This is a professional wrestling blog that includes reviews, recaps, some news and any wrestling-related discussions of my choosing. Companies span from WWE to New Japan Pro Wrestling to AAA in Mexico. Don't just read recaps... watch them!
Ethan Carter and Tyrus show up. EC3 brags about getting rid of Jeff Hardy, then focuses on Drew Galloway. He then calls out his aunt Dixie Carter, after saying that she's been cheerleading for him as of late. Dixie shows up and calls EC3's out-of-ring behavior "deplorable" for not involving himself in the feud between TNA and Global Force Wrestling. EC3 says he told her not to trust Jeff Jarrett, but she didn't listen. He also says he sleeps "pretty damn comfortably now that he's World Heavyweight Champion." He tells Drew Galloway that he can't beat him. Drew Galloway shows up and stares down with EC3, then tells him to shut up and that nobody likes him after being self-entitled and turning his back on TNA, but EC3 replies by saying he is TNA and the company is his regardless. Galloway tells EC3 there's a reason he led Team TNA, and that he'll tear him apart at Bound For Glory. After EC3 tells him that's not gonna happen, Galloway stares down with EC3 and then Tyrus.
"The Cowboy" James Storm blames Mahabali Shera for the dissolution of The Revolution, and says that tonight, it's no-disqualification. He plans to cut Shera down.
EC3 tells Dixie Carter that he plans to destroy Drew Galloway's career along with his title aspirations tonight, and to destroy the future before it can start as he feels he should be the franchise guy, not Galloway.
Mahabali Shera beats "The Cowboy" James Storm in a no-disqualification match with help from Abyss and Manik.
Bobby Roode plans to explain what the King of the Mountain title means to him...
Dixie Carter is tired of Ethan Carter III's questioning her every move, and decides to make the main event match more interesting. If Drew Galloway and Matt Hardy can beat EC3 and Tyrus tonight, Matt Hardy will be added to the world title match at Bound For Glory, making it a triple threat match.
Bobby Roode shows up. He is proud to be TNA King of the Mountain Champion, and says that the title represents professional wrestling. He plans to become a great fighting champion, and issues an open challenge for the title at Bound For Glory and prove he is the It Factor of professional wrestling. Lashley shows up and shakes Roode's hand out of respect, then answers Roode's challenge, wanting to go one more time. Roode shakes his hand and accepts.
Taryn Terrell tells Jade, Marti Bell and Rebel they have the advantage tonight. She plans to crush The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne) forever.
Trevor Lee beats DJ Z and Tommaso Ciampa.
The Beautiful People (Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne) tell The Dollhouse (Taryn Terrell, Jade, Marti Bell, Rebel) they've made it personal...and they plan to tear them apart one ugly limb at a time.
Ethan Carter III is not at all happy with the caveat that Dixie Carter has added to the main event. Nevertheless, he plans to win tonight and at Bound For Glory.
The Dollhouse (Jade, Marti Bell, Rebel) beat The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne) after Rebel throws powder into Madison's eyes behind the referee's back.
Eric Young is in the mood for a fight tonight...
Eric Young shows up. He says he had Chris Melendez beat until thirty guys ran interference, and says this is the only reason Melendez beat him. EY then says he's not afraid of anybody, and that nobody has the guts to take him on. Robbie E shows up and tells him to shut up, and that he's ready to fight. EY makes quick work of Robbie E, then Melendez shows up. They fight, but Melendez uses EY's steel chair against him to make him retreat. EY tries to leave, but Mr. Anderson shows up to cut him off before getting a piece of EY. Robbie E, Chris Melendez and Mr. Anderson all take down EY together.
Matt Hardy talks with Drew Galloway backstage. They plan to win tonight, but come Bound For Glory, it's every man for himself in the title match.
Eric Young wants Dixie's help, saying it's not fair that the whole roster is after him. Instead, Dixie tells him he's facing Kurt Angle at Bound For Glory.
Drew Galloway and Matt Hardy beat Ethan Carter III and Tyrus. As a result, Matt Hardy is now part of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match at Bound For Glory. After the match, Dixie Carter shows up and announces that the world title match will have a special guest referee: Jeff Hardy.
Samoa Joe and Finn Balor beat Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady to advance to the semi-finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa are disappointed they didn't get far in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but are looking forward to what's next. Gargano has a match tonight with Apollo Creed, and says he and Ciampa are friend with him. Tyler Breeze shows up and challenges Ciampa to a match, saying that he and Gargano cost him the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Apollo Crews beats Johnny Gargano.
William Regal announces that Dana Brooke will take on Asuka at NXT TakeOver: Respect...and both Emma and Dana sees of footage of her in action. Needless to say, Dana and Emma don't like what they saw.
We see Asuka at a punching bag.
Dana Brooke and Emma beat Billie Kay and Peyton Royce.
Devin Taylor interviews Jason Jordan and Chad Gable. They say that Baron Corbin and Rhyno will have to overcome them in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic to reach the semi-finals. Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson show up and call them out for saying that they won't be able to beat them, either, as well as for losing the eight man tag match from a few weeks ago for their side, and both teams argue.
Tyler Breeze beats Tommaso Ciampa.
Rhyno and Baron Corbin say that the only people who can stop them...is them.
We take a special look at the events leading up to Sasha Banks vs. Bayley for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Respect.
Two of the greatest factions in WWE history face off in what I like to call a “generational tribalism” match in today’s Match of the Day! During their heyday, Evolution (Ric Flair, Triple H, Batista, and Randy Orton) was one of the most dangerous and successful tandems that WWE has seen in a long time. The Four Horsemen-inspired faction, led by “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, enjoyed tremendous success by capturing every major title the company had to offer at the time. Fast forward nearly a decade later, The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) bursts on the scene, bringing in a different meaning of the word “team”. Clad in SWAT Team attire, the trio fought for what they perceived as “injustices”, and decimated anyone who was foolish enough to get in their way. They had no problems when it came to championships, either, when they held the WWE United States and Tag Team Championships during their time as a team.
So, what do you get when two mega factions of the past and present clash? A pure classic encounter. So, here it is! This particular match took place at last year’s Extreme Rules, several months before The Shield disbanded.
Today’s Wrestler of the Day is former WWE Diva and current TNA Knockout, Gail Kim!
I’m gonna go ahead and say it. Gail Kim was not used well in the WWE, simply because of the fact that they were more focused on putting certain WWE Divas over than a Diva like her, who was one of the most experienced women in the WWE while she was there. Also, I felt that she was one of the best Divas to never hold the WWE Divas Championship. But, that’s just my opinion. On the other hand, in TNA, she is seen as one of the best Knockouts to ever grace the company. She’s a five-time Knockouts Champion, and has held the title with the defunct Knockouts Tag Team Championship simultaneously. In a way, she’s greatly revered in the wrestling business, but I can’t help but feel that she is still underrated. Maybe it is because of her second run with the WWE that baffled me.
Here’s one of my favorites, where she faces Taryn Terrell in a Steel Cage Match!
Its Pro Wrestling NOAH’s turn to be showcased as Today’s Match of the Day goes to two mega stars of the company, Kenta Kobashi vs. the late great Mitshuru Misawa! During their heyday, these two were on the top of the mountain wherever they went – more so Misawa, who has had 23 5-Star matches (maybe more, if ya ask me) in his career. Kenta Kobashi, to his credit, has continued to remain very popular among the fans even after retiring from in-ring competition due to being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, Misawa’s career and life came to end when he passed away due to injuries suffered during a tag team match back in 2009. This particular match greatly depicts what a professional wrestling match should look like. It’s like poetry in motion, ya know? Not once do you see an error being made by these two in this match. This is PURORESU at its finest. Watch this match and prepare to be educated.
