klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Lockdown will be in Miami.
Monday Night Raw
Date: January 13, 2014
Location: Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Jerry Lawler
We're two weeks out from the Rumble though it feels like there are months to go. The field is still wide open and that's usually a good sign, but the Rumble doesn't feel like a big deal right now. Actually nothing does, as everything feels only big but not huge. Obviously that could change, but we're still a long way off from Wrestlemania which is all that really matters. Let's get to it.
Wyatt Family vs. Usos
It's Bryan/Bray for once here and Bryan is extra aggressive tonight. Jey fights him off but Daniel takes him into the corner for the tag off to Wyatt who kicks away in the corner. Back to Bryan who rips at Jey's face and drops a knee to the chest before it's off to Bray for some evil sneering. Bray cannonballs down onto Jey's chest and runs him over in the corner.
Daniel comes in again for the YES Kicks as the fans aren't pleased with Bryan at all. Daniel puts on a chinlock but Jey fights up and enziguris him down, allowing for the hot tag to Jimmy. The Usos start cleaning house and send the Wyatts to the floor for the stereo dives. Back in and the other Family members run in for the DQ at 5:35.
Post match the Usos fight off the monsters and escape, leaving Daniel on the mat with Bray pacing back and forth. Daniel gets up and Bray whispers something to him, sending Bryan to his knees with his arms out. Bray gives him Sister Abigail and says that was for all of them. The Wyatts leave together.
John Cena vs. Damien Sandow
Cena armdrags him down to start and cranks on an armbar as the announcers talk about how bad Sandow's year ended. A hiptoss puts Sandow down again for two but he pops back up and takes over with some headbutts as we take a break. Back with Sandow working on the arm but missing a knee drop. Cena initiates his finishing sequence but the AA is countered into an Edge-O-Matic for two.
Sandow's neckbreaker is countered but Cena can't get the STF. Damien kicks the knee out and puts on an Edgecator (Sharpshooter to start but Sandow doesn't step over and pushes the legs forward instead of pulling). Cena is easily out and grabs a half nelson slam, only to spin around into a neckbreaker for two.
John goes up top and shoves Sandow away, only to catch him with a tornado DDT for two. Sandow counters the AA into a sunset flip for two more before spinning a neckbreaker into a DDT for another near fall. You're Welcome is countered into the STF but Damien is quickly into the ropes. Sandow grabs a Crossface but Cena powers up into the AA for the pin at 10:25.
Video on the WWE Network.
Maddox comes in to Kane's office and makes fun of himfor letter the show fall apart already. Kane says Brad should be reenforcing the rules. Maddox makes Bryan/Bray vs. Usos in a cage for later. Kane says the door is chained and locked and he'll have the key.
Big Show vs. Jack Swagger
Before the match we see Big Show throwing Lesnar around last week. Show throws Swagger around to start and headbutts him around the ring. A splash in the corner sets up a shoulder tackle to send Jack flying. The chokeslam ends the squash at 1:20. It's so nice to have them mix up the jobbers every now and then.
Big Show chases Cesaro off and punches Zeb out because he's not a nice guy.
New Age Outlaws/CM Punk vs. Shield
Rematch from Smackdown. Billy starts with Ambrose with Dean getting in some shots to the head to take over. Off to Rollins who is in long sleeves tonight and allows the tag to Road Dogg. Seth kicks him in the ribs and brings in Ambrose to rip at Dogg's face a bit. Punk gets the tag and cleans house on Dean, including driving elbows into the head in the corner. Rollins comes in but has to fight out of a GTS, only to bring in Reigns to a noticeable pop.
Punk and Reigns slug it out with punk getting the better of it, only to be punched in the chest to give Roman control. Reigns is low bridged to the floor, allowing Punk to hit a suicide dive as we take a break. Back with Rollins dropping Punk and tagging in Reigns, who heads to the floor for a dropkick to the side of Punk's head as it hangs over the bottom rope. That's INSANELY athletic. Ambrose puts on a chinlock and stops Punk's comeback attempt before bringing Rollins back in.
Seth takes Punk into the corner for some knees to the ribs. Dean stays on those ribs with some stomps and throws Punk to the floor in a heap. Punk reverses a whip into the steps but Reigns throws Ambrose back in to cut off Punk's chance. A springboarding Rollins can't take Punk own but Reigns gets between Punk and the corner. CM is all good with that and high kicks Reigns down.....but the Outlaws drop to the floor, leaving Punk 3-1. The numbers game catches Punk about 30 seconds later as Reigns spears him down for the pin at 15:31.
Punk gets TripleBombed post match.
Bray tells Bryan that they've been inside a cage their entire lives but tonight they find absolution. Bryan screams and says the same thing.
Funkadactyls vs. AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka
Before the match, NXT Diva Emma is shown in the crowd and identified by the announcers. That's a good addition to the division if it happens. Cameron takes Tamina down with a headscissors to start but gets draped over the top rope for two. Off to AJ who gets two off a neckbreaker, skips around a bit, and ends her with the Shining Wizard at 2:52. Total squash and Naomi was never in.
Post match Naomi makes the save and sends AJ running.
Orton is looking for the Authority and finds Kane after the break. He raves about all the people coming after him because he's the champion but Kane cuts him off. Orton can have Kofi tonight.
We get the first inductee into the Hall of Fame: the Ultimate Warrior.
Paul Heyman goes on a long rant about Big Show having his pituitary gland removed, leading to a massive case of stupidity. That's the only way you can explain him going after Brock Lesnar. Heyman ensures us that Lesnar isn't as easy to take out as Jack Swagger and he'll prove that at the Rumble.
Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston
Non-title. Orton is especially ticked off tonight and sends Kofi to the floor. A whip into the barricade gets two for the champ and he clotheslines Kofi down for no cover. Kofi is sent to the floor again but he manages to send Randy into the announce table a few times to get a breather. Back inside and Orton sends him face first into the middle buckle before superplexing Kingston down for two. Orton drops a knee to the face but Kofi comes back with strikes to the head to knock Orton outside. Kofi follows him to the floor and sends Orton face first into the barricade as we take a break.
Back with Orton ramming Kofi into the announce table before taking him back inside for a chinlock. Kofi fights up but gets sent to the floor and into the steps for the third time tonight. Make it four as Orton is all insane again. A hard stomp to the side of the head gets two and we hit the chinlock again.
Orton shrugs off a comeback and walks around a lot more. Kofi gets a quick two off a backslide so Orton uppercuts him down for another chinlock. The hold is broken and Kofi avoids a knee drop. A dropkick sets up the Boom Drop but Orton rolls away and loads up the Elevated DDT....but Kofi counters into the SOS for the completely clean pin at 16:51.
Post match Orton throws a fit and destroys a bunch of stuff before hitting John Cena's dad in the front row. Security pulls him away and Cena comes out to tend to his Pop.
Cena's dad is taken out on a stretcher.
Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Ryback/Curtis Axel
Non-title. Axel hammers away on Goldust to start before the golden one comes back with an uppercut. Off to Ryback as the announcers mention his big Twitter rant over the weekend. Cody comes in with a not great moonsault press for two before it's back to Goldust who has to deal with Axel making a blind tag. Curtis gets in a clothesline to the back of the head and it's quickly back to Ryback for a chinlock. The announcers tell some far more entertaining inside jokes about Lawler in the AWA but unfortunately Cole gets back to the match.
Goldust comes back with a bulldog to put Ryback down and the hot tag brings in Cody. House is cleaned very slowly with Cody hitting a kick to the ribs and a missile dropkick to put Curtis down. The Disaster Kick staggers Ryback on the apron but Axel grabs a rollup for two. Axel's neckbreaker is countered into Cross Rhodes for the pin at 6:05.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysteriou
Del Rio is still aggressive, driving Rey into the corner and slamming him down for two. Rey comes back with a headscissors but can't hit the 619. Del Rio bails to the floor and gets caught by a seated senton off the pron. Back in and Rey kicks Alberto in the head for two, only to get caught with a Codebreaker to the arm.
An armbar doesn't get Del Rio anywhere so he takes Rey down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. The arm is wrapped around the ropes again but Del Rio's chargs hits the post to give Rey a break. Alberto's Alabama Slam is counterd into a headscissors and the 619 but Rey gets crotched on the top. The running enziguri sets up the armbreker to make Rey tap at 4:55.
Post match Del Rio says that was a preview for Batista.
Same Network video from earlier.
Punk complains to Kane about the Outlaws and enters the Rumble.
We get a very well edited clip of the Usos talking about their match, show moments ago.
Usos vs. Wyatt Family
Inside a cage with Kane holding the key to the door. It's a brawl to start with the Usos being sent into the cage and choked a lot. Jey gets backdropped into the steel as the pace slows even more. Daniel tries to throw a charging Jimmy into the cage but Jimmy climbs up for an escape attempt. Bryan and Jimmy fight on top of the cage but Bray goes up as well to pull Jimmy backinside. Jey pulls Bray down to the mat and does the same to Bryan with a Russian legsweep as we take a break.
