Thursday, January 26, 2017

WWE Smackdown Results – 1/17/17

“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video kicks off the show that highlights the upcoming Steel Cage Match with Becky Lynch challenging Alexa Bliss for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. That match happens on tonight’s show.
The Steel Cage is shown hanging over the ring.

Shane McMahon makes a big announcement

Shane McMahon’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the Memphis crowd. McMahon greets the crowd and soaks in the “Shane O’Mac” cheers. In two weeks time, the Alamodome will host the Royal Rumble. 30 superstars will compete – The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Baron Corbin, and the “Lunatic Fringe” Dean Ambrose just to name a few. They’ll all compete to be the last one left to main event WrestleMania. Here at Smackdown Live, the WWE Champion will have a detour on the road to WrestleMania. In four weeks at Phoenix, Arizona, the WWE Championship will be defended inside the Elimination Chamber. We’ll see who will walk out as the WWE Champion.
AJ Styles’ music hits, and the WWE Champion makes his way to the ring looking none too pleased by this announcement. Styles says after he does what he does best at the Royal Rumble (Beat up John Cena), he’ll now have to defend his title in the Elimination Chamber match. McMahon says he catches on quickly. That is if Styles is still the WWE Champion… or will it be around the waist of the person who would tie the record of being a 16-time WWE Champion? McMahon let’s out a “WOO!” Styles says, “Over my dead body!” That’s just a bad decision. Maybe McMahon should consult the champ before he does something so stupid. McMahon says he’s running Smackdown Live. A loud “AJ Styles” chant fires up. McMahon says he consulted with the Smackdown General Manager, Daniel Bryan. They want the best of the best to have the opportunity to walk into the Elimination Chamber and have a shot at the title. McMahon says Styles is one of the best. What he does in the ring and what he’s accomplished in one year, his hat is off to him. Styles is phenomenal. The only thing that isn’t is his attitude. Styles looks indignant. Styles says his attitude and the WWE Championship could go back to Japan and never come back. He’s never been in an Elimination Chamber match before and now the title is on the line.
John Cena’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to his traditional mixed reception. The crowd is buzzing. Cena goes to speak, but Styles cuts him off and tells him to shut up. Styles says his brother-in-law gifted him a title match. As for McMahon, it’s stupid that he has to be in an Elimination Chamber match. Styles tells the crowd they don’t respect him or the title. Why is Smackdown Live against AJ Styles? He’s the champ. Who’s next to come out and try to steal his spotlight?
The Miz’ music hits, and he makes his way to the ring with his wife, Maryse. Miz says Styles can consider his spotlight stolen. As for McMahon, an Elimination Chamber match is a perfect story bead for his 2017. Whenever he gets his rematch with Dean Ambrose, he’ll beat him for the Intercontinental Championship. Then whether he wins the Royal Rumble or walks out of the Elimination Chamber as the champion, he’ll be where he belongs – in the main event of WrestleMania. He’ll leave WrestleMania as a dual champion, doing more for both titles than anyone has before. Styles asks if he’s delusional. Miz does a good job looking good and hiding behind his wife, but the best thing he can do for his Hollywood career is stay away from him. Miz tells him to stop bragging about beating up John Cena. While he was in Japan growing out his hair to be America’s Next Soccer Mom, he was beating John Cena at WrestleMania. He beat John Cena before it was cool. He’s also the one that made the Intercontinental Championship what it is today. When people talk about Smackdown Live, they’re not talking about AJ Styles – they’re talking about him. Cena says it sounds like The Miz is saying he’s better than Styles. Styles takes the bait and reminds him the last time they were in Memphis, he knocked Miz’ teeth out. After the beating he gave him, he’s surprised he doesn’t perform with a limp. Does he Maryse? Cena asks Miz if he’s going to let Styles talk about him like that. McMahon steps between Miz and Styles. McMahon makes the match right here and now in Memphis. That’s happening right now.
The King’s Court with Jerry Lawler returns with special guest, Dolph Ziggler.
Mike’s Thoughts: Decent opener, albeit a little long. Shane McMahon’s announcement came off a little flat if you were one of the people that already knew the Elimination Chamber was not only returning, but it was a Smackdown PPV. There also wasn’t enough interaction with AJ Styles and John Cena. The Miz coming out was kind of random as well, but he was a lot of fun on the mic. This should be a pretty good match.
-Commercial Break-
Shane McMahon is walking backstage when he bumps into Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose. Ambrose says he should be in the Elimination Chamber, but he also needs a new title since it still smells like The Miz. McMahon says there is only one title. Ambrose mentions The Wyatt Family, so McMahon immediately books him to face Bray Wyatt. Ambrose says he wants to dismember The Viper himself. McMahon says that’s dark and gives him the match. Ambrose pats him on the face and leaves.
John Cena will be on commentary for the next match.

