reigns. House is quickly cleaned with Roman beating everyone away until Anderson kicks him in the face for two.
AJ gets a blind tag but eats a tilt-a-whirl slam for his efforts. There's a Superman punch to Gallows but Jimmy comes in off another blind tag with a high cross body for two on AJ. The Boot of Doom into the flapjack sends Reigns into the barricade, leaving AJ to hit the Phenomenal Forearm to the pin on Jimmy at 11:30.
Post match Anderson and Gallows give AJ a chair before holding Reigns. AJ can't do it so the beatdown is on again. The Usos come in and get the chair to knock AJ down (it wasn't clear if they saw him throw it away). AJ gets back up and hits them with the chair, earning himself a Superman punch. Reigns isn't done yet though and loads up the announcers' table for a powerbomb to end the show.
Results
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Miz interfered
Tyler Breeze b. Goldust – Rollup
New Day/Colin Cassady b. Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains – East River Crossing to D-Von
Emma b. Becky Lynch – Michinoku Driver
Rusev won a battle royal last eliminating Zack Ryder
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos/Roman Reigns – Phenomenal Forearm to Jimmy
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: May 3, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
For the first time in a long time, we're coming up on a pay per view with Slammiversary airing in June. The big stories at the moment are Drew Galloway wanting to fight Lashley, probably in the pay per view main event, and Mike Bennett being the first man to defeat Ethan Carter III which likely sets up a rematch at Slammiversary as well. Now take all of that and forget most of it because it's time to put the focus back on the Hardy Boyz. Let's get to it.
Earlier today, Lashley attacked Drew Galloway at the gym and beat the champ down. They wound up in an MMA cage and Lashley knocked him down with one punch but couldn't choke him out. Eventually some other wrestlers broke it up.
We look at Bennett pinning Carter last week.
Mike and Maria come out with the former bragging about being the one man to finally pull something off that no one else ever could last week. No one in the back can beat him and now he deserves to be World Champion. This brings out Jeff Hardy because of course it does, though at least it's not so he can yell at Matt. Jeff doesn't think much of Bennett beating Carter because it just makes him a joke. The fans say Jeff is better and a match is pitched for later tonight. Bennett says he'll go ask Dixie but Jeff cleans house, prompting Mike to say we'll do it.
Mike Bennett vs. Jeff Hardy
Joined in progress with Bennett slapping on a chinlock. Jeff fights back with an atomic drop and the legdrop between the legs but here's Lashley to spear Jeff for the DQ at 1:48.
Bennett gets speared as well because Lashley is going to run through the entire roster until Dixie Carter gives him what he wants. Here's Dixie who is indignant that Lashley wants to be handed a title shot. She makes Hardy vs. Bennett vs. Lashley for the #1 contendership as tonight's main event with Drew as guest referee.
Rosemary asks Crazzy Steve is he's ready for his transformation. He certainly is so she spits something into his mouth. Abyss takes off his mask and gets the same treatment. The stuff seems to burn both of their faces.
Here's Decay for a chat. Rosemary talks about the team taking the titles from the people's heroes last week and their transformations. Steve can now speak and talks about how Rosemary has changed him. Rosemary talks about how many people have tried to control Abyss, including his father and brother. Now though he can show his true self, which means he wears paint instead of a mask. Abyss says he's beautiful and the fans seem to agree. Cue James Storm to say he's a cowboy who drinks a lot of beer. It's time for a fight and Decay is quickly dispatched. We're not done yet though as Storm wants Abyss right now.
Abyss vs. James Storm
Joined in progress as well with Storm getting in a baseball slide to take the brawl outside. Rosemary and Steve go after Storm but neither draws a DQ, likely because of plot convenience. Storm fights back inside with his shots to the face and a bulldog for two. Abyss gets the same off a chokeslam but Storm puts him back down with a Sling Blade, setting up a top rope elbow for another near fall. Steve's mist doesn't work but Abyss' blinds Storm so the Black Hole Slam can put him away at 6:00.
Maria wants Dixie to look at some papers. Jade better be smarter than Gail Kim was.
Jeff Hardy is more concerned about winning the title tonight than Matt.
Here's Maria to call out Jade for a chat. Maria sees Jade's star on the rise but thinks she needs to just hand over the title now because Jade wouldn't be anywhere without her. Jade says no so Maria brings out her friend Sienna to fight the champ. Sienna throws her around to start but Jade gets in a few kicks. They head outside with Jade being sent hard into the steps. Back inside and Sienna gives her something like a spinning Big Ending to leave Jade laying.
Bram says he's been called a lot of things and now he's being called champion.
And now, in case you haven't heard enough talking yet, we have a sitdown interview with Ethan Carter III. Well at least we would if he was here but Bennett comes in to say that Ethan is missing because he's scared. Tonight he'll get his title shot no matter what.
King of the Mountain Title: Bram vs. Eli Drake vs. Andrew Everett vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Jesse Godderz
Bram is defending in a King of the Mountain match, meaning you have to get a pin to become eligible to hang the title. If you pin someone, they're sent to a penalty box for a minute so there's some strategy involved. Jesse and Eli trade rollups to start as Everett hides on the floor with Shane Helms. Bram plants Everett with a powerbomb for the pin to become eligible early on.
Eddie grabs a half crab on Drake but Everett breaks it up for no logical reason. Edwards sends him out to the floor and hits a big dive, only to have Drake get in a cheap shot from behind for a rollup and pin to become eligible. Bram sets up a ladder and gets the belt but Jesse dropkicks him down. Drake slams Jesse but the champ comes back in for a Cactus Clothesline.
Everett misses a moonsault and gets caught in the Adonis Lock for a quick submission to make Jesse eligible. Edwards and Everett brawl to the back to leave us with three people. Godderz goes up but Drake pulls him down and hits him in the head with the Feast or Fired briefcase. He takes too long going up though and it's Bram dropkicking the ladder down, allowing him to hang the title to retain at 7:25.
Drake tries to cash in post match but Bram gets up and chases him off.
Galloway says he's had a rough day so he'd love to see Lashley try to put his hands on him.
Matt Hardy sits in the shadows and accuses Jeff of trying to remove him from this dimension. Their war isn't done.
