Paypress testing

Category: WWE News

  • Raw does best numbers since week after WrestleMania

    The hot Raw show and the match to determine the top contender in the third hour proved that if the show is good and has a strong main event, the audience will largely stick with it.

    Raw did its best numbers since April 11, eight days after WrestleMania, doing 3.47 million viewers, up from the seasonal lowest mark since 1997 of 2.96 million the week before, a 17 percent increase over the week.

    Among the reasons for the increase was lack of television competition, with no major sports and nothing on network TV that did more than 7.1 million viewers.  Raw had been hurt in recent weeks particularly by the NBA playoffs and to a lesser extent the NHL playoffs, and Dancing With the Stars.  Raw ended up third for the night on cable behind Rizzoli & Isles and Major Crimes on TNT and second in the 18-49 demo behind Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.

    The three hours were:

    8 p.m. 3.42 million viewers
    9 p.m. 3.56 million viewers
    10 p.m. 3.42 million viewer

  • WWE suspends Roman Reigns for wellness policy violation

    In a shocking story, WWE announced they have suspended Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa’i) for 30 days effective immediately due to a violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.

    WWE.com wrote: “WWE has suspended Joe Anoa`i (Roman Reigns) for 30 days effective immediately for his first violation of the company’s talent wellness policy.”

    On Twitter, Reigns simply said, “I apologize to my family, friends and fans for my mistake in violating WWE’s wellness policy. No excuses. I own it.”

    The 31-year-old Reigns dropped the WWE championship Sunday at Money In The Bank. On RAW Monday night, a match was made between he, Rollins, and new WWE Champion Dean Ambrose for Battleground, the next WWE PPV event on July 24th.

    That fact raises an interesting quandry. The 30 day window would expire before Battleground, so does WWE leave an off-TV Reigns in the match and just roll with it? If they did, what type of backlash could they expect?

    To that end, WWE gave the following quote:

    “The suspension runs through July 20. He is eligible to return on July 21. Battleground is on July 24. We are considering all of our creative options.”

    Whatever decision is made regarding the main event will likely be announced tonight in Tucson

    Positioned as the new face of the company, Reigns has had many stops and starts in the past few years in an attempt to have the fans win him over. A former college football player, Reigns has been in the business for nearly six years. 

  • WWE RAW live results: Dean Ambrose rules all in a post-MITB world

    The Big Takeaway: The main event of Battleground will be Dean Ambrose defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in a Triple Threat match. That match was ordered after Reigns and Rollins fought to a double countout in tonight’s main event. The Wyatt Family made their return to set up a new program with The New Day. Xavier Woods appeared to be put in a momentary trance by the Wyatts. Sasha Banks also returned and went after Charlotte. The show also built up the draft on Smackdown. It was a show run by Shane McMahon as Stephanie McMahon had the night off. 

    Show Recap: 

    Dean Ambrose opened the show in a pretape, getting out of a taxi cab wearing all black. He really is a lunatic because it reached 120 degrees in Phoenix this weekend. He tossed the cab driver a wad of bills. Just as the cab pulled away, Ambrose stopped him and pulled the WWE World Heavyweight Championship out from the backseat. 

    Ambrose did an interview with “You deserve it” chants. He said last night was a long night and dropped a reference to the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA World Championship. He told Seth Rollins that last night was a lesson where what goes around comes around. He said if Roman Reigns called himself “The Guy,” does that make him “the dude?” He said the reason why he patched himself together after getting knocked down every time was because he wanted to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. 

    Reigns came out. He got booed before he started speaking. Reigns said last night wasn’t his night, it was Ambrose’s night. He congratulated Ambrose, then asked “What did it feel like to cash in against Seth?” Ambrose said he would have cashed in against Reigns, too. Fans started a loud “You can’t wrestle” chant. Reigns told all the dudes to relax, take a sip out of their beer and shut up. Reigns brought up that he had a rematch clause. Then Rollins showed up saying he rehabbed his injured knee for seven months, beat Reigns fair and square, but Ambrose had his championship moment stolen from him. Reigns said “it doesn’t feel good, does it?” Rollins said at least he did to to Reigns’ face. 

    Rollins claiimed he never lost the championship. Reigns wondered why it was then on Ambrose’s shoulder. Reigns said there was an easy way to settle this and wanted to fight Rollins, who shot back there was nothing to settle because he beat Reigns. Shane McMahon came out and said Reigns and Rollins should wrestle to determine who faces Ambrose first. Rollins wanted to know if Shane consulted Stephanie first. Shane pretended Stephanie was there, then said she wasn’t here tonight so he’s running the show tonight. So Shane ordered Reigns vs. Rollins tonight for the #1 contendership tonight.

    Michael Cole announced the draft on Tuesday, July 19th. JBL told Byron Saxton that he could get drafted to ECW. 

    They aired the HHH tweet congratulating the Cavaliers on winning the NBA Championship. They’ll be getting the next custom made WWE World Championship strap. They also showed LeBron James getting off the airplane wearing an Ultimate Warrior t-shirt. That led to one writer tweeting that Stephen Curry should wear a Renegade t-shirt. 

    Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens (8:47)

    Sami Zayn won when Kevin Owens attempted the Pop-Up Power Bomb, but Zayn reversed it into a victory roll. They opened with a hockey fight sequence which Zayn got the better of. Owens spent the first part of the match trying to walk out, including trying to get away through the crowd. Zayn chased him back in, but was thrown into the dasherboards. Owens hit a Superkick at the end for a near fall. 

    Postmatch, Owens attacked Zayn as he was celebrating. Owens tried to power bomb Zayn off the ramp to the floor, but Zayn blocked it with a double-leg takedown and they had a pull-apart brawl. They continued to fight backstage, where Owens threw Zayn into trunk cases. Zayn recovered, then took a page from Larry Holmes’ brawl with Trevor Burbick where he ran onto the cases and jumped on Owens again. Finally, Fit Finley came in and pulled Zayn off.  

    John Laurinaitis was this week’s throwback authority figure. He came out wearing a red blazer, red pants and white shoes. JBL said he looked like Craig Sager. Shane wondered what John was doing there. Laurinaitis said he wanted to run Smackdown. Shane said SmackDown wouldn’t be run by a corporate yes man. Shane said he was running SmackDown. John said he wanted to run Raw and mentioned “People power” as he disappeared.  

    Enzo and Big Cass came out with Enzo Amore comparing sneakers with Shane. Enzo called him Johnny Laryngitis and did his “No dimes” line saying that’s the amount of money he would have every time something worthwile came out of Laryngitis’ mouth.  Cass said Laurinatis may have been “Ace Dynamic Dude” back in his day, but in the new era he was “Sawft.” 

    Enzo and Big Cass defeated the Vaudevillains (2:55)  

    Amore pinned Aidan English after the Rocket Launcher, which has been redubbed the “Bada Boom Shaka-Laka.” Vaudevillains lost in less than three minutes and didn’t get a ring entrance. 

    Returning to the Cleveland celebration, they showed Kevin Love in the locker room copying Steve Austin where he guzzled two beers at once. 

