Archive for January, 2019

Shinsuke Nakamura Wins WWE United States Title

Rusev’s time as the WWE United States Champion has come to an end and it’s once again Shinsuke Nakamura’s time to shine as the secondary champion on SmackDown Live.

During the pre-show for the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field, WWE held three matches including a battle between Rusev and Nakamura that saw the former NXT Champion reclaim the U.S Title.

Rusev didn’t hold the strap for long as he beat Nakamura to win the United States Championship on the December 25, 2018 episode of SmackDown Live.

With these stars already working two matches, a third and final bout is likely to come as Rusev is due a rematch for the title. Whether this match happens on an upcoming episode of SmackDown Live or at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event that takes place on February 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas remains to be seen.

What are your thoughts on Nakamura winning title? Was it the right time to do this by WWE? Sound off in the comment section.

WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Results (1/27)

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WWE’s Royal Rumble 2019 took place on January 27th at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.

Kickoff Show results:

– Jonathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, Booker T and Jerry Lawler welcome us to the Kickoff Show from inside Chase Field. Booker T has a full beard tonight. Jerry Lawler cracks some jokes about Michael Cole, and says Cole is like clouds, when they disappear it’s a beautiful day.

– Lawler confirms that Braun Strowman will be competing in tonight’s Royal Rumble match, and John Cena will not be competing due to injury.

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[live id=”o39f2k” data-sort-time=”1548627572967″]- We go to a pre-taped promo from Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Mandy talks about how hot she thinks she is, and going after Naomi’s husband. They talk about how one win tonight can change everything in their careers.

– Drake Maverick is backstage walking out of Vince McMahon’s office. Maverick says Rezar of AOP, and Dawson of The Revival will team up tonight, due to their partners’ injuries.

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[live id=”w6fril” data-sort-time=”1548628282955″]- R-Truth and Carmella come over to the Kickoff Show panel and talk about how they’ll be entering their Rumble matches tonight as entrants #30. They have a dance break before they leave.

– We see brief pre-taped promos from Alexa Bliss about the women’s Royal Rumble, and Samoa Joe about his match with Mustafa Ali.

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– Jonathan Coachman introduces a David vs. Goliath themed video package looking at Finn Balor’s match against Universal Champion Brock Lesnar tonight.

– We go to a pre-taped promo of WWE Champion Daniel Bryan sitting in the empty arena earlier today. Bryan trashes AJ Styles and the fans’ consumption, and he trashes the new massive “Royal Rumble burger” that Chase Field is serving.

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– Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs. Rezar & Scott Dawson: This one is a non-title match. Dawson and Roode start off, and Gable quickly tags in for the double team on Dawson. Dawson fights back, but Gable shuts him down with a springboard cross body. Rezar hits a cheap shot on Gable then tags in. Rezar continues the offense on Dawson as Drake Maverick cheers on from ringside. Dawson tags himself in and puts the boots to Gable. Rezar and Dawson now trade tags to take turns working over Gable. Roode finally gets the hot tag and cleans house. Roode hits a spinebuster on Dawson and then a spear in the corner. Rezar runs in and Roode hits the Blockbuster on him, then Dawson rolls up Roode for a two count. Rezar and Dawson try to double team Roode, but Roode ducks and Dawson kicks Rezar. This leads to Roode and Gable hitting a double team moonsault/neckbreaker on Dawson for the three count.

Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable

– Rezar throws a fit at ringside after the match, as Gable and Roode celebrate in the ring.

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– Charlie Caruso and JBL are in the arena with microphones to promote the WWE Network, when Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley walk over to interrupt. Rush cuts a promo about how great Lashley is, then they walk off. JBL shares some of his memories of Lashley first coming in to WWE years ago.

– Booker T and Lawler leave the Kickoff Show panel, and David Otunga and Shawn Michaels join. They run down tonight’s card, and then we go to ringside for the next match.

– Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev (c): Rusev’s U.S. Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Rusev immediately backs Nakamura into the corner and then hits a kick to the face. Rusev knocks Nakamura to the outside and follows him out, where Nakamura fights back with a boot to the face. The challenger throws Rusev into the fan barricade and then back in the ring. Nakamura lays Rusev over the apron and knees him in the face from the floor. Back in the ring, Nakamura puts the boots to Rusev on the mat, then chokes him in the corner. Nakamura hits some knee strikes on Rusev and applies a front face lock. Rusev powers out and dropkicks Nakamura down. Rusev looks for The Accolade, but Nakamura fights out and hits a series of kicks to the head for a two count of his own. Nakamura charges for the Kinshasa, but Rusev dodges it and hits an elbow to the head. Rusev follows up with a boot to the face, then he hits a spinning side suplex on Nakamura. Rusev goes to pick up Nakamura, but Nakamura catches him in an armbar attempt. Rusev powers out and ends up suplexing Nakamura for a two count. Nakamura starts fighting back and he hits a suplex for a two count. Nakamura starts taking the padding off the turnbuckle until Lana gets on the apron and alerts the ref of Nakamura’s cheating. Nakamura gets in Lana’s face, then Rusev charges Nakamura, but Nakamura moves and Rusev bumps into Lana, knocking her down to the floor. This leads to Nakamura hitting a Kinshasa to the back of Rusev’s head and rolling him up for the three count.

Winner & new U.S. Champion: Shinsuke Nakamura

– Rusev checks on Lana at ringside, and Nakamura celebrates with his U.S. Title belt in the ring.

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– We see a pre-taped promo from Nikki Cross somewhere in the back of the arena, talking about how bodies are going to fly tonight in the Royal Rumble.

– The Kickoff Show panel introduces some footage from backstage last night after NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, featuring Triple H. Back at the panel, Shawn Michaels says there is going to be a “Halftime Heat” six-man tag match of Aleister Black, Ricochet, Velveteen Dream vs. Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and Adam Cole. This will take place on the WWE Network during the NFL SuperBowl halftime show.

– Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami vs. Buddy Murphy (c): Buddy Murphy’s Cruiserweight Title is on the line in this one. Itami rolls outside early in this one as Murphy, Kalisto and Tozawa all go at it. Murphy drops Tozawa, then Kalisto takes Murphy into the corner. Murphy dodges Kalisto’s first attack, but Kalisto connects with a second hurricanrana. Tozawa kicks down Kalisto, then Tozawa and Murphy fight out to ringside. Kalisto looks for a dive on Murphy, but Murphy catches him and suplexes him on the mat. Itami gets back in the ring after the dust settles and trades kicks with Murphy. Itami lays into Murphy with kicks in the corner, then he knocks Tozawa off the apron. Murphy tries to powerbomb Kalisto off the apron, then Tozawa hits a dive on Kalisto on Murphy’s shoulders, and Kalisto is able to hurricanrana Murphy in the process. Back in the ring, Itami and Tozawa go at it now and trade strikes. Murphy gets back in the ring, but Itami catches him and sends him right back down to the floor. Kalisto then launches Tozawa from the apron down on to Murphy on the floor. Back in the ring Kalisto hits a kick and a flying senton on Itami. Kalisto hits a spinning elbow strike, and then a fireman’s carry slam for a two count. Tozawa and Murphy get back in the ring, and Tozawa hits a series of strikes on the Champion. Itami looks for a powerbomb on Tozawa, but Tozawa reverses into a hurricanrana and Itami rolls outside. Tozawa then hits a dive on Itami at ringside, and then Murphy throws Kalisto on to both of them on the floor. Murphy follows up with a suicide dive on to all three men on the floor. Back in the ring, Kalisto hits a hurricanrana on Murphy for a two count. Kalisto goes up the turnbuckle, but Murphy stops him and superkicks him, then powerbombs him for a two count. Tozawa and Murphy fight in the corner now, which leads to Tozawa hitting an inverted hurricanrana for a two count. Kalisto dumps Tozawa outside, then he hits the Salida Del Sol on Itami for a two count. All four men trade kicks in the middle of the ring now, and Tozawa and Kalisto are the last two men standing. Tozawa hits a spinning kick to the head of Kalisto, then Murphy comes back and knees Tozawa in the face. Murphy knees Kalisto in the face next, but then he misses a shot on Itami. Itami hits a spinning back fist on Itami, but then Itami misses a shot and Murphy hits two knees to the face. Murphy hits the Murphys Law for the three count on Itami.

Winner & still Cruiserweight Champion: Buddy Murphy

– Murphy slowly gets to his feet and celebrates with his Cruiserweight Title belt as we go to replays.

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– Murphy slowly gets to his feet and celebrates with his Cruiserweight Title belt as we go to replays.

– We go to a pre-taped promo from Drew McIntyre in his locker room. Drew says it doesn’t matter whether he faces Finn Balor or Brock Lesnar, because he will win the Universal Title at WrestleMania. Back at the Kickoff Show table, Jonathan Coachman thanks us for joining him, and he counts us down to the Royal Rumble.

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WWE Royal Rumble 2019 results:

– We open up with a video package promoting tonight’s matches, and talking about change and opportunity.

– Michael Cole welcomes us to the pay-per-view, and there is a large structure built around the ring with LED screens above the ring.

– Becky Lynch vs. Asuka (c): Asuka’s SmackDown Women’s Championship is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Becky and Asuka trade blows evenly in the opening moments. Becky fires up and hits a flying shoulder block that sends Asuka rolling outside for a breather. Asuka and Becky fight on the apron until Becky kicks the Champion down to the floor. Asuka fights back and slams Becky into the ring post, but Becky comes back with a t-bone suplex into the barricade. Back in the ring, Becky works over Asuka’s shoulder on the mat. Asuka starts to fight back, but she misses the hip attack and Becky pummels on her on the ropes. Asuka puts Becky in the Asuka Lock over the ropes until the ref breaks it at the 5 count. Asuka misses a shot in the corner, and then Becky returns the favor by appliying the Disarm-her over the ropes until the ref breaks it. Becky looks for a shot off the top, but Asuka takes her out of mid-air with a knee to the face. Asuka follows up with a dropkick and a suplex. Becky fights back, but Asuka latches on to her with an armbar, then she looks to transition into the Asuka Lock. Lynch fights out and rolls out to the apron. It looks like Becky is going to suplex Asuka on to the apron, but Asuka fights it and they both crash down to the floor face-first in what looked like a painful fall. Back in the ring, Asuka hits a boot to the face for a two count. Asuka and Becky trade strikes in the middle of the ring now until Asuka drops the challenger with a spinning heel kick for a two count. Asuka goes up to the top turnbuckle, but Becky stops her with punches. Becky ends up hitting a t-bone suplex off the turnbuckle for a two count. Becky goes up top and goes for a flying leg drop, but Asuka rolls out of the way and she puts Becky in her own submission hold. Becky now breaks free and tries to put Asuka in the Asuka Lock. Asuka escapes and pins Becky for a two count. Asuka connects with a kick, but Becky pulls Asuka down to the mat with her and applies the Disarm-her. Asuka fights out and takes Becky down, and she applies the Asuka Lock. Asuka applies more pressure and Becky taps out.

Winner & still SmackDown Women’s Champion: Asuka

– Asuka celebrates with her Title belt after the match, and Becky doesn’t look happy.