Before the main event, Ethan Carter III comes out to congratulate Bennett on the win. Carter isn't like the rest of those people who lost to him over the years and then came out here to complain about it. He accepts this loss but it's changed him. Bennett needs to go and win that World Title because he wants to take the title back from Mike one day. Carter rants about how the loss made him incomplete and kept him from becoming the best wrestler on the planet. He'll be back for Bennett soon enough.
Jeff Hardy vs. Lashley vs. Mike Bennett
For the #1 contendership with champion Drew Galloway as guest referee. Drew promises to call this down the middle and we're finally ready to go. It's a slow start with both guys going after Lashley who easily powers them away. The big guy is sent outside though and Jeff takes them both out with a Whisper in the Wind as we go to a break.
Back with Jeff still fighting off both guys but eating a powerslam from Lashley. A long delayed vertical suplex, complete with a point to Galloway, plants Bennett. The spear hits Galloway though, followed by Bennett hitting the cutter on Lashley. Jeff dropkicks Bennett to the floor and adds the Swanton on Lashley for no count.
Bennett is sent face first into the steps over and over, followed by a Swanton onto Bennett on the steps. Cue the Decay for no apparent reason to go after Hardy, including a chokeslam onto the steps. Decay leaves so Lashley spears Jeff into the post for a great looking crash. Another spear gives Lashley the pin and the title shot at 14:02.
Lashley and Drew brawl to end the show.
Results
Jeff Hardy b. Mike Bennett via DQ when Lashley interfered
Abyss b. James Storm – Black Hole Slam
Bram b. Eli Drake, Andrew Everett, Eddie Edwards and Jesse Godderz – Bram hung the title
Lashley b. Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett – Spear to Hardy
Wednesday
NXT
Date: May 4, 2016
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
We're back at Full Sail this week and things should be getting interesting again in a hurry. The next Takeover has been scheduled for June 8 so they only have about a month to get wherever we're heading. Samoa Joe is the new NXT Champion and tonight we may find out who he's facing next. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Here's Joe to get things going. The new champ calls himself a man who keeps his word and this title win was inevitable. If anyone has a problem with that, they can come out here and get choked out. Cue the debuting Eric Young (grumble grumble) to a very nice reception from the crowd. Young says the only thing you can count on in life is change and now it's time for him to collect another of those titles. Joe leaves without any violence and says Eric doesn't belong in the same ring as him.
Tessa Blanchard vs. Nia Jax
Nia throws her around a bit and drops the leg for the pin at 1:09. I think we have Asuka's first challenger.
Tye Dillinger vs. Austin Aries
Dillinger shoulders him down and shows Aries a 10 to start but Aries comes back with some armdrags into an armbar. We get the BOTH THESE GUYS chant as Dillinger starts in on the back with a few stomps and a hard whip into the corner for two. Aries claps his hands around Tye's ears before sending him outside for the corkscrew dive. Tye raises a boot to block a dropkick and gets two off a fireman's carry slam onto his knee. That's fine with Austin as he forearms Tye in the face and hits a 450 for the pin at 4:37.
Revival vs. Hype Bros
Ryder and Dash get things going and I'll give you two guesses as to who the fans are behind. Zack has to fight both of them off and is quickly pulled into the wrong corner for a tag to Dawson who pounds Ryder down. Dash puts on a cobra clutch as Corey continues his eternal hatred of all things Mojo Rawley by insulting his trunks. The hold is pretty easily broken and Ryder dives over for the hot tag. Mojo cleans a little bit of the house before walking into the Shatter Machine for the pin at 4:12.
Alex Riley isn't worried about Shinsuke Nakamura next week because he's so small. Riley promises to be a maniac next week.
No Way Jose vs. Noah Potjes
The fans are WAY into Jose with Phillips saying it's contagious. Graves: “So is the flu.” Jose dances a lot and mocks swinging a bat. A few armdrags set up the baseball punch and a quick full nelson slam puts Noah away at 2:17.
Aries says that was a perfect 20 but something seems a bit off. He's been flying under the radar since he's been here but that's all about to change. Now if you'll excuse him, he has a banana to eat.
Video on Finn Balor losing the title to Samoa Joe. Balor is back next week.
Samoa Joe vs. Eric Young
Non-title. Joe works on the arm to start but they opt to just trade big shots to the face instead. A swinging neckbreaker gets one on Joe but he throws Eric out to the floor for a big suicide dive as we take a break. Back with Young eating a hard elbow to the jaw and the enziguri out of the corner. We hit the nerve hold as this isn't exactly flying off the page so far.
Joe gets two more off a backsplash before elbowing Young's head off to stop a comeback bid. Eric does the slide between Joe's legs and scores with a running forearm, followed by the good looking top rope elbow for two. The release Rock Bottom out of the corner plants Eric though and it's the Muscle Buster into the Koquina Clutch for the submission at 14:20.
Results
Nia Jax b. Tessa Blanchard – Legdrop
Austin Aries b. Tye Dillinger – 450 splash
Revival b. Hype Bros – Shatter Machine to Rawley
No Way Jose b. Noah Potjes – Full nelson slam
Samoa Joe b. Eric Young – Koquina Clutch
Thursday
Naomi has injured her ankle and will be out for an unknown amount of time.
Smackdown
Date: May 5, 2016
Location: Sprint Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
We've hit the ground running on the way to Extreme Rules with a fairly action packed Raw earlier this week. The big story continues to be AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns but now we also have the Usos and Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows much more closely involved. It should be interesting to see what they can throw in here before the pay per view in two and a half weeks. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
We open with the Highlight Reel but first we get a recap of the Ambrose Asylum being canceled and the ensuing brawl. Ranallo: “Payback is a Mitch!” Jericho brags about injuring Dean Ambrose and keeping him off the show tonight. That's about it for Dean though as here's Jericho's guest: Sami Zayn.
Before anything is said, we look at a clip of Cesaro vs. Owens on Monday with Sami and Miz getting involved and likely setting up a fourway for the title. Jericho says Sami isn't a decent human being for holding up the Intercontinental Title but Sami thinks the scarf makes Jericho look stupid. Sami certainly wasn't trying to steal the title but here are Miz and Maryse to interrupt.