    A.J. Styles came out after his win over John Cena. Styles said he should be happy because he’s envisioned beating Cena for years, and then it became a reality. But the win was tainted. Styles maintained he beat Cena and repeated it twice. But it didn’t go down the way he dreamt it would because Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had no business in his business. He called Gallows and Anderson to come to the ring and give him a public apology. 

    Anderson and Gallows came out. Styles said he didn’t need their help. Anderson said they were just trying to help. Styles said they gave Cena an excuse. They dragged his name through the mud by interferring. Styles asked for Karl to look him in the eye and apology. Anderson looked at Styles and, in the most condescending way to the fans and Cena, apologized to Styles. Gallows did the same. Styles acted like that was proof he had no idea he knew about it and then asked them to apologize to Cena. 

    Cena came out in his new t-shirt designed after the PBR logo. Cena said he didn’t need an apology because he and Styles had a signed agreement and Styles broke it. Gallows said Styles didn’t know about the interference. He apologized. Anderson said Cena and Styles signed a contract last week, but he and Gallows didn’t. Anderson said he was sorry. Styles tried to pass that off as proof. 

    Cena wasn’t hearing any of it. He said Styles is struggling to survive in the WWE and got a win last night by any means necessary. Styles said he was using the apology only to hide he isn’t as good as he says he is. Styles says he was using the Club as an excuse because Cena isn’t as good as he says he is. 

    Cena says he respects the win because that’s how you advance in the WWE. But above the win is your win. And when you’re a champion and your back is against the wall, you have two things: your balls and your word. Last night, Styles proved he had neither one of them. That got loud “Cena” chants. 

    Styles said Anderson and Gallows did Cena a favor by giving him an excuse. Styles said he would give Cena a chance to fight any member of the Club he wanted. Cena immediately said Styles. But Styles said he couldn’t fight him because he has to do the Stone Cold Podcast. And he’s already beaten Cena. Cena asked if it even mattered because one will be in the ring and the other two will be at ringside. Styles said Cena was wrong. The Club huddled and Styles said Anderson would fight Cena one-on-one and would prove Cena isn’t as good as he thinks he is. 

    John Cena defeated Karl Anderson by DQ (2:22) 

    Match was a total squash with Cena getting all of the offense. He hit the AA on Anderson before Styles and Gallows ran in for the DQ. Anderson and Gallows delievered the Magic Killer on Cena, following Styles orders. Styles followed with the Styles Clash on Cena and they posed over him to mostly boos. 

    JoJo interviewed Rollins about his match with Reigns. Rollins said last night was about proving things to the world, and when he defeated Reigns he proved he was the best and Reigns didn’t deserve to be champion. He said Ambrose also proved something last night. When he stole the WWE Championship from him, Ambrose proved he was a cockroach and a thief. Rollins said he’ll beat Reigns tonight and prove who the best member of the Shield really is. 

    Becky Lynch did an interview with Renee Young after Natalya turned on her last night. Lynch said she’s had three friends turn on her since debuting on Raw. She said she was going to start looking out for herself when Natalya came up and jumped her from behind. Natalya said for the first time in years, she’s going to worry about herself. 

    Baron Corbin defeated Zack Ryder (3:02) 

    Baron Corbin won with the End of Days. Zack Ryder had a chance to do the Randy Savage elbow before losing. 

    They showed the press conference in China. It was the first appearance by HHH on Raw since the Monday before WrestleMania. Cena was also featured. They also highlighted the first Chinese athlete signed to a developmental contract, Bin Wang. 

    Paige started to do an interview with Young, but Charlotte and Dana Brooke interrupted her. Charlotte said when Team PCB broke up, she rose to the top of the women’s division while Paige sank like a rock in the ocean. Brooke said “Timber!” Paige treated her like an airhead and said Charlotte’s championship would look great around her waist when she beats her tonight. 

    Charlotte (C) defeated Paige to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (8:23) 

    Finish appeared to be somewhat screwed up. Paige hit the Rampage. Brooke was supposed to put Charlotte’s boot on the rope. But Brooke couldn’t do that before the referee finished the three count. So whent the referee looked up, he had to pretend he didn’t see Brooke holding on to Charlotte’s boot, which the viewers at home did. The referee looked like he had someone screaming in his earpiece because he belatedly ordered Brooke to the back. Brooke didn’t go to the back. In the midst of all this, Charlotte hit Natural Selection for the win. 

    After the pin, Sasha Banks came out to a huge pop. Charlotte ordered Brooke to go after her, but Banks decked her with one punch. Banks went after Charlotte, but Brooke jumped Banks from behind. Paige awakened and sent Charlotte and Brooke out of the ring. So they’re finally getting to the Charlotte-Banks program. 

    Reigns did a promo with Jojo saying tonight he would be the guy for defeats Rollins. 

    Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman made their return. They got “Welcome Back” chants. Wyatt asked if the fans missed him? Wyatt said they had been locked away, but through it all they have never forgotten what they stand for. He said the Wyatts are as strong as they have ever been. Then the New Day came out with their regular routine. They have rainbow socks now. 

    Xavier Woods siad Bray had been talking way too long “you need to cut it.” Big E. said Rowan has a big, ole booty. Kofi Kingston said whenever the New Day comes out, the fans have fun. It wa the power of positivity that allowed them to be WWE Tag Team Champions. However, as Kofi talked, Woods walked towards the ring like Wyatt had put him in a trance. Big E. had to snap him out of it, but Woods again looked like he had fallen under Wyatt’s spell.  

    Wyatt said he saw the New Day’s future. And it goes “New Day Falls. New Day Falls.” The segment abruptly ended. So they’re forgetting about Wyatt’s face turn when he teamed with Reigns just before his injury in April. 

    The newest Life Lessons with Bob Backlund featured Darren Young saying that he had been reading lots of poetry that motivated him. Backlund said Young shouldn’t take advice from anyone. Young asked if that includes Backlund, who said he doesn’t give advice, he gives orders. He then ordered Young to do 100 knee raises. 

    Lana was in the ring, as Ric Flair would say, looking as only as she can look with a black dress. She introduced Rusev. This led to a Titus O’Neal interview. He was furious over Rusev telling his kids last night that their father was a loser. He screamed that Rusev should never disrespect his family. He would have made his point much better if he had looked in the right camera when delivering that line. 

    Rusev vs. O’Neal never started. It was simply a brawl around ringside.  O’Neal was much more intense as they traded hard knees and punches. O’Neal ended it when he whipped Rusev towards the timekeepers table and clotheslined him over the barricade. Rusev walked to the back. 

    The Miz and Maryse did another promo from the set of the Marine 5. Miz talked about how he liked to enjoy lunch with the members of the crew. Then someone walked up to him with a plate of food. Miz threw it back in his face because the plate didn’t contain quail. Maryse fired him. Miz screamed how no one on the set can do anything right as the rest of the crew stared at him blankly as they were eating. Miz did an about face saying everyone was doing a great job, but everyone still glared at him. 