Today’s Wrestler of the Day is the awe-inspiring highflyer of AAA and Lucha Underground, Fenix!
I first got into Fenix by watching him on Lucha Underground. I was immediately hooked on him, and I began looking up more matches of his. His work in AAA is just as impressive – if not, more impressive than his work in Lucha Underground. And it doesn’t hurt to come from a wrestling family (for those of you who didn’t know, Pentagon, Jr. is Fenix’s real-life brother) as well. Come to find out, Fenix has held the AAA Fusion Championship and is one of the top technicos in Mexico. The same can be said for his tenure in Lucha Underground. Not only is he one of the top technicos in the company, he is the inaugural Gift of the Gods Champion, which gives him a guaranteed shot at the Lucha Underground Championship (that’s IF he doesn’t wait too long). My advice to you is that if you haven’t seen this guy’s work, check him out. You won’t be disappointed.
I have gotta take it Lucha Underground for this one, and give you this match. Why? Because it has “Grave Consequences”…
John Cena shows up to start the show. He skips straight to the open challenge for the United States title...and it is answered by The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) with the toot of Xavier Woods' trombone. They plan to get rid of The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) this Saturday, and plan to take the United States title tonight. John Cena tells them to pick who fights for the title, but tells them to take him seriously or he's beating all their asses. Xavier Woods answers the challenge.
John Cena beats Xavier Woods by disqualification and retains the WWE United States Championship after Kofi Kingston and Big E, who were ejected out of the match due to interference, rush back in and save Woods from an STF. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) rush in soon after and go after The New Day (Kofi, Big E, Woods). The New Day fight back, but The Dudley Boyz stand outside of the ring alongside Cena.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) steal the win from John Cena and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley).
Kane meets Triple H, Stephanie McMahon...and Ashley from Human Resources, who is watching Kane tonight due to an anonymous complaint that he is creating an unsafe workplace. Kane plays it cool.
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns are in the locker room. Roman plans to finish this feud with Bray Wyatt one-on-one tonight. Ambrose says he'll take care of The Wyatt Family (Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman) is still miffed with what happened with Chris Jericho at Night of Champions, and doesn't want Randy Orton to get involved, either. Orton appears - out of nowhere, of course - and tells Dean and Roman to finish their business tonight. After that, it's open season.
Big Show beats Mark Henry.
It's time for Miz TV! The Miz recaps the recent tiff between Paige and the team of Charlotte and Becky Lynch before introducing Charlotte and Becky as tonight's guests. Charlotte gives Paige a choice: either talk it out or throw down. The Miz takes offense to Charlotte "inviting guests onto his show," but Becky Lynch takes Miz's microphone and tosses it towards the entrance ramp. Suddenly, Team Bella (Brie and Nikki Bella, Alicia Fox) show up and thanks Charlotte, Becky Lynch and The Miz for arguing like high schoolers as she takes back the Divas title. She also says that she started the Divas Revolution, but this starts an argument over who started the Divas Revolution. They almost come to blows, but then Paige shows up...to put everyone down, including the Bellas, telling them "With boyfriends like yours, who needs ambition?" This starts a brawl between Team Bella and Team PCB.
Team Bella (Brie and Nikki Bella, Alicia Fox) beat Team PCB (Paige, Charlotte, Becky Lynch) after Paige leaves her teammates high and dry. Nattie shows up, confronts Paige, and tries to participate in the match only to be attacked by Paige. This distracts Charlotte, who falls victim to a Rack Attack for an easy win for Team Bella.
We see a video package for Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show as part of Brock Lesnar's "Go To Hell" Tour.
Seth Rollins talks to Ashley about Kane...who shows up. Seth Rollins keeps the moment from becoming awkward, but it becomes even more awkward when Kane gives Seth a big red giftbox. Inside is the head of Seth Rollins' bronze statue, and Kane says that he found it in the landfill with a shovel and a flashlight and that it took him all night, making the moment even more awkward. Rollins is weirded out, and hands Kane the statue head before leaving. Kane jokes around with the head before handing it to Ashley, who is also weirded out.
The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper and Braun Strowman) beat The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil) with Strowman's bear hug.
Neville beats Stardust by disqualification after being Bull Hammered by the returning King Barrett. After that, Stardust eats a Bull Hammer as well, before Barrett declares that he has returned.
Kane is in the ring along with Ashley from HR. Seth Rollins shows up before she can announce the results of the evaluation, however, and tells Ashley that Kane is not who he appears to be, and shows a video package on the TitanTron to make his case, then says keeping him as Director of Operations would cause carnage. He also goes so far to say that the Pope told him he's going to Heaven. Kane says that Rollins is a fun-loving guy, and we see another video package filled with moments where Seth puts Kane down constantly. Ashley then announces that Kane is sound of mind and more than capable of fulfilling his duties, and says that Seth Rollins should be evaluated for his cruel behavior. Seth calls this a travesty of justice, and blames this on Kane. He drops the World Heavyweight Championship, and when Kane tries to pick it up, Seth hits him with the Pedigree. He then takes a steel chair and smashes Kane's recently healed knee before hitting him repeatedly with it as he is down. He then tries to re-injure the knee by placing it in the chair and stomping the chair. A stretcher is brought out as a doctor checks on Kane, and Seth mocks Kane, telling him that he will never take the World Heavyweight title and that his days of being jealous of him are over. The ambulance takes Kane away, but it suddenly stops and the inside of it glows red. Corporate Kane has transformed into Demon Kane, who literally stomps off his knee injury, then gets in the ring and fights Rollins, completely invincible to Seth Rollins' chair shots. Kane beats down Seth Rollins, but Rollins escapes the Tombstone Piledriver and runs to the back. Kane then lifts up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Bray Wyatt appears on the TitanTron. He is proud of Luke Harper and Braun Strowman, and plans to end the feud between him and Roman Reigns tonight.
The Buffalo Bills are front row at Raw. Bo Dallas then proceeds to make fun of the fact that the team does not have a Super Bowl trophy before the next match.
Randy Orton beats Bo Dallas.
Ryback guests on commentary for the next match.
Kevin Owens vs. Rusev ends with Rusev being thrown into Ryback, who fights off Rusev. Owens and Rusev attack Ryback until Dolph ZIggler shows up and takes down Rusev before forcing Owens to retreat with the Intercontinental Championship.
WWE Superstars and Divas take part in the #JustKeepDancing challenge to raise money for Connor's Cure.
Paul Heyman is in the ring. He hawks Brock Lesnar's "Go To Hell" Tour, and says that Lesnar will push a "complacent" Big Show to his limits before taking him to Suplex City. Big Show appears, saying Lesnar and Heyman are both afraid of him and that he takes Lesnar to his limits every time they meet in the ring. Heyman leaves the ring, and Big Show mocks him, telling him to think about his future...a future without Brock Lesnar.
Before the next match, Roman Reigns calls out Bray Wyatt for bringing Luke Harper and Braun Strowman with him, calling them "training wheels" and Bray Wyatt a "little bitch." Wyatt tells Harper and Strowman to leave. They do.
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt ends in a double count-out, but the fighting continues into the crowd and outside of the ring, and ends with Roman Reigns hitting a Spear on Bray Wyatt, sending him right through a table.
