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Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Friday
Nothing.
Saturday
Takeover: Brooklyn III
Date: August 19, 2017
Location: Barclays Center, New York City, New York
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson, Nigel McGuinness
Its the biggest night of the year for NXT and theyre getting to be in front of probably 15,000 people. Not bad for a show that regularly gets a few hundred no? Anyway tonights main event is Bobby Roode defending the NXT Title against Drew McIntyre as NXT continues to do TNA better than TNA ever could. Lets get to it.
Code Orange performs one of the three theme songs live, intercut with shots of the wrestlers on the card tonight. Its not quite HHH shouting WE ARE NXT but Ill take what I can get.
Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade Cien Almas
Almas has Zelina Vega with him. The JOHNNY WRESTLING chants are out in full force tonight for what Mauro calls a quintessential crossroads confrontation. Almas takes him down into a headscissors to start and throws in some posing for good measure. Johnny is right back with a very nice series of rollups for two and we hit a front facelock. Some chops earn Gargano an elbow to the chest and he charges into a hanging armbar over the top rope.
Andrade stays on the arm for a bit until a drop toehold sends him into the buckle. Theres a hard double clothesline to put both guys down and things slow down a bit. Gargano is back up first with the slingshot spear for two and a good looking kick to puts Almas on the floor. Johnny follows him out with a suicide dive and you know that means an NXT chant. A slingshot DDT gives Johnny two more but another slingshot spear is countered (never do the same spot twice) into a faceplant.
As I picture Randy Orton countering that into a DDT, Almas gets two off an inverted tornado DDT. Almas takes him up top but has to counter a sunset bomb before hiptossing a charging Gargano into the corner. Johnny is right back with a headscissors into the Gargano Escape (that shoulder lock) but Andrade spins out into a rollup, which he lifts up into a buckle bomb.
The running knees in the corner get a VERY hot two and Almas is stunned. Gargano hits a pair of superkicks (well you knew that was coming) and a launches him face first into the middle buckle. Zelina throws in a DIY shirt at Johnny though and the distraction is enough for Almas to grab the hammerlock DDT for the pin at 13:13.
Gargano backs away from the DIY shirt.
Kurt Angle, Daniel Bryan, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, No Way Jose and some others are in a sky box.
We recap the Tag Team Title match. The Authors of Pain have run through everyone around but they havent ever dealt with anything like Sanity. The rules are thrown out the window with this one and it could mess with the champs.
Corey Graves comes out to do commentary for the next match.
Tag Team Titles: Authors of Pain vs. Sanity
Sanity, represented by Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain with Eric Young and Nikki Cross at ringside, is challenging. Its a big brawl to start with the Authors clearing the ring before the bell. Sanity is more than willing to fight on the floor as Young sets up a table against the barricade. We finally settle down (or as close as were going to get to doing so) with Akum hamming on Wolfe until a charge misses.
Young jumps on the apron and tells Dain to go to the floor, which seems to be legal because Dain was never legally in and you can change lineups until that takes place. The things you learn watching a Takeover. The fight heads into the crowd with Akum missing a charge and going shoulder first into the barricade. It doesnt seem to bother him though as he sends Young back inside for a Dominator.
A sideslam/middle rope stomp gets two on Eric and its off to Razar for a chinlock. Young tries to slide between Razars legs but gets choked down for his efforts. Razar misses a charge in the corner and theres the hot tag to Wolfe to start the house cleaning. Everything breaks down and Wolfe snaps Akum over with a German suplex. The Authors are back up and try a superbomb but Wolfe reverses into a hurricanrana.
Its back to Young for a neckbreaker but the top rope elbow is broken up. Nikki grabs Youngs legs to prevent the Tower of Doom though and its Akum powerbombing Razar by mistake. Erics top rope elbow gets two, followed by Sanity hitting back to back suicide dives. Cross loads up one of her own but Paul Ellering of all people cuts her off. Nikki dives anyway so Akum catches her, earning himself a spear from Dain to put all three of them through the table. A belly to back/middle rope neckbreaker combo puts Razar away to give Sanity the title at 12:15.
Post match here are Kyle OReilly and Bobby Fish (ReDRagon, former ROH Tag Team Champions) to go after all four guys, including Chasing the Dragon and a modified high/low. ReDragon holds up the titles to make it clear before leaving through the crowd.
Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kalisto are in the crowd.
Jim Ross comes out for commentary on the next match.
Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black
Black gets played to the ring live. Theres not much of a story here other than Itami saying he wanted respect and getting his head kicked off by Black. They go straight for the kicks to start (as you knew they were going to) until Black sends him outside and moonsaults into his sitting position. Black charges into a kick in the corner and gets draped over the ropes for a middle rope Fameasser.
We hit the neck crank for a bit before a knee to the ribs cuts Black off again. Black has a bloody nose as Itami grabs a chinlock. JR: Its hard to kick someone in the head when youre laying on the mat. Eh Ive seen Bryan do it. Black fights up but eats a DDT for two. Back up and Black starts hitting his kicks, followed by a sliding knee to the head.
A standing Lionsault is nearly botched as Black barely moves backwards, forcing Itami to go forward so the legs can hit him. Itami breaks up the Black Mass and gets two off a top rope clothesline. A spinning strike to the head drops Black into the corner and theres a big old spinning kick to Itamis head to knock him silly. Black goes up top for some reason but gets pulled down with a super Falcon Arrow for a very delayed two.
Itami crawls over to him but Black pops up (with JR possibly calling him Allison) for a strike off. The jumping knee to the face staggers Itami, only to have Black charge into another Falcon Arrow for two. There goes the kneepad but Black knees out of the GTS. Itami demands respect so Black Mass knocks him cold for the pin at 12:35.
Notice that were three matches in and this is what weve had:
Match 1 Wrestling clinic
Match 2 Total chaos/power brawl
Match 3 Strike off
Three different match types, meaning the fans have no chance to say "we've seen this before". That's a very important key that so many shows don't get.
Bayley, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch are here.
We recap Asuka vs. Ember Moon. Asuka has been undefeated for nearly two years and has been champion for over sixteen months. She had to cheat to beat Ember in Chicago though and that gives Ember more confidence. The key to the whole thing is the Eclipse, which is the one weapon that even Asuka cant prepare for.
Womens Title: Asuka vs. Ember Moon
Ember is challenging and looks almost confused during Asukas entrance. We get the Big Match Intros and Ember kicks her in the jaw early to start followed by a second kick to send the champ outside. Ember follows with a Cannonball to the floor but Asuka sends her hard into the steps for a breather. Moon comes up holding her bad shoulder so Asuka grabs a suplex onto the ramp.
Back in and its time for the kicks to the arm followed by a standing armbar. An STO sends Moon down again, with Mauro actually saying what it stands for (space tornado Ogawa) in your nightly trivia. Asuka grabs an armbar but Ember powers her up into an electric chair. Some kicks give Ember a delayed two, only to have Asuka German suplex her into the corner. The Asuka Lock is broken up and Moon grabs one of her own.
Thats reversed into the regular version with Asuka jumping onto the back. Moon falls backwards for the break and a clothesline with the good arm drops Asuka again. Asukas running hip attack hits the corner so Ember comes back with the middle rope suplex (ala Wade Barrett) for two more. They head back to the corner with Asuka not being able to hit a superplex. Instead Ember pulls her down for a Del Rio double stomp and two.
The Eclipse connects ..for two? Huh? Like really, huh? Ember goes up again for a high crossbody but Asuka rolls through and grabs the trunks for two with the referee catching her in the act. A superkick gives Ember a VERY close two but Asuka pulls her down into the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring for the tap at 14:36.