– The Miz & Shane McMahon vs. Cesaro & Sheamus (c): Miz and Shane hug Miz’s dad at ringside before the match. The Bar’s Tag Team Titles are on this line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Shane immediately spears Sheamus down. Sheamus rolls outside and regroups with Cesaro. Miz and Cesaro tag in now and Miz looks for the Figure Four early on, but Cesaro fights out. Sheamus hits a cheap-shot on Miz behind the ref’s back, then he comes in for the double team. Shane comes in for the save until the ref backs him up. The Miz fires up with some kicks, and then they spill outside where The Bar tries to double team Miz, but Shane runs over for the save. Miz lays Cesaro on the announce table, then Shane climbs up top. Before Shane can leap, Sheamus runs over and pulls away Miz and Cesaro from the table. Shane jumps down on to Sheamus instead. Shane gets to his feet and Cesaro immediately uppercuts him down. Cesaro whips Shane into the barricade, then goes back in the ring with Sheamus to double team Miz. Sheamus follows up with a splash on Miz for a two count. Sheamus hits the 10 Beats of the Baron on the apron, then tags in Cesaro for the double team. Sheamus tags back in now and continues the offense on The Miz. Cesaro tags back in now, but Miz catches him with a suplex. Shane finally gets the tag and he drops Sheamus with a series of strikes. Cesaro tags himself in, but Shane drops him and he sits both Bar members down in the corner. Shane climbs up to the opposite corner, and he goes flying for a dropkick, but Cesaro gets up and catches him in mid-air. Cesaro swings Shane, but when he drops Shane, Shane latches on to him with a triangle choke. Sheamus comes flying off the turnbuckle with a flying knee on Shane to break up the choke. Miz tries to dropkick Sheamus but misses, and Sheamus clotheslines him down. Sheamus tags in and double teams Shane with Cesaro for a two count. Sheamus looks for the big boot on Sheamus, but Miz makes the save and drops him, then hits the Skull Crushing Finale. Shane goes up top and hits a Shooting Star Press on Cesaro for the three count.

Winners & new SmackDown Tag Team Champions: The Miz & Shane McMahon

– The Miz is ecstatic after the three count, and he grabs the Tag Title belts and celebrates with Shane. The new Champions go out to ringside to celebrate with The Miz’s dad in the front row.

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– Michael Cole announces the attendance at 48,193 in the arena.

– Sasha Banks does a brief interview in the back before coming out for her match against Ronda Rousey next.

– Sasha Banks vs. Ronda Rousey (c): Ronda’s RAW Women’s Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and Ronda immediately starts with an arm drag takedown on Sasha. Ronda continues the offense with a series of suplexes. Ronda looks for an armbar but Sasha reaches the ropes and kicks Ronda away. Sasha gets up and slaps Ronda across the face, then Ronda kicks Sasha out to ringside. Ronda follows her out, and she tries to punch Sasha, but Sasha ducks and Ronda punches the ring post. Sasha follows up with a dive on Ronda, then she takes her back in the ring for a sleeper attempt. Ronda fights back and hits a running elbow to the face for a two count. Sasha comes back with a running knee to the face for a two count. Sasha chokes Ronda in the corner now until the ref breaks it up. Sasha applies an armbar, and then a crossface, but Ronda breaks free. Ronda fights back with the Piper’s Pit and then she climbs to the top rope. Sasha runs over and stops her and fights with Ronda on the turnbuckle. Sasha superplexes Ronda off the turnbuckle for a two count. Sasha transitions into a shoulder lock, but Ronda powers up and judo throws Sasha down for a two count. Ronda throws Sasha down a few more times, then they fight out to ringside. Ronda ends up putting Sasha in the armbar at ringside, and Sasha taps, but taps at ringside don’t count. Back in the ring, Ronda pummels on Sasha now with punches. Sasha tries to fight back, but Ronda drops her with a knee to the face for a two count. Ronda looks for a slam, but Sasha reverses it into a cross body for a two count, then she transitions into the Banks Statement. Ronda breaks free, but Sasha applies an armbar now. Ronda fights back and hits the Pipers Pit for the three count.

Winner & still RAW Women’s Champion: Ronda Rousey

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[live id=”rkdaw” data-sort-time=”1548638411059″]- After the match, Ronda and Sasha show each other respect and Ronda helps Sasha out of the ring. Ronda kisses her husband at ringside after the match. Sasha turns back around on the ramp and comes back to ringside to shake Ronda’s hand. [/live]

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– Finn Balor is shown in his dressing room taping up his wrists for his match against tonight.

– Paul Heyman is shown backstage knocking on Brock Lesnar’s locker room door and walking in.

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– The Women’s Royal Rumble match: Beth Phoenix is on commentary for this one. Lacey Evans is out first and gets on the mic to tell everyone they’re about to witness history, and she’s the only true lady on WWE. Natalya is out to the ring second. The opening bell sounds and Natalya tries to clothesline Lacey out of the ring, but she lands on the apron. Back in the ring, Lacey starts fighting back and drops Natalya with a right hand. Mandy Rose comes out next and hits the ring. Lacey and Natalya end up double teaming Mandy briefly, and then Natalya puts Mandy and Lacey in the Sharpshooter at the same time. Liv Morgan is out next. Morgan hits the ring and charges Natalya, and Natalya immediately throws her out to the floor for the first elimination of the match. Mandy and Lacey now double team Natalya. Lacey drops Mandy next, and stacks her on Natalya in the corner then hits a bronco buster. Mickie James is out next. Mickie hits the ring and starts dropping everyone who comes near her. Mickie hits a spinning heel kick on Natalya, but then Mandy stuns Mickie with a right hand from behind. Mickie tries to eliminate Mandy, but Lacey attacks Mickie to interrupt. Ember Moon is out next and starts dropping everyone. Ember suplexes Lacey and leg sweeps Mickie, then hits a splash on Rose in the corner. Billie Kay is out next, but she doesn’t immediately get in the ring. Nikkie Cross is out next, and she attacks Billie who is still waiting on the ramp. Nikki runs in the ring and hits a splash off the top on to all the women in the ring. Nikki follows up with running elbows to the face on everyone who comes near her. Mandy grabs Nikki by the hair from behind, but Nikki turns around and drops her. Billie finally gets in the ring, but Nikki immediately drops her. Peyton Royce is out next, and she teams up with Billie on Nikki and Ember. Tamina is out next, and she headbutts Mickie and hits a Samon Drop on Ember, Peyton, and Billie. Nikki takes the fight to Tamina now, and Tamina fights back with a big right hand. Tamina goes up top and hits a splash on Nikki. Tamina eliminates Mickie with a superkick. Xia Li from NXT is out next. Li hits the ring and starts handing out kicks. Sarah Logan is out to the ring next. Logan almost eliminates Ember, but Ember hangs on. Peyton and Billie team up to eliminate Nikki. Charlotte enters next. Charlotte hits the ring and several women try to gang up on her. Charlotte ends up eliminating both Billie and Peyton. Charlotte eliminates Li next. Kairi Sane enters next and immediately trades blows with Charlotte. Kairi goes up top and hits a flying elbow on Sarah Logan. Kairi and Natalya double team Logan to eliminate her. Maria enters next, and Charlotte and Lacey double team her. Maria fights back with a double bulldog on both Charlotte and Lacey. Maria drops Ember, then Charlotte hits a spear on Maria. Lacey comes over and brawls with Charlotte now. Naomi enters next and hits the ring, and she immediately goes after Mandy. Naomi kicks Mandy in the head and throws her out for the elimination. Mandy then pulls Naomi out from the floor, but Naomi leaps to the fan barricade so her feet don’t hit the ground. Naomi jumps from the barricade to the ring steps, then Mandy pulls her off so both her feet hit the ground. Lacey is eliminated, and then Candice Lerae enters next and starts fighting with Ember. Alicia Fox enters next and starts dropkicking everyone. Maria tries to strike up a partnership with Alicia, and Alicia seems to go with it as they double team Kairi. Maria then stomps on Alicia’s hat she wore to the ring, and Alicia yells at her, then she lays on the mat and pounds the mat with her hands. Alicia gives up on her temper tantrum and starts fighting with Maria in the corner. Alicia dropkicks Maria outside for the elimination. Katy Catanzaro enters next and hits a hurricanrana on Ember, then she goes at it with Natalya. She hurricanranas Natlya down, then she fights with Alicia. Zelina Vega enters next. Ruby Riott is out next, and she comes out with Liv and Sarah, who have both been eliminated. They pull Charlotte out under the bottom rope and beat her down at ringside. They pull Alicia Fox out to ringside next and beat on her. Vega slides out of the ring and hides under the ring apron. Alicia gets back in the ring and immediately gets eliminated. Logan and Morgan powerbomb Candace out of the ring next into the barricade. Dana Brooke enters next and she fights with Katy in the corner then hits a sit out powerbomb. Liv and Sarah pull Dana out under the bottom rope next and stomp on her. Ruby eliminates Kairi Sane next. Io Shirai is out next, and she gets into it with the Riott Squad at ringside. Io goes up to the top rope and hits a moonsault down onto the Riott Squad at ringside. Ruby and Io fight on the apron, near where Zelina is hiding. Rhea Ripley enters next and starts dropping everyone. Dana Brooke hits a big boot on Ember, then she kicks Katy out for the elimination, but it appears Katy’s feet didn’t hit the ground. Katy hand-walks back over to the ring post, then she climbs up the ring post to get back in the ring. She climbs back in but Rhea knocks her back out for the elimination. Sonya Deville enters next. Rhea eliminates Dana. We see Zelina still hiding under the ring, and then Hornswoggle pops out beside her and she runs away. Hornswoggle chases Zelina back in the ring, then Rhea throws her out. Hornswoggle follows Zelina out of the ring and chases her to the back. Alea Bliss enters next and drops Ember then hits a standing moonsault on her. Alexa and Charlotte fight in the middle now as the other women fight in the corners. Alexa hits a version of the Canadian Destroyer on Charlotte, then Sonya drops Alexa from behind. Bayley enters next and she quickly eliminates Rhea. Lana enters next, but she’s selling an ankle injury from earlier in the night and is very slow walking down the ramp. Nia enters next, and she attacks Lana and slams her on her bad ankle. Trainers chase off Nia and help Lana to the back. Nia hits the ring and starts knocking down everyone who comes near her. Io goes for a moonsault on Nia, but Nia catches her and throws her out for the elimination. Natalya picks up Nia, but Nia fights out and eliminates Natalya. Carmella enters next and she goes at it with Nia. Becky Lynch comes down the ramp and tells Finlay she wants to take Lana’s spot in the match. It seems like they’re letting Becky take Lana’s spot, and her music hits and Becky enters the ring. Becky and Nia trade right hands now, then Becky goes at it with Charlotte. Nia misses a spear and Becky kicks her in the face. Nia hits a Samoan Drop on Charlotte, then Becky hits a missile dropkick off the top on Nia. Alexa and Ember fight on the apron, and Alexa trips her up and eliminates Ember. Back in the ring, Carmella hits the bronco buster on Alexa. Alexa comes back and drops Carmella, then Bayley runs over and powerbombs Alexa into the turnbuckle. Bayley and Carmella briefly team up to eliminate Alexa. Nia then clotheslines them both down. Carmella, Bayley, Charlotte and Becky all gang up on Nia now. Charlotte misses a spear on Carmella and Carmella kicks her in the face. Carmella kicks Nia in the face a couple times, then Charlotte runs over and kicks Carmella in the face to eliminate Carmella. Bayley runs over and tries to eliminate Charlotte, but Charlotte gets back in the ring. It’s down to Charlotte, Bayley, Becky and Nia. Nia picks up Bayley for a Samoan Drop, then Charlotte big boots Nia and Bayley falls down to the floor for the elimination. It’s down to Charlotte, Becky and Nia. Charlotte hits several big boots on Nia, then picks up Nia for a Samoan Drop and drops her on her head. Charlotte picks Nia up again and tries to eliminate her, but Nia holds on to the rope on the apron. Nia pushes Charlotte away, but then Becky knocks Nia out to the floor for the elimination. It’s down to Becky and Charlotte. Before Nia leaves, she attacks Becky and Becky appears to be selling a knee injury now. Becky finally limps back in the ring and Charlotte immediately targets her bad knee. Charlotte hangs Becky upside down in the corner and stomps on her. Becky fights back but Charlotte takes out her leg again and then hits a fallaway slam. Charlotte goes for a big boot and misses, and Becky throws Charlotte out for the elimination.

