klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Hornswoggle has been suspended for 30 days for a Wellness violation.
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 28, 2015
Location: First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York
Commentators: Byron Saxton, John Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole
Tonight is a packed show, headlined by the return of the US Open Challenge for John Cena's United States Title. It's always fun to see who is going to be accepting the challenge and probably having the best match of the night with Cena. In addition to that we'll have Becky Lynch and Paige on MizTV and fallout from Kane pulling Seth Rollins through the mat last week. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Seth Rollins' issues over the last week. His loss to Ambrose on Smackdown isn't mentioned because that show doesn't exist in the mainstream WWE universe. It's almost like that loss to Ambrose really didn't need to happen, at least not by pinfall.
Opening sequence.
Here's John Cena for the US Title open challenge. The fans aren't all that thrilled to see him though. Cena: Have no fear because THE CHAMP IS HERE! The challenge is on now. Instead of just one challenger though, all three members of New Day are here. They sing a little song about winning the US Title before Kofi says they might as well be called Team Scrooge McDuck because they're about to be swimming in gold. The concert isn't over yet because they sing NEW US CHAMPS to the tune of Cena's theme song. Cena wants one of them right now and it's time to be serious.
US Title: John Cena vs. Xavier Woods
Cena gets right in Woods' face in the corner during the big match intros. The bell rings and Cena takes his head off with a clothesline two seconds in, sending Woods to the floor. Woods: I WASN'T READY! Big E. gets knocked off the apron and Kofi grabs Cena's foot to break up an early Shuffle attempt. That earns both Kofi and Big E. an ejection and we take a break after 80 seconds and two moves.
Back with Cena hitting the Shuffle but Woods slips out of the AA and getting two off an enziguri. A middle rope DDT gets two on the champ but the flipping clothesline is countered with a sitout powerbomb to give Cena two. Woods comes right back with a reverse suplex and Lost in the Woods (Eat Defeat) for two each. Xavier misses a missile dropkick and Cena slaps on the STF, drawing Kofi and Big E. in for the DQ at 9:22.
Post match here are the Dudleyz a few seconds later for the save. It looks like a six man after the break.
John Cena/Dudley Boyz vs. New Day
That's exactly what we have and it's joined in progress with Kofi getting pounded down in the corner by D-Von and then Bubba. Cena requests and receives a tag and it's time for Kofi to get some rotating stomps of his own. The Shuffle sends Kofi over for the tag to Big E. and it's power vs. power. Big E. shoulders Cena into the corner and it's time for some dancing, followed by the real rotating stomps.
Kofi slaps on a chinlock as Woods plays the trombone and shouts that he should be US Champion. For some reason this results in Cole bringing up that he's undefeated at Wrestlemania and Byron saying that's like him being Tupac. E.'s splash gets two but Cena rolls over and tags in D-Von as everything breaks down. D-Von launches E. into the ropes but knocks Cena off the apron in a big crash. What's Up hits Kofi but Bubba is sent out for not being legal, allowing Kofi to hit Trouble in Paradise for the pin at 6:45.
The Authority and an unknown woman are in the back when Kane comes in. The woman is from human resources due to a complaint against Kane for creating an unsafe working environment. Rollins comes in and hints very strongly that he made the complaint. Kane promises to take this seriously before glaring at Rollins. A sip of coffee brings him back to reality and he's off for his evaluation. This continues to intrigue me a bit but these performance evaluations are almost never any good.
Ambrose suggests that Reigns fighting Bray one on one might not be the best idea. Dean will stay in the back unless Strowman and Harper get involved. Reigns says that Orton will have his back too and Dean gets a bit annoyed. Orton comes in and Dean says he doesn't want any outsiders trying to come in and save the day. Roman calms things down.
Big Show vs. Mark Henry
I'll be shocked if this breaks two minutes. Show spears him down and plants Henry with some slow slams and a kick to the face. The KO punch ends this at 2:36. I get what they're doing with Big Show and I appreciated them using Henry instead of someone with value, but can they really think that the exact same formula for building someone up is going to work again?
It's time for MizTV and Miz starts us off with a recap of Paige's heel turn promo last week against the rest of the division. Miz's geusts are Becky Lynch and Charlotte, the former of whom calls Miz a chauvinist jackass. Miz: First One Direction breaks up and now PCB? Charlotte tells Paige to get out here for a talk or a fight but here are the Bellas instead. Nikki says this is high school drama and she knows she's getting the title back.
Charlotte invites her in to tap out one more time but Nikki brags about breaking the record. Nikki talks about Paige saying she started the Divas Revolution (Stephanie being dropped is the right call all the way around) but Charlotte goes off about how the Divas Revolution is about the fans and the action in the ring. Alicia brings up the 3-2 advantage but Becky is ready to fight anyway.
Cue Paige to say she put the NXT women on the map by being their first champion. Nikki asks about the drama again but Paige asks who needs ambition when the Bellas have boyfriends like theirs. I believe that's the first reference to Cena and Nikki's relationship on Raw, or at least one of the first. A big brawl clears the ring.
Team PCB vs. Team Bella
So PCB is working together against a common enemy a week after breaking up. Brie comes in but gets double teamed by Charlotte and Becky but the Bellas drag Becky into the corner. Nikki gets in some stomps and Brie gets two off a suplex. A double clothesline puts Becky and Nikki down as the announcers plug Total Divas.