We're quickly back with the Wyatts in control again until Jey slams Bray's head into the cage a few times, setting up a Whisper in the Wind for two. A double belly to back superplex puts Daniel down but Bray is back into it. He blocks a superkick from Jey but takes too long setting up Sister Abigail, allowing Jimmy to superkick Bray for the save. The Wyatts make a double save to keep the Usos from escaping but the twins knock Bray and Daniel down. Jimmy dives on Rowan and Jey climbs down for the win at 11:15 for our second big upset of the night.
Post match Bray smiles and Bryan drops to his knees, but this time he shoves Bray away from hitting Sister Abigail. Bray's eyes get all freaky as Daniel is listening to the fans. Now Bray is looking nervous and offers to let Bryan have a free shot. Daniel isn't sure what to do so Bray calls him a coward. Bray charges but misses in the corner and Daniel erupts on him with running dropkicks. There are the YES Kicks as Harper and Rowan can't get past the locked door. Daniel rips off the coveralls and destroys Bray with everything he's got. One of the loudest YES chants you'll ever hear sets up the running knee to end the show.
Results
Usos b. Wyatt Family via DQ when Luke Harper and Erick Rowan interfered
John Cena b. Damien Sandow Attitude Adjustent
Big Show b. Jack Swagger Chokeslam
AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka b. Funkadactyls Shining Wizard to Cameron
Kofi Kingston b. Randy Orton SOS
Cody Rhodes/Goldust b. Ryback/Curtis Axel Cross Rhodes to Axel
Alberto Del Rio b. Rey Mysterio Cross armbreaker
Usos b. Wyatt Family Usos escaped the cage
Tuesday
TNA has released Jay Bradley and Wes Brisco.
Raw got a 3.12, down from last week.
Mae Young passed away at age 90.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: January 15, 2014
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips, Tensai
It's the first show of the new taping cycle so we're in for some fresh stories. If nothing else we'll get to find out who is Bo's next challenger, possibly at the live NXT special on the WWE Network. The only match for this week is Kofi challenging Alexander Rusev to a rematch after losing two weeks ago. Let's get to it.
Here's HHH to open things up. As most of us know, there's a new concept called the WWE Network launching on February 24. Also, on February 27, NXT is going to go live for the first time ever. I believe it's just a one time deal though.
Welcome Home.
Adrian Neville vs. Tyler Breeze
Fallout from the lumberjack match a month ago when Breeze cost Neville the title. Tyler grabs a headlock to start but Neville runs him over with a shoulder block to send Tyler to the floor. Neville teases a dive but backflips into the middle of the ring and waits on Breeze. Back in and Neville sends him face first into the buckle, drawing a NOT IN THE FACE chant. Instead Adrian kicks him in the chest, followed up by some loud chops. Neville heads to the apron but gets caught by a springboard dropkick as we take a break.
Back with Tyler holding Neville in a chinlock as Adrian fights up. Tyler takes him down again but stops for a quick photo op. Neville uses the breather to snap off a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to get himself a breather. A spinning kick to the ribs sets up a running dropkick to the head for two as Breeze is in trouble. Neville loads up a springboard dropkick but Breeze dropkicks him out of the air for two of his own. Good stuff so far.
Prince Pretty is all ticked off now and pounds away on Adrian's face but misses the Beauty Shot. A high kick looks to set up a middle rope Phoenix Splash but Breeze rolls away at the last second. The Beauty Shot is countered into a sitout powerbomb for two as the fans aren't as into this as they should be. Breeze breaks up the Red Arrow by grabbing Adrian's foot and crotching him down, but Neville blocks a hurricanrana attempt, setting up the Red Arrow for the win at 9:20 shown of 12:50.
CJ Parker vs. Jason Jordan
Jordan, usually a jobber, gets a full entrance. A quick German suplex gets two on Parker and Jordan keeps the grip to hold Parker on the mat. Parker sends him throat first into the ropes and hits the Third Eye (palm strike) for the pin at 1:07. It's a very telling sign when you can get the NXT fans to not care about you at all.
Bo Dallas vs. Mojo Rawley
Non-title. The much bigger Rawley tosses Dallas back into the corner and tells Dallas that he isn't hyped. It works so well that he does it again but Bo offers a nice smile. A shoulder block sends Bo to the floor and the smile is gone. Back in and Bo immediately bails to the floor. Dallas has no idea what to do so he just pounds away on Mojo in the corner. Rawley runs him over again with a shoulder and splashes Dallas in the corner over and over. Dallas rolls to the floor again but Mojo pulls him back inside, only to miss a splash and let Bo roll him up with a handful of trunks for the pin at 3:49.
Kofi Kingston vs. Alexander Rusev
Feeling out process to start and Kofi can't take him over with a headlock. Some kicks to the ribs have a better effect but Rusev just blasts him in the head to take over. Kofi scores with an elbow to the jaw but gets shoved out of the corner to give Rusev control again. Alexander sends him into the corner and works on the ribs before putting on a nerve hold.
Back up and more shots to the ribs have Kofi in trouble but he sidesteps a charging Bulgarian and sends him to the floor. Kofi misses a baseball slide but scores with a clothesline off the steps as we take a break. We come back with Kofi having a chinlock broken up but managing to avoid a charge. Kofi pounds away in the corner but Rusev counters into a powerbomb for two. The fans chant FEED ME MORE at Rusev before changing over to GOLDBERG.
Rusev drops some elbows and headbutts before going back to the nerve hold. Now the fans start doing the wave as Kofi fights back with chops and a dropkick, only to have his cross body caught in midair. Rusev, still holding Kofi, drives knees into the ribs before trying a Samoan drop but Kofi rolls him up for two. Kingston avoids a charge in the corner and kicks Rusev in the face, but his top rope cross body is caught again, setting up the Samoan drop for two.
Kofi dodges another charge, though this time Rusev puts on the brakes because he actually learns during his matches. The SOS gets two and some hard kicks to the face have Rusev in more trouble. Rusev comes back with a clothesline but Kofi hits his jumping clothesline to take him down again. The Boom Drop connects and after a distraction from Lana, Trouble in Paradise is enough to pin Rusev at 12:09 shown of 15:39.
Results
Adrian Neville b. Tyler Breeze Red Arrow
CJ Parker b. Jason Jordan Third Eye
Bo Dallas b. Mojo Rawley Rollup with a handful of trunks
Kofi Kingston b. Alexander Rusev Trouble in Paradise
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: January 16, 2014
Location: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz
Tonight is the first night of a double week Genesis special. There are a lot of matches set up for the next two weeks but it's not clear which are tonight. We'll be getting some combination of Ethan Carter III vs. Sting, Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode in a cage, James Storm vs. Gunner for the Feast or Fired case and Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson. TNA usually nails these Clash of the Champions style shows so let's get to it.
We open with a tribute to Mae Young with Tazz saying some kind things about his time with her.
Recap of the unification match.
Spud is in the ring to insult Alabama and introduce Dixie Carter, in case you didn't get enough of her last week. We get the usual don't cross the boss speech before Dixie gives us our second recap of last week's events. The fans want AJ but Dixie says tonight is about the new champion. Magnus comes out to do the same speech you've heard a dozen times about how this is a new era and calls it the Reign of Magnus. He hands Dixie one of the titles because we wouldn't be here without her.
Dixie says there are some others to thank and brings out the BroMans, Zema Ion, Gail Kim, Lei'D Tapa, Bad Influence and Bobby Roode. Tonight is the beginning of Dixie Carter's TNA, but for that to happen, everyone has to stand tall and united as one. The only amusing part of this: as Dixie talks about winning tonight, Spud can barely hold the TNA title belt because he's so small. That guy continues to entertain me. Dixie brings out Ethan Carter III in pink ring gear, making him look like Rick Martel. Before Ethan can say anything, the lights go out and Sting is in the crowd, pointing the bat down to the ring as we take a break.
Back with Sting in the same place, asking if this is the future that Dixie is talking about. There are a lot of people in the back that can't be bought no matter what. They have a thing called honor which is something Dixie can never have. Another amusing note: Sting is standing in front of a No Standing sign. Sting talks about bringing Magnus into the Main Event Mafia because he's the future of wrestling.
No one thought he would sell out though, and that's part of why this is a house divided. Sting says we will fight back tonight but Dixie says she only sees him. Samoa Joe, ODB, Eric Young, James Storm and Joseph Park hit the ring for a fight, soon to be joined by Gunner. Eventually the ring is cleared out except for Sting and Carter with Sting holding the bat up to Carterh's chest and blasting him in the ribs as we take another break.
