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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
ROH and NJPW return to action tonight for Global Wars: Lowell, which will stream live for Honor Club members and air on iPPV on Fite.tv. The show is headlined by a Four-Way Tag Team match with ROH World Champion Jay Lethal & Jonathan Gresham vs. Chris Sabin & KUSHIDA vs. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. The Kingdom (T.K. O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia). The other notable match on the card is the semi-main event featuring Tetsuya Naito vs. Adam Page.
The rest of the lineup is as follows:
-Jay Briscoe vs. Scorpio Sky
-ROH World TV Champion Jeff Cobb vs. Christopher Daniels
-L.I.J. (EVIL & SANADA) vs. Bully Ray & Silas Young
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-Cody vs. Mark Briscoe
-Frankie Kazarian vs. Flip Gordon
-BUSHI vs. Matt Taven
The show opened with a summary of the story between Nick Aldis and Kamille, ending with her talking to James Storm.
**********
Eli Drake was at Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and was interviewed by David Marquez. Drake said that The Rock, Steve Austin, and Ric Flair are all names he’s been compared to. Drake took offense that he has been compared to Nick Aldis, and while Drake agreed that Aldis is the man, he was offended that Aldis thought there were no challengers.
Drake claimed he was a challenger, but he had to deal with Ken Anderson first. That was another comparison that was made, and Drake said that he didn’t see it because he was a world class athlete. It looks like we’ll be getting Drake vs. Anderson soon. Drake’s promo here was fantastic.
**********
Joe Galli recapped the return of Melina and Thunder Rosa’s MMA debut for Combate Americas. The video showed her preparing before the show, getting ready to walkout, and then followed her to the cage. It then flashed back to her training with Brazilian Top Team.
Thunder Rosa talked about the kids she helped work with before she got into wrestling and MMA. She talked about how wrestling was an outlet to help her get through the pain of trying to help those kids. She said she helped kids process their emotions but wasn’t able to process hers. Galli then promised us more later.
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Aron Stevens cut a promo about how Ricky Starks made him look like a fool. The Question Mark was with him, and Stevens promised that if Question Mark lost the empty arena match, The Question Mark would unmask. Stevens said that if Zane Dawson lost, The Dawsons would have to recite Shakespeare.
The Question Mark (w/ Aron Stevens) defeated Zane Dawson (w/ Dave Dawson) in a mask vs. Shakespeare reading match
The Question Mark chopped Zane, hit the ropes, and ate a knee from Zane. Zane choked Question Mark on the ropes, but as the ref counted, Zane got distracted by him. Question Mark chopped Zane in the throat, hit a dropkick off the middle rope, and then hit the Mongrovian spike for the three count.
I guess the Dawsons have to recite Shakespeare. As they read it, Stevens looked like he was going to vomit and pulled a garbage can out of the ring. The Dawsons put on a fake English accent, and I admit that I found this really funny. Galli then announced that The Question Mark would be taking on Trevor Murdoch at the NWA’s Into the Fire pay-per-view.
**********
Galli sat down with Melina and she talked about why she liked pro wrestling and how she has been able to be a role model for people. Melina said she didn’t just walk into anywhere, it had to be worthy of her name. She said she liked to be a part of something new and the NWA was it. Melina claimed that before her people didn’t care about entrances, and things like that, and claimed that she didn’t get the credit she deserved.
Galli asked what Melina’s plans were for Allysin Kay, and Melina said that she had a problem with Kay thinking she is the best. She said Kay was carrying around the NWA Women’s Championship like an accessory and that it means more than that. Melina said Thunder Rosa and Marti Belle were worthy of being champions, and Kay doesn’t know how they have all fought to be where they are. She said that she will either make Kay appreciate what she has or appreciate what she had when she loses.
This was fine, but I’m not sure Thunder Rosa is going to be helped by Melina in the long run. Melina came across as a babyface in this promo. I’m not sure if that was the intention, but most of it was good.
**********
The next part of “Into the Cage” aired with Thunder Rosa preparing for the fight and warming up in the cage. She was also shown warming up backstage after getting her fists taped. We saw her after the fight, and she was very emotional after losing. The coaches reminded her that she didn’t crumble under the pressure. This was absolutely fantastic.
There wasn’t a lot of wrestling action on this episode of NWA Power, but the interviews were great, and the Thunder Rosa video was incredible.
Galli then ran down the matches announced for NWA Into the Fire so far. He announced that Eli Drake would be facing Mr. Anderson, and that Nick Aldis will defend his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against James Storm in a two-out-of-three falls match. Galli promised that he was going to ask Aldis about Kamille’s conversation with Storm next week. I can’t wait.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW PRIMER
NOVEMBER 19, 2018
LOS ANGELES, CA. AT THE STAPLES CENTER
AIRS ON USA NETWORK, 8:00 P.M. EST
BY FRANK PETEANI (@FrankPeteani), PWTORCH SPECIALIST
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
Arena / Survivor Series Recap and My Brief Attendance Thoughts / Items Advertised by WWE
WWE stays put in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. as they continue their four-night stint which began with NXT Takeover: WarGames this past Saturday and will conclude tomorrow night with Smackdown.
I had the pleasure of being in attendance last night at Survivor Series. I was particularly excited because it was my first PPV event after previously attending house shows, Raws, Smackdowns, and even a few WCW Nitros back in the Monday Night War era of 1995-2001. To sum up, it was not the crowd I expected as you would normally expect a more rabid group especially for one of the “big four” PPVs. The biggest takeaway was the MEGA HEAT for Nia Jax following her breaking Becky Lynch’s nose last week on Raw, forcing Becky to be pulled from her match with Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.
They were into certain things, most notably the Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins match and the Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair match. Rollins ultimately defeated Nakamura and Rousey defeated Charlotte via DQ when Charlotte attacked Rousey with a kendo stick. There was a buzz for Daniel Bryan after he low-kicked Brock Lesnar and went on the attack. During the men’s elimination match, “Best in the World” Shane McMahon (uggh) got a positive reaction for his coast-to-coasts. Most others got the reactions I expected for their introductions.
Raw ended up beating Smackdown 6-1 in the series of Raw vs. Smackdown matches. They can tell you it was 6-0 but unlike WWE I’m going to count the pre-show which saw the Usos win the 10-on-10 elimination tag team for team Smackdown. If it’s Raw vs. Smackdown then that counts and if WWE doesn’t like it that’s too bad. Nia Jax was the sole survivor in the women’s elimination match as she pinned Asuka to wrap up the victory. Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins defeated U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. Raw Tag Team Champions AOP, with their manager Drake Maverick, defeated Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Bar flanked by the Big Show. From 205Live, Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy retained his championship over Mustafa Ali. Raw won the men’s elimination match with Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley being the survivors. Team captain and interim G.M. Baron Corbin attacked Strowman following the match. Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Charlotte Flair from Smackdown via DQ when Charlotte attacked Ronda with a kendo stick. Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defeated WWE Champion Daniel Bryan.
Here are the items of emphasis for tonight’s show according to WWE.com:
Raw wins the night at Survivor Series
Braun Strowman gets his Universal Title Match… and Baron Corbin
Seth Rollins to face Dean Ambrose at TLC
Nia Jax steals Sasha Banks’ spotlight en route to title opportunity
Ronda Rousey viciously assaulted by Charlottle Flair
Raw Wins the Night
As I talked about earlier, Raw won the night at Survivor Series. If you don’t count the pre-show, technically Raw did sweep the series of matches on the main show. I am going to count the pre-show whether WWE likes it or not and therefore they won 6-1.
Baron Corbin has been looking to become the permanent G.M. of Raw. Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and he had words with Smackdown G.M. Paige and commissioner Shane McMahon early on in Survivor Series last night:
#RAW is off to a good start, but @RealPaigeWWE & @shanemcmahon are confident things will shift #SDLive's way! #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/wOyAqNnPwU
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
Frank’s Analysis: There’s not much here. I have no expectations for Baron Corbin as a wrestler and thus making him the G.M. is fine. Although I believe the heel authority figure has long run its course, if there’s nothing else for Corbin, they may as well keep him here. He is weasel-like and annoying and I think can be appreciated over time. I didn’t think much of John Laurinitis initially but over time I thought he was fine. The big positive coming out of this is that we’re done with “brand supremacy” now for another year, and can get back to our regularly scheduled programming and feuds
Braun Strowman gets his Universal Title Match… and Baron Corbin
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon returned to Raw last week to address the “controversy” over her brother, “Best in the World” and Smackdown Commissioner Shane McMahon, inserting himself into the finals and winning the World Cup at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.
Braun Strowman interrupted and demanded he get a Universal Championship rematch at some point, as well as a match with Baron Corbin in which he would pick the stipulation. Stephanie agreed to all of this provided team Raw would defeat team Smackdown at Survivor Series, as well as him not laying a hand on Corbin until after the event.
Per @StephMcMahon, @BraunStrowman's demands will be met…
…as long as he proves to be a team player tonight at #SurvivorSeries. pic.twitter.com/1iIBGWutGf
— WWE (@WWE) November 18, 2018
Strowman, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley were the survivors in the men’s elimination match as I talked about earlier. Strowman did take quite the bump from “Best in the World” Shane McMahon along the way:
Whatever. It. Takes.@shanemcmahon #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/6pjY0woKcC
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
Now that Raw has secured victory, Braun held up his end of the bargain he is expected to have a match with Corbin and at some point, get a Universal Championship match. While Corbin attacked Strowman after the win, Strowman didn’t necessarily play nice with his team during the macthlast night:
But you're ON THE SAME TEAM, guys! @BraunStrowman @DMcIntyreWWE #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/hMEGDdwLUs
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 19, 2018
Frank’s Analysis: The story in this match was really Strowman and Drew McIntyre; however, it’s to be expected that the focus will be on Strowman and Corbin for the moment as Strowman vs. McIntyre could be saved for a bigger stage. Because of Strowman not “playing nice” and taking the bump from Shane, Stephanie could make him jump through hoops to get his championship match even though he held up his end of the bargain. Based on McIntyre’s work over the past few weeks, he could factor into the Universal Championship picture as well. Typically, WWE likes to save Brock Lesnar matches for bigger events, and thus look for his next title defense to be at the Royal Rumble. That doesn’t mean he can’t be at TLC as he hasn’t worked the “B” events before.
Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship at TLC
Seth Rollins will defend his Intercontinental Championship against his former Shield “brother” Dean Ambrose at the TLC PPV, coming to us on December 16, 2018. He learned of this match following his victory last night over U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, in what was one of the best matches of the evening based on crowd engagement. Here’s Rollins learning about the match:
A bit of BREAKING NEWS at #SurvivorSeries as @WWERollins learns he'll be defending his #ICTitle against @TheDeanAmbrose at #WWETLC! pic.twitter.com/AYDjzWr0b9
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
In the ongoing feud between these two, Ambrose finally spoke last week on Raw on why he did what he did, turning on Rollins. He ultimately claimed the Shield made him weak and Rollins was too self-absorbed to see it. He also claimed he was being treated as an imbecile and charity case. He burned his Shield gear. Take a look:
.@TheDeanAmbrose thinks he was held back by #TheShield. So what does he do? #RAW https://t.co/A4a8oXMuNC
— WWE (@WWEIndia) November 13, 2018
Frank’s Analysis: I didn’t feel that “oooh” moment when Ambrose burned the gear as I thought I should feel. Since they were planning on doing this match at TLC, that could have been saved for one of the promos during the build as Ambrose could have told a longer story. Nonetheless it’s done and we can move forward. I’m glad Ambrose didn’t interfere in the match last night. It’s overall better to let matches have their conclusion, and keep the interference for when it’s warranted. Rollins vs. Nakamura did not warrant this at all. I like how a big deal is being made about a championship match and how we’ll have to wait a month for it to take place. Historically when you have bigger builds for championship matches especially between big rivals, it makes it feel like a bigger deal. Let’s look forward to the promos between these two over the next few weeks.
LISTEN TO PWTORCH’S “WRESTLING NIGHT IN AMERICA’S” POST-PPV PODCAST HOSTED BY GREG PARKS LAST NIGHT TAKING CALLS AND TALKING WITH ON-SITE CORRESPONDENT…
In this episode of Wrestling Night in America, PWTorch columnist Greg Parks breaks down, with callers, WWE Survivor Series from all angles. Included are calls on the final two matches and the emotion drawn from fans, Raw’s dominance over Smackdown, the lack of A.J. Styles, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton, plus an in-arena perspective from PWTorch.com contributor Frank Peteani, and more.
-On Tune In Radio HERE
-On Apple Podcasts HERE
-Or search “PWTorch” or “Pro Wrestling Torch” on your podcast app of choice
Nia Jax-Sasha Banks
As we were approaching the conclusion of the women’s elimination match, Nia Jax and Sasha Banks were getting ready to put away Asuka from Smackdown as Sasha climbed to the top rope in an attempt to put her away. Nia shoved Sasha off the top, leaving her ripe for an Asuka lock that got her eliminated.
Nia would do three leg drops on Asuka to secure the victory for Raw and be the sole survivor. This was met with loud, LOUD boos from the crowd. Nia seemed unphased by the reaction according to this WWE.com exclusive:
EXCLUSIVE: The women of #Raw are totally unbothered by the crowd's reaction tonight at #SurvivorSeries…@NiaJaxWWE @AlexaBliss_WWE @TaminaSnuka pic.twitter.com/SHHDWkhD27
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
Frank’s Analysis: I don’t have the words for the heat on Nia Jax. I don’t know if this is a fair comparison but it reminds me of when Vince McMahon screwed Bret “Hit Man” Hart changing the ending to his match with Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. I don’t know how it came across on TV, but sitting in the crowd it was heat bordering on pure hatred. Hey look, everyone’s favorite in Becky Lynch was taken out by this woman so the heat is to be expected, whether it’s fair or not. While WWE has a chance to run with Nia as a big heel, I hope she is being held accountable for breaking Becky’s nose last week. It makes this whole situation a bigger story; however, safety still has to be a priority. With all of this said, look for a feud with Sasha Banks who got a mildly positive reaction but that could become bigger if she feuds with a hated Nia Jax in the immediate future.
Charlotte’s Attack on Ronda Rousey
As I talked about earlier, Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Charlotte Flair from Smackdown via DQ when Charlotte hit Ronda with a kendo stick on the outside of the ring. She followed this up with a Natural Selection onto a chair and stomping on her head with it in the chair. The crowd reacted very positively to these actions
Ronda was to face Smackdown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch; however, Becky was not medically cleared to wrestle following her nose being broken by Nia Jax last week on Raw and suffering a concussion as well. The following night on Smackdown, Becky named Charlotte as her “replacement” opponent.
Here are some tweets from the match last night:
.@MsCharlotteWWE has SNAPPED. #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/OP5FvrNLqt
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
This.
Is.
Not.
Good.What is going through @MsCharlotteWWE's mind?!?! #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/6FIrtd7TkT
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
#NaturalSelection onto a STEEL CHAIR!!! 😱😱😱😱😱@MsCharlotteWWE #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/fzQeAEoFwJ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 19, 2018
What just happened?@RondaRousey may never be the same after this brutal assault from @MsCharlotteWWE. #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/9VlQOaaIxr
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
She showed up for a match.
What she got was a war.@RondaRousey #SurvivorSeries pic.twitter.com/POracxG2Wp
— WWE (@WWE) November 19, 2018
Frank’s Analysis: There is A LOT to unpack from this. I was an on-site correspondent guest for Greg Parks on Wrestling Night in America on the PWTorch Livecast and we discussed this. There are so many ways to look at this. The crowd rejected Ronda for most of this match, and even more so after the Charlotte attack. They clearly wanted to make Charlotte the heel here, but with the rejection of Ronda it actually makes her the favorite. It’s similar to the crowd cheering Becky’s turn on Charlotte following the women’s championship match at SummerSlam. It will be interesting to see how they run with this on Smackdown. With them remaining in the same arena, Charlotte will likely still get a positive reaction. If they’re trying to make her a heel, does she turn on the crowd citing how everyone loved Becky despite what she did to her recently in their feud? What also becomes of Ronda and Nia Jax will be interesting as they will face each other for the Raw championship. There is heat on both women, understandably for Nia but I’m not so sure why it’s on Ronda. Granted her promos recently have bordered on heel, but she did nothing wrong and technically was attacked by Becky Lynch last week on Raw. She even took chair shots from Becky after Becky got her nose busted by Nia. It makes Raw and Smackdown must-see this week and hopefully WWE can tell a good story on all fronts.
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Start Time & Matches Advertised
The arena’s website is advertising a start time of 4:30 p.m. local but doesn’t specify when doors are opening.
They show two matches:
Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose
Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin
They do also show Raw Women’s Champ Ronda Rousey and Bobby Lashley, and “many more” live. This is basically a “copy and paste” from last week’s arena’s advertisement.
Follow me on Twitter @FrankPeteani or e-mail me at [email protected]. Questions and discussion are welcome Thank you for reading!
DAILY UPDATE
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Latest News:
WWE Main Event results: Natalya vs. Sarah Logan
NJPW World Tag League updated results and standings
Pentagon Jr. vs. Christopher Daniels announced for AEW Dynamite
Latest Audio:
DragonKing Dark: Oddities of Kentucky 12/1
WOR: Smackdown, Daniel Bryan, previews, Starrcade, Observer Awards, more! 12/1
F4W NEWSLETTER: NXT’s Survivor Series involvement Joseph Currier looks at how WWE featured NXT at Survivor Series and in the build to the PPV.
Even with how forced the battle for brand supremacy can admittedly be, Survivor Series is one of the bright spots on the WWE calendar.
The PPV has given us some of the main roster’s best matches in recent years. Last year, we got Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan and Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (filling in for the injured Becky Lynch). In 2017, Lesnar faced AJ Styles. Those matches wouldn’t have happened without the brand vs. brand concept. And while there would ideally be more substantive stakes involved, the brands facing off has given some life to the traditional Survivor Series elimination tag matches.
The added involvement of NXT this year only improved things. The battle of the brands would have been even more forced without their inclusion. Viewers can believe that NXT really wants to prove that it’s better than Raw or SmackDown. It’s much harder to suspend your disbelief and buy into Raw and SmackDown’s wrestlers being undyingly loyal to their brand just weeks after a draft.
Current subscribers click here to continue reading.
WON NEWSLETTER: December 2, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Survivor Series weekend, Mauro Ranallo/Corey Graves
Coverage of Survivor Series weekend and five shows in six nights in Chicago, as well as the business, polls and more, heads this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We look at the directions things are going, how DVR viewership affects all the major shows, the decision on match order, what Vince McMahon was doing during the Survivor Seres main event, the next two major shows as well as Survivor Series and Takeover with full coverage and star ratings for every match.
The issue also covers:
The myth of NXT as developmental, World’s Collide, the next Takeover, the mention of Britt Baker on the air and more.
The tragic death of Aniah Blanchard, the stepdaughter of UFC fighter Walt Harris.
Changes in the UFC drug policy, regarding levels, what drugs are low levels now allowed, what UFC is encouraging fighters to do as far as supplements, .
The situation with Corey Graves and Mauro Ranallo, what happened, why Graves should have been more careful, and where things stand.