Charlotte comes in to no reaction and everything breaks down. Nikki kicks Charlotte off the Figure Eight and right into Paige, sending her walking to the back. Natalya comes out to replace Paige, who pulls her off the apron for a crash. Nikki uses the distraction to hit the Rack Attack for the pin on Charlotte at 6:26.
WWE2K16 video.
Video on the history of Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar.
Rollins is badmouthing Kane to the human resources woman when Kane comes in. Seth changes his tune and Kane gives him a present: the head of his statue. Kane dug it up from the landfill after searching all night and Seth is shaken as you might expect him to be. Kane thinks it's funny and the woman is equally freaked out.
Wyatt Family vs. Prime Time Players
Harper runs over Young to start and I don't see this going well. Darren gets knocked to the floor and Braun takes the mask off. The beating continues and Darren keeps getting destroyed inside. Young finally gets in a shot and makes the tag off to Titus for some house cleaning. A powerslam and big boot drop Harper but Strownman offers a distraction so Harper can get in the superkick. Braun grabs Darren and Titus' save attempt completely fails. The discus lariat from Harper sets up the choke from Braun to knock Titus cold at 4:18.
Neville vs. Stardust
Neville flips across the ring to start but is quickly caught in the Tree of Woe. Stardust charges into a boot though and Stardust slides to the floor. He springboards into a dropkick from Neville and it's time for the Red Arrow but cue King Barrett for the DQ at 2:33.
Barrett stares at Stardust but gives him a Bullhammer. Barrett says all hail the return of the king.
Here are Kane and the woman for his evaluation. She's already come to a conclusion after about an hour and twenty five minutes, but here's Rollins to interrupt. He shows us a quick recap of Kane's demonic side (or at least the last few years of it) and says he's going to Heaven instead. The Pope told him so and Rollins believes him because of how good he's been feeling lately. Kane shows us a video of Rollins tormenting Kane and calling for him to lose his authority.
The report says that Kane is sound of mind and can keep doing his job. Rollins deserves the evaluation because he's cruel, paranoid, and the most unprofessional person she has ever seen in WWE. Seth comes to the ring and gets in Kane's face. Rollins drops the belt so Kane goes to pick it up, only to have Rollins give him a Pedigree. He adds in some chair shots for good measure and even Pillmanizes the ankle.
Rollins laughs and says Kane looks very human to him right now. Kane is loaded onto a stretcher and into an ambulance....but the windows start glowing red. The door opens and Kane comes out in the demon attire. He starts limping but stomps his foot and is suddenly walking just fine. Seth tries a chair shot to no avail and a chokeslam leaves him laying. The threat of a tombstone sends Seth tumbling up the steps and Kane holds up the title. So the evaluation thing was really just a waste of time wasn't it?
Bray asks if we saw what they did earlier. The Family makes him so proud and they would love nothing more than to come out there tonight and tear Roman to pieces. However, Bray is going to grant Roman's request to face off one on one. They are the alpha and the omega because it starts and ends with the two of them. Only a fool believes he can look into the dragon's eyes and believe he won't be burned. Run.
Bo Dallas comes out for a match but first he says the Buffalo Bills just have to Bo-Lieve to win the Super Bowl.
Bo Dallas vs. Randy Orton
Orton quickly takes it to the floor and drops Dallas across the barricade right in front of some of the Bills. Back in and the RKO ends Bo at 2:00.
We look at Kevin Owens walking out on a tag match on Monday.
Rusev vs. Kevin Owens
Non-title and Ryback is on commentary. This is fallout from Owens walking out on Rusev on Thursday. Owens is knocked to the floor but he throws Rusev into Ryback for the DQ at 46 seconds.
Dolph Ziggler runs out for the save.
We recap the Dancing for Pediatric Awareness challenges between members of the roster.
Here's Paul Heyman to talk about the MSG match with Big Show. Heyman knows Big Show better than everyone else and he sees Show as a 6th grade math genius who gets a C+ because he's bored. There's no competition for Big Show right now, but there will be this Saturday. Brock Lesnar is going to destroy Big Show like never before and take him to Suplex City.
Cue Big Show to say he knows Brock is worried. Heyman didn't finish talking about Brock's tour because he knows it could end this Saturday night. Paul leaves and Show tells him to imagine a world without Brock. I appreciate them trying to build something but dude. It's Lesnar vs. Big Show. Let it go.
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
Wyatt brings Harper and Strowman with him but a single insult is enough to make Bray send them back. Roman starts fast with a throw and the apron boot as we take an early break. Back with Bray holding a chinlock, followed by a big slam to set up another chinlock. Reigns fights up and hits the corner clotheslines but the Superman Punch is countered with a standing Rock Bottom attempt.
Some elbows break Roman free but Bray takes his head off with a clothesline for two. Bray loads up a superplex but Reigns slips through the legs and powerbombs him down. Reigns no sells a kick to the face (stop watching puro dude) and Superman Punches Bray to the floor, only to have the spear hit the steps. Bray picks up the steps but Roman knocks them away and keeps fighting to the double countout at 13:04.
They keep fighting into the crowd with neither being able to take over. Bray knocks Roman into the barricade and charges Roman through it and back to ringside. Wyatt poses on the announcers' table but Reigns pops back up and spears him through the table to end the show.