Ember gets the big standing ovation.
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe are here.
We recap Bobby Roode vs. Drew McIntyre. Roode debuted last year in Brooklyn and won the NXT Title just a few months later. McIntyre returned earlier this year in Orlando and said it was time for him to reach a level he didnt reach in his first run. He said he took things for granted but nothing like that is happening this time. Of note, the package featured McIntyres old Broken Dreams theme music.
NXT Title: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Roode
Drew is defending and is played to the ring by the New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Roodes entrance features a digital piano on the stage with blue lights sliding down to play the notes. The stage is covered by smoke and heres Roode on his pedestal for the real entrance.
Drew shoves him away to start and we get a 3MB chant. Roode tries to chop to no avail, allowing Drew to hit his suplex slam. They fight out to the floor with Roode getting in a few shots, only to charge into a tilt-a-whirl slam onto the apron. A neck snap across the rope and a Blockbuster from the apron drop Drew though and the champ takes over. Roode gets two off a Rude Awakening and stomps away on the ropes.
Theres a missile dropkick to set up the chinlock for a bit as Nigel points out a bruise on Roodes thigh. Bobby charges into a belly to belly and Drew gets in a top rope forearm to the chest. The Celtic Cross (White Noise) gives Drew another near fall. They head to the corner where Drews superplex is broken up, only to have Drew sit up out of the Tree of Woe for a kind of choke throw off the top.
Roode is smart enough to play possum (its a Canadian thing) and a Backstabber gets two. Future Shock gives Drew the same but his super Celtic Cross is countered into a running powerbomb for another near fall. Drew is back up with the Claymore but Roodes foot is in the ropes. Roode heads outside so Drew busts out a huge no hands flip dive to put both guys down.
Back in and another Claymore is countered into a big spinebuster. The Glorious DDT connects for a very close two and both guys are spent. Theres another Glorious DDT but Roode picks him up for an attempt at a third, setting up the Claymore to give Drew the pin and the title at 22:26.
Post match Drew holds up the title but you can see the fans looking at something in the crowd. ReDRagon shows up on the apron and heres the debuting Adam Cole (called by that name, complete with the announcers saying BAY BAY) to lay McIntyre out with a superkick. Cole holds up the title to end the show.
Results
Andrade Cien Almas b. Johnny Gargano Hammerlock DDT
Sanity b. Authors of Pain Belly to back suplex/middle rope neckbreaker combination to Razar
Aleister Black b. Hideo Itami Black Mass
Asuka b. Ember Moon Asuka Lock
Drew McIntyre b. Bobby Roode Claymore
Sunday
Summerslam 2017
Date: August 20, 2017
Location: Barclays Center, New York City, New York
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Booker T., John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips
Its finally time for one of the biggest shows of the year as WWE takes over New York City all over again. This time around the big main event is a four way for the Universal Title with Brock Lesnar defending against Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe. The rest of the card is too deep to break down in short order so lets get to it.
Kickoff Show: Hardy Boyz/Jason Jordan vs. Miz/Miztourage
The idea here is that Miz wants to be defending his Intercontinental Title against Jason Jordan but is stuck in this for reasons that arent clear. The section opposite the hard camera is MAYBE ten percent full because were about an hour and a half away from the start of the pay per view.
Jeff takes Axel into the corner to start and hands it off to Jordan to work on the arm. Dallas comes in and gets the same treatment, sending the Miztourage outside for a breather as we take a break (with empty sections of seats being shown on camera). Back with Jeff in trouble with Miz hammering away and working on the arm.
Matt comes in and throws some right hands but the Twist of Fate (with Matt shouting TWIST OF FATE) is broken up. Miz gets in some YES Kicks but gets sent into the corner, setting up the hot tag to Jordan. The suplexes send the Miztourage flying as everything breaks down. Jordan hits the running shoulder in the corner to Axel but Miz makes a blind tag, setting up the Skull Crushing Finale to put Jordan away at 10:31.
Kickoff Show: Cruiserweight Title: Neville vs. Akira Tozawa
Tozawa is defending after winning the title on Monday. The crowd is looking far better already with the section opposite the hard camera now mostly full. Neville, in white trunks for a change, gets knocked outside so Tozawa can do his shouting. Tozawa follows him out but gets sent into the LED apron as we take a break.
Back with Neville throwing on a chinlock until Tozawa throws him outside for a suicide dive. A hard belly to back suplex drops Neville and an Octopus Hold has him in even more trouble. Neville makes the ropes and cuts off a charge with an enziguri, only to get kicked down as well to put them back to even. Back up and Tozawa rocks Neville with a right hand but its still too early for the backsplash. The superplex is broken up but the backsplash hits raised knees. The Red Arrow gives Neville the title back at 11:47.
Heres Elias to sing two songs, one of which insults Brooklyn in general and the other of which insults local singers. No match or anything but this is a thing that happened.
Kickoff Show: Smackdown Tag Team Titles: Usos vs. New Day
New Day is defending with Big E. and Woods in the ring. Before the match, Kofi (in Red Lantern inspired gear) talks about New Days history in Brooklyn, which is the first place they sang to the crowd and the birthplace of Francesca. Woods forearms Jimmy down to start and snaps off some rights and lefts in the corner. A raised boot cuts him off though and we take a break.
Back with Woods fighting out of a chinlock before coming up with a dropkick to Jey. Jimmy pulls Big E. off the apron though and its a Death Valley Driver into the corner for two. A modified Demolition Decapitator gets the same and we hit the chinlock. Back up with Woods getting in a faceplant for the tag off to Big E. as house is cleaned in a hurry. The Warrior Splash hits Jimmy and Big E. powerbombs Woods onto him for good measure.
In a real twist, Woods puts Big E. on his shoulders for a splash. JBL: Thats what youve come to expect from the New Day! A move theyve never done before? Jey comes in off a hot tag and a double spinebuster gets two on Big E. Its back to Woods who sends Jimmy into Big E. for a Rock Bottom/Backstabber combination and a near fall. Everything breaks down with the twins being sent outside for a dive from Woods, only to have Big E.s stopped by a superkick.
The Superfly Splash gets two on Xavier but hes back up with a Koji Clutch on Jey. A Shining Wizard gets two more and the Midnight Hour plants Jey with Jimmy diving in at the last second for the save. Woods charges at Jey, who launches him over the top into a Samoan drop on the floor. Big E. spears Jey through the ropes, only to have the Big Ending broken up by a blind tag. Five superkicks and a double Superfly Splash gives us new champions at 19:09.
We get a KFC ad featuring various people auditioning to be the next Colonel Sanders. This cuts to the arena where Shawn Michaels comes out in a sleeveless Sanders outfit, dances around, slides over the announcers table, and nothing else. This is one of the most random things Ive ever seen.
The opening video looks at every match under the slogan Go Big.
No pyro again, but let me introduce you to the ridiculous amount of commentary teams and all their equipment to broadcast live in various languages.
John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
Cena cost Corbin his Money in the Bank cash-in on Monday. For a change of pace, Cena slides to the floor and grabs JBLs hat while saying Corbin is shaken up. Back in and Cenas headlock is broken up with some knees to the ribs. Corbins slide underneath the ropes into a clothesline gets two and its time to yell at the referee.
A Worlds Strongest Slam gets two and triggers a WHERES YOUR BRIEFCASE chant. That earns Cena a chokebreaker as this is mostly one sided so far. Cena fights out of a superplex with a tornado DDT but the AA is broken up. Deep Six gives Corbin two but Cena comes right back with the Attitude Adjustment for the fast pin at 10:18.
