On this episode of Total Divas, Lana and her husband Rusev had their second wedding. In the first part of this season on Total Divas, Lana decided that she would have two weddings, one that took place in the United States, and one in her husband’s native land of Bulgaria. Viewers of the show were enchanted earlier this season by Lana and Rusev’s California wedding. However, the lavish California nuptials paled in comparison to the opulence of the Bulgarian festivities.
Before the wedding ceremonies could commence, however, there was some drama. In order for Lana to get married in her husband’s Bulgarian Orthodox church, she had to first be baptized in their church. Lana was amenable to getting baptized, but she wasn’t aware that she had to be submersed in water several times and drenched in oil as part of the baptism ceremony. She was furious because she was uninformed of the proceedings, and was therefore completely decked out in full makeup and fancy hairstyle. She proceeded to throw a fit because the full immersion baptism ruined her looks, and stormed out of the church upset.
While I agree that Lana should have been better informed of what was going on in her baptism ceremony; I feel that her behavior was exceedingly inappropriate. The sanctity of a religious ceremony should take precedence over one’s looks, and places of worship should be respected for what they are regardless of one’s feelings. Not only did Lana embarrass herself by storming out of the church, but she embarrassed her future spouse by ruining the baptism ceremony. Further, I think she showed disrespect to her future in-laws by humiliating them in their place of worship and in front of the priest. I understand that Lana feels the need to be in control of all situations, but not only is that not how life works; it is not how marriage works. I agree wholeheartedly with WWE superstar, Natalia, who advised her friend to surrender and accept her husband’s traditions with an open mind. Once Lana took her friends advice, she ended up having a blast at her Bulgarian nuptials which included a dance party in the streets and a release of live doves.
Meanwhile, back in Florida, superstar Nikki Bella was experiencing some intense drama of her own. Having recently endured a major neck operation, Nikki has been eager to make her come back in WWE. Even though her neck surgeon felt that it was safe for her to return to the ring, WWE doctors remained unsure. Although wrestling opportunities may have been put on hold for Nikki, her agent was busy hunting down other opportunities for her.
Nikki was ecstatic when he told her that ABC’s wildly popular television show, Dancing with the Stars, was interested in having her participate in its upcoming season. The problem was however, that the live tapings of the show on Mondays would make it difficult for Nikki to make it to WWE TV shows and other events. Nikki was certain she could do it all, but she received a reality check from her boyfriend John Cena. He pointed out that if Nikki became injured because of Dancing with the Stars then she couldn’t wrestle WWE events, similarly if she got injured during the events she couldn’t dance. Ultimately, Nikki opted not to do the TV show and to focus all her energy on the WWE.
Eva Marie also experienced some drama with her family on this week’s show. She returned home just as her dad was recovering from knee surgery. She was extremely concerned for her dad’s health because he has also suffered due to colon cancer. She attempted several different measures to get her dad to become more healthy. She threw away all of her dad’s unhealthy food and tried to replace it with healthier options. She also tried to discuss retirement with her dad, but he refused to consider it. Eva Marie had to be reminded that she gets her stubborn streak from her father and that sometimes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. There is even more family drama to come next week on Total Divas.
The Young Bucks, the current ROH Tag Team champions, revealed on the Edge & Christian podcast this week that when they faced Matt and Jeff Hardy at the ROH show in a ladder match the night before WrestleMania, Matt carried a message for them from WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
Matt and Nick Jackson were two of the few guys who were aware that the Hardys were on the way to WWE and had to wrestle another ladder match the next day at WrestleMania on their first return to the company.
Before the match, Matt Hardy told the two brothers that Vince McMahon called him in the morning and told him to carry on a message for the duo. “Hey I know these Young Buck kids are good, but could you please tell them to take care of you guys?” Matt Jackson said, recounting the story that Matt Hardy told them that night.
The YB said that no one in Ring of Honor knew that Matt and Jeff were going to show up at WrestleMania the next day even though the Young Bucks were going over the Hardys in the ladder match to regain their tag team titles. “We actually felt a lot of responsibility. We knew what they were doing the next night. We were two of the few guys in the world that actually knew about it,” he added.
Impact Wrestling on POP did a total of 255,000 viewers, down 65,000 viewers from last week’s show and the second lowest rated show of 2017. The combination of the NBA Playoffs and the NFL Draft did not help, taking a good percentage of the audience. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Total Divas ratings continued its downward spiral with episode 14 of season 6 titled Runaway Bride getting only 566,000 viewers, down 23,000 viewers from last week. It’s the fourth worst showing of the season so far. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas will be hosting Brock Lesnar’s first title defense in a new pay-per-view titled Great Balls of Fire.
The name began trending immediately on Twitter after the ACC posted the promotional material, although unfortunately for WWE, it was all for the wrong reasons due to the silly name. “Tragic name,” tweeted one individual, while another thought that using the PPV name “Face F*ck Extravaganza” would make more sense than Great Balls of Fire.