Jim Cornette’s apology, how his departure from the NWA took place, more of the background as to why Cornette was castigated for things that nobody would have batted an eye about had others said and why, what NWA wanted to do with him and why their hand was forced.
C.M. Punk signing with FOX, Vince McMahon’s thoughts on Seth Rollins pushing the Punk match, TV ratings in Canada and overseas, WWE get awarded, legend selling home, Oney Lorcan talks future, Mike Bennett talks wanting to leave, Injury updates in WWE, WWE market value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network, plus notes on the house shows.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Our weekend audio show with Bryan Alvarez is up right now on the site and we will have a second show talking economics of pro wrestling and AEW with Brandon Thurston and Garrett Gonzalez up later today. This was somewhat of a quiet weekend although the Starrcade show is tonight. From the 60s through the 80s, Thanksgiving was synonymous with the biggest shows of the year. We have a retro Observer up covering the history of pro wrestling on Thanksgiving.
After the first two days of its release, Chris Jericho’s “A Little Bit of the Bubbly” sparkling win has sold 10,000 bottles.
As far as Google trends go, the only thing over the last week combat sports related was Gina Carano at No. 10 on Friday with 100,000 searches due to her debut on the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian. On Wednesday, there were 10 million searches for “History of Thanksgiving,” but that was not related to a Ric Flair vs. Harley Race match.
As far as Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley tonight, for whatever this is worth, this is what they did in the billed last man standing matches the last two days: Lashley and Lana came out and Rusev never came out. The referee counted to ten and ruled that Lashley won the match. They celebrated and Lana said “Rusev is a fool” but then Rusev came out to attack Lashley. They never had the match since the ten count meant that Lashley won already.
Here’s a story on the new Bray Wyatt championship belt. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
Here’s a link to the ice hockey movie “Net Worth” that we talked about on today’s Observer Radio, a true story based in the NHL in the late 50s. I would encourage all pro wrestlers and fans interested in business to watch this movie, particularly considering how owners manipulate and players get bullied. Even as bad as it was, the NHL players had a pension plan 63 years ago.
WWE
Samoa Joe is currently planned to announce Raw tomorrow night with Vic Joseph and Jerry Lawler.
Here’s a story on a seventh grade girl who wasn’t allowed to wrestle that caught the attention of Beth Phoenix.
WWE 24: Trish Stratus airs on the WWE Network after Starrcade.
There was a category on Jeopardy on Friday called WWE Slammy Awards. The answers to the questions were Charlie Sheen, Cyndi Lauper, Ronda Rousey, Dwayne Johnson and Vince McMahon. The contestants didn’t do well in the category (thanks to Ken Raftery)
A ‘Day Of’ special built around the 2019 Survivor Series airs 12/8 on WWE Network.
MISCELLANEOUS
Konnan returns to MLW on Thursday’s TV tapings in New York and the Melrose Ballroom.
AAW from last night in Chicago: Rory Storm b Reilly McGwire, Ace Austin & Clayton Gainz b Travis Titan & Jake Landers, Hakim Zane b Myron Reed, Killer Kross b Josh Briggs, Curt Stallion b Eddie Kingston, Good Brother #3 (Mance Warner) b Nick Gage (crowd loved this match), Josh Alexander b Ace Romero to keep AAW title, Paco b Jake Something to win the Heritage title, ACH & Mat Fitchett & Davey Vega b Sami Callihan & Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz (said to be super), Jessicka Havok b Kris Statlander to keep the womens’ title (thanks to Case Lowe)
The next AAW show has Alexander defending against Jacob Fatu, Zane defending the Heritage title against Pac and David Starr & Kingston vs. Stallion & Something.
WrestleCade results from Friday night in Winston, Salem, NC: Murphy Costagan b David Anthony to keep SWF TV title, John Skylar b Andrew Everett to keep PWI Ultra J title, Heatseekers b Jordan Cage & Caleb Courageous to keep the Innovate U.S. tag titles, C.W. Anderson b Ethan Page to keep the AML title, Gymnasty Boys b GRIT to win the vacant Fest Wrestling tag titles, Rocky Rage won three-way over Jason Kincaid and Brian Pillman Jr. to keep ASW title, Killer Kross b Billy Brash to keep the Wrestling Revolver title, Brian Cage b Willie Mack to keep the More Wrestling title, Diamante won four-way over Kiera Hogan, Miranda Alize and champion Ivelisse to win the Ladies Night Out title in an elimination match, Rich Swann b Matt Cross to keep the NWG title (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
WrestleCade results from last night in Winston-Salem, NC: Great Muta b George South, Nick Aldis & Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson b Homicide & Hernandez & Thomas Latimer, Jax Dane won Battle Royal, Taya Valkyrie won four-way over Rosemary, Jordynne Grace and Su Yung. Tessa Blanchard was to wrestle but due to an eye injury suffered last week in London, she couldn’t and did commentary. She said that a former ECW wrestler (Sandman) was backstage saying that he didn’t think women should be in the man event because he didn’t believe fans would accept it. She said that all the women in the ring have wrestled all over the world and held titles and they aren’t great women wrestlers, they are great wrestlers period.
MVP pulled out of WrestleCade weekend due to issues with a third party promoter. He was supposed to face Stephan Bonnar over the weekend.
BCW from Friday night in Melbourne, Australia: Mortar b Vixsin to keep the women’s title, Nick Bury & Mitch Waterman b Carlo Cannon & Sketch, Cody Swift b Cletus to keep the Battle Express title, The Preston Kindred b The Pares to keep the BCW tag titles, Mick Moretti b Syd Parker, Gabriel Wolfe b Famous B, Mad Dog b Sabu in a barbed wire match to keep the BCW title. Next show is 1/26 in Melbourne with Ultimo Dragon vs. Syd Parker. On 1/25 in Sydney, Dragon will wrestle Moretti. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Limitless Wrestling from Friday night in Yarmuth, MA: Christian Casanova b Myron Reed, JD Drake b Alec Price, Masha Slamovich b Jody Threat, Ace Romero & Anthony Greene b Danger Kid & Aiden Aggro, CJ Cruz won scramble match over Pinkie Sanchez, Kevin Ku, Manders and Oswald Project, JT Dunn b Jake Something, Ashely Vox b Kris Statlander in a last creature standing match. They used multiple doors as objects and people were raving about the main event. (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
NHPW on Saturday night in Perth, Australia: Creek Murdoch b Cannon Connors and WAR, Matthew Pace b Johnny Hardway, Jebediah b Aaron O’Malley in a hunters cage match, Julian Ward b King Shahil to keep the Art of Fighting title, Lena Kross & Mercedes Martinez b Kenicki Wheeler & Rogan Karguis-DQ,Tommy Knight won three-way over champion Rory Holmes and Chris Dickinson to win the Hybrid title. They announced Low Ki and Killer Kross on 2/12. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Adrenaline Pro Wrestling on 2/22 in Melbourne with Sammy Guevara.
OTT from last night in Dublin, Ireland: Terry Thatcher won five-way over Calum Black, Kyle Fletcher, Mao and Omari, Aidan b Liam Royal, Bonesaw & Damien Corvus b Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf 450, Katey Harvey b Debbie Keitel to keep the women’s title, Scotty Davis b Ren Narita to keep the No Limits title, Paddy M b B Cool, Rey Hours & Pentagon Jr & Rey Fenix b Darren Kearney & LJ cleary & Nathan Martin, David Starr b Mike Bailey to keep the OTT title (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
Defy, PCW Ultra and Progress joint show last night in Seattle. Every match said to be ***+. Crowd looked sold out. Jake Atlas b Douglas James to keep PCW Ultra light heavyweight title, Jorel Nelson & Travis Williams & Cook Brothers & Alexander Hammerstone b Judas Icarus & Guillermo Rosas & Cody Chunn & Randy Myers & Schaff, Meiko Satomura b Nicole Savoy to keep the Progress title (disappointing), Josef Samael & Jacob Fatu won over Ethan HD & Mike Santiago and Randers & Big Jack for the PCW Ultra and Defy tag titles, Jimmy Havoc b Sonico, El Phantasmo b Artemis Spencer (thanks to Scott Janicek)
Stardom from this afternoon in Osaka: Andras Miyagi b Leo Onozaki, Natsuko Tora b Itsuki Hoshino, Konami & Zoe Lucas b Saya Iida & Saya Kamitani, Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona & Death Yama-San b Natsu Sumire & Jamie Hayter & Session Moth Martina, Riho & Tam Nanano & Saki Kashima & Starlight Kid b Bea Priestley & Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita & AZM, Mayu Iwatani & Arisa Hoshiki b Kagetsu & Hazuki.
This evening’s show in Osaka: Jamie Hayter b Leo Onozaki, Andras Miyagi b Saya Iida, Riho & Starlight Kid b Saya Kamitani & Itsuki Hoshino, Mayu Iwatani & Arisa Hoshiki & Tam Nakano & Saki Kashima b Bea Priestley & Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita & AZM,Hazuki & Kagetsu & Natsu Sumire & Natsuko Tora & Session Moth Martina b Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona & Konami & Death Yama-san & Zoe Lucas (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling announced its 12/28 show scheduled for East Carondelet, IL has been canceled.
Amale, the current WXW women’s champion who has worked for WWE as well, but isn’t signed and is having a lot of problems from parents as she is wrestling while being a schoolteacher. (thanks to Matt Burrows)
Daily Pro Wrestling History: Hulk Hogan wins NWA Southeastern Title
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The Raw Tag Team titles will be on the line at TLC — but The Viking Raiders’ challengers haven’t been revealed in advance.
