Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of WWE Hell in a Cell from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California. As the days get shorter and the air turns chilly, autumn brings with it one of WWE’s most destructive and chaotic events. On this night, the ominous steel structure known as Hell in a Cell will encapsulate the ring on two separate occasions as we bid farewell to a number of long-running feuds.
18 months in the making, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar will write the final chapter in their storied rivalry when they step into the cell, as will both Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt. In addition, all
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five championships will be defended including John Cena’s US Title as he faces a mystery partner in perhaps his last appearance until December.
Don’t miss the Wrestling Observer Live Preshow that begins at 6PM ET – 3PM PST. LISTEN HERE
Bryan and Vinny will be back with a new Bryan and Vinny Show shortly after Hell in a Cell ends. And if that wasn’t enough! Dave and Bryan will return with a Wrestling Observer Radio WWE Hell in a Cell post show.
Join us at 8PM ET for our live coverage of WWE Hell in a Cell.
SHEAMUS & RUSEV & KING BARRETT VS. DOLPH ZIGGLER & NEVILLE & CESARO
Stardust and The Ascension were at ringside but played no part in this. Good match, particularly the last few minteus. Neville did an assisted Fosbury Flop dive on Rusev and Sheamus. Ziggler superkicked Barrett and then Cesaro did a 16 rep giant swing and Neville pinned Barrett using the red arrow.
JOHN CENA VS. ALBERTO DEL RIO WITH ZEB COLTER AS MANAGER FOR THE U.S. TITLE
Coulter came out in a motorized wheelchair as he’s still not recovered from surgery, and said that he’s bridging things and said Del Rio was his new guy. Del Rio was a lot bigger and more muscular than before. They had an average match, short, with Del Rio getting out of the Attitude Adjustment and Del Rio used a backstabber and superkick and got the pin. Nobody was ready for that to be the pin.
Backstage, HHH & Stephanie and Seth Rollins were backstage. Kane came in smiling and Rollins said tomorrow he’d be out of a job. Kane smiled and said, “Good luck,” but then turned mad face and said, “You’re gonna need it.”
Alberto is still AAA champion and was booked on all their big shows going forward. Alberto just told AAA about this over the weekend so they got their second big blow in a short period of time. They irony is a major reason Myzteziz left was Alberto, and now Alberto is gone as well. This was really a huge blow to them. Alberto had pretty much decided when he had it with Lucha Underground to go to WWE. Combate Americas was also left in the lurch by this one as there were big plans for him there. I believe they also just found out about this. We’ll have a lot more on this later tonight.
ROMAN REIGNS VS. BRAY WYATT IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH
Very good long match. This was a long slow match, 70s pacing where Rerigns sold a ton and for a long period of time, would make some comebacks. Very deliberate and well worked. Wyatt used a uranage off the apron through a table. Reigns speared Wyatt off the apron though a table. Reigns kicked out of Sister Abigail. The finish saw Wyatt set up two kendo sticks in the corner with the idea he was going to throw Reigns’ face into the sticks. Reigns, who was selling like he was dead, blocked it, pulled one of the sticks out and hit Wyatt. He then threw Wyatt eye first into the kendo stick and followed with a spear for the pin. Crowd really got into it late.
BIG E & KOFI KINGSTON VS. DUDLEYS FOR TAG TITLE
Xavier Woods isn’t here. He was getting married this weekend so they did an injury angle to take him out for the weekend.
The New Day retained. The Dudleys had the 3-D set up on Kingston but E hit Bubba with part of the trombone that Bubba broke over his knee during the match, and Kingston pinned Bubba with Trouble in Paradise. Match was okay. They did a total Arena Mexico spot a moment earlier where Kingston threw the trombone to Bubba and the ref turned around, Kingston fell to the ground selling like he’d been hit with Bubba holding the trombone. They teased a DQ, the ref went to signal for the bell, and then decided against it. They went right to the finish from there.
CHARLOTTE VS. NIKKI BELLA FOR THE DIVAS TITLE
Everyone is banned from cheerleading at ringside.