Back with the good guys ruling the ring and the heels cowering on the ramp. Joe says they're here for a fight and not leaving until they get into one. Spud, in pink pants no less, brings out Brian Hebner, saying Joe might just get what they want. We're getting a twelve man tag RIGHT NOW.
Samoa Joe/James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Eric Young/Joseph Park vs. Lei'D Tapa/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Bad Influence
Joe pounds away on Zema Ion to start as everyone else fights on the floor. We get the always cool sidestep from Joe to avoid a middle rope cross body. ODB and Tapa get into the ring for a few moments until Storm and Daniels come in instead. There have been no tags and only now are a handful of people getting on the apron. Gunner throws Kaz to the floor and now there's no one in the ring.
Eric and Robbie get into the ring as Joe is now on his third corner of the match. Young and Park double elbow Jesse but Robbie breaks up Eric's top rope elbow. Zema sends Eric to the floor but turns around to see ODB grabbing her chest. A fall away slam sends Ion flying but Tapa runs ODB down, knocking her to the floor. Daniels comes in to work over Young and gets two off a leg lariat.
Young comes back with a belly to belly suplex and it's off to Joe for some fat man power. The backsplash gets two on Daniels with Kaz making the save. Joe dives through the ropes to take out the Bro Mans as a lot of things break down. Kaz breaks up an attempted Park dive but busts Park's lip open in the process. For the first time ever, Park goes after his partners by taking down Gunner and Storm, leaving Joe to put Daniels in the Clutch for the tap out at 7:32.
Velvet Sky is seen talking to Austin Aries in the back until Chris Sabin comes up and demands to talk to her in the ring.
Kurt Angle arrives and is looking for Dixie and/or Al Snow, the latter of whom told Angle that he had a family emergency.
Sabin is in the ring to yell at Velvet for having secret meetings with Austin Aries but the man himself interrupts. Aries calls Sabin the worst boyfriend ever and says that even though he's a vegan, he might make an exception for a piece o\f pigeon pie. Velvet looks flattered and Aries keeps up the charm by calling Velvet an extremely hot woman.
Chris cuts Aries off by saying he tells Velvet what to do, but Aries says he's been telling Velvet to do what she wants to do. Sabin says she's his and gives her a little spank to prove it. Austin wants one more match with Sabin for the title and Velvet locked in a small cage at ringside. Sabin says no, but Velvet takes the mic and says she'll do it. She goes off on Sabin by saying she never wanted to be involved in this. Sabin has treated her like garbage lately, so if he loses next week she might be looking for someone else.
Angle has already changed into his wrestling gear and is still looking for Dixie.
Pat Kenney tells a cameraman to shoot everything he sees backstage. Sam Shaw comes by and Kenney congratulates him on his match last week, but politely advises Shaw to stay away from Christy Hemme and focus on his career. Shaw snaps and destroys Kenney, beating him down with Kenney's own shoe. Also it's Samuel, not Sam.
Ethan Carter practices his catchphrase when Magnus comes in to say believe in yourself. Magnus got to the top by himself and Ethan can do the same.
Bully Ray comes to the ring for his No DQ match with Anderson but Ken jumps him from behind as we go to a break before a bell.
Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson
No DQ. We come back from a break with Anderson ramming Ray (back in his old pre-Aces attire and music) into the announcers' table and heading back inside, only to have Ray block the Mic Check. A double clothesline puts both guys down as Tazz talks about Anderson wearing the hospital wristbands for his newborn twins. Both guys bring in chairs but it's Anderson getting in the first shot.
Ray comes back with a spear to put both guys down again and grabs his chain for a whipping. An elbow drop with the chain wrapped arund the arm gets two on Anderson but Ray stops to yell at Earl, allowing Anderson to knock Ray's chair into his face with a chair of his own for two. Anderson pulls out a piece of a barricade that is clearly made of plastic, only to have it kicked into his face.
Ray misses a splash, allowing Anderson to go up for the Swanton. He hits the barricade as well but comes back with a Mic Check onto the steel for two. Anderson sets up a table in the corner and hits a Regal Roll through the wood for another two count. These kickouts are getting surprising. Another table is set up but Ray comes back with a Rock Bottom for two of his own. Bully pulls out the lighter fluid but takes too long to yell about Anderson's newborns. A Mic Check puts Ray down but Anderson gos to light the table on fire instead. Ray hits a quick low blow and piledriver for the pin 9:40.
Angle finds Al Snow and demands to know what happened last week. Al says he was just following orders and gets thrown down.
Post break Angle is in the ring to demand that Dixie come face him right now. She went too far by bringing his family in and here's Dixie to respond. Kurt goes on a rant about how Dixie isn't the same person she used to be and how wrong it was to bring Kurt's wife and kids into this situation. Dixie says she did it to protect him because he would have gotten hurt out here last week, meaning he couldn't make her any money.
She doesn't want him to be like AJ or Jeff Hardy and did what she did because it was best. Angle says he isn't on her team but says he'll be out here for the main event. Dixie postpones the match until next week and has Angle taken out by security. Roode comes in off the distraction and lays him out with the Death Valley Driver (dubbed the Roode Bomb).
Gail Kim and Lei'D Tapa jump Madison Rayne.
Knockouts Title: Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne
Madison is challenging but is still beaten down from the attack from before the break. Kim beats her down even more by stomping away in the corner but Madison comes back with a rollup for two of her own. Madison can't shake off all of the punishment from earlier though and staggers down off a forearm to the head. A shoulder block sends the champion to the floor but Tapa runs Madison over and chokes her down. Tapa is finally ejected but Gail does just fine by putting on the Figure Four around the post. The referee breaks it up and Rayne comes back with a flapjack and the Rayne Drop for the pin and the title at 4:00.
Dixie is with The Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards of course) and offers them a tryout match next week. However, they've already signed contracts offered to them by a TNA investor. Eddie hands her an envelope, saying it'll change everything. Oh dear.
We run down next week's card.
Sting vs. Ethan Carter III
Spud is guest referee. Sting takes Carter into the corner and is immediately warned for his actions. Carther does the same and nothing happens as you would expect. A dropkick sends Carter to the floor and Sting rams him into the steps for good measure. Back in and Spud gets in the way of a Stinger Splash attempt, allowing Ethan to take over with right hands of his own.
Sting avoids a splash and puts on the Scorpion but Spud jumps on his back. Instead Sting hits the Death Drop but Spud still won't count. Sting tries to force Spud's hand down but Magnus pulls Spud to safety. The champion takes his shirt off to reveal a referee's shirt. Ethan uses the distraction to roll up Sting and Magnus makes a fast count for the pin at 4:58.
Post break Sting says he wants one shot at the title and will do anything to get it. Magnus says Sting lost at Slammiversary and can't get a shot, but Sting appeals to his pride, saying Magnus must want to earn the title. He says men wear belts, so Magnus needs to stop being a boy. Magnus gets in the ring and says it's not going to work, but offers Sting a deal: next week it's Sting's contract vs. the title. Sting accepts to end the show.
Results
James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Samoa Joe/Eric Young/Joseph Park b. Bad Influence/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Lei'D Tapa Koquina Clutch to Daniels
Bully Ray b. Mr. Anderson Piledriver
Madison Rayne b. Gail Kim Rayne Drop
Ethan Carter III b. Sting Rollup
Friday
Impact got a 1.11, down from last week.
Smackdown
Date: January 17, 2014
Location: DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, The Miz
The main story coming off Raw is of course Daniel Bryan turning on the Wyatts to a huge reaction. I thought Bryan was going to leave them eventually though this was faster than I was expecting. Other than that, the road to the Rumble started to pick up on Monday as people names were added to the match to make it give it far more star power than it had before. Tonight we should get a few more names added to the match as the show is in nine days. Let's get to it.
New Age Outlaws vs. Cody Rhodes/Goldust
Non-title. Cole recaps the turn on Raw and says he doesn't get the suprise at the Outlaws' treachery. For once, he's absolutely right. Roadie does the intro and the PG issues get a bit muddled. Why can't Road Dogg swear on the way to the ring but can when he's introducing Billy? Goldust and Road Dogg get things going with Roadie suckering Goldust in for some shaky punches. Goldust takes him into the corner for some right hands of his own followed by a back elbow to the jaw.
Billy comes in but is backdropped out to the floor, allowing for a tag off to Cody. Why Goldust is exhausted already is beyond me as he was barely touched. He powerslams Roadie down and tags in his brother to a nice pop. Cody cleans house on Gunn but has to deal with Road Dogg as well. A double springboard missile dropkick puts the Outlaws down for two as everything breaks down.
Goldust and Roadie go to the floor as Cody avoids the Fameasser but has Cross Rhodes countered as well. Billy gets two off a tilt-a-whirl slam but still can't hit the Fameasser. There's the Disaster Kick....and Vickie Guerrero interrupts. She reminds us that the Royal Rumble is every man for himself, including brother vs. brother. The distraction lets Billy roll up Cody for the pin at 4:43.
