Tessa Blanchard is the first female competitor confirmed for the September 1st All In live event. Blanchard, the daughter of wrestling legend Tully Blanchard, has competed for WWE (Mae Young Classic), Lucha Underground, SHINE and other independents.
Impact Wrestling Knockout Sienna was hospitalized on Tuesday and diagnosed with blood clots in her long.
The former Knockouts champion worked Impact’s TV tapings from Orlando over the past week and had been dealing with pain in her torso. She assumed it was a displaced rib or a collapsed lung, but was surprised to find out she has a clot in each lung.
Sienna says she won’t be wrestling for the time being, but plans to make her scheduled appearances.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is the latest legend confirmed for Monday’s big RAW 25th Anniversary special. Trish announced the news on her official website.
“I’m excitedto be coming back home,” said Trish. “When the WWE Universe says they want some stratusfaction, one must deliver.”
It will be Trish’s first appearance on WWE RAW since July 2012.
With the addition of Trish Stratus, here’s the updated list of legends advertised for Monday’s shows from the Manhattan Center and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center:
Jinder Mahal faced Xavier Woods in the semi-finals of the United States Championship tournament tonight on SmackDown. Mahal controlled the entire match and won via pinfall after planting Woods with the Khallas.
Later on SmackDown, Bobby Roode faced Mojo Rawley in the semi-finals. Roode escaped with the victory but took a beating from Mojo Rawley during the match. After the match, The Singh Brothers sprinted to the ring and attacked Roode from behind. Jinder Mahal came down to the entrance ramp and vowed to win the United States Championship next week on SmackDown.
Bobby Roode didn’t feel like waiting until next week and challenged Mahal to the match tonight. Jinder didn’t want any part of it and stated that he wanted to have the match next week. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan joined the party and announced that the finals of the United States Championship tournament would indeed happen tonight in the main event of SmackDown.
Bobby Roode squared off against Jinder Mahal in main event of SmackDown. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were ringside for the match. They also barred the Singh Brothers from being ringside for the championship bout.
The winner of the match would win the United States Championship tournament and capture the vacated title. Roode was still in pain due to his match against Mojo Rawley earlier in the evening and wasn’t anywhere near 100% during the match.
Mahal used this to his advantage and targeted Roode’s ribs throughout the match. Roode battled through the pain and wound up countering the Khallas into the Glorious DDT for the pinfall victory to become the new United States Champion.
Natalya beatdown Sasha Banks for the majority of the beginning of the match. Sasha finally was able to tag in Finn Balor and that meant that Shinsuke Nakamura had to enter the match.
Nakamura slammed Balor face-first into the mat and geared up for the Kinshasa but Finn was able to counter it into a Slingblade. Balor followed it up with a Dropkick and climbed to the top rop for the Coup de Grace. Natalya shoved Balor on the top rope and Balor fell the to mat. Banks and Natalya then battled outside the ring.
Shinsuke once again went for the Kinshasa but Balor avoided it and Nakamura slammed into the ring post. Banks tagged in and delivered Double Knees to Natalya outside the ring. Banks and Balor connected with Dropkicks to Natalya and Nakamura. Sasha then locked in the Bank Statement on Natalya in the middle of the ring for the submission victory.
Finn Balor and Sasha Banks advanced in the Mixed Match Challenge tournament. The Miz & Asuka will face Carmella & Big E next week.
The January 16th episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, TX. Here are 4 takeaways from this week’s SmackDown:
Jinder Mahal Advanced To The Finals Of The US Title Tournament
Xavier Woods came down to the ring alongside Big E and Kofi Kingston for his second round match-up against Jinder Mahal in the United States Championship tournament. New Day surrounded a podium in the ring decorated with American flags. New Day cut a promo on Mahal and Woods declared that he will defend the principles that make this great nation fantastic.
New Day compared America to pancakes in how they can bring everyone together. Woods said that Mahal despises everyone in the arena right now and asked the crowd if that is the type of man they want as their US Champion and the crowd chanted “no!”. Woods asked the great people of planet earth to lend him their strength so that he can defeat Jinder Mahal. The Singh Brothers came down to the entrance ramp and asked the crowd to welcome their next United States Champion, Jinder Mahal.
The match started off with Mahal in control as he booted Woods right in the face. Mahal followed it up with a knee to the back and then a knee drop to Woods’ midsection. Jinder connected with an elbow to the face and went for the cover but Woods was able to kick out at two.
Woods hit a Dropkick that knocked Mahal to the corner but Jinder quickly recovered and leveled Woods with another elbow as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Mahal was still in command of the match and had Woods locked up in a submission hold. Xavier broke free but was knocked back to the canvas with a Clothesline. Mahal once again kneed Woods in the back and then put his weight on Woods’ back while he was against the middle rope. Mahal knocked Woods back down and delivered a couple more knees to his chest.
New Day started throwing pancakes at the Singh Brothers ringside as Mahal applied a Chin Lock to Woods in the middle of the ring. The crowd chanted “we want pancakes!” as Woods battled back to his feet. Xavier charged at Jinder but Mahal was ready and dropped him on the top rope.
Mahal put the ring apron across Woods’ throat and smothered him for a moment before knocking him to the floor outside the ring. Jinder returned to the ring as the referee started counting. Woods got back into the ring at the last second to beat the count but rolled right into a boot from Mahal.
Woods hit a couple of jabs but Mahal shook them off and launched Xavier into the turnbuckle. Jinder once again applied a Chin Lock but Woods quickly broke free. Mahal connected with a knee to the face for a two count as SmackDown went to another commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Mahal and Woods were battling on the top rope. Xavier hit a headbutt that sent Mahal crashing to the canvas. Woods followed it up with a Dropkick and both Superstars fell to the mat.
Jinder was the first Superstar to his feet and went after Woods. The two traded punches and Woods got the upperhand and knocked Mahal to the mat with a forearm to the face. Woods connected with an Enziguri after Jinder blocked his attempt at a DDT. Woods hit a Shining Wizard for a two count. The Singh Brothers jumped up onto the ring apron but Big E and Kofi chased them backstage.
Back in the ring, Woods planted Mahal with a Belly to Back Suplex and then made his way to the top rope. Xavier went for the Elbow Drop but Jinder got out of the way and Woods crashed to the canvas. Mahal then launched Woods throat-first into the bottom rope and planted him with the Khallas for the pinfall victory. Jinder Mahal has advanced to the finals of the United States Championship tournament next week on SmackDown.
Woods and Mahal had a decent match to kick off this week’s SmackDown. The pace of the match was quite slow, but it is a Mahal match so you can’t really expect anything different. Bobby Roode and Mojo Rawley will have a match later on SmackDown to determine who Mahal will face for the vacant US Title.
Riott Squad Won Another 6-Woman Tag Match
Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Naomi faced off against the Riott Squad in a 6-woman tag match tonight on SmackDown.
Charlotte and Liv Morgan started off the match. Charlotte was in control early and connected with a flurry of chops. Charlotte connected with a Belly to Back Suplex and Morgan tagged in Ruby Riott out of desperation.