    Chris Jericho met Shane backstage. Jericho claimed that Shane had hated him for 16 years. Shane cancelled the Highlight Reel and hadn’t made him #1 contender for Ambrose’s championship. Shane brought up that Jericho didn’t win the Money in the Bank match last night and lost to Ambrose at Extreme Rules. Jericho said he had 60 thumbtacks in his back after that match. He went on to say he’s drafted to the brand that Shane isn’t on because he would rather work with 10 Stephanie McMahons than one of Shane. Shane warned him that he would be running both brands and Jericho would be a loser either way. 

    Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins went to a double countout (17:26) 

    Very good match that ended with the Spanish announce table coming into play. Reigns speared Rollins onto the table. I’m not sure if the table was supposed to break, but it didn’t. Neither man could get back in the ring before the ten count. Lots of good near falls, including Rollins kicking out of the Superman punch. Rollins hit a springboard knee that Reigns escaped from. Earlier, Rollins attempted a kneedrop off the apron, but missed and Reigns gave him a big boot. Fans had a loud “You can’t wrestle” chant aimed at Reigns early on. Ambrose was on commentary. Though he threw in a few jokes, he wasn’t acting like Reigns’ little buddy anymore. 

    After the finish, Shane came out and said there had to be a number one contender. Ambrose’s stepped in and said he would face Reigns and Rollins on the same night. Shane then ordered a triple-threat match between the three as the main event for Battleground. Reigns looked like he had something to say to Ambrose, but Ambrose gave him Dirty Deeds, then started to leave. Rollins was about to deliver the Pedigree on Reigns, but Ambrose ran back in and gave Rollins Dirty Deeds, as well. 

  • WWE announces draft for July 19th in Worcester, MA

    WWE announced Monday that its talent draft for splitting up talent between RAW & Smackdown will take place on July 19th at the live Smackdown from Worcester, MA.

    A press release stated that the draft will be conducted by the respective General Managers, which would indicate official naming of those people shortly.

    The WWE stated that for the first time in history on back-to-back nights, two distinctive brands will compete with each other for television ratings, live events and PPV.

    “This is an exciting new era for WWE in which we will yet again reinvent ourselves by creating a second night of compelling live television,” said Executive Producer Kevin Dunn.

    The decision to put the draft on Smackdown rather than Raw shows the emphasis is on building the Smackdown audience, since the draft should be one of the most anticipated and watched shows of the year. Putting the draft on Smackdown means giving up what would be one of the highest rated Raws, and instead trying to establish Tuesday night as important immediately to the fan base.

    In previous years, the draft shows were some of the highest rated shows the company would do at the time, although as the years went on, the draft show felt less important because there was less differentiation of the brands.

  • WWE Money In The Bank & NJPW Dominion fan feedback

    WWE Summerslam Feedback

    – Roman might have great matches, but it’s impossible to care about his personal feuds, therefore, I don’t care about his matches.

    – Thumbs up show!

    – Best Match: Money In The Bank Ladder Match

    – Worst Match: Women’s tag match

    Brady Childs

    – Thumbs up.

    – Best match:  Styles-Cena

    – Worst match: divas tag

    – This was a 3 match show, but the three were really well done. First hour and a half (plus pre-show) was almost filler, although the fatal 4-way was solid.

    – Styles-Cena was first rate, made even better by the live crowd. “Money in the Bank” was strong as expected.

    – Rollins-Reigns worked hard ; the Ambrose cash-in was well done, and gets the brief case out of the way.

    – Enough of Ziggler-Corbin.

    Mike Omansky

    – Thumbs Up

    – Best Match: Cena vs AJ

    – Worst Match: goldust/truth vs breeze/fandango

    – Great show, overrun didnt drag due to the excitement. Was shocked they had Rollins pin Reigns clean, storyline wise can say Reigns was injured but still pretty surprising as Ambrose could have cashed in during the match. Not complaining just again surprised. Crowd really went nuts for both title changes good vibe in the crowd.

    – Cena and Styles was my pick for best match but the MITB and the main event really really delivered. Tag title 4 way was really good until it derailed with a lot of missed moves and other oddball stuff. Nothing offensive in the rest of the card except the opener which was a total waste especially with the long show why have it? Just save that for Raw.

    – Did Reigns legit miss the gimmicked wall? How do they effectively delay the Shield three way until Summerslam as in storyline Reigns and Rollins BOTH should have automatic rematches. Of course they blew that up continuity wise before (after mania 31 reigns and brock, and after mania 30 Orton so it comes and goes) but its easy to book. If you take that route, what happens at Battleground…unless thats a Smackdown only PPV?  Its just a “big money” match and would want it saved for one of the big 3 and set up correctly.

    – Hope Del Rio is okay. Been said many times before but man do they waste him. The spot with him and Cesaro in the submission hold was pretty cringeworthy in that it took me out of the match worrying about any false move having them both in a terrible position.

    Michael O’Brien | Brockton, MA

    – WWE Money in the Bank: Thumbs Up

    – Best Match: MITB Ladder Match

    – Worst Match: Golden Truth vs. Breezango

    – Preshow started poorly with the unwanted feud between comedy duos.  I kind of hope these guys are all separated during the draft.  Dudley Boyz vs. Lucha Dragons was decent.  A standard TV match.  Dudley’s seem like they are just around to fill space at this point.

    – Tag Team Titles four way kicks off the main show with a pretty entertaining match even if it seemed like they forgot what was going on at the end.  Not sure the legal man was even in the ring for the finish.  New Day retains so I guess they will probably break the London/Kendrick record.  They should have those two guys come back at least for one match to work against New Day.  

    – Baron Corbin once again beats Dolph Ziggler.  It was a clean finish so I hope that finally puts this feud to rest.  These two also need to not be on the same brand when they do the draft. 

    – Womens Tag Match was alright.  They need to mix up the women as far as feuds go.  I guess that’s why Natalya turned on Becky.  That was the best thing here and Natalya looked pretty fired up on her heel turn which at least made it look good.  Why the women aren’t booked like the men in a sense that there can be multiple feuds going at once instead of just whoever is working with Charlotte is beyond me.  Paige should be in a program as well.  She is being wasted. 

    – Apollo Crews wins over Sheamus, but not the right way.  Why did they bring Crews up from NXT?  They have no idea what to do with him.  I guess this program will continue for no reason.  I like Crews, but they need to find a purpose for him.

    – So far the show is most certainly not the greatest Money in the Bank in history, but the second half is going to save this show.

    – Great match with Styles vs. Cena.  Styles wins which he needed even though he got the outside help, but obviously they will be meeting again.  Best thing by far on this show so far and so far Styles has not disappointed since being in WWE.

    – Money in the Bank was another great one.  Very entertaining from start to finish with six top talents.  I had it down to Ambrose and Owens as I’m sure most did.  Ambrose wins to set up a Shield three way.

    – Rusev vs. Titus was fine, but again probably a place holder to give Rusev a win.  This feud doesn’t need to continue.  Better than the house show match last night in L.A.  Not sure why they added the two original pre show matches to the main show because now it appears we are going long.

