klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 18, 2017
Location: SAP Center, San Jose, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Booker T.
Its the go home show for No Mercy and that means we should be in for a hard push towards Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman. I say should be because its not entirely clear if thats going to be the case or not due to Lesnars limited appearances. What we will be having though is Alexa Bliss facing Nia Jax for the first time ever. Lets get to it.
In Memory of Bobby Heenan. If theres not a long video package on him tonight, be patient. WWE has a tendency to like to wait until they have the time to set these up.
Heres Kurt Angle to open things up. He talks about Sundays two big matches but gets cut off by Miz and the Miztourage. Angle congratulates him on his upcoming fatherhood but Miz cuts him off to say he doesnt want to hear it. This is the second straight pay per view where the Intercontinental Title wont be on the line. Not so fast though as Angle has a fatal four way planned for tonight to crown a new #1 contender.
Tonight its Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Jason Jordan and Elias facing off to get a shot on Sunday. Miz rolls his eyes about Jordan being in the title picture and says its only because hes Angles son. They get in an argument about who is the better father but heres Jordan to interrupt. Jordan wants his shot but Miz insults Angle, triggering a brawl. Jason fights off the Miztourage without too much effort and the Angles/Jordans/whatever you call them stand tall.
Post break Jordan is frustrated but Angle gives him a pep talk, basically saying its ok to not fight back every time someone brings him up. If Jordan wants to get back at Miz, go take his Intercontinental Title.
Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
Non-title. Alexa bails to the floor to start before completely failing at a waistlock. Nia chokes her a bit and Bliss goes up the ramp, only to be cut off by Sasha Banks. Jax runs Bliss over again and we take a break. Back with Nia going shoulder first into the post and a dropkick staggering her again. Bliss high crossbody gets countered into a Samoan drop for the pin at 6:39. Not enough to rate but this was a squash. Im not wild on a champion being pinned clean but it fights the story perfectly in this case and is a lot more acceptable.
Sasha comes in and gets tossed down as well. Cue the returning Bayley (hometown girl) to help Sasha and Alexa clear Jax to the floor. Bliss celebrates with them and gets beaten down as well. Sasha and Bayley celebrate a bit.
The announcers plug the Network with the easiest sales pitch they can have: sign up for free for thirty days and you get two free pay per views. That really has seemed to be the big solution to so many of their problems.
Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas are now in the #1 contenders match.
We see some Tweets from wrestlers about Bobby Heenans passing.
Long video on Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman, featuring video from Brock Lesnar from 2002 talking about how dominant Lesnar truly is. This turns into a video on Lesnars current run with Heyman talking about how no one can conquer him. Then its clips of Strowman manhandling Lesnar at Summerslam and laying him out multiple times. This turns into a more traditional look at the match with Heyman talking about how Lesnar isnt used to facing someone bigger or stronger than he is. The question comes down to whether or not Strowman is bad enough to take down the baddest man in the world.
Here are Sheamus and Cesaro for a chat before a match. Sheamus talks about the love of nostalgia and thinks its kind of boring. You have the people wrapping themselves up in the blanket of the Hardys and pretending its the good old days. They destroy nostalgia acts and you can ask the Hardys for proof of those things. Cesaro says nostalgia will fade soon enough, just like the nostalgia for this reunion between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. Theyll be there to take the Tag Team Titles when the team falls apart because they are the bar.
Cue Ambrose and Rollins to call Cesaro and Sheamus a cross between Braveheart and Taxi Driver. Ambrose says theyre brothers and sometimes brothers fight, but they would never let a brother leave the house dressed like that. Now its Anderson and Gallows to say theyre the good brothers. They call the champs nerds and thats a bit too much for Ambrose. No one calls him a nerd and the brawl is on. Ambrose and Rollins clean house without too much effort.
Asuka is coming.
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro/Sheamus vs. Anderson and Gallows
Non-title and one fall to a finish. Sheamus and Gallows slug it out for a good while before Seth springboards in with a clothesline. Ambrose and Rollins double team Sheamus until Sheamus runs Rollins over. Its off to Cesaro, who swings Ambrose into the barricade to take over.
Gallows drops a series of elbows until Ambrose rolls away, allowing the hot tag to Rollins. Everything breaks down and Seths sunset powerbomb gets two. Ambrose breaks up a double powerbomb on Rollins and the Magic Killer gets two on Seth with Dean making another save. Back from a break with Cesaro knocking Rollins off the apron and into the barricade. We hit the chinlock for a bit before a 3D of all things gets two.
Back up and Seth sends Sheamus into the post, followed by a tornado DDT on Cesaro. The hot tag brings in Ambrose for a superplex on Anderson, followed by the top rope elbow. Ambrose and Rollins hit back to back suicide dies and everyone is down. Sheamus makes a blind tag right before Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Anderson. Thats enough for Sheamus to slide in and steal the pin at 18:47.
Miz gives Miztourage a pep talk but theyre not thrilled. Dallas cites his history of giving motivational speeches and Axel talks about his familys history with the Intercontinental Title. Miz doesnt seem thrilled but wishes them luck.
Video on .the first Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania XXI. Uh, sure?
Video on Roman Reigns vs. John Cena, focusing on how they were both prospects and rose up the ranks in a hurry. Cena was the guy and now Reigns wants to be the guy. Reigns doesnt like Cena being a part timer who gets all the credit for what Reigns does while Cena basically says Reigns cant fill his boots.
Goldust is in Angles office without face paint. He wants one more shot with Bray Wyatt and hes asking as Dustin Rhodes. Angle gives in and grants the match.
Curt Hawkins is in the ring to say the Star Factory is closed. Instead its the Curt Hawkins History Machine and tonight, his losing streak comes to an end.
Curt Hawkins vs. Apollo Crews
How sad is it that I knew it was going to be Crews because I knew this was the kind of spot he would be in? Hawkins takes him down and grabs a chinlock, followed by a rollup with trunks for two. The enziguri into the toss powerbomb ends Hawkins at 2:19. Thats 116 losses in a row for Hawkins.