Charlotte wrapped her legs around Riott’s neck and slammed her to the mat a few times. Becky Lynch tagged in and delivered an uppercut to Riott. Naomi quickly tagged in and connected with a Clothesline that knocked Riott out of the ring. Becky tagged in and leaped onto Riott outside the ring as SmackDown went to a break.
When SmackDown returned, the Riott Squad had taken control of the match and Lynch isolated in the corner. Liv Morgan perched up on the top rope and Riott drove Becky’s face into her knees. Becky tried to escape but Liv grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back to the mat.
Sarah Logan tagged in and leveled Lynch with a shoulder tackle. Becky threw Logan over the top rope and started crawling towards the corner to tag out of the match. Logan sprinted back into the ring and knocked Charlotte off the ring apron and prevented the tag.
Naomi and Morgan tagged into the match and Naomi dropped Liv with a boot to the face. Naomi hit a few kicks and knocked Morgan to the canvas with a Dropkick. Naomi connected with another kick and hit a springboard Crossbody for a two count. Charlotte Speared Sarah Logan out of the ring and Riott booted Naomi in the face from the ring apron. Liv Morgan dropped Naomi face-first into her knee for the pinfall victory.
I feel like there have been absurd amount of 6-woman tag matches on RAW and SmackDown as of late. Last night on RAW, Sasha Banks lost to Sonya Deville, but Absolution, Bayley and Mickie James were ringside. It is the same thing with the Riott Squad and Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Naomi on SmackDown.
There is no emotional investment in these feuds. In theory there should be, as the Riott Squad took out Becky Lynch and caused her to miss several weeks. Everybody knows that Becky Lynch missed time to film The Marine 6, but storyline-wise Becky Lynch should have a vendetta against the Riott Squad for brutally attacking her and injuring her. Instead, we just get matches like this every week where I dont care who wins. It doesn’t matter because it is not leading to anything and it comes across as a waste of everyone’s time.
It is looking like the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Championships will not be defended at the Royal Rumble PPV. Thus, Alexa Bliss is trying to repair her friendship with Nia Jax on RAW and Charlotte is wrapped up in this feud that doesn’t matter at all. It’s just not good television for a wrestling fan because there is nothing to get invested in. Most people will forget this match ever happened by tomorrow.
Bobby Roode Advanced To The Finals Of The US Title Tournament
Bobby Roode faced Mojo Rawley in the semi-finals of the United States Championship tournament tonight on SmackDown.
Mojo slammed Roode to the mat to begin the match and then shoved him to the corner. Roode knocked Mojo to the canvas and posed in the ring. Mojo got pissed off and charged at Roode but Bobby got out of the way and connected with a chop to Rawley’s chest.
Roode got Mojo in a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Mojo broke free and caught Roode with an elbow to the side of the head. Rawley followed it up with a shoulder tackle and then got into a brief argument with the official in the ring.
Rawley headbutted Roode to the mat and started taunting him. Mojo stayed on the attack and slammed Roode’s face into the turnbuckle. Mojo shoved Roode out of the ring and then sprinted at him and delivered a shoulder tackle that knocked Roode into the barricade as SmackDown went to a break.
When SmackDown returned, Mojo was still in control and had Roode in an Abdominal Stretch in the center of the ring. Roode broke free with an Arm Drag and went for an elbow but Rawley got out of the way. Mojo connected with a big boot for a two count and then elbowed Roode in the ribs.
Rawley drove his shoulder into Roode’s ribs in the corner and then casually launched him across the ring. Roode continued to target Roode’s ribs for the next couple of minutes. Mojo charged at Roode in the corner but Bobby got out of the way and Rawley crashed into the ring post at full speed.
Roode hit a Neckbreaker and then hopped up on the second rope and connected with a Blockbuster for a two count. Roode went for the Glorious DDT but Mojo countered into a Fireman’s Carry and then dropped Roode face-first into the mat for a two count. Mojo slammed Roode into the turnbuckle a few times and continued to taunt Bobby.
Rawley set up for his running punch but Roode countered with a Dropkick. Roode followed it up with a Spinebuster and the Glorious DDT for the pinfall victory. Bobby Roode will face Jinder Mahal in the finals of the United States Championship tournament next week on SmackDown. After the match, the Singh Brothers sprinted to the ring and attacked Bobby Roode.
Mahal came down to the entrance ramp and vowed to defeat Bobby Roode next week to become the next United States Champion. Roode grabbed a microphone and challenged Mahal to have the match tonight. Jinder Mahal declined and stated that he will have the match whenever he decides. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan came down to the entrance ramp and announced that the match will go down tonight on SmackDown.
I enjoy Mojo’s style in the ring, but his gimmick is terrible right now in my opinion. Mojo Rawley is no longer a part of the Hype Bros, so I don’t get the point of giving him an aggressive techno theme. He’s not bopping around in the ring with a smile on his face anymore. He is taunting his opponents and beating the hell out of them with shoulder tackles and running punches. His ring attire is bright yellow as if he is still a part of the Hype Bros. I can get behind Mojo Rawley as a singles competitor because his in-ring style is different and I find it entertaining. However, his in-ring work, attitude, attire and theme are all over the place and I don’t think this gimmick is going to work at all as presently constructed.
Bobby Roode Won The United States Championship
Bobby Roode faced Jinder Mahal in the finals of the United States Championship tournament. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon were ringside for the match. The Singh Brothers were banned from ringside for the match. Both Mahal and Roode already competed tonight, but Roode took a lot more damage thanks to Mojo Rawley. Mahal pretty much dominated against Xavier Woods to kickoff SmackDown.
The match started out back and forth. Roode connected with ten right hands to Mahal’s face in the corner and then knocked Jinder out of the ring. Roode limped to Mahal outside the ring and Jinder slammed Roode’s ribs into the steel steps. Mahal followed it up by dropping Roode ribs-first onto the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Mahal was still in control and knocked Roode into the barricade once again. The action returned to the ring and Mahal locked in the Abdominal Stretch as Roode grimaced in pain.
Roode broke free but Mahal stayed on the attack and kneed Roode in the ribs a few times. Roode connected with a right hand but Jinder knocked him to the mat with a knee to the face for a two count.
Bobby rolled up Jinder for a two count and then Mahal got back to his feet and booted Roode in the face for a two count. Mahal kicked Roode in the ribs a few times while Roode was on the mat in the corner of the ring. Jinder took a break to glance at the US Title and it cost him because Roode Clotheslined Mahal out of the ring.
Roode connected with a Clothesline off the ring apron and brought Jinder back into the ring. Bobby climbed to the top rope and hit a Crossbody but Mahal rolled through into a cover for a two count. Roode hit a Splash in the corner and followed it up with a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count.
Mahal countered out of the Glorious DDT and then both Superstars connected with a Clothesline at the same time and both fell to the mat. Roode blasted Mahal in the face with an elbow and followed it up with a Spinebuster. Roode went for the Glorious DDT but Mahal reversed into a roll-up for a two count. Mahal went for the Khallas but Roode countered into the Glorious DDT for the pinfall victory. Bobby Roode is your new United States Champion.