AJ Styles vs. The Miz w/ Maryse

Charles Robinson, the greatest referee ever, is the official for this match. They lock up, and Miz wrenches the arm. Styles twists out and takes him down. Miz rolls out, but Styles keeps him grounded. Miz fights up, so Styles applies a hammerlock. Miz quickly gets to the ropes and gets out of the ring. Miz gets back in the ring, and they lock up again. Miz bends him back, but Styles fights up and bends him back. Styles stomps the midsection. Miz fights up and kicks him back before applying a side headlock. Styles whips him off, leapfrogs him, drops down, and dropkicks him in the face. Styles then poses for the crowd and taunts Cena. Styles puts him in the corner and punches away at him. Styles connects with a backbreaker for a two count. Styles has a whip reversed, and Miz turns him inside out with a knee to the midsection. Miz punches away at him before going for a hip toss, but Styles counters into a Calf Crusher. Miz immediately gets to the ropes. Miz rolls him up, but Styles rolls through and viciously forearms him in the face for a near fall. Styles punches him back before having a whip reversed to the corner. Styles boots him in the face and sets up for a Phenomenal Forearm. Maryse gets on the apron to distract him. Miz then big boots him in the face and knocks him to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Miz applying a surfboard stretch. Styles fights up and knocks him to the corner. Miz reverses a whip to the corner and starts giving him corner dropkicks a la Daniel Bryan. Miz does the “YES” chant and connects with his patented corner clothesline. Miz goes to the top rope, but Styles counters into a Styles Clash attempt. Miz fights out, but Styles tries again for the Styles Clash. Miz thumbs him in the eye and hits a DDT for a two count. Styles counters the Skull Crushing Finale into a roll-up for a two count. Styles kicks him away and gives him a pelé kick that knocks him out of the ring. Styles knees him in the face and grabs him at ringside. Styles then throws Miz into John Cena and attacks him. The referee throws out the match.
Cena chases Styles into the ring, but he quickly escapes. The Miz attacks Cena from behind, but Cena soon gives him the Attitude Adjustment. Styles tries to blindside him with a Phenomenal Forearm, but Cena sidesteps him and hits another AA. Cena then holds up the WWE Championship.

No Contest

Later tonight, Alexa Bliss will defend her Smackdown Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch inside a Steel Cage. Coming up next, we’ll hear from Nikki Bella.
Mike’s Thoughts: Decent match between Styles and The Miz that was just starting to build into something before it ended abruptly in a no contest. The post-match stuff was good and built up the title match at the Royal Rumble nicely with Cena getting the best of Styles.
-Commercial Break-

Nikki Bella address the brawl with Natalya last week

Nikki Bella makes her way to the ring to a nice reception. Footage is shown of her brawling with Natalya last week. Natalya got the better of the exchange. Nikki says they were just getting started last week, but tonight they’ll finish it. Nikki calls her out, but Natalya doesn’t respond. Nikki says she’s not woman enough to come out and face her. Nattie is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be… at stabbing people in the back!
Natalya calls to her from the top of the steps in the crowd. Natalya tells her to shut her mouth and open her eyes. She has something to show her and runs off. Natalya goes to the merchandise stand and asks for the Nikki Bella merchandise. Nikki starts coming up through the crowd. Natalya says it’s right next to the John Cena merchandise. She then starts ripping it off the board. Even her Uncle Bret has a shirt. Natalya cannot believe she doesn’t have a shirt and says Bret is her ex-uncle before saying he’ll die alone like Nikki. Natalya takes a bunch of shirts. If she doesn’t have merchandise, Nikki can’t have it. She then starts throwing it away. Nikki attacks her from behind and drives her through a table. Security tries to break them up, but Nikki slaps one away and continues to attack. They finally separate them. Natalya gets away, but she’s quickly held back.
Dean Ambrose will face Randy Orton later tonight.
Mike’s Thoughts: Yeah… I think the less the both of them talk, the better. Natalya had that really good promo a few week back when she made the turn, but since then, it’s very hit or miss. This was a miss. I really didn’t like the line about Bret Hart being an ex-uncle and mentioning how he’ll die alone. It’s just a tacky line that makes you cringe while watching wrestling. The brawl itself was good, but not as great as last week’s.
-Commercial Break-
The Steel Cage is shown hanging above the ring.
Alexa Bliss is being interviewed backstage. She is asked if she’s afraid, but she isn’t. She’ll prove to the human Chucky Doll that she’s no match for her. When she walks out of the cage still the champion, the look on Becky’s face will be one no one will forget.
They show the video of Kurt Angle’s Hall of Fame announcement. Angle will headline the Class of 2017.
Dean Ambrose makes his way to the ring. Footage is shown from last month when Dean Ambrose beat Luke Harper. The Wyatt Family then attacked him, and Randy Orton dropped him with an RKO. Ambrose faces Randy Orton, next.
-Commercial Break-

Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton w/ The Wyatt Family

Footage is shown of Randy Orton and Luke Harper arguing following a loss last week. It ended with Bray Wyatt inadvertently being knocked down.
Ambrose chases Luke Harper back, so Orton rolls him up for a two count. Bray Wyatt gets on the apron, but Ambrose is ready for it. Ambrose chops Orton before ducking a clothesline and taking him down with a cross-body. Ambrose punches away at him before Orton gets away and leaves the ring to recover. Orton angrily paces the ring. Orton soon gets in the ring, but Ambrose wrenches the arm. Ambrose takes him down and applies a side headlock before hitting a takeover. Orton transitions into his own headlock, but Ambrose whips him off. Orton takes him down with a shoulder block and poses for the crowd. Orton hits the ropes, but Ambrose takes him down and applies a submission. Orton fights up and reverses a whip. There is some miscommunication, but Ambrose is taken down. Orton then gives him a front suplex onto the top rope. Orton stomps the midsection and begins doing the Garvin Stomps for a two count. Orton applies a chin lock, but Ambrose fights up and punches out. Orton quickly knees him in the midsection and whips him to the corner. Ambrose elbows him back and boots him in the face. Ambrose goes to the top rope and takes him down with a diving elbow drop for a two count. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Orton immediately escapes and leaves the ring. Ambrose follows him out, so Orton kicks him. Orton sends him into the ring, but Ambrose rebounds and clotheslines him down. Ambrose shouts at Wyatt and Harper before Orton sends him into the ring post. Orton slams his head off the commentary table before giving him a back suplex onto it.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ambrose trapped in a chin lock. Ambrose fights out, but Orton punches him. Ambrose soon clotheslines him down. Both men are down. Ambrose gets up, ducks a clothesline, and forearms him down twice. Ambrose has a whip reversed, but he clotheslines Orton down before hitting a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Orton elbows him back. They start trading punches before Orton kicks him in the midsection. Orton then counters the rebound lariat into a powerslam for a near fall. Orton puts him on the top rope and goes for a superplex, but Ambrose elbows him down. Ambrose jumps over him and nearly gets the Dirty Deeds, but Orton gets out. Orton kicks him back, but Ambrose wipes him out with the Lunatic Lariat for a near fall. Ambrose hits a running forearm in the corner, but Orton soon comes back with a draping DDT attempt. Ambrose gets out and gives him a back body drop over the top rope. Luke Harper checks on Orton. Ambrose then wipes Harper out with a suicide dive. Ambrose gets on the apron, and Orton gives him a draping DDT. Bray Wyatt shouts at Orton to finish this now. Orton sets up for an RKO, but Luke Harper gets in the ring. Orton asks what he’s doing, and Wyatt orders Harper out of the ring. Ambrose then rolls Orton up for the win.

Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose

Randy Orton looks absolutely livid over losing this match before of Luke Harper’s ill-timed entrance into the ring. Bray Wyatt is even admonishing Harper. Harper gets in the ring, and he starts brawling with Orton. Wyatt separates them and tries to talk some sense into them. Harper tries to approach Orton again, so Wyatt punches him back. Orton smirks at Harper. Wyatt tells Orton to end it with Harper. The crowd is loudly chanting “RKO.” Harper then walks off on the two of them.
Becky Lynch is being interviewed backstage. Lynch says she’ll never forget the look on Bliss’ face when she made her tap out two weeks ago. Tonight, we’ll find out who Alexa Bliss is… and it won’t be champion.
Coming up next, we’ll see The King’s Court with Jerry Lawler.
Mike’s Thoughts: More great follow-up with The Wyatt Family angle. I still cannot believe how well they developed this seemingly throwaway storyline with Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt. I just hope they don’t make the big turn too late. This is built very nicely so far. The match with Ambrose was pretty darn good as well. I certainly wasn’t bored at any point.
-Commercial Break-

The King’s Court with special guest Dolph Ziggler

Jerry “The King” Lawler is already in the ring. They have the old “King’s Court” props in the ring. Memphis gives Lawler a standing ovation. Lawler says it’s usually good to be The King, but it’s really good to be back. Lawler says this is the first-ever “King’s Court” on Smackdown Live in his hometown of Memphis. He’s so excited about this. His first guest has an ego — Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring looking very serious. Lawler welcomes him to the show, but Ziggler says nothing. Lawler says he wanted him to be his first guest because he’s known him for a long time and has always thought of him as a good person, but that goodness has faded almost as much as the bleach in his hair. Lawler asks what’s up with him. Ziggler still says nothing. Lawler says he understands that he’s been “mum” on the situation, but he knows why he’s out here. Ziggler is frustrated and losing a lot, so he’ll change his attitude thinking it’ll win him some matches. Ziggler is silent. Lawler sighs and says he has some footage to show him how badly going down the wrong path can be. Ziggler still lost to Kalisto and went even further down the wrong path. Footage is shown of Ziggler viciously attacking Kalisto and Apollo Crews with a steel chair. Lawler asks why he did that. Ziggler lifts up his microphone and lets out a sigh. Ziggler then puts it down and says nothing before going to leave. Lawler says he could’ve interviewed an oil painting, and it would have been better than this. Lawler begs him to talk.
Ziggler says he’ll talk. He wasn’t going to play Lawler’s game. He knew Lawler would try to dirty his name in front of his friends and family. Ziggler asks if Lawler knows how he knew that. He brought some footage and wants Lawler to take a long, hard look at this. Footage is shown from September 2012 when Ziggler dropped a bunch of elbows on Lawler. Ziggler says that was him repeatedly dropping elbows on Lawler’s chest minutes before he suffered a heart attack. Ziggler knows Lawler blamed him, and he should have. Ziggler says it’s been a long, hard road. It took him years before he could face him man to man, but if he doesn’t stop with these questions, he’ll finish what he started four years ago. The crowd starts to buzz and chant, “Jerry.” Lawler says it’s too bad because he’s got one more question for him. How does it feel to know that no matter how many times he changes his attitude, he’ll always be a loser? Ziggler puts his head down and then superkicks Lawler in the chest! Ziggler walks off. JBL runs in to check on Lawler. Lawler screams for Ziggler to come back and calls him gutless. Ziggler just keeps walking.
Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch are shown on split-screen warming up.
A theatrical trailer is shown of XXX: The Return of Xander Cage.
Mike’s Thoughts: I’m kind of torn on how to feel about this King’s Court segment. On the one hand, it’s nice to see Jerry Lawler back and getting involved in some limited physicality while not being embarrassed in his hometown. It’s also nice to see Dolph Ziggler develop a really nice, dark edge to his character. However, I am not a fan at all of bringing up that heart attack. It’s tacky and tasteless, just like the Bret Hart line was earlier in the night. It probably would have been good for Apollo Crews or Kalisto to make the save, but they didn’t go that route. Still, it was good to see Lawler back. Four men on commentary is just so bad. They really need Lawler there. David Otunga is absolutely awful and Tom Philips adds absolutely nothing. Lawler had found his stride with Mauro Ranallo before they pulled the carpet out from under that. Oh well.
-Commercial Break-
Bray Wyatt is shown on a video. Wyatt says his family will be in the Royal Rumble match. Next week, Randy Orton and Luke Harper will compete in a match. One will stand and the other will fall. In the end, the Wyatts will be stronger than ever.
The Steel Cage is lowering over the ring. This match is next.
-Commercial Break-