Smackdown Womens Title: Natalya vs. Naomi
Natalya is challenging after winning an elimination match last month. Naomi starts fast and knocks her outside, meaning its time to shout a lot. Back in and the champs leg gets snapped over the top rope and then over the turnbuckle for good measure. A suplex gives Natalya two, followed by a small package to give Naomi the same.
Back up and Natalya blasts her with a clothesline, followed by a Michinoku Driver for two more. The discus clothesline drops Naomi again but she comes back with a Russian legsweep. Naomi declares it GLOW TIME and does her dancing kicks (the ones that make almost no contact) but Natalya pulls her down to the mat instead. Back up and the reverse Rings of Saturn is reversed into the Sharpshooter for the surprise tap out at 10:49.
Theres no Carmella appearance.
We recap Big Cass vs. Big Show. Cass turned on Enzo Amore for running his mouth too much (gee Im stunned) so Enzo brought in Show to help deal with him. Tonight Enzo is locked in a shark cage and Shows hand is broken due to an attack by Cass.
Big Cass vs. Big Show
Enzo runs his mouth before the match and sucks up to Brooklyn, furthering his status as my least favorite person in the company. I dont think I need to explain to you why Enzo is really annoying but hes been even more so lately. Show slugs away with his left hand as Enzo runs his mouth about how were going to work tonight while dancing in the cage, causing it to rattle loudly. Show hurts his hand on a missed Vader Bomb as Enzo is now jumping up and down.
Cass hammers on the hand and grabs an armbar for some psychology. The fans think this is boring as Show fights up with a left handed chokeslam for two. Cass knocks him down again and Enzo is taking his pants off. He pulls out some hidden oil and covers himself with it, allowing him to slip through the bars. Enzo gets down so Cass kicks him in the head but the big boot only gets two on Show. A second big boot sets up the Empire Elbow for the pin on Show at 10:28.
Daniel Bryan comes in to see Kurt Angle to say he thinks Smackdown will steam the show. Bryan: Its true, its true. Angle thinks Raw will be better and starts a YES chant. This turns into one heck of a YES/NO battle until both guys get winded.
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
Not much of a story here as Rusev wanted competition and Orton answered him. Rusev jumps Orton during the entrance and beats the heck out of him before the bell. Orton says he can go and its an RKO for the pin at 9 seconds.
That right there is the perfect example of why I cant stand these huge cards. This is obviously, and I do mean obviously, a case of cutting something for time. Why is it being cut for time? Its so we could have a Cruiserweight Title rematch and a six man rematch on the Kickoff Show. Neither match was good and both matches pretty much advanced nothing (the Cruiserweight Title match actually took us back in time) but they ate up time that could have gone to this match, which could have been interesting. Instead Rusev looks like an idiot and the match barely exists. Just dont put someone on the card. Theyll be ok.
Sasha Banks is coming to the ring when she runs into Bayley, who gets booed while wishing Bayley good luck.
Raw Womens Title: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
Banks is challenging as a replacement for an injured Bayley. They brawl into the corner with the fans booing the heck out of Sasha. Bliss hits the hardest right hand shes ever thrown but gets caught with a crossbody for two. Banks gets caught in the corner and faceplanted down to the mat. The New York fans are of course pleased with the woman from Boston getting beaten up, including having Bliss stand on her hair.
Alexa chokes in the corner and hits some double knees to the back. Some more choking ensues but Banks flips her out of the corner for a breather. Sasha makes her comeback with some clotheslines and a dropkick. Bliss tries a sunset flip out of the corner, only to have Sasha flip her backwards and head first into the buckles.
The Bank Statement goes on but its way too close to the ropes. Bliss takes her outside and sends her hard into the barricade, possibly injuring Sashas shoulder. Banks is back in at nine so Bliss is right on the arm, followed by Twisted Bliss for two. Some shots to the shoulder break up another Bank Statement, only to have Banks grab it again for the tap and the title at 13:17.
We see the Shawn Michaels KFC bit again.
Long recap of Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt. Bray seemed to think that Balor was a false idol and promised to destroy him. Wyatt beat him this past Monday and then poured blood over him for some extra effect. Balor then said that Bray had his demons, but he did too. I think you know what that means.
Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor
After Brays full entrance, a voice starts singing Hes Got The Whole World In His Hands. That means the Demon King returns for the first time since last Summerslam to easily the reaction of the night. Finn crawls around and Bray takes an early breather on the still smoky floor. Back in and Balor hammers away, kicking Bray right back to the floor. Balor jumps over him in the corner so Bray leans over backwards for a scary look of his own.
Thats fine with Finn who sends him outside for a flip dive but its too early for the Coup de Grace. A suplex onto the floor knocks Balor silly though and we hit the chinlock for a bit. Balor pops back up and knocks him outside for a kick from the apron, followed by a Sling Blade back inside. Bray boots him in the face for two and declares that he has him. Balor gets in the shotgun dropkick against the barricade and throws him back inside for a quick Coup de Grace at 9:42 in another weak finish.
We recap Cesaro/Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins, which has very little to do with Cesaro/Sheamus. Ambrose and Rollins were tired of getting double teamed and teased getting back together for weeks. It FINALLY happened earlier this week and they were granted an immediate shot at the Tag Team Titles.
Raw Tag Team Titles: Sheamus/Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins
Sheamus and Cesaro are defending. Ambrose headlocks Sheamus to start and its a blind tag from Rollins to set up a knee drop. A dropkick staggers Cesaro and the champs are knocked to the floor without too much effort. Sheamus pulls Dean outside for a Brogue Kick though and Seth gets slammed on the floor for good measure.
Seth grabs a Blockbuster for a breather but hang on a second as Cesaro is running into the crowd. He grabs a beach ball that a fan was batting around and rips it to shreds, drawing a heck of a YES chant. I certainly love him a lot more now. Cesaro suplexes Seth down for two but seems to have tweaked his knee.
Rollins gets taken outside for a double beating, only to have Ambrose come off the top with the elbow to put everyone down. Back in and the champs are clotheslined over the top, setting up the double suicide dives. A Hart Attack with a Sling Blade (not a Blockbuster Cole) gets two on Cesaro and the rebound lariat puts him down again. Sheamus gets caught on top for a superplex with Rollins tagging himself in for a frog splash and a near fall with Cesaro making the save.
Cesaro breaks up the double bomb out of the corner and Dirty Deeds is countered into the Sharpshooter. Dean is almost in the ropes but Cesaro switches to a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Since thats not going to work, its a powerbomb/top rope clothesline combination for two instead. White Noise is loaded up but Seth hurricanranas Cesaro off the top into Sheamus for the crazy save. A jumping knee to the face knocks Sheamus into Dirty Deeds for the pin and the titles at 18:35.
We recap Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the US Title. Theyve traded the title in recent months but Owens blames his recent loss on bad refereeing. This meant Shane McMahon was appointed as guest referee, so Owens started bringing up Shanes history as a crooked referee and his issues with AJ. The question is will Shane screw someone over and who will it be.
US Title: Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles
AJ is defending with Shane McMahon as guest referee. Owens jumps him at the bell and hammers away with AJs comeback being cut off without much effort. The Cannonball gets two and Owens yells at Shane. A chinlock and backbreaker get two more on the champ but AJ says bring it. Styles wins a slugout and hits a belly to back faceplant for two but cant follow up.
Back up and AJ manages the Phenomenal Forearm, only to hit Shane by mistake. That means theres no one to count the Pop Up Powerbomb so Owens yells at Shane. As you might expect, AJ gets back up and knocks Shane to the floor by mistake. The Calf Crusher goes on and Owens taps to no avail.