We’re taking it to Japan with Today’s Match of the Day, which goes to the late Mike Awesome vs. Masato Tanaka. These two had a rivalry that spanned for the better part of a decade and through two promotions (these two reignited their rivalry in the WWE), and they tore the house down every time they stepped in the ring against one another. This match took place for the Pro Wrestling Zero-1 promotion in Japan back in 2004. This is one of my favorite encounters of the two, because of the spots and bumps taken by both men – and lets not forget the undeniable agility for both men for their size! JEEZUS. Anyways, enjoy the match. This is just one of their classic encounters!
Today's Wrestler of the Day is arguably one of the greatest women wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots. EVER. Manami Toyota!
Manami Toyota is the epitome of a true women’s wrestler, having had success as both a singles and tag team wrestler. She came to prominence when teaming with Lioness Asuka, known collectively as The Crush Girls. Together, they were seen by many one of the most popular and successful female tag teams of all time. During their tenure as a team, they were four-time Tag Team Championship in AJW, and were box offices draws in Japan, drawing in record television ratings. Throughout the 1990s, Toyota had a streak of classics in singles and tag team matches, and ALL of them were rated 5-Star Matches by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Two of these matches were named Match of the Year by Meltzer: her match against Kyoko Inoue and a classic tag team match where she teamed up with (INSERT TAG TEAM MATCH HERE). Now, with almost 30 years of experience under her belt, she has not missed a beat, and she continues to prove why she is one of – if not THE BEST women’s wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots.
Here’s Manami facing off against one of her greatest adversaries, the powerful Aja Kong, who is a joshi legend in her own right.
Today's Match of the Day is the highly acclaimed three-way X Division Championship match of Christopher Daniels defending the title against A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe. This match is one of - if not the BEST match in TNA history. This match took place at TNA's Unbreakable event in 2005, and was rated a 5-Star Match by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It was this match that not only got me hooked on TNA - but these three men in general. This match was absolutely incredible, and I know that you guys out there will enjoy it just as much - whether you ahve already watched or not.
I apologize for the lateness. Gonna get a little lazy on this one, unfortunately.
Today's Wrestler of the Day is the ever powerful, yet criminally underrated Cesaro. Let's be honest, the way that Cesaro is being used certainly baffles me. He has everything that WWE wants in a Superstar, but yet they continuously deter his push. Seriously, either WWE doesn't know what to do with him, or they are just flat stupid. This guy has it all. Use him to your best ability, WWE!
Here's a good match of his, where he competes in a Triple Threat Match against Kevin Owens and Rusev.
Team B.A.D. (Sasha Banks, Naomi, Tamina) beat Team Bella (Brie and Nikki Bella, Alicia Fox) after a Banks Statement to Alicia Fox.
Rich Brennan interviews Sheamus. Sheamus isn't happy about what happened at Night of Champions, but he's a patient man and he knows he'll get another shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Jack Swagger shows up, wanting to know if Sheamus is okay since he's been having a bit of bad luck. He reminds Sheamus he's cashed in before, and tells him to cash it in now and become the world champ, but Sheamus tells Swagger to spend less time worrying about when he's cashing in and more time worrying about getting Brogue Kicked. Swagger says Sheamus must have a good sense of humor because that dreamcatcher is coming in nice and thick, and is about to tell Sheamus he looks stupid when Sheamus cuts him off. Jack says he won't say it, but does say that Sheamus is going to look stupid cashing in the briefcase with a broken ankle.
This 5-Star joshi puroresu classic is today’s Match of the Day! Manami Toyota and Kyoko Inoue are, and continue to be quintessential female wrestlers in Japan. More notably, Manami Toyota is seen as one of the greatest wrestlers to ever step foot in a ring – man or woman. This particular match took place on May 7th, 1995 in Tokyo, Japan. The match was rated a 5-star match and was named Match of the Year by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This match will seriously blow you away – being full of innovation, incredible sequences and fluidity. In my opinion, this match is one of the greatest Joshi matches in history. Watch this, you will certainly enjoy it!
Today’s Wrestler of the Day is one of the top agile big men on the scene today, “The F’n Machine” Brian Cage.
Seriously, 2015 has been the year of Cage. He has been making waves in the Mexican promotion Asistencia AsesorÃa y Administración (AAA), and has quickly become one of the top rudos in Mexico today. His “Pro-Trump” persona was one that has shocked many, and has caused major heat among the Mexican fans. Cage is also known for performing in Lucha Underground as the “epiphysis of Lucha Libre”, and is known for having little regard for the Lucha Libre culture. Cage is also an accomplished bodybuilder, but wrestling has always been his first love. He began bodybuilding to increase his body mass for the wrestling business (he has repeatedly said that he graduate high school at 154 lbs!), and as you can see today’s – this dude is jacked!! Cage continues to grow in the pro wrestling business, and it is only a matter of time that he reaches the top of the mountain, because he’s not a man… HE’S A MACHINE!!!
Here’s Cage at his very best, against Alberto El Patron in a Street Fight for AAA.
The inaugural Ultima Lucha kicked off with a bang when these two collided in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Today’s Match of the Day? “The Machine” Cage vs. The Mack! Lucha Underground proprietor Dario Cueto is infatuated by violence, and I know that he was pleased when these two monsters kicked each other’s asses all around the temple! Crazy spots came at the expense of both competitors, and there was not one time that these two were in the ring. They were everywhere but! They even ascended the match to the top of Dario Cueto’s office. Man, this match may have been under ten minutes, but they definitely told a story of how much they despised each other. But, what more can you expect? These two have been tearing it up on the independent circuit since 2008!
Enjoy this one, everybody. It doesn’t get as intense as this!
Do you remember Adam Rose’s Rosebuds? Well, today’s Wrestler of the Day is a former Rosebud and an up-and-coming women’s wrestler, “The Exotic Goddess” Mandy Leon.
Trained by Delirious in the renowned Ring of Honor Dojo, Mandy made her debut at Future of Honor in April 2014. Just two months after her debut, she captured her first professional wrestling title, the VOW Vixen’s Championship. She would then go on to join the ROH Broadcast team as she does the weekly “Inside ROH” segments. Now, she is currently holding her second title, the Fox’s Vixen’s title, and she has a bright future ahead of her. In just a year’s time, she’s held two women’s titles, worked ROH events and has toured throughout the Northeast region of the American independent circuit. That’s pretty impressive.
Check her out here, where she wrestles Deonna Purrazzo in a Women of Honor match for Ring of Honor.
Kane is in the ring to start the show. He's back from injury, and feels that this is the precise time to come back as Director of Operations. Kevin Owens and Rusev take on Dolph Ziggler and Ryback tonight, while Luke Harper takes on Roman Reigns. The latter match will have no outside interference as Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman are all barred from ringside. As he speaks, Seth Rollins shows up, especially after what happened at Night of Champions. Kane has no recollection of what happened on Raw, which drives Seth crazy. Seth says that Kane has lost it, and is unfit to be Director of Operations. He tells Kane he is not welcome around him or the World Heavyweight Championship, but Kane just shrugs it off and says that Seth Rollins is in a match tonight against Dean Ambrose.
Roman Reigns beats Luke Harper.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) announce they will finish The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) once and for all at Madison Square Garden on October 3rd.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) get a surprise win against Neville and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto).
Before the next match, Bo Dallas shows up and talks about how he has the road map to life while Cesaro "hasn't gotten off Big Show Boulevard," before telling everybody to Bolieve.
Cesaro beats Bo Dallas with a creative twist on the inside cradle.