WWE was rumored to be using the old PPV name Bad Blood for this July Raw pay-per-view before the genius idea came up to use Great Balls of Fire instead. Tickets for the show go on sale to the general public on May 5 at 10AM at Ticketmaster.com. The show will be held on July 9.
Brock Lesnar has not appeared on WWE television since the day after WrestleMania and the Universal Title has gone with him.
You can see the promo video and the logo of Great Balls of Fire below.
Last month, Impact Wrestling announced that they have teamed up with ITV in the United Kingdom to bring the next set of television tapings of ITV World of Sport Wrestling. The tapings, scheduled for May 25 and 26 at the Preston Guild Hall, have now been postponed.
No reason was announced to explained the delay although PWInsider.com says that it wasn’t because of ticket sales. Impact and ITV were scheduled to tape a total of ten episodes over the period of two days, with those episodes supposed to air in July.
ITV did not announce a new date for tapings so the project for now is on the sidelines until most likely later this year. World of Sport made its return for a one night only special on December 31 of last year, pulling in 1,250,000 viewers with Jim Ross doing play-by-play commentary.
Matt Hardy has been hinting heavily on Twitter that he will be resuming the shenanigans of his Broken gimmick as rumors are flying around that WWE and Matt Hardy have reached an agreement with Impact to take over full rights of the gimmick which Matt himself created while working for Impact Wrestling.
“The OBSOLETE Owl cannot evade my #BROKENBrilliance by flying away.. DELETION is coming,” Matt tweeted, adding an old video of an owl flying away full-speed ahead inside at a reception and heading straight into a glass window, falling down as the crowd gasps.
His Twitter interactions seemed to be more of Broken Matt rather than Matt Hardy lately and last night he even posted a photo of his infamous boat Skarsgard, now painted in gold color.
Hardy has been locked into a battle with Impact Wrestling over rights of his character. He claims that he created it, so he owns it, while Impact owns any footage that he shot while working with them. Impact, on the other hand, claims that they own the full rights of the gimmick and Ed Nordholm even credited Impact writers for coming up with the character, rather than Matt.
Matt filed for trademark of the gimmick the day after he was free of his Impact contract but the process of filing for a trademark application takes a long time, especially when there’s objection to the application. Impact wanted a percentage cut of anything that relates to his character.
A total of 34 athletes from 18 different countries are currently participating in the WWE four-day tryout in Dubai, being held at the brand-new Dubai Opera House. 27 out of those 34 athletes are men, while the rest are women.
WWE.COM reports that athletes from the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil, Ukraine, Greece, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom are all part of the camp.
WWE decided to hold the tryout in Dubai based on their massive social media following from the Middle East and India, with Canyon Ceman, WWE’s Vice President of Talent Development, saying that they have over 40 million Facebook followers just from the Middle East and North Africa.
Matt Bloom, the WWE Performance Center head coach, is leading the training camp.
WWE and TV5 today announced a new agreement to broadcast Smackdown in the Philippines on TV5 beginning Sunday, April 30. Every week, TV5 will televise a one-hour edition of SmackDown on Sundays at 3PM. In addition to the broadcast on TV5, SmackDown will be simulcast online at TV5.com.ph and Sports.tv5.com.ph.
“TV5 shares our vision and desire for engaging and entertaining fans in the Philippines,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “This new partnership to televise SmackDown showcases the continuing global growth of WWE while creating a destination for WWE fans in the Philippines to enjoy our unique blend of action-packed, family fun entertainment.”
TV5 President Chot Reyes added: “In the industry of sports entertainment, WWE is second to none. It’s a proven, successful, model organization and an esteemed, iconic brand. We at TV5 are honored and excited to be the platform that delivers WWE to the free TV audience.”
Both Raw and Smackdown aired on FOX Sports in the Philippines but the agreement ended when both sides could not agree on details on a new deal. Raw is still without a broadcast partner in the country.
This week’s Smackdown drew a total of 2,493,000 viewers, down 51,000 viewers from last week’s show and the worst number so far for 2017. The numbers were greatly affected by the NBA Playoffs and Smackdown was #3 on the top 50 chart in the 18-49 demographic. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Wrestling-Online.com is proud to once again tag team with The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans to offer rooms at fantastic prices during WrestleMania 34 weekend. This is our fifth collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton brand for WrestleMania weekend and the second one with the New Orleans property following our partnership for WrestleMania XXX.
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To book, go to the RitzCarlton.com website and use our Group Code UWUUWUA for Deluxe King Accommodations (one double bed, maximum of 2 per room) or the group code UWUUWUB for Deluxe Double Accommodations (two double beds, maximum of 4 per room).
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Yesterday, former wrestling announcer Mark Madden wrote on Twitter that there was a backstage incident during the Impact Wrestling tapings that could have “major repercussions” if details of the incident go public, adding that nothing about it is really surprising though.