Everyone gets back in and AJ forearms Owens down, only to get caught in the spinning superplex for two. AJ comes right back with the Styles Clash for a close two. Owens grabs the Pop Up Powerbomb for the pin but AJs foot was on the ropes and Shane calls it off. That means an argument and Shane shoves Owens into a rollup for two. The Pele sets up the Phenomenal Forearm and a second Styles Clash retains the title at 17:25.
Some fans won a sweepstakes and got to go to the show.
We recap the Smackdown World Title match. Jinder Mahal won the title in May in a huge upset and has continued to defy his critics ever since. Shinsuke Nakamura became #1 contender by pinning John Cena clean. Theres also no Baron Corbin to cash-in his Money in the Bank briefcase any longer.
Smackdown World Title: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jinder Mahal
Jinder is defending and Nakamura is played to the ring by a live violinist. The threat of some kicks brings Mahal close enough to grab a wristlock, only to have Nakamura spin out and send Mahal outside. Nakamura says bring it on so Mahal gets back inside, only to get caught with Good Vibrations. Shinsuke is getting a little too comfortable so the Singh Brothers offer a distraction, allowing Mahal to pound him down and grab a chinlock.
Back up and Nakamura gets in a spinning kick to the jaw and a cross armbreaker but Jinder makes the ropes. Some hard kicks to the front and back of the head have Mahal reeling but here are the Singh Brothers for another distraction. This time it allows the Khallas to end Nakamura at 11:25.
We recap the Universal Title match and simply put, this is going to be chaos. Brock Lesnar is defending against Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns with basically a guarantee of pure anarchy. I dont think you need much more of an explanation.
Universal Title: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
Lesnar is defending, anything goes, and he leaves WWE if he loses. Naturally Paul Heyman handles Lesnars Big Match Intro and were ready to go. Joe goes after Lesnar while Strowman and Reigns head outside. The first suplex sends Joe outside but Reigns posts Strowman to set up the first showdown. The first German suplex drops Reigns and Joe comes in to take the second. NOW its the real showdown though with Strowman vs. Lesnar and the fans are way into this one.
Joe and Reigns cut it off though and were forced to wait a bit more. The wait is only a few seconds though as Reigns and Joe are knocked outside and its Strowman LAUNCHING Lesnar into the corner and clotheslining him hard to the floor. Reigns comes back in and clotheslines Strowman, who calmly shoves Reigns away. Joe grabs the Koquina Clutch on Lesnar but sidesteps a spear, sending Lesnar HARD through the barricade.
Joe Rock Bottoms Reigns onto the announcers table but Strowman runs Joe over, leaving him as the last man standing. Strowman goes to load up the table as Graves hopes he uses Saxton as a weapon. A running powerslam drives Brock through a table but Reigns dropkicks Strowman down. Joes suicide elbow drops Reigns so Strowman throws a commentators chair at both of them.
Lesnar is getting back up so Strowman powerslams him through the second announcers table. Fans: ONE MORE TABLE! Strowman obliges by turning the last table over on top of Lesnar, drawing a bunch of referees and agents to save the champ. Heyman: NOOOOO! We get a stretcher for Brock as Heyman is absolutely losing his mind. Lesnar is taken out and Strowman wants to know where the Beast is now.
Strowman picks up some steps and decks both guys but Reigns slows him down with a few shots. A shot with the steps has Strowman reeling and a third sends him outside, only to have Joe come in with a rollup for two on Reigns. Roman gets two off the Samoan drop but the Superman Punch is countered into the Koquina Clutch. Strowman is right back in though and a double chokeslam gets two.
The Undertaker chants start up and heres Brock again. Strowman gets taken down and a running forearm knocks him to the floor. Its Suplex City time with both Samoans being sent flying. Strowman, with a bloody ear, breaks out of a suplex attempt so Brock goes with the Kimura.
Reigns makes the save with a Superman Punch, followed by another one to both guys. A weird looking spear (Lesnar didnt really go backwards) gets two on Brock but Reigns gets caught in the Koquina Clutch. Thats broken up by a Strowman dropkick (Cole: Is there anything he cant do?) for two on Joe. The Pop Up Superman Punch gets two more on Strowman and Reigns is almost scared by the kickout.
Braun gets two more off the powerslam with Lesnar making a save. Lesnar cant F5 Braun but Reigns spears Braun out to the floor, leaving him alone with Brock. Joe is back in with the Clutch on Lesnar but Brock reverses into the F5 for two with Reigns making the save for his only positive reaction of the night. Three straight Superman Punches drop Brock but the spear is countered into the F5 to retain the title at 21:01.
Lesnar looks like he just fell out of a building to end the show.
Results
John Cena b. Baron Corbin Attitude Adjustment
Natalya b. Naomi Sharpshooter
Big Cass b. Big Show Empire Elbow
Randy Orton b. Rusev RKO
Sasha Banks b. Alexa Bliss Bank Statement
Finn Balor b. Bray Wyatt Coup de Grace
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose b. Cesaro/Sheamus Dirty Deeds to Sheamus
AJ Styles b. Kevin Owens Styles Clash
Jinder Mahal b. Shinsuke Nakamura Khallas
Brock Lesnar b. Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe F5 to Reigns
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Sasha Banks b. Nia Jax Bank Statement
Akira Tozawa b. Neville Top rope backsplash
Bray Wyatt b. Finn Balor Sister Abigail
Emma b. Mickie James Spinning kick to the head
Jason Jordan b. Miz via DQ when the Miztourage interfered
Jason Jordan/Hardy Boyz b. Miz/Miztourage Swanton Bomb to Dallas
Smackdown Live
Natalya b. Becky Lynch Sharpshooter
Rusev vs. Chad Gable went to a double countout
Usos b. New Day Double superkick to Kingston
John Cena b. Jinder Mahal via DQ when Baron Corbin interfered
Jinder Mahal b. Baron Corbin Rollup
NXT
Street Profits b. Lars Sullivan/Chris Silvio Frog splash to Silvio
Ruby Riot b. Billie Kay Pele Kick
Roderick Strong b. Drew McIntyre via DQ when Bobby Roode interfered
Impact Wrestling
Sienna b. Gail Kim AK47
Dezmond Xavier b. Taiji Ishimori Moonsault Pele
Sonjay Dutt b. Trevor Lee Dutt pulled down the title
OVE b. Jason Cade/Zachary Wentz Kick to the head/kick to the leg combination
Matt Sydal b. Bobby Lashley Rollup
Takeover: Brooklyn III
Andrade Cien Almas b. Johnny Gargano Hammerlock DDT
Sanity b. Authors of Pain Belly to back suplex/middle rope neckbreaker combination to Razar
Aleister Black b. Hideo Itami Black Mass
Asuka b. Ember Moon Asuka Lock
Drew McIntyre b. Bobby Roode Claymore
Summerslam 2017
John Cena b. Baron Corbin Attitude Adjustment
Natalya b. Naomi Sharpshooter
Big Cass b. Big Show Empire Elbow
Randy Orton b. Rusev RKO
Sasha Banks b. Alexa Bliss Bank Statement
Finn Balor b. Bray Wyatt Coup de Grace
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose b. Cesaro/Sheamus Dirty Deeds to Sheamus
AJ Styles b. Kevin Owens Styles Clash
Jinder Mahal b. Shinsuke Nakamura Khallas
Brock Lesnar b. Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe F5 to Reigns
Nothing.