It was announced on tonight’s episode of WWE Backstage that The Viking Raiders will issue a Tag Team title open challenge at Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view. Erik & Ivar also issued an open challenge on Raw this week, with The Street Profits unsuccessfully challenging for the titles.
The Viking Raiders have been Raw Tag Team Champions since defeating Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode for the titles in October.
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This is the third Tag Team title match announced for TLC. Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Kairi Sane will defend their titles against Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair in a tables, ladders, and chairs match on Sunday, and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will defend their titles against The Revival.
The Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota is hosting TLC. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Kairi Sane defending against Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Bray Wyatt vs. The Miz
Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley in a tables match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Revival
The Viking Raiders Raw Tag Team title open challenge
Aleister Black vs. Buddy Murphy
>
PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
WWE SMACKDOWN PRIMER
DECEMBER 25, 2018
FRESNO, CA. AT THE SAVE MART CENTER
AIRS ON USA NETWORK 8:00PM EST
BY FRANK PETEANI (@FrankPeteani), PWTORCH SPECIALIST
Announcers: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves
Arena, Smackdown TLC Results, and Items Advertised by WWE
The Christmas Day edition of Smackdown was pre-recorded following last week’s Smackdown episode in the Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA. The following are the items announced by WWE.com for tonight’s episode:
Shane McMahon to appear on MizTV
U.S. Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (champ) vs. Rusev
Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe
Will Sanity continue to sow chaos?
There are spoilers out for tonight. I will not offer any predictions on matches in the interest of integrity.
Shane McMahon on Miz TV
In recent weeks, the Miz has been pleading his case to Shane McMahon to be his tag team partner (in my head I still hear Todd Martin criticizing Wade Keller for not calling him “Best in the World” Shane McMahon). Last week, Miz went so far as to ask Shane’s father Vince for his blessing to be Shane’s partner, which Vince rejected. He counter-offered Miz and said he should prove himself by winning a tag team match with a mystery partner. Here’s the segment in case you so desire to watch:
Miz’s mystery partner turned out to be Mandy Rose, and their opponents were Mixed Match Challenge Season Two Champions R-Truth and Carmella. Miz and Rose won the match in about two minutes.
Tonight, Shane appears on MizTV.
Frank’s Analysis: I have no idea where this is going. It could lead to a Miz vs. Shane McMahon match at WrestleMania or an odd-couple partnership. Outside of those scenarios, both of which have zero appeal, I have no idea. This falls under the comedy that’s not funny and has been problematic on WWE television. It’s great to see that things are changing!
U.S. Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (champ) vs. Rusev
For weeks now Rusev and U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura have had their issues. The latest was a back and forth last week where Rusev made fun of Nakamura saying he looks like Sonic the Hedgehog (who had that game for Sega Genesis anyway?). Nakamura countered with a cut and paste video showing Rusev as a “Total Diva,” with clips of his appearing on the show Total Divas with his wife Lana.
Rusev pinned Nakamura in a tag team match a few weeks where he and Jeff Hardy defeated Nakamura and Samoa Joe. Tonight, he gets a championship opportunity. Rusev previously held the title from late 2014-2015 when he defeated Sheamus and then lost to John Cena at that year’s WrestleMania. He regained the title in 2016 from Kalisto and proceeded a few months later to drop it to Roman Reigns.
Frank’s Analysis: It’s good to see Shinsuke having an opponent for the U.S. Championship considering how quiet things have been on that front lately. The feud doesn’t light the world on fire for me, but I don’t hate it either. I just wish everything didn’t end in a catchphrase. It’s seems like Rusev can’t end a promo without saying “Rusev Day” anymore.
Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe has been calling out Jeff Hardy on his past demons, especially with alcohol. Last week, Jeff said his past was his past, and this is now. He called out Joe and wanted a face-to-face in the ring and wanted an apology. Joe obliged, but not in the way Jeff wanted as was to be expected. He apologized that this wasn’t going to be an apology but rather an intervention. He cited how this time of year can bring out one’s demons, but Jeff said he’s never going back to that place again. As Joe was leaving the ring, he went to attack Jeff which he saw coming and gave him a twist of fate. Here’s the segment in case you missed it:
Tonight, Jeff and Joe go at it one-on-one.
Frank’s Analysis: Jeff there’s one problem with you saying that was then and this is now. You got a DWI earlier this year. You don’t have to acknowledge that on TV but stuff like that takes us out of the moment and it’s insulting. This is why I’m against bringing these real-life situations into storylines. If it’s done right, it’s fine but in this situation that’s not the case. As far as this feud it’s one that could work and perhaps re-establish Joe as a top heel following his putting over A.J. Styles in recent months. Jeff does not get hurt putting Joe over.
Sanity to Continue Chaos?
The Good Brothers, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, returned last week as the Usos were calling out Smackdown Tag Team Champions the Bar. They said being one of the best teams of the last decade, they were tired of sitting on the sidelines and that ends tonight. They proceeded to have a match with the Usos, which ended in a no contest (non-finishes on WWE television? Nawwwww!).
The no-contest was due to the Bar coming out followed by Sanity, who attacked the Good Brothers on the outside of the ring. After Sanity was done, The Bar went after Gallows and Anderson.
Frank’s Analysis: There’s nothing special here with the Good Brothers or Sanity returning. The Good Brothers complaining about being on the sidelines is old hat. Several wrestlers have pulled that recently (Apollo Crews, and Mojo Rawley come to mind) and it usually goes nowhere. As far as Sanity I have little to no expectation for what they may do as I feel about the Good Brothers. WWE has shown no propensity to push either team into a prominent role.
Other Items from Last Week
Asuka retained her newly won Smackdown Women’s Championship in an impromptu match over Naomi. Charlotte and Becky Lynch were making their cases to have rematches for the championship in light of Ronda Rousey’s interference. The match was approved by Vince McMahon in furtherance of the rematch clause being antiquated and Naomi interrupting the conversation. (Hey if that’s what it takes to get a title match everyone should do it).
As I talked about in the Raw primer, Paige was apparently relieved of her general manager duties. We learned this at the outset of the show where Shane was rallying his Smackdown wrestlers to put on a good product (because that’s their responsibility. It’s not to try and best each and become champions and be the best wrestler possible. I got it. I’m so glad there’s change). They booed at the mention of Raw (so the Smackdown vs. Raw dynamic continues). Here’s the YouTube clip so you can view the ridiculousness of this speech:
We learned that Mustafa Ali would now be a full-time wrestler on the Smackdown roster. We learned this during the main event in which he teamed with A.J. Styles to take on WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Andrade “Cien” Almas in a match not advertised by WWE. Ali and Styles picked up the win when Ali pinned Bryan. Prior to the match, Bryan continued his ripping of crowds and tore into the local people of Fresno.
Start Time & Matches Advertised
This section is not applicable as the episode was pre-recorded last week.
Follow Frank on Twitter @FrankPeteani or e-mail at [email protected]. Questions and discussion are welcome. Thank you for reading!
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The NWA’s first pay-per-view since the debut of NWA Power takes place tonight as GPB Studios in Atlanta hosts Into the Fire.
The PPV will be headlined by NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis defending his title against James Storm in a two-out-of-three falls match. In storyline, Storm has chosen Brian Hebner as the referee for one of the falls and Aldis has chosen former NWA Champion Tim Storm for another. After speculation about what she whispered in James Storm’s ear on an NWA Power episode, Aldis has also said that his manager Kamille has the night off tonight.
Two other title matches are set for the show. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express will defend their Tag Team titles against Thomas Latimer & Royce Isaacs, while Colt Cabana will defend his National Championship against Aron Stevens and Ricky Starks in a triple threat match.
NWA Women’s Champion Allysin Kay & Ashley Vox vs. Melina & Marti Belle, Eli Drake vs. Ken Anderson, Thunder Rosa vs. Tasha Steelz, and Trevor Murdoch vs. The Question Mark round out the card for Into the Fire. The PPV is available via Fite TV and will begin at 6:05 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
NWA Into the Fire opene with a voice over from Nick Aldis as highlights are shown from NWA Power leading into the PPV. Stu Bennett and Joe Galli ran down the card, and then the music hit for Eli Drake, who walked through the crowd down to the ring. Ken Anderson then made his entrance, high fiving the fans, ready for this grudge match with Drake.
Eli Drake defeated Ken Anderson
Anderson faked out a fan with giving out his t-shirt, which was weird, given that he’s the babyface based on how this is booked. Both men excahnged some basics in the ring, with Anderson getting the best of a hammerlock exchange, keeping Drake grounded. Anderson hit a clothesline and a slame, and sent Drake into the opposite corner before hitting another clothesline. Anderson facewashed Drake, and drake rolled to the floor. Anderson followed Drake back into the ring and hit an elbow. Anderson hit the ropes but Drake countered with a stun gun and then a neckbreaker for a 2 count.
Drake hit a running powerslam and an elboow for a 2 count, before knocking Anderson into the middle rope with a drop toe hold. Drake hit a kick and then a slingshot shoulder block. Drake countered a roll through and hit a swinging neckbreaker on Anderson in a nice spot. Anderson kicked out at 2 and Drake locked on a chinlock. Anderson fought out and both men exchanged strikes until Anderson hit the steamroller and scored a 2 count. Anderson reversed the Gravy Train into a schoolboy for a 2 count.
Anderson went to the top rope, but Drake jumped from the ring to the top rope and went for a suplex, but Anderson fought it off and went for a sunset flip powerbomb on Anderson. Drake countered into a pinfall and just managed to score the 3 count.
Very solid opening match here. Both guys worked a basic match, but it worked for the audience, and neither did anything they couldn’t do, which is always a win. This was quite good.