CM Punk says he's going to call out Shield tonight.
Here's Paul Heyman to brag about how amazing Lesnar is, focusing on destroying Mark Henry. After that though, Lesnar was attacked by Big Show who implied he could take Brock out. Heyman admits that Big Show is intimidating but he'll fall to Lesnar at the Royal Rumble.
Heyman talks about going through wars with Lesnar at his side, meaning he has to fear no evil. Big Show may hurt Zeb Colter, but he won't won't hurt Heyman to get to Brock, including on Raw when Lesnar appears live. Big Show comes out and Heyman is in the crowd before Big Show is all the way in the ring. Big Show shows us a clip from Raw where Show threw Lesnar around, followed by Big Show promising to knock Lesnar out.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio
Before the match Rey talks about Del Rio being afraid of Batista, sending Del Rio into a frenzy to start. He wraps Rey's arm around the rope but gets sent outside for Rey's sliding splash under the bottom rope. Back in and Del Rio crotches Rey down to tie him up in the Tree of Woe for a kick to the ribs as we take a break. Back with Rey hitting a top rope seated senton, only to run into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two.
Rey rolls through a sunset flip and kicks Del Rio in the head for two. The corner enziguri brings Rey down from the top again but Del Rio can't pin him. Rey comes back with a tornado DDT for two of his own but Del Rio hits the Codebreaker on the arm. The armbreaker is countered into the 619 but the top rope splash hits knees. Del Rio loads up the low superkicks but Rey counters into a rollup for the pin at 8:25.
Post match Del Rio jumps Mysterio and puts him in the cross armbreaker.
Naomi vs. Tamina Snuka
Emma is in the audience doing her dance again. Miz reads a statement from Maryse congraulating AJ on breaking her record for longest reigning Divas Champion. Naomi jumps Tamina to start but is easily knocked down and backdropped for two. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Naomi comes back with some kicks to the ribs and a modified bulldog. A Bubba Bomb puts Tamina down but the referee is looking at Cameron and AJ. Tamina uses the distraction to kick Tamina in the head and hit a split legged moonsault for the pin at 2:35.
Tribute to Mae Young.
Video of Bryan turning on Bray Wyatt.
Here's Bray without his hat in person with something to say. I love that you can't see Harper and Rowan until the lights come on even though they're right next to Bray. He talks about wanting to be powerful like his father as a child. Bray did his best to appease him and be just like him but it was never good enough. His father was never there for him and never entrusted Bray with his kingdom.
Instead he cast Bray out amidst the sheep, forcing him to walk the earth alone. But then Sister Abigail saved him by singing the sweetest songs Bray had ever heard. Bray became obsessed with her beauty and power, but Abigail told him that Bray would be betrayed again on his path to righteousness.
Monday was the moment that Abigail was talking about, when Bray knew he had to sacrifice himself to be resurrected into the creature he was born to be. You can't hurt him because he's already dead and he does not bleed like we do. Daniel Bryan was given a chance to walk with the reapers but now he will be forced to walk with the saints. More creepy stuff here as Bray's backstory is slowly filled in.
Punk is going to call out the New Age Outlaws in addition to the Shield. If that's career suicide, consider it a gift to the Authority.
Big E. Langston vs. Fandango
Non-title as well. Langston hits a quick backbreaker to start and Fandango bails to the floor. Back in and the dancer pounds away with right hands but Langston runs him over with a shoulder block. Fandango avoids a charge in the corner and kicks Big E. to the outside before pulling Langston's shoulder into the post. Langston is thrown back inside and we hit the armbar for a few moments as the match slows down. Big E. easily powers Fandango to the floor as JBL and Miz argue over who was a bigger star. Fandango is suplexed down, setting up the Warrior Splash, the running Vader Attack and the Big Ending for the win at 4:16.
Shield thinks it's the other 27 people in the Rumble that need to be worried instead of the three of them. Ambrose says he wouldn't throw Rollins out but Rollins says Dean couldn't do it anyway. Rollins would throw Ambrose out, leading to an argument between the two. Reigns cuts them off and says he'll throw both of them out and go to Wrestlemania, but they'll still be a united Shield.
Warrior Hall of Fame video.
Video on the WWE Network.
We look back at Kofi shocking Orton on Monday, leading to Orton attacking Cena's dad. HHH has promised to deal with Orton internally.
Real Americans vs. Usos
Colter is in a wheelchair to sell the attack on Monday. Cesaro and Swagger do the hand over the heart but Zeb rolls down the ramp without them holding him in place. Before the match, Colter, with his voice muffled by the neck brace, says he wants Lesnar to destroy Big Show at the Rumble before asking the fans do say WE THE PEOPLE. Jimmy has bad ribs and Jey has a bad shoulder due to the cage match on Monday.
Swagger throws Jey around to start and the injuries take their tole immediately. Off to Cesaro for some shoulders to the ribs before Swagger comes back in with knees to the midsection as well. Jack launches Cesaro into a splash in the corner and Antonio follows up with rights and lefts to the ribs as we take a break. Back with Jimmy in the Cesaro Swing which still gets a nice reaction, months after it was at its peak. Jimmy fights off the dizziness and kicks the Real Americans in the face and stomach, finally allowing the hot tag to Jey. The running Umaga attack gets two on Jack and a Samoan drop gets the same.
Cesaro is knocked to the floor but Jey gets caught in the Patriot Lock. Jimmy superkicks Swagger for the save before chasing Antonio to the floor. Cesaro hides behind Colter's wheelchair before missing a charge into the barricade. Jimmy shoves the wheelchair into Cesaro for a big crash as Jey hits an electric chair drop on Swagger. Jey drops the Superfly Splash for the pin at 9:16.
Here's Punk for the big call out to end the show. Punk says he's out here because he's not a coward like the Authority. He doesn't need an army of people to fight his battles for him, but maybe he's insane. Yeah he might get slaughtered by Shield and the Outlaws so why not also call out the In Laws, the Ultimate Warrior, the Dingo Warrior and the Road Warriors?
The thing is, people listen to him when he talks and that's real power. Punk talks about HHH abusing his power to satisfy his own agenda while hiding behind his wife. Shield's music cuts Punk off before he can get too far into that though, which is a nice touch if it was intentional. The Outlaws come out before Shield can get to the ring and Punk is surrounded.
Punk holds up the microphone as his weapon but Kane's pyro goes off and he orders everyone to stand down. He gets in the ring and says the Authority doesn't want it this way. Punk's anger is displaced and his paranoia is getting the better of him. The Authority wants Punk to main event Wrestlemania, which is why they entered him in the Rumble.
Kane's new top directive is to treat Punk with the respect that he deserves. Punk looks confused as Kane leaves so he asks if he has Kane's word. Kane nods but Punk doesn't buy it because Kane is a seven foot suck up. Kane says get him before catching a distracted Punk in a chokeslam to end the show.
Results
New Age Outlaws b. Cody Rhodes/Goldust Rollup to Rhodes
Rey Mysterio b. Alberto Del Rio Rollup
Naomi b. Tamina Snuka Split legged moonsault
Big E. Langston b. Fandango Big Ending
Usos b. Real Americans Superfly Splash to Swagger
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Usos b. Wyatt Family via DQ when Harper and Rowan interfered
John Cena b. Damien Sandow Attitude Adjustent
Big Show b. Jack Swagger Chokeslam
AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka b. Funkadactyls Shining Wizard to Cameron
Kofi Kingston b. Randy Orton SOS
Cody Rhodes/Goldust b. Ryback/Curtis Axel Cross Rhodes to Axel
Alberto Del Rio b. Rey Mysterio Cross armbreaker
Usos b. Wyatt Family Usos escaped the cage
NXT
Adrian Neville b. Tyler Breeze Red Arrow
CJ Parker b. Jason Jordan Third Eye
Bo Dallas b. Mojo Rawley Rollup with a handful of trunks
Kofi Kingston b. Alexander Rusev Trouble in Paradise
Impact Wrestling
James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Samoa Joe/Eric Young/Joseph Park b. Bad Influence/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Lei'D Tapa Koquina Clutch to Daniels
Bully Ray b. Mr. Anderson Piledriver
Madison Rayne b. Gail Kim Rayne Drop
Ethan Carter III b. Sting Rollup
Smackdown
New Age Outlaws b. Cody Rhodes/Goldust Rollup to Rhodes
Rey Mysterio b. Alberto Del Rio Rollup
Naomi b. Tamina Snuka Split legged moonsault
Big E. Langston b. Fandango Big Ending
Usos b. Real Americans Superfly Splash to Swagger
Lockdown will be in Miami.