    – Great main even with Rollins and Reigns.  That Pedigree out of nowhere was great and should have been the finish.  Was actually shocked that they had Roman lose here.  Question is will they actually turn him heel now?  Wait here comes Dean.  Ambrose cashes in on Rollins and Dean becomes the final Shield member to win the TItle.  Looks like we are getting the Shield triple threat match next month or Summer Slam.

    Robb Block 

    NJPW Dominon Feedback

    – Was there live with about osaka crowd. Best match was Elgin v Omega for the car crash spectacle. Nasty bumps, hard work and the crowd exploded at the end.  Naito and Okay was a close second for their hot finish. 

    – Worst Match was GOD versus Briscos whom few knew it cared for. Polite reception to the title change. Given their next challengers, I’d say it’s best to merge the tag divisions soon. 

    Fun match. Sitting for 4 hours was trying but satisfying!

    Alvin Lim

    Hello. I would go thumbs in the middle on the show. My biggest question/concern is why Naito dropped the belt after 2 months. He was one of, if not the most over guy when he came to the States. Wasn’t he also drawing pretty well in Japan too? Los Ingobernables also seemed to be eclipsing Bullet Club in popularity. I didn’t expect him to hold it all the way to Jan. 4th, but if he was doing good business, why not go with Naito for 8 months? I like Okada, but from a business perspective, Naito seemed like the better choice. Maybe I’m wrong. With G1 approaching as well, having Naito win the briefcase seems counter productive. The ladder match was fine, would have been better with Tanahashi, but was still pretty decent. The Young Bucks didn’t need that win in my opinion, but the 4 way tags are meaningless to me because they’ve been done so much. Everything else was OK. Thumbs middle.

    Andy Henningsen

    Thumbs completely middle. It was a great show in terms of match quality (Ospreay/KUSHIDA, Shibata/Nagata, and Elgin/Omega were all amazing), and both the conclusion to the NEVER match and the ladder match in front of fans who didn’t know what to expect were amazing moments to take in. However, the main event disappointed me tremendously. I may have just been worn out by that point, but I didn’t feel like the match ever properly kicked into its final gear. I was also left kind of depressed to see Los Ingobernables de Japon lose all their matches to CHAOS, and Naito’s title reign cut short when it was such a breath of fresh air. I know he’ll likely win the G1, but it won’t be the same. So while the matches were great, it didn’t leave me excited for the future.

    – Best Match: Elgin vs. Omega

    – Worst Match: The Briscoe Brothers vs. G.O.D.

    Ashley from NJ

    – Thumbs up

    – Best match: Kenny Omega vs. Michael Elgin

    – Worst match: Guerrillas of Destiny vs. Briscoe Brothers

    – A very solid show where every match was entertaining, especially the Ladder match and the NEVER Title match. My only complaint is that several of the rematches failed to live up to their last meetings (main event, jr title, jr tag titles and Goto/EVIL) so they were less intense by comparison but they were still fun matches. Most importantly: YOSHI-HASHI finally got a big show win, so I’m a happy man.

    Nick Randall

    – Best match: Ladder match. 

    – Worst match:  Goto vs Evil (didn’t count the Jay white send off as it was pre show)

    – I honestly didn’t enjoy this show as much as I thought I would. It felt like to me they undid all the work they did building Los ingornables over the past 3 months. Naito vs okada seemed rushed and it’s obvious Gedo is playing it safe heading into the G1 with okada champion once again. 

    – Thumbs up for most of the show. 

    Kellen Barrett

    – Thumbs Up

    – Best Match: Okada v. Naito

    – Dominion followed the trend of NJPW closing out its big shows with three  excellent matches. Omega v. Elgin or Nagata v. Shibata could be easily  seen as the best match of the night.  Beyond an awesome night of  wrestling, the big take away might be New Japan Pro Wrestling booking a  ladder match for the first time and putting such an awesome, inventive match around the gimmick.

    NJPW had a good bit of production to go along with the show tonight. The opening video package looked and sounded excellent. The comedic  ladder match introduction also hit its mark.

    Casey Goldman

  • WWE claims 2017 Royal Rumble will not be in Los Angeles

    WWE officials have contacted us to say that the stories that the 2017 Royal Rumble will be at the Staples Center in Los Angeles are incorrect.

    The story came from the house show last night and reports regarding ticket sale dates and codes, although those codes were not announced to the crowd.  Strangely, there were ticket codes allegedly for the 2017 Royal Rumble that popped up online following the alleged announcement.  We had several correspondents who claimed the announcement was made to the live crowd.

    The company has said that an announcement will be forthcoming soon regarding the location of next year’s Royal Rumble.

  • WWE Money In The Bank live results: Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins; AJ Styles vs. John Cena

    WWE’s Money In The Bank is set for Sunday night in the brand-new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, featuring the resuming of a heated rivalry in the main event, a strong MITB match, and two true wrestling superstars hooking it up for the very first time.

    After the event, send your thoughts on both this show and on New Japan Dominion, with a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.

    This is the seventh MITB show in company history, and the first in Vegas. Last year saw Rollins as WWE Champion in the main event, successfully defending his belt against Dean Ambrose in a ladder match.

    **********

    GOLDUST & R-TRUTH VS. TYLER BREEZE & FANDANGO

    So the deal was Breeze & Fandango were in the tanning bed, but R-Truth and Goldust messed with them so they were all blistered and peeling from a horrible sunburn. Every time any part of their body was touched, they yelled and screamed in pain. This made for a nothing match as that kind of comedy either works or doesn’t. In this case, there was no crowd reaction. Goldust pinned Fandango with the final cut. This was short with nothing to it.

    DUDLEYS VS. LUCHA DRAGONS

    A lot better than their first match. Dragons won when Kalisto used the Salida del Sol on Bubba, and Sin Cara came off the top rope with a senton onto Bubba. The match was fine and just a normal match. The highlight saw the Lucha Dragons do a double running flip dive.

    WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE NEW DAY VS. ENZO & CASS VS. VAUDEVILLAINS VS. LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON — FATAL FOUR WAY

    There were lots of near falls that got the crowd into it, but at times, the execution was rough. Final sequence was Gallows/Anderson hitting the Magic Killer on English, but Big E picked up Anderson during the pinfall attempt into a powerslam position. Gallows stared at this for what felt like 5 minutes waiting for Big Cass to get in the ring to clothesline him out. Kingston came off the top on a double team and New Day got the pin and win on Gallows.

    – Kevin Owens did an interview and said his mom told him he is special. Chris Jericho came out and made fun of Owens having a chipped tooth. Jericho, sporting a black left eye, talked about creating the Money in the Bank match. Owens and Jericho argued back-and-forth until Alberto Del Rio came out. Owens made fun of him speaking Spanish. Owens said how Jericho and Del Rio say the same thing in every interview. Owens made fun of Del Rio calling everyone Perros every week. This segment was hilarious.

    DOLPH ZIGGLER VS. BARON CORBIN

    Match went too long and the crowd kind of lost interest. There were boring chants at one point. Corbin just doesn’t show much of anything and people aren’t that into him. The feud has done Ziggler no favors. The finish saw Ziggler on the top rope, but Corbin tripped him and he fell on the top turnbuckle. Corbin won clean with the End of Days, and the announcers indicated the feud was over.

    WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPION CHARLOTTE & DANA BROOKE VS. NATALYA & BECKY LYNCH

    The early matches went long as they were light of time. Most of the match was working over Natalya. Natlaya had Charlotte in the Sharpshooter, Brooke made the save, and threw Lynch into Natalya.  Charlotte used Natural Selection on Natalya for the pin. Natalya went heel post-match, turning on Lynch for costing her the match and beating her down.

    Dean Ambrose did an interview, and was asked about Rollins vs. Reigns. He said Roman is going to have a good time beating up Seth because beating up Seth is fun.

    SHEAMUS VS. APOLLO CREWS

    Crews won, but the story was it was a fluke. Sheamus had him pinned with the White Noise off the middle rope, but Crews kicked out. Sheamus started yelling at the ref, and Crews pinned him with a crucifix. This was the kind of a finish that made you think it’s just the beginning between these two. The match was solid, Crews got the crowd behind him by the end, and looked good. One notable spot was Crews doing a moonsault off the apron with a splash onto the floor.

    JOHN CENA VS. A.J. STYLES

    Excellent match. The story was that Styles was the better wrestler than Cena, beating him at every turn but that he couldn’t finish him. Cena kicked out of the Styles Clash, and Styles kicked out of the Attitude Adjustment. They also both made the ropes on the STF by Cena and Calf Crusher by Styles. Styles never used the forearm and Cena got his knees up on a springboard 450. The finish saw Cena have Styles up for the Attitude Adjustment, but the ref went down and out of the ring. Cena hit the move but there was no ref to count. Anderson and Gallows came out and used the Magic Killer on Cena, and Styles got the pin. The story is that Gallows & Anderson interfered on their own and that Styles didn’t know they were doing it.  JBL was going crazy saying how they ruined his dream match.

    MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH: DEAN AMBROSE, CHRIS JERICHO, ALBERTO DEL RIO, SAMI ZAYN, CESARO, KEVIN OWENS

    Another excellent match with tons of spots involving ladder bumps. Cesaro, in particular, took all kinds of crazy bumps. Everyone did their finishes and took big ladder bumps, but there was nothing really insane like used to be the case in these matches. Everyone took big moves, and Owens took out Zayn with a power bomb on the ladder. Ambrose took out Jericho and climbed up to win.

    US CHAMPION RUSEV VS. TITUS O’NEIL

    This was in the death spot and they really had no chance with the crowd. They worked hard in a physical match. O’Neil got some offense and near falls before Rusev used a high kick, a superkick and the Accolade for the submission.

    Rusev then went up to O’Neil’s kids at ringside, told them that their father was a loser and said “Happy Father’s Day.”

    WWE CHAMPION ROMAN REIGNS VS. SETH ROLLINS

    The match was flat at times because it went so long. People just weren’t into Reigns at all and Rollins was more popular but not that over as a face either. The match itself was very good in the sense they went 26 minutes and it well. By the end, the crowd was into it. Reigns missed a spear and crashed into the barricade and was injured.  He tried a pedigree but Reigns drove him into the ref who went down. Reigns hit the spear but Mike Chioda was down and hesitated which enabled Rolins to kick out. He went for a second spear but Rollins turned it into a pedigree and Reigns kicked out. Rollins got the pin after a second pedigree to regain the WWE title.

    Then, Ambrose’s music hit and out he came with the MITB briefcase. He cashed it in, the match started, Ambrose hit Dirty Deeds, and eight seconds later, Ambrose was your new WWE Champion.

    Hear Bryan Alvarez and I recap the show and more on the newest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

  • WWE Los Angeles, CA, live results: Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles

    Submitted by Rob Block from the Staples Center

    Pretty good crowd. The very top sections weren’t used, but overall, it seemed fairly full.  Byron Saxton was the host and ring announcer for the evening.

    – Cesaro beat Alberto Del Rio using the Neutralizer

    Del Rio always gets a good pop in L.A., but fans still sided more with Cesaro.  Good match.

    – Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson beat Lucha Dragons with the Magic Killer on Kalisto

    Fun match. Anderson was mocking the Lucha chant with the arm movements.

    – Baron Corbin beat Dolph Ziggler with the End of Days

    Pretty good match, but it didn’t make me want to see it again Sunday. These guys need new opponents.

    – Sasha Banks, Natalya, Becky Lynch, and Paige beat WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte, Dana Brooke, Summer Rae, and Eva Marie

    Banks made Dana tap out to the Bank Statement.  Eva got a big negative reaction as she always does. 

    – Dean Ambrose defeated Chris Jericho in an L.A. Street Fight

    Jericho did some mic work telling everyone to be quiet and take in the gift of Jericho.  Ambrose won with Dirty Deeds. They used a kendo stick, chair, and Jericho went through a table.

    – US Champion Rusev (w/Lana) beat Titus O’Neil

    Lana came out first to a good reaction.  O’Neil didn’t get much offense in and Rusev beat him pretty fast with a kick to the face.  Doesn’t bode well for MITB.

    – Sami Zayn beat Kevin Owens with the Heluva Kick

    Good match. These two always work well together. Owens had some fun insulting fans and playing with the crowd.  Everyone was singing Sami’s song. 

    – WWE Champion Roman Reigns beat AJ Styles and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match

    Styles and Rollins worked over Reigns a lot together before they finally turned on each other. Styles was late on one save when Rollins has Reigns down and the ref had to really stop from counting to three which caused a “Ref sucks” chant. The match was good and we even got a “This is awesome” chant.  Reigns won with the spear on Styles, and got his usual mixed reaction.

    – No return date was announced. Overall, a fun show that went three hours including a short intermission.

  • WWE Money in the Bank: Picks & predictions for Reigns vs. Rollins, Cena vs. AJ

    It’s time once again for a briefcase to be put on a run as WWE’s Money in the Bank event is upon us!

    The big story over the last month? Well, six guys are having a ladder match, and the winner gets the briefcase. That’s essentially the story. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Shane McMahon are bickering over the upcoming brand split and have no real idea what they’re doing or what they are going to do when the time comes. But hey, John Cena and AJ Styles have had a hot start to their feud! After turning on Cena in a swerve, Styles looks to bring his A-game against Cena, who considers himself the measuring stick of WWE. Will Styles prevail in this first-ever encounter, or will Cena overcome the odds as usual?

    We also have a big main event as a returning Seth Rollins looks to take the title he never lost when he faces champion Roman Reigns. Rollins won’t go down without a fight, and neither will Regins. Will we see a decisive conclusion, or is this just the begining of a long program?