Really good match. Probably the best women’s match on a WWE PPV in a while. Charlotte retained the title by reversing out of the rack attack into a cradle and the figure eight. Charlotte was bleeding from the bridge of the nose after a hard elbow early. Most of the match was Nikki working over Charlotte’s back and the story was that Charlotte couldn’t bridge for the figure eight, but she “gutted it out” for the finish.
After the match Paige and Becky Lynch ran in to congratulate them. The idea is Paige was disingenuous.
They are pushing that Survivor Series next month will be the 25th anniverary of The Undertaker. So something should happen today or tomorrow to set him up for a match there.
SETH ROLLINS VS. DEMON KANE FOR WWE TITLE VS. KANE’S JOB
Good match. Rollins won clean with the pedigree after a kick to the chest when Kane went for a choke slam. Rollins kicked out of a choke slam. Rollins did a series of springboard knees and two superkicks, followed by a frog splash but Kane kicked out of that. So Corporate Kane lost his job. A big spot also saw Rollins power bomb Kane onto the Spanish announcers table, which didn’t break. They teased a count out spot but Kane got in at nine.
KEVIN OWENS VS. RYBACK FOR IC TITLE
A 5:00 match with Owens winning with a power bomb after Owens kicked him in the chest, although Ryback sold it like his eye was poked. It was fine for what it was. The crowd was heavily for Owens. Ryback did have chants, but he was also booed.
BROCK LESNAR VS. UNDERTAKER IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH
Great match. Lesnar won with his third F-5 on the exposed boards after Lesnar had tore the canvas open and pulled the mats away. The story of the match is that Lesnar as learned form Undertaker to make him the perfect fighting machine. Both guys were bleeding. Lesnar was thrown into the post and threw his head in hardway. Lesnar punched Underaker in the head or threw him into cage and he bled. The doctor twice tried to wipe the blood off Lesnar. During the match Undertaker kicked out of the first two F-5s while Lesnar kicked out a tombstone piledriver. Loud “Thank you Taker” chants when it was over. The crowd heat was way higher for this than anything else onthe show. Undertaker got a standing ovation when it was over.
The Wyatts came out for Undertaker. Harper, Strowman, Wyatt and Rowan surrounded the ring. They all attacked him. Strowman throwing knees. They held him while Wyatt attacked him. They carried him on their shoulders to the back to end the show. One would think Undertaker will form a team against the Wyatts. Real strong presentation, espeically the set up for the final angle.
WWE Main Event on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin was part of the go-home week of programming leading to Hell in a Cell. The show featured two very good quality television matches and another match that showcased monster heels. Notably, Sasha Banks and Brie Bella had a match that arguably bordered on the edge of strong style, or at least as close as WWE style can get to that. Likewise, Kevin Owens and Neville showcased their in-ring chemistry in another good match.
Brie taunted Sasha after getting the better of an early exchange. On the next exchange, Sasha got the better of Brie and taunted her by mocking Brie’s husband and YES-ing. The crowd followed Sasha’s lead. There was an awkward tilt-a-whirl headscissors spot. Sasha, an admitted devout Eddy Guerrero fan, ran up the turnbuckles for a lucha arm drag similar to her idol.
Sasha went for a double knee drop in a corner but Nikki and Alicia pulled Brie out to safety. Well, maybe not quite to safety as they yanked her out by her feet and Brie took a bump on the floor. Team Bella consoled her at ringside. Apparently someone was checking out the ladies at ringside because Alicia shouted, “What are you looking at? Don’t you look at the goods!” With Brie near the apron, Sasha hit her with a baseball slide. “RUDE,” Nikki declared.
Sasha stayed on offense until she perched herself in a corner and Brie jerked her down before a commercial. After the break, Brie delivered some Bryan-esque kicks and the crowd chanted “YES” along with her kicking. Before delivering a running knee strike, Brie signaled it was time for Brie Mode. Brie grounded Sasha on the mat then executed a side Russian legsweep followed by more kicks.