This is Miz's Intercontinental Title so Sami better not lay a finger on her again, which is exactly what Sami does again. Jericho says he would freak out if anyone touched his $15,000 jacket like that. Sami: “You paid $15,000 to look like a walking Christmas tree?” That's enough for Jericho who walks out so Miz threatens Zayn for trying to go after the biggest fish in WWE. Sami touches the title again and says he wants to go for a swim. Zayn wants to go right now but Miz bails to the floor.
Sami Zayn vs. The Miz
Non-title with the bell ringing after a break. Feeling out process to start as they fight over wristlocks and armbars. Sami grinds him down with a headlock. Back up and Sami gets in one of those kind of awkward looking clotheslines of his to send Miz to the floor. A moonsault off the barricade drops Miz again but here's Kevin Owens for a distraction.
We take a break and come back with Owens on commentary and Miz dropping a top rope axhandle for no cover. Owens: “You should be very proud of yourself Miz. You jumped up to the top rope, jumped off the top and hit him with your fists. You're an athlete!” Sami low bridges him to the floor for the big flip dive and a staredown with Owens. Kevin runs in for the DQ at 8:39.
Post match Sami gets double teamed until Cesaro runs down for the save, ripping his suit off on the way down the ramp. Cesaro cleans house but accidentally takes out Sami in the process. This time it's Cesaro holding up the title.
We look back at the end of Raw with the big brawl between Styles/Gallows/Anderson and Reigns/Usos, capped off by Reigns powerbombing AJ through the table.
Anderson and Gallows are a bit disappointed in AJ for not blasting Reigns with the chair on Monday. AJ wanted to keep it clean though because he wants to win the title his own way. Anderson and Gallows respect that but Roman doesn't respect AJ. Styles likes their suggestions of going extreme and thinks it's time for a chat with Roman.
Greetings From Puerto Rico.
We look at Enzo Amore's injury on Sunday.
Vaudevillains vs. Social Outcasts
Dallas/Axel here. Bo starts fast with a powerslam on English for two. Axel comes in to go after Gotch but gets backdropped out to the floor for the save. The Whirling Dervish ends Dallas at 1:51.
Post match Colin Cassady comes out to go after the Vaudevillains and cleans house before Axel gets in to call Gotch and English SAWFT. That earns him a much deserved East River Crossing and Cass shouts a lot.
We look back at Shane and Stephanie gaining power on Sunday and their first night of sharing power on Raw.
Natalya/Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte/Emma
Natalya headlocks Charlotte to the mat to start and it's off to Becky with Lawler yelling about the cheating going on. This show has been so much easier to sit through with him as a heel like he always should be. It's already back to Natalya who charges into a boot in the corner and Emma comes in for some stomping. Emma slams her face first into the mat and it's Charlotte putting on a chinlock.
Natalya finally sends Charlotte into the corner and makes the hot tag to Becky for some armdrags and dropkicks. The comeback is shortlived though as Becky is sent to the floor for a crash, allowing Charlotte to do her headscissor faceplants. Back from a break with Becky getting two off a rollup until a big boot puts her down again.
We get the eternally painful standing on the hair before Charlotte drops a knee. An enziguri puts Emma down though and the hot tag brings in Natalya for the house cleaning. The stepover dropkick sets up the discus lariat (which Ranallo seems to dub Nattie By Nature) on Charlotte but Natalya gets sent into the corner for the Emma Sandwich. Emma takes too long though and it's the Sharpshooter to make Emma tap at 13:48.
AJ comes in to see Roman Reigns and the Usos. He wants to know if Reigns will be at ringside tonight and Reigns says he'll be wherever he wants because he's the champ. In that case, AJ will be at ringside too.
Darren Young has asked Bob Backlund to be his life coach. That's fine with Backlund, if Young will put everything he has into this.
Zack Ryder vs. Rusev
This has become WWE's version of Goldberg vs. Jerry Flynn. Ryder gets in a few dropkicks before Rusev slams him down. The Accolade wraps it up at 1:15.
Rusev and Lana do the Kalisto dance until Kalisto runs in for a corkscrew cross body before running away.
Fandango teaches Goldust to dance when R-Truth and Tyler Breeze come in. Goldust is having some issues but Truth says Fandango is the one off beat. A danceoff ensues but Fandango would rather have a tag match next week.
Usos vs. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows
AJ and Reigns are at ringside. Jey and Karl get things going with the former getting in an uppercut and crucifix for two. A dropkick puts Anderson down again but Karl knocks Jey out to the floor. Karl goes after Reigns though and it's a DQ at 2:20.
They brawl to a break and I think you know what's coming.
Roman Reigns/Usos vs. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles
Thankfully we don't miss anything during a break. I'm so glad that's becoming more of a trend. Styles and Reigns get things going with the champ getting in a quick shoulder and drawing quite a few boos. Reigns powers out of a sunset flip into a fireman's carry, followed by a hard uppercut for two. Anderson comes in for some right hands as we get those phantom dueling chants. A big boot to the face drops Karl with Ranallo's name drop of the mafia confusing Jerry. Jey comes in to face Gallows and a kick to Luke's face allows the tag off to Jimmy as the twins start taking over.
Gallows kicks Jey in the face and we get that awkward staredown in front of the ring. They actually don't take a break though as it's AJ coming in and taking a quick enziguri. Reigns comes in off the cold tag and starts cleaning house with a running clothesline to Anderson. The corner clotheslines set up the Superman punch but it takes Gallows off the apron, followed by a suicide dive from Jimmy. The second Superman punch hits Karl in the jaw but AJ takes Reigns out before the spear. Anderson's spinebuster gets two, only to have the spear put Karl away 7:30.
AJ points at the title to end the show.