Lesnar and Strowman have a sitdown interview (in different places). Heyman doesnt think much of Lesnar being the underdog because that was the case when he conquered the Streak. Strowman is confident because hes destroyed people before and will do so again. Heyman talks about Lesnar not being able to train for Strowman because theres no one like him.
Last week Strowman popped up from a German suplex so this Sunday, Lesnar will just have to take him to Suplex City all night long. Strowman doesnt care because hes in charge no matter what. Heyman goes into his usual speech about Lesnars accomplishments but Lesnar cuts him off. He thanks Strowman for challenging him because thats when hes at his best. Hell see Strowman on Sunday in Suplex City.
Notice the difference between this and Reigns vs. Cena. Strowman has gotten one up on Lesnar and Brock seems like he has to go up a level on this one. It makes you wonder if Strowman's dominance will hold up or if Lesnar has that extra gear in him. That's an interesting story.
On the other hand you have Cena shutting Reigns down every time. Cena is the bigger star in the fans' eyes and hasn't seemed to break a sweat in this whole build. Reigns is completely overmatched by Cena on the mic but they've stuck him out there anyway. Thats a very key difference and a rather dumb one at that.
Strowman can hang with Lesnar in the power/physical department so they've focused on that instead. Notice how short Strowman's statements were here. They didn't have time to expose his weaknesses and the actions from last week (popping up from the suplex and laying out Lesnar) spoke for themselves. Reigns and Cena haven't gotten physical for the most part and that doesn't make sense. Reigns is capable of keeping up with Cena in the heavyweight slugfest but they've focused on Reigns' talking and charisma, where not only is he not great in the first place but he's completely outclassed by Cena.
It's a completely different way of presenting the feuds and one of them is working a lot better than the others because it's been crafted to the participants' strengths and weaknesses.
Bayley has been added to the four way on Sunday, which is now a fatal five way.
Heres Roman Reigns for a chat as this show is allergic to actual wrestling. Reigns gets booed but he thinks this should get booed anyway. Some people think Cena is the best talker of all time but sometimes he says some stupid s***. People have been talking about Reigns being the next Cena but hes not a white guy with a military crew cut. If he was, he wouldnt have a job here. If you dont believe that, just ask Alex Riley.
Reigns calls Cena a fake guy and shows us a clip from five years ago with Cena talking about Rock being a part timer who keeps bailing to Hollywood. Reigns asks if Cena should come out here and brings up the loss to Rock at Wrestlemania. Roman will see San Jose next time and says hell see Cena on Sunday, movie star. This was FAR better from Reigns as he actually made a point and told a story (Reigns is the guy that Cena claimed to be and actually backs it up by being here) while also not having Cena (a far better talker than Reigns could ever hope to be) cutting him down every few seconds.
The Hardys talk about fighting each other for years so tonight isnt the biggest change in the world. Some mild tension is teased but theyre cool with each other.
Asuka is coming.
Bray Wyatt vs. Dustin Rhodes
Dustin cleans house to start and hammers away in the corner before taking him outside for some whips into various objects. A bulldog on the floor has Bray in more trouble but he headbutts his way out of trouble. Back in and Goldust kicks at the leg, only to charge into Sister Abigail for the pin at 2:36. Bray barely had any offense.
Finn Balor pops up on screen and talks about growing up reading stories. Finn grew up to become a man who created a Demon, just like the ones he grew up reading about. If the Demon is the creation of a man, how dangerous does that make the man? Bray is going to find out at No Mercy.
More Tweets on Heenan.
The announcers talk about Heenans greatness and legacy.
We get the big tribute to Heenan, including material all the way back from his AWA days. Thankfully we get a long sequence on his stuff with Gorilla Monsoon from Prime Time Wrestling, which is still some of the funniest stuff youll ever see. His timing was absolutely perfect and some of those jokes were WAY too funny to be on a wrestling show.
Heres Enzo Amore to talk about the upcoming Cruiserweight Title match but Strowman comes out to maul him. A chokeslam and the powerslam crush Enzo and make Strowman all the more popular. Strowman leaves and heres Neville to add the Red Arrow for good measure. Neville: HOW YOU DOIN?????
Post break Enzo says he can compete with Neville on Sunday and is taking that title.
Neville vs. Gran Metalik
Cole: Corey do you think Enzo has a chance on Sunday? Graves: Nope. Metalik gets in a dropkick to start and walks the ropes for a second one. They head outside with Neville getting in a kick to the chest and RIPPING THE MASK apart, with Metaliks face being exposed for a few seconds. Back in and Metalik kicks him in the face, followed by another springboard dropkick. A running springboard flip dive takes Neville down and a rope walk splash (not a crossbody Cole) gets two. Metaliks moonsault hits knees though and the Rings of Saturn is good for the submission at 3:24.
Its Hispanic Heritage Month so heres a video on Jennifer Lopez.
Heres Elias to sing his song about how horrible his opponents are, just like everyone here in San Jose.
Elias vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Bo Dallas vs. Curtis Axel vs. Jason Jordan
One fall to a finish with Miz watching on the floor. Its a brawl to start with Jeff rolling Matt up for two to send us to an early break. Back with Elias in control until Jordan gets in a right hand. Thats fine with Elias who jumps from the mat to the top, only to have the Miztourage shove him off. The Hardys come in for a Tower of Doom, drawing Elias back in to try and steal the pins.
Poetry in Motion hits Elias but Jeff walks into a Side Effect for two. Jordan starts cleaning house until Dallas sends him outside. Miz tosses Jordan over the barricade as the Hardys start working over Elias inside. Jeffs legdrop between the legs sets up the Swanon for two on Axel with Miz making the save. The distraction lets the Axhole plant Jeff, only to have Jordan come in with the wheelbarrow neckbreaker for the pin and the title shot at 11:46.