    Current Scoreboard

    • Kyle S. Johnson (Wrestling columnist) (27 points)
    • Steve Khan (WWE Smackdown reporter) (26 points)
    • Alan O’Brien (WWE RAW Hits & Misses columnist) (26 points)
    • Bryan Rose (New Japan Pro Wrestling reporter) (23 points)
    • James Cox (WWE Superstars reporter & WWE DVD reviewer) (22 points)
    • Gary Mehaffy (Interviewer/Columnist) (16 points)
    • Karl Stern (DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Audio Show) (13 points)
    • Dan “Peach Machine” Velten (Astronaut Florist) (10 points)
    • Brian Hoops (Daily Pro Wrestling History) (9 points)
    • Jeremy Peeples (Lucha Underground reporter) (7 points)
    • Ryan Frederick (UFC reporter) (new to contest)

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

    Bryan Rose: Is there even one person out there who remotely cares about this match? The blow off should have been two months ago but we’re still getting matches. Why? What did we do to deserve this?

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Alan O’Brien: As Bryan says above, there is no rationale whatsoever for this match’s existence. None. One meaningless pre-show match is enough, thanks. Corbin to win by non-Roshambo means.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    James Cox: There is very little to be excited about here. Ziggler won last month at Extreme Rules, so 50/50 booking says Corbin goes over.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Jeremy Peeples: This is a feud over basically nothing and it refuses to end. Dolph got the better of Baron via a low-blow on Raw, so I’ll give Baron the win here since he should get revenge and he’s taller.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Peach Machine: Corbin by second round submission. Head and arm choke.

    Winner Corbin

    Steve Khan: I could see Ziggler winning since both Rusev and Miz could need opponents soon, but the last thing that happened with these two was Ziggler kicking Corbin in the nuts, so…

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Kyle S. Johnson: Hey, this match is happening! It really, really should not be happening, but it is. Corbin would probably have been better off to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, disappear back to NXT for a few months with the trophy, and then reemerge during the draft with some actual purpose. Instead, he’ll get another somehow-even-more meaningless win over Ziggler, and hopefully (HOPEFULLY) get shuffled off into another feud.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Ryan Frederick: I’m probably in the minority in liking Baron Corbin but this feud has done nothing for him. He should get the win in a blow off to the feud as Dolph’s role should be to put him over.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Brian Hoops: If they ever plan on doing anything with Corbin, he absolutely has to win and move on to another feud. He needs a clean and decisive win.

    Winner: Baron Corbin

    Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus

    Bryan Rose: Crews is another example of being called up because you have a good look, but beyond that creative has nothing for you. I think this should be fine, as Sheamus is a good worker and Crews has tons of potential as a worker, but who knows if they will even be given enough time to showcase that. Let’s give Crews the first win just because.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    Alan O’Brien: Crews has schlepped around on the C-shows since Wrestlemania, spinning his smiley wheels against the flotsam and jetsam of the WWE roster. I seriously doubt that Vince will allow this guy, looking the way he does, to lose his first serious (-ish) match. Especially on the pre-show, where babyfaces usually go over.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    James Cox: Although Crews ought to win here and Sheamus in mid-card hell, I think they’ll go with Crews. But Crew needs to extend his move-set and they need to do something with him fast.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    Jeremy Peeples: It’s another feud that hasn’t really been built up well. They’ve done a bit on Raw with Sheamus as a bully who is afraid of Crews, but haven’t made anything personal. Sheamus began the year as WWE Champion and now he’s in what feels like a pre-show feud – so he should win this to regain something resembling momentum, but Crews also shouldn’t be losing programs right now.

    Winner: Sheamus

    Peach Machine: I just recently watched the first four Rocky movies, and as I recall, Apollo Creed never lost a match and nothing bad ever happened to him, which makes this a no brainer.

    WInner: Apollo Crews

    Steve Khan: This could go the way of Ziggler/Corbin, with Sheamus getting the first win for no reason. Crews humiliated Sheamus last time they were on TV, but I’ll still go with Crews.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    Kyle S. Johnson: The only reason for this feud seems to be realizing the idea that throwing these two together for a bit showcases Apollo on a PPV (or before it, anyway) with a guy who is pretty well established and gives him a win over a former world champion. I don’t really have much of an expectation for the quality of this match, but I expect Apollo to win clean and hope that this feud is more of a launching pad for Apollo and less the seemingly endless mid-card nothing crawl that Ziggler vs. Corbin has become.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    Ryan Frederick: They’re finally doing something with Apollo Crews and Sheamus is a good place to start. Sheamus is in a place of going nowhere and Crews should be built up for something bigger. Here’s hoping they can have a solid match, and Crews shouldn’t be losing right now.

    Winner: Apollo Crews

    Brian Hoops: Sheamus’ best days are past and Crews is getting his first major feud on the main roster. It would be complete insanity to beat him now, which may happen, but shouldn’t.

    Winner Apollo Crews

    United States Championship: Rusev (c) vs. Titus O’Neil

    Bryan Rose: I like O’Neal as a talker, and he’s always doing good things in public which is nice. I’m really sure he is father of the year, for all I know. But in the ring, he’s not much, and that is putting it lightly. There might be some chemistry here I’m unaware of, but beyond that I’m not expecting much, and since Rusev has more upside as a wrestling talent, he should probably get the win here.  

    Winner: Rusev

    Alan O’Brien: This is just a title defence for Rusev. The build up has been so paint-by-numbers that it’s plainly obvious how little they care about Titus. That makes two of us.

    Winner: Rusev

    James Cox: Rusev to win in what is a very weak match for a ppv. If they really wanted to pull the trigger on Titus O’Neil they would have done it by now – he’s 39.

    Winner: Rusev

    Jeremy Peeples: It’s good to see Titus involved in a title program right after his suspension. However, he doesn’t have any momentum as a singles act and his limitations stand out more in one on one matches. This should be a short powerhouse vs. powerhouse match, and Rusev should go over clearly.

    Winner: Rusev

    Peach Machine: You don’t take the steam off of Rusev right now, and certainly not with the Real Deal Dad of the Year.

    Winner: Rusev

    Steve Khan: I really doubt O’Neil wins the title. I could see Rusev getting himself DQ’d and they do this again later.

    Winner: Titus O’Neil (Rusev retains)

    Kyle S. Johnson: Rusev is probably one of the three or four best things going on the main roster right now, and taking the belt off of him a month after winning it to put it on dead-in-the-water Titus O’Neil makes no sense — even if they think they’ll get some kind of pub for putting it on the Mega Dad of the Year. Of course, they could do it, if only because it’s been shown for the past several months that WWE really has no idea what to do with the U.S. Championship when it is around the waist of anyone not named John Cena. I’m just really going to hope that they do not, because with the brand split imminent, building Rusev up as a monster and having him rejuvenate that title sure sounds like a ball to run with.

    Winner: Rusev

    Ryan Frederick: Rusev is entertaining and should be hot for the brand split as he can be an effective top heel if creative plays their cards right. Nice to see Titus getting some TV and PPV time but he really shouldn’t have a title around his waist. Keep this short and put Rusev over strong.

    Winner: Rusev

    Brian Hoops: How cool of a story would it be to have the “father of the year” win the title on Father’s Day? For that reason, Rusev retains the title. WWE would never do that simple and awesome storyline, they have to be cute and creative.