Results
Sami Zayn b. The Miz via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Vaudevillains b. Social Outcasts – Whirling Dervish to Dallas
Natalya/Becky Lynch b. Charlotte/Emma – Sharpshooter to Emma
Rusev b. Zack Ryder – Accolade
Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos via DQ when Roman Reigns interfered
Roman Reigns/Usos b. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles – Spear to Anderson
Friday
WWE has released El Torito, Hornswoggle, Damien Sandow, Wade Barrett, Cameron, Alex Riley, Zeb Colter and Santino Marella.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Miz interfered
Tyler Breeze b. Goldust – Rollup
New Day/Colin Cassady b. Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains – East River Crossing to D-Von
Emma b. Becky Lynch – Michinoku Driver
Rusev won a battle royal last eliminating Zack Ryder
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos/Roman Reigns – Phenomenal Forearm to Jimmy
Impact Wrestling
Jeff Hardy b. Mike Bennett via DQ when Lashley interfered
Abyss b. James Storm – Black Hole Slam
Bram b. Eli Drake, Andrew Everett, Eddie Edwards and Jesse Godderz – Bram hung the title
Lashley b. Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett – Spear to Hardy
NXT
Nia Jax b. Tessa Blanchard – Legdrop
Austin Aries b. Tye Dillinger – 450 splash
Revival b. Hype Bros – Shatter Machine to Rawley
No Way Jose b. Noah Potjes – Full nelson slam
Samoa Joe b. Eric Young – Koquina Clutch
Smackdown
Sami Zayn b. The Miz via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Vaudevillains b. Social Outcasts – Whirling Dervish to Dallas
Natalya/Becky Lynch b. Charlotte/Emma – Sharpshooter to Emma
Rusev b. Zack Ryder – Accolade
Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos via DQ when Roman Reigns interfered
Roman Reigns/Usos b. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles – Spear to Anderson
Enzo Amore was released from the hospital last night and his neck seems to be fine.
Monday Night Raw
Date: May 2, 2016
Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton
We're past Payback, meaning we have less than three weeks before Extreme Rules with a main event of AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns II for the World Title. The big story tonight though is the balance of power as Shane and Stephanie McMahon will be running the show together for the foreseeable future. I'm sure this will be fascinating. Let's get to it.
This week's recap, narrated for a change, talks about last night's main event and the announcement of Shane and Stephanie sharing power.
Opening sequence.
Here's Stephanie, carrying a present, to get things going. Before she can get anywhere though, here's Shane with 100% less presents. The bickering starts early but Stephanie's gift is for Shane. It's.....the the picture of Vince holding Shane as a child that was broken up before Wrestlemania.
Before Shane can talk about his ideas for the night, here's Kevin Owens to interrupt things. He has an idea of his own: a rematch for the Intercontinental Title. Owens appeals to Stephanie's business sense and mentions having a contractually obligated rematch. This brings out Cesaro to say that Owens and Zayn cost him the Intercontinental Title last night. Shane makes a #1 contenders match right now.
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens
Miz and Maryse are on commentary. Cesaro immediately starts with the uppercuts across the ring, followed by another big one on the floor. Back in and Cesaro gets two off the high cross body but Owens goes after the shoulder to take over. The superkick and backsplash get two and it's time to work on the arm a bit more. A quick strike exchange drops Cesaro but he crotches Owens on top.
Kevin cuts him off again with a Stunner over the top rope, followed by a frog splash off the apron as we take a break. Back with Owens hitting the Cannonball but running into the springboard uppercut. They head outside with Owens grabbing the title but Miz takes it away. That earns Miz an uppercut and it's time for the champ to run in for the DQ at 11:30.
Post match Cesaro gets double teamed until Sami Zayn runs in for the save before holding up the title. This sets up the four way, even though there's no logical reason for Sami to still be involved after losing last night. If they had gone with the logical move of Sami winning last night, you can still bring in Owens because of the required rematch. That's too simple for WWE though so we get more illogical storytelling.
Dean Ambrose is in the back with Stephanie, who volunteers to be the guest on the Ambrose Asylum.
R-Truth and Tyler Breeze are in the back talking about selfie sticks (Truth's has leaves) when Goldust comes in. Goldust insults Breeze a bit and a challenge is issued. Truth doesn't like Goldust insulting his friend so Fandango comes in to be Goldust's partner.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows say AJ was close to winning last night which makes AJ want it even more. They imply they'll help in the rematch but Roman Reigns comes in to say he respects AJ but not the other two. The Usos come in and a challenge is made for a six man.
Goldust vs. Tyler Breeze
Fandango and R-Truth are here as the seconds. Truth gives Breeze a headband to start but Goldust knocks it off. Goldust: “WHY DIDN'T YOU EVER GIVE ME ONE OF THESE???” Truth doesn't notice as he's playing with the stick, which distracts Goldust enough for Tyler to get in a few shots. They start dancing at each other, allowing Breeze to grab a rollup for the pin at 1:49.
Here's New Day to talk about their upcoming title defense against the Vaudevillains, who were awarded the match last night after Enzo's injury. We see a clip of the injury, which seems to be just a concussion. If this wasn't such a serious moment, Woods would be showing us all the nasty things Beyonce sent to him on Twitter last night.....but unfortunately that didn't happen. What did happen though was Enzo being released from the hospital after all the other tests were negative.
This brings out the Vaudevillains with Aiden singing about how they're going to win the titles. Apparently Enzo was the realest guy in the emergency room....and here are the Dudley Boyz to interfere. They say they didn't see the Vaudevillains win anything last night after the match was ended fast. A fight is about to break out when Big Cass interrupts. He's tired of hearing about the Vaudevillains taking out his family and the brawl is quickly on.
Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains vs. New Day/Colin Cassady
Joined in progress with Woods working over Gotch and bringing in Kofi for a kick to the chest. Big E. comes in for the splash before it's time for the Unicorn Stampede. Kofi gets in a running dropkick in the corner but Bubba kicks Woods in the face to take over. English comes in for a superkick as the heels start taking turns on Woods. A dropkick finally gets Xavier out of trouble, only to have D-Von drop an elbow on his back to stop the tag. The middle rope elbow misses though and there's the hot tag off to Kofi. Everything breaks down and Kofi gets sent out to the floor in a heap as we take a break.
Back with Kofi still in trouble and Gotch holding him in place for a D-Von elbow drop. Kofi finally dropkicks the Vaudevillains down and it's off to Cass to clean house. English is sent flying off a fall away slam, followed by a big boot the face. Everything breaks down again with Bubba suplexing Cass, only to have Kofi springboard in to break up 3D. Cass' East River Crossing puts D-Von away at 14:32.
We look back at the main event which set up Styles' rematch at Extreme Rules.
Now we look at the Montreal Screwjob finish to the Women's Title match. You all know the Montreal Screwjob. I mean, WWE certainly thinks you do because they're certainly not going to explain it because they know that every fan, including those under the age of 18, have gone back and looked at every bit of the company's history ever. We do however get a clip of Charles Robinson as Little Naitch from back in the day to actually explain the screwjob.