PWInsider.com reports that the incident involved Bob Ryder and the Jarretts, who during the final Impact taping on Sunday ended up in a “loud and ugly argument” backstage. The website says that Karen Jarrett tore into Ryder over a booking of a hotel room and afterward, Ryder got chewed out by Jeff Jarrett in front of everyone as well and ordered to leave the tapings.
“There was a lot of sympathy for Ryder after the incident because his health has not been the best in recent months,” the report, written by Mike Johnson, said.
Bob Ryder has been with Impact Wrestling since pretty much day zero and was there with both Jeff and Jerry Jarrett when the TNA concept was conceived. The former owner of the then-popular 1Wrestling.com website handled all the travel for the company before getting a promotion in the talent relations department.
Ryder went back working at the Impact offices in Nashville following the end of the tapings although it’s not clear how long he will last after this big argument with his bosses.
Total Divas episode 14 of season 6 airs tonight on E! with an episode titled Runaway Bride.
The synopsis for tonight’s show reads, “During their traditional Bulgarian wedding, Rusev pushes Lana outside of her comfort zone forcing her to storm out of the church! Nikki gets an offer to do Dancing with the Stars and wonders if she should quit WWE, while Eva Marie pushes a healthier lifestyle on her sick father who she feels is living in denial.”
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair said on Twitter that his fiancee was involved in a serious car accident yesterday. Flair’s significant other is Wendy Barlow, better known to WCW fans as former manager Fifi the Maid.
“Please pray for my Fiance who was just in a serious car wreck. She is at the hospital,” Flair wrote. “Car accidents are always horrible”. Today he posted another tweet with a photo of Wendy in a neck brace in a hospital bed writing that she will be okay and thanking fans for their prayers.
No details were given on the accident. Flair and Barlow got engaged last year, making this Flair’s fifth engagement.
Tuesday Night Smackdown! Live Television Report for April 25, 2017 – “Grievances”
Introduction: Video Promo
The regular Smackdown! Live opener plays.
Arena Promo
Rene Young is in the ring and brings out Shinsuke Nakamura. Before he can say a word, Dolph Ziggler interrupts. He mocks an interview with Shinsuke, insinuating he is really the late singer/dancer/pop-star innovator Michael Jackson. The questions are switched around, and then Nakamura says a couple of phrases in Japanese and calls Dolph a “jackass.” Ziggler kicks Shinsuke, but Shinsuke fights back. He can’t hit his finisher – the Kinsasha running-knee – as Dolph bailed to the aisle.
Later tonight, the Women’s Championship is on the line as Charlotte challenges Naomi; up next, Baron Corbin wrestles A.J. Styles!
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – A.J. Styles VS. Baron Corbin
(Note: United States Champion Kevin Owens is on commentary.) A.J. rolls under Baron and tries a waistlock, but Corbin fends him off. Styles clamps on a standing side-headlock a couple of times, and they both continue to tussle for position. A.J. runs at Baron, but Corbin blocks him and then boots him to the floor.
Commercials.
“The Lone Wolf” is in control with an armlock and face stretch. He catches Styles from a run with a chokeslam and almost takes this! He goes for a superplex from the turnbuckle, but A.J. slides out and hits a Pele Kick! He runs again with a clothesline and then a low-forearm! 1 – 2 – Baron gets his shoulder up!
A.J. goes for the Styles Clash and then the Calf-Crusher, but Corbin stops both. Baron runs but gets a boot and then a forearm. Owens distracts A.J., who kicks him away, and then goes for the Phenomenal Forearm. Corbin blocks but Styles reverses a powerbomb into a sunset-flip for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: A.J. Styles
Post-match, Owens and Corbin attack A.J. until Sami Zayn runs out! He helps until Kevin hits him hard, and then gives Styles the Pop-Up powerbomb.
Locker Room Promo
Dasha interviews Charlotte about her Women’s Championship Match tonight. Charlotte not-so-subtly puts herself over.
Up next, a Beat-The-Clock Challenge Tag-Team between American Alpha and The Colons; the eventual winners will be the #1 Contenders to the Tag-Team Championships.
Commercials.
Match #2: Tag-Team – American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) VS. The Colons (Epico and Primo)
(Stipulation: Beat The Clock Rules)
(Stipulation: #1 Contender’s to the Tag-Team Championship)
Gable and Epico begin, with Chad trying to get quick falls as the clock counts. Jordan is tagged in and does the same. Epico and Primo soon take over for a while, trading back-and-forth to wear down Gable. They go for their powerbomb/backstabber combo, but Jason breaks it and then Alpha end this at 5:17 after their Grand Amplitude finisher!
Winners via Pinfall at 5:17: American Alpha
Later tonight, Erick Rowan meets WWE Champion Randy Orton with No Disqualification Rules. After the break, Rusev gives us an update.