Charlotte and Becky Lynch show up. Charlotte thanks the fans for their support, then Paige shows up. She gives Charlotte and Becky Lynch a fake apology, and says she deserves a little recognition for starting the Divas Revolution. This starts an argument between all three Divas, then Natalya shows up. Paige calls Nattie a "crazy cat lady," and Nattie says that she hasn't been this excited to be at work since Paige first won the Divas title. She calls the tiff between the three of them "ridiculous," but Paige just thinks Nattie is trying to become relevant again after "letting the Divas Revolution pass her by" and slaps her before leaving the ring.
Ryback and Dolph Ziggler beat Rusev and Kevin Owens after Owens walks out on Rusev.
Renee Young interviews The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley). They say that The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) don't act like champions, and they plan to take the WWE Tag Team Championships from them. The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil) show up to wish them luck.
Jojo interviews Seth Rollins. He talks about getting Kane some serious help, then says he plans on crushing Dean Ambrose to prove that he is the man.
Dean Ambrose beats Seth Rollins after Kane's lighting and pyro hit, but Kane never shows up. Kane watches with glee from backstage, and Rollins calls Kane out. He warns Kane that if he continues to mess with him, he will suffer the same fate as Sting.
In a match that was built from sinister motives and arm-wrenching sacrifices, today’s Match of the Day goes to Pentagon, Jr. vs. Vampiro! Taking place at Ultima Lucha, Pt.2 on August 5th, and this match proved to be the most brutal out of the two-week event. It all started when Pentagon wanted to sacrifice ring announcer Melissa Santos to his “master”. Vampiro was looking to go for the save, but Sexy Star – Pentagon’s rival at the time, beat him to the punch. As the season went on, Pentagon continuously taunted Vampiro, which only provoked the demons that lurked in Ian Hodkingson for so many years. He even went as far as to drench gas on Vampiro, and nearly set him on fire! Finally, Vampiro had enough, and challenged him to this match, which was billed as a “Cero Miedo” match. Let me tell ya, this match had me on end from start to finish. Light tubes and flaming tables also added the extra intensity into the match. What happened after the match is what shocked the Believers the most: Vampiro was Pentagon’s master all this time. He quotes, “You are now ready, my son.” Now that a Season 2 is confirmed, it just makes me wonder if Vampiro will be on commentary with Matt Striker, or will he be doing the dirty deeds with Pentagon, Jr.?
Just a synopsis that built up to this incredible match. Enjoy!
Today’s Wrestler of the Day is the “Chocolate Champ” himself, El Hijo del Fantasma.
Like many luchadors y luchadoras in Lucha Libre, El Hijo del Fantasma comes from a line of luchadors. Most notably, his father – El Fantasma. He is also one of the many luchdors who made the mass excursion from CMLL and AAA, citing differences with the former. In AAA, he’s enjoyed success as a former AAA Fusion Champion, and he is the current AAA World Crusierweight Champion. Nowadays, he has gained noriety for his breakout character of King Cuerno on Lucha Underground, who he describes as his “evil twin”. Cuerno/Fantasma is one of my favorites in AAA and LU, because he is not your traditional luchador. Yes, he can take it to the skies, but he is also technically sound in the ring as well.
Here’s one of his matches as King Cuerno, where he faces off against Johnny Mundo in a Steel Cage Match.
Eva Marie beats Carmella by count-out after Carmella hits her head on the ramp after being tossed out of the ring.
Tyler Breeze beats Bull Dempsey after pulling Bull off the top rope and using the ropes for leverage.
Asuka is coming up next.
We see footage from the Texas tour, which spanned Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
William Regal is in the ring, which has a table and chairs in it. Regal introduces Japanese women's wrestling superstar Kana, who will go by the name Asuka in NXT. Before she signs her contract, she says that she is happy to be here in NXT. She calls it a dream come true, and plans to become a champion. She then signs, but before she can shake hands with Regal, Dana Brooke and Emma show up. They call themselves "NXT's welcoming committee," say they're the ones in charge here, and that they ran Charlotte and Becky Lynch out of NXT. They tell Asuka to get out of their ring, and she does...but at the top of the ramp, she looks back at them with a smile, her eyes read. Emma and Dana don't know what to make of it.
Tyler Breeze's match against Apollo Crews is official for NXT TakeOver: Respect. Apollo Crews messes with Breeze backstage.
In Austin, Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson beat The Vaudevillians (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) to continue on in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Finn Balor and Samoa Joe take on Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady next week as part of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) plan to beat Jason Jordan and Chad Gable. Meanwhile, JJ and Gable tell them that their road ends here. The winner of this match will take on Rhyno and Baron Corbin in the semi-finals.
The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against Blake and Murphy. Early in the match, Blue Pants returns and takes Alexa Bliss out of the equation.
Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady plan to beat Samoa Joe and Finn Balor in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, saying that their respect for them is going to go out the window. As for Joe and Balor, they tell Enzo and Big Cass they're looking at the two big dogs on the block.
Drew Galloway, The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards), Bram, Lashley and Dixie Carter are in the ring to start the show. Dixie thanks Galloway for leading Team TNA, and says he's not trying to be a leader, as everyone here that has anything to do with TNA - including the fans - are equals. Dixie then announces that there will be a match between all five members of Team TNA tonight, with the winner getting a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Dixie then calls out Eric Young, who shows up. Dixie calls out EY for being the traitor that he is, but EY says he has an ironclad contract with TNA. Dixie then calls out Chris Melendez, who shows up on crutches. She gives Melendez his match against Eric Young, and it's next...and to ensure that he gets a fair fight, it's a lumberjack match.
Chris Melendez beats Eric Young in a lumberjack match to regain his prosthetic leg.
Taryn Terrell brags about her attack on The Beautiful People (Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne), then tells Jade to go after Gail Kim tonight. As for Marti Bell and Rebel, Taryn tells them to prove their worth.
Ethan Carter III tells Jeff Hardy to do as he says or else he's not getting paid.
Lashley enjoyed the Lethal Lockdown match last week, but is looking towards the present and wants the TNA World Heavyweight Championship again.
Gail Kim retains the TNA Knockouts Championship against Jade. After the match, Marti Bell rushes in and distracts Gail Kim, who is hit with a Spear by Rebel. Both of them attack Gail Kim, but Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne rush in to make the save and get revenge for Angelina Love being injured last week. Madison and Velvet take the brawl backstage, and Awesome Kong shows up to stare down with Gail Kim.
Rockstar Spud has a lot on his mind concerning his World title match with Ethan Carter III. He also feels for Jeff Hardy.
Tigre Uno retains the TNA X Division Championship against Kenny King.
Ethan Carter III retains the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Rockstar Spud. After the match, Tyrus hits Rockstar Spud with a Heart Punch, then EC3 tells Jeff Hardy to end Spud's career. Jeff refuses, and as EC3 yells at him, Matt Hardy tries to make the save only to replace Spud as the sacrifice when Tyrus grabs him. EC3 then tells Jeff to hit Matt, but Matt kicks Tyrus in the nuts and Jeff hits EC3 instead.
Ethan Carter III says he's firing Jeff Hardy for the attack on him.
The Revolution ("The Cowboy" James Storm, Abyss, Manik) is in the ring. Storm says he's lost faith in a lot of things recently, and says that the "Khoya situation" should have been dealt with long ago. Abyss grabs the microphone and says he's leaving the Revolution, saying that he stands in no man's shadow. He says that he made the monster Abyss, when TNA started 13 years ago, and tells Storm that he's done with him. Storm calls out Mahabali Shera, and Manik corrects him when he calls him Khoya. After being pushed around several times, Manik tells Storm he didn't make him, either. He takes off his mask and leaves. Mahabali Shera then shows up, and Storm blames everything that's happened on him. Shera wants a match, but Storm bails.