**********
Nick Aldis came out and cut a promo about how that the NWA used to be a name for the past, but there was one voice that called the NWA his mountain top, speaking about Tim Storm. Aldis then said that voice became two, with him, and now it is thousands with over 40 countries watching from around the world. He then spoke about James Storm and how he was going to retain his title. Aldis then said he gave Kamille the night off.
James Storm came out to a series of boos. Storm said that at the end of tonight, Aldis would know that he was in the ring with one of the toughest SOBs ever. He promised that he was going to wint the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship tonight, and left with Aldis staring at him and walking backstage. This was excellent. As always, the NWA seems to have the best promos going today.
A video aired for Melina’s debut in the NWA.
**********
Tasha Steelz came out and asked for David Marquez and talked about how she was adding flavour to the NWA. She said that the show was named Into the Fire appropriately because she would be bringing the latina heat. This was very, very good. Thunder Rosa then came out to a huge reaction. The way her career has changed since Lucha Underground is absolutely incredible.
Thunder Rosa defeated Tasha Steelz
Thunder Rosa got a go behind on Tasha, pulled her hair, then chopped her several times. Tasha hit one of her own and then went for a lucha armdrag, but Thunder Rosa countered and hit a clothesline. Thunder Rosa put Steelz into a tree of woe and hit a dropkick to the body for a 2 count. Despite being a heel, Thunder Rosa got a massive babyface reaction, except for when she was cheating in the match. Steelz hit a few chops, but Thunder Rosa counterd with a drop toe hold into a Gory Special.
Steelz dodged a double stomp and hit a pump kick. Tasha hit a series of strikes in the corner and hit a cutter for a 2 count. Steelz went for another cutter, but Thunder Rosa countered and hit a running knee before hitting her double stomp for a the 3 count.
This was a perfectly acceptable match. Thunder Rosa was fantastic here, but Tasha is green. Tasha has a ton of charisma and I’m quite sure she will be a star in the future. There is money in Thunder Rosa, and I hope they are able to push her sooner rather than later.
Thunder Rosa continued her attack after the bell, getting into mounted position and beating on Tasha. Ashley Vox ran down to make the save, but Thunder Rosa hit her with a shoulder breaker and then appeared to dislocate Vox’s elbow. What does this mean for Cox’s tag match later in the evening?
**********
The Question Mark came out with Aron Stevens and performed the Mongrovian Flag Ceremony, and sung the Mongrovian national anthem. This has to be seen to be believed, and I loved it. Trevor Murdoch interrupted the anthem. We were also informed that Stevens became a 3rd degree blackbelt in Mongrovian Karate, which I thought was hilarious.
?The Question Mark? defeated Trevor Murdoch
Question Mark started the match, hitting a chop to Murdoch’s stomach. Murdoch didn’t take kindly to this, hitting a big boot and a big slam. Murdoch called for one more, and Question Mark crashed to the mat a second time. The fans chanted “one more time” so he did, and Question Mark went to the apron.
Murdoch tried to remove Question Mark’s mask, but he fought out and hit a drop toe hold on Question Mark before hitting a series of hard strikes to the back of Question Mark’s head. Question Mark ducked under a shot and hit a Karate chop to Murdoch’s throat. Quesiton mark got a 2 count. Question then hit the ropes and hit two stomps to Murdoch’s face.
Mark hit a dropkick from the middle rope, but Trevor Murdoch got his foot on the ropes. After a few moves, Murdoch went to the top rope and tried to grab the Mongrovian flag. This infuriated Question Mark, who hit a double Mongrovian Spike to the throat of Murdoch for the pinfall victory.
This was fun. Question Mark is ridiculously over, and I love it.
**********
A hype video aired for the Rock n’ Roll Express, and they then came down to the ring to a massive reaction. Ricky Morton cut an amazing promo in the hype video about how they were the 9-time champions now.
The Rock n’ Roll Express w/ Eddie Kingston and Homicide defeated The Wild Cards w/ The Dawsons to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship
Ricky Morton started the match with Latimer and both men locked up. Morton used a little agility, as he is the smaller man, and sent Latimer into the corner. Latimer shoved Morton into the corner, but Morton slipped out. Morton drew Isaacs to the RnR corner, and Robert tagged in and they hit a double elbow on Issacs.
Gibson tricked Isaacs into running into Latimer, and then Ricky Morton hit a suicide dive on both men! Isaacs and Latimer started to get the heat on Morton soon thereafter, but it didn’t last long as Morton dodged a splash in the corner from Isaacs and rolled into the tag to Gibson. Gibson ran wild and then locked a sleeper on Latimer.
Isaacs cut him off, but the RnR made the Wild Cards look like fools as they crashed into each other. Morton then hit the Canadian Destroyer on Latimer! The Dawsons started brawling with Homicde and Kingston, which distracted Isaacs. The Rock n’ Roll express hit the double dropkick on Isaacs for the pinfall!
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Stu Bennet and Joe Galli announced the next NWA PPV for January, and announced that the NWA was bringing back the NWA Worlds Television Championship
Eli Drake came out and insulted David Marquez and then cut a promo against Aldis. Drake said that he was in James Storm’s camp, but that it really didn’t matter who came out on top, as he wanted the next title shot. Drake talked about how the NWA is the hottest thing going today, and how he was the hottest thing in it.
Drake said that he was the man that shines in the NWA, and he doesn’t care who the champion is. He called Ken Anderson a speedbump, and as he did that, Ken Anderson came out and attacked Drake. Anderson grabbed a chair and wrapped it around Drake’s head before sending him crashing into the ring post. The referees came out and pulled Anderson away.
Anderson fought away from security and then hit the Mic Check face first into the standing steel chair. The referees rushed the ring to check on Drake, and it the crowd booed Anderson. Was this a heel turn? It’s a little hard to keep track of who the heels and babyfaces are in this feud. Drake did win clean, and Anderson is showing that he is a sore loser, so it could have been a double turn. I suppose we will find out more later.
This was a very good angle.
**********
Allysin Kay came out without a partner for her match with Melina and Marti Belle, and after they made their entrance, Kay’s replacement partner was announced: ODB!
Melina & Marti Belle defeated Allysin Kay and ODB
Kay started the match with Marti Belle, and Kay took this chance to beat the crap out of Belle for turning on her a few weeks back. Kay hit a huge chop and then 10 punches in the corner to the roar of the crowd. Kay got disctarted by Melina, and Belle rolled her up for a 2 count. Kay hit a neckbreaker on Belle for a 2 count. Kay then pulled Melina into the ring and went for the Dude Buster, but Melina rolled through into a sunset flip and then Marti Belle hit Kay wit ha running knee.
Marti Belle then tagged out to Melina who came in and started working over Kay. Despite her babyface style promos on Power, Melina was clearly working like a heel here. Melina went for a DDT, and botched it, falling way before Kay did. Belle hit a Russian legsweep on Kay for a 2 count. It’s probably best that Belle do the wrestling in this tag team, as Melina isn’t very good at all, and she hasn’t wrestled for a long time. Melina went for a kick, but Kay dodged and tagged out to ODB, who ran all over the ring hitting power moves on Belle.
Kay went for the Dude Buster on Melina, but she fought out. Marti hit the pedigree on Kay, but ODB then hit the BAM on Belle for the pinfall.
This match was perfectly fine with Marti Belle and Kay in there. Melina did not look good at all. The best usage of Melina might be having her cut promos and let Belle and Thunder Rosa do the wrestling. ODB was fine. Nothing spectacular. I still think the money for them is in Kay vs. Thudner Rosa long term, and I do believe they will go towards that.
**********
Aron Stevens (w/ ?The Question Mark?) defeated Colt Cabana & Ricky Starks for the NWA National Championship
Ricky Starks went right after Stevens and Cabana and Starks hit double bionic elbows on Stevens. Cabana went for a pinfall but Starks broke it up. As he argued with Cabana, Cabana blocked a kick from Stevens and threw his foot into Starks and kicked Stevens’ leg. Starks hit a dropkick on Stevens, which sent him to the floor. Stevens then went and hid behind the Christmas tree by the announce desk. Cabana and Starks then exchanged holds for the next few minutes, trying to best one another.
Cabana hit a shoulder block, but after a few go overs, Starks hit a shoulder block of his own and then a crossbody off the middle ropes. Cabana rolled through for a 2 count. Stevens ran back into the ring, did several Mongrovian Karate poses, and was dropped by Starks and Cabana who proceeded to chop the crap out of him in the corner. Cabana then threw Starks to the floor. Stevens was sent to the apron, but Cabana dodged an attack by Starks.
The Question Mark went onto the apron and distracted Cabana so that Stevens could hit a low blow on Cabana. Stevens then hit a rolling elbow and got a 2 count on Starks. Stevens hit a wacky elbow and then kneed Starks in the face and hit a headbutt on Cabana. Stevens was attacking Starks in the corner, and Question Mark laid Cabana out on the floor. Stevens told the crowd to shut up as he hit a suplex on Starks for a two count.
Stevens knocked Cabana off the apron and then continued his assault on Stevens. Stevens hit a lariat on Starks and got a 2 count. Stevens tried to knock Cabana off the apron again, but Cabana fought out and got back into the ring, only to have Stevens manage to throw him out again. Starks hot back to his feet and hit a sling blade on Stevens. Cabana and Starks hit a series of atomic drops, killing Stevens’ crotch, and then both men did the wishbone split. Starks hit a dropkick on Cabana and fell into a senton on Stevens for a 2 count.
Starks hit an elbow on Cabana and went for a tornado DDT, but Cabana pushed him off before it hit. Starks managed to lock on an abdominal stretch, but Cabana fought out and locked on the Billy Goat’s Curse on Starks. Starks crawled to the ropes and bit the ropes to break it. Aron Stevens hid himself under the sheet beneath the Christmas tree. Starks and Cabana exchanged several pinfall attempts, but after the Superman Pin attempt by Cabana, The Question Mark hit Cabana with the Mongrovian Spike. Question Mark held Starks outside the ring, and Stevens ran into the ring and pinned Colt Cabana!