Smackdown Women’s Championship – Steel Cage Match
Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss (c)

The bell rings, and Bliss quickly runs for the door, but Lynch keeps her back. Bliss kicks her and tries to send her into the cage, but Lynch blocks it. Bliss reverses a whip, but she lowers her head and eats a kick. Lynch quickly grabs her before she goes through the door. Lynch bounces her head off the turnbuckles before whipping her had to the corner. Bliss elbows her and boots her back. Bliss tries to climb the cage, but Lynch grabs her. Bliss takes her down with an STO. They execute a sloppy catapult. Lynch quickly starts climbing the cage, but Bliss grabs the leg and pulls her down. Lynch comes back with two arm drags and a single leg lariat. Bliss soon pulls her into the turnbuckle and stomps her down in the corner. Bliss clubs her and goes for a suplex, but Lynch counters into a roll-up for a two count. Lynch goes for a powerbomb, but Lynch grabs the cage and tries to climb. Lynch follows her up and they fight on the top rope. Bliss slams Lynch’s head off the cage before they both crash and burn on the mat.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Bliss stomping Lynch into the corner of the cage and dropkicking her against it for a two count. Bliss throws her into the cage and shoulders her against it. Lynch finally sidesteps her and goes for the door, but Bliss stops her. Lynch slams her off the top turnbuckle and comes off the top rope with a missile dropkick for a two count. Lynch climbs up the cage and gets her legs over, but Bliss grabs her hair at the last second. Bliss pulls her back in and forearms her. Bliss uses the cage to kick her. Bliss then hits an exploder superplex for a near fall! Bliss tries to crawl to the door, but Lynch cuts her off and punches away at her. Bliss pulls her back from the door.
La Luchadora blocks Lynch’s exit from the cage. Lynch takes Bliss down and applies the Dis-Arm-Her. La Luchadora runs in and kicks Lynch in the head. Bliss follows up with a snap DDT for the win.

Winner by Pinfall and still Smackdown Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss

Bliss and La Luchadora continue to double-team Lynch after the match is over. Lynch fights then off and rips the mask off to reveal Mickie James underneath! James smiles before Bliss attacks Lynch from behind. James finishes her off with a big kick to the face. Bliss then holds the title up while Mickie James proudly stands next to her.
Mike’s Overall Thoughts: The Steel Cage Match was kind of “blah.” They worked hard, but it just didn’t click for me. It never got going. It was really nice to see the return of Mickie James on the main roster. Even though there are basically the same amount of women’s wrestlers on both RAW and Smackdown, Smackdown’s roster just feels completely stacked. They haven’t abused the crap out of any of the competitors nor overdone the limited match-ups they can have. Even if the match didn’t click, the final angle still felt like a big deal. Overall, this was a pretty good show. A little talk heavy, but you’ll have that happen sometimes. Again, I can’t overstate it enough that two hours is so perfect for a wrestling show and just flies by. I also like that a lot of the times, Smackdown builds up a match to come back and see next week. Next week, we’ll have Randy Orton take on Luke Harper. Even if I’m not recapping it, I’d still tune in to watch. It just seems to be more organized and flows so much better. Until next time, thanks for reading.

Quick Match Results

* AJ Styles NC The Miz (non-title)
* Dean Ambrose def. Randy Orton (non-title)
* Alexa Bliss def. Becky Lynch to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship inside a Steel Cage

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Saturday, January 21, 2017

WWE Raw Results 1/16/2017

The WWE opener plays.
A video package runs focusing on Martin Luther King Day. We go live to Little Rock with a shot of the audience in attendance clapping.
The RAW introduction plays.
We go live back to Little Rock where a huge display of pyro goes off. Michael Cole is the first to welcome us to the show inside the Verizon Arena.

Roman Reigns kicks off RAW in Little Rock

Roman Reigns is out first to kick off the show tonight. Footage is shown from last week’s main event featuring Chris Jericho pinning Reigns in a handicap match that also featured WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. Jericho became the new United States Champion.
Back live, we are reminded that Reigns will challenge Owens for the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in two weeks. WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho will be suspended above the ring inside a shark cage.
Reigns has a mic in hand. “As a former member of The Shield, I can’t really complain about losing a fight because I was outnumbered.” Reigns talks about The Shield debuting and “whoopin” everybody in sight. He said it didn’t matter who you were. Reigns says he isn’t complaining about what happened last week. He talks about how in two weeks at the Royal Rumble, Owens won’t have the help of Jericho and Jericho will be above the ring inside a shark cage. Reigns claims no one can beat him one-on-one right now. He talks about walking out the Royal Rumble as the WWE Universal Champion and moving on to WrestleMania to headline in the main event for a third time.
Paul Heyman walks out to interrupt. He describes himself as the calm before the storm and talks about how his client, Brock Lesnar, is here at RAW tonight. Heyman asks Reigns is he is allowed to enter the ring and Reigns allows it. He reminds Reigns he is just an advocate. The crowd in Little Rock starts a loud “GOLDBERG” chant interrupting Reigns. Heyman reminds the crowd that Goldberg is not here this evening. He has a Royal Rumble match spoiler: eat, sleep, elimination and repeat. Reigns interrupts Heyman. He said Lesnar must be somewhere eating or sleeping because he isn’t out here with him.
Here comes WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho to interrupt. Owens has a mic and finds it quite funny that people are making WrestleMania plans pointing out how both Jericho and himself are the champions right now. Jericho puts over Team Chris and Kevin and that it is simple math: Owens beats Reigns at Royal Rumble and Jericho wins the Royal Rumble setting up a best friends main event at WrestleMania. “All the stupid idiots watching tonight and at home and everybody in this company better watch…IT.”
Owens isn’t sure if that whole WrestleMania math checks out, but he stands here the longest reigning WWE Universal Champion in history. He says after the Royal Rumble he will remain champion and just like after WrestleMania he will also remain champion.
Seth Rollins is out to interrupt. He says they can’t be having a conversation about the main event of WrestleMania without Seth “freakin” Rollins. Rollins talks about missing WrestleMania last year and how he plans to win the Royal Rumble match.
Here comes Braun Strowman. Strowman gets in the face of Reigns.
Brock Lesnar is out next to interrupt. As Lesnar walks down the ramp, Sami Zayn shows up and jumps on the back of Strowman. A big brawl breaks out. Superman, big knee and kick in the corner on Strowman by Reigns, Rollins and Zayn. Lesnar with a german suplex on Reigns. Lesnar is staring down Zayn in the corner smiling. Lesnar with a german on Zayn. Lesnar is left alone in the ring and calls for Strowman to get in. Strowman gets up on the ring apron staring down Lesnar. Big reaction from the crowd in Little Rock. Strowman jumps down. Reigns jumps back in and catches Lesnar with a Superman. Reigns with shots to Jericho and Owens. Lesnar is back up and hits Reigns with an F5!
Sheamus and Cesaro defend the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson later tonight.
Up next, Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal.
Adam’s Thoughts: Really good opener. One of the best from RAW in a long time. Brock Lesnar just always brings an impressive atmosphere when he shows up. The stare down between Lesnar and Braun Strowman was great. Good job by WWE to hype the Royal Rumble match in two weeks.
-Commercial Break-

Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. Rusev and Jinder Mahal

We start with Enzo Amore and Jinder Mahal. Enzo catches Mahal with a kick in the corner and tags in Cass. Enzo with a shot on Rusev and is then launched into Mahal into the corner. Rusev is in getting in a shot on Enzo. Cass goes after Rusev in the corner with knees. Cass sends Mahal over the top rope. Mahal took a legit shot to his right eye.
-Commercial Break-
We return live as Enzo has the tag and is throwing rights at Mahal with help from Cass. Rusev tags himself in and plants Rusev with a standing Rock Bottom. Rusev with a big scoop slam on Enzo and drops a quick elbow. Tag to Mahal who hits the ropes and drops a knee over the head of Enzo. Tag to Rusev who lands a quick kick to Enzo. Rusev with a bear hug on Enzo cutting off a hot tag to Cass in the corner. Enzo catches Rusev with a tornado DDT from the corner. Hot tag to Cass and tag to Mahal. Cass with shoulder tackle, elbow and fallaway slam on Mahal. Cass splashes Mahal, plants him with a scoop slam and connects with a big jumping elbow. Rusev breaks up the pinfall attempt. Enzo pulls the top rope down sending Rusev over. Rusev hangs on and Cass with a big boot to Rusev. Mahal rolls up Cass and Cass kicks out. Cass with a big boot to Mahal. Tag to Enzo. Enzo goes up to the top turnbuckle, Cass launches Enzo off the top and Enzo connects with a big splash over Mahal to get the pinfall.

Winners: Enzo Amore and Big Cass

Backstage, we see Jack Gallagher is shown heading to the arena.
Adam’s Thoughts: Fun tag team match. Good to see Enzo Amore back in action. Lana was hilarious as always at ringside just pointing and yelling at Enzo.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Austin Aries is on commentary along with Jack Gallagher.

Cruiserweight Division Match
Ariya Daivari vs. Lince Dorado

Dorado with a springboard cross body early on Daivari. Daivari with right hands to Dorado in the corner. Daivari is yelling at Jack Gallagher who is on commentary. Dorado with blocks and big chops to Daivari. Daivari with a springboard stunner catching Daivari for a two count. Dorado with a dropkick from the corner on Daivari. Dorado misses a cross body. Daivari with a huge clothesline. Daivari with a cobra clutch and Dorado taps.

Winner: Ariya Daivari

Footage of Nia Jax attacking Sasha Banks earlier today will be shown next.
Adam’s Thoughts: Jack Gallagher is by far the most interesting character in the Cruiserweight division right now. I just can’t help but feel like these Cruiserweight segments bring the show to a screeching halt. It’s just got a weird vibe.
-Commercial Break-
Footage from RAW last week is shown of The Undertaker’s return. Undertaker revealed he would be entering the Royal Rumble match in two weeks.
A video package of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament that took place this past Saturday and Sunday in Blackpool is shown.
Footage from the WWE Facebook page is shown of Sasha Banks getting her knee evaluated by staff. Nia Jax entered the ring and attacked Banks. Jax attacked the knee of Banks including dropping her body over the knee of Banks.
Sheamus and Cesaro defend the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships next.
-Commercial Break-

WWE RAW Tag Team Championships Match
Sheamus and Cesaro (c’s) vs. Gallows and Anderson