Winner: Becky Lynch

– Becky celebrates after the match and looked shocked. She is still selling the knee as we go to replays.

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– We see a pre-taped promo from The New Day with Golden Crisp cereal, who is a WWE sponsor this month.

– We go to a video package looking at the feud between AJ Styles and “the new” Daniel Bryan.

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[live id=”wn8zup” data-sort-time=”1548644268818″]- Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles: Daniel Bryan’s WWE Title is on the line in this one. The opening bell rings and AJ immediately takes the fight to Bryan in the corner. Bryan gets tied up in the ropes and the ref pulls back AJ. AJ and Bryan trade holds on the mat now and Bryan tries working over AJ’s shoulder. AJ comes back with an arm toss, and Bryan rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Bryan fights back with punches and chops. AJ comes back with a big back body drop on the Champion. Bryan fights out and knocks AJ out to ringside, and AJ is selling his shoulder. Bryan rolls out and whips AJ int othe ring post, then takes him back in the ring. Bryan takes AJ down and looks for an armbar, but AJ escapes. Bryan puts the boots to AJ now and keeps him grounded. AJ finally fights back and levels the Champion with a dropkick. AJ appears to be bleeding from the nose. AJ hits a pumphandle backbreaker, and then a neckbreaker for a two count. Bryan throws a kick, but AJ catches it and takes him down with a dragon screw. AJ starts working over Bryan’s knee now. Bryan trips up AJ in the corner and lays into him with kicks now. Bryan hits a running kick in the corner and goes for another, but AJ dodges it. Bryan catches styles and hits a full nelson suplex for a two count. Bryan takes AJ up top and looks for a Frankensteiner, but AJ blocks it. Bryan ends up kicking AJ in the head and AJ falls off the turnbuckle down to the ringside floor. Bryan misses a shot on the floor and AJ knees him in the face. AJ jumps on the barricade and hits the moonsault into a reverse DDT on Bryan. AJ goes for a springboard 450 splash, but Bryan puts his knees up to block it. Bryan goes for the Yes Lock, but AJ reverses into the Calf Crusher until Bryan reaches the ropes to break it. Bryan comes back with some kicks and pins for a two count. Bryan goes up top but AJ punches him and stuns him. AJ headbutts Bryan on the turnbuckle and climbs up top. Bryan slides through his legs and crotches AJ on the top turnbuckle. Bryan goes for a back suplex off the top, but AJ lands on his feet and Bryan crashes down. AJ takes Bryan down and then applies the Calf Crusher. Bryan reaches the ropes and AJ releases the hold, then he looks for the Styles Clash. Bryan escapes and elbows AJ in the head. AJ comes back with a vertical suplex. Bryan knocks AJ off the top rope and they trade strikes until both men go down. Eric Rowan walks down the ramp now and comes out to ringside. AJ works over Bryan’s knee, and Bryan accidentally kicks down the ref. The ref is down, and AJ hits the Styles Clash on Bryan. While the ref is down, Rowan runs in and hits a chokeslam on Styles. Rowan rolls out of the ring, and Bryan pins AJ for the three count as the ref comes to his senses.

Winner & still WWE Champion: Daniel Bryan

– After the match, Rowan gets in the ring and picks up AJ. Bryan charges and boots AJ in the face. Bryan lifts up his WWE Title belt and celebrates with Rowan.

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– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at the brawl last night after NXT TakeOver: Phoenix went off the air.

– We go to a video package looking at what lead to Finn Balor’s shot against Brock Lesnar tonight for the Universal Title.

– Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Finn Balor: Brock’s Title is on the line in this one. Paul Heyman is at ringside in Lesnar’s corner, and he does Lesnar’s ring introduction. The opening bell sounds and Balor immediately hits Brock with a flurry of strikes before Brock sees him coming. Balor hits a series of kicks and then a running dropkick into the corner. Balor goes for a sling blade, but Brock catches him and hits a belly to belly suplex that sends Balor rolling out of the ring. Brock throws Finn into the barricade at ringside, then he hits a belly to belly overhead suplex on the floor. Brock picks up Balor next to the announce table, but Balor escapes and shoves Balor into the corner of the table, and Brock sells his ribs. Balor slams Brock’s head into the table, but Brock fends him off with a right hand to the face. Brock throws Balor back in the ring as he stills sells his ribs. Balor hits a flurry of strikes back in the ring, but Brock tosses him into the turnbuckle then stomps on him. Brock hits another belly to belly suplex on Finn, and then another one. Balor fights back with kicks to the midsection, then he hits the Sling Blade. Balor charges again, but Brock drops him with a lariat. Brock looks for a suplex, but Brock drops him and sells his ribs, as Brock is selling a bad midsection injury. Brock looks for the F5, but Finn reverses it into a DDT for a two count, and then he stomps on Brock’s midsection. Finn knocks Brock outside and then hits a suicide dive on him, and then a second one. Balor gets back in the ring and hits another dive on Brock. Brock finally climbs back in the ring, and Balor hits a running dropkick on him in the corner. Finn goes up top and Brock tries to roll away, but Finn still hits him with the Coup De Grace. Finn pins Brock, but Brock kicks out and puts Finn in a kimora lock. Balor taps out an this one is over.

Winner & still Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar

– After the match, Brock beats down Balor and hits some suplexes. Brock holds up his Universal Title, and then hits the F5 on Balor before leaving.

[/live]

[live id=”nk1ubc” data-sort-time=”1548647852759″]

– JBL and Jerry Lawyer come out to ringside to do commentary for the men’s Royal Rumble match.

– Elias is in the ring for a song, and he’s also #1 in the Royal Rumble up next. He leads the crowd in a Walk With Elias chant, and he cuts a brief promo, but before he can start singing, Jeff Jarrett’s music hits and Double J comes out to interrupt.