This was a cool moment for Bobby Roode. If you have been a fan of Roode’s for a while, you know how talented he is. He was great in TNA in Beer Money alongside James Storm and as a singles competitor in that promotion as well. I thought his work as a heel in NXT was awesome and I’m hoping we get to see that character on the main roster. There is one episode of SmackDown left before the Royal Rumble. I’m expecting Dolph Ziggler to show up next week and claim that he never relinquished the title.
The January 16th edition of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, TX.
– This week’s broadcast opens up immediately with the New Day coming out to the ring. Tom Phillips welcomes us to the show and says tonight is all about the U.S. Title Tournament. This next match is in the second round of the tournament, and the belt is at ringside. There’s a podium in the ring with a flag on it. They step up to the podium and say tonight the USA’s freedom is at stake when Xavier takes on Jinder. Xavier says he will defend the power of positivity, and the principle of pancakes. They have a plate of pancakes on the podium, and talk about pancakes representing something that can bring the world together. Xavier says Jinder despises everyone in this arena, and asks the fans if that’s the kind of man they want as their U.S. Champion. They try to get a chant going with the crowd, but it doesn’t sound like they have much luck. The Singh Brothers come out to the stage to interrupt, and they introduce the Modern Day Maharaja.
– Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal: The Singh Brothers are at ringside in Jinder’s corner, and Kofi and Big E are at ringside in Woods’ corner. The opening bell sounds and Jinder immediately opens up with a superkick to Woods. Jinder karate chops Woods, then chokes him up against the ropes. Jinder drops some knees on Woods and continues the beat down. Woods fires back with a dropkick and starts to get in the game. Xavier starts gaining momentum, but Jinder shuts him down with a lariat, then drops some knees and stomps on him. The New Day and the Singh Brothers start arguing at ringside as Jinder continues to beat on Xavier. The crowd chants “we want pancakes” as Wood starts hulking up. Woods throws some right hands, but Jinder catches him with a gutbuster, then a knee to the face. Jinder rolls outside and chokes Woods with the ring apron tarp. Jinder rolls back in the ring and Woods follows shortly after at the ref’s 9 count. Woods fights his way up to his feet, then Mahal whips him hard into the corner and drops a knee on him. Woods hits a boot to the face then goes for the Honor Roll, but Mahal blocks it with a jumping knee to the face. Woods comes back with a missile dropkick and starts working over Jinder. Jinder hits a cheap shot to the throat, but Woods keeps bringing the fight to Mahal. Woods keeps control and hits a Shining Wizard. The Singh Brothers get on the apron for the distraction, but Big E and Kofi chase them to the back. Woods hits a German suplex on Jinder, then goes up top. Woods misses the elbow drop, and Jinder throws Woods into the bottom rope. The ref checks on Woods, then Jinder picks him up and hits the Khallas for the three count. Jinder advances to the U.S. Title finals next week.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
– Jinder goes out to ringside and celebrates his win next to the U.S. Title belt.
– The announcers promote the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV, and then we see a selfie video from Baron Corbin. Corbin cuts a promo about how being the Lone Wolf makes him perfect for the Royal Rumble, and anyone who gets in his way will be thrown over the top rope.
– We go backstage, where WWE Champion AJ Styles cuts a promo on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The Champ That Runs The Camp says he’ll leave Royal Rumble with the strap no matter what. AJ adds they will not turn this into the Kevin & Sami Show, because SmackDown is the house that AJ Styles built.
– We see a series of very short, selfie-style videos from all of the women of SmackDown. Each woman’s name appears on the screen before their selfie videos, and Naomi seemed to get the biggest pop from the Laredo crowd. They all cut promos about their 30-woman Royal Rumble match.
– Bobby Roode is out to the ring next.
– Bobby Roode vs. Mojo Rawley: This is the last semi-final match in the U.S. Title tournament. Mojo hits his hand on the ground and charges towards the ring now for his new entrance. They lock up off the opening bell and Mojo powers Roode down. Mojo kicks Roode, and Roode gets up and they stare down. They lock up again and Roode applies a side headlock, then a belly to back suplex. They stare down again and Mojo charges. Roode catches him in another headlock, but Mojo powers Roode into the corner. Roode hits a chop to the chest, and Mojo shoves Roode down. Roode gets back up and drops Mojo, then applies another headlock. Mojo fights out and hits a running tackle on Roode. Mojo argues with the ref to stay out of his way. Mojo puts the boots to Roode in the corner, then headbutts him back down. Mojo beats on Roode some more, then rolls him outside. Mojo follows him out, then hits a running tackle that launches Roode into the barricade. Back in the ring, Mojo boots Roode down. Roode hits some shoulders on Roode in the corner and yells at him. Mojo puts some kind of neck hold on Roode on the mat, and Graves comments that Mojo “may not have the greatest technique but makes up for it with raw strength.” Mojo misses a spear in the corner and crashes into the ring post. Roode comes back with right hands on Mojo, then a flying elbow. Roode hits a clothesline, then a running clothesline in the corner. Roode follows up with a neckbreaker, then waits for Mojo to get to his feet. Roode goes up to the middle rope and hits the Blockerbuster for a two count. Roode goes for the Glorious DDT, but Mojo escapes and picks up Roode in the fireman’s carry. Mojo pushes Roode up in the air, then slams him down in front of him, for a two count. Mojo takes Roode into the corner and lays into him with strikes. Mojo goes for a running big boot, but Roode blocks it with a boot of his own. Roode misses a shot off the middle rope, but he does connect with a spinebuster on Mojo. Roode hits the Glorious DDT for the three count.
Winner: Bobby Roode
– Bobby Roode is now in the U.S. Title tournament finals against Jinder Mahal. After the match, The Singh Brothers run in and attack Roode from behind. They drop Roode and stomp on him, then run off. One of the Singh Brothers appears to have injured his ankle in the scuffle. They head back to the stage, where Jinder Mahal is standing with a mic. Jinder cuts a brief promo about how he will be the next United States Champion as Roode stares him down from the ring. Roode grabs a mic and says we don’t have to wait until next week – why don’t we do this right now. The crowd chants “yes.” Jinder laughs, and says no, they’ll do it when The Modern Day Maharaja decides. Jinder says he wants Roode to have one full week to think about how bad Jinder will embarrass him. Daniel Bryan comes out behind Jinder and bumps into him. Bryan announces that he’s decided – they’ll have the U.S. Title match… tonight! He leads the crowd in a “yes” chant, and Roode is happy. Jinder looks angry and the Singh Brothers try to calm him down.
– We see a promo video for the women’s Royal Rumble, featuring Stephanie McMahon’s original announcement. Next is a “25 years of RAW” video, showing the classic segment of Stone Cold Steve Austin spraying The Corporation with the beer truck in the ring.
– They show a selfie video from Randy Orton standing in the ring in an empty arena. He talks about his plans to win the Royal Rumble, then go on to WrestleMania.