We get ring introductions for the challengers Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and the current champions Sheamus and Cesaro.
We start with Cesaro and Karl Anderson. Anderson lands a big right early. Sheamus tags himself in. Cesaro catches Anderson in mid air hitting a backbreaker and Sheamus connects with a knee off the ropes. Quick tag back to Cesaro who connects with a double stomp over Anderson after Sheamus set it up with a rolling senton. Anderson with a kick to Cesaro in the corner. Tag to Luke Gallows. Gallows drops a big elbow over the chest of Cesaro. Tag back to Anderson who kicks Cesaro in the chest, snapmare and then drops a knee. Tag to Gallows who throws kicks to Cesaro in the corner. Tag to Sheamus who connects with a springboard shoulder tackle over the top rope on Gallows. Sheamus with a full body splash on Gallows in the corner, goes up top and connects with a flying clothesline for a two count. Sheamus with forearm shots to Gallows against the ropes. Cesaro is chasing down Anderson. Gallows with a huge kick to the head of Sheamus sending him to the outside.
-Commercial Break-
We return live as Gallows splashes Sheamus in the corner and both Gallows and Anderson hit a modified 3D on Sheamus for a close two count. Gallows tags in Anderson and yells at him to finish it. Gallows misses a shot on Cesaro in the corner. Sheamus with a big scoop powerslam on Gallows. Hot tag to Cesaro. Tag to Anderson. Cesaro with running uppercuts and even more uppercuts in the corner to Anderson. Cesaro with a big dropkick that results in a two count. Cesaro has Anderson down, avoids a shot from Gallows and dropkicks Gallows through the ropes. Cesaro with a drop toe hold on Anderson. Cesaro connects with the Swiss-19! Cesaro goes up top and takes out Gallows on the outside. Cesaro catches Anderson with an uppercut cutting off a suicide dive attempt. Back inside, Cesaro catches Anderson with a springboard uppercut for a two count. Cesaro has Anderson down again and this time executes the Cesaro Swing. Cesaro has the Sharpshooter locked in and Gallows kicks him in the face to break it up. Anderson with a cover and Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro with uppercuts to Anderson. Cesaro kicks Gallows in the corner. Anderson with a spinebuster on Cesaro and Sheamus breaks up the pinfall. Sheamus tackles Gallows and throws rights. Sheamus with a big forearm to Anderson. The referee tries to break it up and he takes out the referee by mistake. Anderson sends Sheamus into the steel ring post. Magic Killer by Anderson and Gallows on Cesaro. The referee is still down. A new referee runs down the ramp, slides in and Anderson gets the pinfall! We have new champions.
Hold on a second. The original referee is standing up and screaming no.
JoJo announces Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson as the winners via DQ due to Sheamus accidentally taking out the referee. Sheamus and Cesaro retain.

Winners and still WWE RAW Tag Team Champions: Sheamus and Cesaro

After the match, Gallows and Anderson hit a Magic Killer on Sheamus.
WWE RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte will talk her Royal Rumble strategy tonight.
Footage of Brock Lesnar’s appearance earlier tonight is shown.
Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn vs. WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens, WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho and Braun Strowman takes place later tonight.
A video package looking at the career of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka is shown.
Adam’s Thoughts: Excellent tag team match between Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Gallows and Anderson. Loved the bait and switch ending appearing to have a title change. Both teams have really good chemistry in the ring. I’m really enjoying the Japan bragging by Gallows and Anderson in recent weeks. A little surprised we got a full fledged video package about Jimmy Snuka given his recent legal troubles in the last year and WWE publicly severing all ties with the Hall of Famer – not to mention Snuka being part of a lawsuit against WWE. I’m sure with family members on the WWE roster that completely ignoring his death wouldn’t go over well. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
-Commercial Break-
Another Emmalina video package airs. She promises it will be worth the wait.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Zayn is providing a variety of fast-talking suggestions for the six man tag match later tonight. Rollins appreciates the enthusiasm, but they have been here before. Zayn puts his hand in the middle wanting to do a Shield gesture. Rollins and Reigns walk off annoyed.

Cruiserweight Division Match
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann vs. Tony Nese

Austin Aries is back on commentary with Cole and Saxton.
Footage from last week is being shown and then we quickly return live. Cole mentions Neville jumped the ring barricade and started attacking Swann before the match could even start. WWE officials hit the ring and pull Neville off Swann. Swann tackles Neville and starts throwing lefts and rights. Swann stomps away at Neville as WWE officials pull him off. Tony Nese then attacks Swann and throws big left hands. Neville pulls Nese off Swann and tells him to back off. Nese jumps back on Swann getting in shots. Neville then grabs Nese by the head and tosses him over the top rope. Neville kicks Swann in the face.

Winner: No Contest

We see a replay of Neville attacking Swann as he entered the ring.
Up next, The New Day.
Adam’s Thoughts: Good segment here. Loved Neville just immediately attacking Rich Swann and catching him off guard during his entrance. Nice way to build the championship match between the two at the Royal Rumble in two weeks.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Neville is asked why he attacked Rich Swann tonight. Neville says everyone must have forgotten what went down last week. He promises to break Swann at Royal Rumble.

The New Day talks about the Royal Rumble

The New Day walks out to a big reaction in Little Rock.
They enter the ring and Xavier Woods talks about this being one of the most stacked Royal Rumble matches of all time. Kofi Kingston brings up Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman and The Undertaker. Kofi brings up most importantly: your boys, The New Day.
Big E, Woods and Kofi talk about it being friend vs. friend and every man for himself at the Royal Rumble in two weeks. Big E says if one of you two win the Royal Rumble…WE ALL WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE! Kofi adds they all move on to main event WrestleMania. Woods says they all three become your W…W…E…Universal…here comes Titus O’Neil.
Titus says he doesn’t want to be in The New Day because he was thinking about replacing The New Day. Titus enters the ring as New Day laughs. He said they have three spots (Titus says he can count very well). Titus wants a hook up for one of those spots. Big E says how about no? Titus says he will just take it. He suggests they get in a “booty huddle” so they can figure out whose spot he will take in the Royal Rumble. Kofi tells Titus if he knew how to call a proper huddle then he would still be playing football. Big E is willing to put his spot on the line as long as Titus leaves them alone outside the ring. Titus says he is happy to see Big E put his spot on the line because “Ti-tus rocks.” That match is next.
-Commercial Break-