Emma vs. Becky Lynch
Apparently they've been arguing on Twitter lately. Becky quickly knocks her to the floor and does her head shaking dance, only to get pulled off the middle rope to change control. A butterfly suplex gets two on Becky and we hit a half nelson of all things. Emma sends her hard into the corner for the Emma Sandwich and a near fall. Becky gets all fired up and forearms her in the corner, followed by an exploder suplex for two. A quick poke to the eye slows Becky down though and a Michinoku Driver puts Becky away at 5:45.
Greetings From Puerto Rico.
Here's Dean Ambrose for the Asylum with Stephanie as his guest. Stephanie talks about how happy she is so Dean shows us a shot from Wrestlemania where Reigns speared her. That was the result of Stephanie being overzealous and she does her corporate speech about how awesome WWE is because of loyalty.
Dean goes on a long rant about loyalty and asks how many sacrifices Stephanie has made. I mean, yeah she's made a ton but Shane has made all of the same sacrifices over the years. That must make Stephanie mad because now she and Shane are exactly the same. Stephanie isn't happy with this so she cancels the Asylum and brings out Jericho for the Highlight Reel once again. Dean gets in a brawl with him of course but walks into a Codebreaker. Jericho breaks Mitch over Dean's head in the ultimate act of evil.
Battle Royal
Apollo Crews, Darren Young, Alberto Del Rio, Damien Sandow, Stardust, Titus O'Neil, Zack Ryder, Sheamus, Curtis Axel, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler, Sin Cara, Baron Corbin, Viktor, Bo Dallas,
For the #1 contendership to the US Title and I think I have everyone involved. Kalisto is on commentary and it's Viktor quickly being eliminated. Sandow is sent out a few seconds later and Crews gets rid of Stardust. Darren gets eliminated and Sheamus Brogue Kicks Crews out for a bit of a surprise.
Someone puts Sheamus out off camera but he slides back in with no issue. Ziggler superkicks Corbin over the top for an elimination but Corbin pulls him outside under the ropes and beats the tar out of him. For a nice change of pace, Corbin is smart enough to throw the half dead Ziggler back in so Rusev can get the official elimination as we take a break.
Back with Sheamus eliminating Titus (great use of his comeback) and Del Rio hitting his double stomp on Axel for a quick elimination. Cara tosses Dallas and we're down to Cara, Rusev, Del Rio, Sheamus and Ryder. A spinning cross body puts Rusev down and a springboard moonsault does the same to Sheamus and Del Rio.
There's an Irish Curse to Ryder but not enough for an elimination. Cara makes the eternally stupid mistake of going to the top, allowing Del Rio to shove him out and get us down to four. We've got the former League of Nations and Ryder, meaning Sheamus thinks they should join forces again. Ryder gets stomped down but hangs onto the top rope, leaving the League to fight each other.
Del Rio gets in a Backstabber on Rusev but walks into a Rough Ryder. Rusev spinwheel kicks Ryder down though and all four are still in it. The jumping superkick and a regular superkick are enough to get rid of Sheamus, followed by another superkick to send Del Rio to the floor. Ryder puts Alberto out and we're down to Ryder vs. Rusev, sending the fans into a short lived frenzy. Rusev charges into some knees in the corner and a missile dropkick puts Rusev down. The Broski Boot actually connects but Rusev no sells it and throws Ryder out for the win at 13:38.
Here are Charlotte and Ric Flair to address the end of last night's title match. Charlotte really doesn't see the controversy in the decision so here's Charles Robinson to explain his actions. Charles says Natalya was screaming to stop it last night and that counts as a submission. Robinson gets a bit confused about whether his admiration for Ric had anything to do with his decision so here's a CHEATER chant for him.
That's enough from Charles so here's Natalya to say this is all about Ric. Well of course it is. I mean, he's RIC FLAIR. Whether he wants to admit it or not, Bret is the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. Charlotte goes after Natalya but gets sent to the floor, leaving Ric to take off his gear. Natalya slaps him in the face and puts on a Sharpshooter before Charlotte gets her dad out of there. The Flairs leave so Natalay grabs Ric's Hall of Fame ring and Rolex.
After the announcers shill for WWE, Stephanie makes Charlotte vs. Natalya in a submissions match at Extreme Rules. As a bonus, Ric is banned from ringside. Stephanie's request for a WOO is denied.
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows vs. Usos/Roman Reigns
AJ and Reigns get things going with Styles grabbing a headscissors but easily being thrown off. Some kicks to the leg have Reigns in trouble so it's off to Gallows for a battle of uppercuts. Jey comes in for his running forearm in the corner, only to dive into a big boot for two. It's time for the big standoff on the floor after Jey is thrown over the top and we take a break.
Back with Anderson hammering away on Jey before it's off to AJ. The beatdown is on and Styles doesn't seem to like the idea of his buddies breaking up a tag. The distraction lets Jey get in a superkick to set up the tag off to Reigns. House is quickly cleaned with Roman beating everyone away until Anderson kicks him in the face for two.
AJ gets a blind tag but eats a tilt-a-whirl slam for his efforts. There's a Superman punch to Gallows but Jimmy comes in off another blind tag with a high cross body for two on AJ. The Boot of Doom into the flapjack sends Reigns into the barricade, leaving AJ to hit the Phenomenal Forearm to the pin on Jimmy at 11:30.
Post match Anderson and Gallows give AJ a chair before holding Reigns. AJ can't do it so the beatdown is on again. The Usos come in and get the chair to knock AJ down (it wasn't clear if they saw him throw it away). AJ gets back up and hits them with the chair, earning himself a Superman punch. Reigns isn't done yet though and loads up the announcers' table for a powerbomb to end the show.
Results
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Miz interfered
Tyler Breeze b. Goldust – Rollup
New Day/Colin Cassady b. Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains – East River Crossing to D-Von
Emma b. Becky Lynch – Michinoku Driver
Rusev won a battle royal last eliminating Zack Ryder
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos/Roman Reigns – Phenomenal Forearm to Jimmy
Tuesday
Impact Wrestling
Date: May 3, 2016
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
For the first time in a long time, we're coming up on a pay per view with Slammiversary airing in June. The big stories at the moment are Drew Galloway wanting to fight Lashley, probably in the pay per view main event, and Mike Bennett being the first man to defeat Ethan Carter III which likely sets up a rematch at Slammiversary as well. Now take all of that and forget most of it because it's time to put the focus back on the Hardy Boyz. Let's get to it.