This was actually a very fun match. The finish was something they built to from the very start of the match, and it was a classic heel win, as I don’t think Stevens hit one offensive move in the match.
**********
Tim Storm came out and cut a promo about the main event, as Aldis picked him to be the referee. Storm talked about how much it meant for him to be a part of the PPV. He promised that he was going to do his best to call it down the middle, and that both men were going to battle for the NWA Worlds Championship, which is his heart and soul. The title means so much to him that he was going to do his best to represent the NWA. Excellent promo from Storm here.
A hype video aired for Aldis and James Storm, with James Storm saying that when what Kamille said to him comes out, it’s going to change everything. Aldis said that this is why he gave her the night off. The crowd went nuts when we came back live, and they are ready for the NWA Worlds Championship match. James Storm got a huge amount of boos coming out, while Nick Aldis got an incredible reaction as he came down to the ring. There is no question that the fans think he is the man in wrestling, and Aldis does a great job carrying himself as such.
Nick Aldis vs. James Storm for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in a Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match
Brian Hebner was the referee for the first fall. Storm and Aldis locked up and chain wrestled with both men displaying good technique in the early portions of the match. James Storm talked about having a surprise for Aldis, and Kamille walked out. Aldis tried to send her to the back, but as he turned around, James Storm hit a superkick and pinned Aldis right away! Kamille walked away and disappeared after the pinfall. What does this mean for her relationship with Aldis?
Second Fall: Referee Tim Storm
Storm continued the attack on the outside, sending Nick Aldis into the stairs at ringside. Storm took Aldis into the crowd and up the stairs, dropping Aldis about halfway up. James Storm hit Aldis with a drink and Aldis staggered down the stairs until Storm grabbed him and smashed his head into the interview podium. James Storm then suplexed Aldis on the floor and did a Fargo Strut as the crowd said “Wooooo!” Nick Aldis managed to roll into the ring at the count of nine, but Storm threw him to the floor again.
James Storm tried to Irish whip Aldis into the Christmas Tree, but Aldis countered and sent storm crashing into the Mongrovian tree (according to Bennett, this is where they got it). The fans chanted “Merry Christmas” as James Storm managed to recover and hit a baseball slide dropkick on Aldis. Aldis still hadn’t fully recovered from the suplex on the floor, so Storm was able to go right back into an advantage after being thrown into the tree.
Storm continued to beat on Aldis in the middle of the ring before going to the middle rope. Storm went for an axe handle, but Aldis caught him and hit a belly-to-belly suplex. Both men got to their feet and Aldis hit two clotheslines, but Storm countered and hit Eye of the Storm for a 2 count. James Storm rolled to the floor and grabbed a steel chair. Tim Storm told him that he would DQ James Storm if he used it. James Storm gave the chair to Tim Storm, who removed it from the ring.
Nick Aldis countered an attack from James Storm and after a few pinfall counters, Nick Aldis was able to score the flash pinfall! A coin was flipped and Brian Hebner won the toss.
Third Fall: Brian Hebner
Both men stated brawling, but Aldis managed to hit a Michinoku Driver for a 2 count. Storm hit a jawbreaker and Aldis was able to counter the Back Stabber twice, but Storm was finally able to hit it on the third try, but Aldis kicked out. Storm ended up on the apron, dodging an Aldis charge, and hit an enziguri before going to the top rope. Aldis cut him off and then hit a superplex off the middle rope for the 2 count.
Aldis put Storm on the top rope and went for another superplex, but Storm fought out with a series of heabutts and then hit a huge flying elbow on Aldis for a 2 count. Both men ended up on their feet, but as James Storm went for a superkick, Aldis was able to catch it and went for the Figure Four. Storm rolled Aldis up to counter, but only got a 2. Storm recovered and locked on a Figure Four Leglock of his own. After a struggle, Aldis was able to reverse the preassure but James Storm made the ropes.
James Storm went for a float over in the corner, but Aldis caught him and hit a tombstone in the middle of the ring before going onto the top rope. Aldis bit a flying elbow dropw for a 2. No count, as Granny would say. Aldis hit a big chop on Storm and sent him to the ropes. Storm ducked a clothesline, but Aldis managed to clothesline the crap out of Brian Hebner by accident. Hebner took a flip bump, which was awesome. Tim Storm came down to the ring to check on Hebner as Aldis hit a DDT on James Storm.
James Storm countered an Aldis sunset flip for a 2 count. Storm hit a superkick and Aldis fell back into the corner. As Storm rolled Aldis up, Aldis pulled the turnbuckle pad off and kicked out at 2. As Aldis kicked out, James Storm flew headfirst into the exposed turnbuckle! Nick Aldis then picked up the legs of James Storm and locked on the Texas Cloverleaf! Tim Storm reluctantly called for the bell, as the crowd booed Aldis. Was Tim Storm in on this with Aldis, or is Tim Storm going to go after the title again after seeing this injustice?
A series of officials ran out to check on James Storm as Tim Storm raised Nick Aldis’ hand. This was an excellent match, and the finish was just the right combo of clever while putting heat on Aldis. Stu Bennet was pointing out that Nick Aldis should have been DQ’d for striking the referee, and had questions about the turnbuckle pad being so easily removed. Aldis went back to David Marquez to cut a promo after the match.
Nick Aldis said that the ring belonged to him and the fans. He said that men like him and James Storm find purpose in that rin, and that the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship is how he tells the world who he is. Aldis then said “There is not a man alive that can take this from me!” The lights went out, and Marty Scurll’s music hit! Marty Scurll is in the NWA! The crowd went insane for Marty as he walked down to the ring and faced off with Nick Aldis as the show went off the air.
Well, I can’t say I was expecting that. The crowd went absolutely insane for Scurll, and it appears he’s in the NWA, at least for now. What an excellent PPV from the NWA. I am definitely intrigued about where this is going.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
The following is the latest in a new series of weekly in-depth articles exclusive to PWTorch which will help put in perspective major wrestling promotions with a weekly overview, looking at news and roster developments, results, future line-ups, social media activity, key interviews, plus a timely commentary at the end. We will be featuring similar features on other promotions each week and each will be updated weekly.
•Top Stories of the Week
Wrestlers started declaring their entrance to the Royal Rumble matches this week. Drew McIntyre and all three members of The New Day join R-Truth in the men’s Royal Rumble match while Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, and Sarah Logan all join Carmella in the women’s match.
A.J. Styles won a Fatal Five-way match on Smackdown to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship again. He and Daniel Bryan will face off again at the Royal Rumble for the WWE Championship.
•WWE Weekly Event Results
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (Columbus, Ohio) 12/27/18
(1) Finn Balor beat Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre
(2) Apollo Crews won a 15-man battle royal to earn an Intercontinental Championship opportunity.
– Other entrants: Lucha House Party, The Ascension, Titus O’Neil, Rhyno, Jinder Mahal, Curt Hawkins, No Way Jose, Mojo Rawley, Zack Ryder
(3) Natalya & Ember Moon beat Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan
(4) Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) defeated Elias
(5) Dean Ambrose (c) beat Seth Rollins to retain the Intercontinental Championship after Baron Corbin interfered
(6) Bobby Roode & Chad Gable (c) beat The Revival & The Authors of Pain to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
(7) Bayley & Sasha Banks beat Dana Brooke & Mickie James (w/ Alicia Fox)
(8) Bray Wyatt defeated Baron Corbin in a No Disqualification Match.
– Wyatt replaced the injured Braun Strowman
(9) Ronda Rousey (c) defeated Nia Jax (w/ Tamina) to retain the Raw Women’s Championship
Source: PWTorch.com
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Uniondale, N.Y.) 12/27/18
(1) Mustafa Ali beat The Miz
(2) R-Truth & Carmella defeated Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega
(3) Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, & Shelton Benjamin beat The Colóns & Aiden English
(4) Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows beat Sanity
(5) Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton
(6) The Bar beat The Usos & The New Day
(7) Daniel Bryan beat John Cena in a steel cage match
(8) Naomi & Lana defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville
(9) Rusev beat Shinsuke Nakamura
(10) Asuka beat Charlotte & Becky Lynch
Source: WrestlingInc.com
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Baltimore, Md.) 12/28/18
(1) Mustafa Ali defeated The Miz
(2) R-Truth & Carmella beat Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega
(3) Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, & Shelton Benjamin defeated The Colóns & Aiden English
(4) Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows beat Sanity
(5) Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton
(6) The Bar (c) beat The Usos & The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods w/ Big E) to retain the Smackdown Tag Team Championships
(7) Jeff Hardy defeated Samoa Joe
(8) Daniel Bryan (c) beat John Cena in a steel cage match to retain the WWE Championship
(9) Naomi & Lana defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville
(10) Rusev (c) beat Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the United States Championship
(11) Asuka (c) beat Charlotte & Becky Lynch to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championshp
Source: PWTorch.com
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (Chicago, Ill.) 12/29/18
(1) Finn Balor beat Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre
(2) Apollo Crews won a battle royal for a future Intercontinental Championship opportunity
(3) Nia Jax (w/ Tamina) beat Ember Moon
(4) Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) beat Elias
(5) Bobby Roode & Chad Gable (c) defeated The Revival & The Authors of Pain to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
(6) Bayley, Sasha Banks, & Natalya beat Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, & Dana Brooke (w/ Liv Morgan & Alicia Fox)
(7) Bray Wyatt defeated Baron Corbin in a No Disqualification match
(8) Dean Ambrose (c) beat Seth Rollins in a steel cage match to retain the Intercontinental Championship
Source: WrestleYard.com
WWE Live Event – Raw Roster (Buffalo, N.Y.) 12/30/18
(1) Finn Balor beat Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre
(2) Apollo Crews won a battle royal for a future Intercontinental Championship opportunity
(3) Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) beat Elias
(4) Nia Jax (w/ Tamina) beat Ember Moon
(5) Bray Wyatt defeated Baron Corbin in a No Disqualification match
(6) Bobby Roode & Chad Gable (c) defeated The Revival & The Authors of Pain to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
(7) Bayley, Sasha Banks, & Natalya beat Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, & Dana Brooke (w/ Liv Morgan & Alicia Fox)
(8) Dean Ambrose (c) beat Seth Rollins in a steel cage match to retain the Intercontinental Championship
Source: WrestlingInc.com
WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster (Tampa, Fla.) 12/30/18
(1) The Bar beat The Usos & The New Day
(2) Titus O’Neil defeated Killian Dane
(3) Mustafa Ali beat Andrade Cien Almas
(4) Jeff Hardy beat Samoa Joe
(5) John Cena defeated The Miz
(6) Lana & Naomi beat Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville
(7) Rusev beat Shinsuke Nakamura
(8) Asuka defeated Charlotte & Becky Lynch
(9) Daniel Bryan beat A.J. Styles in a steel cage match
Source: PWTorch.com
If you attend a live event, please send results to [email protected]. Thanks!