– Men’s Royal Rumble match: Jeff Jarrett makes his entrance as #2, and the Royal Rumble has begun. Jeff gets on the mic and cuts a classic Double J promo. Elias talks to Jeff, and says it’s nice to finally be interupted by someone who brings something to the table. Elias says Jeff is a Hall of Famer, and he is a future Hall of Famer, and he knows that Jeff wants to do a duet with Elias. Before they start, Elias drops Jeff with a right hand and puts the boots to him. Jeff fights back with right hands, but Elias shuts him down with a clothesline. Elias picks up his guitar and bashes it over Jarrett’s back, then throws him out for the elimination. Shinsuke Nakamura enters next and goes at it with Elias. Elias walks the top rope hits an arm drag on Nakamura. Kurt Angle enters next. Kurt hits the ring and hits several suplexes on Elias and Nakamura. Big E enters next and he hits three belly to belly suplexes on Nakamura. He follows up with a running splash on Nakamura, while Angle and Elias fight in the corner. Kurt walks over and hits the Olympic Slam on Big E. Nakamura grabs Angle and throws him into the ring post then hits a running knee to the body. Nakamura follows up with a knee to the head that knocks Angle outside for the elimination. Johnny Gargano enters next and hits a hurricanrana on Elias, then a DDT on Big E. Gargano hits a slingshot spear on Elias, while Nakamura and Big E fight in the opposite corner. Jinder Mahal enters next, and both Singh Brothers come out with him. Jinder starts dropping people, but then Gargano knocks him out to the apron and kicks him out to ringside. The Singh Brothers run in and Elias and Big E take them out. Big E takes pancakes out of his trunks and shoves them in Sunil’s mouth. Samoa Joe enters next and hits a splash on Elias in the corner and then a Pele kick. Joe and Gargano trade shots now, until Gargano goes for a splash but Joe walks out of the way and Gargano hits the mat by himself. Joe eliminates Big E, then turns his attention to Nakamura. Curt Hawkins enters next, and he hops in the ring, but then he hops out through the ropes to regroup at ringside before he does anything. He gets back in the ring and hits Joe from behind, then slides out under the ropes again. Hawkins comes back in and gets in the mic until Joe puts him in a choke. Elias hits Joe, and Hawkins falls out to ringside under the rope and hides under the ring. Seth Rollins enters next. Rollins hits Gargano with the Falcon Arrow, then he superkicks Nakamura. Elias fights with Rollins near the apron, and Rollins eliminates Elias. Titus enters next, and he slowly approaches the ring so he doesn’t slide under. He notices Hawkins under the ring and then chases him under the ring curtain. Hawkins comes out the other side of the ring, and Titus follows. Hawkins runs in the ring and Titus follows, and then Hawkins throws Titus out. Joe throws Hawkins out, then he fights with Rollins. Kofi Kingston enters next. Kofi leaps into the ring with a flying clothesline on Nakamura. Mustafa Ali enters next and he immediately goes after Joe. Nakamura climbs the turnbuckle but Ali kicks him down to ringside to eliminate Nakamura. Ali and Gargano trade kicks until Ali hits a tornado DDT on him. Joe then takes out Ali with a big suplex. Dean Ambrose enters next and he brawls with Rollins. Ambrose stomps on Rollins in the corner, then he knocks Kofi outside, but Kofi’s feet don’t touch the ground. Kofi climbs back into the ring and goes up top, then he hits a tornado DDT on Ambrose. Gargano drops Kofi, and then Ambrose eliminates Gargano. No Way Jose enters next. As soon as Jose enters the ring, Samoa Joe immediately clotheslines him out for the elimination. Jose has his whole conga line with him at ringside and they dance back up the ramp. Drew McIntyre enters next and he attacks Jose on the ramp, and also some of his conga dancers. Drew gets in the ring and hits big boots on Rollins and Ambrose. Drew and Joe trade punches now until Drew fires back with a big boot. Xavier Woods enters next. As Woods comes in, Kofi get knocked out of the ring again, and Woods helps Kofi keep his feet off the ground and back into the ring. As soon as Kofi and Xavier get in the ring, Drew clotheslines them out to eliminate both of them. Pete Dunne enters next. Dunne hits a suplex on Ali and a kick, then he puts the boots to Joe. Dunne drops Drew with an arm hold, then he slams Ali into Drew while he’s down. Andrade enters next and he brawls with Ambrose. Apollo Crews is in next and he starts off with dropkicks on Ali, Ambrose and Joe. He hits a Samoan Drop on Dunne, then he works over Ambrose on the ropes. Aleister Black enters next at #21. Ali looks for a springboard moonsault on Black, but Black kicks him out of mid-air. Black hits the Black Mass on Ambrose, and Ambrose falls outside for the elimination. Joe hits a spinning powerslam on Black, and then Shelton Benjamin makes his entrance. Shelton hits a spinning heel kick on Crews, then he goes at it with Dunne. Joe puts a choke on Ali, but Shelton runs over and knees Joe in the ring. Ali then shoves Joe to the outside for the elimination, and Joe looks pissed off at Ali. Baron Corbin enters next and hits the Deep Six on Ali. Crews tries to springboard at Corbin, but Corbin hits a right hand and knocks Crews out for the elimination. Jeff Hardy makes his entrance next and leads the crowd in a Delete chant as he hits the ring. Hardy hits a Twist of Fate on Shelton, then he hits the Whisper In The Wind on Corbin, Ali and Shelton. Black and Dunne go at it, then Corbin runs over and eliminates Black. Drew hits the Claymore kick on Dunne and then eliminates him. Rey Mysterio enters at #25. Rey leaps in the ring, but Corbin catches him and hits a backbreaker. Bobby Lashley enters next, and Lio Rush is with him. Lashley gets in, but Rollins quickly eliminates him, and Lashley pulls Rollins out under the bottom rope in a fit of rage. Lashley beats down Rollins on the floor, then he chokeslams Rollins through the announce table. Braun Strowman enters next at #27, as Rollins is still laying out cold at ringside. Strowman hits the ring and goes right for Corbin. They trade punches, then Braun clotheslines Corbin outside for the elimination. Braun boots Shelton down and then eliminates him too. Braun eliminates Jeff Hardy, and Dolph Ziggler makes his entrance. Braun and Drew fight on the apron, then Ziggler superkicks Drew and eliminates Drew. Randy Orton enters next at #29, and Strowman drops him pretty quickly. There’s a big superplex/powerslam pyramid in the corner with everyone except Orton, and then R-Truth enters at #30. R-Truth comes out to the ramp and raps, but then Nia Jax runs out and attacks Truth from behind. Nia beats down Truth on the stage, then she heads to the ring. Nia hits the ring and hits a splash on Dolph in the corner, then she hits big boots on Andrade and Rey, follows up by an elbow drop. Mustafa Ali confronts her and looks confused, and she headbutts him and throws Ali out of the ring for the elimination. Randy Orton faces off with Nia and he goes for the RKO, but Nia shoves Orton off and shoulder blocks him down. Nia picks up Rey next, but then Dolph superkicks Nia, then Rey dropkicks Nia onto the ropes. Rey follows up with the 619 on Nia, then Orton hits the RKO on Nia. Rey and Randy try to eliminate Nia, but she hangs on, so Rey dropkicks her down for the elimination. Orton hits the RKO on Rey next, then throws him out for the elimination. Andrade runs up behind Orton and eliminates Orton next. Andrade and Ziggler face off now, as Rollins and Braun are still at ringside. Braun finally gets back in the ring and drops both Ziggler and Andrade. Braun hits a splash on Andrade in the corner, then on Ziggler. Braun goes back outside and clotheslines Rollins down to the floor again as he finally was getting to his feet. Back in the ring, Ziggler and Andrade double team Braun, then Rollins gets in and hits the frogsplash on Braun. Braun starts fighting them off and he throws Andrade to the outside for the elimination. Braun cotheslines Ziggler outside for the elimination next. Rollins tries to throw out Braun, but he holds on. Rollins hits a superkick on Braun, but he still hangs on. Rollins charges at him, but Braun catches him and chokeslams him in the ring. Rollins starts fighting back and they fight out to the apron. Rollins shoves Braun into the ring post and then curb stomps him on the corner of the apron for the elimination.

Winner: Seth Rollins

– Rollins celebrates after the match and looks up at the WrestleMania logo on the big screen as Royal Rumble goes off the air.

[/live]

[/livelist]

Sasha Banks Talks Desire To Headline WrestleMania, WWE Expanding Storylines For Women’s Division

Former WWE RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks spoke with William Mullally of The Cutaway about a wide range of pro wrestling topics in order to promote the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event where she’s set to challenge WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey for the strap.

During the interview, she was asked about her desire to headline WrestleMania 35 in a few months.

“I hope it’s me main-eventing WrestleMania. I’ve been saying it since day one. As far as Becky goes, she’s part of the Four Horsewomen so I have so much love and respect for her.”

Banks continued by stating that it’s cool to have Rousey in the WWE but she’s not the legit boss or the Man or the Queen or Hugger. In her eyes, she does think Rousey brings a lot of viewers to WWE from the outside world but she’s not one of them and no one is going to break more ground than her.

“I said from day one that I wanted to main event a WrestleMania. I put it out in the universe. If I see someone else does that, that’s going to break my heart. My hard work and someone else takes it? I don’t think so.”

Banks continued the interview by bringing up WWE expanding storylines in the women’s division. This is where she stated that she feels like they have come such a long way with the women’s division of the WWE but there’s only one women’s title on each brand and there’s only one story on each show. That will change once the Women’s Tag Team Titles get introduced.

“I don’t understand why we can’t have titles for it to have a secondary storyline where people will be more invested in what we do. Me and Bayley tag team all the time, but I feel like if we have a tag title to chase after, if we are champions, we can go to both brands and show the world that women’s tag team [wrestling] is where it’s at. For 2019, that is definitely the goal.”

Spoilers: WWE Worlds Collide Tournament Results

WWE wrapped up the Worlds Collide tournament on Sunday after two days of tapings at Royal Rumble Axxess in Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center.

This tournament, which featured WWE NXT, NXT UK and WWE 205 Live Superstars, is slated to air on WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network, in two parts starting Saturday, February 2nd.

Teams

Team NXT: Adam Cole, The Velveteen Dream, Dominik Dijakovic, Keith Lee, Shane Thorne

Team NXT UK: Jordan Devlin, Mark Andrews, Travis Banks, Tyler Bate, NXT UK Tag Team Champion Zack Gibson

Team 205 Live: Humberto Carrillo, Cedric Alexander, Tony Nese, TJP, Drew Gulak

Day One Results

* Jordan Devlin won the 15-man Battle Royal to earn a first round bye

* Drew Gulak defeated Mark Andrews

* Dominik Dijakovic defeated TJP

* Keith Lee defeated Travis Banks

* Humberto Carrillo defeated Zack Gibson

* The Velveteen Dream defeated Tony Nese

* Adam Cole defeated Shane Thorne

* Tyler Bate defeated Cedric Alexander

Day Two Results

* Tyler Bate defeated NXT’s Adam Cole.

* The Velveteen Dream defeated Jordan Devlin.

* Tyler Bate defeated Jack Gallagher.

*  WALTER defeated Kassius Ohno.

* Worlds Collide Tournament Final: The Velveteen Dream defeated Tyler Bate.

Several WWE Stars Comment On Royal Rumble

Several WWE Superstars have taken to the power of social media in order to hype the first pay-per-view event of the new year for the company, Royal Rumble, in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field.

These stars include Randy Orton, The Miz, Becky Lynch, Naomi, Carmella, Sasha Banks, and many more. Also, with John Cena being pulled from the Men’s Royal Rumble Match due to a storyline ankle injury, WWE has revealed that Braun Strowman, who was originally slated to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title only to be pulled and replaced by Finn Balor, has been added to the Royal Rumble Match as Cena’s replacement.

Strowman wrote, “Y’all that you were safe??? I’m baaaaack. #MonsterInTheRumble #RoyalRumble.”

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1089601772497321984

As a reminder, we will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special on Sunday night starting at 5 PM EST. In case you missed it, our staff has released their predictions for this show which you can check out here.

WWE Royal Rumble Stage Set Up (Photos)

New photos of the stage set up for this year’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event has been released as this event is close to starting. The construction on the stage and set is done. Footage of the set up as has surfaced online, which you can see here:

https://twitter.com/kayfabe316/status/1089628192783007744

The company has yet to officially announce the main event of this event that takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field that will air on the WWE Network. Several big matches will be featured on this card including the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, the Women’s Royal Rumble Match, WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor, and WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles.

Rey Mysterio, who is set to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, shared this photo on his official Instagram account:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtJrBKeh_Ft/?utm_source=ig_embed

As a reminder, we will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special on Sunday night starting at 5 PM EST. In case you missed it, our staff has released their predictions for this show which you can check out here.

NJPW President Harold Meij Talks Possible AEW Partnership

NJPW President Harold Meij spoke to Yahoo!’s Japanese website and was asked if New Japan would possibly form a partnership with the newly formed All Elite Wrestling. Meij made comments relating to AEW’s “approach to “their presentation” of pro wrestling. The NJPW President felt NJPW would have to see how AEW was going to present their product. This was before making any sort of co-branding decisions.

Meij made the following comments, translated by @kakutolog:

“AEW is a new organization to start from now, and I do not know what kind of relationship we would [have]. I think that it is necessary to figure out what policy they would develop on pro-wrestling.”

It was initially reported that NJPW and AEW would be meeting after Wrestle Kingdom to discuss their positions going forward. It was believed that NJPW would not work with AEW and continue their relationship with Ring of Honor. One of the key elements to their decision is Kenny Omega.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is still a huge part of New Japan’s plans. If the former Champion does move to AEW the company may wish to come to some sort of arrangement with the new upstart. Whether there would be any other sort of cross-promotion is completely up in the air at this point.

John Cena Pulled From The Royal Rumble

It turns out that John Cena won’t be competing in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble Match. WWE made the news official on Sunday afternoon as the storyline reason is the ankle injury that WWE recently reported on earlier this week. WWE had Cathy Kelley and Mike Rome make the news public in this video:

Also, longtime pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer noted on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that people in WWE creative never expected Cena to work the Rumble as well as the injury is not legit.

In WWE’s announcement, the company noted that Cena suffered the injury when Drew McIntyre had him in the ankle lock on an episode of Monday Night RAW a few weeks back. They wrote, “The Cenation Leader was unable to sufficiently recover in time for tonight’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, and has been ruled out of the bout as a result.”

Talents confirmed for the match include: R-Truth, Randy Orton, Titus O’Neil, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, Andrade, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, WWE Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e40LGDfRpjw

Paige Talks Possible New Role In WWE

Since WWE’s ‘new era’ began the company decided to oust the General Managers of both RAW and Smackdown Live. One of these of course was former WWE Superstar Paige. The Norwich born Superstar recently spoke to Sky Sports about her opportunities in WWE beyond her previous position as GM.