    Winner: Rusev

    WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte and Dana Brooke vs. Natalya and Becky Lynch

    Bryan Rose: I dunno. They’re already teasing dissention between Brooke and Charlotte about a month into their partnership. I mean, yeah, this might be a case of bait and switch, but can you save that angle a few months down the road? I think this is all placeholder until they start the Banks stuff, but in the meantime I guess Natty and Lynch should get the win, and maybe build to a Lynch/Charlotte match at the July PPV? I dunno, wishful thinking.

    Winner: Natalya and Becky Lynch

    Alan O’Brien: Very difficult to call. I think the likeliest outcome is a heel victory with Charlotte nipping in to take the pinfall from Dana. Hard to see the babyfaces go over, as neither is being heated up for a Summerslam tilt at the belt.

    Winner: Charlotte and Dana Brooke

    James Cox: Honestly, I haven’t been following this one. They can beat Charlotte and it won’t matter because she’s in a tag match, but I think She and Dana aren’t breaking up, despite the tease on Monday.

    Winner: Charlotte and Dana Brooke

    Jeremy Peeples: Three weeks into the partnership, they’re teasing issues between Dana and Charlotte – so I think the faces win here when Charlotte is either distracted or has plausible deniability for an injury and Dana drops the fall.

    Winners: Natalya and Becky Lynch

    Peach Machine: Charlotte has won a match in the last 11 PPV’s and they pointed that out last time. I think they want that to be Charlotte’s “16 time…”.

    Winner Char-dawg & Dana

    Steve Khan: I’m guessing this is leading to a 3-way at the next PPV, whatever that is, so the babyface team should win.

    Winner: Natalya & Becky Lynch

    Kyle S. Johnson: Why they are angling to build tension between Dana and Charlotte just a month into their alliance, one can only guess. (I would blame ineptitude, first and foremost.) If the plan is to slot in Becky as a holdover challenger until Summerslam (where one can only presume Sasha will be rolled out as the top contender), it would make sense for her to get the pin here over Charlotte after Dana makes some match-ending mistake. Still,

    Ryan Frederick: Unfortunately it seems like this match is to build up a split between Charlotte and Dana, and that is a wrong move to make if there ever was one. Dana doesn’t deserve the spot opposite Charlotte but it seems we are going that direction. I sense issues will be teased but they will end up getting the win.

    Winners: Charlotte and Dana Brooke

    Brian Hoops: Way too early to break up Charlotte and Dana Brooke and they just teased this same storyline with Styles and the Club. It would be perfect since to have the champion pinned in a tag match to build up a singles challenger. Probably why it won’t happen.

    Winners: Natalya and Becky Lynch

    WWE Tag Team Championship: The New Day (c) vs. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows vs. Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs. The Vaudevillans

    Bryan Rose: I think New Day retains and breaks the tag team title record. They’ve been the most popular tag team in years here in the WWE so it only makes since. I don’t see Vaudevillans winning and while eventually Amore and Cass should get the titles, I don’t see it happening. They could put them on Anderson and Gallows, but I think that’s the next tag team title program for New Day anyway so it should last another month at least.

    Winner: New Day

    Alan O’Brien: Vaudevillains are not going over, and they’ll want to save Enzo and Cass’ big title win for a singles feud. I can easily see New Day retaining, but I think it’s more likely that The Club will succeed with their first shot at the gold.

    Winner: Anderson and Gallows

    James Cox: Feels like we should have a shake up here, but I still The New Day win here. A babyface win is important looking at this card.

    Winner: The New Day

    Jeremy Peeples: They’ve been pushing the near record-setting reign of the New Day on commentary, which is usually a bad sign. They have three teams in this that probably shouldn’t lose, and the Vaudevillains. The New Day should win just to keep things stable until the draft, but I could see The Club winning just to go them some momentum. If they make a second set of tag titles, they can just give The Club one of them – so I’ll go with New Day retaining here.

    Winners: The New Day

    Peach Machine: I think the New Day has long since jumped the shark. Get the belts off those clowns.

    Winner: The New Day, because that’s how they book.

    Steve Khan: New Day have had the titles so long, losing in a 4-way would be lame. Gallows & Anderson can certainly win to build momentum for the Club, but I see New Day getting the fall over the Vaudevillains.

    Winner: The New Day

    Kyle S. Johnson: A four-team match that includes an obvious fall team seems like a great opportunity to make a title switch. The New Day do not need the belts to stay over, and I can’t help but shake the feeling that Cass is going to wind up going to singles well before he and Enzo reach their shelf life as a tag team. Anderson and Gallows, on the other hand, could probably really use a dominant championship run to prove the mettle of The Club as a force to be reckoned with. I’ll go with Guns and Gallows getting the belts after stealing a pin away from one of the babyface teams.

    Winner: Anderson and Gallows

    Ryan Frederick: I would like to see them switch the belts and have New Day chase to freshen up the act just a little, give them something to fight for. The fact they’ve been pushing the length of the reign isn’t a good sign. The question is who to give it to if they are switching. Enzo & Cass is a great act and the titles could benefit them, but I think putting them around Anderson and Gallows would be the right move in getting them over with AJ as the top heel act. I expect a fun match.

    Winners: Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows

    Brian Hoops: The New Day act has run its course. Lots of ways they could go here with a 4 way, but I look for Anderson & Gallows to win the belts with Vaudevillians getting pinned. Would freshen things up if Anderson and Gallows take the titles with programs with New Day and Usos, who can claim previous victories over the new champions.

    Winners: Anderson & Gallows

    AJ Styles vs. John Cena

    Bryan Rose: Hmm, very interesting. Cena shouldn’t win the first bout. I mean if we’re going to have the usual Cena feud, he should at least lose the first match and win the other two. As far as the match goes, Styles is one of the best in the planet and Cena works his butt off. Should be great.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Alan O’Brien: AJ’s self-inflicted banning of his buddies from ringside is a red herring. He needs a big win, and getting it on his own will make it all the more significant. Sure, Cena will win the next two, a la the Owens feud, but hey, I’ll take it.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    James Cox: This will be match of the night. Despite all the rhetoric about AJ Styles being a big deal in the company, he’s clearly only a big deal when it suits them, otherwise they wouldn’t have had him lose so much. Cena to win; they’re not in the habit of beating him on ppv.

    Winner: John Cena

    Jeremy Peeples: This has been the best-built program of the entire PPV. AJ has been cutting the best promos of his career and is seemingly getting out any bitterness he might have had over the years at the same time. Cena has been putting AJ over huge as well, and I can see AJ winning this one to set up a bigger match at Summerslam that Cena wins.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Peach Machine: Gotta be Cena. Vince isn’t gonna put his top guy under while his supposed top guy is floundering at best.

