Archive for May, 2017

New Day Returning To SmackDown TV This Week

The longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history, the New Day, are expected to debut on Smackdown this week, PWInsider.com has confirmed.

It will be the first appearance on Smackdown since being written off of Raw via an injury angle with the Revival. Kofi Kingston needed ankle surgery, so the Revival was booked to beat the team 2 weeks in a row, injuring Kofi in the process.

New Day on Smackdown

During their sabbatical, Big E and Kofi Kingston did a promotional tour in India, while Xavier Woods focussed on his “UpUpDownDown” YouTube channel, and WWE’s partnership with Rocket League.

The team being moved to Smackdown opens up the possibility for several new storylines. With a heel team holding the tag titles, New Day could move immediately into title contention.

The heel side of Smackdown’s tag division is a little shallow at the moment, with only he Colons and Usos. Expect to either see a babyface team turn heel, or the Singh Brothers to enter the division shortly.

Posted May 22nd, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Candice LeRae Speaks on Husband Johnny Gargano’s Condition

Saturday’s NXT: Takeover Chicago show ended with the sudden betrayal of Johnny Gargano by his longtime tag-team partner Tommaso Ciampa. The story-telling for this angle actually goes all the way back to the Cruiserweight Classic.

Gargano’s real-life spouse, Candice LeRae, who made an appearance on NXT television in a battle royal recently, offered a statement on Gargano’s condition.

https://twitter.com/candicelerae/status/866361676903350273

Ciampa & Gargano Split

Ciampa & Gargano met in the 1st round of the Cruiserweight Classic last year, with Ciampa coming out the victor. In that match, Gargano had second thoughts before using dirt-underhanded tactics to beat his partner/opponent. This allowed Ciampa the opportunity he needed to win the match.

During the match at Takeover, Gargano pushed Ciampa out of the way of a ladder attack, and took the brunt himself. The story is that Gargano is so loyal to his partner that he is willing to take losses and beatings rather than have the same happen to his partner. Ciampa isn’t afraid to do the opposite to Gargano however, even though he does seem somewhat reluctant. While Ciampa’s character might appreciate his longtime partner, he is willing to take him out if it furthers his career.

His approach might remind you of someone:

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/866468088170115072

Posted May 22nd, 2017 in News, NXT.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Day 4 Results

New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.

The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.

Here are the results from Day 4 of the tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.

Non Tournament Matches

Volador Jr, Tomoyuki Oka & Shota Umino b. ACH, Katsuya Kitamura & Tetsuhiro Yagi – Oka took the win for his team in just under 7 minutes with a Boston Crab on Yagi.

Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado b. Tiger Mask IV & Hirai Kawato – Desperado secured the win with a Pinche Loco on Kawato

Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA – EVIL hit his namesake manoeuvre on KUSHIDA to take the win in around 13 minutes. Naito destroyed the IWGP Intercontinental Championship after the match

Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Yujiro Takahashi b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson & David Finlay – Yujiro took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Pimp Juice on Finlay

https://twitter.com/MartyScurll/status/866102511844773888

Best of the Super Juniors A BLOCK Matches

Will Ospreay b. TAKA Michinoku – Ospreay hit the OsCutter to take his tournament tally to 2-1 (4 points), TAKA is now on 1-2 (2 Points)

Marty Scurll b. Jushin Thunder Liger – Scurll locked in the Crossface Chicken Wing to take his tally up to 2-1 (4 Points), Liger suffered his third loss, he is now at 0-3 (0 Points)

Taichi b. Dragon Lee – Taichi hit the Last Ride to take his tournament tally up to 2-1 (4 Points), this was Dragon Lee’s first loss so he is also now on 2-1 (4 Points)

Ricochet b. Hiromu Takahashi – Ricochet hit the Kings’ Landing in around 12 minutes to take his tournament total up to 2-1 (4 Points). This was Hiromu’s second loss, he now on 1-2 (2 Points)

 

Posted May 22nd, 2017 in News, NJPW. Tagged: , , , .

Jinder Mahal: “I Plan On Being WWE Champion For A Long Time” (Video)

Jinder Mahal made history on Sunday night by capturing his first WWE Championship Sunday night at Backlash.

Backstage after his big win, Mahal stated his intention to hold WWE’s top prize for a very long time. He also addressed his doubters in the WWE Universe by telling them to get used to him with the gold.

You can check out the full backstage interview in the video below.

WWE also uploaded this photo of Mahal and the Singh Brothers posing with the WWE Championship after Backlash.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUYPfP7ARa1/

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

WWE Backlash 2017 Recap & Reaction

Kickoff Show:

Tye Dillinger defeated Aiden English.

Main Card:

Dolph Ziggler vs Shinsuke Nakamura

The Chicago crowd sang along as Shinsuke Nakamura made his way to the ring. Nakamura went for a kick to start off the match but Ziggler was able to get out of the way. The crowd chanted “Nakamura!” as the two Superstars circled each other in the ring. Ziggler rolled Nakamura up for a two count and then locked in an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring.

Nakamura battled to his feet and reversed the hold but Ziggler made it to the ropes to break the hold. Nakamura dared Ziggler to charge at him and Dolph obliged. Nakamura kneed Ziggler in the chest and knocked him to the mat. Shinsuke then shoved his boot in Ziggler’s face and Dolph rolled out of the ring. Nakamura followed him out there and clubbed him across the back.

The action returned to the ring and Ziggler hit a Neckbreaker while Nakamura was hung up on the ropes. Ziggler took control of the bout and applied a Chin Lock in the center of the ring. Dueling “lets go Ziggler!” and “Ziggler sucks!” chants broke out in the crowd as Nakamura broke the hold. Ziggler connected with a big time Dropkick for a two count.

Ziggler hit an elbow to Shinsuke’s chest for a two count. Dolph then taunted Nakamura and shoved him to the mat. Ziggler referred to Nakamura as “boy” and headbutted him in the face. Nakamura connected with a kick to Dolph’s face and both Superstars fell to the mat. Nakamura connected with a series of kicks and then launched Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Shinsuke hung Ziggler up on the top rope and then kneed him in the midsection for a two count.

Dolph elbowed Shinsuke in the face and went for a roll up but Nakamura kicked out at two. Shinsuke quickly applied a Triangle submission but Ziggler’s foot was on the ropes and the hold was broken. Dolph planted Shinsuke with a massive DDT for a two count. The crowd once again chanted “Nakamura!” as the two Superstars got back up to their feet. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa but Ziggler avoided and hit the Fameasser for a two count.

Ziggler was first to his feet and posed for the crowd. Dolph had a massive grin on his face as he stomped his feet on the mat. Dolph went for the Superkick but Shinsuke blocked it. Ziggler then hit the Zig Zag but Nakamura powered out at two. Nakamura connected with a kick to the back of Ziggler’s neck. Shinsuke went for a Suplex but Ziggler landed on his feet and connected with a Superkick to the back of Nakamura’s head for a two count.

Dolph elbowed Nakamura in the back of the head and kicked him the chest. Nakamura got back to his feet but Dolph spit directly in his face. Ziggler went to sweep out Nakamura’s legs but Shinsuke caught him and kneed him in the midsection several times. Ziggler was leaning on the bottom rope and Nakamura hit a knee to his face on the ring apron.

Shinsuke climbed to the second rope and went for a Kinshasa but Ziggler avoided it. Ziggler went for another Superkick but Nakamura was ready for it and planted him with an Exploder Suplex. Nakamura then geared up in the corner and connected with a Kinshasa for the victory.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

Reaction: I thought this match was solid but I was expecting more. It was still an entertaining match, but I was hoping for something special. The match started off much slower than I anticipated, but the last few minutes were great. Shinsuke Nakamura is a rare talent and is already incredibly over with the WWE Universe. Hopefully, WWE has big things planned for Nakamura in the near future. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ziggler and Nakamura have another match because I think that it would turn out much better than this one.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos (c) vs Breezango

Tyler Breeze came down to the ring in his janitor costume from “Fashion Files”. Fandango controlled the match early and danced around in the ring as Tyler Breeze mopped the ring apron. Breeze was then tagged in and started mopping the ring. The crowd chanted “mop!” as Breeze shoved it in Jey Uso’s face. Jimmy then connected with a right hand and knocked Breeze to the mat. The crowd then booed as Jey broke the mop and threw it out of the ring.

Jey climbed up to the top turnbuckle and Breeze rolled out of harms way. Jey hopped down and climbed to top of the other turnbuckle and Breeze rolled away again. This continued a few more times until Jey finally gave up. Breeze then connected with a kick to Jey’s head for a two count. Fandango was tagged in. Jey Uso was then also tagged in and Tyler Breeze changed his costume into an old lady with a cane.

Old Lady Breeze was then tagged in and the crowd chanted “lets go grandma!”. Breeze connected with a Dropkick to both members of The Usos. Grandma Breeze then hit the Bronco Buster on Jey Uso. Jey Uso then hit Breeze with a Dropkick of his own and launched Breeze’s wig into the crowd. Jimmy Uso got back into the match and continued the beatdown on Tyler Breeze. Jey Uso then threw Breeze’s dress out of the ring and it landed on JBL’s head.

https://twitter.com/mrdangerously/status/866454970752802818

Fandango was tagged in and he connected with a kick for a two count. Fandango followed it up by hitting a DDT for a two count. Tyler Breeze was tagged and Jey Uso accidentally Superkicked Jimmy Uso in the face. Breeze tried to flip onto both of The Usos outside the ring but was caught and thrown over the barricade. Fandango then flipped onto both of The Usos outside the ring. Fandango climbed to the top rope but was Superkicked in the face. The Usos then pinned Fandango to retain their titles.

Winners & Still Smackdown Tag Team Champions: The Usos

Reaction: I have no idea what I just watched. First of all, the costumes were entertaining but it instantly turned the match into a joke. Half the time I had no idea which member of The Usos was in the ring. The entire match was chaos and I couldn’t help but be entertained by it. Having said that, I would have preferred an actual wrestling match for the titles. However, I’m not going to complain too much about JBL getting a dress thrown on his head. That was a wonderful moment.

Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin

Zayn knocked Corbin out of the ring. Zayn went to flip on him outside the ring but Corbin avoided it. Sami then bounced off the top rope and flipped back into the ring. Zayn then posed in the ring and Corbin mockingly clapped outside the ring. Corbin got back into the ring and beatdown Sami for a minute. Zayn then hit a Dropkick and knocked Corbin out of the ring.

Zayn was favoring his lower back as he rolled out of the ring. Corbin sent Zayn into the barricade but Sami leaped on top of it and hit a Moonsault onto Corbin. Back in the ring, Zayn connected with a right hand in the corner. Corbin lifted Zayn up and smashed him into the turnbuckle. Corbin then stomped on Zayn’s injured back and connected with a Backbreaker.

Corbin controlled the next few minutes of the match and the crowd started chanting “ole!”. Corbin yelled at Zayn to “stay down” and connected with a right hand. Byron Saxton said that Sami doesn’t know when to stay down. Sami leveled Corbin with a Clothesline. Zayn hit a Crossbody off the top rope for a two count. Corbin connected with a massive Clothesline for a two count.