Commercials.
Video Promo
An ad for The New Day airs, telling us they’re “coming soon.”
Video Promo
Rusev tells us that he is not a fan of Commissioner Shane McMahon, General Manager Daniel Bryan, or Owner Vince McMahon’s “Superstar Shakeup.” Rusev threatens that he will only wrestle on Smackdown! if receives a title bout at Money In The Bank, in June.
Backstage Promo
Becky Lynch is questioned on her thoughts about Charlotte being a part of Smackdown! Live. She doesn’t get too far since Natalya, Tamina, Carmela, and James Ellsworth interject. They all warn Becky “you’re either with us, or you’re against us.”
WWE Champion Randy Orton makes his entrance for his No DQ contest with Erick Rowan, next!
Commercials.
Match #3: Single – WWE Champion Randy Orton VS. Erick Rowan (Non-Title)
This is even to start off, then they go to the outside, where Randy dominates. He shoves Rowan into the ring post and then backdrops him on the corner barricade. Erick reverses a whip, throwing Orton into the steel steps and then rolling him back in the ring. He hits a big dropkick but Randy raises his shoulder!
Rowan collects a kendo stick and slugs away. He pulls a table from under the ring and sets it up between the ring and the barrier. He attempts a suplex from ring-to-floor, but Randy stops him and jawbreaks using the apron. Erick just hangs on until Orton whacks away with the kendo stick and pushes him into and through the table!
Commercials.
Rowan is back in control, whipping Randy into the corner and stomping him. He slams Orton on the commentator’s table a couple of times. He grabs a kendo stick again, but Randy counters with the Draping DDT! The WWE Champion signals for but is fended off an R.K.O. try. Erick runs the steel steps into the head and upper-body area of Orton; he takes a chair and props it in the corner, but Randy reverses and Rowan is run into the chair, shoulder-first! Orton capitalizes with his R.K.O. and gets the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: WWE Champion Randy Orton
Post-match, Orton takes the microphone and warns Bray Wyatt that the result of the House of Horrors Match will not go in Bray’s favor.
Jinder Mahal – who will wrestle Randy at Backlash on May 21 for the WWE Championship – interrupts. He is upset that Orton dismissed him and rips on the fans for putting him and his culture down. Randy catches him in a Draping DDT position, but The Bollywood Boyz – Harv and Girv Singh – hold onto Orton. All three pound down and Jinder slams Randy to the canvas with a Cobra Clutch Full-Nelson. He holds up the WWE Championship and then walks away with it!
Commercials.
Video Promo
Jinder and The Bollywood Boyz high-tail it with a limo, with the WWE Championship!
Match #4: Tag-Team – The Ascension (Viktor and Konnor) VS. Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango)
(Stipulation: Beat The Clock Rules – must win before 5:17)
(Stipulation: #1 Contender’s to the Tag-Team Championship)
Viktor starts fast with a running tornado-shoulder on Tyler; Ascension switch in-and-out for a bit, but Breezango make a comeback! Tyler hits a Supermodel Kick and then Fandango plants with a Falcon-Arrow Suplex to take this at 2:41!
Winners via Pinfall at 2:41 and new #1 Contender’s to the Tag-Team Championship – Breezango
Commercials.
Video Promo
WWE Champion Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt’s feud is recalled.
Backstage Promo
Naomi is asked about wrestling Charlotte; the Women’s Champion is not pleased with Charlotte’s attitude.
Naomi makes her entrance for the main-event, next!
Commercials.
Match #5: Single for the Women’s Championship – Naomi (Champion) VS. Charlotte (Challenger)
They lockup and clutch each other. Naomi runs Charlotte into the middle turnbuckle with a bulldog, and but is swept on the apron and then yanked off of the apron to the floor!
Commercials.
Charlotte has Naomi in a grounding front-facelock, and then drops a knee for two! Naomi counters with a double-kick and then a spinning-sitdown-jawkbreaker! She gives Charlotte rapid-kicks, and then a hurricanrana from a run off of the ropes! They counter each other a couple of more times, and then Naomi hits a high-kick for a near-fall! They both give forearms, but Charlotte just kicks out after a Rear-View!
Naomi goes for another hurricanrana but Charlotte counters. Charlotte climbs the turnbuckle and moonsaults, but Naomi lifts her knees! Suddenly, Tamina, Natalya, and Carmela attack both and the referee calls for the bell!
Winner: None due to Referee Stoppage
Post-match, Tamina, Natalya, and Carmela continue to hit Naomi and Charlotte, and then walk up the ramp with James Ellsworth to close the show.
Judging from the Raw viewership, fans really thought Raw was trash as the show did 3,007,000 viewers for last night, the second lowest number of 2017 so far. That is down 339,000 viewers from last week.
Hour one did 2,999,000 viewers, followed by 3,141,000 in the second hour, and 2,881,000 in the third and final hour. The 2.99 million viewers of hour one is the least viewed first hour since the December 26 episode.