Drew Galloway thanks The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) for their help in last week's Lethal Lockdown match, then focus on tonight's five-way match for a World title shot.
Drew Galloway beats Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Bram and Lashley in a five-way match to become #1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Ethan Carter announces he's heading to the ring to fire Jeff Hardy.
Drew Galloway plans to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Bound For Glory for anyone who's ever had a dream.
Ethan Carter III and Tyrus are in the ring. EC3 calls out Jeff Hardy, telling him to come to the ring and beg for his job back. Hardy shows up with the giant EC3 head drawn on, and EC3 asks him if he has anything to say for himself. Hardy tells EC3 to fire him, but EC3 doesn't want to deny him an income and the opportunity to grace the fans. EC3 then orders Hardy to get on one knee, kiss the World title and apologize. Instead, Hardy quits. As Hardy leaves, EC3 tells Hardy he's fired and declares the show over.
Today's Match of the Day is simply a WWE (well, WWF at this time) classic. Ultimate Warrior. Hulk Hogan. Title for Title. Need I say more? All joking aside, this is one of the matches that got me hooked as a fan. When I was younger, I sat and watched old tapes of wrestling matches, not knowing who any of them were. This is not the case today, however. This match is also one of my all-time faves, because of how larger-than-life their characters were in this encounter. I was happy when the late great Ultimate Warrior won, because to be honest, I was shaking imaginary ropes and trying to imitate his movements to the best of my ability. Enjoy this one. This should be a childhood memory for some of you out there.
Today' Wrestler of the Day is the "Aramusha" himself, Hirooki Goto!
Trained by the innovative Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the NJPW Dojo, Goto has been a mainstay for New Japan Pro Wrestling since his debut in 2003. During his career, he has held the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag & Tag Team Championships, and he is a 2-time and current holder of the more recent IWGP Intercontinental Championship. He's also known for his longtime partnership with Katsuyori Shibata, who he has known since their days as high school students. They've held the IWGP Tag Team titles together and won last year's annual World Tag League tournament. To be honest, I see Goto as one of the best wrestlers in NJPW to never hold the IWGP Heavyweight title, but I do see him holding the title in the future. Hey, maybe he has to turn on his longtime friend Shibata to do so. Who knows? Either way, I think he is absolutely amazing in the ring, but there's some part of me who sees him as criminally underrated. Am I the only one who thinks that he should be a top contender for the IWGP Heavyweight title?
Here's Goto going up against his friendly rival, Katsuyori Shibata from WrestleKingdom 8!
The show begins with The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman) entering the ring. Bray Wyatt says he tried to warn Roman Reigns, but he didn't listen. He says that they all fall down in the end, when Roman Reigns suddenly shows up. He says that this has always been about him and Bray, and that he plans to finish what they started here tonight. Roman says they don't even need a referee, and they can just fight each other right here, right now...which is exactly what they do, before Luke Harper and Braun Strowman get involved. Dean Ambrose rushes in and tries to help, but he and Roman combined still can't take Strowman off his feet. After this, The Wyatts stand tall until Randy Orton makes a surprise return and goes after all three Wyatt Family members. The three of them work together to knock Strowman out of the ring, and the steady stream of officials that have showed up throughout the brawl are able to get things under control as Ambrose, Reigns and Orton stand tall.
Seth Rollins looks for Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, asking about Kane and his actions from last night. Instead, he gets Kane himself...and it's the corporate version of Kane, who apparently has no recollection of what he did last night, is very forgiving of Seth and is really, really cheerful. He has arranged for Rollins' rematch against John Cena for the WWE United States Championship to happen tonight. Seth leaves, and Kane wishes him luck.
Neville and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) beat Stardust and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor).
Seth Rollins finally finds Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, and mentions what happened last night at Night of Champions as well as Kane's return, what he did to him, and him returning in his corporate suit making the rematch for the United States title tonight. Triple H and Stephanie tell him to focus on the rematch - if all of this is true - and that they'll worry about Kane.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match, which begins with Bo Dallas congratulating him on his Intercontinental title win and saying that Ryback "Bolieved" he was better than Owens...and he wasn't.
Ryback beats Bo Dallas, then Kevin Owens attacks Ryback. Ryback fights back, but Kevin Owens retreats.
Ric Flair shows up. He says that the proudest moment in his career was last night, when his daughter Charlotte won the WWE Divas Championship. He introduces Charlotte, who shows up accompanied by Paige and Becky Lynch. Charlotte says she's doing a good job if she can make him half as proud of her as she is of him, and says she has the best of friends in Paige and Becky Lynch, and says her following Paige is part of the reason she got here. Paige responds by saying Charlotte sounds like she's accepting a Hall of Fame award, and turns on both Charlotte and Becky, saying Charlotte is a "placeholder" and Becky Lynch is "the least relevant Diva" while also trashing every other Diva in WWE. She then says Charlotte wouldn't be here if it wasn't for "her old man" Ric Flair, and Becky Lynch has to keep Charlotte from smacking Paige. Paige leaves, then Team Bella (Brie and Nikki Bella, Alicia Fox) shows up. Nikki Bella begins driving a wedge between Charlotte and the rest of the Divas, and says that Charlotte is going to lose to Brie and then lose the title before her reign can begin.
Charlotte beats Brie Bella with the Figure Eight.
Sheamus beats Mark Henry. After the match, Sheamus says it's only a matter of time before he's WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon meet up with Kane. Once again, Kane has no recollection of Night of Champions. Stephanie asks for the mask back, but Kane doesn't remember wearing it, saying the last time he saw it was when he gave it to Stephanie, and offers to help look for it after saying that if Stephanie lost it, then "we have a very big problem" in a very grim tone.
Paige runs into Natalya backstage, who says that while she understands how Paige feels, what Paige did was unprofessional. She says that the only person in Paige's way is Paige after saying that she has a match tonight with Naomi.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) say that The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) must be stopped with a big wall around Dudleyville after Xavier Woods had wood removed from his buttocks.
Rusev and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Dolph Ziggler and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) after the distraction from Xavier Woods.
Naomi beats Natalya after the distraction from Tamina and Sasha Banks.
Seth Rollins meets with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon backstage. HHH and Stephanie believe that Kane has "gotten everything out of his system," but Seth Rollins doesn't believe that for a second, and says that Kane can and will strike again. Triple H tells Seth Rollins to worry about the rematch with John Cena.
Big Show beats Cesaro. After the match, Big Show says that him beating Cesaro is a message to Brock Lesnar on October 3rd at Madison Square Garden, saying that he'll be lying on the ground like Cesaro. He then says he pinned Brock Lesnar and took the WWE Championship from him, and says the two of them have a long history. Show says that "there's no way my big ass is going to Suplex City," and that when he's done with Lesnar, Lesnar will think he's in hell.
Dolph Ziggler and Ryback take on Kevin Owens and Ryback this Thursday night on SmackDown.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman) appear on the TitanTron. They have plans for Randy Orton.
John Cena retains the WWE United States Championship against Seth Rollins. After the match, Kane appears on the TitanTron, telling Kane he hopes he can be the best WWE Superstar he can be, as people he can't even imagine are after the WWE World Heavyweight Championship...people like him. The arena goes red, and Kane - back in the mask - pops out of the mat and drags Seth Rollins to hell.