Earlier today, Lashley attacked Drew Galloway at the gym and beat the champ down. They wound up in an MMA cage and Lashley knocked him down with one punch but couldn't choke him out. Eventually some other wrestlers broke it up.
We look at Bennett pinning Carter last week.
Mike and Maria come out with the former bragging about being the one man to finally pull something off that no one else ever could last week. No one in the back can beat him and now he deserves to be World Champion. This brings out Jeff Hardy because of course it does, though at least it's not so he can yell at Matt. Jeff doesn't think much of Bennett beating Carter because it just makes him a joke. The fans say Jeff is better and a match is pitched for later tonight. Bennett says he'll go ask Dixie but Jeff cleans house, prompting Mike to say we'll do it.
Mike Bennett vs. Jeff Hardy
Joined in progress with Bennett slapping on a chinlock. Jeff fights back with an atomic drop and the legdrop between the legs but here's Lashley to spear Jeff for the DQ at 1:48.
Bennett gets speared as well because Lashley is going to run through the entire roster until Dixie Carter gives him what he wants. Here's Dixie who is indignant that Lashley wants to be handed a title shot. She makes Hardy vs. Bennett vs. Lashley for the #1 contendership as tonight's main event with Drew as guest referee.
Rosemary asks Crazzy Steve is he's ready for his transformation. He certainly is so she spits something into his mouth. Abyss takes off his mask and gets the same treatment. The stuff seems to burn both of their faces.
Here's Decay for a chat. Rosemary talks about the team taking the titles from the people's heroes last week and their transformations. Steve can now speak and talks about how Rosemary has changed him. Rosemary talks about how many people have tried to control Abyss, including his father and brother. Now though he can show his true self, which means he wears paint instead of a mask. Abyss says he's beautiful and the fans seem to agree. Cue James Storm to say he's a cowboy who drinks a lot of beer. It's time for a fight and Decay is quickly dispatched. We're not done yet though as Storm wants Abyss right now.
Abyss vs. James Storm
Joined in progress as well with Storm getting in a baseball slide to take the brawl outside. Rosemary and Steve go after Storm but neither draws a DQ, likely because of plot convenience. Storm fights back inside with his shots to the face and a bulldog for two. Abyss gets the same off a chokeslam but Storm puts him back down with a Sling Blade, setting up a top rope elbow for another near fall. Steve's mist doesn't work but Abyss' blinds Storm so the Black Hole Slam can put him away at 6:00.
Maria wants Dixie to look at some papers. Jade better be smarter than Gail Kim was.
Jeff Hardy is more concerned about winning the title tonight than Matt.
Here's Maria to call out Jade for a chat. Maria sees Jade's star on the rise but thinks she needs to just hand over the title now because Jade wouldn't be anywhere without her. Jade says no so Maria brings out her friend Sienna to fight the champ. Sienna throws her around to start but Jade gets in a few kicks. They head outside with Jade being sent hard into the steps. Back inside and Sienna gives her something like a spinning Big Ending to leave Jade laying.
Bram says he's been called a lot of things and now he's being called champion.
And now, in case you haven't heard enough talking yet, we have a sitdown interview with Ethan Carter III. Well at least we would if he was here but Bennett comes in to say that Ethan is missing because he's scared. Tonight he'll get his title shot no matter what.
King of the Mountain Title: Bram vs. Eli Drake vs. Andrew Everett vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Jesse Godderz
Bram is defending in a King of the Mountain match, meaning you have to get a pin to become eligible to hang the title. If you pin someone, they're sent to a penalty box for a minute so there's some strategy involved. Jesse and Eli trade rollups to start as Everett hides on the floor with Shane Helms. Bram plants Everett with a powerbomb for the pin to become eligible early on.
Eddie grabs a half crab on Drake but Everett breaks it up for no logical reason. Edwards sends him out to the floor and hits a big dive, only to have Drake get in a cheap shot from behind for a rollup and pin to become eligible. Bram sets up a ladder and gets the belt but Jesse dropkicks him down. Drake slams Jesse but the champ comes back in for a Cactus Clothesline.
Everett misses a moonsault and gets caught in the Adonis Lock for a quick submission to make Jesse eligible. Edwards and Everett brawl to the back to leave us with three people. Godderz goes up but Drake pulls him down and hits him in the head with the Feast or Fired briefcase. He takes too long going up though and it's Bram dropkicking the ladder down, allowing him to hang the title to retain at 7:25.
Drake tries to cash in post match but Bram gets up and chases him off.
Galloway says he's had a rough day so he'd love to see Lashley try to put his hands on him.
Matt Hardy sits in the shadows and accuses Jeff of trying to remove him from this dimension. Their war isn't done.
Before the main event, Ethan Carter III comes out to congratulate Bennett on the win. Carter isn't like the rest of those people who lost to him over the years and then came out here to complain about it. He accepts this loss but it's changed him. Bennett needs to go and win that World Title because he wants to take the title back from Mike one day. Carter rants about how the loss made him incomplete and kept him from becoming the best wrestler on the planet. He'll be back for Bennett soon enough.
Jeff Hardy vs. Lashley vs. Mike Bennett
For the #1 contendership with champion Drew Galloway as guest referee. Drew promises to call this down the middle and we're finally ready to go. It's a slow start with both guys going after Lashley who easily powers them away. The big guy is sent outside though and Jeff takes them both out with a Whisper in the Wind as we go to a break.
Back with Jeff still fighting off both guys but eating a powerslam from Lashley. A long delayed vertical suplex, complete with a point to Galloway, plants Bennett. The spear hits Galloway though, followed by Bennett hitting the cutter on Lashley. Jeff dropkicks Bennett to the floor and adds the Swanton on Lashley for no count.
Bennett is sent face first into the steps over and over, followed by a Swanton onto Bennett on the steps. Cue the Decay for no apparent reason to go after Hardy, including a chokeslam onto the steps. Decay leaves so Lashley spears Jeff into the post for a great looking crash. Another spear gives Lashley the pin and the title shot at 14:02.
Lashley and Drew brawl to end the show.