Big E’s Royal Rumble Spot On The Line
Big E vs. Titus O’Neil

We join the match in progress live as Titus is hitting Big E with shots in the corner. Big E responds with a shoulder tackle in the other corner. Big E gets an abdominal stretch applied on Titus and starts spanking his butt as they start up a “New Day Rocks” chant. Big E catches Titus with an elbow and gets a two count. They brawl to the outside and Titus pushes Xavier Woods over at ringside. Back inside, Titus catches Big E with a big boot. Titus mounts Big E and throws some big right hands. Titus drops elbows over Big E. Titus has Big E up on his shoulder and drops him back down face first getting a close two count. Titus with a quick scoop slam on Big E. Titus mocks Woods and Kofi at ringside. Titus hits the ropes and drops a leg over Big E for another two count. Titus has Big E in an abdominal stretch of his own. Big E fights out and connects with clotheslines. Big E with a belly-to-belly suplex on Titus. Big E shakes the hips, hits the ropes and splashes over Titus. Big Ending on Titus for the win.

Winner: Big E

After the match, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston lift up Big E in celebration.
Backstage, we see WWE RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte heading to the arena next.
Adam’s Thoughts: Very physical match between Big E and Titus tonight. Titus has some serious strength and pulled off some big spots on Big E tonight. I know some people are tired of The New Day presentation, but they are so entertaining at ringside during matches.
-Commercial Break-

Charlotte talks her Royal Rumble strategy

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte heads to the ring.
A graphic reminds us that Charlotte will defend the WWE RAW Women’s Championship in two weeks at the Royal Rumble against Bayley.
Charlotte has a mic. She talks about out working and studying every opponent. Charlotte describes Bayley has being “average” and how she has a lot of common with the WWE Universe. She points at the crowd and how they see themselves in her. Charlotte describes Bayley as an “average fan.” Charlotte has photos of a young Bayley with John Cena, Ivory, Rob Van Dam and Bret Hart. “Obsessed much?” She also has notes Bayley wrote about her wrestling dreams put on the screen. Charlotte said while Bayley was doing this, she was winning state championships and training 20 hours a week. “She was writing in little notebooks,” adds Charlotte. Charlotte calls Bayley pathetic. She has a video clip played of Bayley reading an essay she wrote in school about wanting to be a wrestler in WWE. Charlotte has the clip stopped so she can read a copy she brought herself. She calls the essay an empty promise of dreams.
Bayley walks out and heads down the ramp very quickly. Charlotte bails. Bayley grabs a mic as Charlotte starts heading up the ramp. She asks Charlotte what she is doing saying all of this is unnecessary. Charlotte asks Bayley if she is ashamed? “This is who you are. An average fan,” says Charlotte. Bayley asks Charlotte if this is really her strategy to try and get in her head and embarrass her before the Royal Rumble? She isn’t ashamed of her passion for WWE. Bayley has a story from the past. She talks about not being fortunate enough to have a father that could get her in the door with one phone call. Bayley said she did have a dad that took her to every WWE event in San Jose even if he didn’t have any money to do so. She talked about telling her dad that one day that was going to be her. Charlotte calls the comments touching. Bayley has a new poem for Charlotte: “Roses are red, violets are blue, at Royal Rumble, I will defeat you.”
Footage of Brock Lesnar showing up earlier tonight is shown.
Backstage, Braun Strowman is warming up when Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho walk up. Owens wants to talk strategy tonight. Jericho says they can be unstoppable tonight with help from Strowman. Owens suggests Strowman beat up Reigns so bad that maybe he’s out of action for around two weeks. Jericho also suggests Strowman beat up Seth Rollins. Strowman says what they don’t understand is that he does what he wants. He says he is winning the Royal Rumble and coming after the WWE Universal Championship.
Adam’s Thoughts: I liked the idea behind Charlotte comparing Bayley to an average fan. While the NXT crowd was really behind the Bayley character, I still think we need some more time with the WWE audience and for them to get fully behind her. Stuff like this helps.
-Commercial Break-

Cruiserweight Division Match
The Brian Kendrick vs. Cedric Alexander

Footage from WWE 205 Live is shown from last week with Alicia Fox helping Noam Dar get a win over Cedric Alexander. Cedric then broke up with Fox backstage.
Austin Aries is back on commentary with Cole and Saxton.
Kendrick tosses Alexander face first into the corner early. Alexander with a head scissors takedown and then a big dropkick. Alexander then springboards off the ropes driving his knees into the head of Kendrick. Back inside, Kendrick catches Alexander with a heel kick. Kendrick has a full nelson submission applied on Alexander on the mat. Backstage, we see a shot of Noam Dar watching the match. Alexander with a right and chops to Kendrick. Kendrick with a big back elbow as Alexander came off the ropes. Kendrick eats repeated boots form Alexander in the corner. Alexander with a big back elbow to Kendrick and then a kick to the head in the corner. Alexander with a springboard clothesline from the top turnbuckle on Kendrick for a two count. Kendrick counters Alexander raking the eyes and then pulling Alexander down into a front face lock. Alicia Fox runs down to ringside and helps Alexander grab the bottom rope to break the submission. Alexander rolls out and asks Fox what she is doing. Kendrick with a dropkick to Alexander and tells Fox to beat it. Kendrick tosses Alexander back in the ring. Alexander connects with knees to the lower back of Kendrick after a counter and gets the pinfall.