When asked what role she like to play right now Paige replied “At this point I don’t know.” Paige did state that she’d “love to be a manager for somebody. I don’t know who, but that’s something I’d love to do, so I’ll put that out there in the universe. I just want to be part of the company.” Paige also stated that she  “love[s] this company and I love to talk a lot, so give me a microphone and I’ll give it a good old-fashioned try.”

Paige also commented on her ‘firing’ as General Manager. The former Champion in NXT and WWE seemed to be well suited to the role before creative plans changed. Paige stated to Sky Sports that “I loved being General Manager and it was a surprise to me [to stop that], but WWE evolves all the time and you have to evolve and deal with it.”

*Credit to WrestlingINC for the transcription

Daniel Bryan Discusses How WWE Books Babyfaces

Daniel Bryan’s recent heel turn has reinvigorated his WWE return. The WWE Champion recently spoke to the State of Combat podcast about his recent change of character.

Change of Character

Bryan said “You have to understand that this was a day-of decision. Me being the bad guy was a day-of decision.” Bryan elaborated further, stating that “I had kind of been thinking about [turning heel] because I had been doing stuff with the Miz and I started to realize, hey, the tide is turning on this role, the whole thing of me being a good guy. And eventually, people are going to get tired of me in the same way people began booing John Cena and all that kind of stuff.”

In quite a damning assessment, Bryan also stated that “The tide is going to turn on this. Eventually, I’m just going to be another good guy shoved down people’s throats to a chorus of boos. That’s the last thing I wanted to happen.”

Babyfaces in WWE

Bryan also made some interesting comments regarding babyfaces in the WWE and how they’re booked. “I think 100 percent there is a place for it, but it has to be presented in the right way,” Bryan claimed. “A good guy, a ‘white-meat babyface’ as you’re talking about — can’t be presented as a loser or a dork or somebody who, any time an authority figure [threatens to fire them], they hang their head.”

Again Bryan elaborated further, saying “No. If you want a good character that people like, and he has something that he believes in … [they would respond]. ‘Fire me, fine, but guess what, I’m great at what I do, I can go get a good job somewhere else.’Presenting those kind of characters, it’s still a white-meat babyface character in that sort of sense. But you have to present it properly. I don’t think it’s impossible, I just think a lot of times we just don’t present it in the best way possible.”

*Credit to WrestlingINC for the transcription

WWE Royal Rumble Final Card, Live Coverage

The card for tonight’s (Sunday, January 27, 2019) WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event has been finalized.

The company has yet to officially announce the main event of this event that takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field that will air on the WWE Network, but it will most likely be the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.

As a reminder, we will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special on Sunday night starting at 5 PM EST. In case you missed it, our staff has released their predictions for this show which you can check out here. Here is the final card for the show:

Final WWE Royal Rumble Card

WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles

30-Man Royal Rumble Match: R-Truth, Randy Orton, Titus O’Neil, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, John Cena, Andrade, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, WWE Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy

30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Lacey Evans, Bayley, Tamina Snuka, Lana, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, Sarah Logan, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Ember Moon, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Alicia Fox, Natalya, Mickie James, Nia Jax, Nikki Cross, Naomi, Zelina Vega, Charlotte Flair, TBA

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami – Fatal 4-Way Pre-Show Match

WWE United States Champion Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – Pre Show Match

What are your thoughts on this card? Do you plan on watching it? If so, which match are you looking forward to the most? Sound off in the comment section.

Cody & Hangman Page Invade Another Indy Event (Video)

While the Young Bucks didn’t join them, two members of All Elite Wrestling showed up at a NorthEast Wrestling event in Waterbury last night. Cody and Hangman Page made an unadvertised appearance at the event.

https://twitter.com/M1k3Murphy13/status/1089429935293456384

Cody and Hangman Page Tease Appearance In Waterbury

Similar to what they did for events in the Los Angeles and Seattle areas, the Elite teased beforehand they would be showing up at the event. Cody Tweeted out several pictures of water and Hangman Page posted several Tweets related to the word “bury”.

https://twitter.com/theAdamPage/status/1089251861406863360

All Elite Wrestling Rally

AEW has planned another rally for February 7th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena (by the Talent Pool). Brandi Rhodes has hinted she will bring some newly signed female wrestlers to the rally.

AEW also recently signed 21-year-old Nate Coy was signed to AEW recently. The Californian based wrestler has recently gained exposure competing for promotions such as PWG and Game Changer Wrestling. He is also the son of the famous actor, Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210, OZ).

Cody said the following regarding AEW’s roster to the Breaking Kayfabe podcast recently:

“Roster size has been something that’s been debated,” said Cody. “I signed four guys right before we got on the phone. The entire roster will probably not be present at Double or Nothing. We’ve got our summer show in Jacksonville lined up and we’ll be debuting new faces there. I don’t want to get into a situation where we have so much that you can’t honor somebody’s skillset. We’re looking at about 30 contracted performers at the moment.”

Triple H Believes The Rock’s Daughter Will Pursue WWE Career

Triple H discussed the possibility of The Rock’s daughter, Simone, pursuing a WWE career last night on the post-NXT TakeOver: Phoenix media call. It seems he is optimistic she’ll choose sports entertainment as her career path.

“I know she has ‘the bug’ of the business. She caught the love of it from her father,” Triple H said at the post-NXT TakeOver: Phoenix media call. Simone Garcia Johnson is still only 17 years old, however.

“If it’s something that she wants to pursue – I know that he is big, like I am, on continuing education and doing everything the right way,” Triple H continued. “I know he believes it’s a wonderful business. I know he would be proud to have her be a part of (the business). Will you see more of her in the future? It would be hard not to see her in the future.”

Simone Johnson Training At WWE Performance Center

Zelina Vega mentioned on Lillian Garcia’s podcast that Simone currently trains at the Performance Center.

“His daughter Simone and I have become so close,” Vega said. “She’s training now at the Performance Center. She’s like, ‘I want to learn from you.’ She said, ‘I knew that I wanted to start wrestling for sure when I saw you at “Raw” doing the movie (“Fighting with my Family”).'”

Dolph Ziggler Says He’s “On Hiatus From WWE”

Dolph Ziggler hasn’t been on Raw since he lost a steel cage match to Drew McIntyre on the 12/28 show. He has been wrestling on WWE live events, however, usually wrestling against Finn Balor and Drew McIntyre in triple threat matches. His last match at a live event was on 1/20.

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, however, Ziggler is on hiatus from WWE. He specifically stated he will not be in the Royal Rumble match.

“Technically I am still under contract, yes, but I am not scheduled to be at the Royal Rumble.,” Ziggler said. “For now I am on a hiatus with WWE. It took me like 10 years to get a weekend off and this is it. So we’ll see where it goes from here. Like I said we have a handshake agreement which is different from what’s on paper. I’ve given everything and we’ll see if there is more for me to give, I’ll be happy to be a part of it.”

Ziggler also commented on possibly signing with the new promotion, All Elite Wrestling.

“I wouldn’t say I would be the next big signing, I’d say I would be the big signing I would have to say. But I have some other things going on at the moment but that should always be an option for anybody especially someone like me who has been around for a long time and as Drew McIntyre says, maybe I was riding his coattails and I gotta get the hell out of here. So you never know.”

He continued, I think it would be great, I think it would be a great addition to that company which seems to be for true wrestlers who love the sport and the business. It’s a great idea.”

Watch Dolph Ziggler’s comments about WWE and AEW here:

5 Takeaways From NXT TakeOver: Phoenix

NXT TakeOver: Phoenix aired live from the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ. Here are 5 takeaways from the event:

War Raiders Won The NXT Tag Team Championships

Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) to kick off NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. Undisputed Era started off the match in control and isolated Hanson in the corner of the ring.

Hanson finally was able to escape to tag in Rowe. Hanson went for a Suicide Dive but Strong got out of the way and Hanson crashed to the floor. Strong and O’Reilly then went to work on Rowe in the ring. Hanson eventually made his way up to the apron and pleaded for a tag. Rowe connected with an Exploder Suplex that sent O’Reilly flying into Strong on the apron.

Hanson tagged back in, cartwheeled across the ring and took out O’Reilly with a massive Clothesline. Hanson connected with a giant Splash off the top rope on O’Reilly but Strong broke up the cover. Strong then hit Hanson with a Superplex and O’Reilly followed it up with a knee to the face off the top rope for a near fall as the crowd shouted: “this is awesome!”.

Undisputed Era then connected with the High/Low but Hanson somehow was able to kick out at the last second. Hanson hit a handspring double elbow and then tagged Rowe in. Rowe lifted O’Reilly up onto his shoulders and Hanson connected with a Leg Drop. Rowe then covered O’Reilly and the War Raiders captured the NXT Tag Team Championships.

Undisputed Era and War Raiders put on a hell of a match to start off NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. Hanson is unbelievably athletic for a man of his size. The best part of this match was the crowd. They responded to every move and made the match that much more exciting.

Matt Riddle Beat Kassius Ohno Into Submission

Kassius Ohno and Matt Riddle once again battled tonight at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. Riddle started off the match in dominant fashion but Ohno battled back. Riddle went for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb off the apron but Ohno held onto the ropes. Kassius then draped the ring skirt over Riddle’s face and stomped on him.

Ohno controlled the next few minutes of the match but couldn’t put Riddle away. Kassius kept taunting Riddle by calling him a “bum” and then booted him out of the ring. Kassius bashed Riddle’s face into the steel ring post and then sent him soaring into the steps.

Back in the ring, Ohno went for a Suplex but Riddle escaped. Kassius stomped on the bare foot of Riddle but Matt fought through the pain and hit a German Suplex for a near fall. Ohno then bit Riddle’s toes and followed it up with a Powerbomb for a two count. Kassius hit a Moonsault off the top rope but once again Riddle powered out at two.

Riddle fought back and Ohno pleaded for mercy while on his knees. Kassius extended his hand for a fist bump but Riddle opted to knee him in the face. Riddle then unloaded a flurry of punches to Ohno’s face and Kassius tapped out.

This match effectively showed off Matt Riddle’s strength and how desperate Ohno was for a win. I mean, he resorted to biting Riddle’s toes during the match. Towards the end of the bout, Riddle hit a Sleeper Hold Suplex and it looked like Kassius smacked his head off the canvas on the way down. Other than that spot, this match was solid and served its purpose by building up Matt Riddle.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089323861051695111

Johnny Gargano Finally Won A Singles Championship

Ricochet put his NXT North American Championship on the line against Johnny Gargano tonight at TakeOver. Gargano started off the match in control brought Ricochet to the canvas. Johnny went for two Hurricanranas but Ricochet showed off his athleticism by landing on his feet each time. Ricochet sent Gargano to the outside and connected with an awesome Moonsault off the second rope.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089327720285306880

Back in the ring, Gargano battled back and took Ricochet back down to the canvas. Gargano went for the Slingshot Spear but Ricochet dodged it and slammed Johnny to the mat. Ricochet followed that up with a Northern Lights Suplex and rolled through into a Vertical Suplex for a near fall.