Results
Jeff Hardy b. Mike Bennett via DQ when Lashley interfered
Abyss b. James Storm – Black Hole Slam
Bram b. Eli Drake, Andrew Everett, Eddie Edwards and Jesse Godderz – Bram hung the title
Lashley b. Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett – Spear to Hardy
Wednesday
NXT
Date: May 4, 2016
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Corey Graves, Tom Phillips
We're back at Full Sail this week and things should be getting interesting again in a hurry. The next Takeover has been scheduled for June 8 so they only have about a month to get wherever we're heading. Samoa Joe is the new NXT Champion and tonight we may find out who he's facing next. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
Here's Joe to get things going. The new champ calls himself a man who keeps his word and this title win was inevitable. If anyone has a problem with that, they can come out here and get choked out. Cue the debuting Eric Young (grumble grumble) to a very nice reception from the crowd. Young says the only thing you can count on in life is change and now it's time for him to collect another of those titles. Joe leaves without any violence and says Eric doesn't belong in the same ring as him.
Tessa Blanchard vs. Nia Jax
Nia throws her around a bit and drops the leg for the pin at 1:09. I think we have Asuka's first challenger.
Tye Dillinger vs. Austin Aries
Dillinger shoulders him down and shows Aries a 10 to start but Aries comes back with some armdrags into an armbar. We get the BOTH THESE GUYS chant as Dillinger starts in on the back with a few stomps and a hard whip into the corner for two. Aries claps his hands around Tye's ears before sending him outside for the corkscrew dive. Tye raises a boot to block a dropkick and gets two off a fireman's carry slam onto his knee. That's fine with Austin as he forearms Tye in the face and hits a 450 for the pin at 4:37.
Revival vs. Hype Bros
Ryder and Dash get things going and I'll give you two guesses as to who the fans are behind. Zack has to fight both of them off and is quickly pulled into the wrong corner for a tag to Dawson who pounds Ryder down. Dash puts on a cobra clutch as Corey continues his eternal hatred of all things Mojo Rawley by insulting his trunks. The hold is pretty easily broken and Ryder dives over for the hot tag. Mojo cleans a little bit of the house before walking into the Shatter Machine for the pin at 4:12.
Alex Riley isn't worried about Shinsuke Nakamura next week because he's so small. Riley promises to be a maniac next week.
No Way Jose vs. Noah Potjes
The fans are WAY into Jose with Phillips saying it's contagious. Graves: “So is the flu.” Jose dances a lot and mocks swinging a bat. A few armdrags set up the baseball punch and a quick full nelson slam puts Noah away at 2:17.
Aries says that was a perfect 20 but something seems a bit off. He's been flying under the radar since he's been here but that's all about to change. Now if you'll excuse him, he has a banana to eat.
Video on Finn Balor losing the title to Samoa Joe. Balor is back next week.
Samoa Joe vs. Eric Young
Non-title. Joe works on the arm to start but they opt to just trade big shots to the face instead. A swinging neckbreaker gets one on Joe but he throws Eric out to the floor for a big suicide dive as we take a break. Back with Young eating a hard elbow to the jaw and the enziguri out of the corner. We hit the nerve hold as this isn't exactly flying off the page so far.
Joe gets two more off a backsplash before elbowing Young's head off to stop a comeback bid. Eric does the slide between Joe's legs and scores with a running forearm, followed by the good looking top rope elbow for two. The release Rock Bottom out of the corner plants Eric though and it's the Muscle Buster into the Koquina Clutch for the submission at 14:20.
Results
Nia Jax b. Tessa Blanchard – Legdrop
Austin Aries b. Tye Dillinger – 450 splash
Revival b. Hype Bros – Shatter Machine to Rawley
No Way Jose b. Noah Potjes – Full nelson slam
Samoa Joe b. Eric Young – Koquina Clutch
Thursday
Naomi has injured her ankle and will be out for an unknown amount of time.
Smackdown
Date: May 5, 2016
Location: Sprint Center, Kansas City, Missouri
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Jerry Lawler, Byron Saxton
We've hit the ground running on the way to Extreme Rules with a fairly action packed Raw earlier this week. The big story continues to be AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns but now we also have the Usos and Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows much more closely involved. It should be interesting to see what they can throw in here before the pay per view in two and a half weeks. Let's get to it.
Opening sequence.
We open with the Highlight Reel but first we get a recap of the Ambrose Asylum being canceled and the ensuing brawl. Ranallo: “Payback is a Mitch!” Jericho brags about injuring Dean Ambrose and keeping him off the show tonight. That's about it for Dean though as here's Jericho's guest: Sami Zayn.
Before anything is said, we look at a clip of Cesaro vs. Owens on Monday with Sami and Miz getting involved and likely setting up a fourway for the title. Jericho says Sami isn't a decent human being for holding up the Intercontinental Title but Sami thinks the scarf makes Jericho look stupid. Sami certainly wasn't trying to steal the title but here are Miz and Maryse to interrupt.
This is Miz's Intercontinental Title so Sami better not lay a finger on her again, which is exactly what Sami does again. Jericho says he would freak out if anyone touched his $15,000 jacket like that. Sami: “You paid $15,000 to look like a walking Christmas tree?” That's enough for Jericho who walks out so Miz threatens Zayn for trying to go after the biggest fish in WWE. Sami touches the title again and says he wants to go for a swim. Zayn wants to go right now but Miz bails to the floor.
Sami Zayn vs. The Miz
Non-title with the bell ringing after a break. Feeling out process to start as they fight over wristlocks and armbars. Sami grinds him down with a headlock. Back up and Sami gets in one of those kind of awkward looking clotheslines of his to send Miz to the floor. A moonsault off the barricade drops Miz again but here's Kevin Owens for a distraction.
We take a break and come back with Owens on commentary and Miz dropping a top rope axhandle for no cover. Owens: “You should be very proud of yourself Miz. You jumped up to the top rope, jumped off the top and hit him with your fists. You're an athlete!” Sami low bridges him to the floor for the big flip dive and a staredown with Owens. Kevin runs in for the DQ at 8:39.
Post match Sami gets double teamed until Cesaro runs down for the save, ripping his suit off on the way down the ramp. Cesaro cleans house but accidentally takes out Sami in the process. This time it's Cesaro holding up the title.
We look back at the end of Raw with the big brawl between Styles/Gallows/Anderson and Reigns/Usos, capped off by Reigns powerbombing AJ through the table.