To start a comeback, Sasha used a headscissors to send Brie crashing into a turnbuckle. Sasha fired up and moments later did her double knee drop in the corner they had teased earlier. Brie fought back and hit a missile dropkick off the middle rope. Sasha dodged a kick and used a schoolgirl for a nearfall then a backslide for a two count. Brie countered with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Brie signaled for her finisher only for Sasha to counter into a backstabber. Sasha floated over and applied the bank statement for the submission as Brie tapped out.
Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman beat The Prime Time Players (Darren Young & Titus O’Neil)
The story of the match was Rowan and Strowman were big, strong, and more powerful. Basically, they were monster heels. More specifically, Strowman was an unstoppable monster. Every time The Prime Time Players would get an advantage, Rowan and Strowman would quickly pummel them. Titus, a big man himself, did get to run wild briefly off a hot tag but to no avail. A blind tag allowed Strowman to cut off Titus and apply the head and arm choke, lifting Titus off of his feet no less, to get the decisive victory via submission.
Intercontinental champion Kevin Owens beat Neville in a nontitle match
During chain wrestling in the opening sequences, Owens would cheat by grabbing the hair besides also trash talking. Neville would use his quickness and high flying to counter the bullying style of Owens. In chickenshit heel fashion, Owens would take a powder to stall Neville’s momentum. At one point, Neville sent Owens to the outside off of a flying headscissors. When it looked as if Neville would do a dive to the outside, Owens bailed out of the way and used commentator Byron Saxton for cover. Later, he would also taunt Saxton to continue the storyline of Owens bullying him they began some time ago.
After a commercial break, Owens was begging off then he countered Neville and threw him out to the floor. As Neville broke the count, Owens hit a superkick that knocked Neville off the apron. Owens then gave him a fallaway slam into the barricade on the outside. Owens got heat on Neville and gave him a gutbuster. With Neville down on the mat selling, the crowd began to chant for him.
A flurry by Neville led to a comeback as he escaped a fireman’s carry that he turned into a DDT. Moments later, Neville did a moonsault off the top turnbuckle to the floor. It really was a thing of beauty. Nevertheless, Owens cut him off, did a senton and set up for his running cannonball. Neville avoided it and slipped behind him to deliver a German suplex followed by a dropkick for a nearfall.
Neville went to the top rope and jumped off for the red arrow. However, Owens rolled out of the way and eventually executed the pop-up powerbomb for the pinfall.
The identity of John Cena’s mystery opponent at Sunday’s Hell in the Cell pay-per-view tonight is still unknown.
While we don’t know the identity, names such as Tyler Breeze, Samoa Joe and James Storm were all denied from different sources last night, either by people within the company or those would have knowledge of the goings-on.
Joe was in Sacramento on Saturday for the NXT shows, working the afternoon show in beating Baron Corbin. He did not work the Saturday night show. As he was In Los Angeles the last few days, Joe’s name was rumored, but that seemed unlikely because he was working the NXT shows, although Sacramento is a short flight.
Because Breeze just debuted, and a Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler program has already been set up, his name was was also speculated.
Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper, and Braun Strowman were all taken off the card when Randy Orton suffered a shoulder injury and their match was replaced by a six-man tag. Sheamus’ name has been rumored since Cena vs. Sheamus was announced for holiday house shows when Cena returns.
Sunday’s HIAC event is the last one Cena is advertised on until the 12/26 Madison Square Garden event.
WWE Hell in a Cell comes to you this Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Unlike a lot of the B-shows this year, the theme for this show seems to be wrapping up big feuds that have dominated WWE programing over the summer. Brock Lesnar and Undertaker will wrap up their trilogy, and Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt will also finish what they started, with both matches being held inside the confines of Hell in a Cell. Meanwhile, John Cena continues his popular United States championship open challenge as he’s due to face an unnamed opponent. Will he overcome the odds, or will his challenger do a number on him, freeing him for the next couple of months? Our F4W/Wrestling Observer.com staff have weighed in, giving their thoughts on the full card. Check them out below.