•WWE TV Match Results
Monday Night Raw TV Results 12/31/18
(1) Drew McIntyre beat Dolph Ziggler in a Steel Cage Match
(2) Apollo Crews won a battle royal to earn an Intercontinental Championship match later in the night
(3) Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, & Bayley defeated The Riott Squad
(4) Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers beat Heath Slater & Rhyno in a handicap tag team match
(5) Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) beat Seth Rollins via Disqualification after Seth hit Lashley and Rush with a chair
(6) Dean Ambrose (c) defeated Apollo Crews to retain the Intercontinental Championship
(7) Ronda Rousey & Natalya beat Nia Jax & Tamina
Smackdown Live TV Results 1/1/19
(1) Samoa Joe beat Jeff Hardy to qualify for Fatal Five-way match later in the night
(2) Sonya Deville beat Naomi
(3) John Cena & Becky Lynch defeated Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega
(4) A.J. Styles defeated Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, & Mustafa Ali to earn a WWE Championship Match at the Royal Rumble
205 Live Results (Aired on WWE Network) 1/1/19
(1) Kalisto defeated Lio Rush to qualify for the Royal Rumble Fatal Four-way Cruiserweight Championship match
(2) Akira Tozawa beat Drew Gulak to qualify for the Royal Rumble Fatal Four-way Cruiserweight Championship match
Cedric Alexander vs. Hideo Itami will happen next week in final qualifying match for Royal Rumble Fatal Four-way.
WWE Main Event (Aired on Hulu and WWE Network) 1/2/19
(1) Titus O’Neil beat Curt Hawkins
(2) The Revival defeated Tyler Breeze & Zack Ryder
Source: PWTorch.com
•Upcoming Lineups for Stadium/PPV Events
WWE Royal Rumble on Jan. 27 from Phoenix, Ariz.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match – winner receives a championship match at Wrestlemania
Known Entrants (5): Drew McIntyre, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, R-Truth (will enter last)
Women’s Royal Rumble Match – winner receives a championship match at Wrestlemania
Known Entrants (8): Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Carmella (will enter last)
Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship
Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. (Cedric Alexander/Hideo Itami) in a Fatal Four-way Match for the Cruiserweight Championship
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. A.J. Styles for the WWE Championship
•Upcoming Events
Fri. 1/4/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Ga.
Sat. 1/5/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Greensboro Colliseum, Greensboro, N.C.
Sat. 1/5/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahassee, Fla.
Sun. 1/6/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, N.C.
Sun. 1/6/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Hertz Arena, Fort Myers, Fla.
Mon. 1/7/19 WWE Raw, Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.
Mon. 1/7/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, S.C.
Tue. 1/8/19 WWE Smackdown, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Fla.
Fri. 1/11/19 WWE Live Event – Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, W.Va.
Sat. 1/12/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Knoxville Civic Coliseum, Knoxville, Tenn.
Sat. 1/12/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Freedom Hall Civic Center, Johnson City, Tenn.
Sun. 1/13/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Rupp Arena, Lexington, Ky.
Sun. 1/13/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, Ala.
Mon. 1/14/19 WWE Raw, FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.
Mon. 1/14/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Tue. 1/15/19 WWE Smackdown, Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Ala.
Fri. 1/18/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
Sat. 1/19/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Taylor County Coliseum, Abilene, Texas
Sat. 1/19/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Sun. 1/20/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Chi Health Center, Omaha, Neb.
Sun. 1/20/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls, Texas
Mon. 1/21/19 WWE Raw, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Mon. 1/21/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Landon Arena, Topeka, Kan.
Tue. 1/22/19 WWE Smackdown – Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
Sun. 1/27/19 WWE Royal Rumble, Chase Field, Phoenix, Ariz.
Mon. 1/28/19 WWE Raw, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Ariz.
Mon. 1/28/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Tucson Convention Center, Tuscon, Ariz.
Tue.1/29/19 WWE Smackdown, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Ariz.
Fri. 2/1/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Sasktel Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sat. 2/2/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Brandt Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Sat. 2/2/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sun. 2/3/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Canalta Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Mon. 2/4/19 WWE Raw, Moda Center, Portland, Ore.
Mon. 2/4/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Yakima Sundome, Yakima, Wash.
Tue. 2/5/19 WWE Smackdown, Angel of the Winds Arena, Everrett, Wash.
Fri. 2/8/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Sat. 2/9/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Tribute Communities Centre, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Sat. 2/9/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, NIU Convocation Center, Dekalb, Ill.
Sun. 2/10/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, The DOW Event Center, Saginaw, Mich.
Sun. 2/10/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Mon. 2/11/19 WWE Raw, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Mon. 2/11/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Canton Civic Center, Canton, Ohio
Tue. 2/12/19 WWE Smackdown, Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio
Fri. 2/15/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, Tex.
Sat. 2/16/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Tex.
Sat. 2/16/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Rapides Coliseum, Alexandria, La.
Mon. 2/18/19 WWE Raw, Cajundome, Lafayette, La.
Mon. 2/18/19 WWE Live Event, Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, La.
Tue. 2/19/19 WWE Smackdown, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La.
Fri. 2/22/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro, Ark.
Sat. 2/23/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, S.C.
Sat. 2/23/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Bancorpsouth Arena, Tupelo, Miss.
Sun. 2/24/19 WWE Live Event – Raw Roster, Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, Ala.
Sun. 2/24/19 WWE Live Event – Smackdown Roster, Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, S.C.
Mon. 2/25/19 WWE Raw, State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Ga.
Tue. 2/26/19 WWE Smackdown, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, N.C.
•Latest TV Highlights
Monday Night Raw
Seth Rollins came to the ring looking for a rematch against Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship. Instead of Dean coming down to take on Seth, Triple H’s music interrupted Seth. Triple H said there isn’t going to be anything automatic anymore and Seth’s IC Title rematch isn’t happening. Triple H also said he doesn’t think Seth deserves that rematch. Triple H then talked about how he once believed in Seth and when he finally didn’t, Seth kicked his ass at WrestleMania and made him believe in him again. Hunter challenged Seth to stop asking for things. Seth fired back talking about carrying Raw on his back while Brock is up in Canada doing whatever he does while Seth was “churning out classics with Finn Balor, Dolph Ziggler, Mojo Rawley of all people.” Seth asked Triple H if he wants the ruthless bastard and soulless guy who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants and Hunter responded saying yes that’s what he wants. Later in the night Seth fought Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) and was disqualified in that match after using a steel chair on both of them (apparently unleashing the ruthless bastard within).
Apollo Crews had a notable Monday night. He won a battle royal to earn an Intercontinental Championship match later in the night. He eliminated eight people in that battle royal including Baron Corbin for the win. He did lose the championship match to Dean Ambrose, but it wasn’t a squash match by any means. This could be the start of a push for Apollo Crews.
WWE teased some different things taking place next week including appearances by John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and the return of Braun Strowman. The Revival will get another opportunity at the Raw Tag Team Championships. Alexa Bliss will also debut her new talk show called “A Moment of Bliss” with her guest Ronda Rousey.
Smackdown Live
John Cena was back on Smackdown this week. He talked about his 2018 then said he didn’t know his reason for being back on WWE television was yet, but usually about this time in his promos someone interrupts him. This week Becky Lynch would be the one to come out and confront Cena. Becky talked about her 2018 saying she wasn’t just aiming for Charlotte and to be on posters and billboards, she was aiming for John Cena too. She said it was time for someone to step into Cena’s shoes and that person was her. Becky finished off her promo by saying if Cena had a problem with that, “Nikki Bella won’t be the only woman to drop you this year.” The two would be interrupted by Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega. Cena and Lynch then teamed up in a mixed tag match against Almas & Vega. Near the end of the match Becky went for a pin on Vega that was broken up by Almas, after Cena hit Almas with all of his signature moves, Becky threw Cena out of the ring as he posed. Becky would then reverse a quick pin attempt by Vega and force her to submit to the Dis-Arm-Her.
A.J. Styles won a Fatal Five-way match to once again become the number one contender to the WWE Championship. He will face Daniel Bryan again at the Royal Rumble. Before the main event, A.J. went to talk to Vince and Shane McMahon. A.J. asked if they were sure they wanted to see him (after he attacked Vince last week). A.J. then said he should apologize for last week, but he wouldn’t and that he will show the world who the real A.J. Styles is in the main event. A.J. then made a threat towards Vince and Shane which prompted Shane to stand up and confront Styles. After Styles left, Shane asked Vince if he’s sure he wants to see the real A.J. Styles and after he said yes Shane noted that he needs to be careful what he wished for.