Miz and the Miztourage destroy Jordan and call him out for his, shall we say, questionable parentage to end the show.
Results
Nia Jax b. Alexa Bliss Samoan drop
Cesaro/Sheamus b. Anderson and Gallows and Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose Dirty Deeds to Anderson
Apollo Crews b. Curt Hawkins Toss powerbomb
Bray Wyatt b. Dustin Rhodes Sister Abigail
Jason Jordan b. Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy and Elias Wheelbarrow neckbreaker to Axel
Tuesday
Smackdown
Date: September 19, 2017
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
Im getting used to this idea of having title matches booked in advance of the TV shows. This time around we have the US Title on the line as AJ Styles defends against Baron Corbin, who said he was answering this weeks Open Challenge in advance. And theres that whole Kevin Owens attempting to murder Vince McMahon deal. Lets get to it.
We open with a recap of the ending of last weeks show with Owens destroying Mr. McMahon in a heck of a beatdown.
Heres Shane McMahon to open things up. He calls his father one salty SOB, which is really not a nice thing to say about your grandmother. Last week Shane sat with his kids and watched his father and their grandfather get the beating of a lifetime. Shane talks about the familys toughness and condemns him to a beating of a lifetime inside the Cell.
Randy Orton vs. Aiden English
English sings about Orton hearing voices in his head because its full of lead. Orton wastes no time by hitting the powerslam in the first minute but Aiden slips out of the hanging DDT. They head outside with English dropping him onto the announcers table as we take a break. Back with Orton fighting out of a chinlock but getting dropkicked right back down. English goes to the second rope .and dives right into the RKO for the pin at 7:10.
Post match heres Rusev to talk about Orton turning his homecoming into a national disgrace. Rusev is going to change things right now .and lets ring the bell.
Rusev vs. Randy Orton
English distracts Orton and its a superkick to end Orton at 11 seconds. I WAS KIDDING ABOUT THE FIFTEEN SECONDS THING!!! That sounds like payback for what happened at Summerslam, which is still a dumb idea, especially if Orton wins in a long match at the pay per view. Just give Rusev a win or two that matters and things will be better, not just having this stuff that means nothing more than a fluke.
Rusev is very excited with the win and says hell return home as a conquering hero.
Here are Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers to make fun of Shinsuke Nakamuras face again, including his mad and artistic faces. Mahal makes fun of Nakamuras voice and hair, followed by some Mr. Miyagi jokes. Fans: THATS TOO FAR! We get some Punjabi and thats about it. Aside from probably being racist, this showed that these two have nothing to say to each other and are only fighting because one of them has the title.
Nakamura says it wont be so funny when he wins the title.
Heres AJ Styles for his title defense but before the match, AJ says Kevin has bitten off more than he can chew. He attacked the man who is responsible for all of us being here tonight. As for Corbin, AJ is tired of him trying to short cut his way everywhere. The big bad wolf can huff and puff but hell never blow down the house that AJ Styles built.
US Title: AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin
Styles is defending but Corbin jumps him during the Big Match Intros. Tye Dillinger runs in to jump Corbin though and hurts his ankle. AJ is up for a running forearm and the Calf Crusher on the bad leg. No match of course and well just wait on the announcement for the match being moved to the pay per view.
Post break, Corbin isnt happy.
Heres Charlotte for the first time in a good while. Shes been gone for about six weeks while her father has been healing up and he is making a comeback. Since shes been gone, Charlotte has learned how fragile life is and from now on shes going to make the most of every moment she can.
Cue Natalya to says hes here to host the first ever Celebration of Women. Theres a covered up picture put up behind Natalya as she talks about how important women have been to the world. The picture is unveiled and of course its of Natalya herself. Charlotte likes the picture and says shes coming for the title. This brings out Becky Lynch to say the title is coming back to its proper owner.
Now its Naomi to call Natalya a crazy cat lady and throw her glowing hat into the title hunt. Hang on a second though as its Tamina and Lana interrupting because this company has no idea how to book a womens division aside from just throwing everyone into one match. Natalya leaves and says shes not a crazy cat lady but heres Daniel Bryan to make the multi-woman match to crown a new #1 contender for later tonight.
New Day vs. Hype Bros
Non-title with the Usos on commentary. Mojo grabs an abdominal stretch on Big E. but gets sent outside for a break less than a minute in because we cant break ten minutes of wrestling on this show. Back with Kofi in trouble in the corner until Mojo misses a charge into the post. The hot tag brings in Big E., who misses the hip swivel Warrior Splash. Ryder adds the middle rope dropkick and the Broski Boot for two. Kofi hits the running dive over the top onto Mojo, leaving Ryder to take the Midnight Hour for the pin at 6:26. Not enough shown to rate but this was entertaining while it lasted.
We look at the Vince beatdown again.
Owens joins us live via satellite and apologizes (fans arent cool with that) for what happened last week. He apologizes to the WWE Universe and to the McMahon Family, but Shane had this coming. This is all on Shane, who drove Owens to do what he did last week. Last week, Owens was looking at Shane when he attacked Vince. He has one more apology and its to anyone who watches the pay per view. What he did to Vince is nothing compared to whats going to do to Shane. Its good that theyre going to Hell because people like Owens dont go to Heaven.
Mojo says hes tired of losing and something has to change.
Heres Dolph Ziggler for his usual stuff: hes the best in-ring performer ever and entrances dont mean anything. First up its HHH, which means he can run NXT now, even if hes not wearing mom jeans. Ziggler looks upset and says stop the show. That means Heartbreak Ziggler with Dolph saying he can feel himself losing his smile. The last one is the DX entrance, complete with the glow sticks. Zigglers two words for you: WHO CARES? He wants to know who is supposed to care about two dads trying to sell you stuff. Ziggler is the best ever and the fans couldnt care less.