– Charlotte, Becky Lynch, & Naomi vs. The Riott Squad: Charlotte and Liv start off, and Charlotte takes control early on. Ruby tags in and Charlotte drops her, then does the headscissor slam. Becky tags in and continues the offense on Ruby. Ruby turns it around against Becky, then Liv tags back in and hits a bulldog on Becky. Liv pulls the hair and the ref warns her. Sarah tags in now and continues beating on Lynch. Becky takes down Sarah, and Naomi gets the hot tag. Liv tags in too, and Naomi cleans house. Naomi drops Liv with a kick, then hits a series of kicks. Naomi misses a splash in the corner, but follows up with a kick to the face. Naomi hits a springboard cross body and pins, but Sarah breaks it up. Charlotte spears Sarah outside. Ruby hits a cheap shot kick to Naomi’s face when the ref isn’t looking, and Liv follows up with another shot to Naomi for the three count.
Winners: The Riott Squad
– The Usos do an interview in the back where they question why Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin are even a team anyways. They say they’re chumps, and they’re about to say their Uso Penitentiary catch phrase, but Gable and Benjamin jump them from behind. Gable and Benjamin say The Usos will soon be former champions, and they walk off. Referees come to check on the Usos as they get to their feet.
– Tom Phillips promotes the Mixed Match Challenge, which airs free on Facebook after SmackDown. Corey Graves confirms that Roode will be taking on Jinder for the U.S. Title tonight, and Phillips announces that the Singh Brothers have been barred from ringside for the match. We then take an in-depth look at the Styles vs. Owens & Zayn handicap match for Royal Rumble.
– We see a selfie video from Shinsuke Nakamura who says he’ll be the 1 out of 30 who survives at the Royal Rumble. “Let’s rumble.”
– Shane McMahon makes his way down to the ring and high-fives everyone sitting at ringside. Bryan is out next, and they’ll both be sitting at ringside for tonight’s U.S. Title match.
– We see footage of The Fashion Files from WWE.com, where Rusev & English end up challenging The Ascension to a match next week.
– Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal: The U.S. Title is on the line here, and the Singh Brothers are banned from ringside. Graves says on commentary that it looks like Roode is still feeling the effects from his match with Mojo earlier. Jinder backs Roode into the corner earlier on and the ref pulls them apart. Jinder goes for a kick, but Roode blocks it and fires back with punches and chops. Jinder fires back with some strikes of his own, then stomps a mud hole in Roode in the corner. Roode comes back with a shot on Jinder in the corner, then mounts him for ten punches. Jinder comes back with a knee, but then Roode dumps him to the outside. Roode stays in the ring to recover, and is selling his ribs. Roode goes outside, and Jinder rams Roode into the ring apron. Jinder slams Roode into the ring steps, then suplexes Roode onto the top of the barricade right on his ribs. Jinder continues to beat Roode down around ringside, then takes him back in the ring for some knee drops. Jinder is in complete control here and slams Roode down, but instead of pinning he wastes some time taunting the fans. Jinder beats on Roode in the corner and chokes him with his boot. Jinder wastes some more time, and Roode stuns him with an elbow to the face. Roode clotheslines Jinder to the outside, then collapses to his knees selling his ribs. Roode climbs to the apron and hits a flying clothesline on Jinder. Back in the ring, Roode hits a flying cross body on Roode, but Jinder rolls through and pins for a two count. Jinder and Roode start brawling back and forth now. Roode hits a knee to the face, then a running splash in the corner. Roode boots Jinder, then hits the Blockbuster off the middle rope for the two count. Roode goes for the Glorious DDT, but Jinder escapes. They collide with a double clothesline in the middle of the ring, and both men are down. They get up, and Roode slams Jinder down with a spinebuster. Roode goes for the Glorious DDT again now, but Jinder escapes and rolls up Roode for a two count. Jinder grabs Roode and goes for the Khallas, but Roode escapes and hits the Glorious DDT for the 3 count.
Winner: Bobby Roode
– Roode gets a standing ovation from Shane and Daniel at ringside. They get in the ring, and they present the U.S. Championship belt to Roode. Roode holds up the strap and shakes hands with Shane and Daniel and thanks them.
SmackDown Live Superstar Jey Uso was arrested on Sunday in Hidalgo, Texas. WWE was in town for a live event at the State Farm Arena.
Jey Uso (real name Joshua Fatu) was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and was released after posting a $500 bond. A DWI charge in Texas comes when a suspect registers a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater.
WWE’s talent wellness policy states that performers should not consume alcohol within 12 hours prior to an event. There is no official policy regarding alcohol consumption after shows or alcohol-related arrests.
WWE issued the following statement regarding Jey Uso’s arrest:
“Joshua Fatu is responsible for his own personal actions. We are investigating the matter and awaiting information from local law enforcement officials.”
Jey and brother Jimmy are the reigning SmackDown tag team champions, their 5th title reign in WWE.
In addition to Ricochet and War Machine both joining the WWE Performance Center today, WWE has also announced the signing of Mae Young Classic competitor Candice LeRae.
One of the top female wrestlers on the independent wrestling scene, LeRae competed in the #1 contender’s Women’s battle royal in NT last October and is married to NXT star Johnny Gargano.
She's one of the best in the world and got here on her own merit. Blood, sweat and tears.. She's sacrificed and worked incredibly hard for a very long time.
I'm proud of my Wife; Candice.. But even prouder of my favorite wrestler, the toughest person I know; Candice LeRae. https://t.co/1y7PRGSGo1
WWE.com writes, “Standing at just 5-foot-2, LeRae is known for not backing down from anyone, no matterhow much bigger they may be. The spunky Superstar has even battled heavyweights like Kevin Owens and Cesaro. LeRae’s tenacity and ability to endure punishment was on full display in the Mae Young Classic and will make her a competitor to watch at the WWE Performance Center.”
For more on Candice LeRae signing with WWE, check out the .com article below:
Last night during Monday Night RAW WWE announced that Chris Jericho would be appearing at next week’s 25th Anniversary special for RAW in New York. The event will be a special simulcast event from both the Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Wrestling Observer Radio reports that WWE made this announcement without a deal being in place to have Jericho appear, however, it was noted that he is likely to appear but WWE simply made the announcement prematurely. If a deal hasn’t already been made, Dave Meltzer noted that it could be signed today. Jericho has been doing great work over in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as of late, including a tremendous rivalry with Kenny Omega that cultivated into a beautiful match at Wrestle Kingdom 12.
Jericho has been expected to appear on RAW 25 for the past several months now, and it’s believed he could return to Japan to work a match with Tetsuya Naito at NJPW’s March 25th event from Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.
– WWE Hall of Famers and former rivals Sting and Hulk Hogan reunited on Monday at the Ace Comic Con event in Glendale, Arizona. Both Sting and Hogan tweeted photos of them together.
– Also last night saw the return of Seth Rollins’ old friend, the Curb Stomp, on Monday Night RAW. Rollins used the move to defeat Finn Balor in the night’s main event and took to Twitter to react to bringing back the maneuver:
On tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live the semi-finals for the United States Title Tournament will take place with two matches. First, Xavier Woods will go one-on-one with former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal. Second, Mojo Rawley will meet former NXT Champion Bobby Roode. The winners of those respective matches were originally slated to meet for the vacant United States Title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) in two weeks.