•Listen to the latest Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-Show – Smackdown Post-Show
In today’s episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch.com’s Zack Heydorn for coverage of the Jan. 1 episode of WWE Smackdown including a full detailed rundown and analysis of the show and some analysis including the big John Cena-Becky Lynch segment, the New Day’s news at the start, a Fatal Five-way to determine A.J. Styles would challenge Daniel Bryan at the Royal Rumble, and more with a surprisingly newsworthy pre-taped episode. Then in a bonus segment at the end, the Wade…
-On Tune In Radio HERE
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-Or search “Wade Keller” on your podcast app of choice
•WWE Social Media Highlights
Gene Okerlund passed away this week. WWE announced it on Wednesday morning and almost the entire roster took to Twitter to comment.
A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/9ddj6372eE
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 2, 2019
Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/IxpjiLo9UN
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) January 2, 2019
When I was younger and just starting out in wrestling all the guys at the wrestling gym went by 2 rules to pick a name..
1) You had to be able to imagine Vince McMahon saying the name on commentary
2) You had to be able to hear Mene Gene saying it with a question#RIPMeanGene
— 🇺🇸 TJ Perkins 🇵🇭 (@MegaTJP) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
Becky Lynch was at it again this week. She exchanged tweets with the official Looney Tunes Twitter account after a fan compared a picture she posted of John Cena to Foghorn Leghorn.
I'm not, I say, I'm not getting in the Man's way anytime soon… pic.twitter.com/YBXtbBbm6s
— Looney Tunes (@WBLooneyTunes) December 31, 2018
Foghorn sounds like Ronnie.
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) December 31, 2018
Us after betting on Becky Lynch. pic.twitter.com/TD2UxaEZ7j
— Looney Tunes (@WBLooneyTunes) December 31, 2018
WWE after waking up to The Man. https://t.co/mJAL2nAowG
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) December 31, 2018
Becky also had some fun with the fans in a thread of tweets pretending to be backstage during Smackdown even though it was a pre-taped show this week. She also thanked John Cena and said he’s welcome back on her show anytime.
Tune into #SDLive tonight because I might have something to say to someone about something, but I don’t know who, because it hasn’t happened yet. pic.twitter.com/NvzmyusZEv
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) January 2, 2019
That was a pleasure @JohnCena. You’re welcome back on my show anytime pic.twitter.com/FX0vtFwH1A
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) January 2, 2019
Corey Graves took to twitter to propose a new romance angle with Bayley as well as remind Mandy Rose he’s happy to receive any messages from her if Jimmy Uso isn’t.
I can’t wait for our “romance” angle.
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
Hey @WWE_MandyRose …just in case you forgot, my DM’s are open….and I’m pretty sure you have my number.#SDLive
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
Corey also replied to someone who commented that he should do a romance angle with Becky. Not a good idea on Corey’s part. Like others before him, he responds to Becky and like those before him, he still loses the battle.
Me too. She could use it.
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
Of all the things I could “use” in my life right now, a romance with a middle-aged emo poured into skinny jeans isn’t one of them. Maybe you should wait till Monday to reply, you know, when you’ll have help with what to say.
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) January 2, 2019
New Year. Same bootleg @TheNotoriousMMA act.
You’re friends with him right? You should be better at it. @BeckyLynchWWE https://t.co/vk6de3c6bx
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
…and I look damn fine in these skinny jeans.
— Rev. Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019
•Closing Commentary
– Rough start to the McMahon promised “Fresh Start” this week for me. There were two key moments on Smackdown that show me again why I think this fresh start concept is all talk. The first thing I took issue with was the Fatal Five-way match. Why did Samoa Joe or Jeff Hardy have to qualify, but Mustafa Ali, A.J. Styles, Randy Orton, and Rey Mysterio all automatically got in? I can make the argument for Ali and Styles pretty easily. Mustafa Ali pinned the Daniel Bryan, which should qualify him for that spot, and A.J. Styles just lost the championship after holding it for a very long time. While I personally don’t think being the former champion should qualify you for an opportunity to immediately fight for the championship again, WWE has always done that with the automatic rematch clause. Now that the rematch clause is no more, automatic entry to a number one contenders match is close. So by WWE logic, Styles deserves to be entered in that match too. What have Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton done lately to earn an automatic bid, though? If you want to justify why they deserve to be in the match, tell the audience why; don’t just ignore it and act like people won’t ask that type of question. I thought of this as soon as they announced Joe and Hardy would be fighting to qualify, and I can’t be alone. Even if the explanation is a bad one like “they’re legends” or something, at least you made an attempt to address the plot hole.
The other issue was the Mandy Rose/Sonya Deville vs. Naomi match. The match was scheduled to be Mandy Rose vs. Naomi, but somehow it was changed to Sonya Deville at the last possible second? Rose and Deville even walked to the ring to Rose’s music and the announcers said that the match was Rose vs. Naomi, so how did it get changed? If you didn’t watch Smackdown, Mandy Rose was in the ring posing while Naomi was trying to get her hands on Rose. Mandy then took off her Mandy Rose shirt to reveal an Usos shirt underneath. Noami was furious about this and Mandy ducked out of the ring. Meanwhile, Sonya Deville entered on the other side behind Naomi and the bell rang to start the match. The very next match on Smackdown was an impromptu mixed tag match with John Cena & Becky Lynch vs. Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega. After Smackdown returned from a commercial break and this mixed tag match started, the announcers said that the McMahons made this match official during the break, which provided a quick and simple explanation as to how the match started. So who authorized Rose and Deville to switch places? It’s little things like this that will continue to drive people like me insane. It’s completely unnecessary and so easily fixable. WWE Creative or Vince McMahon just don’t take the time or don’t think it’s worth doing all the time. Clearly some of the time it’s worth doing, like the mixed tag match, so why not do it every time? Hopefully this “Fresh Start” nonsense actually begins next week when they go back to live shows, but they’ve already been flaunting this new moniker around, so I’d assume we’re already underway with the fresh start.
– Can we please resist the urge to add crowd noise on pre-taped shows WWE? Watching the shows these last two weeks it’s been laughable at how raucous the crowd is audibly, but how disinterested they are visually. This isn’t even something I was initially looking for, but it’s just so obvious and done so heavy-handed that I caught on quickly. Watching the fans opposite the hard camera sit on their hands on television while it sounds like they are going crazy for the matches was both comical and borderline sad. I think doing this makes WWE look foolish and desperate to add sound post-production like that. In a time where they say it doesn’t matter what type of reaction a wrestler is getting, just that they get one, I found it interesting that they made sure to clearly add cheers for faces and boos for heels. Quick side note: my favorite added cheer sound had to be on Smackdown when John Cena mentioned writing his children’s book and the crowd audibly went nuts over this book he wrote. I don’t mind them adding some sound to amplify the show or try to subliminally tell the television audience what they want you to think about a wrestler, but it was just done so heavy-handed and obviously that I couldn’t take any crowd noise seriously.
NOW CHECK OUT OTHER WEEKLY OVERVIEWS HERE.
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A knee injury suffered by Randy Orton at a WWE house show Sunday night is part of a storyline that will play out on TV according to Dave Meltzer.
Orton was wrestling AJ Styles in Hershey, PA, when it was said he landed awkwardly on his knee after Styles blocked an RKO attempt causing a stoppage of the match. Fan Jessi Davin captured when officials were tending to Orton after the match:
Randy Orton goes down with an injury at #WWEHershey pic.twitter.com/ILVUyD8q0L
— Jessi Davin (@jessithebuckeye) December 30, 2019
Styles and Orton had been working together on the tour with Orton going over Styles after hitting an RKO off a Phenomenal Forearm attempt. As of this writing, Orton nor WWE has posted to social media about the injury or any tie-in.
In 2018, he had surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee and returned shortly thereafter. The 39-year-old recently re-upped with WWE for five years.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.
(Search “wade keller” to subscribe in podcast app or CLICK HERE to subscribe in Apple Podcasts.)
PWTorch has confirmed that ROH announcer Ian Riccaboni has signed a new multi-year deal with the company. He signed a deal with Ring of Honor in April of 2018 and would have had to opt out of it next month in order to negotiate with other companies, but ROH was aggressive in making him a strong offer to ensure that Riccaboni couldn’t even opt out of his deal to negotiate with other companies.
PWTorch sources have confirmed that WWE and AEW were interested in signing Riccaboni had he become a free agent, but his preference was said to have been to stay with ROH. Riccaboni became the lead announcer for ROH when Kevin Kelly left the company in 2017.
Radican’s Analysis: This is a great signing for ROH. Riccaboni is the MVP of the promotion in my eyes. His commentary is so engaging with great references to hip-hop and wrestling. His enthusiasm for the product has made ROH better from a presentation standpoint since he took over.
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Riccaboni is also a great face of the company so to speak, as he’s friendly and engaging on social media and comes across like he genuinely cares about the fans and the product. In 2018 he became the friendly voice that ROH desperately needed when they had come off cold on social media and publicly in recent years. His “happy wrestling” sign-off is one of the things I look forward to most on a ROH broadcast.
Riccaboni is someone that has truly risen through the ranks in ROH as a part-time announcer and sometimes backstage interviewer to one of the best announcers in all of wrestling. The fact that he was able to make himself so valuable to the company in such a short amount of time since becoming lead announcer is amazing. It’s also nice that he was able to take advantage of the market waiting for him had he decided to opt out of his contract next month.