Okay, folks. Brace yourselves as we take it to the extreme! We’re going back to 90s, and to the hardcore haven of Extreme Championship Wrestling for our Match of the Day. Today’s Match of the Day goes to RVD vs Sabu in a Stretcher Match. These two are noted for their chronicle of matches they’ve had throughout the 90s and into the early 00s. They are also without a doubt two of the best high flyers to ever grace a professional wrestling ring. Just watching these two put their bodies through the inevitable is enough to appreciate their hard work and perseverance (these two things are what was also seen as “hardcore” to original ECW fans). So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, “The Whole F’n Show” and the "The Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal, Death–Defying Man"!
Today’s Wrestler of the Day is a wrestler who I became a fan of through Lucha Underground, Angelico!
Standing at 6’3” with a lean build and freakishly long legs, the South African highflyer is nothing short of impressive. He is well-known for taking risks, and is not afraid to take high leaps off of roofs when necessary. He is also known for working in AAA in Mexico, where he is a former AAA World Tag Team Champion with Jack Evans, collectively known as Guero los Cielos. I recently read about how WWE officials were reportedly impressed with his work in PWG. WWE, people! Of course, we should assume things, but I’ll be honest with you – I would not have a problem with it IF (and I do mean “IF!”) WWE happens to pick him up. However, all is well for him in AAA, LU and his seemingly increasing appearances on the American independent circuit.
Here’s a match of his from AAA where he teams with Jack Evans against Averno and Chessman!
Eden Stiles interviews Sheamus during the kick-off. He says that if Seth Rollins somehow survives two back-to-back championship matches with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship still around his waist, he plans to cash in on him. If Sting wins, he admits it will be a wonderful moment...for him to cash in as well. Either way, history will be made as "his story" will be "my story."
Eden Stiles interviews Kevin Owens during the kick-off. He says he's a prizefighter, and tonight's prize is the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He plans to take it, as the title means more money and a better life for his wife and kids. He concludes by saying that Ryback will be burying himself in self-help books after the match is over.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) have some fun with Tom Phillips in the Social Media Lounge.
Stardust and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) beat Neville and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) during the kick-off.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) are in the Social Media Lounge. Xavier Woods says he might do a trombone concert after they retain the WWE Tag Team Championship, and that The New Day is saving the world by saving the tables. Someone asks which member of The New Day is going through a table, and The New Day laugh the question off.
Kevin Owens beats Ryback after raking Ryback in the eyes during the Shell Shocked to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
Paul Heyman introduces the "Brock Lesnar's Go To Hell Tour," which ends with Lesnar vs. Undertaker at Hell in a Cell on October 25th.
Rusev isn't interested in a backstage interview with Kyle Edwards, and heads to the ring. Edwards asks Summer Rae if the earrings she is wearing were the same ones Dolph Ziggler, but she seems flustered by the question and doesn't answer, quickly joining Rusev on his way to the ring.
Dolph Ziggler beats Rusev after Summer Rae, who has just been kicked out of the match for attempting to interfere, accidentally throws one of her high-heeled shoes at Rusev, obviously aiming for the referee. Rusev walks away without Summer, and Ziggler kisses the back of her hand.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up, saying that their #SaveTheTables petition has some pretty notable names, such as The Authority, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Jake from State Farm and United States President Barack Obama.
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) by disqualification, but The New Day retain the WWE Tag Team Championships, after Xavier Woods interferes following a Dudley Death Drop to Kofi. After the match, The New Day try to put the Dudleys through a table, but the Dudleys fight back and hit a Dudley Death Drop on Xavier Woods through it.
Charlotte beats Nikki Bella with the Figure Eight to win the WWE Divas Championship, finally bringing Nikki Bella's record-breaking championship reign to an end at 301 days.
Jojo interviews Kevin Owens, who says that he won't let anyone ruin the moment for him. He's been a prizefighter without a prize for a few months, but now he has a prize, and says he doesn't need a self-help book to tell him how good he is.
Charlotte celebrates her recent championship win with Ric Flair, Paige and Becky Lynch. Ric Flair says he knows Houston better than any human being alive, and they plan to celebrate in grand style.
Before the next match, a man dressed in a Shield-style outfit jumps into the ring, trying to join Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns in the match. He is immediately escorted out of the ring and the building by security.
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns' mystery partner is revealed to be none other than Chris Jericho.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman) beat Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho after Strowman bear hugs Jericho out of consciousness. Jericho jerkishly bumps into Ambrose on his way out of the ring after the match, after.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon wish Seth Rollins luck in his matches tonight. After Seth Rollins leaves, Triple H and Stephanie say he's ready...then Sheamus shows up, agreeing with them...and says "So am I."
John Cena beats Seth Rollins to win the WWE United States Championship, becoming the first-ever five time United States Champion ever since the title was introduced to WWE. Rollins tries to get out of the ring after the match, but Cena stops him. Rollins pushes Cena, but Cena fires back with an Attitude Adjustment on the floor before tossing him back into the ring.
Seth Rollins retains the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Sting with a roll-up. After the match, Sheamus tries to cash in his Money in the Bank Briefcase, but is stopped by the return of Kane, who is back in the tights and the mask. Kane then choke slams Rollins, then Sheamus gets in the ring and tells him to do it again. Sheamus gets choke slammed instead, and then hits Rollins with a Tombstone Piledriver.
Going to the extreme as today's Match of the Day goes to Combat Toyota vs. Megumi Kudo, which is - in my opinion - one of the best deathmatches in professional wrestling history. This match took place in FMW, and it was Combat Toyoda's retirement match that contested in a No Rope Electrified Barbed Wire deathmatch. There is absolutely nothing about this match that does not make you go "Holy S**t!". It's that good, folks. And need I not forget to say that this is how wrestling is supposed to be done. Raw emotion, story-telling, and most importantly... WRESTLING! Enjoy this one... and while you're at it, count how many times you yell "Holy S**t!" at your computer screens!
Today's Wrestler of the Day, WWE Diva and Team B.A.D. member, Naomi!
One of the most athletically gifted Divas to grace a WWE ring in over a decade, Naomi has what it takes to be a formidable champion. Every since her heel turn and becoming a member of Team B.A.D. alongside Tamina Snuka and Sasha Banks, she has really stepped her game up. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be a multi-time Divas Champion before her career is up. Hopefully, the WWE won't pass the ball on her AGAIN. Seriously, she's got the athleticism, charisma and is a very classy woman. Come on, WWE! Give her the push she deserves! It's been 6 years too long!
Here's a good one where she faces off against Paige for the Divas title back at Money in the Bank 2014. All botches aside, this was a pretty good match.
Adam Cole will face off against Shinsuke Nakamura next week!
A.C.H. beats Caprice Coleman with the 450 Splash.
Steve Corino interviews Caprice Coleman about the mysterious letter. He says that after reading the letter over and over again, he realizes what it means after his match with ACH.
"The Exotic Goddess" Mandy Leon breaks down the New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor alliance on this week's "Inside ROH"... with an appearance by Delirious (!@#$%^&*()_=_(?!?!)!
Hirooki Goto & The Briscoes (Jay & Mark) beats CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Roppongi Vice [Rocky Romero & Trenta Barreta]) when Jay hits the Jay Driller on Barreta.
We're taking it to Lucha Underground for our Match of the Day, which goes to The Crew (Bael, Mr. Cisco, and Cortez Castro) vs. Son of Havoc, Ivelisse and Angelico. In all my years of being a wrestling fan, I have never stood on end for a match like I have for this one. After already becoming the inaugural LU Trios Tag Team Champions, Dario Cueto issues an impromptu No Disqualfication Match. The outcome is simply incredible. Oh, and you can't forget the death-defying leap by Angelico into the ring. Seriously!? This is a great one. If you have not watched this match (or any Lucha Underground match for that matter)... WATCH IT NOW!