Saturday
Takeover: Brooklyn III
Date: August 19, 2017
Location: Barclays Center, New York City, New York
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson, Nigel McGuinness
Its the biggest night of the year for NXT and theyre getting to be in front of probably 15,000 people. Not bad for a show that regularly gets a few hundred no? Anyway tonights main event is Bobby Roode defending the NXT Title against Drew McIntyre as NXT continues to do TNA better than TNA ever could. Lets get to it.
Code Orange performs one of the three theme songs live, intercut with shots of the wrestlers on the card tonight. Its not quite HHH shouting WE ARE NXT but Ill take what I can get.
Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade Cien Almas
Almas has Zelina Vega with him. The JOHNNY WRESTLING chants are out in full force tonight for what Mauro calls a quintessential crossroads confrontation. Almas takes him down into a headscissors to start and throws in some posing for good measure. Johnny is right back with a very nice series of rollups for two and we hit a front facelock. Some chops earn Gargano an elbow to the chest and he charges into a hanging armbar over the top rope.
Andrade stays on the arm for a bit until a drop toehold sends him into the buckle. Theres a hard double clothesline to put both guys down and things slow down a bit. Gargano is back up first with the slingshot spear for two and a good looking kick to puts Almas on the floor. Johnny follows him out with a suicide dive and you know that means an NXT chant. A slingshot DDT gives Johnny two more but another slingshot spear is countered (never do the same spot twice) into a faceplant.
As I picture Randy Orton countering that into a DDT, Almas gets two off an inverted tornado DDT. Almas takes him up top but has to counter a sunset bomb before hiptossing a charging Gargano into the corner. Johnny is right back with a headscissors into the Gargano Escape (that shoulder lock) but Andrade spins out into a rollup, which he lifts up into a buckle bomb.
The running knees in the corner get a VERY hot two and Almas is stunned. Gargano hits a pair of superkicks (well you knew that was coming) and a launches him face first into the middle buckle. Zelina throws in a DIY shirt at Johnny though and the distraction is enough for Almas to grab the hammerlock DDT for the pin at 13:13.
Gargano backs away from the DIY shirt.
Kurt Angle, Daniel Bryan, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, No Way Jose and some others are in a sky box.
We recap the Tag Team Title match. The Authors of Pain have run through everyone around but they havent ever dealt with anything like Sanity. The rules are thrown out the window with this one and it could mess with the champs.
Corey Graves comes out to do commentary for the next match.
Tag Team Titles: Authors of Pain vs. Sanity
Sanity, represented by Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain with Eric Young and Nikki Cross at ringside, is challenging. Its a big brawl to start with the Authors clearing the ring before the bell. Sanity is more than willing to fight on the floor as Young sets up a table against the barricade. We finally settle down (or as close as were going to get to doing so) with Akum hamming on Wolfe until a charge misses.
Young jumps on the apron and tells Dain to go to the floor, which seems to be legal because Dain was never legally in and you can change lineups until that takes place. The things you learn watching a Takeover. The fight heads into the crowd with Akum missing a charge and going shoulder first into the barricade. It doesnt seem to bother him though as he sends Young back inside for a Dominator.
A sideslam/middle rope stomp gets two on Eric and its off to Razar for a chinlock. Young tries to slide between Razars legs but gets choked down for his efforts. Razar misses a charge in the corner and theres the hot tag to Wolfe to start the house cleaning. Everything breaks down and Wolfe snaps Akum over with a German suplex. The Authors are back up and try a superbomb but Wolfe reverses into a hurricanrana.
Its back to Young for a neckbreaker but the top rope elbow is broken up. Nikki grabs Youngs legs to prevent the Tower of Doom though and its Akum powerbombing Razar by mistake. Erics top rope elbow gets two, followed by Sanity hitting back to back suicide dives. Cross loads up one of her own but Paul Ellering of all people cuts her off. Nikki dives anyway so Akum catches her, earning himself a spear from Dain to put all three of them through the table. A belly to back/middle rope neckbreaker combo puts Razar away to give Sanity the title at 12:15.
Post match here are Kyle OReilly and Bobby Fish (ReDRagon, former ROH Tag Team Champions) to go after all four guys, including Chasing the Dragon and a modified high/low. ReDragon holds up the titles to make it clear before leaving through the crowd.
Neville, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kalisto are in the crowd.
Jim Ross comes out for commentary on the next match.
Hideo Itami vs. Aleister Black
Black gets played to the ring live. Theres not much of a story here other than Itami saying he wanted respect and getting his head kicked off by Black. They go straight for the kicks to start (as you knew they were going to) until Black sends him outside and moonsaults into his sitting position. Black charges into a kick in the corner and gets draped over the ropes for a middle rope Fameasser.
We hit the neck crank for a bit before a knee to the ribs cuts Black off again. Black has a bloody nose as Itami grabs a chinlock. JR: Its hard to kick someone in the head when youre laying on the mat. Eh Ive seen Bryan do it. Black fights up but eats a DDT for two. Back up and Black starts hitting his kicks, followed by a sliding knee to the head.
A standing Lionsault is nearly botched as Black barely moves backwards, forcing Itami to go forward so the legs can hit him. Itami breaks up the Black Mass and gets two off a top rope clothesline. A spinning strike to the head drops Black into the corner and theres a big old spinning kick to Itamis head to knock him silly. Black goes up top for some reason but gets pulled down with a super Falcon Arrow for a very delayed two.
Itami crawls over to him but Black pops up (with JR possibly calling him Allison) for a strike off. The jumping knee to the face staggers Itami, only to have Black charge into another Falcon Arrow for two. There goes the kneepad but Black knees out of the GTS. Itami demands respect so Black Mass knocks him cold for the pin at 12:35.
Notice that were three matches in and this is what weve had:
Match 1 Wrestling clinic
Match 2 Total chaos/power brawl
Match 3 Strike off
Three different match types, meaning the fans have no chance to say "we've seen this before". That's a very important key that so many shows don't get.
Bayley, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch are here.
We recap Asuka vs. Ember Moon. Asuka has been undefeated for nearly two years and has been champion for over sixteen months. She had to cheat to beat Ember in Chicago though and that gives Ember more confidence. The key to the whole thing is the Eclipse, which is the one weapon that even Asuka cant prepare for.
Womens Title: Asuka vs. Ember Moon
Ember is challenging and looks almost confused during Asukas entrance. We get the Big Match Intros and Ember kicks her in the jaw early to start followed by a second kick to send the champ outside. Ember follows with a Cannonball to the floor but Asuka sends her hard into the steps for a breather. Moon comes up holding her bad shoulder so Asuka grabs a suplex onto the ramp.
Back in and its time for the kicks to the arm followed by a standing armbar. An STO sends Moon down again, with Mauro actually saying what it stands for (space tornado Ogawa) in your nightly trivia. Asuka grabs an armbar but Ember powers her up into an electric chair. Some kicks give Ember a delayed two, only to have Asuka German suplex her into the corner. The Asuka Lock is broken up and Moon grabs one of her own.
Thats reversed into the regular version with Asuka jumping onto the back. Moon falls backwards for the break and a clothesline with the good arm drops Asuka again. Asukas running hip attack hits the corner so Ember comes back with the middle rope suplex (ala Wade Barrett) for two more. They head back to the corner with Asuka not being able to hit a superplex. Instead Ember pulls her down for a Del Rio double stomp and two.
The Eclipse connects ..for two? Huh? Like really, huh? Ember goes up again for a high crossbody but Asuka rolls through and grabs the trunks for two with the referee catching her in the act. A superkick gives Ember a VERY close two but Asuka pulls her down into the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring for the tap at 14:36.