Naomi vs. Charlotte vs. Tamina vs. Becky Lynch
The winner gets Natalya at the pay per view. Its a brawl to start and were on a break less than a minute in. Back with Charlotte and Becky breaking up a near fall before fighting each other. Becky kicks her in the ribs but Naomi crossbodies both of them for two on Lynch. Naomi grabs a Stunner for two on Charlotte as Natalya is watching in the back.
The reverse Rings of Saturn is broken up and its Becky grabbing the Disarm-Her. Tamina breaks that up as well but gets sent into the post. Beckys bouncing kick in the corner is broken up and Charlotte spears Tamina down. She plants Naomi too and the moonsault hits both of them for a double near fall.
The Figure Four goes on but Becky dives in with a legdrop for the save. Tamina is back in with a Samoan drop on Becky and the Superfly Splash for two with Naomi making the save this time. Lana pulls Naomi outside but the distraction lets Charlotte kick Tamina in the face for the pin and the title shot at 9:57.
Results
Randy Orton b. Aiden English RKO
Rusev b. Randy Orton Superkick
New Day b. Hype Bros Midnight Hour to Ryder
Charlotte b. Naomi, Tamina and Becky Lynch Big boot to Tamina
Wednesday
NXT
Date: September 20, 2017
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson, Nigel McGuinness
This week should be centered around the fallout from last week with the Undisputed Era attacking the British contingent, which could set up a heck of a six man tag somewhere down the line. Other than that we need to find out where the NXT Champion Drew McIntyre ties into this as well. Lets get to it.
In Memory of Bobby Heenan.
Opening sequence.
Johnny Gargano vs. Tino Sabbatelli
Gargano beat Tinos partner Riddick Moss last week. Tino drives him into the corner and messes with Johnnys head, earning himself a hard shot to the face. A dropkick takes Johnny down but the fans still think Tino sucks. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Johnny fights up and heads to the apron. The sunset flip is countered into a powerslam but Tino doesnt cover due to reasons of inexperience. The delay lets Gargano hit a superkick and grab the Gargano Escape for the tap at 3:48.
William Regal gives Roderick Strong a title shot in two weeks.
We look at Asuka vacating the Womens Title.
Sonya DeVille says she never fought Asuka because Asuka knew what would happen if they got in the ring. If anyone has a problem with that, they can put their hair up and square up. Thats a really bad catchphrase.
Bianca Belair vs. Lacey Evans
Belair wastes no time in taking Lacey down and slowly stomping away with a good cocky attitude as a bonus. Evans bails to the floor so Belair pulls on the arms for a bit. Back in and Evans takes her down and gets two off a legdrop as the fans arent the most interested in this so far. Some clothesline and a slingshot Bronco Buster have Belair in trouble and the backflip into a splash (kind of a moonsault minus the jump) gets two. Belair whips her with the hair (still not liking that) and hits an Alley-Oop (powerbomb but she drops Evans backwards onto her face) for the pin at 4:18.
Heres Aleister Black (rocking the heck out of a suit) for his first promo in the NXT arena. Fifteen years ago, he started a journey that brought him here to NXT. Hes seen a lot of things and hes put a lot of them on his skin to remember them by. His journey in NXT is just beginning...and heres Velveteen Dream to cut him off.
Dream says everything that fades to black will one day come to life. Even with all this light surrounding the Dream, he doesnt see anything in Black. In Black, he sees a man full of woe and skin covered in lies. Black must be afraid of the light but Dream knows that he has a heart, even if its in the wrong place. Black kicks him in the face and sits down, only to have Dream drop to his knees right in front of him. Dream crawls backwards to quite the reaction.
We look at Lars Sullivan attacking No Way Jose more than once.
Dakota Kai is new around here but wants to be Womens Champion.
No Way Jose vs. Lars Sullivan
Jose goes right after him to start but his crossbody has no effect. Some knees to the ribs have Jose out on the floor and Sullivan drives him ribs first into the apron. Back in and we hit the neck crank as this is a squash so far. Jose fights up and jumps on his back for a chinlock but one heck of a shoulder takes him down. Sullivan adds a top rope headbutt, followed by the standing Boss Man Slam to end Jose at 3:11.
Trent Seven/Tyler Bate vs. Kyle OReilly/Bobby Fish
Kyle and Bobby have Adam Cole in their corner. Bate and OReilly start things off as we hit the MOUSTACHE MOUNTAIN chant. Tyler spins out of a wristlock and hits a good looking dropkick into a nipup. Its off to Seven vs. Fish but Kyle wont let Trent try a big dive. The distraction lets Bobby run him over and its time for the knee strikes. Sevens arms get cranked at the same time and a double kick to the chest gets two.
Trent finally gets in a kick of his own but Kyle breaks up a hot tag attempt. Like any good villain, Cole offers a distraction so Fish can drive Seven into the barricade. Back from a break with Seven still in trouble but being able to escape a firemans carry. A hard clothesline is enough for the hot tag to Bate, who comes in with a springboard European uppercut.
Kyle charges into a t-bone suplex and a standing shooting star gets two. Everything breaks down and a belly to back suplex/powerbomb combo (cool) is good for two more on Kyle. The Tyler Driver 97 is countered into a guillotine choke though as Fish takes care of Seven. The unnamed Chasing the Dragon gets two on Bate thanks to a foot on the ropes. A second attempt doesnt work as well as Bate sends them into each other and makes the desperation tag. Seven grabs a half crab on Kyle but Cole takes out Bate. Something like Total Elimination ends Seven at 12:32.
Speaking of McIntyre, here he is to chase off the Undisputed Era. The trio stands in front of a curtain and that cant end well. Sanity walks through said curtain and the trio bails while Drew stands in the ring to end the show.
Results
Johnny Gargano b. Tino Sabbatelli Gargano Escape
Bianca Belair b. Lacey Evans Alley-Oop
Lars Sullivan b. No Way Jose Standing Boss Man Slam
Kyle OReilly/Bobby Fish b. Trent Seven/Tyler Bate High/Low to Seven
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 18, 2017
Location: SAP Center, San Jose, California
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Booker T.