Monday Night Raw
Date: January 13, 2014
Location: Dunkin' Donuts Center, Providence, Rhode Island
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, Jerry Lawler
We're two weeks out from the Rumble though it feels like there are months to go. The field is still wide open and that's usually a good sign, but the Rumble doesn't feel like a big deal right now. Actually nothing does, as everything feels only big but not huge. Obviously that could change, but we're still a long way off from Wrestlemania which is all that really matters. Let's get to it.
Wyatt Family vs. Usos
It's Bryan/Bray for once here and Bryan is extra aggressive tonight. Jey fights him off but Daniel takes him into the corner for the tag off to Wyatt who kicks away in the corner. Back to Bryan who rips at Jey's face and drops a knee to the chest before it's off to Bray for some evil sneering. Bray cannonballs down onto Jey's chest and runs him over in the corner.
Daniel comes in again for the YES Kicks as the fans aren't pleased with Bryan at all. Daniel puts on a chinlock but Jey fights up and enziguris him down, allowing for the hot tag to Jimmy. The Usos start cleaning house and send the Wyatts to the floor for the stereo dives. Back in and the other Family members run in for the DQ at 5:35.
Post match the Usos fight off the monsters and escape, leaving Daniel on the mat with Bray pacing back and forth. Daniel gets up and Bray whispers something to him, sending Bryan to his knees with his arms out. Bray gives him Sister Abigail and says that was for all of them. The Wyatts leave together.
John Cena vs. Damien Sandow
Cena armdrags him down to start and cranks on an armbar as the announcers talk about how bad Sandow's year ended. A hiptoss puts Sandow down again for two but he pops back up and takes over with some headbutts as we take a break. Back with Sandow working on the arm but missing a knee drop. Cena initiates his finishing sequence but the AA is countered into an Edge-O-Matic for two.
Sandow's neckbreaker is countered but Cena can't get the STF. Damien kicks the knee out and puts on an Edgecator (Sharpshooter to start but Sandow doesn't step over and pushes the legs forward instead of pulling). Cena is easily out and grabs a half nelson slam, only to spin around into a neckbreaker for two.
John goes up top and shoves Sandow away, only to catch him with a tornado DDT for two. Sandow counters the AA into a sunset flip for two more before spinning a neckbreaker into a DDT for another near fall. You're Welcome is countered into the STF but Damien is quickly into the ropes. Sandow grabs a Crossface but Cena powers up into the AA for the pin at 10:25.
Video on the WWE Network.
Maddox comes in to Kane's office and makes fun of himfor letter the show fall apart already. Kane says Brad should be reenforcing the rules. Maddox makes Bryan/Bray vs. Usos in a cage for later. Kane says the door is chained and locked and he'll have the key.
Big Show vs. Jack Swagger
Before the match we see Big Show throwing Lesnar around last week. Show throws Swagger around to start and headbutts him around the ring. A splash in the corner sets up a shoulder tackle to send Jack flying. The chokeslam ends the squash at 1:20. It's so nice to have them mix up the jobbers every now and then.
Big Show chases Cesaro off and punches Zeb out because he's not a nice guy.
New Age Outlaws/CM Punk vs. Shield
Rematch from Smackdown. Billy starts with Ambrose with Dean getting in some shots to the head to take over. Off to Rollins who is in long sleeves tonight and allows the tag to Road Dogg. Seth kicks him in the ribs and brings in Ambrose to rip at Dogg's face a bit. Punk gets the tag and cleans house on Dean, including driving elbows into the head in the corner. Rollins comes in but has to fight out of a GTS, only to bring in Reigns to a noticeable pop.
Punk and Reigns slug it out with punk getting the better of it, only to be punched in the chest to give Roman control. Reigns is low bridged to the floor, allowing Punk to hit a suicide dive as we take a break. Back with Rollins dropping Punk and tagging in Reigns, who heads to the floor for a dropkick to the side of Punk's head as it hangs over the bottom rope. That's INSANELY athletic. Ambrose puts on a chinlock and stops Punk's comeback attempt before bringing Rollins back in.
Seth takes Punk into the corner for some knees to the ribs. Dean stays on those ribs with some stomps and throws Punk to the floor in a heap. Punk reverses a whip into the steps but Reigns throws Ambrose back in to cut off Punk's chance. A springboarding Rollins can't take Punk own but Reigns gets between Punk and the corner. CM is all good with that and high kicks Reigns down.....but the Outlaws drop to the floor, leaving Punk 3-1. The numbers game catches Punk about 30 seconds later as Reigns spears him down for the pin at 15:31.
Punk gets TripleBombed post match.
Bray tells Bryan that they've been inside a cage their entire lives but tonight they find absolution. Bryan screams and says the same thing.
Funkadactyls vs. AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka
Before the match, NXT Diva Emma is shown in the crowd and identified by the announcers. That's a good addition to the division if it happens. Cameron takes Tamina down with a headscissors to start but gets draped over the top rope for two. Off to AJ who gets two off a neckbreaker, skips around a bit, and ends her with the Shining Wizard at 2:52. Total squash and Naomi was never in.
Post match Naomi makes the save and sends AJ running.
Orton is looking for the Authority and finds Kane after the break. He raves about all the people coming after him because he's the champion but Kane cuts him off. Orton can have Kofi tonight.
We get the first inductee into the Hall of Fame: the Ultimate Warrior.
Paul Heyman goes on a long rant about Big Show having his pituitary gland removed, leading to a massive case of stupidity. That's the only way you can explain him going after Brock Lesnar. Heyman ensures us that Lesnar isn't as easy to take out as Jack Swagger and he'll prove that at the Rumble.
Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston
Non-title. Orton is especially ticked off tonight and sends Kofi to the floor. A whip into the barricade gets two for the champ and he clotheslines Kofi down for no cover. Kofi is sent to the floor again but he manages to send Randy into the announce table a few times to get a breather. Back inside and Orton sends him face first into the middle buckle before superplexing Kingston down for two. Orton drops a knee to the face but Kofi comes back with strikes to the head to knock Orton outside. Kofi follows him to the floor and sends Orton face first into the barricade as we take a break.
Back with Orton ramming Kofi into the announce table before taking him back inside for a chinlock. Kofi fights up but gets sent to the floor and into the steps for the third time tonight. Make it four as Orton is all insane again. A hard stomp to the side of the head gets two and we hit the chinlock again.
Orton shrugs off a comeback and walks around a lot more. Kofi gets a quick two off a backslide so Orton uppercuts him down for another chinlock. The hold is broken and Kofi avoids a knee drop. A dropkick sets up the Boom Drop but Orton rolls away and loads up the Elevated DDT....but Kofi counters into the SOS for the completely clean pin at 16:51.
Post match Orton throws a fit and destroys a bunch of stuff before hitting John Cena's dad in the front row. Security pulls him away and Cena comes out to tend to his Pop.
Cena's dad is taken out on a stretcher.
Cody Rhodes/Goldust vs. Ryback/Curtis Axel
Non-title. Axel hammers away on Goldust to start before the golden one comes back with an uppercut. Off to Ryback as the announcers mention his big Twitter rant over the weekend. Cody comes in with a not great moonsault press for two before it's back to Goldust who has to deal with Axel making a blind tag. Curtis gets in a clothesline to the back of the head and it's quickly back to Ryback for a chinlock. The announcers tell some far more entertaining inside jokes about Lawler in the AWA but unfortunately Cole gets back to the match.
Goldust comes back with a bulldog to put Ryback down and the hot tag brings in Cody. House is cleaned very slowly with Cody hitting a kick to the ribs and a missile dropkick to put Curtis down. The Disaster Kick staggers Ryback on the apron but Axel grabs a rollup for two. Axel's neckbreaker is countered into Cross Rhodes for the pin at 6:05.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysteriou
Del Rio is still aggressive, driving Rey into the corner and slamming him down for two. Rey comes back with a headscissors but can't hit the 619. Del Rio bails to the floor and gets caught by a seated senton off the pron. Back in and Rey kicks Alberto in the head for two, only to get caught with a Codebreaker to the arm.
An armbar doesn't get Del Rio anywhere so he takes Rey down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. The arm is wrapped around the ropes again but Del Rio's chargs hits the post to give Rey a break. Alberto's Alabama Slam is counterd into a headscissors and the 619 but Rey gets crotched on the top. The running enziguri sets up the armbreker to make Rey tap at 4:55.
Post match Del Rio says that was a preview for Batista.
Same Network video from earlier.
Punk complains to Kane about the Outlaws and enters the Rumble.
We get a very well edited clip of the Usos talking about their match, show moments ago.
Usos vs. Wyatt Family
Inside a cage with Kane holding the key to the door. It's a brawl to start with the Usos being sent into the cage and choked a lot. Jey gets backdropped into the steel as the pace slows even more. Daniel tries to throw a charging Jimmy into the cage but Jimmy climbs up for an escape attempt. Bryan and Jimmy fight on top of the cage but Bray goes up as well to pull Jimmy backinside. Jey pulls Bray down to the mat and does the same to Bryan with a Russian legsweep as we take a break.