WWE.com has announced that is no longer the case, as instead the finals will be taking place on the go-home episode of SmackDown Live on January 23rd from the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC before the Rumble instead. There is some speculation going around that the winner of the tournament will face Dolph Ziggler at the Royal Rumble to crown the true United States Champion, as Ziggler seemingly vacated the strap after walking out on WWE in a storyline several weeks ago.
The Royal Rumble will go down live on PPV from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 28th.
IGN.com has published an interview with “Woken” Matt Hardy to promote the release of the WWE 2K18 Enduring Icons pack, DLC that includes the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, The Hardy Boyz and Beth Phoenix.
Hardy spoke with IGN writer Matt Fowler about his favorite tag teams while growing up, The Hardy Boyz’ surprise return return at WrestleMania 33, WWE’s current tag team landscape, WWE 2K18 and more. Matt also discussed what it’s like to finally be “Woken” in WWE, gushing that’s its “tremendous” and he’s very excited for this next chapter of his career.
Some fans have complained that the character is already growing tired, but Matt is asking “hardcore” fans to be patient because the WWE Universe at large is not yet familiar with the depths of his Broken Brilliance and everything that comes along with it.
“[The slow roll-out of his zany character is] something the die hard fans are frustrated with,” Matt said. “But things are going to get where they need to be and this is a process now that’s playing out over TV. The biggest thing I’d say to people is just sit back and enjoy this truly truly fun and jubilant ride.”
One of the wildest elements of the Broken Universe was the cinematic-style battles that took place at the Hardy Family compound in Cameron, North Carolina. Delete or Decay, Final Deletion and Total Nonstop Deletion were groundbreaking presentations that were amongst the best content Impact Wrestling ever produced.
WWE took inspiration from these cinematic conflicts and produced several of their own for the Wyatt Family, including a battle against the New Day at the Wyatt Family compound and Bray vs. Randy Orton in a House of Horrors match.
With Matt embroiled in a feud with Bray Wyatt, Fowler asked Hardy if we can expect to see a Final Deletion-style match in WWE. “Woken” Matt made didn’t mince words.
“One hundred percent. Absolutely.”
Visit IGN.com to read the full interview and check out WWE.2K.com for more information on the WWE 2K18 Enduring Icons DLC pack, now available for PS4, Xbox One and PC.
WWE has announced the signing of popular tag team War Machine. Todd “War Beard Hanson” Smith and Raymond Rowe have reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
War Machine has been terrorizing tag teams around the world since 2014, having won tag team gold in promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
War Machine’s hard hitting style sets up some interesting match-ups in NXT & WWE against brutish teams such as the Authors of Pain, Heavy Machinery, Sanity and The Bludgeon Brothers.
For more on War Machine signing with WWE, check out the .com article linked below.
– According to “Woken” Matt Hardy, the rest of his Broken Universe gang, including Senior Benjamin, Queen Rebecca, King Maxel, Lord Wolfgang and Vanguard One will all be appearing [presumably on WWE television] “IMMINENTLY.”
Matt posted a DELIGHTFUL photo last week with Anthem / Impact executive Ed Nordholm to mark the conclusion of their TUMULTUOUS battle over the ‘Broken Universe’ trademarks.
The INCOMPARABLE @BenjaminSenor is currently OPTIMIZING the green beans within the Greenhouse Garden at The Hardy Compound..
– Former Impact Wrestling President Dixie Carter acknowledged that her “nephew” Ethan Carter III is done with the company. Calling EC3 a special talent that deserves great things, Dixie curiously tagged @WWE in her tweet about EC3’s future.
– 2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair announced on Tuesday that his daughter Megan is engaged to Conrad Thompson, host of the popular podcasts Something To Wrestle (w/Bruce Prichard) and What Happened When (w/Tony Schiavone).
Congrats to Megan and Conrad!
I Want to Announce The Engagement of My Beautiful Daughter Megan to My Good Friend Conrad Thompson! My Heart is Full of Love and Happiness for Both of You! So Proud and Honored to Walk My Little Girl Down The Aisle ? pic.twitter.com/GR73h3dnZT
Impact Wrestling has officially announced a partnership with the Twitch streaming service. The Impact Wrestling Twitch channel will feature a 24-hour live stream and exclusive programming, including monthly live events and “lifestyle programming.”
HUGE NEWS:
IMPACT Wrestling are launching a 24/7 channel on @Twitch that will have exclusive original content, monthly live events and house shows as well footage from the extensive IMPACT archive.
New channel to feature legacy and exclusive content, including premiere of Barbed Wire Massacre III
TORONTO | SAN FRANCISCO – IMPACT Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., today announced the launch of a new channel on Twitch, the world’s leading social video service. IMPACT Wrestling’s channel (www.twitch.tv/impactwrestling) will feature a 24-hour live stream and exclusive weekly programming.
The IMPACT Wrestling Channel will launch on Wednesday, Jan. 17 with a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week stream of content that leads up to the debut of Barbed Wire Massacre III on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET immediately following the weekly premiere of IMPACT! on Pop.
The IMPACT Wrestling Channel on Twitch will feature exclusive content, including monthly live events and house shows featuring top stars in professional wrestling. The channel will also feature lifestyle programming showcasing IMPACT Wrestling stars outside of the ring – from diets and workouts to relationships and travel. Twitch will also air IMPACT Wrestling’s live event at WrestleCon in New Orleans, La. on Friday, April 6 at 9:00 p.m. CT. Other exclusive shows on the channel include:
Monday nights: Live Audio Wrestling (The LAW) returns with a new weekly video podcast. Produced and hosted by longtime IMPACT Wrestling announcer Jeremy Borash, The LAW will cover all of the latest news in professional wrestling and feature special guest interviews, live calls, chat interaction, contests with prizes, and much more.
Wednesday nights: Returning IMPACT Wrestling star Tyrus will host Nuff Said, as the Fox News contributor offers his unique take on professional wrestling, politics, sports and popular culture.
Thursday nights: At 8:00 p.m. ET, Josh Mathews will host Mathews’ Megacast with his irreverent second screen perspective on the flagship IMPACT! show Thursdays on Pop.
Programming for the channel will also include past and present episodes of the flagship IMPACT! show, the original weekly show Xplosion, pay-per-view events on a second window, plus over 1,000 hours of original programming showcasing classic content featuring household industry names like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and many more.
“Our expansion on Twitch marks another important milestone in our digital expansion,” said Ed Nordholm, president of IMPACT Wrestling. “The interactive content and larger-than-life personalities of IMPACT Wrestling are a perfect fit for the platform, whose passionate communities have demonstrated an increased appetite for professional wrestling and live events. As we adapt to new content consumption methods, our partnership with Twitch gives us an opportunity to interact directly with our audience, while engaging and growing our fan base across the world.”
For more information, visit www.impactwrestling.com.
– Impact Wrestling Knockout Chelsea Green announced on Monday night that she has been granted her release from the company. She’s worked for Impact since January 2016.