Its the go home show for No Mercy and that means we should be in for a hard push towards Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman. I say should be because its not entirely clear if thats going to be the case or not due to Lesnars limited appearances. What we will be having though is Alexa Bliss facing Nia Jax for the first time ever. Lets get to it.
In Memory of Bobby Heenan. If theres not a long video package on him tonight, be patient. WWE has a tendency to like to wait until they have the time to set these up.
Heres Kurt Angle to open things up. He talks about Sundays two big matches but gets cut off by Miz and the Miztourage. Angle congratulates him on his upcoming fatherhood but Miz cuts him off to say he doesnt want to hear it. This is the second straight pay per view where the Intercontinental Title wont be on the line. Not so fast though as Angle has a fatal four way planned for tonight to crown a new #1 contender.
Tonight its Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Jason Jordan and Elias facing off to get a shot on Sunday. Miz rolls his eyes about Jordan being in the title picture and says its only because hes Angles son. They get in an argument about who is the better father but heres Jordan to interrupt. Jordan wants his shot but Miz insults Angle, triggering a brawl. Jason fights off the Miztourage without too much effort and the Angles/Jordans/whatever you call them stand tall.
Post break Jordan is frustrated but Angle gives him a pep talk, basically saying its ok to not fight back every time someone brings him up. If Jordan wants to get back at Miz, go take his Intercontinental Title.
Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
Non-title. Alexa bails to the floor to start before completely failing at a waistlock. Nia chokes her a bit and Bliss goes up the ramp, only to be cut off by Sasha Banks. Jax runs Bliss over again and we take a break. Back with Nia going shoulder first into the post and a dropkick staggering her again. Bliss high crossbody gets countered into a Samoan drop for the pin at 6:39. Not enough to rate but this was a squash. Im not wild on a champion being pinned clean but it fights the story perfectly in this case and is a lot more acceptable.
Sasha comes in and gets tossed down as well. Cue the returning Bayley (hometown girl) to help Sasha and Alexa clear Jax to the floor. Bliss celebrates with them and gets beaten down as well. Sasha and Bayley celebrate a bit.
The announcers plug the Network with the easiest sales pitch they can have: sign up for free for thirty days and you get two free pay per views. That really has seemed to be the big solution to so many of their problems.
Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas are now in the #1 contenders match.
We see some Tweets from wrestlers about Bobby Heenans passing.
Long video on Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman, featuring video from Brock Lesnar from 2002 talking about how dominant Lesnar truly is. This turns into a video on Lesnars current run with Heyman talking about how no one can conquer him. Then its clips of Strowman manhandling Lesnar at Summerslam and laying him out multiple times. This turns into a more traditional look at the match with Heyman talking about how Lesnar isnt used to facing someone bigger or stronger than he is. The question comes down to whether or not Strowman is bad enough to take down the baddest man in the world.
Here are Sheamus and Cesaro for a chat before a match. Sheamus talks about the love of nostalgia and thinks its kind of boring. You have the people wrapping themselves up in the blanket of the Hardys and pretending its the good old days. They destroy nostalgia acts and you can ask the Hardys for proof of those things. Cesaro says nostalgia will fade soon enough, just like the nostalgia for this reunion between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. Theyll be there to take the Tag Team Titles when the team falls apart because they are the bar.
Cue Ambrose and Rollins to call Cesaro and Sheamus a cross between Braveheart and Taxi Driver. Ambrose says theyre brothers and sometimes brothers fight, but they would never let a brother leave the house dressed like that. Now its Anderson and Gallows to say theyre the good brothers. They call the champs nerds and thats a bit too much for Ambrose. No one calls him a nerd and the brawl is on. Ambrose and Rollins clean house without too much effort.
Asuka is coming.
Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro/Sheamus vs. Anderson and Gallows
Non-title and one fall to a finish. Sheamus and Gallows slug it out for a good while before Seth springboards in with a clothesline. Ambrose and Rollins double team Sheamus until Sheamus runs Rollins over. Its off to Cesaro, who swings Ambrose into the barricade to take over.
Gallows drops a series of elbows until Ambrose rolls away, allowing the hot tag to Rollins. Everything breaks down and Seths sunset powerbomb gets two. Ambrose breaks up a double powerbomb on Rollins and the Magic Killer gets two on Seth with Dean making another save. Back from a break with Cesaro knocking Rollins off the apron and into the barricade. We hit the chinlock for a bit before a 3D of all things gets two.
Back up and Seth sends Sheamus into the post, followed by a tornado DDT on Cesaro. The hot tag brings in Ambrose for a superplex on Anderson, followed by the top rope elbow. Ambrose and Rollins hit back to back suicide dies and everyone is down. Sheamus makes a blind tag right before Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Anderson. Thats enough for Sheamus to slide in and steal the pin at 18:47.
Miz gives Miztourage a pep talk but theyre not thrilled. Dallas cites his history of giving motivational speeches and Axel talks about his familys history with the Intercontinental Title. Miz doesnt seem thrilled but wishes them luck.
Video on .the first Money in the Bank match at Wrestlemania XXI. Uh, sure?
Video on Roman Reigns vs. John Cena, focusing on how they were both prospects and rose up the ranks in a hurry. Cena was the guy and now Reigns wants to be the guy. Reigns doesnt like Cena being a part timer who gets all the credit for what Reigns does while Cena basically says Reigns cant fill his boots.
Goldust is in Angles office without face paint. He wants one more shot with Bray Wyatt and hes asking as Dustin Rhodes. Angle gives in and grants the match.
Curt Hawkins is in the ring to say the Star Factory is closed. Instead its the Curt Hawkins History Machine and tonight, his losing streak comes to an end.
Curt Hawkins vs. Apollo Crews
How sad is it that I knew it was going to be Crews because I knew this was the kind of spot he would be in? Hawkins takes him down and grabs a chinlock, followed by a rollup with trunks for two. The enziguri into the toss powerbomb ends Hawkins at 2:19. Thats 116 losses in a row for Hawkins.