Results
John Cena b. Xavier Woods via DQ when Kofi Kingston and Big E. interfered
New Day b. John Cena/Dudley Boyz Trouble in Paradise to D-Von
Big Show b. Mark Henry KO Punch
Team Bella b. Team PCB Rack Attack to Charlotte
Wyatt Family b. Prime Time Players Standing choke to O'Neil
Neville b. Stardust via DQ when King Barrett interfered
Randy Orton b. Bo Dallas RKO
Rusev b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Ryback interfered
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt went to a double countout
Tuesday
Nothing.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: September 30, 2015
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Rich Brennan, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
This is the go home show for next week's Takeover: Respect show and the main story tonight is finding out the final four in the Dusty Classic. The semifinals and finals are next week, meaning most of the card is already set. I'm sure we'll also get the hard sell for Bayley vs. Sasha II. Let's get to it.
We open with an update on the tournament. Here are the updated brackets:
Rhyno/Baron Corbin
Chad Gable/Jason Jordan
Scott Dawson/Dash Wilder
Finn Balor/Samoa Joe or Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady
Opening sequence.
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarter-Finals: Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady vs. Finn Balor/Samoa Joe
Enzo and Cass are classic guys and if you're not a fan of Dusty Rhodes, you must be S-A-W-F-T! Balor now has a slightly altered entrance, a leather jacket and the BALOR CLUB sign for his tron video. Joe and Cass get things going and they slug it out onto the floor, only to have Enzo nail a suicide dive. Balor adds in a flip dive and we take a very early break. Back with Enzo hitting a middle rope DDT on the champ.
The hot (?) tag brings in Cass for some splashes to Joe and big boots to both guys. A big running elbow gets two on Joe and Cass plants him with a Boss Man Slam. The Rocket Launcher connects but Joe rolls over and lifts Enzo to the top for the Muscle Buster. Finn adds the Coup de Grace to advance at 7:12.
Tomasso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are disappointed by their loss but tonight it's about moving forward against Apollo Crews. Tyler Breeze comes in and says he'd love to fight Ciampa later tonight.
Video on Asuka.
Johnny Gargano vs. Apollo Crews
Gargano flips out of a fireman's carry to start and puts on something like an Anaconda Vice/Tarantula combo for a few moments. Four moments of course because he has until five. Crews dropkicks him out to the floor but Gargano comes back in with a slingshot spear through the ropes for two. Cool move. Some kicks get two more for Johnny but Crews shrugs them off and hits the gorilla press and standing moonsault for the pin at 4:05.
Regal brings Dana Brooke and Emma into his office to announce Dana vs. Asuka next week. Brooke is thrilled until Regal shows them an Asuka highlight reel. Emma: Good luck with that.
Nia Jax video.
Dana Brooke/Emma vs. Peyton Royce/Billie Kay
Peyton grabs some quick rollups for two each on Dana as the fans chant for the jobbers. It's off to Billie vs. Emma with Kay getting two off a delayed suplex. Dana calls Kay a billy goat and the villains take over in the corner. Both of them put on a bodyscissors to keep Kay in trouble but she finally gets over for the tag to Peyton. Things go a bit better for Royce with a dropkick getting two on Dana but Emma grabs her leg, setting up the sitout Death Valley Driver for the pin on Peyton at 6:48. That move needs a name.
Chad Gable/Jason Jordan say they're the favorites going into their match next week. Then it's on to the finals where they probably won't be facing Dawson/Wilder. That brings in Dawson/Wilder for some serious bickering.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tyler Breeze
Ciampa's video mostly says Johnny Gargano. Feeling out process to start as they trade rollups for no counts. Breeze winds up riding Ciampa like a short horse until Ciampa hits a running knee in the corner. Tyler comes right back with a neckbreaker and a front facelock as things slow down again. Ciampa fights up again and lifts Breeze up for a hanging downward spiral, only to block a rollup attempt that Breeze wasn't trying.. These two are really not clicking so far. Tyler dropkicks him out of the air for two and hooks a Killswitch for the pin at 7:49.
Baron Corbin and Rhyno say they'll win the tournament.
We run down the Takeover card.
A long recap of Bayley winning the Women's Title and the build to the Iron Woman rematch ends the show. Good stuff here with Bayley studying Iron Man matches and training to go half an hour.
Results
Samoa Joe/Finn Balor b. Colin Cassady/Enzo Amore Coup de Grace to Amore
Apollo Crews b. Johnny Gargano Standing moonsault
Dana Brooke/Emma b. Peyton Royce/Billie Kay Sitout Death Valley Driver to Royce
Tyler Breeze b. Tommaso Ciampa Killswitch
Impact Wrestling
Date: September 30, 2015
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
It's the go home show for Bound For Glory and the big question is what does Dixie Carter have in store for her nephew Ethan at the show. Last week's show ended with a teaser of a special guest referee for Sunday's title match, even though it should be pretty easy to figure out where they're going with the story. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Galloway winning the title shot last week.
Here are Ethan and Tyrus to open the show. Ethan doesn't get why no one is talking about him four days before the biggest show of the year. Everyone is talking about Drew Galloway when he hasn't even won anything yet. Even Dixie Carter is talking about Drew and the champ wants her out here right now to explain herself.
Dixie gets right in his face and talks about how Drew stood up for TNA after Ethan wanted nothing to do with the war against the company their family owns. Ethan says he's sleeping fine at night as the World Heavyweight Champion. This Sunday, Drew isn't going to beat him because Drew can't do it. Cue Galloway to tell Ethan to shut his bloody mouth. No one likes Ethan because he turned his back on the company.