We're quickly back with the Wyatts in control again until Jey slams Bray's head into the cage a few times, setting up a Whisper in the Wind for two. A double belly to back superplex puts Daniel down but Bray is back into it. He blocks a superkick from Jey but takes too long setting up Sister Abigail, allowing Jimmy to superkick Bray for the save. The Wyatts make a double save to keep the Usos from escaping but the twins knock Bray and Daniel down. Jimmy dives on Rowan and Jey climbs down for the win at 11:15 for our second big upset of the night.
Post match Bray smiles and Bryan drops to his knees, but this time he shoves Bray away from hitting Sister Abigail. Bray's eyes get all freaky as Daniel is listening to the fans. Now Bray is looking nervous and offers to let Bryan have a free shot. Daniel isn't sure what to do so Bray calls him a coward. Bray charges but misses in the corner and Daniel erupts on him with running dropkicks. There are the YES Kicks as Harper and Rowan can't get past the locked door. Daniel rips off the coveralls and destroys Bray with everything he's got. One of the loudest YES chants you'll ever hear sets up the running knee to end the show.
Results
Usos b. Wyatt Family via DQ when Luke Harper and Erick Rowan interfered
John Cena b. Damien Sandow Attitude Adjustent
Big Show b. Jack Swagger Chokeslam
AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka b. Funkadactyls Shining Wizard to Cameron
Kofi Kingston b. Randy Orton SOS
Cody Rhodes/Goldust b. Ryback/Curtis Axel Cross Rhodes to Axel
Alberto Del Rio b. Rey Mysterio Cross armbreaker
Usos b. Wyatt Family Usos escaped the cage
Tuesday
TNA has released Jay Bradley and Wes Brisco.
Raw got a 3.12, down from last week.
Mae Young passed away at age 90.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: January 15, 2014
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Byron Saxton, Tom Phillips, Tensai
It's the first show of the new taping cycle so we're in for some fresh stories. If nothing else we'll get to find out who is Bo's next challenger, possibly at the live NXT special on the WWE Network. The only match for this week is Kofi challenging Alexander Rusev to a rematch after losing two weeks ago. Let's get to it.
Here's HHH to open things up. As most of us know, there's a new concept called the WWE Network launching on February 24. Also, on February 27, NXT is going to go live for the first time ever. I believe it's just a one time deal though.
Welcome Home.
Adrian Neville vs. Tyler Breeze
Fallout from the lumberjack match a month ago when Breeze cost Neville the title. Tyler grabs a headlock to start but Neville runs him over with a shoulder block to send Tyler to the floor. Neville teases a dive but backflips into the middle of the ring and waits on Breeze. Back in and Neville sends him face first into the buckle, drawing a NOT IN THE FACE chant. Instead Adrian kicks him in the chest, followed up by some loud chops. Neville heads to the apron but gets caught by a springboard dropkick as we take a break.
Back with Tyler holding Neville in a chinlock as Adrian fights up. Tyler takes him down again but stops for a quick photo op. Neville uses the breather to snap off a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to get himself a breather. A spinning kick to the ribs sets up a running dropkick to the head for two as Breeze is in trouble. Neville loads up a springboard dropkick but Breeze dropkicks him out of the air for two of his own. Good stuff so far.
Prince Pretty is all ticked off now and pounds away on Adrian's face but misses the Beauty Shot. A high kick looks to set up a middle rope Phoenix Splash but Breeze rolls away at the last second. The Beauty Shot is countered into a sitout powerbomb for two as the fans aren't as into this as they should be. Breeze breaks up the Red Arrow by grabbing Adrian's foot and crotching him down, but Neville blocks a hurricanrana attempt, setting up the Red Arrow for the win at 9:20 shown of 12:50.
CJ Parker vs. Jason Jordan
Jordan, usually a jobber, gets a full entrance. A quick German suplex gets two on Parker and Jordan keeps the grip to hold Parker on the mat. Parker sends him throat first into the ropes and hits the Third Eye (palm strike) for the pin at 1:07. It's a very telling sign when you can get the NXT fans to not care about you at all.
Bo Dallas vs. Mojo Rawley
Non-title. The much bigger Rawley tosses Dallas back into the corner and tells Dallas that he isn't hyped. It works so well that he does it again but Bo offers a nice smile. A shoulder block sends Bo to the floor and the smile is gone. Back in and Bo immediately bails to the floor. Dallas has no idea what to do so he just pounds away on Mojo in the corner. Rawley runs him over again with a shoulder and splashes Dallas in the corner over and over. Dallas rolls to the floor again but Mojo pulls him back inside, only to miss a splash and let Bo roll him up with a handful of trunks for the pin at 3:49.
Kofi Kingston vs. Alexander Rusev
Feeling out process to start and Kofi can't take him over with a headlock. Some kicks to the ribs have a better effect but Rusev just blasts him in the head to take over. Kofi scores with an elbow to the jaw but gets shoved out of the corner to give Rusev control again. Alexander sends him into the corner and works on the ribs before putting on a nerve hold.
Back up and more shots to the ribs have Kofi in trouble but he sidesteps a charging Bulgarian and sends him to the floor. Kofi misses a baseball slide but scores with a clothesline off the steps as we take a break. We come back with Kofi having a chinlock broken up but managing to avoid a charge. Kofi pounds away in the corner but Rusev counters into a powerbomb for two. The fans chant FEED ME MORE at Rusev before changing over to GOLDBERG.
Rusev drops some elbows and headbutts before going back to the nerve hold. Now the fans start doing the wave as Kofi fights back with chops and a dropkick, only to have his cross body caught in midair. Rusev, still holding Kofi, drives knees into the ribs before trying a Samoan drop but Kofi rolls him up for two. Kingston avoids a charge in the corner and kicks Rusev in the face, but his top rope cross body is caught again, setting up the Samoan drop for two.
Kofi dodges another charge, though this time Rusev puts on the brakes because he actually learns during his matches. The SOS gets two and some hard kicks to the face have Rusev in more trouble. Rusev comes back with a clothesline but Kofi hits his jumping clothesline to take him down again. The Boom Drop connects and after a distraction from Lana, Trouble in Paradise is enough to pin Rusev at 12:09 shown of 15:39.
Results
Adrian Neville b. Tyler Breeze Red Arrow
CJ Parker b. Jason Jordan Third Eye
Bo Dallas b. Mojo Rawley Rollup with a handful of trunks
Kofi Kingston b. Alexander Rusev Trouble in Paradise
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: January 16, 2014
Location: Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz
Tonight is the first night of a double week Genesis special. There are a lot of matches set up for the next two weeks but it's not clear which are tonight. We'll be getting some combination of Ethan Carter III vs. Sting, Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode in a cage, James Storm vs. Gunner for the Feast or Fired case and Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson. TNA usually nails these Clash of the Champions style shows so let's get to it.
We open with a tribute to Mae Young with Tazz saying some kind things about his time with her.
Recap of the unification match.
Spud is in the ring to insult Alabama and introduce Dixie Carter, in case you didn't get enough of her last week. We get the usual don't cross the boss speech before Dixie gives us our second recap of last week's events. The fans want AJ but Dixie says tonight is about the new champion. Magnus comes out to do the same speech you've heard a dozen times about how this is a new era and calls it the Reign of Magnus. He hands Dixie one of the titles because we wouldn't be here without her.
Dixie says there are some others to thank and brings out the BroMans, Zema Ion, Gail Kim, Lei'D Tapa, Bad Influence and Bobby Roode. Tonight is the beginning of Dixie Carter's TNA, but for that to happen, everyone has to stand tall and united as one. The only amusing part of this: as Dixie talks about winning tonight, Spud can barely hold the TNA title belt because he's so small. That guy continues to entertain me. Dixie brings out Ethan Carter III in pink ring gear, making him look like Rick Martel. Before Ethan can say anything, the lights go out and Sting is in the crowd, pointing the bat down to the ring as we take a break.
Back with Sting in the same place, asking if this is the future that Dixie is talking about. There are a lot of people in the back that can't be bought no matter what. They have a thing called honor which is something Dixie can never have. Another amusing note: Sting is standing in front of a No Standing sign. Sting talks about bringing Magnus into the Main Event Mafia because he's the future of wrestling.
No one thought he would sell out though, and that's part of why this is a house divided. Sting says we will fight back tonight but Dixie says she only sees him. Samoa Joe, ODB, Eric Young, James Storm and Joseph Park hit the ring for a fight, soon to be joined by Gunner. Eventually the ring is cleared out except for Sting and Carter with Sting holding the bat up to Carterh's chest and blasting him in the ribs as we take another break.