Raw was #4, #5, and #7 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demographic, surpassed by the NBA Playoffs, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, and Basketball Wives. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
The Hollywood Report is carrying an exclusive story saying that TriStar Pictures is getting their hands on the biopic about WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
The movie is titled Pandemonium with Glenn Ficarra and John Requa in talks to direct. The duo are directors and executive producers of the hit television drama This Is Us. Craig A. Williams wrote the script, and Andrew Lazar, who produced American Sniper, is producing the project along with Michael Luisi, president of WWE Studios, and Adam Goldworm of Aperture Entertainment. Charlie Gogolak of Zaftig Films will executive produce.
THR reports that Pandemonium first hit Hollywood rounds last summer but studios hesitated as WWE and Vince McMahon did not give their blessing. Lazar eventually secured the rights and TriStar went all out to get their hands on it, even decorating their office with WWE memorabilia to impress, a move which apparently did the trick.
You can read The Hollywood Reporter’s full story about the biopic at http://bit.ly/2oH9ikV.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross unveiled the cover of his upcoming biography book Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling in a post on Twitter.
The book will be published by Skyhorse Publishing and will be released in October of this year. It’s co-written by Paul O’Brien, an award-winning filmmaker and bestselling author from Wexford, Ireland. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon wrote the foreword while fellow Hall of Famer and big personal friend Stone Cold Steve Austin wrote the afterword.
JR said that he plans to make the book available on every platform possible and will also be narrating the whole book for an audio version.
WWE today announced that it will visit the United Arab Emirates this week in search of the next generation of WWE Superstars by holding a four-day talent tryout in Dubai from April 26 to 29.
The event, which will be hosted at the newly constructed Dubai Opera House, will give 40 men and women from the Middle East and India the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the hopes of being recruited to begin training at the state-of-the-art WWE Performance Center in the United States. The talent pool will comprise elite performers with a diverse background in sports and athletics, including power lifters, body builders, martial artists and fitness experts.
“WWE is dedicated to finding the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events and Creative. “Not only are the Middle East and India important markets to grow our business and reach new fans, but they are also key regions from which to recruit premier athletes who want to pursue the dream of becoming a WWE Superstar.”
The Dubai tryout is the latest example of WWE’s global talent recruiting efforts. In recent years, WWE has scouted rugby and soccer players from Europe, Kabaddi and Kushti athletes from India, and martial artists and boxers from China. In 2016, WWE held a talent tryout in Shanghai, which resulted in the signing of eight Chinese recruits, including Tian Bing, the company’s first-ever Chinese Superstar.
Hey everybody! It’s @TheMagnumDA with the last Raw report for the month of April 2017! We’re one week away from #WWEPayback, with many scores to settle before we get to San Jose. With that said, here we go! We are LIVE from Kansas City, Missouri.
We start with a recap of Braun Strowman’s path of destruction. Is this going to lead to Brock vs. Braun? Or a rematch between Roman and Brock? Let me know your opinion on Twitter! They played the Kalisto scene again. Man, that was glorious. Of course, this all leads to the RING DESTROYING SUPERPLEX that took place between Braun Strowman and The Big Show. Pretty cool moment.
The announcers welcome the fans to RAW, and they have announced Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto in a Dumpster Match! Wow, haha! Something incredible is going to be happening tonight. We open with CHRIS JERICHO, who comes out for the Highlight Reel! Jericho declares that this is the last Highlight Reel on Raw, because he’s going to Smackdown Live after next week. He announces HIMSELF as tonight’s guest on the Highlight Reel. Y2J states that he will defeat KO next week at Payback to win back the United States Champion once again. Jericho says some hilarious comments about KO’s “Face of America”, but this is interrupted by The Miz and Maryse!
Miz comes out and tells Jericho that he’s yesterday’s news. A HUGE “YOU SUCK” chant breaks out, and Miz seems pleasantly surprised by the heat from the fans. Miz says the “Highlight Reel” has been cancelled and replaced by “MizTV” immediately! Whoa, really? The argument between Miz and Jericho about the “Jeritron 6000” is hilarious. Just as Miz starts his bit, DEAN AMBROSE interrupts! He calls the Miz a “Stupid Idiot” and the crowd chants at him. Miz informs Dean that Chris never said it, but Chris tells him “Well, I was thinking it…” great banter! Dean gets a moving crew to then replace Miz’s set! What in the world? The Ambrose Asylum has begun, apparently! He introduces everyone in the ring as a guest, even Miz and Maryse. Dean and Chris have a moment of forgiveness, including Dean offering Chris a jacket wrapped in Christmas Lights! Dean asks him to “Try it on, man…!” Miz is PISSED, but Jericho cuts him off to try the jacket on. Miz tells the fans that they should be thankful to have a guy like him on Raw, after looking at this display. Miz demands that people should be giving him gifts, instead of this scene. Dean offers him Dirty Deeds as a gift. To add salt on the wound, Jericho adds Maryse to THE LIST! What a jacket!