Corbin hit another Backbreaker for a two count. Zayn hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count. Zayn went for a Tornado DDT but Corbin blocked it. Sami went for the Exploder Suplex in the corner but it was also blocked. Corbin then planted Zayn with Deep Six for a two count. Zayn then connected with a Helluva Kick for the victory.

Winner: Sami Zayn

Reaction: Wow. I thought this was just going to be another  typical Sami Zayn match where he hangs around and ultimately loses. The finish to this match completely caught me off guard. I hope that that means that Sami Zayn will actually get the push he deserves. Now, I’m completely confused as to what WWE is doing with Baron Corbin. I thought he was going to win the Intercontinental Championship at Wrestlemania and that didn’t turn out to be the case. I figured that tonight was a guaranteed victory Corbin and I was also wrong about that. I figured Corbin would have a title around his waist by now. Instead, he is losing on a regular basis.

Jinder Mahal pulled up in a car. The Singh Brothers hopped out of the car and laid down a rug. Jinder Mahal got out of the car and was immediately interviewed. Mahal said that Americans hate him because of the way he looks and the way he talks. Mahal said that he was going to turn that hatred into something positive. Mahal said that he will turn the doubters into believers tonight and win the WWE Championship.

James Ellsworth came down to the ring and cut a goofy promo about being the Michael Jordan of sports entertainment.

Carmella, Natalya & Tamina vs Becky Lynch, Naomi & Charlotte Flair

Tamina and Becky Lynch started off the match. Tamina took control and headbutted Becky Lynch into the corner. Natalya was then tagged in and Becky beat her down. Charlotte entered the match and continued the beatdown on Natalya. Natalya grabbed Charlotte’s hair and slung her to the mat. Charlotte connected with a series of chops on Natalya and followed it up with a knee to the midsection. Charlotte then taunted Tamina and Carmella.

Carmella distracted Charlotte on the ring apron and Natalya connected with a Clothesline. Tamina got back into the match and stomped on Charlotte a couple of times. Tamina, Natalya and Carmella then took turns stomping on Charlotte in the corner. Carmella hit a couple of elbows to the neck of Charlotte and then applied a Chin Lock. The crowd got behind Charlotte as she battled out of the hold.

Charlotte tagged in Naomi and she immediately hit a Crossbody onto Carmella. Naomi then hit a series of kicks and knocked Carmella to the mat. Naomi kicked Tamina in the head while she was on the ring apron. Carmella capitalized on the distracted and beatdown Naomi. Carmella moonwalked in the ring and then yelled “woo!” at Charlotte.

Tamina entered the match and punched Naomi in the stomach and applied a Chin Lock. Naomi battled out of the hold but Tamina knocked her back to the mat and tagged in Carmella. Carmella went for a Bronco Buster but Naomi got out of the way. Tamina got back into the match and tried to prevent Naomi from tagging anyone else in. Naomi went to tag in Becky Lynch but Carmella pulled her off the ring apron.

Natalya was tagged in and Naomi sent her to the mat. Becky Lynch was tagged in and she knocked Carmella and Tamina off the ring apron. Becky planted Natalya with a Suplex and connected with a forearm to Natalya’s face for a two count. Lynch climbed to the top rope but Tamina shoved her off.

Becky knocked Tamina off the ring apron but Natalya knocked her to the mat and went for the Sharpshooter. Becky reversed it into the Dis-Arm-Her but Carmella broke up the hold. Charlotte threw Carmella out of the ring and then Tamina connected with a kick to Charlotte’s face. Natalya then applied the Sharpshooter to Becky Lynch for the submission victory.

Winners: Carmella, Natalya & Tamina

Reaction: This match was decent. The Welcoming Comittee was the right team to win this match. I’m glad Ellsworth didn’t get too involved in this match. Instead, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina picked up the victory on their own.

United States Championship Match: Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles

Styles controlled the match early and Styles rolled out of the ring to stop his momentum. Styles chased after him and Owens rolled back into the ring. The crowd chanted “stupid idiot” at Kevin Owens as he connected with a chop to AJ’s chest. Styles hit a Dropkick and knocked Owens to the mat. Owens slammed AJ’s head into the turnbuckle and followed it up with a massive Clothesline for a two count.

Owens applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Owens broke the hold to knee Styles in the back and then applied the hold again. Owens planted Styles with a DDT and hit three Sentons in a row for a two count. Owens went right back to the Chin Lock and barked at the referee to ask Styles if he wanted to quit. The crowd started chanting “AJ Styles!” as AJ made his way back to his feet.

Styles broke the hold but Owens knocked Styles to the mat. AJ got back up and connected with a kick to the side of Owens’ head. AJ connected with several strikes and then knocked Owens to the mat with a Clothesline. Styles then hit a flying forearm for a two count. Styles planted Owens with a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Owens hit a Superkick and a Pumphandle Neckbreaker for a two count.

AJ went for a Styles Clash on the ring apron but Owens blocked it. Owens then slammed AJ’s leg into the ring post and launched him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Owens connected with a Cannonball as Styles was propped up in the corner. Owens then wrapped up AJ’s leg in the bottom rope and hit a Cannonball on AJ’s injured right leg. Owens then applied an Ankle Lock on AJ’s injured leg in the middle of the ring.

Styles was able to break the hold by reaching the bottom rope. Owens brought Styles up to the second turnbuckle and lifted him onto his shoulders. Styles reversed it into a Powerbomb and Owens went flying to the mat. AJ then got onto the ring apron and went for the Phenomenal Forearm but his injured leg gave out. Owens then planted Styles with a DDT for a two count.

Owens slapped Styles in the face and AJ countered with a Pele Kick and both Superstars fell to the mat. Styles went for a Superplex off the top rope but Owens reversed it into a Suplex of his own. Owens then went for the pin but AJ kicked out at two. Styles rolled to the ring apron and Owens joined him there. Owens went for a Suplex and Styles reversed it into a Suplex of his own onto the ring apron. Owens spine smashed off the ring apron and he screamed in pain on the floor outside the ring.

Owens threw Styles into the timekeeper’s area. Styles leaped off the barricade and hit the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles went for the Styles Clash on the announce table but his foot fell through one of the openings on the table. Owens then rolled back into the ring and AJ Styles was counted out.

After the match, Owens hit a Superkick to the back of AJ’s head. Styles then limped backstage after Owens left.

Winner & Still United Champion: Kevin Owens

Reaction: I really enjoyed this match and thought it was very well done.. Owens targeted AJ’s leg and in the end it ultimately cost Styles the match. The finish absolutely sucked but it made sense. I hope this leads to another match between these two Superstars. There was no reason to take the United States Championship off of Kevin Owens right now.

Erick Rowan vs Luke Harper

Rowan controlled the match early. Harper climbed to the second rope and Rowan knocked him off. Harper’s head bounced off the steel steps. Rowan then hit a Dropkick that sent Harper into the barricade. Rowan slammed Harper into the barricade and punched him in the head several times. The action returned to the ring and Harper hit a Splash for a two count.

The crowd became restless as Rowan continued to control the match. A faint “lets go Harper” chant broke out as Rowan slammed Harper to the mat. Rowan hit a Clothesline for a two count. Harper climbed to the top rope and went for a Splash but Harper rolled out of the way. Harper slammed Rowan’s head into the announce table outside the ring. Harper got back into the ring and then bounced off the ropes and hit a Suicide Dive onto Rowan outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Harper hit a Senton and a big boot for a two count. Harper then hit a Sideslam for a two count. Rowan connected with a kick and then Powerbombed Harper in the middle of the ring. Harper battled back and hit a Superkick. Rowan then started talking to his mask outside the ring. Harper then hit a Clothesline for the victory.

Winner: Luke Harper

Reaction: I’m not a fan of Rowan’s gimmick at all. Harper picks up the victory, but this match felt meaningless and will hopefully be forgotten about by Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown. I have very little interest in a feud between Rowan and Harper.

WWE Championship Match: Randy Orton (c) vs Jinder Mahal

Orton attacked Jinder Mahal during the introductions. Orton threw Mahal over the announce table and then started punching him in the face. Orton then threw Mahal in the ring and the match officially started. Orton connected with right hands and went for an RKo. Mahal blocked it and rolled out of the ring. Orton followed him out of the ring and leveled Mahal.

The action returned to the ring and Mahal once again escaped to the outside. Mahal slammed Orton into the led board on the ring apron. Jinder threw Orton into the ring and applied a Chin Lock. Orton broke the hold and Jinder Mahal locked in an Arm Bar. There were dueling “lets go Jinder!” and “Jinder sucks!” in the crowd. Orton fought out of the Arm Bar and knocked Mahal to the mat.

Mahal battled back and connected with a knee to Orton’s chest for a two count. Orton launched Mahal over the top rope. Orton then slammed Mahal onto the announce table. The match returned to the ring and Mahal once again took control. Mahal applied a submission hold and continued to target Orton’s left shoulder. Orton finally battled out of the hold. Mahal charged at Orton in the corner but Orton got out of the way and Mahal slammed into the ring post.

Orton and Mahal battled on the top rope. Mahal knocked Orton down but Randy took out Jinder’s leg and he fell onto the top rope. Orton then hit a Superplex for a two count. Both Superstars got back up to their feet and traded punches. Orton knocked Mahal to the mat with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Powerslam. Orton grabbed his left shoulder in pain after delivering the Powerslam.

Orton hit a Fallaway Slam for a two count and once again grabbed his left shoulder. Mahal battled back and connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count. The crowd has been pretty quiet for the past 5 minutes of the match. Orton hit a DDT while Jinder was hung up on the second rope. Orton geared up for the RKO but Mahal rolled out of the ring.

Randy Orton followed Mahal out of the ring but the Singh Brothers got in his way. Orton threw both of them into the barricade, but Mahal capitalized on the distraction. Mahal slammed Orton into the ring post twice and then brought him back into the ring. Orton hit an RKO out of nowhere but the Singh Brothers dragged Mahal out of the ring before Orton could attempt a pinfall.

Orton then slammed both of the Singh Brothers onto the announce table. Orton hit a double DDT on the Singh Brothers while they were hung up on the second rope. Mahal then came up behind Orton and hit the Khallas to win the WWE Championship. Mahal brought the title into the crowd and posed as the crowd booed.

Winner & New WWE Champion: Jinder Mahal

Reaction: I don’t hate this at all. Yes, it is completely random for Jinder Mahal to become WWE Champion. It is also completely boring when Orton is WWE Champion. I love how pissed off people are that Mahal is WWE Champion. It is thoroughly entertaining. This match wasn’t anything special, but some of the angry faces on people in the crowd were priceless. Overall, Backlash was a decent show. I’m looking forward to this week’s SmackDown and seeing the reaction Mahal gets when he walks out with the WWE Championship.