Drew says this is his company in the first place and the belt makes him the best in the world. Ethan better hope that Drew never stops talking because the only thing he does better than talk is fight. The champ says this Sunday, Drew isn't going to stand up because he better stand down. Drew isn't coming to Sunday to be the savior, but he is coming to be the champ. This was good stuff and as well done of a thrown together build as they could have had.
James Storm blames Mahabali Sheera for the downfall of the Revolution.
Ethan tells Dixie that he'll take out the future on Sunday.
Recap of Sheera rebelling against the Revolution, which started falling apart as a result.
James Storm vs. Mahabali Sheera
No DQ. Sheera starts the brawl in the aisle but Storm hits him low to take over. Storm's cross body is caught in a fall away slam but James grabs a Backstabber. Two chairs are set up in the middle of the ring and Storm slams Sheera through them for two. Now it's table time but Storm spits beer in the referee's eyes.
The worst spear I've ever seen (like worse than Christian's) gets no cover and Storm is able to get in a cowbell shot to the head. Eye of the Storm through the table gets two so Storm breaks a beer bottle. Cue Manik and Abyss for a Black Hole Slam and frog splash, setting up the Sky High to give Mahabali the pin at 7:30.
Here's Bobby Roode with something to say. Roode is proud to be King of the Mountain Champion and is ready to defend the title with respect. There's going to be an open challenge on Sunday and here's Lashley to interrupt. Lashley came here to face the best competition in the world and to collect titles. They've had some great matches all year so why not one more time on Sunday for the King of the Mountain Title. Roode accepts. They also respect each other a lot because that's required in TNA.
Taryn tells the Dollhouse to destroy the Beautiful People once and for all tonight.
DJZ vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Trevor Lee
Lee and Brian Myers will be getting their rematch for the Tag Team Titles on Sunday. Ciampa starts fast by suplexing DJZ onto the apron but Lee hits a nice flip dive to take Ciampa down. DJZ comes back in with a middle rope elbow and a double tornado DDT. Lee German suplexes Ciampa for two but he comes back with Project Ciampa (powerbomb into a backstabber) for two on Trevor. The break up sends Ciampa to the floor though and Lee's flipping cross body into a powerslam is good for the pin at 4:16.
The Beautiful People are ready for the Dollhouse, even though Angelina has a busted shoulder (read as she's pregnant). Velvet wants Taryn at ringside because just like her, it's going to be ugly.
Brooke talks about what it means to be a Knockout. She wants the title back.
Ethan isn't worried about whatever Dixie has planned for him.
Dollhouse vs. Beautiful People
Marti/Rebel/Jade vs. Madison/Velvet here. Velvet's Let's Cuddle and Watch Star Wars shirt is about as awesome as you can get. It's a brawl to start with Madison sending Marti into the corner. Off to Jade for some kicks to the ribs as Pope refuses to predict a winner between Kong and Kim, citing disrespect. Madison sends Jade into the corner and makes the tag off to Sky.
More kicks have Jade in trouble so she brings in Rebel (in pink gloves) for even more kicks. A double clothesline puts both of them down and it's off to Madison vs. Marti with the Rayne Drop connecting for two. Everything breaks down and Velvet avoids having her arm crushed. Rebel throws powder in Madison's eyes and Marti grabs a rollup for the pin at 6:20.
Eric Young wants to fight anyone.
Gail Kim is ready for Awesome Kong and doesn't know what to expect when they square off on Sunday.
Eric Young comes out to yell about Sgt. Chris Melendez having so many people help him with that one win. Eric declares himself God. This brings out Robbie E. of all people because he wants a fight. Robbie's offense doesn't do much as a low blow puts him right back down.
This brings out Melendez for the real fight but Eric puts him down one more time. Young goes for a chair but Chris takes it away and sends Young running. Now it's Mr. Anderson to block Young from escaping and ask him about where God has been all his life. A bunch of people in the back want to beat Young up but Anderson, Melendez and Robbie take their turns on him instead.
Matt Hardy comes in to see Galloway and let him know that if they win their tag match tonight, Sunday's main event becomes a three way. Drew loves the idea and says that's why they're here.
Young yells at Dixie about how unfair that was so Dixie gives him Kurt Angle on Sunday.
Video on Sunday's card.
Ethan Carter III/Tyrus vs. Matt Hardy/Drew Galloway
If Matt and Drew win, Matt is added to Sunday's World Title match. Tyrus kicks Drew in the ribs to start before it's off to Drew vs. Matt. Hardy has some more luck and gets in a few shots of his own but the Twist of Fate is easily broken up. The villains take over with Tyrus slapping on a chinlock before stepping on Matt's ribs as we take a break. Back with Matt making a comeback and tagging in Drew to clean house. A running boot to the face is enough to put Tyrus away at 13:20, putting Matt in the title match on Sunday.
Dixie comes out and announces Jeff Hardy as the guest referee for Sunday's main event. Shocking indeed.
Results
Mahabali Sheera b. James Storm Sky High
Trevor Lee b. DJZ and Tommaso Ciampa Spinning powerslam to DJZ
Dollhouse b. Beautiful People Rollup to Rayne
Matt Hardy/Drew Galloway b. Tyrus/Ethan Carter III Big boot to Tyrus
Hornswoggle has been suspended for 30 days for a Wellness violation.