Winner: Cedric Alexander

After the match, Alicia Fox gets in the ring and claps for Cedric Alexander. Alexander smiles at her and opens his arms for a hug. Fox goes to hug him and he walks off walking under her arms. Fox is not pleased as we see Noam Dar smiling backstage.
Backstage, Nia Jax calls Sasha Banks a wannabe tough girl. “I broke The Boss.”
WWE will officially reveal Kurt Angle as the first inductee into the Class of 2017 WWE Hall of Fame up next.
Adam’s Thoughts: Pretty good match between Kendrick and Alexander tonight. I don’t totally hate the involvement here with Alicia Fox and her enjoying slapping dudes around.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Alicia Fox is asked if things are done between her and Cedric Alexander. Fox doesn’t want to talk about it. She gives a crazy response saying once again she doesn’t want to talk about it. Fox thinks she better go talk to Cedric.
WWE airs a video package officially announcing Kurt Angle as the first inductee into the Class of 2017 WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 33 weekend. Big reaction for Angle in Little Rock including the crowd doing the “YOU SUCK” chant along with Angle’s theme.



IT'S TRUE! IT'S DAMN TRUE! @RealKurtAngle is our first inductee into the @WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017! 
WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens and WWE United States Champion Chris Jericho head to the ring next for tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
Goldberg returns to RAW next week.


NEXT WEEK: Just six days before the  match, @Goldberg will be LIVE on Monday Night !

Six Man Tag Team Match
Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn goes right after Braun Strowman as a big brawl breaks out. Kevin Owens with rights to Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins throws Chris Jericho over the top rope. Strowman tosses Rollins over the top rope. We are left with Reigns and Strowman. Strowman grabs Reigns and quickly tosses him over the top rope.
-Commercial Break-
We return live as Jericho is slapping Reigns. Reigns tags in Zayn who chops Jericho. Zayn drops Jericho over his knee and hits a standing moonsault for a two count. Owens tags himself in and works over Zayn in the corner. Owens with a big chop to Zayn. Owens with elbows to the back of Zayn and then applies a headlock. Owens with a kick to the head of Zayn and tags in Jericho. Jericho with a back suplex on Zayn and then a corner clothesline. Zayn catches Jericho with a shot to the gut on the way down from the top turnbuckle. Tag to Owens and he cuts off Zayn tagging out. Owens attempts a back splash over Zayn and Zayn gets his knees up. Hot tag to Reigns. Reigns with big rights to Owens. Reigns with a flying clothesline and more clotheslines in the corner on Owens. Reigns catches Jericho when he gets in. Reigns with a big boot to Owens. Jericho holds the leg of Reigns from under the bottom rope. Rollins jumps and takes out Jericho at ringside. Strowman jumps down and sends Rollins shoulder first into the ring barricade. Reigns attempts a Superman on Strowman, but Strowman blocks it and Owens with a superkick on Reigns. Owens hooks the leg and Reigns kicks out. Strowman gets the tag as we head to another break.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Owens is the legal man with Reigns as he gets in an elbow. Owens applies a headlock on Reigns. Reigns fights to his feet. Reigns with a samoan drop on Owens. Hot tag to Rollins and tag to Jericho. Rollins with a jumping takedown on Jericho and repeated elbows in the corner. Rollins with a Blockbuster off the corner on Jericho. Zayn tosses Owens out. Rollins with a suicide dive to Jericho. Zayn leaps over the top rope taking out Owens. Zayn avoids a charging clothesline attempt by Strowman who hits the steel ring post. Rollins with a flying knee from the top rope on Jericho for a two count. Jericho counters a Pedigree going for a Walls of Jericho. Rollins counters, goes for another Pedigree and again Jericho counters. Tag to Strowman who eats rights from Rollins. Rollins is trying to take Strowman off his feet. Strowman has a hand on the throat of Rollins. Zayn breaks it up. Strowman with his chop to Zayn. Strowman back body drops Rollins. Strowman eats a kick to the face from Rollins and a Superman from Reigns. Strowman is barely on his feet. Rollins with a knee to Strowman. Tag to Zayn. Zayn goes up top, Rollins jumps off the other corner taking out Owens on the outside, Zayn jumps and catches Strowman with a high cross body for a two count. Strowman levels Zayn when he charges in. Strowman has Zayn up and connects with a big running powerslam. Strowman hooks the leg and gets the pinfall.

Winners: Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and Braun Strowman

After the match, Braun Strowman grabs Sami Zayn and walks him on his shoulder up the ramp near the announce table. Seth Rollins quickly runs up with a steel chair and hits Strowman with it. Roman Reigns then catches Strowman with a spear. We see a replay of Rollins cracking the chair over Strowman’s back and the big spear by Reigns.
Back live, Rollins and Reigns clear off the announce table when Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens run up attacking them. Jericho and Owens point at the announce table as they grab Reigns. Rollins attacks Owens to break it up. Jericho goes after Rollins. Rollins with a Pedigree on Jericho on the stage. Owens cracks the steel chair over the back of Rollins. Reigns comes in for a spear on Owens and Owens cuts it off using the steel chair. Owens then cracks the steel chair over the back of Reigns. Owens grabs Reigns and powerbombs him over the announce table smashing it to pieces.
Adam’s Overall Impression: A really good main event tonight on RAW. Braun Strowman is really coming into his own in the main event scene on this brand. They did a great job of creating constant chaos with the brawling. Loved that we didn’t get a predictable ending with the babyfaces standing tall and Kevin Owens getting in some much needed dominance. After a very average effort last week, WWE was able to produce a good episode of RAW tonight with the Royal Rumble only two weeks away.
Thanks for joining us tonight!

Quick Match Results:


* Enzo Amore and Big Cass def. Rusev and Jinder Mahal
* Ariya Daivari def. Lince Dorado
* Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson def. Sheamus and Cesaro via DQ, Sheamus and Cesaro retain the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships
* Rich Swann vs. Tony Nese went to a no contest
* Big E def. Titus O’Neil to keep his spot in the Royal Rumble
* Cedric Alexander def. The Brian Kendrick
* Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho and Braun Strowman def. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn in a six man tag team main event match

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