Ember gets the big standing ovation.
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe are here.
We recap Bobby Roode vs. Drew McIntyre. Roode debuted last year in Brooklyn and won the NXT Title just a few months later. McIntyre returned earlier this year in Orlando and said it was time for him to reach a level he didnt reach in his first run. He said he took things for granted but nothing like that is happening this time. Of note, the package featured McIntyres old Broken Dreams theme music.
NXT Title: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Roode
Drew is defending and is played to the ring by the New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Roodes entrance features a digital piano on the stage with blue lights sliding down to play the notes. The stage is covered by smoke and heres Roode on his pedestal for the real entrance.
Drew shoves him away to start and we get a 3MB chant. Roode tries to chop to no avail, allowing Drew to hit his suplex slam. They fight out to the floor with Roode getting in a few shots, only to charge into a tilt-a-whirl slam onto the apron. A neck snap across the rope and a Blockbuster from the apron drop Drew though and the champ takes over. Roode gets two off a Rude Awakening and stomps away on the ropes.
Theres a missile dropkick to set up the chinlock for a bit as Nigel points out a bruise on Roodes thigh. Bobby charges into a belly to belly and Drew gets in a top rope forearm to the chest. The Celtic Cross (White Noise) gives Drew another near fall. They head to the corner where Drews superplex is broken up, only to have Drew sit up out of the Tree of Woe for a kind of choke throw off the top.
Roode is smart enough to play possum (its a Canadian thing) and a Backstabber gets two. Future Shock gives Drew the same but his super Celtic Cross is countered into a running powerbomb for another near fall. Drew is back up with the Claymore but Roodes foot is in the ropes. Roode heads outside so Drew busts out a huge no hands flip dive to put both guys down.
Back in and another Claymore is countered into a big spinebuster. The Glorious DDT connects for a very close two and both guys are spent. Theres another Glorious DDT but Roode picks him up for an attempt at a third, setting up the Claymore to give Drew the pin and the title at 22:26.
Post match Drew holds up the title but you can see the fans looking at something in the crowd. ReDRagon shows up on the apron and heres the debuting Adam Cole (called by that name, complete with the announcers saying BAY BAY) to lay McIntyre out with a superkick. Cole holds up the title to end the show.
Results
Andrade Cien Almas b. Johnny Gargano Hammerlock DDT
Sanity b. Authors of Pain Belly to back suplex/middle rope neckbreaker combination to Razar
Aleister Black b. Hideo Itami Black Mass
Asuka b. Ember Moon Asuka Lock
Drew McIntyre b. Bobby Roode Claymore
Sunday
Summerslam 2017
Date: August 20, 2017
Location: Barclays Center, New York City, New York
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Booker T., John Bradshaw Layfield, Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips
Its finally time for one of the biggest shows of the year as WWE takes over New York City all over again. This time around the big main event is a four way for the Universal Title with Brock Lesnar defending against Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe. The rest of the card is too deep to break down in short order so lets get to it.
Kickoff Show: Hardy Boyz/Jason Jordan vs. Miz/Miztourage
The idea here is that Miz wants to be defending his Intercontinental Title against Jason Jordan but is stuck in this for reasons that arent clear. The section opposite the hard camera is MAYBE ten percent full because were about an hour and a half away from the start of the pay per view.
Jeff takes Axel into the corner to start and hands it off to Jordan to work on the arm. Dallas comes in and gets the same treatment, sending the Miztourage outside for a breather as we take a break (with empty sections of seats being shown on camera). Back with Jeff in trouble with Miz hammering away and working on the arm.
Matt comes in and throws some right hands but the Twist of Fate (with Matt shouting TWIST OF FATE) is broken up. Miz gets in some YES Kicks but gets sent into the corner, setting up the hot tag to Jordan. The suplexes send the Miztourage flying as everything breaks down. Jordan hits the running shoulder in the corner to Axel but Miz makes a blind tag, setting up the Skull Crushing Finale to put Jordan away at 10:31.
Kickoff Show: Cruiserweight Title: Neville vs. Akira Tozawa
Tozawa is defending after winning the title on Monday. The crowd is looking far better already with the section opposite the hard camera now mostly full. Neville, in white trunks for a change, gets knocked outside so Tozawa can do his shouting. Tozawa follows him out but gets sent into the LED apron as we take a break.
Back with Neville throwing on a chinlock until Tozawa throws him outside for a suicide dive. A hard belly to back suplex drops Neville and an Octopus Hold has him in even more trouble. Neville makes the ropes and cuts off a charge with an enziguri, only to get kicked down as well to put them back to even. Back up and Tozawa rocks Neville with a right hand but its still too early for the backsplash. The superplex is broken up but the backsplash hits raised knees. The Red Arrow gives Neville the title back at 11:47.
Heres Elias to sing two songs, one of which insults Brooklyn in general and the other of which insults local singers. No match or anything but this is a thing that happened.
Kickoff Show: Smackdown Tag Team Titles: Usos vs. New Day
New Day is defending with Big E. and Woods in the ring. Before the match, Kofi (in Red Lantern inspired gear) talks about New Days history in Brooklyn, which is the first place they sang to the crowd and the birthplace of Francesca. Woods forearms Jimmy down to start and snaps off some rights and lefts in the corner. A raised boot cuts him off though and we take a break.
Back with Woods fighting out of a chinlock before coming up with a dropkick to Jey. Jimmy pulls Big E. off the apron though and its a Death Valley Driver into the corner for two. A modified Demolition Decapitator gets the same and we hit the chinlock. Back up with Woods getting in a faceplant for the tag off to Big E. as house is cleaned in a hurry. The Warrior Splash hits Jimmy and Big E. powerbombs Woods onto him for good measure.
In a real twist, Woods puts Big E. on his shoulders for a splash. JBL: Thats what youve come to expect from the New Day! A move theyve never done before? Jey comes in off a hot tag and a double spinebuster gets two on Big E. Its back to Woods who sends Jimmy into Big E. for a Rock Bottom/Backstabber combination and a near fall. Everything breaks down with the twins being sent outside for a dive from Woods, only to have Big E.s stopped by a superkick.
The Superfly Splash gets two on Xavier but hes back up with a Koji Clutch on Jey. A Shining Wizard gets two more and the Midnight Hour plants Jey with Jimmy diving in at the last second for the save. Woods charges at Jey, who launches him over the top into a Samoan drop on the floor. Big E. spears Jey through the ropes, only to have the Big Ending broken up by a blind tag. Five superkicks and a double Superfly Splash gives us new champions at 19:09.
We get a KFC ad featuring various people auditioning to be the next Colonel Sanders. This cuts to the arena where Shawn Michaels comes out in a sleeveless Sanders outfit, dances around, slides over the announcers table, and nothing else. This is one of the most random things Ive ever seen.
The opening video looks at every match under the slogan Go Big.
No pyro again, but let me introduce you to the ridiculous amount of commentary teams and all their equipment to broadcast live in various languages.
John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
Cena cost Corbin his Money in the Bank cash-in on Monday. For a change of pace, Cena slides to the floor and grabs JBLs hat while saying Corbin is shaken up. Back in and Cenas headlock is broken up with some knees to the ribs. Corbins slide underneath the ropes into a clothesline gets two and its time to yell at the referee.
A Worlds Strongest Slam gets two and triggers a WHERES YOUR BRIEFCASE chant. That earns Cena a chokebreaker as this is mostly one sided so far. Cena fights out of a superplex with a tornado DDT but the AA is broken up. Deep Six gives Corbin two but Cena comes right back with the Attitude Adjustment for the fast pin at 10:18.