What did you think of WWE Backlash 2017? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

WWE Backlash 2017 Results

WWE Backlash 2017 took place on May 21st at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

Backlash Kickoff Show

– During the kickoff show, Eric Rowan makes a silent appearance walking by the announce table with a new mask on.

– Dolph Ziggler does an interview backstage where he says he would have watched the footage of Nakamura’s matches to prepare for tonight, but there is no footage. Ziggler says he’s going to put on a clinic again Nakamura and shut up his “fan boys.”

– Tye Dillinger def. Aiden English: English cuts his usual singing promo before the match and trashes his hometown of Chicago. Dillinger starts things off strong but English comes back with a swinging neckbreaker and stomps a mud hole in Dillinger in the corner. English goes up top but Dillinger tosses him off. Dillinger goes to follow up with a splash but he misses and English suplexes him for a two count. English starts getting emotional, but he composes himself and grabs Dillinger by the head. English hits a powerslam then goes back up top for a senton bomb, but Dillinger rolls out of the way then hits the Tye Breaker for the win.

– Eric Rowan sits down at the Kickoff show announce table and puts a bag on it. Rowan is silent, and takes his mask off with pieces of his hair stuck to it. Booker T tries to break the tension by telling Rowan he looks jacked and has been working out. Rowan throws his pulled-out hair on the table then messes with Peter Rosenberg’s clothes, before leaving in silence.

WWE Backlash 2017

– Shinsuke Nakamura def. Dolph Ziggler: They start off with hammerlocks and wrestling holds, but Nakamura takes control with some kicks. They continue to exchange basic wrestling holds in the opening moments until Nakamura drops Ziggler with a knee to the mid section. Nakamura follows up with a knee drop, then stomps on Ziggler in the corner. Ziggler comes back with a neckbreaker and applies a couple holds with the help of a fistful of Nakamura’s hair. Ziggler dropkicks Nakamura in the face then hits an elbow drop for a two count. Ziggler hits a headbutt, but Nakamura comes back with a knee and a spinning heel kick. More knees by Nakamura for a two count. Nakamura goes for an armbar but Ziggler reaches the ropes. Ziggler fights out of a suplex attempt, leg kicks Nakamura then hits a DDT for another two count. Ziggler dodges a knee attempt by Nakamura, then Ziggler hits the Fameasser for a near-fall. After a series of missed kicks, Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for another near-fall. Ziggler sets up for a powerbomb, but Nakamura fights out and hits a series of strikes on Ziggler. Nakamura gets Ziggler in a front face lock, then goes for a reverse suplex but Ziggler escapes. Ziggler superkicks Nakamura to the back of the head, and both men are down. Ziggler grabs Nakamura by the hair and hits some elbows and kicks to the head. Ziggler spits in Nakamura’s face, then Nakamura fights back with a punch and kick. Nakamura tackles Ziggler then hits some knees and elbows of his own. Nakamura knees Ziggler on the side of the head then goes up top. He goes for a flying knee of the top, but Ziggler dodges it. Nakamura elbows Ziggler then hits the Exploder. Nakamura follows up with the running knee to the head for the win.

– We go to another Fashion Police segment where Fandango and Breeze are up to their nose in fashion felonies and clothing catastrophes.

– The Usos (c) def. Fandango & Tyler Breeze: Breeze is wearing a bald cap, blonde mustache, and janitor outfit. Fandango starts off strong with a hurricanrana on Jey, then they both tag in their partners. The referee allows Breeze to take the mop in the ring with him and he trips Jimmy with it then shoves it in his face. Jey tags in, punches Breeze in the face then breaks the mop over his knee. Jey goes up top but Breeze rolls away before he jumps, so Jey comes down. Jey goes to the other turnbuckle that Breeze rolled towards, so Breeze rolls the other direction. When Jey finally gets frustrated and picks Breeze up, Breeze drops him with a kick to the head. Fandango and Jimmy tag in and Fandango reverses a sunset flip and hits a leg drop. Breeze resurfaces dressed as an old lady and Fandango tags him in. Breeze lays out both Usos with dropkicks, then he hits a bronco buster on Jey. Jey comes back with a dropkick, then tags in Jimmy who hits another one on Breeze. Jimmy rips of Breeze’s old lady dress and throws it at JBL (accidentally) at ringside. Fandango gets the hot tag and cleans house. He hits a spinning heel kick on Jey then lays into him with chops to the chest. Fandango hits a tornado DDT off the corner for a near-fall on Jimmy. Breeze tags in (dressed as himself) and works on Jimmy. Jey gets the blind tag and they double team Breeze. Jey accidentally superkicks Jimmy when Breeze ducks it. The Usos roll outside and Breeze jumps on them, but The Usos catch him and throw him over the fan barricade. Fandango hits a suicide dive on the Usos at ringside, then heads back in the ring. Fandango goes up top, but Jimmy grabs Fandango’s leg then Jey catches him with a superkick and immediately pins for the win.

– Sami Zayn def. Baron Corbin: Zayn starts off strong and Corbin gets frustrated. Corbin finally slows Zayn down with some knee strikes, but Zayn levels Corbin with a dropkick that sends Corbin rolling outside. Zayn is selling a lower back injury. They brawl around ringside, with Zayn hitting his signature moonsault off the fan barricade onto Corbin. Back in the ring Zayn is moving slow and selling his back, and Corbin takes advantage with a bear hug. Zayn fights out and Corbin charges towards him, but Zayn ducks and pulls down the top rope causing Corbin to fall outside. Corbin comes back in the ring and hits a spinebuster on Zayn for a two count. Corbin takes his time beating down Zayn until Zayn comes back with a lariat out of nowhere. Zayn fires up and hits another clothesline and an elbow to the face. Zayn climbs up top and hits a cross body on Corbin for a two count. Corbin comes back with a big clothesline for a two count of his own. Corbin hits a chokeslam into a backbreaker for another near-fall. Corbin takes Zayn up top but Zayn punches him in the head and hits a sunset flip powerbomb for a two count. Zayn goes for a t-bone suplex but Corbin fights out. Zayn hits a cruicifix pin for two. Corbin comes right back with the Deep Six for two. Zayn stops Corbin’s offense with a boot to the face, then follows up with a Heluva Kick for the win.

– A limo pulls up with India flags on it, and the Singh Brothers roll out a carpet for Jinder Mahal. Jinder steps out and an interviewer approaches him, but he shuts her down. Jinder starts cutting a promo on how Chicago is full of haters who hate on him because of how he looks and talks. Jinder says he will take the WWE Championship back to India, then speaks to his people in his native language.

– James Ellsworth makes his way to the ring and calls the Chicago fans a bunch of sausages. Ellsworth puts himself over then introduces his home girl Carmella.

– Natalya, Tamina & Carmella def. Charlotte, Becky & Naomi: Ellsworth causes a distraction early on which leads to to the heels shutting down Charlotte. They use frequent tags to keep beating down Charlotte. Naomi gets the hot tag and hits a series of kicks on Carmella. Naomi gets distracted by Tamina at ringside which leads to Carmella beating down Naomi from behind. Carmella hits the bronco buster on Naomi in the corner for two. Naomi fights off Carmella and Natalya, then Tamina tags in and drops her. Naomi almost gets the hot tag to Becky, but Carmella drops Becky from behind before she can tag in. Natalya tags in but Naomi drops her with a hurricanrana. Naomi tags in Becky who cleans house. Becky hits some kicks on Natalya, then a t-bone suplex. Becky hits a forearm to the face for a two count. Becky goes up top but Tamina pushes her off. Natalya goes for a Sharpshooter, but Becky escapes and puts her in the Disarmher. A series of run-ins from their partners leads to Natalya once again going for a Sharpshooter on Becky, and this time she successfully locks it in. Becky taps out and Natalya scores the win for her team via submission.

– Kevin Owens (c) def. AJ Styles: Owens’ U.S. Title is on the line in this one. Owens avoids a dropkick attempt by AJ early on and rolls outside. Back in the ring, Owens catches AJ with a kick and starts beating him down. Owens dodges another dropkick and stomps on AJ. AJ’s third dropkick attempt connects and Owens is down. Owens comes back with some knee strikes and a chin lock to slow the pace down. Owens hits three Senton drops consecutively for a two count. Owens continues to work over AJ until AJ stuns him with a Pele kick. AJ blocks a punch and fires back with a series of elbows to Owens’ face. AJ follows up with a running forearm to the face for a two count. AJ hits a running clothesline on Owens in the corner, then a facebuster for a two count. AJ gets Owens in the Fireman’s Carry then drops Owen’s head on his knee for another two count. AJ goes for his signature springboard moonsault reverse DDT, but Owens dodges it and superkicks AJ. Owens follows up with a pumphandle neckbreaker across his knee for a two count. They exchange punches in the ring until Owens drops AJ’s throat across the top rope. They go out to the apron and AJ looks like he’s going to Styles Clash Owens onto the ringside floor, but Owens fights out and throws AJ into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Owens hits a cannonball in the corner. AJ is selling a knee injury, so Owens ties AJ’s leg up in the rope in the corner and does a cannonball onto his leg. Owens follows up with a Boston Crab, then an ankle lock. Owens takes AJ up to the top turnbuckle, but it backfires on him as AJ hits a sunset flip powerbomb on the Champion. AJ sets up for a Phenomenal Forearm, but his bad leg causes him to slip. Owens follows up with a double underhook DDT for two. Owens smacks AJ in the head a few times and AJ comes back with a Pele kick. AJ goes for a superplex, but Owens reverses into a brainbuster off the middle rope for another two count. AJ rolls out to the apron and Owens goes for a suplex. Styles reverses into a suplex of his own, right onto the corner of the ring apron. Styles jumps off the fan barricade with a forearm shot, then takes Owens ontop of an announce table. Owens fights his way off and AJ’s leg falls into a hole on the table. AJ’s leg gets caught up in the hole and in some wires, and Owens rolls back in the ring to win via countout and retain the U.S. Championship. Owens rolls outside and superkicks AJ in the back of the head before he leaves.

– Luke Harper def. Eric Rowan: Rowan starts off by driving Harper into the corner and laying into him with right hands. Rowan drops Harper with an elbow to the face, then takes him back in the corner for more strikes. Harper comes back with some shots of his own, then he goes up top but Rowan pushes him down onto the ring steps. Rowan follows Harper out to ringside with a baseball slide dropkick, then he throws Harper into the fan barricade. Rowan brings Harper back in the ring and continues the offense. Rowan hits two powerslams on Harper, then a pumphandle backbreaker. Rowan drops Harper with a lariat for a two count. Rowan climbs up top and goes for a splash, but Harper rolls out of the way. Rowan appears to be climbing towards his mask at ringside and reaching towards it, but Harper stomps on him. Rowan rolls outside and Harper follows and clotheslines him into the fan barricade. Harper slams Rowan on the announce table then hits a suicide dive on him. Harper rolls Rowan back in the ring and hits a springboard senton on him. Harper follows up with a big boot but Rowan kicks out at two. Harper hits a tilt-a-whirl side slam for another two count. Rowan fights back with a spinning heel kick and a powerbomb for a two count. Rowan and Harper trade stiff chops in the middle of the ring until Rowan attempts another powerbomb. Harper fights out of this one and hits two superkicks on Rowan. Harper follows up with a discus punch for the win.

– Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton: Randy jumps the bell and beats down Jinder from behind while he’s talking to the Singh Brothers at ringside. They brawl out to ringside and the bell has still not yet officially rung. Orton throws Jinder over the announce table then pummels on him. Orton throws Mahal back in the ring and the referee separates them and allows Mahal to recover before ringing the opening bell. Jinder recovers and the ref calls for the opening bell. The two competitors charge each other with strikes and Orton attempts an RKO early on, but Jinder rolls outside. Orton follows him out and drops him on the floor with a clothesline. Mahal throws Orton into the ring apron and Orton starts selling his left shoulder. Back in the ring, Jinder continues working the shoulder. Orton breaks free and works on Jinder’s knee before hitting him with a few European uppercuts. Jinder comes back with an armbreaker DDT and Orton is once again selling his bad shoulder. Jinder follows up with a knee drop for a wo count, then goes back to the shoulder. They spill out to ringside where Orton back suplexes Mahal onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Mahal comes back with a series of repeated knee drops and a choke. Jinder misses a spear in the corner and slams into the ring post. Jinder goes up top but Orton crotches him on the turnbuckle. Orton superplexes Jinder off the top rope and both men are down. They slowly get up and trade strikes until Orton drops Jinder with a spinning powerslam. Orton hits a fallaway slam for a two count. Orton hits a backbreaker, but he clutches his injured shoulder after delivering it. Orton pulls Jinder across the middle rope and DDTs him. Orton gears up for an RKO but Jinder rolls outside. The Singh Brothers get in Orton’s face so he drops them both. Jinder capitlizes on the distraction by pushing Orton into the ring post twice. Jinder throws Orton back in the ring and as soon as they get in Orton hits an RKO. Orton is unable to pin right away, and the Singh Brothers pull Jinder out to ringside. Orton rolls outside and suplexes both Singh Brothers onto announce tables. Orton takes the Singh Brothers onto the ring apron and hits his DDT through the middle rope on both of them. Jinder sneaks in the ring behind Orton and hits the Cobra Clutch slam for the win! Jinder is the new WWE Champion! Mahal takes the WWE Title belt into the crowd and holds it in the air. He comes back to ringside and celebrates on top of the announce tables with his new Title belt. Jinder rolls into the ring with the Singh Brothers and holds up the Title belt as Backlash goes off the air from Chicago.

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE.

The Miz Names One Good Thing About Both John Cena And Nikki Bella

During the WWE’s recent European Tour, WWE Superstars The Miz and Maryse did some promotional work for the company in France. The Miz was asked a variety of pro wrestling topics and you can check out the best highlights here:

Why he holds the Intercontinental Championship so close to his heart:

“As a kid, growing up, my heroes all had the Intercontinental Championship. Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect, Ric Rude, all of them. And they were the people I looked up to and wanted to be like. So coming to WWE, the one championship I wanted was the Intercontinental Championship. Not only that, I wanted to make it as prestigious as it was when I was a kid, but I also wanted my name to be synonymous with the Intercontinental Championship. That’s exactly what I’m doing and why I have such a pride for that title.”

If he can say one good thing about John Cena and Nikkie Bella:

“One good thing about Nikki Bella and one good thing about John Cena? They’re both gone from the WWE right now. There’s your good thing for both of them. Oh, you’re a big John Cena fan? Are you gonna cry because he’s not gonna be at the show today? What are you five?”

What goals he has left to accomplish in wrestling:

“I have so much more to do. Even though I’ve accomplished so much in WWE as well as having a franchise in The Marine, it’s still not enough for me. I always want more. I think that’s the drive we both (he and Maryse) have. Right? With all you’ve (Maryse) accomplished don’t you want more? It’s always what’s next. It never stops.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , .

Cody Rhodes: There’s Money All Over The Place Outside WWE

Former WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes joined Busted Open Radio recently to talk about what his professional wrestling career has been like since departing from WWE. Rhodes talks about having more freedom on the independent circuit, traveling the world, and money being all over the place outside WWE. You can check out what he had to say here:

Feeling freer in his career since leaving WWE:

“Definitely. I probably could have been a bit more free in my time in WWE. I think if anything this has taught me, or it showed me where my balls were if that makes sense. It put me in a position now where I’m gonna be but free. There’s nobody who’s gonna put a gun to my head other than, like Bubba eloquently put it, the fans at this point. And that’s hands down wherever I go to wrestle. I’m still not exclusive anywhere. In wherever I go it’s been free and it should be nothing but free from here on out.”

Wrestling all over the world after departing from WWE:

“Yeah and I think a big shock, and it wasn’t what I was looking for, Dave Meltzer actually mentioned this to me, I wrestled the other night in a cow palace. A show in the cow palace and it wasn’t for WWE, and he asked me, well is it financially similar? And it’s ridiculous. There’s money all over the place in professional wrestling. Wherever there’s a good product and consistent fans, it’s a – you don’t need it. I needed WWE to build my name and get the brand to where it’s gotten me today. If you look at somebody like The Young Bucks – The Young Bucks could go to WWE if they want whenever, if they wanted to, but they would go for reasons of a match they wanted to have or to be a part of a WrestleMania. They definitely don’t need it. Their brand is making money hand over foot and turning out match of the year performances on a regular basis. They’re a model to me for anybody who thinks you need or there’s a roadmap you have to follow. There is not.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Ryback Doesn’t Think WWE Should Expand Into India

On the latest episode of former WWE Superstar Ryback’s podcast, Conversation With The Big Guy, Ryback discussed Jinder Mahal’s recent push into the main event picture on SmackDown Live, WWE trying to expand in the Indian market, and much more. Here are the highlights:

Jinder Mahal’s push:

“Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with giving a new guy an opportunity. That’s how you discover if you’ve got guys that can hang or not. The thing with him is it’s going to determine, and, obviously, if he’s given any amount of time on the pay-per-view, that’s his time to show what he can do. And, again, I just think it’s… there’s always a reason. They do what they want. It’s their company and they can get any amount of mileage out of him they want, no matter what the match quality is because if they just want a heel to keep in that position, they’ll find a way to make money with it for a while until they want to dump it, but, like, if he goes out there and performs at a high level, they might keep him there longer. Do you know what I mean? Like, so we’ll see.”

Not understanding why the WWE is trying to expand in India:

“I don’t know why. They have the TV deal, but people don’t have any f–king money out there, so I don’t know why they’re trying to [appeal to that market]. I heard that the merchandise sales out there aren’t good. No s–t! Like, I’ve been to India. They don’t have money. There [are] certain people that do, but the ones that do, I’m pretty sure aren’t f–king watching fake fighting.”

Visiting India making him appreciate living state-side even more:

“Man, I don’t know. I’ve been there. It is a unique place, that’s for sure. You realize how good we have it over here when you go to places like that.” Ryback added, “you realize just how overpopulated the world is and how bad [it is]. It’s bad.”

Not feeling safe in India during a mall appearance: 

“I’ve been there for my media appearances years ago for WWE and I had to do a mall appearance, like 13,000, 14,000 people on like a tri-level mall,” Ryback recalled. “They had to run me out of there. When it was over, the people started rushing the barricades and we had only one WWE security guard with me and that was it. I swear to God, it’s the only time I’d been concerned for my safety ever. And they ran me out of there, threw me in a van, and drove me straight to the airport and flew me home.”

You can read the full interview, in which Ryback talks about hating going to places like India and a mishap with the embassy there alongside Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston, here.

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Chris Jericho Offers an Interesting Solution to The Cruiserweight Division’s Problems

WWE Superstar Chris Jericho recently did an interview with Busted Open Radio to discuss his recent run with the company. Jericho talked about the current issues with the WWE’s Cruiserweight division, presented a solution to the problem, and also talked about all the talent he put over this year. Check out the highlights here:

Fixing the Cruiserweight Division’s current problems:

“There’s a lot of that but also, how much more can you do? Also, you say Cruiserweights – you remember things differently than what there were. People say ‘Attitude era was great we want the Attitude Era.’ I’m like, really? Did you forget when Mae Young gave birth to a hand? Did you forget about the Katy Vick necrophilia angle? Really think about what you’re saying. So the Cruiserweight division in WCW, while the style was innovative, a lot of people really didn’t give a damn. I remember vividly, vividly working in a Clash Of Champions, Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero. And you think ‘Oh my gosh, what a dream match.’ It was for the Cruiserweight championship, and nobody gave a sh*t.

“They sat on their hands the whole show and I remember just – I think it was in Nashville or something, but nobody cared. Not one person making noise. Which you might think is crazy, but that’s the way it was. So when you see 205 Live and people are making noise, we went through it too. And it’s like you said, the style isn’t that different from a Seth Rollins, a Jericho, I think I see every single person does an a-tope from Samoa Joe to Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn – so what is the difference? I don’t really know. If you’re going for the characters and personality then that’s “the heavyweight guys.” So what do the Cruiserweights do to try and break through? I don’t know. Neville is a great character but he needs a great babyface to work with.

“And here’s what I think could work, I think if you put Enzo Amore as a Cruiserweight, and put Enzo vs. Neville for the title, have Enzo win it, watch people get interested in the Cruiserweight division. And people at home are going ‘Ah Enzo can’t work!’ It’s not about that. It’s about getting people to care about the title. Get Enzo in there, have him win it, and watch people start to get involved in the 205 Live. Then Neville has someone to work with. He doesn’t have a baby face to work with. He really doesn’t, that’s super genuinely over with the crowd. That will help.”

All the young talent he put over this year:

“Yeah I am, and it’s funny too because even the Dean Ambrose feud, I know a lot of people didn’t like the Asylum match but that whole feud was based around Dean Ambrose being called the Lunatic Fringe, but never doing anything loony. You can’t just call yourself that. So that’s when I came up with the potted plant, smash it over his head. Then he comes back and destroys my light-up jacket because I don’t want that anymore, cause that’s a babyface thing – which I have now brought back into the Fozzy show cause that gets a great reaction as it should. But he destroys the jacket, then I put him in a stray jacket, then I beat the sh*t out of him and we have this big match that culminated into the thumbtack bump. All that stuff was designated to get more of a spotlight onto him and his character.

“Same what I did with AJ, same what I did with Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns, the matches we had always tore the house down. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, it was a great year to work with all those guys because work wise I can still teach them and keep up with them if that’s the word you want to use. Eclipse them if that’s the word you want to use. But they all have the same attitude I have in my “generation.” They just want to have a great match. They don’t really care about this, that, or the other thing, we just want to have as good a match as possible. And I can help with the character of that.