Green, who is currently dating WWE Superstar Zack Ryder, has made a few appearances for WWE. In August 2014, she portrayed Daniel Bryan’s physical therapist. After admitting to having an affair with Bryan, she got slapped by Bryan’s now-wife, Brie Bella.
In 2015, she was a contestant on Tough Enough Season 6, where she finished fourth among the females.
– Impact Wrestling has announced the signing of Gama Singh (the “Great Gama”), a 63-year-old semi-retired Indian/Canadian wrestling legend. Singh was a top heel in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary for much of the 1970’s & 80’s.
One of the most successful Indian born wrestlers of all time, one of the most successful international wrestlers ever – the legendary Gama Singh (@GR8GamaSingh) has officially signed with IMPACT. pic.twitter.com/qmYMjsxVeI
A fan asked former WWE Champion Hulk Hogan if he would be appearing on the 25th Anniversary edition of Monday Night Raw on January 22nd. He responded with the following:
I will be home watching and cheering on my friends next Monday on Raw brother HH
Hogan was fired from WWE in the summer of 2015 after racially charged comments from a sex tape came to light. Gawker alleged that Hogan only filed a lawsuit against them to prevent the racial statements from being released.
Hogan’s WWE return has depended on the company being reasonably sure that bringing him back won’t cause a big backlash due to his racist comments. It’s possible that WWE hires him in an Ambassador role.
After months of speculation, WWE confirmed on Tuesday that international wrestling sensation Ricochet (Trevor Mann) has signed with the company. He’s already reported to WWE’s world-class Performance Center training facility in Orlando, FL.
Ricochet, widely considered one of the top free agents in the world, has thrilled wrestling fans around the world with his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Lucha Underground, PWG, MLW and other independents.
WWE’s official announcement reads, “Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Mann brings an astonishing assortment of aerial moves to the ring. He first earned notoriety in Japan for an eye-popping double-moonsault, and his 630° senton remains one of the most potent weapons in his arsenal. Mann, who credits Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Rock as three of his in-ring influences, was inspired to pursue sports-entertainment after watching The Great One and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin do battle at WrestleMania XV.”
The reference to Ricochet’s weight could be an indication that he’s bound for 205 Live and the Cruiserweight division.
NJPW/ROH tag team War Machine is also expected to be joining the Performance Center this month.
For more on Ricochet joining WWE, check out the .com article below.
As reported on Monday, WWE Superstar Paige was backstage at RAW from San Antonio. Due to the career-threatening injury that she suffered at the hands of Sasha Banks last month, WWE has confirmed she will not be competing in the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.
In this RAW Fallout video, Paige briefly addressed her neck injury, but didn’t say much aside from the fact that she’ll be at the Rumble to support her Absolution partners Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose. In the event that Paige is not not cleared to compete again in the near future, she could serve as a manager/mentor of sorts to Deville and Rose.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Paige’s future as an in-ring competitor, the original Anti-Diva maintains an optimistic outlook for what’s ahead in the year to come.
Triple H recently spoke to USA Today’s “For The Win” to promote the historic episode of RAW, where he highlighted and praised the careers of these two commentary giants.
Some people just have chemistry with each other
The Game pinpointed Lawler’s knowledge and understanding of the business, as well as his ability to turn situations on their head with humour, or the inflection of his voice. Contrast that with ‘the straight man’ attitude and persona of JR, and it makes an extremely effective duo. Triple H explained that while Lawler has his excitement and energy, JR provides the intensity, passion, and a sense of realism.
“I would see JR […] on the edge of his seat like every fan in the arena, because at the end of the day he’s just a fan and he was going crazy for what we did, but that’s what made him so good. When you put that energy that he and Jerry [brought] together, it was magical.”
Moreover, it’s their dedication beyond being commentators which is also admirable.
Jim Ross recently appeared on the Unsanction Podcast, where he discussed Shelton Benjamin, as well as disagreements with Vince McMahon.
The commentary legend explained that Shelton Benjamin was a top worker, but the timing always seemed to be off whenever he was in a position to win a heavyweight championship title. Ross continued by describing Benjamin’s ability on the mic as his main downfall.
But JR was also able to be critical of himself:
“I wasn’t the easiest guy to manage. The story about McMahon used to give J.R. hell; he did sometimes. But guess what, guys? I deserved it sometimes. I deserved to get my ass taken to the woodshed. I’m not infallible, I’m a human being, I have strong opinions, and sometimes I forget who my audience is. And also, I was like one of those guys that I don’t like now and disagreed with every damn thing you say – if you don’t agree with everything I say, you’re an idiot, and I used to think that.”
It’s clear to see that Triple H’s praise seems to be mirrored by Jim Ross’ attitude towards his own work, career, and passion:
“If you’re asking if I could carry the mail on today’s WWE product, absolutely. I like to consider myself a 40-plus year broadcaster. I’ve done boxing, I’ve done MMA, I’ve done NFL, I’ve done XFL. I’d like to think I’m a broadcaster/storyteller. And I believe that if I couldn’t adapt, it’d be on me, not on the product. Because product’s what it is. I’ve done everything from WrestleMania to Smokey Mountain Wrestling. It’s all different man.”
Opinion/Discussion:
Is the combination of Jim Ross and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler the ultimate commentary team in professional wrestling, let alone just WWE?
Just recently it was reported that Jason Jordan has been injured and now another top WWE star has reportedly been pulled from weekend’s house shows due to injury.
Former Universal Champion Kevin Owens did not appear on the last two SmackDown Brand Live Events despite being advertised for it which left people speculating.
Now Pwinsider is reporting that the SmackDown Live Star was pulled from these shows because of an existing injury he has been working through. Although at this point, no further details about his condition are available.
Thankfully, the belief is that his injury is not serious and Officials prevented him from wrestling at these shows as a precautionary measure so he is not too banged up to work at Royal Rumble.
As of this writing, Kevin Owens is still advertised for the SmackDown episode tonight but whether or not he’ll be wrestling at the show is yet to be seen.
Owens along with his partner Sami Zayn is scheduled to challenge the current WWE Champion AJ Styles for his title in a 2-on-1 handicap match at the Royal Rumble PPV next Sunday.
The veteran superstar, Al Snow, has featured on The Steve Austin Show, where he discussed Matt Hardy’s winning formula found in the Broken persona, as well as the industry as a whole.
The detailed podcast is well worth a listen, given the opportunity, as Al Snow goes into some detail, with disagreements about the style and purpose of professional wrestling. Below are just some of the highlights that are worth noting.
The main concept that Al Snow disagrees with centers around the professional wrestling industry. Snow states that many in the industry say that “wrestling has changed” and is focused primarily on putting on a performance. From his perspective, Al Snow disagrees and explains that wrestling has always been and should always be about competition and fighting for a championship, and to be the best. Why else would you have titles to compete for?
“Give the audience what they paid to believe, which is that it’s a real competition, that the outcome has gravity to it, that the guys are prizefighters no different than a boxer or an MMA fighter in that they actually try to win, not just put on a physical performance. And the wrestlers worldwide have gotten so far away from that concept that makes you wonder.”