Smackdown Womens Title: Natalya vs. Naomi
Natalya is challenging after winning an elimination match last month. Naomi starts fast and knocks her outside, meaning its time to shout a lot. Back in and the champs leg gets snapped over the top rope and then over the turnbuckle for good measure. A suplex gives Natalya two, followed by a small package to give Naomi the same.
Back up and Natalya blasts her with a clothesline, followed by a Michinoku Driver for two more. The discus clothesline drops Naomi again but she comes back with a Russian legsweep. Naomi declares it GLOW TIME and does her dancing kicks (the ones that make almost no contact) but Natalya pulls her down to the mat instead. Back up and the reverse Rings of Saturn is reversed into the Sharpshooter for the surprise tap out at 10:49.
Theres no Carmella appearance.
We recap Big Cass vs. Big Show. Cass turned on Enzo Amore for running his mouth too much (gee Im stunned) so Enzo brought in Show to help deal with him. Tonight Enzo is locked in a shark cage and Shows hand is broken due to an attack by Cass.
Big Cass vs. Big Show
Enzo runs his mouth before the match and sucks up to Brooklyn, furthering his status as my least favorite person in the company. I dont think I need to explain to you why Enzo is really annoying but hes been even more so lately. Show slugs away with his left hand as Enzo runs his mouth about how were going to work tonight while dancing in the cage, causing it to rattle loudly. Show hurts his hand on a missed Vader Bomb as Enzo is now jumping up and down.
Cass hammers on the hand and grabs an armbar for some psychology. The fans think this is boring as Show fights up with a left handed chokeslam for two. Cass knocks him down again and Enzo is taking his pants off. He pulls out some hidden oil and covers himself with it, allowing him to slip through the bars. Enzo gets down so Cass kicks him in the head but the big boot only gets two on Show. A second big boot sets up the Empire Elbow for the pin on Show at 10:28.
Daniel Bryan comes in to see Kurt Angle to say he thinks Smackdown will steam the show. Bryan: Its true, its true. Angle thinks Raw will be better and starts a YES chant. This turns into one heck of a YES/NO battle until both guys get winded.
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
Not much of a story here as Rusev wanted competition and Orton answered him. Rusev jumps Orton during the entrance and beats the heck out of him before the bell. Orton says he can go and its an RKO for the pin at 9 seconds.
That right there is the perfect example of why I cant stand these huge cards. This is obviously, and I do mean obviously, a case of cutting something for time. Why is it being cut for time? Its so we could have a Cruiserweight Title rematch and a six man rematch on the Kickoff Show. Neither match was good and both matches pretty much advanced nothing (the Cruiserweight Title match actually took us back in time) but they ate up time that could have gone to this match, which could have been interesting. Instead Rusev looks like an idiot and the match barely exists. Just dont put someone on the card. Theyll be ok.
Sasha Banks is coming to the ring when she runs into Bayley, who gets booed while wishing Bayley good luck.
Raw Womens Title: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
Banks is challenging as a replacement for an injured Bayley. They brawl into the corner with the fans booing the heck out of Sasha. Bliss hits the hardest right hand shes ever thrown but gets caught with a crossbody for two. Banks gets caught in the corner and faceplanted down to the mat. The New York fans are of course pleased with the woman from Boston getting beaten up, including having Bliss stand on her hair.
Alexa chokes in the corner and hits some double knees to the back. Some more choking ensues but Banks flips her out of the corner for a breather. Sasha makes her comeback with some clotheslines and a dropkick. Bliss tries a sunset flip out of the corner, only to have Sasha flip her backwards and head first into the buckles.
The Bank Statement goes on but its way too close to the ropes. Bliss takes her outside and sends her hard into the barricade, possibly injuring Sashas shoulder. Banks is back in at nine so Bliss is right on the arm, followed by Twisted Bliss for two. Some shots to the shoulder break up another Bank Statement, only to have Banks grab it again for the tap and the title at 13:17.
We see the Shawn Michaels KFC bit again.
Long recap of Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt. Bray seemed to think that Balor was a false idol and promised to destroy him. Wyatt beat him this past Monday and then poured blood over him for some extra effect. Balor then said that Bray had his demons, but he did too. I think you know what that means.
Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor
After Brays full entrance, a voice starts singing Hes Got The Whole World In His Hands. That means the Demon King returns for the first time since last Summerslam to easily the reaction of the night. Finn crawls around and Bray takes an early breather on the still smoky floor. Back in and Balor hammers away, kicking Bray right back to the floor. Balor jumps over him in the corner so Bray leans over backwards for a scary look of his own.
Thats fine with Finn who sends him outside for a flip dive but its too early for the Coup de Grace. A suplex onto the floor knocks Balor silly though and we hit the chinlock for a bit. Balor pops back up and knocks him outside for a kick from the apron, followed by a Sling Blade back inside. Bray boots him in the face for two and declares that he has him. Balor gets in the shotgun dropkick against the barricade and throws him back inside for a quick Coup de Grace at 9:42 in another weak finish.
We recap Cesaro/Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins, which has very little to do with Cesaro/Sheamus. Ambrose and Rollins were tired of getting double teamed and teased getting back together for weeks. It FINALLY happened earlier this week and they were granted an immediate shot at the Tag Team Titles.
Raw Tag Team Titles: Sheamus/Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose/Seth Rollins
Sheamus and Cesaro are defending. Ambrose headlocks Sheamus to start and its a blind tag from Rollins to set up a knee drop. A dropkick staggers Cesaro and the champs are knocked to the floor without too much effort. Sheamus pulls Dean outside for a Brogue Kick though and Seth gets slammed on the floor for good measure.
Seth grabs a Blockbuster for a breather but hang on a second as Cesaro is running into the crowd. He grabs a beach ball that a fan was batting around and rips it to shreds, drawing a heck of a YES chant. I certainly love him a lot more now. Cesaro suplexes Seth down for two but seems to have tweaked his knee.
Rollins gets taken outside for a double beating, only to have Ambrose come off the top with the elbow to put everyone down. Back in and the champs are clotheslined over the top, setting up the double suicide dives. A Hart Attack with a Sling Blade (not a Blockbuster Cole) gets two on Cesaro and the rebound lariat puts him down again. Sheamus gets caught on top for a superplex with Rollins tagging himself in for a frog splash and a near fall with Cesaro making the save.
Cesaro breaks up the double bomb out of the corner and Dirty Deeds is countered into the Sharpshooter. Dean is almost in the ropes but Cesaro switches to a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Since thats not going to work, its a powerbomb/top rope clothesline combination for two instead. White Noise is loaded up but Seth hurricanranas Cesaro off the top into Sheamus for the crazy save. A jumping knee to the face knocks Sheamus into Dirty Deeds for the pin and the titles at 18:35.
We recap Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles for the US Title. Theyve traded the title in recent months but Owens blames his recent loss on bad refereeing. This meant Shane McMahon was appointed as guest referee, so Owens started bringing up Shanes history as a crooked referee and his issues with AJ. The question is will Shane screw someone over and who will it be.
US Title: Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles
AJ is defending with Shane McMahon as guest referee. Owens jumps him at the bell and hammers away with AJs comeback being cut off without much effort. The Cannonball gets two and Owens yells at Shane. A chinlock and backbreaker get two more on the champ but AJ says bring it. Styles wins a slugout and hits a belly to back faceplant for two but cant follow up.