    Winner: Cena

    Steve Khan: The Club might not be there, but Styles can still cheat to win. I can see John Cena winning because he’s John Cena, but Styles badly needs a big win.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Kyle S. Johnson: AJ has lost three straight PPV matches, and with so much of the (excellent, excellent) build for this match being about him needing to get it done here, I cannot fathom an outcome that does not see him beating John Cena. Cena can get his win back down the line (probably even as soon as next month, given the way things tend to go), but AJ needs to win here to make him a credible main-event-caliber guy for one of the two shows moving forward. This should be a superb match, and I expect that AJ gets it done — whether it is cleanly, by nefarious means, or with the help of a former ally not named Doc or Karl.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Ryan Frederick: Anything other than a win by Styles here is the wrong move. Cena doesn’t need it and Styles is arguably the biggest star in the company at this moment. He is also arguably the best wrestler in the world. I am looking forward to this one as Styles always shows up and Cena is great with top workers. This could be a classic if given time and the crowd should be hot.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Brian Hoops: For the sake of AJ Styles career, he has to win over Cena here. He lost in the Rumble (Cena promo), got beat by Kevin Owens and lost last PPV matches to Jericho and Reigns twice. Another loss here makes him just like everyone else in the WWE. A loss for Cena wont hurt him and they can build the feud to culminate later this summer.

    Winner: AJ Styles

    Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Alberto del Rio vs. Kevin Owens

    Bryan Rose: This could go to anyone. If I had to pick who would benefit more with the briefcase, probably Owens as he’s the guy with the most potential as a future WWE champion. Ambrose is also another possibility, anyone else I just don’t see it happening (Cesaro, Zayn) or sounds lame (Jericho, del Rio). Should be a great match regardless of who wins.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    Alan O’Brien: Owens is the guy. The briefcase is a heel gimmick, and who better to attach it to than the best on the roster.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    James Cox: Everything says it ought to be Owens, but it really is a match anyone could win. I’m sticking my neck out, but ultimately it should go to heel and I think we might be about to see them re-launch Alberto Del Rio. Orton could return, take a seventh spot and win, but I don’t know if he’s ready.

    Winner: Alberto Del Rio

    Jeremy Peeples: Owens has been dropping a lot of falls, but would make a fantastic challenger for Roman Reigns – so I’ll go with him winning here.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    Peach Machine: Owens. No doubt.

    Winner: Vin Owens

    Steve Khan: They could throw us a curveball like they have in ths most, but this match is far too important. It comes down to Ambrose and Owens, and given the way they’ve booked the past few weeks, Owens looks like the leading candidate. I’ll play it safe and go with Owens, who’s perfect for this gimmick.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    Kyle S. Johnson: This is Owens’ match to win. Cesaro, Sami, or Dean would be reasonable dark horse picks, and putting the briefcase with Del Rio or Jericho would be a mistake. Owens will win and, one can only hope, be treated as one of the company’s top heels thereafter.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    Ryan Frederick: Kevin Owens is ready to be the top heel in the company, and he should get the briefcase. I can only really see Jericho as the only other option as they’ve pushed him as the creator of the match but him having never won it. Owens has been losing too much lately and logic says that means he’s winning.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    Brian Hoops: Owens is the one that benefits the most from winning the briefcase and eventually cashing it in to win the world title. No one else makes sense, which makes the Owens pick shaky.

    Winner: Kevin Owens

    WWE Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins

    Bryan Rose: Reigns isn’t losing the title anytime soon, and I already feel a rematch is set for Battleground regardless of who wins. I think it’ll be a great match as Regions has improved tremendously, and Rollins should be aching to have a killer match. Fun stuff ahead!

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Alan O’Brien: What a disaster this has been. It’s unlikely that they will switch the title at this juncture, with Roman likely to be the figurehead of RAW. Rollins could win by DQ, but I imagine Reigns will pin him after some kind of schmoz finish.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    James Cox: I can’t see them about to play hot potato with the title this close to the brand split. The story ought to be Seth taking back what he never lost, but they chose Roman Reigns and they’re sticking with him.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Jeremy Peeples: This feud has been built up very strangely. In theory, Seth should be coming in as a really hot act. Instead, he had one great night and has been pretty cold since then. They’ve teased Dean winning in cashing in – so he’s probably doomed. Seth has no momentum and shouldn’t be winning with this character as it is now.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Peach Machine: Some schmoz. Disputed finish. Reigns retains.

    Winner: Reigns

    Steve Khan: I’m not sure what to expect. Reigns won’t lose the title yet, and Rollins can’t lose clean in his return. I also don’t see a cash-in, and they’ve built this too big for a screwy finish. So, I’ll go with Reigns barely squeaking out a win.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Kyle S. Johnson: This angle has been outclassed by the build for AJ and Cena at every turn, and while the match itself is probably going to be great, it feels very much like an afterthought on this show. I imagine that this is going to have some kind of inconclusive finish since I cannot see either guy taking a pinfall at this stage — perhaps even something as far-fetched as Lesnar showing up and wrecking both guys to stake his claim as the true champion. Either way, the title won’t change hands, and this feud will continue in some form or fashion.

    Winner: Roman Reigns

    Ryan Frederick: This feels like the first match of a program, and probably one with Dean Ambrose getting involved, possibly leading to the long-anticipated Shield three-way at Summerslam. That means a likely BS finish. I think Rollins gets the win but Reigns retains due to a DQ. The crowd reactions for this will be fun.

    Winner: Seth Rollins but Roman Reigns retains the championship

    Brian Hoops: Another feud they have totally botched. Rollins should be the returning babyface to challenge and reclaim the title he never lost. It was a perfect storyline they have completely pissed down their leg. Now, they have their hottest potential babyface turned back heel and no one wants to boo him and their champion babyface, no one cares about and wants to cheer. Beating Rollins clean would make any remaining fans disgruntled so that makes no sense. Taking the title off Reigns and putting it on the heel also makes no sense after shoving Reigns down everyone’s throats.

    Winner: Rollins by DQ

    Live coverage from Dave Meltzer begins later tonight with the pre-show!

  • WWE live event results, Los Angeles, CA: Styles vs. Reigns vs. Rollins for the WWE Title

    By Ben Bartlett

    Byron Saxton was the host for the night.

    Alberto Del Rio vs. Cesaro.

    Big pop for Cesaro. Great match with back and forth action. Del Rio won with neutralizer.

    Lucha Dragons vs. The Club.

    Good match. Anderson in for most of the match. Club won with the Magic Killer.

    Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler.

    Pretty boring slow match. Corbin won with end of days.

    Summer Rae & Eva Marie & Dana Brooke & Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks & Natalya & Paige & Becky Lynch.

    Fun match everyone got some time in the ring. Some “You can’t wrestle” chants for Eva. Banks Statement on Dana for the win.

    Ambrose vs Jericho in a Los Angeles Street Fight. 

    Great heel work from Jericho before the match. A little slow but all around a good match. Ended with Jericho going for a chair shot and being thrown into a table in the corner. Dirty Deeds for the win from Ambrose.

    Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil: US Title.

    Basically a squash match.  Rusev retained in a very short match.  Rusev attacked Titus before the bell and Titus never got back in it. Super kick for the win. Odd match.

    Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn.

    Big pop for both of them.  Fun match where both got their offense in. Helluva Kick for the win for Zayn.

    AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns: WWE Title.

    Big pops for all of them but Rollins pop was huge. Fantastic match. Rollins and AJ shook hands at the beginning and teamed up on Reigns for most of the match. Rollins went for the pin behind AJs back and then they fought. Spear on AJ for the win. Match of the night by far.