Bryan Rose: It’s too early to take off Owens. Ryback is in this weird flux where WWE obviously likes the guy, but not too much, plus he’s not really that great of a wrestler so he’s constantly in these kind of matches but isn’t ever that effective in them. I think with Owens in the match this won’t be too bad, but I think it’ll be a notch below of what we usually see with him. He retains, and hopefully moves on to a more promising program.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
Jeremy Peeples: Owens’s previously-stalled push has regained some momentum with the IC Title so far. His win on Raw was one of the most impressive and memorable things on the show even if it wasn’t positioned as important. He should win this and continue his reign, but Ryback’s loss on Raw could be a slight indicator of a win for the Big Guy.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
Kyle S. Johnson: It would seem somehow anticlimactic for Owens to turn around and drop the Intercontinental Championship so soon after winning it. Still, using WWE logic, Owens beating Mark Henry cleanly (and in impressive fashion) on the same Raw where Ryback lost clean to Seth Rollins suggests the Big Guy will regain his championship on Sunday. The story of the feud has been Owens winning by less-than-scrupulous means, and I look for him to get another underhanded victory to retain his title. I would expect that this leads to either another rematch or a traditional Survivor Series match next month, the latter of which would hopefully result in Owens pairing off with someone else in a new feud.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
Zach Dominello: I want to say Owens over Ryback is a sure thing because dropping the belt this early in his run as IC champ would be incredibly deflating for everyone (except Ryback), but the the rule of opposite momentum has me worried. Owens looks strong coming into the match with a win over Mark Henry in one of the most enjoyable matches on Monday’s go-home show, while Ryback lost cleanly to Seth Rollins. l I say nuts to opposite momentum, and the rest of physics. I expect Ryback’s “injured ribs” will come into play and allow Owens to get the win. Plus with Owens getting some positive mainstream media attention in Quebec, it makes sense to keep the title on him.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
James Cox: After a smash and grab last month at Night of Champions, Kevin Owens should retain here, but I fear that this feud must continue. If you haven’t already, check out Ryback on Table for 3 with Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler on the Network, it might change your views on him. Might. But there’s a ceiling on how good a match between these two can be in reality.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
Steve Khan: It feels like they’re going to drag out as many feuds as they can, but this shouldn’t be one of those feuds. Unlike Seth Rollins, Owens has a lot of potential challengers and will probably win here.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
Adam Stephen Kelly: Their match at Night of Champions was fine, if unremarkable. I enjoyed the psychology of Kevin Owens focusing on Ryback’s arm throughout. In fact, working over particular body parts seemed to be a theme of that show. I don’t mind Ryback at all, I think he’s decent for the role he plays on the roster, but this feud really doesn’t have anything going for it. Now is definitely not the time for Owens to drop the title, so hopefully he’ll retain in a more physical and hard-hitting match than their last, and the champ can move on to a more fitting opponent for his style.
Prediction – Kevin Owens
Paul Fontaine: These two are a really good pairing in my opinion and I think this program has a bit more life so I’m going to go against the grain here. Ryback is going to be more valuable going forward with Cena and Orton both out and I look for Owens to score the upset win and keep this program going through Survivor Series.
Bryan Rose: I’m guessing this is where the Dudleyz will finally win the tag titles. They really should have at the MSG show a few weeks ago, and it seemed like a lock, so in typical WWE fashion it didn’t happen and ended up being a lame DQ. They’ve been teasing on Smackdown that Xavier is gone, but I don’t see that happening long so I expect that to play a part in the match. I’m guessing Dudleyz win the titles, and the other two members of the New Day are put through tables as well.
Prediction – Dudley Boyz
Jeremy Peeples: The Dudleys probably should have won the titles in MSG if they were going to win this for this run. They’ve got far less momentum now, while the New Day is one of the company’s most over acts – and thus shouldn’t lose here. The New Day should win, but the Dudleys probably will to get the babyface pop and maybe start the show off hot.