Match #1 – Matt Hardy vs. Sheamus
They lock up and Matt tries a quick rollup for two. Matt gets behind and Sheamus nails him with an elbow and a headlock. Matt throws Sheamus into the ropes, but he gets shoulder charged for two. Matt hits a neckbreaker for two, followed by a series of legdrops for two. Sheamus fights out of Hardy’s headlock, and then kicks Matt. Sheamus tries the forearms, but they tussle on the apron. An AWESOME Side Effect on the apron by Matt as they go to break. After the break, Sheamus has Matt Hardy in the…you guessed it, HEADLOCK! Matt fights up and punches Sheamus’ lights out. Sheamus charges Matt in the corner, and does a reverse “Ten Beats” from the apron. He adds a neckbreaker from the ropes for added heel intent. Sheamus puts Matt on his shoulders, but Matt fights out. Sheamus misses a charge in the corner shoulder-first. This leads to Matt hitting a Tornado DDT from the ropes! Crowd starts cheering them on! They exchange some huge fists, and Matt throws Sheamus into the corner posts, followed by a clothesline and the running bulldog! HARDY SCREAM leads to an elbow for the ONE, TWO, NO! Matt tries to hit the Twist of Fate, but Sheamus KNEES him right in the mush. Sheamus runs off the apron, but Hardy’s waiting for him. Sheamus counters THAT for a rolling senton drop. The seconds get involved, leading to a fight outside between Jeff and Sheamus. As Cesaro approaches and this clears, Matt Hardy catches Sheamus with the Twist of Fate for the ONE, TWO, THREE!
Winner: Matt Hardy (**)
After the match, the Europeans offer to shake hands, and the Hardys are reluctant. The fans tell them “No!” but they still shake hands like idiot babyfaces. Surprisingly, there’s no attack whatsoever. Sheamus and Cesaro even raise Jeff and Matt’s arms in victory! Ooh…the slow burn. Meanwhile, Miz barges in on Kurt Angle and tells him that he was embarrassed by what happened earlier tonight. Kurt tells Miz that he needs to find a tag partner, because they’ll be facing Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho. Maryse yells at Kurt in French, and…yeah. That goes as well as you think.
Match #2 – Neville & TJ Perkins vs. Austin Aries & Gentleman Jack Gallagher
Aries and Gallagher run into the ring and start brawling with TJ and Neville right away. Neville and TJ regroup briefly, but they get thrown outside as we go to break! TJ dropkicks Jack in the back of the head, and then tags in Neville. Neville gets Jack in a headlock, as Austin tries to get the fans into the match. The announcers discuss a “Symbiotic” relationships, as Gallagher gets traded offer between Neville and Perkins. Gallagher counters TJ’s offense and eventually tags in Aries. Austin is HOT tonight, and catches TJ with some elbows and fists, followed by the standing lariat. Neville gets the earclap, and gets sent outside as TJ is hit with the DDT on the middle rope. Aries with a dive to the outside! Back inside, Austin covers TJ for two, and then gets him in the Last Chancery! The seconds enter once again and trade offense, leading to Neville hitting some kicks on Jack, followed by an Irish Whip. This leads to a dual headbutt! TJ gets up, but Jack and Austin are waiting for him! Elbow by Jack leads to the FIVE-ARM by Austin Aries on TJ! ONE, TWO, THREE!
Winners: Austin Aries & Jack Gallagher (**1/2)
Match #3 – Dumpster Match
Kalisto vs. Braun Strowman
Oh man, this is going to be very ugly. Hopefully it’s brilliant, too! Kalisto has new music that actually sounds kinda bad guy-ish. Is a heel turn in order for him after this? Kalisto starts with kicks to the legs, while Braun misses a charge. Good start so far for the little guy! Sadly, Kalisto gets a little too close and Braun throws him towards the dumpster. Kalisto hits some kicks on the apron, followed by a huge missile dropkick! NASTY jawbreaker by Kalisto! Sadly, Braun catches Kalisto and then suplexes him across the entire ring. Braun steps over Kalisto…literally. Braun points at the dumpster, and Kalisto is about to be tossed in, he gets Braun in a headlock that almost, ALMOST, ALMOST gets him over! Braun eventually catches his balance, and then torments Kalisto with abuse across the ring. Strowman charges and DESTROYS Kalisto in the corner. Braun picks up Kalisto and just chops him into dust. Braun clubs Kalisto in the chest, and then heaves him over the ropes! Kalisto tries to get up, but Braun clubs him down. Braun lifts Kalisto up in the Gorilla Press, but Kalisto dropkicks Braun’s legs, knocking him into the dumpster! IT’S OVER! Wait, it’s over? Don’t you have to close the lid on your opponent (like a Casket Match)? Whatever.