The 6-time Hardcore Champion explains that modern day professionals use this excuse to cover up weak psychology or execution.
It isn’t clear exactly who Al Snow is referring to, whether his words are a sweeping statement which covers the entire industry, or if he is singling out a mid-card selection; but as a trainer, he’s extremely passionate about the topic either way.
Later in the podcast the two legends discuss kayfabe, with Matt Hardy being used as the ultimate example.
“Matt Hardy got over so well when he did his ‘broken’ thing in TNA was because he never broke character. He never gave the audience anything other than what he sold them. He sold them a ‘Broken’ Matt Hardy every time he was in public.”
Snow’s comments go against the flow of someone like Austin Creed, who uses a behind-the-scenes approach to engage the audience in his own YouTube channel UpUpDownDown. Creed hosts videogame tournaments on SmackDown Live and RAW, where both heels and faces appear outside of their in-ring persona. Although Snow didn’t comment on this specifically, it is easy to see how something like UpUpDownDown can break kayfabe.
Al also praises Matt Hardy for utilising several easy to grasp and clear points within his persona; this enables anyone to describe him in a clear-cut setence, rather than a confusing and convoluted paragraph.
“You need that character that they can relate to because they can’t physically relate to what we do in the ring. But now, and that was the thing, I think, with Matt. For years, he was solid. He was always kind of just in the background with Jeff, but you couldn’t define him. You couldn’t turn to somebody and go, ‘there’s this guy, Matt Hardy, and he’s A, B, C, D, E.’ But now, you can turn to them and say, ‘wow, there’s this guy – he’s crazy! He talks with this weird accent. His hair’s all messed up.'”
Opinion/Discussion:
Is Al Snow correct in what he’s saying? Has Wrestling changed, or is it an excuse used by those who haven’t seen the success they expected?
The January 15th episode of WWE RAW aired live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX. Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s edition of WWE RAW:
Braun Strowman Was Fired & Then Rehired An Hour Later
RAW kicked off with footage of Braun Strowman knocking part of the stage over onto Brock Lesnar and Kane last week. Strowman then made his way down to the ring to a great reaction from the San Antonio crowd.
Braun informed the crowd that he wanted to tell them all a short story with a happy ending. Strowman stated a Beast and a Machine met a Monster at the Royal Rumble and the last one standing was the Monster Among Men and he became the new Universal Champion.
RAW GM Kurt Angle interrupted and made his way down to the ring with several security guards. Strowman said that he was telling the audience a story and Angle responded that he had a story too, but it doesn’t having a happy ending. Angle claimed that Strowman has created an unsafe working environment for every WWE Superstar and every employee in the back.
Strowman claimed that he did his job last week but Angle disagreed. Angle stated that WWE Superstars settle things in the ring, not backstage with a grappling hook. Strowman added that he does whatever he wants and once again guaranteed that he will become Universal Champion at Royal Rumble.
Kurt Angle then fired Braun Strowman and left the ring. Strowman got out of the ring and marched backstage as security guards followed him.
Braun was shown backstage muttering to himself and then turned his attention to a security guard. Strowman dared the guard to make him leave as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Braun was still walking around backstage. Braun approached an exit and the guard told him to leave. Strowman attacked the guards and beat them down. One of them tried to run away but Braun caught him and threw him over a barricade and through a table. Braun shouted “I’m not leaving until everybody gets these hands!”.
"I'M NOT LEAVING UNTIL EVERYBODY GETS THESE HANDS!"
Braun later booted down Angle’s door to his office and started whipping things around as the RAW GM was nowhere to be found. Poor Curt Hawkins got dismantled by Strowman backstage as he continued to search for Angle. A catering employee got quite lucky as Strowman didn’t attack him and instead took a bite of cake.
Angle was shown in his destroyed office and stated that he didn’t have any alternative but to call the police. An official showed up and informed Angle that Strowman has heading towards the production trucks. Angle shouted “oh God they are worth 12 million dollars!” as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Strowman was once again shown backstage. Strowman entered the television trucks and started shouting at the employees. Braun threatened to shut everything down but had no idea what any of the technical equipment did. Strowman exited the production truck and then flipped another truck as Angle shouted at him to stop.
Braun marched towards the entrance ramp as Kurt Angle got a phone call. Strowman turned his attention to the announce team and grabbed Michael Cole. Strowman lifted Cole in the air as Angle sprinted to entrance ramp. Angle stated that he called off the cops because Stephanie McMahon rehired him. Strowman grabbed Michael Cole and threw him onto the security guards next to the entrance ramp. Strowman raised his fists in the air and celebrated before finally heading backstage.
Strowman is one of the most popular Superstars in WWE right now. I think he should be Universal Champion right now, but the title is still stuck on Brock Lesnar. I would love to see Strowman win the title at Royal Rumble and continue to be dominant on RAW every week. I doubt that is going to happen though, as WWE most likely wants to have Lesnar hold the belt until WrestleMania.
Jason Jordan Cost The Bar Their Match
Cesaro and Sheamus faced Apollo Crews and Titus O’Neil tonight on RAW. Apollo Crews was immediately isolated in the corner. Sheamus and Cesaro took turns beating down Crews for a bit.
Crews battled back and delivered a Dropkick to Sheamus before tagging in Titus. O’Neil leveled Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and then posed in the ring. Cesaro distracted Titus for a moment and Sheamus took control of the match. Cesaro tagged in and hit Titus with a couple of chops and the crowd chanted “you look stupid!” at Sheamus. Titus battled back and delivered a few chops across the chest to Cesaro.
Titus slammed Cesaro to the canvas and tagged Crews back in. Crews dropped an elbow on Cesaro for a two count. Cesaro escaped a Suplex and tagged in Sheamus. Sheamus connected with a Clothesline off the top rope as RAW went to a break.
When RAW returned, Sheamus and Cesaro had Crews isolated in the corner. Sheamus hit a Backbreaker and Cesaro connected with an Elbow Drop for a two count. Sheamus applied a Chin Lock to Crews in the middle of the ring.
Crews broke free and hit a Dropkick and then tagged in Titus. Cesaro was tagged in as well but O’Neil beat the hell out of him in the corner. Titus connected with a Splash and then a Powerslam for a two count.
Sheamus tagged in and booted O’Neil in the face. Cesaro hit Crews with an uppercut and Sheamus followed it up with a Clothesline. Cesaro and Crews tagged in. Crews hit a Crossbody off the top rope for a two count. Sheamus & Cesaro threw Titus out of the ring and teamed up on Crews.
Jason Jordan came down to the entrance ramp and started walking towards the ring. Crews capitilized on the distraction and rolled up Sheamus for the pinfall victory. Seth Rollins joined Jordan on the entrance ramp and started arguing with him. Rollins was unaware of Jordan’s plan to cost The Bar the match.
Sheamus and Cesaro will get their rematch for the RAW Tag Team Championships at the Royal Rumble PPV on January 28th. Jordan and Rollins don’t seem to be on the same page at all and I wouldn’t be surprised if that costs them the titles in a couple of weeks.