Today's Wrestler of the Day is top luchadora, Sexy Star (as pictured with Reina de Reinas Champ, Taya Valkyrie)!
Today, most fans would know her for working in Lucha Underground. However, she has been a fixture in Asistencia AsesorÃa y Administración since making her professional debut in 2006. Aside from her female empowerment persona in Lucha Underground, she's also a badass rudo who's currently a member of La Legión Extranjera (The Foreign Legion) and one half of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions with Pentagon, Jr, a rival of hers in Lucha Underground. With undeniable charisma and great skills of the traditional Lucha Libre style, Sexy Star is the epitome of a self-made woman, and whether her opponent is a woman or man, she is NOT afraid of showing how powerful she truly is.
Here's one of my favorites from her time in AAA, against Fabi Apache in a Hair vs Hair (Lucha de Apuestas) Match back in 2009.
Rusev shows up. He badmouths the USA, saying it should be the land of justice when there is no justice to be found in the fight between him and Ziggler. He calls himself a victim, saying that Dolph Ziggler caused him to lose on Raw before he superkicked him in the face. He says that Ziggler stole Lana from him, and that he has seduced Summer Rae. He regrets that Summer entered Ziggler's locker room now, and hates the fact that Ziggler gave her a gift. Rusev then wants justice, and says that Ziggler will never steal Summer Rae from him. He says that Summer is weak, but not as weak as Ziggler. He then goes on to say that American men are weak sissies, and that Bulgarian men are strong, real men.
Rusev beats Jack Swagger with the Accolade.
Bo Dallas shows up and talks about his trip to Suplex City at the hands of Brock Lesnar, and says he survived, saying he is now "Bo strong" and wishes to teach everyone to be "Bo strong" like him. All they have to do is Bolieve.
Bo Dallas beats Zack Ryder.
The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor).
Disturbio, Puma and Virus defeated Esfinge, Fuego and The Panther – two falls to one in a Best two-out-of-three falls six-man "Lucha Libre rules" tag team match
Los Revolucionarios del Terror (Rey Escorpión, Dragón Rojo Jr. and Pólvora) defeated Máximo, Guerrero Maya Jr. and Stuka Jr. – two falls to one in a Best two-out-of-three falls six-man "Lucha Libre rules" tag team match
Dark Angel defeated Princesa Sugehit
Dragon Lee and Sky Team (MÃstico and Valiente) defeated La Peste Negra (Negro Casas, El Felino and Mr. Niebla) – two falls to one in a Best two-out-of-three falls six-man "Lucha Libre rules" tag team match
Shocker, Último Guerrero, Volador Jr. defeated Los Ingobernables (Marco Corleone and Rush) and Thunder by disqualification – two falls to one in a Best two-out-of-three falls six-man Relevos Increibles match
Atlantis defeated La Sombra – two falls to one in a Best two-out-of-three falls Lucha de Apuestas, mask vs. mask match
Jay Lethal beats Bobby Fish to retain the ROH World Television Championship!
Silas Young beats Dalton Castle, thus earning the right to take Dalton's "boys" and make them into men.
For the next match, The Briscoes (Mark & Jay) surprise opponents? The All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King)!
The All Night Express (Rhett Titus & Kenny King) beats The Briscoes (Jay & Mark) in their first match as a team since 2012.
Moose beats Cedric Alexander in a No Disqualification Match when he spears Cedric through a table.
Best of Five Series (Match 3): ACH beats Matt Sydal, now leading the series 2-1.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Michael Bennett) beats The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) and The Addiction (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian)(c) in a triple-threat match to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship for the first time!
Fatal Four Way #1 Contender's Match for the ROH World Championship: A.J. Styles beats Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin and Adam Cole to become #1 contender.
Jay Lethal beats Kyle O'Reilly to retain the ROH World Championship, thus remaining the undisputed champion. After the match, The Kingdom (including Adam Cole, who turned on him during the match) attacks O'Reilly.
See? Since I did Ivelisse as my “Wrestler of the Day”, I figured that I would add a women’s wrestling match into the mix. Don’t get me wrong, though. It will not be like this every day. So, here it is! Today’s Match of the Day goes to Sasha Banks vs. Bayley for the NXT Women’s Championship. This match took place at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on August 22nd, 2015 and was one of the matches in the double main event. This match really took me by surprise, and what really took the cake for me is the undeniable chemistry between these two. But, what else can you expect out of these girls? Every time these two (and other NXT Divas like Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Emma) get into the ring, it’s like poetry in motion. They work together all the time, so they are more than likely going to produce better matches. Another thing that took the cake for me was the curtain call of The Four Horsewomen (Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, and Bayley) after the match.
What makes things more incredible is that these two women are going to compete in the first Diva’s Iron Man Match in WWE history for the NXT Women’s Championship in the MAIN EVENT of NXT TakeOver on October 7th, 2015. It just doesn’t get better than this!
Enjoy this one, folks. I promise you’re going to love it.
Heading into my fourth “Wrestler of the Day” post with a little badassery, if you will. Of course, you can’t do a post like this without women’s wrestling, right? Well, here’s the first female who’s going to take the prize for today.
Today’s “Wrestler of the Day is the “Baddest Bitch in the Building” (I had to, I just had to.), Ivelisse Velez! Some of you may remember her as Sofia Cortez in the FCW/NXT development territory for WWE. Shockingly (and sadly), she got released from the WWE before she could even get on the main roster, which is a huge loss on their part, but we digress… Now, she currently wrestles on American independent circuit and in Latin America (more specifically Mexico and her native Puerto Rico), where she has held numerous women’s titles: including the Shine, PWR, FEW and WWL championships. She is also well-known for performing in Lucha Underground (where she got her “baddest bitch” moniker from), and is a former (and inaugural) Trios Tag Team Champion with Angelico and Son of Havoc.
What’s crazy to me is that these idiots (cough WWE & TNA cough) let her go! She has that star quality that is needed on these top tier promotions. Nonetheless, she continues to put on amazing matches wherever she goes. But, hey, maybe these top promotions will come to their senses down the road…
Here's Ivelisse taking on Mia Yim, for the WAR Ecuador promotion.
Today's Match of the Day is another junior heavyweight tag team match of New Japan Pro Wrestling. I don't know if I am very obsessed with these matches, or if these guys continuously put on classic matches. Either way, the match of the day goes to: Bullet Club members Matt & Nick Jackson of the The Young Bucks vs. Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA of The Time Splitters! This match took place at the New Beginning in Osaka on February 11th, 2014. This match greatly shows that these two teams are not only two of the best teams on the planet, but individually some of the best high flyers in the business today. Enjoy this one, folks. You're gonna be in for a ride!
Greetings to all! We're taking a little trip down to AAA for today's Wrestler of the Day, which is El Texano, Jr!
The son of the late El Texano, the young Texano, Jr. has been one of the top rudos in AAA since his debut for the promotion. He has been affiliated with Los Perros del Mal and Los Hijos del Averno, and now is currently affiliated with La Sociedad, more specifically the subgroup El Consejo with El Hijo del Fantasma. Perhaps one of his biggest credentials is being the longest reigning AAA Mega Champion in AAA history, holding the title for 735 days until being upended by Alberto El Patron. With his bullrope always in tow, Texano will surely make his mark in lucha libre.
Here's Texano defending the Mega Campeonato AAA against Alberto El Patron at Guerra Titanes on December 7, 2014.
Pre-Show Kickoff Match: Neville and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto)
vs.