Winner: Kalisto (*)
After the match, Kalisto is destroyed by Braun Strowman. Absolutely mauled. Strowman takes the fight to the outside, where Kalisto is thrown into the barricade. Strowman then throws Kalisto’s corpse into the dumpster and carries it up the ramp…where Braun proceeds to seal the dumpster! The agents try to stop him, but it’s far too late. STROWMAN PROCEEDS TO THROW THE DUMPSTER OFF THE STAGE WITH KALISTO INSIDE! Holy goodness gracious. The agents scramble to save Kalisto as we go to break. They recap the chaos that ensued in the previous segment.
You know, just a quick editorial: This is Kansas City…these people haven’t forgotten Owen. I know it’s been 18 years and all, but it’s fresh in many of our minds. It’s kinda tasteless that they would resort to a serious angle (with an emergency vehicle) in this city. I figured that kinda stuff would be off-limits.
The announcers show a recap video of Roman Reigns. This is interrupted by Bray Wyatt, who has some haunting words (and images) for RKO, leading up to their “House of Horrors” match at Payback for the WWE Championship. So if Bray wins, does the WWE Championship come to Raw with him? They never really did explain that one.
Match #4 – Alicia Fox vs. Dana Brooke
They lock up, and Alicia takes Dana to the corner. Alicia hits some knees, followed by a Northern Lights Suplex for two. As she continues to beat down Dana, Emma shows up down the entrance way. Back inside, Alicia hits an elbow, but gets clotheslined by Dana. They bumble a spot, and Dana hits a completely awful version of her finisher for the three. That match was feces.
Winner: Dana Brooke (No stars)
The announcers run down the matches for Payback, and then we are backstage with Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson. They all talk trash, and they cut a promo on their opponents at Payback. This includes Karl Anderson calling Enzo a “Butt Nugget”. Boy, we’re really just not giving a shit about the whole Owen thing, are we? Tonight, it’s a six-man tag team match where they will take on those opponents…Seth Rollins, Enzo Amore, and Big Cass. While Enzo and Cass make their entrance, Gallows, Anderson, and Joe attack Enzo and Cass! Seth Rollins makes his entrance, but at this point he’s outmanned 3-to-1! Cass finally gets in the ring to even the score a little! Unfortunately, Enzo is OUT on the outside. We get yet another serious situation going into the break, as the agents tend to a fallen Enzo. When we come back to break, Kurt Angle announces Enzo’s replacement…
Match #5 – Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson vs. Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Finn Balor
They brawl inside to start, and then scramble outside. Cass clubs Gallows in the corner, and lays in some elbows. Cass splashes Gallows in the corner, and hits a fallaway slam. Seth gets tagged in, and he nails Gallows from the top. Balor is tagged in, and he lays some forearms into Gallows’ face. Gallows gets a right in, and tags in Anderson. Balor hits a dropkick, but Anderson carries Balor into the corner, tagging in Joe. Joe hits a VICIOUS kick to the guts, followed by jabs to the face. Anderson tags in and clubs down Balor. Balor is put into an armbar as the fans cheer Finn on. Finn tries to tag out, but he gets pulled in for a backbreaker by Anderson for two. Anderson with another armbar, pulling Balor back into the heel corner. Gallows tags in and hits some SERIOUS shots to Finn’s gut.
Gallows with a reverse wristlock takes Finn down. Balor fights up, but gets thrown in the corner. Balor charges but gets caught in a side suplex. Huge kick to Cass on the apron, but he misses a legdrop to Balor! HOT TAGS! Seth is house of fire! Rollins with a Blockbuster on Anderson! Sling Blade by Rollins! Rollins gets caught by Gallows and Anderson, but he fights out! Cass boots Gallows on the apron, leaving Seth and Samoa Joe! Anderson gets thrown out and saved by Joe, but this leads to a suicide dive by Seth! Seth gets up and Joe grabs his legs! Balor kicks Joe off him! Back inside, Rollins ends his use of the Pedigree, opting to hit the DRIVING KNEE to Anderson! ONE, TWO, THREE!
Winners: Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Finn Balor (***)
Backstage, Miz tries to ask Sheamus and Cesaro for help later tonight. They smile and walk away. That was really funny.
Alexa Bliss comes out and tells everyone that there are people in the locker room that have a sob story about achieving their dream, and it makes her sick. Bayley comes out and says that she knows who Alexa is talking about. Still, Bayley says she can’t wait to beat Alexa in her hometown this Sunday. Alexa tells her that this fiary tale dream is going to have a nightmare ending this Sunday. This brings out Sasha Banks, who tells Alexa that Bayley will show her up and shut her up. Sasha challenges Alexa right now, but Alexa tells her no. Sasha forearms Alexa right in the face, and it’s ON!