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 28, 2015
Location: First Niagara Center, Buffalo, New York
Commentators: Byron Saxton, John Bradshaw Layfield, Michael Cole
Tonight is a packed show, headlined by the return of the US Open Challenge for John Cena's United States Title. It's always fun to see who is going to be accepting the challenge and probably having the best match of the night with Cena. In addition to that we'll have Becky Lynch and Paige on MizTV and fallout from Kane pulling Seth Rollins through the mat last week. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Seth Rollins' issues over the last week. His loss to Ambrose on Smackdown isn't mentioned because that show doesn't exist in the mainstream WWE universe. It's almost like that loss to Ambrose really didn't need to happen, at least not by pinfall.
Opening sequence.
Here's John Cena for the US Title open challenge. The fans aren't all that thrilled to see him though. Cena: Have no fear because THE CHAMP IS HERE! The challenge is on now. Instead of just one challenger though, all three members of New Day are here. They sing a little song about winning the US Title before Kofi says they might as well be called Team Scrooge McDuck because they're about to be swimming in gold. The concert isn't over yet because they sing NEW US CHAMPS to the tune of Cena's theme song. Cena wants one of them right now and it's time to be serious.
US Title: John Cena vs. Xavier Woods
Cena gets right in Woods' face in the corner during the big match intros. The bell rings and Cena takes his head off with a clothesline two seconds in, sending Woods to the floor. Woods: I WASN'T READY! Big E. gets knocked off the apron and Kofi grabs Cena's foot to break up an early Shuffle attempt. That earns both Kofi and Big E. an ejection and we take a break after 80 seconds and two moves.
Back with Cena hitting the Shuffle but Woods slips out of the AA and getting two off an enziguri. A middle rope DDT gets two on the champ but the flipping clothesline is countered with a sitout powerbomb to give Cena two. Woods comes right back with a reverse suplex and Lost in the Woods (Eat Defeat) for two each. Xavier misses a missile dropkick and Cena slaps on the STF, drawing Kofi and Big E. in for the DQ at 9:22.
Post match here are the Dudleyz a few seconds later for the save. It looks like a six man after the break.
John Cena/Dudley Boyz vs. New Day
That's exactly what we have and it's joined in progress with Kofi getting pounded down in the corner by D-Von and then Bubba. Cena requests and receives a tag and it's time for Kofi to get some rotating stomps of his own. The Shuffle sends Kofi over for the tag to Big E. and it's power vs. power. Big E. shoulders Cena into the corner and it's time for some dancing, followed by the real rotating stomps.
Kofi slaps on a chinlock as Woods plays the trombone and shouts that he should be US Champion. For some reason this results in Cole bringing up that he's undefeated at Wrestlemania and Byron saying that's like him being Tupac. E.'s splash gets two but Cena rolls over and tags in D-Von as everything breaks down. D-Von launches E. into the ropes but knocks Cena off the apron in a big crash. What's Up hits Kofi but Bubba is sent out for not being legal, allowing Kofi to hit Trouble in Paradise for the pin at 6:45.
The Authority and an unknown woman are in the back when Kane comes in. The woman is from human resources due to a complaint against Kane for creating an unsafe working environment. Rollins comes in and hints very strongly that he made the complaint. Kane promises to take this seriously before glaring at Rollins. A sip of coffee brings him back to reality and he's off for his evaluation. This continues to intrigue me a bit but these performance evaluations are almost never any good.
Ambrose suggests that Reigns fighting Bray one on one might not be the best idea. Dean will stay in the back unless Strowman and Harper get involved. Reigns says that Orton will have his back too and Dean gets a bit annoyed. Orton comes in and Dean says he doesn't want any outsiders trying to come in and save the day. Roman calms things down.
Big Show vs. Mark Henry
I'll be shocked if this breaks two minutes. Show spears him down and plants Henry with some slow slams and a kick to the face. The KO punch ends this at 2:36. I get what they're doing with Big Show and I appreciated them using Henry instead of someone with value, but can they really think that the exact same formula for building someone up is going to work again?
It's time for MizTV and Miz starts us off with a recap of Paige's heel turn promo last week against the rest of the division. Miz's geusts are Becky Lynch and Charlotte, the former of whom calls Miz a chauvinist jackass. Miz: First One Direction breaks up and now PCB? Charlotte tells Paige to get out here for a talk or a fight but here are the Bellas instead. Nikki says this is high school drama and she knows she's getting the title back.
Charlotte invites her in to tap out one more time but Nikki brags about breaking the record. Nikki talks about Paige saying she started the Divas Revolution (Stephanie being dropped is the right call all the way around) but Charlotte goes off about how the Divas Revolution is about the fans and the action in the ring. Alicia brings up the 3-2 advantage but Becky is ready to fight anyway.
Cue Paige to say she put the NXT women on the map by being their first champion. Nikki asks about the drama again but Paige asks who needs ambition when the Bellas have boyfriends like theirs. I believe that's the first reference to Cena and Nikki's relationship on Raw, or at least one of the first. A big brawl clears the ring.
Team PCB vs. Team Bella
So PCB is working together against a common enemy a week after breaking up. Brie comes in but gets double teamed by Charlotte and Becky but the Bellas drag Becky into the corner. Nikki gets in some stomps and Brie gets two off a suplex. A double clothesline puts Becky and Nikki down as the announcers plug Total Divas.