Johnny caught Ricochet and planted him with a Powerbomb and then locked in a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Johnny tried to transition into the Gargano Escape but Ricochet countered into a roll-up for a two count. Gargano went for a Tornado DDT but Ricochet caught him and sent Johnny out of the ring. Ricochet hit another ridiculous flip and brought Johnny back into the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089329945380380672

Gargano went for a Frankensteiner off the top rope but Ricochet somehow landed on his feet. Ricochet went for an elbow but Johnny countered into the Gargano Escape. Ricochet broke the hold by deadlifting Johnny and launching him into the turnbuckle. Johnny rolled out of the ring and Ricochet leaped over the top turnbuckle and hit a Cannonball. Ricochet followed it up with a springboard 450 Splash for a near fall. Ricochet went for a Shooting Star Press off the top but Gargano got his knees up at the last moment.

Johnny went for a Suicide Dive but Ricochet caught him on his shoulders. Gargano countered into a reverse Hurricanrana and then hit the Slingshot DDT in the ring for another two count. Johnny got pissed off and ripped up the padding outside the ring to expose the concrete floor. Gargano was about to spike Ricochet’s head on the concrete with a DDT but came to his senses and brought him back in the ring.

Ricochet then locked in the Gargano Escape on Johnny in the middle of the ring. Johnny got out of the hold and shoved Ricochet into the ring post. Gargano brought Ricochet to the outside and planted him with a Brainbuster on the exposed concrete floor. Johnny then hit another Slingshot DDT for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089332659233406976

Somehow, this match was even better than I thought it was going to be. I had unreal expectations and Gargano & Ricochet surpassed them with ease. Gargano was a Tag Team Champion alongside Tommaso Ciampa in DIY. However, he had never earned a singles title until tonight, despite having numerous chances. There is no doubt that Gargano vs. Ricochet at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix will be a candidate for Match of the Year in 2019.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089334020025008128

Shayna Baszler Handed Belair Her First Loss To Retain The NXT Women’s Championship

Shayna Baszler defended her NXT Women’s Championship against the undefeated Bianca Belair at NXt TakeOver: Phoenix. Belair controlled the match early and leveled Shayna with a shoulder tackle. Baszler rolled out of the ring to regroup but Belair followed her, which wound up being a costly mistake. Shayna grabbed Belair’s long hair and whipped her into the steel ring post.

Bianca made it back into the ring at the last second but Shayna went to work on Belair’s injured arm. Baszler taunted Bianca by saying she is overrated and Belair responded with a slap to Shayna’s face. Belair followed it up with a Spear but Shayna kicked out at two.

Bianca hit Shayna with the hair whip and Baszler collapsed to the canvas. Shayna shoved Belair into the referee. Bianca then hit the K.O.D. and went for the cover but the referee was down. Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke tried to interfere but Belair fought them off. Baszler capitalized with the Kirifuda Clutch on Belair in the middle of the ring just as the referee was getting back up.

Belair somehow got to her feet and broke the hold with a Suplex. Bianca made her way to the top rope but Duke hopped up on the ring apron. Belair booted her down and went for a 450 Splash but Baszler countered into the Kirifuda Clutch. Bianca tried to get up but fell back to the canvas. Belair then passed out and Baszler retained the NXT Women’s Championship.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089340053816512512

If you were going to have Bianca Belair lose her first match in NXT, this was the way to do it. Baszler needed outside interference and locked in the Kirifuda Clutch twice in order to finally conquer Belair. Bianca didn’t become the NXT Women’s Champion tonight but did become an absolute badass to anyone that watched the event.

Belair will have her moment in the future, but with Duke and Shafir recently arriving in NXT, now was not the time for Shayna to drop the belt. You are completely mistaken if you think that this loss somehow made Bianca Belair look weak. It did the exact opposite and the crowd will be even more behind her once she gets another shot.

Tommaso Ciampa Retained The NXT Championship

Tommaso Ciampa defended his NXT Championship against Aleister Black in the main event of NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. Velveteen Dream was shown in the crowd before the for the match.

Ciampa and Black locked up to start off the match and wound up dragging each other out of the ring. Back in the ring, Ciampa took control and brought Black to the canvas. Black battled back and launched Tommaso out of the ring. Ciampa slammed Black’s leg knee into the steel steps and then delivered a Suplex that sent Aleister flying into the steps again. Tommaso brought Aleister back into the ring and targetted his knee for the next several minutes.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089345386182033408

Tommaso brought Black back to the outside and slammed Aleister’s knee on the announce table. Ciampa took a seat on top of the table and gave himself a round of applause. Tommaso took a sip of water but didn’t get a chance to swallow it because Aleister Black almost kicked his head off and the water sprayed everywhere. Back in the ring, Ciampa hung up Black in the Tree of Woe but Aleister escaped and connected with another kick that sent both Superstars tumbling out of the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1089347083994386433

Back in the ring, Aleister went for a Suplex but couldn’t do it due to his injured knee. Aleister connected with a boot to the face and followed it up with a German Suplex for a near fall. Black locked in a Single-Legged Boston Crab but his injured knee once again gave out and he had to release the hold.

Ciampa hit the Tower of London on the ring apron for another two count. Black and Ciampa traded strikes but Tommaso got the better of the exchange with a Clothesline. Aleister battled back with a Double Stomp and once again went for a Suplex but his knee gave out for the third time. Aleister hit a knee to the face and then finally was able to hit the Suplex for a two count.

Tommaso rolled out of the ring for a breather but Black hit him with a Moonsault off the second rope. Aleister slipped on the water that Ciampa spit all over the place as he was rolling him back into the ring. Ciampa capitalized on that by hitting the Fairy Tale Ending but Black kicked out at two.

Ciampa then ripped up the padding to expose the concrete floor below. Tommaso started arguing with the referee and turned around into a Double Knees from Aleister. Black landed with his knee on the concrete but fought through the pain and rolled Ciampa back inside the ring. Aleister then hit the Black Mass but couldn’t cover Ciampa because he rolled away.

Aleister went for another Black Mass but Ciampa countered into a DDT. Tommaso followed it up with another Fairy Tale Ending for another near fall. Ciampa then hit the Fairy Tale Ending for the third time and tried for another one but Aleister blocked it. Aleister went for Black Mass but once again his knee gave out. Ciampa then hit the Fairy Tale Ending for the fourth time to retain his NXT Championship.

Ciampa raised the NXT Championship on the entrance ramp as Johnny Gargano came up behind him. Gargano then raised the NXT North American Champion next to Tommaso Ciampa to close the show.

Ciampa and Black put on a very good match to close the show. It was a simple story, Black injured his knee early and battled his ass off to win the title. In the end, the injury was too much and Ciampa retained. There was no way anyone was going to Ricochet and Gargano tonight. The final shot was epic with Gargano and Ciampa raising the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship. I cannot wait to see where that storyline leads on NXT every week.

Overall, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix was a great show. Pretty much every TakeOver has been great and once again the main roster will have an uphill battle the following night to try and put on a better show. Gargano and Ricochet have already stolen the weekend in my opinion, but hopefully, I’m wrong and something amazing happens at Royal Rumble 2019.

Tommaso Ciampa Retains NXT Title At TakeOver: Phoenix

Tommaso Ciampa is still the WWE NXT Champion. The long-standing champion, who won the title back on July 18, 2018 during an episode of NXT, successfully retained the strap against Aleister Black in the headliner of Saturday’s (January 26, 2019) WWE NXT TakeOver: Phoenix event in Phoenix, Arizona at Talking Stick Resort Arena on the WWE Network.

It was a good back and forth contest between two of the top stars in WWE’s developmental brand. Ironically, it was Black who lost the title to Ciampa.

WWE holds NXT TV tapings on Wednesday, January 30th in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University where WWE will have the fallout from this event as well as this match. It will be interesting to see if WWE continues this feud or goes in a different direction. Either way, they put on one heck of a match that delivered and ended the night on a high note after fans witnessed some great matches.

What are your thoughts on Ciampa retaining the title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Shayna Baszler Retains NXT Women’s Title At TakeOver: Phoenix

There is only one WWE NXT Women’s Champion and that’s Shayna Baszler.

This was a key match in the women’s division as Baszler has been a top champion since winning the title back at the Evolution pay-per-view event in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in October.

On the flip side, BelAir has been a rising prospect in the division while making a name for herself while picking up big wins to get herself in this spot.

https://twitter.com/WWEUK/status/1089337274419081218

Baszler successfully retained the NXT Women’s Title against the young challenger at Saturday’s (January 26, 2019) WWE NXT TakeOver: Phoenix event at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on WWE’s streaming service.

This was a fresh feud for the NXT Women’s Champion and will be interesting to see where it goes from here. Either way, BelAir has a lot of potential and great backing from the WWE fans. They put on one heck of a match that delivered.

What are your thoughts on Baszler retaining the title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Johnny Gargano Wins NXT North American Title At TakeOver: Phoenix

WWE NXT North American Champion Ricochet will no longer stay at the top of the tier of the men’s division in NXT.

He lost his NXT North American Title to Johnny Gargano in a suburb contest that took place at the first special of the yellow brand, NXT TakeOver: Phoenix event, on Saturday night at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on WWE’s streaming service.

https://twitter.com/WWEUK/status/1089332403296964608

Ricochet, who was only the second champion in the history of the title, continues to shine through as one star that continues to impress fans each and every time that he gets into the ring. He’s someone to keep an eye on as he develops in the developmental system for the company.

They put on one heck of a match that delivered and will be fun to see where it goes from here. We should get an idea of just that once WWE holds the next set of TV tapings, which goes down on Wednesday, January 30th in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. Whether Ricochet gets a rematch before WrestleMania 35 weekend remains to be seen.

What are your thoughts on Gargano winning the title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

The War Raiders Win NXT Tag Team Gold At TakeOver: Phoenix

There are new stars on top of the NXT Tag Team division and that’s The War Raiders.

Hanson & Rowe were on the cusp of dethroning Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong before as that came back on the October 27th episode of NXT. Their time wasn’t meant to be then as Bobby Fish interfered in the contest with a chair.

That has all changed as the former ROH stars beat O’Reilly & Strong to win the NXT Tag Team Titles at the WWE NXT TakeOver: Phoenix event on Saturday night at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on WWE’s streaming service.

https://twitter.com/WWEUK/status/1089318888242925568

The rivalry between the teams intensified at TakeOver: WarGames in November during the main event. Now, with a title change, that appears to only be intensifying.

WWE holds NXT TV tapings on Wednesday, January 30th in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University. They put on one heck of a match that delivered and will be fun to see where it goes from here.