Match #6 – Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks
Bayley is on commentary for this match. Banks charges after Bliss, but Alexa goes into the ropes. Alexa attacks her with the ref in between. Alexa then beats down Sasha and gets a nearfall. Sasha gets some offense, but Alexa counters with a lariat. Sasha grabs Alexa’s leg, and knees her in the face. They screw up a spot on the corner, which is immediately aborted and turned into a nearfall. Alexa kicks Sasha with her back turned in the corner. Sasha counters with an armbar faceplant and a Banks Statement attempt. Bliss gets to the ropes and goes outside. Then she starts to walk towards the entrance, leaving the ref no choice but to finish the ten-count.
Winner by Count Out: Sasha Banks (*1/2)
After the match, Bayley grabs Alexa by the hair and pulls her back towards the ring. Alexa runs off, but soon after charges and DECKS Bayley with her back turned. Man, that Alexa is dangerous. Backstage, Dean and Chris are talking backstage. I love that the jacket is lit up behind them. Dean asks Chris nicely if he can be taken off the list. Chris tells him “No”, and then reminds him that he owes him $15,000 for the last jacket that was ruined by Ambrose. Dean somehow gets himself off the list, and then back on the list in a matter of seconds. Nice one, dude.
Charly is now backstage with Curtis Axel and Heath Slater, who are talking about their appearance in The Marine 5. Miz and Maryse interrupt and look for a tag team partner. They both turn him down, but someone shows up with a note that pleases Miz. Perhaps he has an awesome tag team partner now?
Curt Hawkins is in the ring looking to add to his ever-growing list of guys in the Star Factory! This brings out Apollo Crews, who gets literally no reaction. Poor guy. He needs to turn heel.
Match #7 – Apollo Crews vs. Curt Hawkins
Crews gets knocked down by Hawkins, but then get returns serve with some awesome, athletic offense. Hawkins botches a knee into the corner, but then he continues to stomp on Apollo. Hawkins with a suplex gets two. Hawkins with a chinlock on Crews, but Apollo fights up and hits a SICK running kick to the face. They trade kicks, and Apollo hits a jumping kick and an, leading to the spinout power bomb for the ONE, TWO, THREE!
Winner: Apollo Crews (*)
After the match, Titus O’Neil raises Apollo’s arm and the crowd reacts favorably to them! They take a selfie together! Oh man, Apollo’s reaction is the best! After this, the announcers recap the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Finally, Miz and Angle are discussing Miz’s tag team partner, which leads to THE DRIFTER wandering around in the background. Angle tells Miz “Good choice.” Hilarious! Angle tells Miz “Good luck…you’re going to need it.” Miz returns with, “No, I won’t!” Angle: “Yes, you will!” These guys are magic together.
Main Event – Chris Jericho & Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz and…
Miz’s partner doesn’t arrive, apparently. Jericho nails Miz in the corner and pelts him with chops. Jericho and Ambrose double-team Miz and knock him to the outside as we go to break! When we return, Dean drills Miz with a suplex and tags in Jericho. Jericho hits a back elbow and catches Miz with a huge suplex. Miz gets drilled with a running knee from Jericho, and Ambrose is tagged in. They hit a double team maneuver, but Miz begs off Dean and asks for a handshake. The crowd chants “No!” as Miz slaps Dean right in the face. The chase is on outside, but Dean is distracted by Maryse, allowing Miz to capitalize. He throws Dean in the barricade outside, and back first into the ring apron. Back inside, a running mafia kick by Miz gets two! They hit the chinlock as the crowd chants “Let’s Go, Ambrose!” Dean fights up, but Miz takes him back down with a neckbreaker. Miz starts doing the Daniel Bryan kicks, but Ambrose counters and rolls Miz up! ONE, TWO, NO! Clothesline by Ambrose! Jericho gets the HOT TAG and he’s a HOUSE OF FIRE!
Jericho with a shoulder tackle, and a chop from the top rope! Running bulldog by Jericho, followed by the Lionsault! Codebreaker is countered by Miz, who escapes the ring and runs back towards the entrance. Dean is ready and waiting for him in the aisle way! Dean clobbers Miz and clears the announcer’s booth! Just as Dirty Deeds is about to be hit onto Miz, BRAY WYATT appears and DRILLS Dean with Sister Abigail into the videoboard. Jericho starts to fight Wyatt, but Miz helps Bray take down Y2J. Bray and Miz take Jericho back into the ring, but Jericho catches Miz with the Codebreaker! Wyatt grabs Jericho and lays him out with Sister Abigail. Miz and Bray Wyatt celebrate together, but that doesn’t last long as Wyatt DRILLS Miz with Sister Abigail. “FOLLOW THE BUZZARDS!” We go to credits!
Winner: No Contest
Final Thoughts: Aside from a few tasteless choices, I enjoyed the go-home build for Payback. I’ll be watching next Sunday! See you next Monday from Sacramento!