Charlotte comes in to no reaction and everything breaks down. Nikki kicks Charlotte off the Figure Eight and right into Paige, sending her walking to the back. Natalya comes out to replace Paige, who pulls her off the apron for a crash. Nikki uses the distraction to hit the Rack Attack for the pin on Charlotte at 6:26.
WWE2K16 video.
Video on the history of Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar.
Rollins is badmouthing Kane to the human resources woman when Kane comes in. Seth changes his tune and Kane gives him a present: the head of his statue. Kane dug it up from the landfill after searching all night and Seth is shaken as you might expect him to be. Kane thinks it's funny and the woman is equally freaked out.
Wyatt Family vs. Prime Time Players
Harper runs over Young to start and I don't see this going well. Darren gets knocked to the floor and Braun takes the mask off. The beating continues and Darren keeps getting destroyed inside. Young finally gets in a shot and makes the tag off to Titus for some house cleaning. A powerslam and big boot drop Harper but Strownman offers a distraction so Harper can get in the superkick. Braun grabs Darren and Titus' save attempt completely fails. The discus lariat from Harper sets up the choke from Braun to knock Titus cold at 4:18.
Neville vs. Stardust
Neville flips across the ring to start but is quickly caught in the Tree of Woe. Stardust charges into a boot though and Stardust slides to the floor. He springboards into a dropkick from Neville and it's time for the Red Arrow but cue King Barrett for the DQ at 2:33.
Barrett stares at Stardust but gives him a Bullhammer. Barrett says all hail the return of the king.
Here are Kane and the woman for his evaluation. She's already come to a conclusion after about an hour and twenty five minutes, but here's Rollins to interrupt. He shows us a quick recap of Kane's demonic side (or at least the last few years of it) and says he's going to Heaven instead. The Pope told him so and Rollins believes him because of how good he's been feeling lately. Kane shows us a video of Rollins tormenting Kane and calling for him to lose his authority.
The report says that Kane is sound of mind and can keep doing his job. Rollins deserves the evaluation because he's cruel, paranoid, and the most unprofessional person she has ever seen in WWE. Seth comes to the ring and gets in Kane's face. Rollins drops the belt so Kane goes to pick it up, only to have Rollins give him a Pedigree. He adds in some chair shots for good measure and even Pillmanizes the ankle.
Rollins laughs and says Kane looks very human to him right now. Kane is loaded onto a stretcher and into an ambulance....but the windows start glowing red. The door opens and Kane comes out in the demon attire. He starts limping but stomps his foot and is suddenly walking just fine. Seth tries a chair shot to no avail and a chokeslam leaves him laying. The threat of a tombstone sends Seth tumbling up the steps and Kane holds up the title. So the evaluation thing was really just a waste of time wasn't it?
Bray asks if we saw what they did earlier. The Family makes him so proud and they would love nothing more than to come out there tonight and tear Roman to pieces. However, Bray is going to grant Roman's request to face off one on one. They are the alpha and the omega because it starts and ends with the two of them. Only a fool believes he can look into the dragon's eyes and believe he won't be burned. Run.
Bo Dallas comes out for a match but first he says the Buffalo Bills just have to Bo-Lieve to win the Super Bowl.
Bo Dallas vs. Randy Orton
Orton quickly takes it to the floor and drops Dallas across the barricade right in front of some of the Bills. Back in and the RKO ends Bo at 2:00.
We look at Kevin Owens walking out on a tag match on Monday.
Rusev vs. Kevin Owens
Non-title and Ryback is on commentary. This is fallout from Owens walking out on Rusev on Thursday. Owens is knocked to the floor but he throws Rusev into Ryback for the DQ at 46 seconds.
Dolph Ziggler runs out for the save.
We recap the Dancing for Pediatric Awareness challenges between members of the roster.
Here's Paul Heyman to talk about the MSG match with Big Show. Heyman knows Big Show better than everyone else and he sees Show as a 6th grade math genius who gets a C+ because he's bored. There's no competition for Big Show right now, but there will be this Saturday. Brock Lesnar is going to destroy Big Show like never before and take him to Suplex City.
Cue Big Show to say he knows Brock is worried. Heyman didn't finish talking about Brock's tour because he knows it could end this Saturday night. Paul leaves and Show tells him to imagine a world without Brock. I appreciate them trying to build something but dude. It's Lesnar vs. Big Show. Let it go.
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
Wyatt brings Harper and Strowman with him but a single insult is enough to make Bray send them back. Roman starts fast with a throw and the apron boot as we take an early break. Back with Bray holding a chinlock, followed by a big slam to set up another chinlock. Reigns fights up and hits the corner clotheslines but the Superman Punch is countered with a standing Rock Bottom attempt.
Some elbows break Roman free but Bray takes his head off with a clothesline for two. Bray loads up a superplex but Reigns slips through the legs and powerbombs him down. Reigns no sells a kick to the face (stop watching puro dude) and Superman Punches Bray to the floor, only to have the spear hit the steps. Bray picks up the steps but Roman knocks them away and keeps fighting to the double countout at 13:04.
They keep fighting into the crowd with neither being able to take over. Bray knocks Roman into the barricade and charges Roman through it and back to ringside. Wyatt poses on the announcers' table but Reigns pops back up and spears him through the table to end the show.