Lesnar and Strowman have a sitdown interview (in different places). Heyman doesnt think much of Lesnar being the underdog because that was the case when he conquered the Streak. Strowman is confident because hes destroyed people before and will do so again. Heyman talks about Lesnar not being able to train for Strowman because theres no one like him.
Last week Strowman popped up from a German suplex so this Sunday, Lesnar will just have to take him to Suplex City all night long. Strowman doesnt care because hes in charge no matter what. Heyman goes into his usual speech about Lesnars accomplishments but Lesnar cuts him off. He thanks Strowman for challenging him because thats when hes at his best. Hell see Strowman on Sunday in Suplex City.
Notice the difference between this and Reigns vs. Cena. Strowman has gotten one up on Lesnar and Brock seems like he has to go up a level on this one. It makes you wonder if Strowman's dominance will hold up or if Lesnar has that extra gear in him. That's an interesting story.
On the other hand you have Cena shutting Reigns down every time. Cena is the bigger star in the fans' eyes and hasn't seemed to break a sweat in this whole build. Reigns is completely overmatched by Cena on the mic but they've stuck him out there anyway. Thats a very key difference and a rather dumb one at that.
Strowman can hang with Lesnar in the power/physical department so they've focused on that instead. Notice how short Strowman's statements were here. They didn't have time to expose his weaknesses and the actions from last week (popping up from the suplex and laying out Lesnar) spoke for themselves. Reigns and Cena haven't gotten physical for the most part and that doesn't make sense. Reigns is capable of keeping up with Cena in the heavyweight slugfest but they've focused on Reigns' talking and charisma, where not only is he not great in the first place but he's completely outclassed by Cena.
It's a completely different way of presenting the feuds and one of them is working a lot better than the others because it's been crafted to the participants' strengths and weaknesses.
Bayley has been added to the four way on Sunday, which is now a fatal five way.
Heres Roman Reigns for a chat as this show is allergic to actual wrestling. Reigns gets booed but he thinks this should get booed anyway. Some people think Cena is the best talker of all time but sometimes he says some stupid s***. People have been talking about Reigns being the next Cena but hes not a white guy with a military crew cut. If he was, he wouldnt have a job here. If you dont believe that, just ask Alex Riley.
Reigns calls Cena a fake guy and shows us a clip from five years ago with Cena talking about Rock being a part timer who keeps bailing to Hollywood. Reigns asks if Cena should come out here and brings up the loss to Rock at Wrestlemania. Roman will see San Jose next time and says hell see Cena on Sunday, movie star. This was FAR better from Reigns as he actually made a point and told a story (Reigns is the guy that Cena claimed to be and actually backs it up by being here) while also not having Cena (a far better talker than Reigns could ever hope to be) cutting him down every few seconds.
The Hardys talk about fighting each other for years so tonight isnt the biggest change in the world. Some mild tension is teased but theyre cool with each other.
Asuka is coming.
Bray Wyatt vs. Dustin Rhodes
Dustin cleans house to start and hammers away in the corner before taking him outside for some whips into various objects. A bulldog on the floor has Bray in more trouble but he headbutts his way out of trouble. Back in and Goldust kicks at the leg, only to charge into Sister Abigail for the pin at 2:36. Bray barely had any offense.
Finn Balor pops up on screen and talks about growing up reading stories. Finn grew up to become a man who created a Demon, just like the ones he grew up reading about. If the Demon is the creation of a man, how dangerous does that make the man? Bray is going to find out at No Mercy.
More Tweets on Heenan.
The announcers talk about Heenans greatness and legacy.
We get the big tribute to Heenan, including material all the way back from his AWA days. Thankfully we get a long sequence on his stuff with Gorilla Monsoon from Prime Time Wrestling, which is still some of the funniest stuff youll ever see. His timing was absolutely perfect and some of those jokes were WAY too funny to be on a wrestling show.
Heres Enzo Amore to talk about the upcoming Cruiserweight Title match but Strowman comes out to maul him. A chokeslam and the powerslam crush Enzo and make Strowman all the more popular. Strowman leaves and heres Neville to add the Red Arrow for good measure. Neville: HOW YOU DOIN?????
Post break Enzo says he can compete with Neville on Sunday and is taking that title.
Neville vs. Gran Metalik
Cole: Corey do you think Enzo has a chance on Sunday? Graves: Nope. Metalik gets in a dropkick to start and walks the ropes for a second one. They head outside with Neville getting in a kick to the chest and RIPPING THE MASK apart, with Metaliks face being exposed for a few seconds. Back in and Metalik kicks him in the face, followed by another springboard dropkick. A running springboard flip dive takes Neville down and a rope walk splash (not a crossbody Cole) gets two. Metaliks moonsault hits knees though and the Rings of Saturn is good for the submission at 3:24.
Its Hispanic Heritage Month so heres a video on Jennifer Lopez.
Heres Elias to sing his song about how horrible his opponents are, just like everyone here in San Jose.
Elias vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Bo Dallas vs. Curtis Axel vs. Jason Jordan
One fall to a finish with Miz watching on the floor. Its a brawl to start with Jeff rolling Matt up for two to send us to an early break. Back with Elias in control until Jordan gets in a right hand. Thats fine with Elias who jumps from the mat to the top, only to have the Miztourage shove him off. The Hardys come in for a Tower of Doom, drawing Elias back in to try and steal the pins.
Poetry in Motion hits Elias but Jeff walks into a Side Effect for two. Jordan starts cleaning house until Dallas sends him outside. Miz tosses Jordan over the barricade as the Hardys start working over Elias inside. Jeffs legdrop between the legs sets up the Swanon for two on Axel with Miz making the save. The distraction lets the Axhole plant Jeff, only to have Jordan come in with the wheelbarrow neckbreaker for the pin and the title shot at 11:46.