Back with the good guys ruling the ring and the heels cowering on the ramp. Joe says they're here for a fight and not leaving until they get into one. Spud, in pink pants no less, brings out Brian Hebner, saying Joe might just get what they want. We're getting a twelve man tag RIGHT NOW.
Samoa Joe/James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Eric Young/Joseph Park vs. Lei'D Tapa/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Bad Influence
Joe pounds away on Zema Ion to start as everyone else fights on the floor. We get the always cool sidestep from Joe to avoid a middle rope cross body. ODB and Tapa get into the ring for a few moments until Storm and Daniels come in instead. There have been no tags and only now are a handful of people getting on the apron. Gunner throws Kaz to the floor and now there's no one in the ring.
Eric and Robbie get into the ring as Joe is now on his third corner of the match. Young and Park double elbow Jesse but Robbie breaks up Eric's top rope elbow. Zema sends Eric to the floor but turns around to see ODB grabbing her chest. A fall away slam sends Ion flying but Tapa runs ODB down, knocking her to the floor. Daniels comes in to work over Young and gets two off a leg lariat.
Young comes back with a belly to belly suplex and it's off to Joe for some fat man power. The backsplash gets two on Daniels with Kaz making the save. Joe dives through the ropes to take out the Bro Mans as a lot of things break down. Kaz breaks up an attempted Park dive but busts Park's lip open in the process. For the first time ever, Park goes after his partners by taking down Gunner and Storm, leaving Joe to put Daniels in the Clutch for the tap out at 7:32.
Velvet Sky is seen talking to Austin Aries in the back until Chris Sabin comes up and demands to talk to her in the ring.
Kurt Angle arrives and is looking for Dixie and/or Al Snow, the latter of whom told Angle that he had a family emergency.
Sabin is in the ring to yell at Velvet for having secret meetings with Austin Aries but the man himself interrupts. Aries calls Sabin the worst boyfriend ever and says that even though he's a vegan, he might make an exception for a piece o\f pigeon pie. Velvet looks flattered and Aries keeps up the charm by calling Velvet an extremely hot woman.
Chris cuts Aries off by saying he tells Velvet what to do, but Aries says he's been telling Velvet to do what she wants to do. Sabin says she's his and gives her a little spank to prove it. Austin wants one more match with Sabin for the title and Velvet locked in a small cage at ringside. Sabin says no, but Velvet takes the mic and says she'll do it. She goes off on Sabin by saying she never wanted to be involved in this. Sabin has treated her like garbage lately, so if he loses next week she might be looking for someone else.
Angle has already changed into his wrestling gear and is still looking for Dixie.
Pat Kenney tells a cameraman to shoot everything he sees backstage. Sam Shaw comes by and Kenney congratulates him on his match last week, but politely advises Shaw to stay away from Christy Hemme and focus on his career. Shaw snaps and destroys Kenney, beating him down with Kenney's own shoe. Also it's Samuel, not Sam.
Ethan Carter practices his catchphrase when Magnus comes in to say believe in yourself. Magnus got to the top by himself and Ethan can do the same.
Bully Ray comes to the ring for his No DQ match with Anderson but Ken jumps him from behind as we go to a break before a bell.
Bully Ray vs. Mr. Anderson
No DQ. We come back from a break with Anderson ramming Ray (back in his old pre-Aces attire and music) into the announcers' table and heading back inside, only to have Ray block the Mic Check. A double clothesline puts both guys down as Tazz talks about Anderson wearing the hospital wristbands for his newborn twins. Both guys bring in chairs but it's Anderson getting in the first shot.
Ray comes back with a spear to put both guys down again and grabs his chain for a whipping. An elbow drop with the chain wrapped arund the arm gets two on Anderson but Ray stops to yell at Earl, allowing Anderson to knock Ray's chair into his face with a chair of his own for two. Anderson pulls out a piece of a barricade that is clearly made of plastic, only to have it kicked into his face.
Ray misses a splash, allowing Anderson to go up for the Swanton. He hits the barricade as well but comes back with a Mic Check onto the steel for two. Anderson sets up a table in the corner and hits a Regal Roll through the wood for another two count. These kickouts are getting surprising. Another table is set up but Ray comes back with a Rock Bottom for two of his own. Bully pulls out the lighter fluid but takes too long to yell about Anderson's newborns. A Mic Check puts Ray down but Anderson gos to light the table on fire instead. Ray hits a quick low blow and piledriver for the pin 9:40.
Angle finds Al Snow and demands to know what happened last week. Al says he was just following orders and gets thrown down.
Post break Angle is in the ring to demand that Dixie come face him right now. She went too far by bringing his family in and here's Dixie to respond. Kurt goes on a rant about how Dixie isn't the same person she used to be and how wrong it was to bring Kurt's wife and kids into this situation. Dixie says she did it to protect him because he would have gotten hurt out here last week, meaning he couldn't make her any money.
She doesn't want him to be like AJ or Jeff Hardy and did what she did because it was best. Angle says he isn't on her team but says he'll be out here for the main event. Dixie postpones the match until next week and has Angle taken out by security. Roode comes in off the distraction and lays him out with the Death Valley Driver (dubbed the Roode Bomb).
Gail Kim and Lei'D Tapa jump Madison Rayne.
Knockouts Title: Gail Kim vs. Madison Rayne
Madison is challenging but is still beaten down from the attack from before the break. Kim beats her down even more by stomping away in the corner but Madison comes back with a rollup for two of her own. Madison can't shake off all of the punishment from earlier though and staggers down off a forearm to the head. A shoulder block sends the champion to the floor but Tapa runs Madison over and chokes her down. Tapa is finally ejected but Gail does just fine by putting on the Figure Four around the post. The referee breaks it up and Rayne comes back with a flapjack and the Rayne Drop for the pin and the title at 4:00.
Dixie is with The Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards of course) and offers them a tryout match next week. However, they've already signed contracts offered to them by a TNA investor. Eddie hands her an envelope, saying it'll change everything. Oh dear.
We run down next week's card.
Sting vs. Ethan Carter III
Spud is guest referee. Sting takes Carter into the corner and is immediately warned for his actions. Carther does the same and nothing happens as you would expect. A dropkick sends Carter to the floor and Sting rams him into the steps for good measure. Back in and Spud gets in the way of a Stinger Splash attempt, allowing Ethan to take over with right hands of his own.
Sting avoids a splash and puts on the Scorpion but Spud jumps on his back. Instead Sting hits the Death Drop but Spud still won't count. Sting tries to force Spud's hand down but Magnus pulls Spud to safety. The champion takes his shirt off to reveal a referee's shirt. Ethan uses the distraction to roll up Sting and Magnus makes a fast count for the pin at 4:58.
Post break Sting says he wants one shot at the title and will do anything to get it. Magnus says Sting lost at Slammiversary and can't get a shot, but Sting appeals to his pride, saying Magnus must want to earn the title. He says men wear belts, so Magnus needs to stop being a boy. Magnus gets in the ring and says it's not going to work, but offers Sting a deal: next week it's Sting's contract vs. the title. Sting accepts to end the show.
Results
James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Samoa Joe/Eric Young/Joseph Park b. Bad Influence/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Lei'D Tapa Koquina Clutch to Daniels
Bully Ray b. Mr. Anderson Piledriver
Madison Rayne b. Gail Kim Rayne Drop
Ethan Carter III b. Sting Rollup
Friday
Impact got a 1.11, down from last week.
Smackdown
Date: January 17, 2014
Location: DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
Commentators: Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, The Miz
The main story coming off Raw is of course Daniel Bryan turning on the Wyatts to a huge reaction. I thought Bryan was going to leave them eventually though this was faster than I was expecting. Other than that, the road to the Rumble started to pick up on Monday as people names were added to the match to make it give it far more star power than it had before. Tonight we should get a few more names added to the match as the show is in nine days. Let's get to it.
New Age Outlaws vs. Cody Rhodes/Goldust
Non-title. Cole recaps the turn on Raw and says he doesn't get the suprise at the Outlaws' treachery. For once, he's absolutely right. Roadie does the intro and the PG issues get a bit muddled. Why can't Road Dogg swear on the way to the ring but can when he's introducing Billy? Goldust and Road Dogg get things going with Roadie suckering Goldust in for some shaky punches. Goldust takes him into the corner for some right hands of his own followed by a back elbow to the jaw.
Billy comes in but is backdropped out to the floor, allowing for a tag off to Cody. Why Goldust is exhausted already is beyond me as he was barely touched. He powerslams Roadie down and tags in his brother to a nice pop. Cody cleans house on Gunn but has to deal with Road Dogg as well. A double springboard missile dropkick puts the Outlaws down for two as everything breaks down.
Goldust and Roadie go to the floor as Cody avoids the Fameasser but has Cross Rhodes countered as well. Billy gets two off a tilt-a-whirl slam but still can't hit the Fameasser. There's the Disaster Kick....and Vickie Guerrero interrupts. She reminds us that the Royal Rumble is every man for himself, including brother vs. brother. The distraction lets Billy roll up Cody for the pin at 4:43.