Anderson and Gallows are a bit disappointed in AJ for not blasting Reigns with the chair on Monday. AJ wanted to keep it clean though because he wants to win the title his own way. Anderson and Gallows respect that but Roman doesn't respect AJ. Styles likes their suggestions of going extreme and thinks it's time for a chat with Roman.
Greetings From Puerto Rico.
We look at Enzo Amore's injury on Sunday.
Vaudevillains vs. Social Outcasts
Dallas/Axel here. Bo starts fast with a powerslam on English for two. Axel comes in to go after Gotch but gets backdropped out to the floor for the save. The Whirling Dervish ends Dallas at 1:51.
Post match Colin Cassady comes out to go after the Vaudevillains and cleans house before Axel gets in to call Gotch and English SAWFT. That earns him a much deserved East River Crossing and Cass shouts a lot.
We look back at Shane and Stephanie gaining power on Sunday and their first night of sharing power on Raw.
Natalya/Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte/Emma
Natalya headlocks Charlotte to the mat to start and it's off to Becky with Lawler yelling about the cheating going on. This show has been so much easier to sit through with him as a heel like he always should be. It's already back to Natalya who charges into a boot in the corner and Emma comes in for some stomping. Emma slams her face first into the mat and it's Charlotte putting on a chinlock.
Natalya finally sends Charlotte into the corner and makes the hot tag to Becky for some armdrags and dropkicks. The comeback is shortlived though as Becky is sent to the floor for a crash, allowing Charlotte to do her headscissor faceplants. Back from a break with Becky getting two off a rollup until a big boot puts her down again.
We get the eternally painful standing on the hair before Charlotte drops a knee. An enziguri puts Emma down though and the hot tag brings in Natalya for the house cleaning. The stepover dropkick sets up the discus lariat (which Ranallo seems to dub Nattie By Nature) on Charlotte but Natalya gets sent into the corner for the Emma Sandwich. Emma takes too long though and it's the Sharpshooter to make Emma tap at 13:48.
AJ comes in to see Roman Reigns and the Usos. He wants to know if Reigns will be at ringside tonight and Reigns says he'll be wherever he wants because he's the champ. In that case, AJ will be at ringside too.
Darren Young has asked Bob Backlund to be his life coach. That's fine with Backlund, if Young will put everything he has into this.
Zack Ryder vs. Rusev
This has become WWE's version of Goldberg vs. Jerry Flynn. Ryder gets in a few dropkicks before Rusev slams him down. The Accolade wraps it up at 1:15.
Rusev and Lana do the Kalisto dance until Kalisto runs in for a corkscrew cross body before running away.
Fandango teaches Goldust to dance when R-Truth and Tyler Breeze come in. Goldust is having some issues but Truth says Fandango is the one off beat. A danceoff ensues but Fandango would rather have a tag match next week.
Usos vs. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows
AJ and Reigns are at ringside. Jey and Karl get things going with the former getting in an uppercut and crucifix for two. A dropkick puts Anderson down again but Karl knocks Jey out to the floor. Karl goes after Reigns though and it's a DQ at 2:20.
They brawl to a break and I think you know what's coming.
Roman Reigns/Usos vs. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles
Thankfully we don't miss anything during a break. I'm so glad that's becoming more of a trend. Styles and Reigns get things going with the champ getting in a quick shoulder and drawing quite a few boos. Reigns powers out of a sunset flip into a fireman's carry, followed by a hard uppercut for two. Anderson comes in for some right hands as we get those phantom dueling chants. A big boot to the face drops Karl with Ranallo's name drop of the mafia confusing Jerry. Jey comes in to face Gallows and a kick to Luke's face allows the tag off to Jimmy as the twins start taking over.
Gallows kicks Jey in the face and we get that awkward staredown in front of the ring. They actually don't take a break though as it's AJ coming in and taking a quick enziguri. Reigns comes in off the cold tag and starts cleaning house with a running clothesline to Anderson. The corner clotheslines set up the Superman punch but it takes Gallows off the apron, followed by a suicide dive from Jimmy. The second Superman punch hits Karl in the jaw but AJ takes Reigns out before the spear. Anderson's spinebuster gets two, only to have the spear put Karl away 7:30.
AJ points at the title to end the show.
Results
Sami Zayn b. The Miz via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Vaudevillains b. Social Outcasts – Whirling Dervish to Dallas
Natalya/Becky Lynch b. Charlotte/Emma – Sharpshooter to Emma
Rusev b. Zack Ryder – Accolade
Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos via DQ when Roman Reigns interfered
Roman Reigns/Usos b. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles – Spear to Anderson
Friday
WWE has released El Torito, Hornswoggle, Damien Sandow, Wade Barrett, Cameron, Alex Riley, Zeb Colter and Santino Marella.
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Cesaro b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Miz interfered
Tyler Breeze b. Goldust – Rollup
New Day/Colin Cassady b. Dudley Boyz/Vaudevillains – East River Crossing to D-Von
Emma b. Becky Lynch – Michinoku Driver
Rusev won a battle royal last eliminating Zack Ryder
AJ Styles/Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos/Roman Reigns – Phenomenal Forearm to Jimmy
Impact Wrestling
Jeff Hardy b. Mike Bennett via DQ when Lashley interfered
Abyss b. James Storm – Black Hole Slam
Bram b. Eli Drake, Andrew Everett, Eddie Edwards and Jesse Godderz – Bram hung the title
Lashley b. Jeff Hardy and Mike Bennett – Spear to Hardy
NXT
Nia Jax b. Tessa Blanchard – Legdrop
Austin Aries b. Tye Dillinger – 450 splash
Revival b. Hype Bros – Shatter Machine to Rawley
No Way Jose b. Noah Potjes – Full nelson slam
Samoa Joe b. Eric Young – Koquina Clutch
Smackdown
Sami Zayn b. The Miz via DQ when Kevin Owens interfered
Vaudevillains b. Social Outcasts – Whirling Dervish to Dallas
Natalya/Becky Lynch b. Charlotte/Emma – Sharpshooter to Emma
Rusev b. Zack Ryder – Accolade
Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows b. Usos via DQ when Roman Reigns interfered
Roman Reigns/Usos b. Karl Anderson/Luke Gallows/AJ Styles – Spear to Anderson