Back up and AJ manages the Phenomenal Forearm, only to hit Shane by mistake. That means theres no one to count the Pop Up Powerbomb so Owens yells at Shane. As you might expect, AJ gets back up and knocks Shane to the floor by mistake. The Calf Crusher goes on and Owens taps to no avail.
Everyone gets back in and AJ forearms Owens down, only to get caught in the spinning superplex for two. AJ comes right back with the Styles Clash for a close two. Owens grabs the Pop Up Powerbomb for the pin but AJs foot was on the ropes and Shane calls it off. That means an argument and Shane shoves Owens into a rollup for two. The Pele sets up the Phenomenal Forearm and a second Styles Clash retains the title at 17:25.
Some fans won a sweepstakes and got to go to the show.
We recap the Smackdown World Title match. Jinder Mahal won the title in May in a huge upset and has continued to defy his critics ever since. Shinsuke Nakamura became #1 contender by pinning John Cena clean. Theres also no Baron Corbin to cash-in his Money in the Bank briefcase any longer.
Smackdown World Title: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jinder Mahal
Jinder is defending and Nakamura is played to the ring by a live violinist. The threat of some kicks brings Mahal close enough to grab a wristlock, only to have Nakamura spin out and send Mahal outside. Nakamura says bring it on so Mahal gets back inside, only to get caught with Good Vibrations. Shinsuke is getting a little too comfortable so the Singh Brothers offer a distraction, allowing Mahal to pound him down and grab a chinlock.
Back up and Nakamura gets in a spinning kick to the jaw and a cross armbreaker but Jinder makes the ropes. Some hard kicks to the front and back of the head have Mahal reeling but here are the Singh Brothers for another distraction. This time it allows the Khallas to end Nakamura at 11:25.
We recap the Universal Title match and simply put, this is going to be chaos. Brock Lesnar is defending against Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns with basically a guarantee of pure anarchy. I dont think you need much more of an explanation.
Universal Title: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
Lesnar is defending, anything goes, and he leaves WWE if he loses. Naturally Paul Heyman handles Lesnars Big Match Intro and were ready to go. Joe goes after Lesnar while Strowman and Reigns head outside. The first suplex sends Joe outside but Reigns posts Strowman to set up the first showdown. The first German suplex drops Reigns and Joe comes in to take the second. NOW its the real showdown though with Strowman vs. Lesnar and the fans are way into this one.
Joe and Reigns cut it off though and were forced to wait a bit more. The wait is only a few seconds though as Reigns and Joe are knocked outside and its Strowman LAUNCHING Lesnar into the corner and clotheslining him hard to the floor. Reigns comes back in and clotheslines Strowman, who calmly shoves Reigns away. Joe grabs the Koquina Clutch on Lesnar but sidesteps a spear, sending Lesnar HARD through the barricade.
Joe Rock Bottoms Reigns onto the announcers table but Strowman runs Joe over, leaving him as the last man standing. Strowman goes to load up the table as Graves hopes he uses Saxton as a weapon. A running powerslam drives Brock through a table but Reigns dropkicks Strowman down. Joes suicide elbow drops Reigns so Strowman throws a commentators chair at both of them.
Lesnar is getting back up so Strowman powerslams him through the second announcers table. Fans: ONE MORE TABLE! Strowman obliges by turning the last table over on top of Lesnar, drawing a bunch of referees and agents to save the champ. Heyman: NOOOOO! We get a stretcher for Brock as Heyman is absolutely losing his mind. Lesnar is taken out and Strowman wants to know where the Beast is now.
Strowman picks up some steps and decks both guys but Reigns slows him down with a few shots. A shot with the steps has Strowman reeling and a third sends him outside, only to have Joe come in with a rollup for two on Reigns. Roman gets two off the Samoan drop but the Superman Punch is countered into the Koquina Clutch. Strowman is right back in though and a double chokeslam gets two.
The Undertaker chants start up and heres Brock again. Strowman gets taken down and a running forearm knocks him to the floor. Its Suplex City time with both Samoans being sent flying. Strowman, with a bloody ear, breaks out of a suplex attempt so Brock goes with the Kimura.
Reigns makes the save with a Superman Punch, followed by another one to both guys. A weird looking spear (Lesnar didnt really go backwards) gets two on Brock but Reigns gets caught in the Koquina Clutch. Thats broken up by a Strowman dropkick (Cole: Is there anything he cant do?) for two on Joe. The Pop Up Superman Punch gets two more on Strowman and Reigns is almost scared by the kickout.
Braun gets two more off the powerslam with Lesnar making a save. Lesnar cant F5 Braun but Reigns spears Braun out to the floor, leaving him alone with Brock. Joe is back in with the Clutch on Lesnar but Brock reverses into the F5 for two with Reigns making the save for his only positive reaction of the night. Three straight Superman Punches drop Brock but the spear is countered into the F5 to retain the title at 21:01.
Lesnar looks like he just fell out of a building to end the show.
Results
John Cena b. Baron Corbin Attitude Adjustment
Natalya b. Naomi Sharpshooter
Big Cass b. Big Show Empire Elbow
Randy Orton b. Rusev RKO
Sasha Banks b. Alexa Bliss Bank Statement
Finn Balor b. Bray Wyatt Coup de Grace
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose b. Cesaro/Sheamus Dirty Deeds to Sheamus
AJ Styles b. Kevin Owens Styles Clash
Jinder Mahal b. Shinsuke Nakamura Khallas
Brock Lesnar b. Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe F5 to Reigns
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Sasha Banks b. Nia Jax Bank Statement
Akira Tozawa b. Neville Top rope backsplash
Bray Wyatt b. Finn Balor Sister Abigail
Emma b. Mickie James Spinning kick to the head
Jason Jordan b. Miz via DQ when the Miztourage interfered
Jason Jordan/Hardy Boyz b. Miz/Miztourage Swanton Bomb to Dallas
Smackdown Live
Natalya b. Becky Lynch Sharpshooter
Rusev vs. Chad Gable went to a double countout
Usos b. New Day Double superkick to Kingston
John Cena b. Jinder Mahal via DQ when Baron Corbin interfered
Jinder Mahal b. Baron Corbin Rollup
NXT
Street Profits b. Lars Sullivan/Chris Silvio Frog splash to Silvio
Ruby Riot b. Billie Kay Pele Kick
Roderick Strong b. Drew McIntyre via DQ when Bobby Roode interfered
Impact Wrestling
Sienna b. Gail Kim AK47
Dezmond Xavier b. Taiji Ishimori Moonsault Pele
Sonjay Dutt b. Trevor Lee Dutt pulled down the title
OVE b. Jason Cade/Zachary Wentz Kick to the head/kick to the leg combination
Matt Sydal b. Bobby Lashley Rollup
Takeover: Brooklyn III
Andrade Cien Almas b. Johnny Gargano Hammerlock DDT
Sanity b. Authors of Pain Belly to back suplex/middle rope neckbreaker combination to Razar
Aleister Black b. Hideo Itami Black Mass
Asuka b. Ember Moon Asuka Lock
Drew McIntyre b. Bobby Roode Claymore
Summerslam 2017
John Cena b. Baron Corbin Attitude Adjustment
Natalya b. Naomi Sharpshooter
Big Cass b. Big Show Empire Elbow
Randy Orton b. Rusev RKO
Sasha Banks b. Alexa Bliss Bank Statement
Finn Balor b. Bray Wyatt Coup de Grace
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose b. Cesaro/Sheamus Dirty Deeds to Sheamus
AJ Styles b. Kevin Owens Styles Clash
Jinder Mahal b. Shinsuke Nakamura Khallas
Brock Lesnar b. Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe F5 to Reigns