“I remember where I used to have this thing where I wear the scarf and I refuse to take it off. I won’t take it off. Then finally the babyface takes it off and holds it, and what’s he gonna do with it? I would have Seth Rollins blow his nose it in, or have Roman Reigns put it on and prance around – people would love it. Finn Balor did that too. It gives these people who haven’t really had a chance to show what a character is, the character of being jus this guy who is going to screw with Chris Jericho. And of course I said accordingly you have your match right there, you’re off to the races. it was fun doing that and helping the guys. And also it was good for me, it helped me hone my style and evolve my way of doing things. It was definitely one of my favorite years ever.”

Listen to the full interview at this link.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Former WWE Talent on Why AJ Styles Turned Down WWE Initially

Former WWE talent Simon Dean was recently a guest on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show to talk about a variety of pro wrestling topics. During the interview, Dean revealed why AJ Styles declined to sign with WWE in favor of TNA years ago. You can check out what he had to say here:

“I was right there for it,” Dean said. “It was me and AJ. We were in Australia doing a tour for World Wrestling All-Stars. I told him I had been signed by WWE. They had a tryout in Cincinnati and he had went to that. I thought I was going to have to go to that, and I didn’t, I went right through it. In Cincinnati, he’d told me basically, after the tour in Australia we’d come back, and they had a [show] in Vegas.

“Bob Ryder and Jeff Jarrett had come up to me, and they told me that they were launching this new company called TNA. I told them that I had just signed with WWE, and I want to give it a shot. They wanted me to come to TNA, and they wanted to build the company around AJ. So, it’s not that AJ never wanted to go to the WWE, it was just that the offer was never right for AJ to come to WWE.”

You can listen to the interview by clicking here.

H/T to Daily DDT for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Brian Pillman Jr. Training With Rip Rogers

The son of the late- Brian Pillman has recently begun his training to become a pro-wrestler. While he had originally reached out to Lance Storm’s school, it appears he has settled on Ohio Valley Wrestling.

Rip Rogers, who sent out the original “….dive” tweet last week, is the head trainer at the school. OVW is also near Pillman’s hometown of Cincinnati.

https://twitter.com/IanisaGoodDude/status/866299021291278336

Brian Pillman’s Family

Brian Pillman Sr. was 35 when he died. He already had 3 of his own children at the time, and his wife Melanie was pregnant with his 2nd son when he died. Pillman had also adopted two of Melanie’s children.

The 23-year old Pillman Jr. was only an infant when his father died in 1997. Many believe the elder Pillman was far ahead of his time. The “Beyond the Ring” on his life and career is on the WWE Network, and a great watch.

Pillman Jr. posted the following to Instagram yesterday:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUU33WzDP3N/

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News. Tagged: .

Video Highlights from The Rock Hosting SNL

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson hosted Saturday Night Live’s season finale this past weekend. In doing so, he joined the exclusive club of people who have hosted the show 5 times or more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUXqjLNlCat/

Check out these highlights from The Rock on SNL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPNnkvNTTM

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News. Tagged: .

The UK Scene Reacts to Pete Dunne vs Tyler Bate at NXT Takeover: Chicago

Pete Dunne was crowned the 2nd ever WWE United Kingdom Champion at last night’s NXT Takeover event in Chicago.

The win in Chicago held extra significance for Pete Dunne. He mentioned on Twitter that he had been to RAW in the Allstate Arena 3 years prior as a fan:

Many fans and critics were calling his bout with Tyler Bate the match of the night and now members of the UK independent scene have taken to Twitter to show their appreciation for the match and the two competitors.

https://twitter.com/Tyler_Bate/status/866106992380846080

https://twitter.com/Tyler_Bate/status/866106992380846080

https://twitter.com/MartyScurll/status/866094322151641090

https://twitter.com/Ligero1/status/866093116369010688

Were you a fan of the match? Have you been keeping up with the WWE’s UK Division or is this the first you have seen either man perform? Let us know in the comments

 

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, NXT. Tagged: , , .

NJPW: Best of the Super Juniors Day 3 Results

New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.

The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.

Here are the results from Day 3 of tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.

Non Tournament Match – Hirai Kawato & Tomoyuki Oka b. Katsuya Kitamura & Shota Amino – Oka scored the win for his team with a Single Leg Crab on Umino.

Non Tournament Match –Taichi & TAKA Michinoku b. Will Ospreay & Jado – TAKA and Taichi of Suzuki-Gun took the win after Taichi hit a Super Kick on Jado

Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. ACH – Kanemaru won in just over 10 minutes with the Deep Impact, he is now 1-1 in the tournament, ACH is also 1-1.

Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Tiger Mask IV b. KUSHIDA – Tiger Mask won the match with his Tiger Suplex in what can only be described as an upset. Tiger is now 1-1 and KUSHIDA is 0-2.

https://twitter.com/KUSHIDA_0904/status/864468080948375552

Non Tournament Match – Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson, Jushin Thunder Liger & David Finlay – Bullet Club took the win after Yujiro hit the Pimp Juice on Finlay

Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – El Desperado b. BUSHI – Desperado took the win via pinfall to move to 2-0 in the tournament, BUSHI is now at 0-2

Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Ryusuke Taguchi b. Volador Jr. – Taguchi hit the Dodon to advance to 2-0 in the tournament, Volador is now at 1-1

Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Ricochet & Dragon Lee – Naito secured the win for his team after hitting the Destino on Kojima

Posted May 21st, 2017 in News, NJPW. Tagged: , , , , .

NXT TakeOver: Chicago (5/20) Recap & Reaction

Roderick Strong vs Eric Young

Roderick Strong came through the crowd and attacked members of Sanity ringside. Strong then went after Young right when the match started and sent him flying into the turnbuckle. Strong then Clotheslined him out of the ring and followed him out there. Young tried to get away as Roderick beat him down outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Strong connected with a Dropkick that knocked Young to the mat. Strong continued his attack with a couple of chops in the corner.

Eric Young fought back and took control of the match by hitting a Neckbreaker for a two count. Killian Dain and Alexander Wolf paced around the ring as Eric Young continued the beatdown. Strong knocked Young to the mat and then hit Wolf with a Dropkick under the bottom rope. Killian Dain then took out Strong with a Crossbody outside the ring as the referee was distracted.

Back in the ring, Young leaped off the second rope and connected with an elbow to the back of Strong’s head for a two count. Young once again was distracted and Wolf kicked Roderick in the head while he was on the ring apron. The crowd chanted “lets go Roddie!” as Young applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Young controlled the next few minutes of the match but Strong connected with a Dropkick while Young was in midair.

Strong hit a Backbreaker and followed it up with a knee to Young’s face. Eric Young then rolled out of the ring to try to avoid Strong. Roderick got onto the ring apron but Young grabbed him and planted him with the Wheelbarrow Neckbreaker onto the floor outside the ring. Young brought Strong back into the ring and went for the pinfall but Roderick kicked out at two.

Both Superstars got back to their feet and traded punches. Young got the upper-hand and knocked Strong to the mat. Young climbed up the turnbuckle but Strong joined him up there. Young headbutted Strong to the mat and connected with a massive Elbow Drop for a two count. Young went for the Wheelbarrow Neckbreaker again but Strong blocked it. Strong then kicked Killian Dain off the ring apron and threw Young into Wolf on the ring apron.

Young poked Strong in the eye and climbed back up the turnbuckle. Strong once again joined him there and went for the Superplex but Young clubbed him in the chest. Young went for a Superplex of his own but Strong blocked it. Strong connected with a kick to Young’s head and Young fell onto Dain and Wolfe outside the ring. Back in the ring, Strong lifted Young up for a Suplex and dropped him into a Double Knee Backbreaker for the victory.

Winner: Roderick Strong

Reaction: NXT TakeOver: Chicago started off with a great match between Strong and Young. The finish to this match was awesome and the crowd was into the match the entire time.

UK Championship Match: Tyler Bate (c) vs Pete Dunne

Jim Ross was on commentary for this one and got a great response from the Chicago crowd when he was introduced before the match.

Dunne took control of the match early and brought Bate to the mat. Bate escaped and both Superstars got back to their feet and locked up. Dunne once again got the upper-hand and locked in an Arm Bar. Bate broke the hold and hit a Dropkick and Dunne rolled out of the ring. Bate followed Dunne out of the ring but Dunne was ready and punched Bate in the face. Dunne tried to stomp on Bate’s hand on the steel steps but Tyler avoided it and punched Dunne in the face.

Dunne Suplexed Bate onto the ring apron and climbed back into the ring to break the referee’s count. Dunne then posed for the crowd and then once again locked in an Arm Bar on Bate. Dunne broke the hold on stomped on the chest of Bate. Dunne connected with a series of kicks to the back of Bate’s head. Bate powered back to his feet and connected with an Exploder Suplex.

Bate hit a couple of running uppercuts on Dunne in the corner. Bate went for a third but Dunne countered with with a kick to Bate’s head. Bate battled back and planted Dunne with a German Suplex for a two count. Bate went for a standing Moonsault but Dunne caught him and applied a Triangle submission hold in the middle of the ring. Bate showed tremendous strength and lifted Dunne off the mat and slammed him back down to break the hold.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as Bate got back to his feet first. Bate lifted Dunne onto his shoulders and spun him around several times and finally dropped him to the mat. The crowd rose to their feet as Bate went for a pinfall. Dunne kicked out at two and both Superstars got back to their feet. Bate went for a German Suplex but Dunne landed on his feet. Dunne connected with a punch to Bate’s head and followed it up with a Powerbomb for a two count. The crowd once again got back on their feet and applauded the two Superstars in the ring.

“NXT!” chants echoed throughout the arena as both Superstars laid on the mat. Dunne and Bate traded punches in the middle of the ring. Bate raised his right hand and then punched Dunne in the face with his left hand. Dunne responded by connected with a kick to Bate’s head. Dunne launched Bate into the ropes but Tyler bounced off and connected with a massive Clothesline for a two count.

The crowd chanted “fight forever!” as both Superstars got back to their feet. Dunne lifted Bate up for the Flatliner but Bate countered it into a ridiculous Tornado DDT that sent Dunne flying out of the ring. Bate leaped onto the second turnbuckle and hit a Moonsault on Dunne outside the ring. Back in the ring, Bate hit a Corkscrew 450 Splash for a two count and Dunne once again escaped outside the ring.

Bate leaped over the top rope but Dunne moved out of the way and Bate crashed to the floor. Dunne brought Bate back in the ring and hit the Bitter End for the victory.

Winner & New UK Champion: Pete Dunne

Reaction: This match was something special and is worth watching if you missed it. The crowd added so much energy to this match and both Dunne and Bate performed very well. It is hard to believe that Tyler Bate is this excellent in the ring at just 20 years of age. Pete Dunne is also incredible in the ring and deserves to hold the UK Championship. It was also great to hear Jim Ross on commentary again. This match will be hard to top for match of the night during NXT TakeOver: Chicago.