Cedric Alexander Has All The Momentum Before His Title Match At Royal Rumble
Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore limped his way down to the ring with Tony Nese. Amore cut a promo on Cedric Alexander. Cedric interrupted with Goldust by his side. Goldust stated that if Enzo were a film he would go straight to DVD. Goldust claimed that Cedric Alexander was a box office smash and will go on to defeat Enzo at Royal Rumble to become the new Cruiserweight Championship. Alexander grabbed the microphone and said that Enzo was sawft.
Nese and Alexander then faced off and Nese controlled the match early. Alexander battled back and slammed Nese face-first into the mat. Alexander hit a springboard Clothesline and went for the cover but Tony kicked out at two.
Nese got Cedric in a Headlock but Cedric quickly escaped. Cedric then hit the Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory. Enzo limped away as Goldust and Alexander taunted him.
Tony Nese and Cedric Alexander are both excellent in-ring performers. Unfortunately, the same problem continues to plague the Cruiserweight division. The crowd just doesn’t care at all. If Alexander does win the title at Royal Rumble, the division would at least have a legitimate champion. It is bizarre to see Goldust in the role of Alexander’s sidekick and I doubt it is going to generate any more interest in this feud. At this point, 205 Live feels like a lost cause. I’d like to see it succeed but feuds like this one really aren’t accomplishing anything for the brand.
Asuka’s Win Streak Continued Due To An Injury To Nia Jax
Nia Jax faced Asuka tonight on RAW. Nia controlled the match early and launched Asuka across the ring. Asuka wrapped her legs around Nia and extended Nia’s arm. Nia broke free and planted Asuka with a Backbreaker.
Nia showed off her strength and launched Asuka across the ring once again. Asuka battled back with a flurry of punches but was dropped by a Clothesline from Jax. Asuka caught Nia in an Arm Bar but Jax broke free and threw Asuka into the turnbuckle as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Asuka escaped a Samoan Drop and rolled up Nia for a one count. Asuka went for a kick but Jax caught her and planted her with a Powerbomb. Nia went for the cover but Asuka kicked out and Nia became frustrated.
Asuka locked in a Knee Bar in the middle of the ring. Nia fought through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold. Jax knocked Asuka out of the ring and then followed her out there. Nia slammed Asuka into the ring apron and then started walking up the steps. Asuka booted Nia in the back of the leg and Nia fell to the floor.
The action returned to the ring as Nia was favoring her left leg. Nia tried to get up but her leg gave out and the referee stopped the match. Alexa Bliss came down to the ring to check on Nia Jax.
Later during the show, Bliss and Nia Jax were shown backstage. Bliss apologized for getting Nia Jax into this. Enzo Amore showed up and Bliss tried to get him to leave. Nia asked Bliss to leave and Amore told Nia that he was sorry she got hurt.
It is looking like Bliss is going to have to defend her RAW Women’s Championship against Asuka in the near future and she is running out of ways to tilt the odds in her favor. There isn’t really anything interesting about the storyline relationship between Enzo Amore and Nia Jax right now.
Reigns Dominated The Miztourage
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Roman Reigns faced Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel in a Handicap match tonight on RAW. The Miz was ringside for the match and got involved in the action early. Dallas and Axel took turns beating down Reigns in the corner. Axel applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as The Miz taunted Reigns ringside.
Reigns broke free and blasted Dallas in the face with a series of right hands. Axel tagged himself in and attacked Roman. Reigns planted Axel with a Samoan Drop and both Superstars fell to the canvas.
Reigns drove Axel into the turnbuckle and then geared up for the Superman Punch but The Miz leaped up onto the ring apron. Reigns launched Dallas out of the ring and then hit Axel with a Superman Punch. Reigns got out of the ring and leaped off the steel steps for a Superman Punch. The Miz avoided it by shoving Bo Dallas in the way. The action returned to the ring and Reigns connected with a Spear to Axel for the pinfall victory.
Roman Reigns will defend his Intercontinental Championship against The Miz at the 25th anniversary of RAW next week. I’m guessing that this feud will wind up continuing at the Royal Rumble, unless WWE decides not to have the IC Title defended at the PPV.
Sonya Deville Picked Up A Big Victory Over Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks faced Sonya Deville on RAW tonight. Bayley, Mickie James, Paige and Mandy Rose were all ringside for the match.
Rose distracted Banks as the match started and Deville took control with a knee to the midsection. Banks battled back and leaped off the second rope but Deville booted her in the ribs for the pinfall victory.
It was also announced that Paige will not be able to compete in the women’s Royal Rumble during the match.
BREAKING: Due to a neck injury, Absolution's @RealPaigeWWE will be unable to compete in the first-ever Women's #RoyalRumble match. https://t.co/vTZb5p8gMc
PWInsider reported this past week that Paige’s in-ring career in WWE is likely over after suffering an injury at a live event last month. For now, she is still a part of RAW as the leader of Absolution, but is not performing in the ring. Deville’s rather easy victory over Sasha Banks surprised me. It appears that WWE has completely given up on Bayley and I have no idea what they are doing with Sasha Banks now. I thought both Banks and Bayley were going to be stars on RAW, but both seem directionless right now.
Jason Jordan Ensured A Victory For Seth Rollins
Jason Jordan approached Kurt Angle backstage in his destroyed office. Jordan thanked Angle for believing in him. Jordan stated that Rollins’ loss last week has been eating him alive and asked for Angle to put Rollins in a singles match tonight. Jordan suggested that Rollins face Finn Balor tonight and Angle agreed to make the match.
Later on RAW, Seth Rollins had a conversation with Jason Jordan backstage. Rollins told Jordan that they are teammates and that he didn’t have a problem with what Jordan did, he had a problem with how he did it.
Seth Rollins faced Finn Balor in the main event of RAW. Gallows, Anderson and Jason Jordan were ringside for the match. Balor controlled the match early and knocked Rollins out of the ring. Balor punted Seth’s head from the ring apron as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Seth had taken back control of the match in the ring. Balor quickly battled back and connected with a stomp to Rollins’ chest. Rollins missed with a Phoenix Splash and Balor Dropkicked Seth into the turnbuckle. Rollins connected with a Superplex to Finn and rolled through and planted Balor with a Falcon Arrow.
Sheamus and Cesaro came down to the ringside area and chased after Jason Jordan. Jason escaped and a brawl broke out between Gallows & Anderson and The Bar. Finn Balor leaped out of the ring and landed on everyone. Balor missed with the Coupe de Grace and then Jason Jordan tripped Finn up. Rollins then hit the Curb Stomp for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Balor was shown shaken up from being slammed into the mat face-first by Rollins. Balor rolled Rollins up during the match and had the match won but the referee botched the count.
Balor and Rollins put on a great match to end RAW and it was good to see the Curb Stomp back. Graves referred to the move as the “Blackout” when Rollins hit. Rollins didn’t notice that Jason Jordan tripped up Balor during the match and I’m sure he won’t be happy with Jordan once he finds out that he interfered.