Miz and the Miztourage destroy Jordan and call him out for his, shall we say, questionable parentage to end the show.
Results
Nia Jax b. Alexa Bliss Samoan drop
Cesaro/Sheamus b. Anderson and Gallows and Seth Rollins/Dean Ambrose Dirty Deeds to Anderson
Apollo Crews b. Curt Hawkins Toss powerbomb
Bray Wyatt b. Dustin Rhodes Sister Abigail
Jason Jordan b. Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy and Elias Wheelbarrow neckbreaker to Axel
Tuesday
Smackdown
Date: September 19, 2017
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
Commentators: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
Im getting used to this idea of having title matches booked in advance of the TV shows. This time around we have the US Title on the line as AJ Styles defends against Baron Corbin, who said he was answering this weeks Open Challenge in advance. And theres that whole Kevin Owens attempting to murder Vince McMahon deal. Lets get to it.
We open with a recap of the ending of last weeks show with Owens destroying Mr. McMahon in a heck of a beatdown.
Heres Shane McMahon to open things up. He calls his father one salty SOB, which is really not a nice thing to say about your grandmother. Last week Shane sat with his kids and watched his father and their grandfather get the beating of a lifetime. Shane talks about the familys toughness and condemns him to a beating of a lifetime inside the Cell.
Randy Orton vs. Aiden English
English sings about Orton hearing voices in his head because its full of lead. Orton wastes no time by hitting the powerslam in the first minute but Aiden slips out of the hanging DDT. They head outside with English dropping him onto the announcers table as we take a break. Back with Orton fighting out of a chinlock but getting dropkicked right back down. English goes to the second rope .and dives right into the RKO for the pin at 7:10.
Post match heres Rusev to talk about Orton turning his homecoming into a national disgrace. Rusev is going to change things right now .and lets ring the bell.
Rusev vs. Randy Orton
English distracts Orton and its a superkick to end Orton at 11 seconds. I WAS KIDDING ABOUT THE FIFTEEN SECONDS THING!!! That sounds like payback for what happened at Summerslam, which is still a dumb idea, especially if Orton wins in a long match at the pay per view. Just give Rusev a win or two that matters and things will be better, not just having this stuff that means nothing more than a fluke.
Rusev is very excited with the win and says hell return home as a conquering hero.
Here are Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers to make fun of Shinsuke Nakamuras face again, including his mad and artistic faces. Mahal makes fun of Nakamuras voice and hair, followed by some Mr. Miyagi jokes. Fans: THATS TOO FAR! We get some Punjabi and thats about it. Aside from probably being racist, this showed that these two have nothing to say to each other and are only fighting because one of them has the title.
Nakamura says it wont be so funny when he wins the title.
Heres AJ Styles for his title defense but before the match, AJ says Kevin has bitten off more than he can chew. He attacked the man who is responsible for all of us being here tonight. As for Corbin, AJ is tired of him trying to short cut his way everywhere. The big bad wolf can huff and puff but hell never blow down the house that AJ Styles built.
US Title: AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin
Styles is defending but Corbin jumps him during the Big Match Intros. Tye Dillinger runs in to jump Corbin though and hurts his ankle. AJ is up for a running forearm and the Calf Crusher on the bad leg. No match of course and well just wait on the announcement for the match being moved to the pay per view.
Post break, Corbin isnt happy.
Heres Charlotte for the first time in a good while. Shes been gone for about six weeks while her father has been healing up and he is making a comeback. Since shes been gone, Charlotte has learned how fragile life is and from now on shes going to make the most of every moment she can.
Cue Natalya to says hes here to host the first ever Celebration of Women. Theres a covered up picture put up behind Natalya as she talks about how important women have been to the world. The picture is unveiled and of course its of Natalya herself. Charlotte likes the picture and says shes coming for the title. This brings out Becky Lynch to say the title is coming back to its proper owner.
Now its Naomi to call Natalya a crazy cat lady and throw her glowing hat into the title hunt. Hang on a second though as its Tamina and Lana interrupting because this company has no idea how to book a womens division aside from just throwing everyone into one match. Natalya leaves and says shes not a crazy cat lady but heres Daniel Bryan to make the multi-woman match to crown a new #1 contender for later tonight.
New Day vs. Hype Bros
Non-title with the Usos on commentary. Mojo grabs an abdominal stretch on Big E. but gets sent outside for a break less than a minute in because we cant break ten minutes of wrestling on this show. Back with Kofi in trouble in the corner until Mojo misses a charge into the post. The hot tag brings in Big E., who misses the hip swivel Warrior Splash. Ryder adds the middle rope dropkick and the Broski Boot for two. Kofi hits the running dive over the top onto Mojo, leaving Ryder to take the Midnight Hour for the pin at 6:26. Not enough shown to rate but this was entertaining while it lasted.
We look at the Vince beatdown again.
Owens joins us live via satellite and apologizes (fans arent cool with that) for what happened last week. He apologizes to the WWE Universe and to the McMahon Family, but Shane had this coming. This is all on Shane, who drove Owens to do what he did last week. Last week, Owens was looking at Shane when he attacked Vince. He has one more apology and its to anyone who watches the pay per view. What he did to Vince is nothing compared to whats going to do to Shane. Its good that theyre going to Hell because people like Owens dont go to Heaven.
Mojo says hes tired of losing and something has to change.
Heres Dolph Ziggler for his usual stuff: hes the best in-ring performer ever and entrances dont mean anything. First up its HHH, which means he can run NXT now, even if hes not wearing mom jeans. Ziggler looks upset and says stop the show. That means Heartbreak Ziggler with Dolph saying he can feel himself losing his smile. The last one is the DX entrance, complete with the glow sticks. Zigglers two words for you: WHO CARES? He wants to know who is supposed to care about two dads trying to sell you stuff. Ziggler is the best ever and the fans couldnt care less.