Stardust and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
Stardust has officially called out Neville...and the match is official for the kick-off. Now that Stardust has new henchmen and Neville has an equalizer in the form of The Lucha Dragons, this feud continues...
Winner: Neville and The Lucha Dragons will win more than likely.
Sting vs. Seth Rollins (c)
for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
He's baaaaaaaack. Sting has returned for the first time since WrestleMania 31, and this time he's coming after the one top prize that's he's never taken in his entire career: the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. After stealing and eventually destroying Seth Rollins' bronze statue, he's making it clear to Triple H that he should have finished the job...and now that he's going for the World title, Triple H wants Seth Rollins to finish what he started. Can Sting take the top prize, or will Rollins crush his legacy?
Winner: Rollins is going to retain. I just don’t see Sting winning any titles in WWE.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins (c)
for the WWE United States Championship
Sorry, Rollins, you've got a busy night ahead of you. You're not getting away with just defending the World Heavyweight title. You're getting two matches...and you're defending both of your titles...and Cena has made sure of it, now that he's cashed in his rematch clause after Rollins beat him for the title, no thanks to ex-Daily Show host Jon Stewart, who made sure Cena didn't tie Ric Flair's record 16 world titles at SummerSlam and got an Attitude Adjustment for it the following night on Raw.
Winner: Rollins is going to retain. Somehow or another…
Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and TBA
vs.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman)
The Wyatt Family is now a trio again with the recent addition of Sister Abigail's "black sheep," Braun Strowman on the Raw after SummerSlam. Everyone who has come Strowman's way has been crushed...even though that "everyone" doesn't consist of a lot of people yet. That may change after Night of Champions if Ambrose, Reigns, and a partner of their choice don't put a stop to the Wyatts' path of destruction...
Winner: Depending on Reigns and Ambrose’s partner, I see the Wyatts picking up the win by a straw.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev
Ever since Lana left Rusev, she's been with Dolph Ziggler, who has since shown her that she does deserve better...and so far, she's gotten it! But Rusev still can't get over losing Lana, and his rebound with Summer Rae has even began to look and dress like the old Lana and even going after her...all for Rusev! She's even tried to drive a wedge between Ziggler and Lana, but that has since failed and the only way to end this is with a one-on-one wrestling match, because WWE.
Winner: Ziggler's gonna take this one.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods)
vs.
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley)
They're baaaaaaaaaaack. The night after SummerSlam, The New Day's parade got rained on with the sudden grand return of The Dudley Boyz, who have made it very clear that they've come back to cement their legacy in the WWE and become the first-ever 10-time tag team championship team in WWE history.
Winner: The Dudleys? Why, of course my money’s on them!
Kevin Owens vs. Ryback (c)
for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens has created a new enemy in Ryback, and has even gone far enough to say that the latter is not formidable champion. Who will come out on top and walk out the Intercontinental Champion?
Winner: Kevin Owens is taking the title.
Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella for the WWE Divas Championship (The title can change hands by pinfall, submission, count-out or disqualification, as per Stephanie McMahon)
Now that Team PCB has declared themselves top team in the Divas Revolution, it's only a matter of time until one of them went for the Divas title. Charlotte got that opportunity, and then petitioned for an earlier match so as to keep Nikki Bella from beating AJ Lee's record as longest-reigning Divas Champion in WWE history. She failed to win the title when Twin Magic was used against her, only to backfire. Charlotte won the match, but not the title, after Stephanie McMahon showed up and announced that Brie Bella was the one pinned. However, Stephanie set up a championship re-match at Night of Champions, and this time, the belt can change hands by count-out or disqualification.
Winner: Charlotte is going to win the title for real this time. There’s no sense in her losing, since Nikki Bella has broken the record.
The show begins with the arrival of Seth Rollins. He plans to make history by successfully defending both the WWE United States Championship and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against John Cena and Sting, respectively. He plans to break both men as well as Cena's spirit and Sting's career, and show Sting why he is the past and Rollins is the now. As for tonight, he plans to make some history by teaming with Sheamus - current Money In The Bank briefcase holder - against his former Shield brothers, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. As for why he would team with Sheamus? Not any man would be okay with that, but "the man" would be okay with that, saying it is wise to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. As he discounts the kind of threat that Sheamus would bring to the World title, Sheamus shows up, intrigued by the "keeping friends close and enemies closer" concept and asks what Rollins considers him, telling Rollins he doesn't want him to be his enemy. Nevertheless, Sheamus insists that when he cashes in, Rollins won't see it coming, but Rollins says he will, and that he agrees with the WWE Universe that Sheamus looks stupid. Sheamus tells Rollins they won't make the main event if he keeps making those kinds of insults, and is actually looking forward to it as he plans to scout Rollins out during the match, all while jokingly referring to Rollins as his "friend."
Team B.A.D. (Naomi and Sasha Banks) beat Team PCB (Paige and Becky Lynch) after the distraction from Sasha Banks.
Stardust and The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) tell Neville and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) that there is no escaping the cosmic wasteland.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) calls The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) disrespectful to Mother Nature for destroying tables. Big E gives the Dudleys a chance to sign their petition to save the tables, and that if they sign it, their karma will grow exponentially. The "save the tables" chant is cut short by the entrance of the Dudleys, who refuse to sign the petition as D-Von breaks the clipboard the petition is clipped to over his knee.
Kofi Kingston grabs the tights to beat D-Von Dudley after the distraction from Xavier Woods. After the match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) run away with a table located underneath the ring.
Team Bella (Brie and Nikki Bella, Alicia Fox) run down the checklist for the "Bellabration." However, there's a problem waiting to getting worse, but Nikki Bella doesn't want to hear about it.
The Miz hands Big Show a book with confidential things on it. Big Show looks at it, then tosses it away, clearly not impressed.
Big Show beats Cesaro after Cesaro accidentally tweaks his knee.
Renee Young interviews Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. They're not revealing who the third man is, given everything that The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Braun Strowman) has done. Dean Ambrose has made a phone call, and says it's been the right phone call. He then says that the world will find out when The Wyatt Family finds out. As for tonight, they have the feeling that Sheamus and Seth Rollins will not fully get along tonight, and plan to get a big win before Night of Champions.
Kevin Owens beats Dolph Ziggler by disqualification after Ryback rushes in and attacks Owens, saving Ziggler from a power bomb into the apron.
Alicia Fox and Brie Bella are worried about whether or not the "Bellabration" will go okay...
Nikki Bella shows up for the Bellabration only to find out that nobody's there. Brie tells them that nobody showed up. Brie Bella and Alicia Fox say they'll fix it, but Team PCB (Paige, Charlotte, Becky Lynch) shows up, and Charlotte tells Nikki that her days with the Divas title are extremely numbered. They leave, then Adam Rose shows up and tells Nikki her party sucks. She tries to throw the cake at him, but he's disappeared and the cake has landed on Brie and Alicia, who have no idea what's going on.
Summer Rae meets with Dolph Ziggler concerning the jewelry from Monday Night. They were earrings, and Summer tells him that she loves the peace offering. Ziggler just wants to let bygones by bygones. He says "A rose is just a rose...but sometimes...it means more."
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns beat Sheamus andSeth Rollins after Sheamus leaves Rollins high and dry and refuses to get along with him. Sheamus ends up eating the Superman Punch and the Dirty Deeds in the end. After the match, Braun Strowman's face appears on the TitanTron, and Bray Wyatt is heard saying "They all fall down" in the video package. Bray Wyatt then appears, asking who would be foolish enough to join them, then says it doesn't matter as they all fall down. Luke Harper and Braun Strowman join him, and Braun tells them to run.