CM Punk says he's going to call out Shield tonight.
Here's Paul Heyman to brag about how amazing Lesnar is, focusing on destroying Mark Henry. After that though, Lesnar was attacked by Big Show who implied he could take Brock out. Heyman admits that Big Show is intimidating but he'll fall to Lesnar at the Royal Rumble.
Heyman talks about going through wars with Lesnar at his side, meaning he has to fear no evil. Big Show may hurt Zeb Colter, but he won't won't hurt Heyman to get to Brock, including on Raw when Lesnar appears live. Big Show comes out and Heyman is in the crowd before Big Show is all the way in the ring. Big Show shows us a clip from Raw where Show threw Lesnar around, followed by Big Show promising to knock Lesnar out.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio
Before the match Rey talks about Del Rio being afraid of Batista, sending Del Rio into a frenzy to start. He wraps Rey's arm around the rope but gets sent outside for Rey's sliding splash under the bottom rope. Back in and Del Rio crotches Rey down to tie him up in the Tree of Woe for a kick to the ribs as we take a break. Back with Rey hitting a top rope seated senton, only to run into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two.
Rey rolls through a sunset flip and kicks Del Rio in the head for two. The corner enziguri brings Rey down from the top again but Del Rio can't pin him. Rey comes back with a tornado DDT for two of his own but Del Rio hits the Codebreaker on the arm. The armbreaker is countered into the 619 but the top rope splash hits knees. Del Rio loads up the low superkicks but Rey counters into a rollup for the pin at 8:25.
Post match Del Rio jumps Mysterio and puts him in the cross armbreaker.
Naomi vs. Tamina Snuka
Emma is in the audience doing her dance again. Miz reads a statement from Maryse congraulating AJ on breaking her record for longest reigning Divas Champion. Naomi jumps Tamina to start but is easily knocked down and backdropped for two. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Naomi comes back with some kicks to the ribs and a modified bulldog. A Bubba Bomb puts Tamina down but the referee is looking at Cameron and AJ. Tamina uses the distraction to kick Tamina in the head and hit a split legged moonsault for the pin at 2:35.
Tribute to Mae Young.
Video of Bryan turning on Bray Wyatt.
Here's Bray without his hat in person with something to say. I love that you can't see Harper and Rowan until the lights come on even though they're right next to Bray. He talks about wanting to be powerful like his father as a child. Bray did his best to appease him and be just like him but it was never good enough. His father was never there for him and never entrusted Bray with his kingdom.
Instead he cast Bray out amidst the sheep, forcing him to walk the earth alone. But then Sister Abigail saved him by singing the sweetest songs Bray had ever heard. Bray became obsessed with her beauty and power, but Abigail told him that Bray would be betrayed again on his path to righteousness.
Monday was the moment that Abigail was talking about, when Bray knew he had to sacrifice himself to be resurrected into the creature he was born to be. You can't hurt him because he's already dead and he does not bleed like we do. Daniel Bryan was given a chance to walk with the reapers but now he will be forced to walk with the saints. More creepy stuff here as Bray's backstory is slowly filled in.
Punk is going to call out the New Age Outlaws in addition to the Shield. If that's career suicide, consider it a gift to the Authority.
Big E. Langston vs. Fandango
Non-title as well. Langston hits a quick backbreaker to start and Fandango bails to the floor. Back in and the dancer pounds away with right hands but Langston runs him over with a shoulder block. Fandango avoids a charge in the corner and kicks Big E. to the outside before pulling Langston's shoulder into the post. Langston is thrown back inside and we hit the armbar for a few moments as the match slows down. Big E. easily powers Fandango to the floor as JBL and Miz argue over who was a bigger star. Fandango is suplexed down, setting up the Warrior Splash, the running Vader Attack and the Big Ending for the win at 4:16.
Shield thinks it's the other 27 people in the Rumble that need to be worried instead of the three of them. Ambrose says he wouldn't throw Rollins out but Rollins says Dean couldn't do it anyway. Rollins would throw Ambrose out, leading to an argument between the two. Reigns cuts them off and says he'll throw both of them out and go to Wrestlemania, but they'll still be a united Shield.
Warrior Hall of Fame video.
Video on the WWE Network.
We look back at Kofi shocking Orton on Monday, leading to Orton attacking Cena's dad. HHH has promised to deal with Orton internally.
Real Americans vs. Usos
Colter is in a wheelchair to sell the attack on Monday. Cesaro and Swagger do the hand over the heart but Zeb rolls down the ramp without them holding him in place. Before the match, Colter, with his voice muffled by the neck brace, says he wants Lesnar to destroy Big Show at the Rumble before asking the fans do say WE THE PEOPLE. Jimmy has bad ribs and Jey has a bad shoulder due to the cage match on Monday.
Swagger throws Jey around to start and the injuries take their tole immediately. Off to Cesaro for some shoulders to the ribs before Swagger comes back in with knees to the midsection as well. Jack launches Cesaro into a splash in the corner and Antonio follows up with rights and lefts to the ribs as we take a break. Back with Jimmy in the Cesaro Swing which still gets a nice reaction, months after it was at its peak. Jimmy fights off the dizziness and kicks the Real Americans in the face and stomach, finally allowing the hot tag to Jey. The running Umaga attack gets two on Jack and a Samoan drop gets the same.
Cesaro is knocked to the floor but Jey gets caught in the Patriot Lock. Jimmy superkicks Swagger for the save before chasing Antonio to the floor. Cesaro hides behind Colter's wheelchair before missing a charge into the barricade. Jimmy shoves the wheelchair into Cesaro for a big crash as Jey hits an electric chair drop on Swagger. Jey drops the Superfly Splash for the pin at 9:16.
Here's Punk for the big call out to end the show. Punk says he's out here because he's not a coward like the Authority. He doesn't need an army of people to fight his battles for him, but maybe he's insane. Yeah he might get slaughtered by Shield and the Outlaws so why not also call out the In Laws, the Ultimate Warrior, the Dingo Warrior and the Road Warriors?
The thing is, people listen to him when he talks and that's real power. Punk talks about HHH abusing his power to satisfy his own agenda while hiding behind his wife. Shield's music cuts Punk off before he can get too far into that though, which is a nice touch if it was intentional. The Outlaws come out before Shield can get to the ring and Punk is surrounded.
Punk holds up the microphone as his weapon but Kane's pyro goes off and he orders everyone to stand down. He gets in the ring and says the Authority doesn't want it this way. Punk's anger is displaced and his paranoia is getting the better of him. The Authority wants Punk to main event Wrestlemania, which is why they entered him in the Rumble.
Kane's new top directive is to treat Punk with the respect that he deserves. Punk looks confused as Kane leaves so he asks if he has Kane's word. Kane nods but Punk doesn't buy it because Kane is a seven foot suck up. Kane says get him before catching a distracted Punk in a chokeslam to end the show.
Results
New Age Outlaws b. Cody Rhodes/Goldust Rollup to Rhodes
Rey Mysterio b. Alberto Del Rio Rollup
Naomi b. Tamina Snuka Split legged moonsault
Big E. Langston b. Fandango Big Ending
Usos b. Real Americans Superfly Splash to Swagger
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Usos b. Wyatt Family via DQ when Harper and Rowan interfered
John Cena b. Damien Sandow Attitude Adjustent
Big Show b. Jack Swagger Chokeslam
AJ Lee/Tamina Snuka b. Funkadactyls Shining Wizard to Cameron
Kofi Kingston b. Randy Orton SOS
Cody Rhodes/Goldust b. Ryback/Curtis Axel Cross Rhodes to Axel
Alberto Del Rio b. Rey Mysterio Cross armbreaker
Usos b. Wyatt Family Usos escaped the cage
NXT
Adrian Neville b. Tyler Breeze Red Arrow
CJ Parker b. Jason Jordan Third Eye
Bo Dallas b. Mojo Rawley Rollup with a handful of trunks
Kofi Kingston b. Alexander Rusev Trouble in Paradise
Impact Wrestling
James Storm/Gunner/ODB/Samoa Joe/Eric Young/Joseph Park b. Bad Influence/Zema Ion/Bro Mans/Lei'D Tapa Koquina Clutch to Daniels
Bully Ray b. Mr. Anderson Piledriver
Madison Rayne b. Gail Kim Rayne Drop
Ethan Carter III b. Sting Rollup
Smackdown
New Age Outlaws b. Cody Rhodes/Goldust Rollup to Rhodes
Rey Mysterio b. Alberto Del Rio Rollup
Naomi b. Tamina Snuka Split legged moonsault
Big E. Langston b. Fandango Big Ending
Usos b. Real Americans Superfly Splash to Swagger