NXT Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs Nikki Cross vs Ruby Riot

Cross whipped her jacket at Ruby Riot to start off the match and knocked her out of the ring. Riot got back up to the ring apron but was immediately knocked back to the floor outside the ring. Asuka launched Cross out of the ring and Riot got back into the ring. The crowd was behind Ruby Riot in the match. Asuka and Riot locked up. Riot knocked Asuka out of the ring and Nikki Cross attacked Ruby Riot. The action spilled outside the ring as Riot punched Asuka in the face.

The injured Ember Moon was shown watching the match from the crowd with her arm in a sling. Back in the ring, Cross connected with a Neckbreaker to Riot. Asuka climbed to the rope and hit Cross with a Dropkick. Cross planted Asuka with a Neckbreaker or a two count. Ruby Riot got back into the ring and was greeted with a Powerbomb from Asuka. Asuka then locked in the Ankle Lock on Ruby Riot but Nikki Cross broke up the hold. Asuka charged at Cross but missed and went tumbling out of the ring.

Cross laughed at Ruby in the ring. Ruby Riot responded by knocking Cross to the mat with a Clothesline. Asuka got back into the ring, but was sent back out of the ring with a Hurricanrana from Ruby Riot. Asuka got back onto the ring apron but Nikki Cross knocked her to the floor. Ruby Riot connected with a Suicide Dive through the second rope onto Asuka.

Back in the ring, Riot climbed to the top turnbuckle and leaped onto Nikki Cross. Riot went for a pinfall but Asuka broke it up and planted Ruby with a German Suplex. Ruby Riot kicked Cross in the midsection and Asuka planted Cross with a German Suplex. Riot then kicked Asuka in the face and climbed to the top rope. Riot tried to leap onto Asuka but Asuka countered it into the Asuka Lock. Nikki Cross broke up the hold and slammed Riot onto the ring apron.

Asuka went for a baseball slide onto Cross but Cross pulled up the ring apron and Asuka got hung up in it. Cross then beat the hell out of Asuka while she was trapped in the ring apron. Cross then brought Asuka back in the ring, hung her up on the top turnbuckle and slammed her to the mat with a Neckbreaker. Cross went for a pinfall but Riot got back in the ring and broke it up. Both Cross and Riot went for a Crossbody and both Superstars collided.

Cross and Riot Clotheslined Asuka out of the ring. Riot connected with a Pele Kick and went for the pinfall but Asuka broke it up. Asuka then kicked Riot in the face and pinned both Cross and Riot at the same time for the victory.

Winner & Still NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka

Reaction: The match started off clunky but picked up towards the end. The finish felt a bit random, but overall this was still an entertaining match.

NXT Championship Match: Bobby Roode (c) vs Hideo Itami

Roode posed in the ring to start off the match and Itami almost hit the GTS right away. Roode escaped out of the ring and gathered himself. Back in the ring, Roode applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Itami broke the hold and hit a vicious elbow than knocked Roode to the mat. Roode battled back and slammed Itami into the turnbuckle. Roode went for a right hand but Itami ducked and connected with a chop to Roode’s chest.

Itami knocked Roode to the mat and connected with a series of kicks to the back and chest of Bobby Roode. Itami mocked Roode’s “glorious” pose and Roode charged at him. Itami went for a DDT off the second rope but Roode knocked him to the mat. Roode then leaped off the second rope and hit a Blockbuster for a two count. Roode then continued the assault by stomping on Itami.

Roode connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Roode applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Itami broke the hold and went for a backslide pin but Roode kicked out at two. Roode then connected with another Clothesline and Itami fell to the mat. Itami got back to his feet and slapped Roode in the face. Itami hit a running kick to Roode’s face and both Superstars fell to the mat.

Itami hit a Clothesline and then planted Roode with a Suplex. Itami climbed to the top rope and and hit a Clothesline for a two count. Itami went for the GTS but Roode blocked it and sent Itami into the corner. Roode charged at Itami but Itami moved and Roode slammed into the ring post. Itami locked in an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Roode escaped it but was promptly slammed into the turnbuckle.

Both Superstars battled on the top turnbuckle. Roode knocked Itami to the mat and went for another Blockbuster but Itami avoided it. Itami hit a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Itami stayed on the attack by connecting with several kicks to the midsection of Roode. Itami charged at Roode but Roode was ready and planted him with a Spinebuster for a two count.

Roode went for the Glorious DDT but his shoulder gave out. Itami then went for the GTS but Roode escaped to the ring apron. Roode then hung up Itami’s neck on the top rope and then slammed his head into the barricade outside the ring. Itami responded by slamming Roode shoulder-first into the steel steps. Itami then went for a Dropkick but Roode got out of the way and Itami slammed into the steel steps.

The action to returned to the ring and both Superstars traded punches. Itami got the upper-hand and knocked Roode to the mat. Itami then hit a Dropkick as Roode was against the turnbuckle. Itami went for the GTS but his leg gave out. Roode then hit the Glorious DDT but Itami kicked out at two. Itami hit the GTS and Roode fell outside the ring. The “CM Punk!” chants started immediately as Itami rolled Roode back in the ring. Itami lifted Roode up for another GTS but Roode avoided it.

Itami hit a series of slaps to Roode’s face and knocked him to the mat. Itami went for the GTS and Roode countered it into a Glorious DDT. Roode then rolled through and hit another Glorious DDT for the victory.

Winner & Still NXT Champion: Bobby Roode

Reaction: Roode and Itami put on a great match. The crowd was dead for a good majority of it, but got into it towards the end. Roode’s reign as NXT Champion continues, but he is destined to join WWE’s main roster.

NXT Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: The Authors of Pain vs #DIY

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa climbed up the ladder on the entrance ramp before making their way to the ring. Akam and Rezar paced around the ring waiting for the bell to ring as the titles were lifted above the ring. Gargano and Ciampa started out on the offensive but Akam and Rezar knocked them to the mat. Gargano and Ciampa then knocked Akam and Rezar out of the ring as the crowd cheered.

Gargano and Ciampa grabbed ladders from under the ring. Akam slammed Gargano into the barricade and Rezar did the same to Ciampa. Rezar charged at Ciampa but Ciampa tripped him up and Rezar slammed into the steel steps. Gargano then leaped onto Akam off the ring apron. Gargano and Ciampa then brought the oversized ladder that was on the entrance ramp to the ring.

The ladder was leaning against the ring ropes and Gargano hit a Suicide Dive through it onto Akam and Rezar. Gargano and Ciampa set up a ladder in the ring and climbed it. Akam got back in the ring, but was greeted with a ladder to the face. Rezar got into the ring but #DIY was ready for him and beat him down in the corner. Gargano tried to leap onto Rezar but was caught and got slammed onto Ciampa’s back.

Akam held the ladder as Rezar slowly tried to climb it. Ciampa knocked him down by hitting him with another ladder. Both Rezar and Akam were on their hands and knees and Gargano and Ciampa slammed a ladder across their backs. Ciampa tried to quickly climb the ladder but he was knocked down and got a ladder slammed into his face.

Both members of The Authors of Pain tried to climb up the ladder but were brought back down. Both Ciampa and Gargano tried to quickly climb up the ladder but the ladder was pushed over and they both fell into the top rope. Ciampa was pinned to the turnbuckle by a ladder between the second and top rope. Rezar and Akam then booted the ladder into the midsection of Ciampa several times.

Rezar and Akam then slammed a ladder into Ciampa and Gargano and knocked them out of the ring. The Authors of Pain set up two ladders from the ring apron to the barricade and brought #DIY to the ring apron. Rezar and Akam went for Powerbombs but both Gargano and Ciampa avoided them. Gargano hit Akam with a Superkick. Both Rezar and Akam were then laid out on top of the ladders.

The gigantic ladder was then set up in between both members of The Authors of Pain. Gargano and Ciampa climbed to the top of the ladder and leaped onto Rezar and Akam. Both ladders broke and everyone fell to the floor as the crowd chanted “holy sh**!”. Ciampa was the first Superstar to get back into the ring and he set up a ladder.

Akam joined Ciampa in the ring and both Superstars slowly climbed the ladder. Gargano set up another ladder next to them in the ring. Ciampa and Akam traded punches on one ladder as Gargano and Rezar climbed the other. Ciampa was knocked off the ladder and bounced off the ropes and hit the ladder with Gargano and Rezar on it. Gargano quickly leaped to the other ladder as Rezar fell to the floor. Gargano then knocked Akam to the mat and was about to grab the titles but Paul Ellering prevented it. Gargano then hit Ellering with a Superkick.

Rezar and Akam then beatdown both Ciampa and Gargano as Ellering cheered them on while laying against the barricade outside the ring. Rezar and Akam went to charge at Ciampa with the ladder but Gargano shoved him out of the way. The Authors of Pain then slammed the ladder into Gargano’s face. Rezar had his hands on the titles but Ciampa pulled him off and slammed him through a ladder in the corner of the ring.

Akam then climbed the ladder and Gargano grabbed his leg. Akam climbed down the ladder and shoved Gargano to the mat. Gargano hit Akam with a Superkick and Akam fell to his knees with a ladder wrapped around his neck. #DIY then hit Meeting in the Middle on Akam while his head was in between the rungs of the ladder. Gargano and Ciampa once gain set up a ldder and started to climb.

Rezar and Akam knocked the ladder out from under them and Gargano and Ciampa hung above the ring. The Authors of Pain then hit the Super Collider on #DIY. Rezar and Akam then climbed the ladder and grabbed their titles.

The crowd gave a standing ovation to #DIY after the match as they got back up to their feet. Ciampa then attacked Gargano at the top of the entrance ramp and hit him with a vicious knee to the face. Ciampa then lowered his knee pad and hit him with another knee to the face. Ciampa then slammed Gargano off the announcer’s table and through a couple of tables on the floor.  NXT TakeOver: Chicago went off the air with the crowd booing Ciampa as he stood on the announce table.

Winners & Still NXT Tag Team Champions: The Authors of Pain

Reaction: This match was awesome. NXT TakeOver: Chicago had something for everyone. The UK Championship match was a terrific wrestling match. The NXT Tag Team Championship match was pure chaos and incredibly fun to watch. Every match was solid and overall this event was great.

What did you think of NXT TakeOver: Chicago? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted May 20th, 2017 in News, NXT.

NXT Takeover: Chicago (5/20) Results & Discussion

NXT Takeover: Chicago aired live on May 20th, 2017 on the WWE Network from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

– The show opens up with a video about underdogs in the city of Chicago. Bobby Roode tells the camera that the story of the underdog doesn’t exist in his NXT.

– Roderick Strong def. Eric Young: Sanity comes out with Young, and Strong lays them out before the match so it’s just him and Young to start off. Strong starts off strong and controls the pace against Young early on. Young mounts a brief comeback but Strong shuts him down with a series of forearm shots and a knee to the face. The action spills out to ringside and Killian drops Strong when the referee’s back is turned. Back in the ring, Young takes control until he attempts a cross-body off the top and Strong blocks it with a dropkick. Strong hits some elbows and punches, then a series of clotheslines. Strong drops Young with a back breaker then hits a running knee in the corner. Strong hits a back suplex for a near-fall. They roll out to ringside where Young hits a neckbreaker on Young on the floor, and both men are down. Young hits a flying elbow off the top rope, then Sanity starts to get on the apron but Strong knocks them off. Strong and Young go to the top rope where Strong hits a knee to the face that sends Young flying down to ringside ontop of Sanity. Back in the ring, Young comes back with a boot to the face, but Strong comes back with another knee to the face. Strong hits his signature backbreaker for the win, then flees the ring as Sanity comes in after him.