What are your thoughts on The War Raiders winning the titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

NXT TakeOver: Phoenix Results & Live Coverage (1/26)

[livelist button-title=”You Have Updates Available” max-per-page=”10″][live id=”oquljnk” data-sort-time=”1548543797767″]NXT TakeOver: Phoenix 2019 took place on January 26th at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ. [/live]

[live id=”aiucdq” data-sort-time=”1548543898087″]Kickoff Show:

  • Ricochet is shown arriving to the arena with his North American Title Belt, and then we go to a video package looking at what lead to his match with Johnny Gargano tonight.
  • We go to more video package for tonight’s show, and then Ricochet does an interview in the back where he talks about his intentions to beat Gargano tonight.
  • Johnny Gargano and Zelina Vega are backstage for an interview, and they argue about the “Match of the Year” award victory. Vega says 2019 is the “year of Tranquilo.”
  • We go to a video package looking at the Ohno vs. Riddle feud and their match tonight.
  • Ciampa goes backstage to accept his “Male Competitor of the Year” award, but he gives the award plaque back and walks away.
  • Kairi Sane goes backstage to accept her Female Competitor of the Year award. She thanks her fans and says she’s so happy right now.
  • Bobby Fish heads over to the Kickoff Show panel table to accept the Tag Team of the Year award on behalf of the Undisputed Era.
  • The award for Best Overall Competitor of the Year goes to Kairi Sane.
  • Aleister Black is shown arriving at the arena earlier this evening. We go to a video package looking at his match with Ciampa tonight, and now it’s time for TakeOver: Phoenix![/live]

[live id=”ujllsih” data-sort-time=”1548547258316″]WWE NXT TakeOver: Phoenix 2019

  • The pay-per-view opens up with a video package looking at the desert and talking about the burning hot air, and then we cut to footage of NXT fans and tonight’s competitors. [/live]

[live id=”wni60l” data-sort-time=”1548547590855″]

  • War Raiders vs. Undisputed Era (c): The Undisputed Era’s Tag Titles are on the line in this one. The opening bell sounds and O’Reilly and Strong immediately go after the War Raiders. Rowe fights back first and drops O’Reilly, then Hanson drops both Era members at ringside. Rowe picks up Hanson on the ring apron and throws him down on to the Era members at ringside. Back in the ring, Hanson hits a splash on Strong in the corner, then Rowe hits a dropkick. The War Raiders double team Strong until O’Reilly comes in to even the odds, and they knock the Raiders out to ringside. Back in the ring, O’Reily and Strong take turns working over Hanson with strikes. Rowe finally gets the tag and hits a gutbuster on Strong, then he no-sells a punch to the face from O’Reilly. O’Reilly runs the ropes, and Rowe throws Strong into him. Strong and O’Reilly are finally able to double team Rowe and they drop him at ringside. Hanson looks for a suicide dive on the Era at ringside, but they dodge him and Hanson crashes on the floor by himself. Rowe suplexes O’Reilly and then boots Strong in the face. O’Reilly takes out Rowe’s knee from behind as the referee tries to restore order. Strong gets the tag and hits a backbreaker for a two count. O’Reilly tags back in and continues the offense on Rowe with knee drops. Strong tags back in with another backbreaker for a pin attempt. Hanson finally gets to his feet and climbs to the apron. The Era double teams Rowe as the ref holds back Hanson. Rowe comes back with a t-bone suplex that sends O’Reilly crashing into Strong on the apron, and knocking Strong down to the floor. Back in the ring, Strong tags in, and a distraction from O’Reilly leads to Strong dropkicking Rowe. O’Reilly tags in and trades strikes with Rowe until both men are down. Hanson and Strong get the tags, and Hanson unloads with strikes and a side suplex. Hanson hits a cross bodyand then a seated senton on Strong. Hanson cartwheels away from a cheap-shot attempt by O’Reilly, then he drops O’Reilly with a clothesline. Hanson hits splashes in the corner on O’Reilly and Strong. O’Reilly misses a big boot on Hanson and hits Strong, then Hanson continues the offense. Strong fires back with some kicks on Hanson, and then O’Reilly and Rowe get the tags. All four men are in the ring now trading shots. The War Raiders end up double-teaming O’Reilly and then Hanson hits a suicide dive on Strong at ringside. Rowe powerbombs O’Reilly on the mat, and then Hanson hits a splash off the top on him. Strong breaks up the pin attempt. O’Reilly fights back and knocks Rowe to the outside. Strong comes back in and hits a superplex on Hanson, then O’Reilly hits a knee drop off the top for a two count. Strong hits a backbreaker on Rowe on the apron, then he tags back in. The Era hits a double spinning elbow on Hanson, then Strong hits the Olympic Slam on Hanson for  two count. O’Reilly tags back in and they double team Hanson for another two count. Hanson cartwheels away from a double-team attempt, and then hits a double back elbow on Strong and O’Reilly. Rowe tags in and hits a powerslam/powerbomb combination on both Strong and O’Reilly. The War Machine double teams O’Reilly next for the three count, and we have new Tag Champs.
  • Winners & new NXT Tag Team Champions: War Raiders[/live]

[live id=”27eg9″ data-sort-time=”1548549393071″]

  • Kassius Ohno vs. Matt Riddle: The opening bell sounds and btoh men start with a series of strikes. Riddle knocks Ohno outside and hits a flying elbow to the face. Back in the ring, Riddle continues the offense and hits a gut-wrench suplex on Ohno. They fight out to ringside, and Ohno sticks Riddle’s face under the elastic top of the ring curtain and then stomps on his head. Ohno continues the offense and kicks Riddle in the face again, then he takes him out to ringside and throws him into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Riddle puts Ohno in a sleeper. Riddle appears to be bleeding from his mouth. Ohno drops Riddle and fights back, but Riddle shuts him down with a German Suplex. Riddle hits kicks until Ohno grabs his leg and bites Riddle’s foot. Ohno hits a knee to the face and a sit-out powerbomb for a three count. Ohno follows up with a moonsault for a two count. Ohno hits a kick and two senton splashes, but then Riddle latches on to him and goes for another sleeper. Ohno reaches the bottom rope to break the hold. Riddle hits a series of kicks and then Ohno begs for mercy. Riddle hits a knee to the face and a sleeper suplex. Riddle hits a series of elbows to the face and head until Ohno taps out.
  • Winner: Matt Riddle[/live]

[live id=”4d7qi” data-sort-time=”1548550142845″]

  • Tommaso Ciampa is shown backstage warming up for his match tonight.
  • The Velveteen Dream is shown arriving to the building with two women. [/live]

[live id=”svuoca” data-sort-time=”1548550257288″]

  • Ricochet (c) vs. Johnny Gargano: Ricochet and Gargano trade holds in the opening moments as Gargano looks for a submission or pin attempt. Gargano looks for a hurricanrana twice but Ricochet lands on his feet both times. Ricochet extends his hand to Gargano, but Gargano punchesh im in the face and they trade blows now. Gargano falls outside and Ricochet springboards off the ring post for a moonsault on Gargano on the floor. Back in the ring, they fight on the top turnbuckle, and Gargano slips under Ricochet’s legs and slams him face-first into the turnbuckle. Gargano pummels on Ricochet on the mat now and follows up with a running dropkick. Ricochet fights back and looks for a standing moonsault, but Gargano kicks him out of mid-air. Gagano hits some chops to the chest, but then he misses a slingshot spear through the ropes and Ricochet slams him down. Ricochet hits some strikes and headscissor takedown. More strikes from Ricochet in the corner, and then he hits a springboard elbow to the face. Ricochet hits a Northern Lights suplex and a brainbuster for a two count. They trade strikes again, until Ricochet misses a shot and Gargano follows up with a sit-out powerbomb. Gargano locks in a crossface, and then he looks for the Gargano Escape, but Ricochet escapes. Gargano comes back with a kick to the head, and then he looks for a tornado DDT, but Richocet catches him and dumps him outside. Ricochet follows up with a corkscrew moonsault from the ring down to Gargano at ringside. Back in the ring, Ricochet hits a standing shooting star press and then a moonsault off the top for a two count. They go up top, and Gargano goes for a Frankensteiner but Ricochet lands on his feet. Gargano and Ricochet trade strikes now, and then Ricochet looks for a springboard back elbow, but Gargano reverses it into a neckbreaker. Gargano immediately follows up with the Gargano Escape. Ricochet powers out and suplexes Gargano into the turnbuckle. Gargano rolls outside for a breather, but Ricochet hits a big suicide dive on him on the outside. Back in the ring, Ricochet hits the springboard 450 for a two count. Ricochet goes up top for a Shooting Star Press, but Gargano blocks it with his knees. Gargano superkicks Ricochet and he falls out to ringside. Gargano goes for a suicide dive, but Riccohet catches him. Gargano is on Ricochet’s shoulders, and he turns it into a reverse hurricanrana. Back in the ring, Gargano hits the slingshot DDT for a two count. Gargano pulls the padding off the concrete floor at ringside, and he goes to DDT Ricochet on to it, but he seems to decide against it and he pushes Ricochet back in the ring. Gargano wastes some time and Ricochet drops him. Ricochet misses a move off the top, and Gargano suplexes him. Ricochet comes back with a suplex of his own, and he applies the Gargano Escape on Gargano. Gargano breaks free and rolls out to the apron. They fight out to the floor, and Gargano hits a brainbuster on Ricochet on the exposed concrete floor. Back in the ring, Gargano follows up with the slingshot DDT for the three count.
  • Winner & new NXT North American Champion: Johnny Gargano[/live]

[live id=”q97llb” data-sort-time=”1548552387780″]

  • We see a view of the outside of the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.
  • They go to a video package looking at the history of Shayna Baszler and Bianca Belair[/live]

[live id=”kbfbd7″ data-sort-time=”1548552720335″]

  • Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Bianca Belair: The opening bell sounds, and they lock up and trade holds in the opening moments. Bianca dumps Shayna outside, then slams her face on the apron. Shayna fights back and grabs Bianca by the hair to slam her into the ring post. Bianca rolls in the ring at the ref’s 9 count, and Shayna proceeds to pummel on her for a two count. Shayna stomps on Bianca’s elbow and the ref checks on Bianca in the corner. Bianca tries to fight back, but Shayna repeatedly cheap-shots by grabbing the hair. Shayna hits a flurry of strikes for a two count. Shayna wastes some time talking trash, and Bianca slaps her away and then hits a shoulder block in the corner. Bianca hits a dropkick and then a spear for a two count. Bianca repeatedly stomps on Shayna and then looks for a splash, but Shayna blocks it with her knees. Shayna hits a knee to the face for a two count. Shayna continues the offense until Bianca whips Shayna in the midsection with her hair. Bianca goes for a slam, but Shayna shoves Bianca into the ref, and the ref is down. Bianca hits the KOD but the ref is down and can’t count. Marina Shafir and Duke come out, but Bianca drops them both and sends them out to ringside. Shayna recovers and puts Bianca in the sleeper. Bianca fights up to her feet, and she spins Shayna around and hits a suplex. Bianca goes up top and goes for a 450 splash, but Shayna moves out of the way and Bianca crashes into the mat. Shayna immediately locks in the sleeper, and Bianca puts up a fight, but she finally goes out and the ref calls it.
  • Winner & still NXT Women’s Champion: Shayna Baszler  [/live]

[live id=”aweiov” data-sort-time=”1548554086148″]

  • The Velveteen Dream is shown sitting at ringside with his two companions.
  • We go to a video package looking at the feud between Tommaso Ciampa and Aleister Black over the NXT Title. [/live]

[live id=”9ov2ot” data-sort-time=”1548555004884″]

  • Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Aleister Black: Black takes control of this one early on, and hits a big suicide dive on to Ciampa at ringside. They fight on the floor until Ciampa turns things around and slams Black’s knee into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Ciampa continues to work over Black’s knee and focuses in on it. Ciampa takes Black out to ringside, and slams the challenger’s knee into the Spanish announce table. Ciampa admires his work and then takes Black back into the ring for more punishment. Ciampa hangs Black upside down in the corner and repeatedly strikes his knee and leg. Black tries to fight away, and he successfully hits a kick to the head that sends Ciampa falling out to ringside. Back in the ring, Black and Ciampa trade blows now, and Black catches Ciampa with a kick to the face that stuns him. Black follows up with lariats and another kick to the face of the Champion. Black misses a kick and Ciampa looks for a suplex, but Black escapes. Black is still selling his knee, and Ciampa hits an elbow to the back of his head. Black comes back with some kicks and a German suplex for a two count. Black tries to keep up the offensive pace, but his knee gives out. Black knocks Ciampa out to ringside and then he climbs the turnbuckle, but Ciampa runs up and hits a neckbreaker on Black off the turnbuckle down to the apron. Ciampa covers for a two count, then hits a running knee to the face for another two count. Ciampa wastes some time taunting Black, and Black nails him with a knee to the face. Ciampa comes back wit ha knee to Black’s face, and both men are moving slow now. Black and Ciampa trade punches and kicks, then Ciampa rolls up Black for two. Black hits a kick, and Ciampa fires back with a lariat. Ciampa looks for a running knee but Black blocks it and trips him. Black hits a double stomp on a grounded Ciampa, and then he looks for a suplex, but Black’s knee gives out. Ciampa misses a shot and Black hits a knee, then hits his suplex for a two count. Ciampa rolls outside for a breather, and Black goes flying off the middle rope with a moonsault on Ciampa on the floor. Back in the ring, Ciampa comes back with the Fairytale Ending, but Black kicks out at two. Ciampa rolls outside and pulls back the padding to expose the concrete floor at ringside. The ref yells at Ciampa, and Black recovers and comes flying off the apron with a knee to the face of Ciampa on the floor. Back in the ring, Black hits the spinning heel kick, but he’s slow to cover and Ciampa rolls away from the pin. Black goes for the Black Mass, but Ciampa seems to pull the ref in the way to obstruct Black’s momentum. Ciampa follows up with a DDT, and then the Fairytale Ending, but Black kicks out at two again. Ciampa hits the Fairytale Ending again, but he doesn’t pin. Ciampa goes for the Fairytale Ending one more time, but Black fights away. Black misses a kick attempt and Ciampa hits the Fairytale Ending again for the three count.
  • Winner & still NXT Champion: Tommaso Ciampa[/live]

[live id=”qkwah” data-sort-time=”1548556390047″]

  • We go to replays as Ciampa slowly gets to his feet with his NXT Title belt. Ciampa celebrates with his NXT Title belt and heads up the ramp, and then Johnny Gargano comes out with his North American Title belt. They both hold up their Title belts as TakeOver: Phoenix goes off the air. [/live]

[/livelist]

7 Takeaways From Impact Wrestling 1/25

Impact Wrestling was back on Pursuit and Twitch last night. The promotion presented the first show from their most recent tapings in Mexico City from Jan. 11-12th.

7 Takeaways From Impact Wrestling:

Brian Cage Broke Up Killer Kross’ Title Match Against Johnny Impact

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWA2TnWI-i4

Brian Cage said he would be in Mexico City this week and he was. He showed up in the night’s main event and broke up the match between Kross and Johnny Impact for the title. This did not sit over well with Kross or Moose, who attacked both men. It seems as though Cage won’t stop until he gets his rematch.

LAX vs Lucha Bros Next Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05j9AnsMt0

Last week, LAX antagonized the Lucha Bros, much to Konnan’s dismay. This week, Konnan announced he was bringing in 2 luchadors, one to team with LAX next week and the other to team with the Lucha Bros as the two sides go head-to-head. LAX and the Lucha Bros look like they are headed down the path to a Homecoming rematch.

“Vera Loca” Taya Valkyrie Returns To Mexico

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpdWiKIBa1o

Taya Valkyrie returned to Mexico as Knockouts champion this week. She defeated Keyra in the 2nd match on the show. After the match, Taya cut a promo thanking the fans in Mexico for making her who she is.

Taya held the Reina de Reinas championship for 945 days from 2014-2017 while wrestling in AAA, the longest reign in the title’s lineage. She also said she would be waiting for Tessa Blanchard for whenever her suspension is up and would be ready for any of the Knockouts in the meantime.

Sami Callihan Says He Saved Rich Swann

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNaK7-wN9aE

Sami Callihan told Rich Swann if it wasn’t for him, he’d be dead in Baltimore somewhere. The leader of OVE came to the ring after Swann had just defeated El Hijo Del Vikingo in the opener.

Callihan revealed the two of them are close outside of the wrestling ring and that Callihan supported him during hard times. Despite this, Swann did not accept Callihan’s offer to join his faction. While he did not specifically say “no”, Swann told Sami he didn’t think he was a good fit for the group.

Scarlett Bordeaux Trains For Her In-Ring Debut

Scarlett Bordeaux will debut as a member of the Knockouts division in 3 weeks. This week she demonstrated a rather interesting training regimen she is running herself through. It’s easy to see how she won her own talent search.

Rosemary Tells Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace “This Is Not Your Fight”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd00SUYuMU

The lights flickered and a message scrawled on the screen while the debuting Melissa Santos interviewed Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace thi week. The message read “the darkness will take you too. This is not your fight. R.”

While this is speculation, it seems Hogan & Grace will both move back into the non-underworld portion of the Knockouts division. It turns out this was bad speculation as the promotion just announced Hogan & Grace will face Su Yung & Dark Allie next week.

The Rascalz Go 2-0

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

The Rascalz picked up two wins this week and Zachary demonstrated he can speak perfect subtitled Spanish in a backstage segment. Zach and Wentz picked up a win over the Desi Hit Squad in tag-team action while Trey Miguel picked up a win in the X-Division by defeating Ethan Page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYv-R706hoE

Quick Results:

  1. Rich Swann defeated El Hijo Del Vikingo
  2. Taya Valkyrie defeated Keyra
  3. Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier defeated the Desi Hit Squad
  4. Trey Miguel defeated Ethan Page
  5. Impact World Championship
    Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross – No Contest

Next week:

  • Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace vs Dark Allie & Su Yung
  • Psycho Clown vs Fallah Bah

Tye Dillinger Changes Up His Look (Photos)

WWE SmackDown superstar Tye Dillinger has shown off his new look as he prepares to make his in-ring return under the WWE banner. The star of the blue brand showed off his new haircut and an all-black wardrobe in a recent photo that was posted to his official Twitter account.

As seen in the photo, the fan favorite star shaved off the sides of his hair and is sporting a short-hair mohawk with a full beard.

It was reported earlier this month that Dillinger is close to returning to the ring. Back in October, the company announced that he suffered a hand injury and had to undergo surgery as a result of it. According to the statement that was posted on the official website of the company, the SmackDown star suffered the injury while competing at a live event in Macon, GA at the Macon Centreplex. At this show, he lost to Shelton Benjamin in a singles match.

The announcement came just a few hours before he was supposed to challenge then-champion Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship on the blue branded show in Atlanta, GA. R-Truth would later replace him.

According to the report, Dillinger is slated to return to the road for WWE within the next several weeks.

Updated Betting Odds For WWE Royal Rumble

The updated betting odds for the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view have been released by sports betting service Bet Online.

The betting odds are historically accurate indicators of who will win each match. We will keep an eye on the betting lines and will post an update if there are any shifts as we get closer to the show.

Seth Rollins is still the favorite to win the Men’s Royal Rumble while Charlotte Flair is favorite to win the women’s s Royal Rumble. The Miz and Shane McMahon are favored to beat The Bar for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles. All other champions listed are favored to retain.

The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Here are the betting odds:

WWE Royal Rumble Odds

– WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar -350 vs. Finn Balor +225

– WWE Champion Daniel Bryan -250 vs. AJ Styles +170

– WWE Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey -700 vs. Sasha Banks  +400

– WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka  -200 vs. Becky Lynch +150

– WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & Shane McMahon -300 vs. The Bar +200

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

  • Seth Rollins (-125)
  • Braun Strowman (+400)
  • John Cena (+800)
  • Drew McIntyre (+800)
  • Finn Balor (+1600)

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

  • Charlotte Flair (-200)
  • Becky Lynch (+150)
  • Alexa Bliss (+1000)
  • Ronda Rousey (+1600)
  • Ember Moon (+1800)
  • Shayna Baszler (+1800)

https://youtu.be/o-uVb_OMg5Y

WWE Wants To Bring More Focus To Tag Team Wrestling

If you’re upset with the current landscape of WWE’s tag team division, we have some good news to pass along. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE officials are planning on reviving tag team wrestling. Several WWE tag teams have reportedly been told they’ll be receiving big pushes soon. This is likely a knee-jerk reaction to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), who is planning to make tag team wrestling a focal point of their product.

It was also noted that The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) have been told they’re to be the face of the division. Dawson and Wilder recently asked for their WWE release following a match on Monday Night RAW. However, WWE doesn’t plan on granting any releases anytime soon. Especially with AEW now being an option for talents to go to. On RAW this week, WWE teased a reunion between Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. Perhaps an Edge Head reunion will be part of WWE’s new plans for the division.

RAW’s division is currently short a team with The Authors Of Pain’s Akam out-of-action for several months with a leg injury. However, it’s possible WWE could reunite The Hardy Boyz. Matt and Jeff’s contracts with WWE are to expire around WrestleMania 35 season. They signed with WWE in 2017 shortly before WrestleMania 33. But there’s a third-year option in the new deal, which WWE is expected to pick up.

If they decide to do so, there will be a big pay raise involved for the former Tag Team Champions. It will be interesting to see how WWE’s tag team division progresses in the coming months.

Do you think WWE will vamp up its tag team division in the near future?

WWE Stars Could Get Pay Raise With New TV Deal

It looks like WWE officials are planning on raising the pay of their talents this year. Per a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, talents are being told that the money for WWE’s new TV deal will kick in later this year. As a result, the new contracts will be way up to the ones that they previously signed. WWE recently reached a deal with FOX to begin airing SmackDown Live.

The blue brand will begin airing on FOX this October. WWE also renewed their deal with NBCUniversal, meaning Monday Night RAW will continue to air on USA Network. Also, there has been some chatter of new deals being the equivalent to that of other sports leagues. Meaning, talents are signed for a set price, and anything earned above that is a bonus or percentage of merchandise sales.

Meltzer also noted that WWE is no longer a live event or pay-per-view (PPV)-driven business. It’s now a guaranteed TV rights-driven business. There will be plenty of money to go around for WWE stars who opt to re-sign. Thanks to the two big deals from FOX and NBCUniversal, WWE will be making $2.34 billion over 5 years.

What do you think about WWE stars possibly getting a pay raise as a result of the new TV deals?