Results
John Cena b. Xavier Woods via DQ when Kofi Kingston and Big E. interfered
New Day b. John Cena/Dudley Boyz Trouble in Paradise to D-Von
Big Show b. Mark Henry KO Punch
Team Bella b. Team PCB Rack Attack to Charlotte
Wyatt Family b. Prime Time Players Standing choke to O'Neil
Neville b. Stardust via DQ when King Barrett interfered
Randy Orton b. Bo Dallas RKO
Rusev b. Kevin Owens via DQ when Ryback interfered
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt went to a double countout
Tuesday
Nothing.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: September 30, 2015
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Rich Brennan, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
This is the go home show for next week's Takeover: Respect show and the main story tonight is finding out the final four in the Dusty Classic. The semifinals and finals are next week, meaning most of the card is already set. I'm sure we'll also get the hard sell for Bayley vs. Sasha II. Let's get to it.
We open with an update on the tournament. Here are the updated brackets:
Rhyno/Baron Corbin
Chad Gable/Jason Jordan
Scott Dawson/Dash Wilder
Finn Balor/Samoa Joe or Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady
Opening sequence.
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Quarter-Finals: Enzo Amore/Colin Cassady vs. Finn Balor/Samoa Joe
Enzo and Cass are classic guys and if you're not a fan of Dusty Rhodes, you must be S-A-W-F-T! Balor now has a slightly altered entrance, a leather jacket and the BALOR CLUB sign for his tron video. Joe and Cass get things going and they slug it out onto the floor, only to have Enzo nail a suicide dive. Balor adds in a flip dive and we take a very early break. Back with Enzo hitting a middle rope DDT on the champ.
The hot (?) tag brings in Cass for some splashes to Joe and big boots to both guys. A big running elbow gets two on Joe and Cass plants him with a Boss Man Slam. The Rocket Launcher connects but Joe rolls over and lifts Enzo to the top for the Muscle Buster. Finn adds the Coup de Grace to advance at 7:12.
Tomasso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano are disappointed by their loss but tonight it's about moving forward against Apollo Crews. Tyler Breeze comes in and says he'd love to fight Ciampa later tonight.
Video on Asuka.
Johnny Gargano vs. Apollo Crews
Gargano flips out of a fireman's carry to start and puts on something like an Anaconda Vice/Tarantula combo for a few moments. Four moments of course because he has until five. Crews dropkicks him out to the floor but Gargano comes back in with a slingshot spear through the ropes for two. Cool move. Some kicks get two more for Johnny but Crews shrugs them off and hits the gorilla press and standing moonsault for the pin at 4:05.
Regal brings Dana Brooke and Emma into his office to announce Dana vs. Asuka next week. Brooke is thrilled until Regal shows them an Asuka highlight reel. Emma: Good luck with that.
Nia Jax video.
Dana Brooke/Emma vs. Peyton Royce/Billie Kay
Peyton grabs some quick rollups for two each on Dana as the fans chant for the jobbers. It's off to Billie vs. Emma with Kay getting two off a delayed suplex. Dana calls Kay a billy goat and the villains take over in the corner. Both of them put on a bodyscissors to keep Kay in trouble but she finally gets over for the tag to Peyton. Things go a bit better for Royce with a dropkick getting two on Dana but Emma grabs her leg, setting up the sitout Death Valley Driver for the pin on Peyton at 6:48. That move needs a name.
Chad Gable/Jason Jordan say they're the favorites going into their match next week. Then it's on to the finals where they probably won't be facing Dawson/Wilder. That brings in Dawson/Wilder for some serious bickering.
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tyler Breeze
Ciampa's video mostly says Johnny Gargano. Feeling out process to start as they trade rollups for no counts. Breeze winds up riding Ciampa like a short horse until Ciampa hits a running knee in the corner. Tyler comes right back with a neckbreaker and a front facelock as things slow down again. Ciampa fights up again and lifts Breeze up for a hanging downward spiral, only to block a rollup attempt that Breeze wasn't trying.. These two are really not clicking so far. Tyler dropkicks him out of the air for two and hooks a Killswitch for the pin at 7:49.
Baron Corbin and Rhyno say they'll win the tournament.
We run down the Takeover card.
A long recap of Bayley winning the Women's Title and the build to the Iron Woman rematch ends the show. Good stuff here with Bayley studying Iron Man matches and training to go half an hour.
Results
Samoa Joe/Finn Balor b. Colin Cassady/Enzo Amore Coup de Grace to Amore
Apollo Crews b. Johnny Gargano Standing moonsault
Dana Brooke/Emma b. Peyton Royce/Billie Kay Sitout Death Valley Driver to Royce
Tyler Breeze b. Tommaso Ciampa Killswitch
Impact Wrestling
Date: September 30, 2015
Location: Impact Zone, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Josh Matthews, D'Angelo Dinero
It's the go home show for Bound For Glory and the big question is what does Dixie Carter have in store for her nephew Ethan at the show. Last week's show ended with a teaser of a special guest referee for Sunday's title match, even though it should be pretty easy to figure out where they're going with the story. Let's get to it.
We open with a recap of Galloway winning the title shot last week.
Here are Ethan and Tyrus to open the show. Ethan doesn't get why no one is talking about him four days before the biggest show of the year. Everyone is talking about Drew Galloway when he hasn't even won anything yet. Even Dixie Carter is talking about Drew and the champ wants her out here right now to explain herself.
Dixie gets right in his face and talks about how Drew stood up for TNA after Ethan wanted nothing to do with the war against the company their family owns. Ethan says he's sleeping fine at night as the World Heavyweight Champion. This Sunday, Drew isn't going to beat him because Drew can't do it. Cue Galloway to tell Ethan to shut his bloody mouth. No one likes Ethan because he turned his back on the company.