– Pete Dunne def. Tyler Bate: Jim Ross comes out first to join the commentary team and gets a big pop from the Chicago crowd. Dunn controls the opening moments with mat wrestling and he works over Bate’s left hand. Things spill out to ringside where Bates leaps off the ring steps with a flying elbow on Dunne. Dunne comes back with a vertical suplex onto the ring apron. Back in the ring, Dunne boots Bate in the face several times, then Bates comes back with a t-bone suplex. Bate throws Dunne in the corner where he hits a running European uppercut. Dunne comes back with a knee to the face and he attempts a suplex, but Bate gets out and hits a suplex of his own for a near-fall. Bate goes for a standing shooting star press but Dunne catches him in a triangle choke. Dunne hits some punches and elbows, but Bate picks him up and slams him with a powerbomb. Bate gets Dunne on his shoulders in the fireman’s carry position and spins him around, then pins him for a two count. Dunne comes back with a forearm shot to the face and hits a powerbomb for a near-fall. The two men trade punches in the middle of the ring until Bate drops Dunne. Dunne comes back with a kick to the head and both men are down. They trade strikes again, then Bate attempts a tiger suplex but fails. Bate comes right back with a DDT that sends Dunne rolling out to ringside. Bate hits a moonsault off the top onto Dunne on the floor, then slides him in the ring for a corkscrew 450 splash off the top, but still only gets a two count. Dunne rolls outside and Bate attempts a suicide dive and misses. Dunne rolls him back in the ring and hits his finisher for the win to win the UK Championship.

– Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross: Nikki gets taken out early on, then Ruby drops Asuka and sends her outside. Ruby gears up for a suicide dive but Nikki sideswipes her and drops her. All three women out to ringside now where Riot takes control. Ember Moon is shown watching in the crowd. Things go back in the ring where Asuka hits a missile dropkick off the top onto Nikki and she falls onto Ruby. Ruby hits some leg kicks on Asuka but Asuka stops her and hits a powerbomb. Asuka puts her in an ankle lock, but then Nikki runs in and hits Asuka from behind. Nikki and Ruby start going at it with strikes until Asuka comes back into the fray and hits Ruby. Ruby drops Asuka with a hurricanrana, then Ruby slams Nikki into the corner. Asuka takes Nikki outside and drops her with a knee to the face, then Ruby hits a suicide dive on Asuka outside. Ruby takes Nikki back in the ring for a senton drop off the top rope for a two count. Asuka hits a suplex on Ruby for another two count. Asuka grabs Nikki next, but Nikki fights away and hits a neckbreaker for a two count. Ruby superkicks Nikki which directly leads to Asuka hitting a German Suplex on Nikki. Ruby then kicks Asuka and attempts a senton drop off the top on her, but Asuka rolls out of the way and locks Ruby in the Asuka Lock. Nikki hits a splash on Asuka to break the Lock.

– Bobby Roode (c) def. Hideo Itami: Itami attempst the Go 2 Sleep early on, but Roode escapes and rolls outside. Back in the ring, Itami hits a series of knee strikes to take control of the match. Itami works on Roode in the corner and attempts a Tornado DDT, but Roode fights him off and hits a Blockbuster for a two count. Roode controls the next few moments of the match and starts slapping Itami on the back of the head while he’s down. Itami gets back up and slaps Roode across the face, then hits a flurry of strikes that leaves Roode down. Itami drops Roode’s neck across the top rope, then hits a flying clothesline off the top turnbuckle for a two count. Itami tees off on Roode with kicks until Roode ducks one and attempts a rollup. Itami grabs Roode’s arm to block the pin and attempts an arm submission but it doesn’t happen. Itami throws more kicks at Roode then goes for a running knee but Roode catches him with a spinebuster for a two count. Roode attempts a DDT, but Itami fights out. Itami goes for the Go 2 Sleep, but Roode gets out and drops Itami’s throat over the top rope. Roode and Itami brawl around ringside before rolling back inside where they exchange forearm strikes. Itami drops Roode in the corner and hits a running dropkick on him. Roode escapes a Go 2 Sleep attempt by Itami and hits the implant DDT for a two count. Roode is selling a shoulder injury, and Itami is selling a leg injury. Itami hits a Go 2 Sleep out of nowhere on Roode, but Roode immediately rolls outside and Itami is unable to follow up with the pin. Itami gets Roode back in the ring and slaps him in the face several times. Itami goes for another Go 2 Sleep, but Roode gets out and hits not one but two Glorious DDTs for the win to retain the NXT Title.

– Kevin Owens, Pat Patterson and others are shown in the crowd watching the show at the Allstate Arena.

– Authors of Pain (c) def. DIY: All four men start brawling right off the bell, with DIY getting the upper hand and sending the Authors outside. Ciampa hits a drop two hold on Akam into the ring steps, then hits a cross body on him. Gargano hits a suicide dive on Rezar, then DIY grabs the ladder. Back in the ring, Akam side suplexes Gargano ontop of Ciampa. The Authors start climbing a ladder towards the belts hanging above the ring, but Ciampa grabs another ladders and uses it to bat them off. DIY clams the ladder onto the Authors then start climbing, but the Authors push them off. The Authors take some time to beat down Ciampa and Gargano to keep them grounded before they go back for the belts. They start to climb the ladder, but decide against it in favor of beating down DIY some more. The Authors hit Ciampa and Gargano with a ladder and send them rolling outside. The Authors grab another big ladder and slide it in the ring, then they take two other tables and prop them up between the ring and fan barricade like tables. The Authors go to powerbomb DIY into the propped up ladders, but Ciampa and Gargano both escape. DIY comes back with strikes on the Authors, then they lay them ontop of the propped up tables. Ciampa and Gargano both climb up a big ladder standing upright and they both hit splashes onto Rezar and Akam through the ladders below. Back in the ring, all four men start climbing ladders towards the belts until DIY pushes the Authors off. Paul Ellering runs in and pushes over the ladder, so Gargano superkicks him. The Authors come back in and lay out both Ciampa and Gargno. The Authors deliver a ladder shot right to the face of Gargano then they start climbing towards the Titles. Ciampa runs up the ladder and suplexes Rezar off of it through another ladder in the corner of the ring. Akam starts going for the Title but Gargano grabs his leg to stop him. Ciampa and Gargano both superkick Rezar a couple times, then they go for the Titles. The Authors come back in and shove the ladder over, then deliver a couple of powerbombs to the DIY members. Rezar and Akam immediately climb up and grab the Tag Titles while Gargano and Ciampa are recovering from the powerbombs.

– After the match, the copyright logo shows and DIY heads up the ramp. Out of nowhere, Ciampa turns on Gargano and throws him into the Titantron. Ciampa hits two running knees to the face, and Gargano tries to hug Ciampa’s leg. Ciampa takes Gargano to the top of the announce table, then slams him through some production equipment on the floor. Referees check on Gargano and Ciampa watches as Takeover goes off the air.

Posted May 20th, 2017 in NXT.

Dolph Ziggler Releases Promo on Twitter Hyping Match with Nakamura

Dolph Ziggler has released a promo via Twitter hyping his bout against Shinsuke Nakamura at Sunday’s Backlash event on the WWE Network.

In the short video Dolph talks about the WWE Universe liking ‘shiny new toys’ and how he built a following and gained the respect of the fans organically. Ziggler also talks about the perception that he is a ‘gatekeeper’ for the NXT stars and how him beating Nakamura means the ‘entire business’ will win.

It is certainly worth checking out the 2 minute video below, Dolph speaks straight in to the camera and it is the most passionate and ‘real’ he has felt in a very long time.

https://twitter.com/HEELZiggler/status/865959323033141249

Posted May 20th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , .

Card For NXT Takeover: Chicago (5/20), Live Coverage Tonight

NXT Takeover: Chicago takes place tonight at the Allstate Arena and airs live on the WWE Network at 8 PM ET. Join us tonight for live play-by-play Takeover: Chicago coverage and discussion!

Below is the entire card for tonight’s show. On Friday, Triple H shot down internet rumors that Tommaso Ciampa was injured, so the NXT Tag Title Match is still on as-scheduled.

NXT Takeover: Chicago card:

NXT Championship
– Bobby Roode (c) vs. Hideo Itami

NXT Women’s Championship
– Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross

NXT Tag Team Championship Ladder Match
– Authors Of Pain (c) vs. DIY

WWE United Kingdom Championship
– Tyler Bate (c) vs. Pete Dunne

– Roderick Strong vs. Eric Young

Some matches for next week’s NXT TV will be taped prior to tonight’s pay-per-view. Drew McIntyre will take on Wesley Blake in singles action, and Aleister Black is also scheduled to be in action.

  • Discussion: What do you think the best match on tonight’s show will be? Comment with your predictions!

Posted May 20th, 2017 in News, NXT.

Impact Highlights: Low Ki Defends, Ultimate X Returns

Impact Wrestling
airdate: May 18th 2017
Orlando, FL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFEmVFi7JV8

1. GFW World Tag Team Title Tournament 
LAX (Santana & Ortiz) vs. Garza Jr. & Laredo Kid 

Lax are already the Impact tag champs, but this tournament is for the GWF tag titles. Garza Jr. & Laredo Kid are two of the young luchadors who left AAA to join Konnan in the relatively newly formed Crash promotion.

Diamante ended up getting involved for Lax, taking out Garza Jr. on the outside. This allowed Sanatan & Ortiz to hit a Doomsday Device type move, but replace the top rope clothes line with a blockbuster into a power-bomb.

Winners: LAX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9wnncGHcBY

  • Bruce Pritchard and Magnus have a confrontation in the back. Magnus is upset that he had to take on El Patron so soon after taking on Matt Morgan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_gqP6Cfz8s

2. Kongo Kong w/Laurel Van Ness vs. Braxton Sutter w/Allie

During this match Matthews mentioned that Impact plans on running live events shortly.

Kongo Kong took the advantage early, but Sutter was able to make a comeback after Kong missed a cannonball in the corner. Sutter tried to take the big man down with kicks, but never was able to. Kongo cut off his comeback with an avalanche in the corner, then followed it up with a side-driver type move and got the 3-count.

After the match, KM and Sienna hit the ring and started laying the boots into Sutter. Van Ness held Allie back. Mahabali Shera made the save. Sutter then challenged Kong and KM to a tag match against him and Shera for next week.

Winner: Kongo Kong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxc5lPgTt3M

3. James Storm vs. EC3

Magnus was on commentary for this match. Storm dressed up as a cowboy last week and then delivered a beatdown to Storm with the leather strap to the back.