Naomi vs. Charlotte vs. Tamina vs. Becky Lynch
The winner gets Natalya at the pay per view. Its a brawl to start and were on a break less than a minute in. Back with Charlotte and Becky breaking up a near fall before fighting each other. Becky kicks her in the ribs but Naomi crossbodies both of them for two on Lynch. Naomi grabs a Stunner for two on Charlotte as Natalya is watching in the back.
The reverse Rings of Saturn is broken up and its Becky grabbing the Disarm-Her. Tamina breaks that up as well but gets sent into the post. Beckys bouncing kick in the corner is broken up and Charlotte spears Tamina down. She plants Naomi too and the moonsault hits both of them for a double near fall.
The Figure Four goes on but Becky dives in with a legdrop for the save. Tamina is back in with a Samoan drop on Becky and the Superfly Splash for two with Naomi making the save this time. Lana pulls Naomi outside but the distraction lets Charlotte kick Tamina in the face for the pin and the title shot at 9:57.
Results
Randy Orton b. Aiden English RKO
Rusev b. Randy Orton Superkick
New Day b. Hype Bros Midnight Hour to Ryder
Charlotte b. Naomi, Tamina and Becky Lynch Big boot to Tamina
Wednesday
NXT
Date: September 20, 2017
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Percy Watson, Nigel McGuinness
This week should be centered around the fallout from last week with the Undisputed Era attacking the British contingent, which could set up a heck of a six man tag somewhere down the line. Other than that we need to find out where the NXT Champion Drew McIntyre ties into this as well. Lets get to it.
In Memory of Bobby Heenan.
Opening sequence.
Johnny Gargano vs. Tino Sabbatelli
Gargano beat Tinos partner Riddick Moss last week. Tino drives him into the corner and messes with Johnnys head, earning himself a hard shot to the face. A dropkick takes Johnny down but the fans still think Tino sucks. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Johnny fights up and heads to the apron. The sunset flip is countered into a powerslam but Tino doesnt cover due to reasons of inexperience. The delay lets Gargano hit a superkick and grab the Gargano Escape for the tap at 3:48.
William Regal gives Roderick Strong a title shot in two weeks.
We look at Asuka vacating the Womens Title.
Sonya DeVille says she never fought Asuka because Asuka knew what would happen if they got in the ring. If anyone has a problem with that, they can put their hair up and square up. Thats a really bad catchphrase.
Bianca Belair vs. Lacey Evans
Belair wastes no time in taking Lacey down and slowly stomping away with a good cocky attitude as a bonus. Evans bails to the floor so Belair pulls on the arms for a bit. Back in and Evans takes her down and gets two off a legdrop as the fans arent the most interested in this so far. Some clothesline and a slingshot Bronco Buster have Belair in trouble and the backflip into a splash (kind of a moonsault minus the jump) gets two. Belair whips her with the hair (still not liking that) and hits an Alley-Oop (powerbomb but she drops Evans backwards onto her face) for the pin at 4:18.
Heres Aleister Black (rocking the heck out of a suit) for his first promo in the NXT arena. Fifteen years ago, he started a journey that brought him here to NXT. Hes seen a lot of things and hes put a lot of them on his skin to remember them by. His journey in NXT is just beginning...and heres Velveteen Dream to cut him off.
Dream says everything that fades to black will one day come to life. Even with all this light surrounding the Dream, he doesnt see anything in Black. In Black, he sees a man full of woe and skin covered in lies. Black must be afraid of the light but Dream knows that he has a heart, even if its in the wrong place. Black kicks him in the face and sits down, only to have Dream drop to his knees right in front of him. Dream crawls backwards to quite the reaction.
We look at Lars Sullivan attacking No Way Jose more than once.
Dakota Kai is new around here but wants to be Womens Champion.
No Way Jose vs. Lars Sullivan
Jose goes right after him to start but his crossbody has no effect. Some knees to the ribs have Jose out on the floor and Sullivan drives him ribs first into the apron. Back in and we hit the neck crank as this is a squash so far. Jose fights up and jumps on his back for a chinlock but one heck of a shoulder takes him down. Sullivan adds a top rope headbutt, followed by the standing Boss Man Slam to end Jose at 3:11.
Trent Seven/Tyler Bate vs. Kyle OReilly/Bobby Fish
Kyle and Bobby have Adam Cole in their corner. Bate and OReilly start things off as we hit the MOUSTACHE MOUNTAIN chant. Tyler spins out of a wristlock and hits a good looking dropkick into a nipup. Its off to Seven vs. Fish but Kyle wont let Trent try a big dive. The distraction lets Bobby run him over and its time for the knee strikes. Sevens arms get cranked at the same time and a double kick to the chest gets two.
Trent finally gets in a kick of his own but Kyle breaks up a hot tag attempt. Like any good villain, Cole offers a distraction so Fish can drive Seven into the barricade. Back from a break with Seven still in trouble but being able to escape a firemans carry. A hard clothesline is enough for the hot tag to Bate, who comes in with a springboard European uppercut.
Kyle charges into a t-bone suplex and a standing shooting star gets two. Everything breaks down and a belly to back suplex/powerbomb combo (cool) is good for two more on Kyle. The Tyler Driver 97 is countered into a guillotine choke though as Fish takes care of Seven. The unnamed Chasing the Dragon gets two on Bate thanks to a foot on the ropes. A second attempt doesnt work as well as Bate sends them into each other and makes the desperation tag. Seven grabs a half crab on Kyle but Cole takes out Bate. Something like Total Elimination ends Seven at 12:32.
Speaking of McIntyre, here he is to chase off the Undisputed Era. The trio stands in front of a curtain and that cant end well. Sanity walks through said curtain and the trio bails while Drew stands in the ring to end the show.
Results
Johnny Gargano b. Tino Sabbatelli Gargano Escape
Bianca Belair b. Lacey Evans Alley-Oop
Lars Sullivan b. No Way Jose Standing Boss Man Slam
Kyle OReilly/Bobby Fish b. Trent Seven/Tyler Bate High/Low to Seven