Drew says this is his company in the first place and the belt makes him the best in the world. Ethan better hope that Drew never stops talking because the only thing he does better than talk is fight. The champ says this Sunday, Drew isn't going to stand up because he better stand down. Drew isn't coming to Sunday to be the savior, but he is coming to be the champ. This was good stuff and as well done of a thrown together build as they could have had.
James Storm blames Mahabali Sheera for the downfall of the Revolution.
Ethan tells Dixie that he'll take out the future on Sunday.
Recap of Sheera rebelling against the Revolution, which started falling apart as a result.
James Storm vs. Mahabali Sheera
No DQ. Sheera starts the brawl in the aisle but Storm hits him low to take over. Storm's cross body is caught in a fall away slam but James grabs a Backstabber. Two chairs are set up in the middle of the ring and Storm slams Sheera through them for two. Now it's table time but Storm spits beer in the referee's eyes.
The worst spear I've ever seen (like worse than Christian's) gets no cover and Storm is able to get in a cowbell shot to the head. Eye of the Storm through the table gets two so Storm breaks a beer bottle. Cue Manik and Abyss for a Black Hole Slam and frog splash, setting up the Sky High to give Mahabali the pin at 7:30.
Here's Bobby Roode with something to say. Roode is proud to be King of the Mountain Champion and is ready to defend the title with respect. There's going to be an open challenge on Sunday and here's Lashley to interrupt. Lashley came here to face the best competition in the world and to collect titles. They've had some great matches all year so why not one more time on Sunday for the King of the Mountain Title. Roode accepts. They also respect each other a lot because that's required in TNA.
Taryn tells the Dollhouse to destroy the Beautiful People once and for all tonight.
DJZ vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Trevor Lee
Lee and Brian Myers will be getting their rematch for the Tag Team Titles on Sunday. Ciampa starts fast by suplexing DJZ onto the apron but Lee hits a nice flip dive to take Ciampa down. DJZ comes back in with a middle rope elbow and a double tornado DDT. Lee German suplexes Ciampa for two but he comes back with Project Ciampa (powerbomb into a backstabber) for two on Trevor. The break up sends Ciampa to the floor though and Lee's flipping cross body into a powerslam is good for the pin at 4:16.
The Beautiful People are ready for the Dollhouse, even though Angelina has a busted shoulder (read as she's pregnant). Velvet wants Taryn at ringside because just like her, it's going to be ugly.
Brooke talks about what it means to be a Knockout. She wants the title back.
Ethan isn't worried about whatever Dixie has planned for him.
Dollhouse vs. Beautiful People
Marti/Rebel/Jade vs. Madison/Velvet here. Velvet's Let's Cuddle and Watch Star Wars shirt is about as awesome as you can get. It's a brawl to start with Madison sending Marti into the corner. Off to Jade for some kicks to the ribs as Pope refuses to predict a winner between Kong and Kim, citing disrespect. Madison sends Jade into the corner and makes the tag off to Sky.
More kicks have Jade in trouble so she brings in Rebel (in pink gloves) for even more kicks. A double clothesline puts both of them down and it's off to Madison vs. Marti with the Rayne Drop connecting for two. Everything breaks down and Velvet avoids having her arm crushed. Rebel throws powder in Madison's eyes and Marti grabs a rollup for the pin at 6:20.
Eric Young wants to fight anyone.
Gail Kim is ready for Awesome Kong and doesn't know what to expect when they square off on Sunday.
Eric Young comes out to yell about Sgt. Chris Melendez having so many people help him with that one win. Eric declares himself God. This brings out Robbie E. of all people because he wants a fight. Robbie's offense doesn't do much as a low blow puts him right back down.
This brings out Melendez for the real fight but Eric puts him down one more time. Young goes for a chair but Chris takes it away and sends Young running. Now it's Mr. Anderson to block Young from escaping and ask him about where God has been all his life. A bunch of people in the back want to beat Young up but Anderson, Melendez and Robbie take their turns on him instead.
Matt Hardy comes in to see Galloway and let him know that if they win their tag match tonight, Sunday's main event becomes a three way. Drew loves the idea and says that's why they're here.
Young yells at Dixie about how unfair that was so Dixie gives him Kurt Angle on Sunday.
Video on Sunday's card.
Ethan Carter III/Tyrus vs. Matt Hardy/Drew Galloway
If Matt and Drew win, Matt is added to Sunday's World Title match. Tyrus kicks Drew in the ribs to start before it's off to Drew vs. Matt. Hardy has some more luck and gets in a few shots of his own but the Twist of Fate is easily broken up. The villains take over with Tyrus slapping on a chinlock before stepping on Matt's ribs as we take a break. Back with Matt making a comeback and tagging in Drew to clean house. A running boot to the face is enough to put Tyrus away at 13:20, putting Matt in the title match on Sunday.
Dixie comes out and announces Jeff Hardy as the guest referee for Sunday's main event. Shocking indeed.
Results
Mahabali Sheera b. James Storm Sky High
Trevor Lee b. DJZ and Tommaso Ciampa Spinning powerslam to DJZ
Dollhouse b. Beautiful People Rollup to Rayne
Matt Hardy/Drew Galloway b. Tyrus/Ethan Carter III Big boot to Tyrus