The leather strap found its way into this match as well, as EC3 lost it mid-match and started using the strap on the referee. This led to Magnus getting involved as well, and eventually Bruce Pritchard came out to confront EC3.

Winner: James Storm via DQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIAqf2Q60e4

  • Bruce Pritchard told EC3 he needed to “find his balls”, which caused EC3 to beat him up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIWfq6lfU60

4. Global Force Women’s Championship
ODB vs. Sienna (c)

The 29 year old Sienna has been wrestling since 2008, and is really starting to get her due in Impact as of late. Before landing in Impact, Sienna did tours in Japan and competed for Shine and various smaller promotions. She picked up her first successful title defence here as well.

Sienna got the majority of the offence, and a clean win in this match. She took the early advantage, until ODB was able to make a short comeback. After ODB missed a move from the 2nd rope, Sienna hit the Silencer and got the pin.

Win: Sienna (retains)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jgfZxfkCDc

  • Jeremy Borash announced he has obtained a lawyer, and according to his legal documents he is now reinstated on the announce team.

  • Turns out JB’s lawyer is Joseph Park, the “brother” of Decay’s Abyss.
  • Park informs everyone that Borash is now the lead announcer for Impact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yKHoY9Xv0Q

  • Mathews tells Park he’s Abyss, which upsets him.
  • Park than says he will tag with Borash at Slammiversary (July 2nd) against Mathews and whoever he can get to be his partner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoboBdddMKY

5. X-Division Championship
Ultimate X Match
Low-Ki (c) vs. Trevor Lee w/Shane Helms vs. Andrew Everett

Low Ki is currently 5th in total days spent as X-Division champ. In 11 days he will pass Petey Williams on that list. Chris Sabin is the leader in this category, having spent 432 days as champ over 8 reigns. Austin Aries and Samoa Joe are #2 and #3 respectively.

Low-Ki, who wrestled in a full suit again, pulled out the victory here. Both Everett and Lee scaled the ropes, while Low-KI scaled the metal barrier and kicked both his opponents down. He grabbed the belt and retained his title.

Winner: Low-Ki (retains)

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, TNA.

Jinder Mahal Now A Betting Favorite To Win At Backlash

With just a few days until Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view, Jinder Mahal is now a betting favorite to defeat Randy Orton for the WWE Championship.

According to WWELeaks.org (via betting site Paddy Power), Randy Orton was the favorite (1/6) and Jinder Mahal was the underdog (7/2) when the betting market opened on Wednesday.

The odds remained consistent on Friday morning, when things started to narrow. By Friday afternoon, there was a surge in betting for Jinder Mahal, who is now a 3/10 favorite over Orton (11/5).

We’ll keep an eye on the betting lines over the next couple days and will provide an update if there are any more significant shifts. There is still time to see things shift back in Orton’s favor, but things are looking good for Jinder as of this writing.

Join us here this Sunday for our Live Coverage of WWE Backlash.

Discussion: If Jinder Mahal does become WWE Champion at Backlash, which SmackDown superstar do you want him to feud with first

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

HHH Comments on Tommaso Ciampa’s Status for Takeover: Chicago

Tommaso Ciampa, 1/2 of Team DIY along with Johnny Gargano, appeared to injure his ankle recently at a house show. The injury caused the referee to give the “X” signal, which normally indicates a performer has been legitimately injured.

On the NXT media conference call earlier, HHH was asked about Ciampa’s status, and confirmed there was no break or fracture to his ankle, and his match at Takeover is still on.

Team DIY challenges the Authors of Pain in a ladder match for the NXT tag team championships at Takeover: Chicago.

Team DIY vs. Authors of Pain

Gargano & Ciampa became the 10th team to wear NXT tag team gold at NXT Takeover: Toronto in November. They defeated the 2x NXT tag champs the Revival in a best 2-of-3 falls match.

They would drop the belts to the Authors of Pain at Takeover: San Antonio back in January however. Since that time, the Revival have been called up, leaving Team DIY as top contenders for the belts.

Also kicking around the tag team division is Heavy Machinery, and members of Sanity.

 

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, NXT.

Christian Says Kurt Angle Showed up to His Wedding in Ripped Pants

On a recent edition of WWE Network’s Table For 3, former WWE Superstars Edge, Christian, and Kurt Angle joined together for a meal to talk about a variety of topics. During the event, “Captain Carisma” discussed watching Angle come up through the developmental system and the former Olympian’s awkward appearance at his wedding. Check it out:

Knowing Angle was going to be a natural after their encounters together in developmental:

“I was already under a developmental contract at the time and they were just bringing me back monthly to figure out if I was ready to go up to the main roster. [Angle] never had a pro wrestling match [at that time]. Like, I remember getting in there and doing the basic lockups and grabbing the arm, just basic things that you learn very early on. And sometimes it takes guys are long time to pick those types of things up and I remember, boom, the first time [Angle] had it. Every time, [Angle] had it and I remember thinking to myself, ‘my God, this guy is a natural.'”

Talking Angle through his first match at a spot show in New England:

“To me, that was a huge honor. First of all, for me, they trusted me to be the guy to come in there and have a match with [Angle]. I was like, ‘don’t worry, you always know what you’re doing out there. I’m going to talk to you’ and [Angle is] like, ‘what? Don’t do that.’ I was like, ‘what do you mean?’ ‘You can’t talk.’ I was like, ‘yeah, I might even tell you a joke’ and now he [has] got his hands here [over his face], ‘please, don’t make me laugh. Please, don’t talk to me.'”

Angle showing up to his wedding with ripped pants and a red face:

“Maybe a little known fact that [Angle] stood up at my wedding. That’s how good friends we are and Adam was obviously the best man. When [Angle] showed up, his face was like beet red and I was like, ‘Kurt, are you alright?’ He was like, ‘I haven’t put this tux on for a while. The button is too tight.’ And it looked like [Angle’s] head was going to pop. And [Angle was] like, ‘hey, look at this,’ and [Angle] put [his] leg up and [he] ripped the crotch out of the pants on the way to the wedding.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

Jinder Mahal: Vince McMahon An ‘Evil Genius’ Who Knows What He’s Doing

This Sunday, SmackDown star Jinder Mahal headlines his first WWE pay-per-view when he challenges Randy Orton for the WWE Championship at Backlash. Ahead of his championship opportunity, the former 3MB member was a guest on Chris Jericho’s popular Talk Is Jericho podcast to discuss his ascension from obscurity to main events. Mahal also spoke at length about his evolving relationship with Vince McMahon, which you can read about below.

Vince McMahon changing his original post-Six Pack Challenge win promo:

“He had rewritten my promo,” Jinder said. “The original promo was something totally different, so when I finished calling the match, one of the writers was like, ‘hey, Vince changed your promo.’ I was like, ‘okay, bring it to me. Please bring it to me.’ So they [broughgt] it to me and I had read the American comment and I was like, ‘ah, I like the old promo better.’ Like, it was like something like, ‘I tried being peaceful, but nobody was listening. But now I have all you guys’, everyone’s, attention. I beat five of SmackDown’s very best and I did it all alone.’

Something like that. It was just like a regular heel promo, but the new one was like, ‘you Americans this and that.’ And I was like, ‘argh, man, I don’t think we should go [there]. Like, but I’m like, ‘but whatever. Vince wrote it. It’s okay.’ But I did it and the reaction I got, I was like, ‘oh man, Vince is a genius!’ He knows exactly what’s going to draw the most heat.”

Originally shying away from Vince McMahon but now having a great relationship with him:

“I’ve become closer with Vince. It was weird, during my first run, and even when I was on 3MB, I would kind of like avoid Vince. Not avoid him, but he’s intimidating. Now, I have like a good relationship with him.”

“It’s weird. He’s like an evil genius. Is there anyone who has watched more [pro] wrestling than Vince McMahon?” Mahal added, “Vince knows what he’s doing.”

H/T Wrestlign Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

Johnny Mundo Reveals What His Current Relationship With WWE is Like

Former WWE Superstar and current Lucha Underground talent Johnny Mundo (a.k.a. John Morrison) recently spoke to Wrestle:List to speak on a variety of pro wrestling topics. Check out the highlights here:

What his current relationship with the WWE is like today:

“Well, right now I’m under contract with Lucha Underground. And I’m really happy with Lucha Underground. In my opinion it has the best wrestling on TV currently. Rey Mysterio, Fenix, Pentagon Jr., Son of Havoc, Angelico, PJ Black, Taya, Dragon Azteca, Brian Cage – the roster of Lucha Underground – the product, the polished one hour TV show is really cool for me. And it’s in Los Angeles, where I live, we’re shooting three of four months, and then taking time off during which I can do things like make movies, like with Bounty Hunter, and wrestle for promotions, like Five Star Wrestling. So, right now I’m really happy with where I’m at. Will I go back to WWE? I don’t know. It’s what I grew up on and I always dreamt of headlining a Wrestlemania, and it’s one of the few things that I haven’t achieved that I dreamed of as a kid. Never say never in wrestling.”

Making the transition from pro wrestling to acting:

“There’s a learning curve, for sure. Acting for film is more nuanced than professional wrestling. I had to learn to tone down my reactions. In acting for TV and film, a lot of the time you have to think big, but don’t react big because the camera is so close and takes everything. A lot can be told by just your eyes. In pro wrestling, you’ve got to be a lot bigger, because it’s ultimately the crowd that you’re working for. Even if it’s a TV taping, the crowd is a part of the show. In addition, the stunt fighting and choreography is very similar and very different. In wrestling, you’re doing one take of everything and making contact, because there’s no camera angles. You have to learn the difference between a stunt punch, a wrestling punch, and to really be good at stunt fighting, the difference between a boxing style punch, a kung-fu style punch, a taekwondo style punch. There’s a million different ways to throw a punch. In pro wrestling, you are creating your own character, all the coolest things you’ve seen and your best attributes are what you do. And you refine that over time, and it becomes, for me, Johnny Mundo. And for El Ligero it becomes El Ligero. But you step into the world of film and TV, and the character could be fighting as Hercules, the Eternal Warrior, or an android. So, you have to learn a different movement style, quickly.”

Difference between working in Mexico and the United States:

“There’s a couple of differences, and some of them I really liked. The crowds in Mexico get angrier than they did with WWE. I’d regularly get stuff thrown at me like bottles of water and trash. It’s kind of cool. It’s also a really built-in character I’m doing out there. I’m currently the Absolute Champion of AAA. So being an American, and cheating to keep all the titles, you can understand why the crowd is upset. But as far as the culture of the locker room, I felt really welcomed down there. Even if I can’t communicate very well with some of the wrestlers, because my Spanish is limited. Wrestling locker rooms are globally pretty similar and pretty accepting, as long as you show up and you’re there to work, and you’re respectful. I’ve never been anywhere that’s tough to deal with in that regard. There’s a lot of finishing the show in Mexico and having a shot of tequila, and a lot of the time there’s no water backstage, just beer. But that’s what makes the experience cool, and traveling cool.”

Posted May 19th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: , .

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