Prediction – Dudley Boys
Adam Stephen Kelly: Let’s face it, the honeymoon period is over for the Dudleyz. It’s been terrific to see them back in WWE after nearly a decade “in obscurity”, but now the fanfare is over and they’re just another duo in an incredibly weak tag division. There was a glimmer of hope for tag team wrestling a couple of years ago with something of a renaissance in the division, but sadly it was short-lived, so it’s no surprise that one of the most successful tandems in history were immediately put into a feud with today’s hottest trio in the New Day. But where do you go from there? Where are the other credible teams? I think it’s safe to say that this rivalry has been dragged out long enough, and with the Dudleyz being screwed out of victories left, right and centre in the last couple of months, it’s time for them to win the titles. What I don’t understand is why this isn’t a Tables match. Surely with the sheer abundance of plunder we’ve seen since in this feud – and the fact that we’ve already seen this match on numerous occasions – it makes perfect sense, but I guess that will be the stipulation in the eventual rematch with the role reversal of the New Day hunting the gold.
Prediction – The Dudley Boyz
Kyle S. Johnson: That this is another championship match without a stipulation involving tables boggles my mind. Perhaps as mind-boggling: the decision to keep the belts on The New Day at the MSG special. The nostalgia buzz behind the Dudleys has been diminished through two months of chasing and consecutive DQ victories in title matches, and WWE not taking the opportunity of a match in front of a hot New York crowd to make the switch happen seems like a mistake. The New Day remains the most entertaining aspect of WWE programming on a weekly basis, enough so that they will survive just fine without the belts for a bit if need be. Since The Dudleys really have to win this match to stay relevant, they probably will, even if it’s about a month too late.
Prediction – The Dudley Boyz
Zach Dominello: As much as it saddens me, and despite the timing being off, I’m expecting the Dudleys to go over here. Of course, it would’ve made more sense for New Day to drop the titles to the Dudleys at MSG when the Dudleys still hot from their return, but making sense is not one of WWE’s top priorities. Fortunately, the New Day are talented and entertaining enough that dropping the titles won’t hurt them. Besides, if I’m thinking what WWE’s thinking, they won’t be completely titleless by the end of the night.
Prediction – The Dudley Boyz
James Cox: As great as The New Day are, it’s time for a title change here. The tug of war for the title can go on into Survivor Series but a tenth tag team title for The Dudley Boyz is the way to go here. If you don’t put the title on them here, you have to wonder where you go with them. Xavier Woods has been so great – if you’re at all interested, check out his color commentary work on Superstars, he’s clearly enjoying himself so much right now.
Prediction: The Dudley Boyz
Steve Khan: There are two ways to look at this. New Day can retain to keep them looking strong, or you can put the titles on the Dudleys to save their comeback run. Protecting a hot act is important, but New Day aren’t exactly the Shield and can afford to lose to keep this feud going. I can see the Dudleys having a short run leading up to a gimmick match, potentially at TLC in December, where New Day can defeat the tables/TLC experts and regain the titles. Also, they can be involved in a big 10-man match at Survivor Series to save us from seeing this match on a third straight PPV.
Prediction – The Dudley Boyz
Paul Fontaine – I picked the Dudley Boyz last month and obviously the prevailing opinion is that they win the titles here. I don’t know about that. The act has lost a ton of steam due to the popularity of the champs. If the Dudleys don’t win, it pretty much kills them but there aren’t really heel teams for the Dudleys to face. For that reason, I’m calling for the New Day to retain.
Bryan Rose: The divas title situation has been deflated big time in the last month. They get plenty of ring time, but they’re still being presented in the same way where they can’t possibly get over. This title program has been overshadowed by Paige turning heel and doing the crazy shtick that, in fact, did not get her over at all last year, so only makes sense to go back at it. This whole situation with Paige, plus the complete lack of build feels like it just doesn’t matter and to be it doesn’t matter who wins. Taking the title off Charlotte feels premature though, so I’m guessing she retains.
Prediction – Charlotte
Jeremy Peeples: They’ve done very little to build this up, so the result really doesn’t seem important. Charlotte has no reason to lose the title so soon, so I’ll go with her to win.
Prediction – Charlotte
Kyle S. Johnson: Incredibly, the Divas division is in complete disarray. The Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte feud seems to be an afterthought against the backdrop of the feud between Team Bella and Team BAD and Paige’s deal with Charlotte/Becky/Natty. With any luck, Charlotte will just win this match clean and convincingly, the team dynamic will continue to dissolve in the weeks thereafter, and the direction will eventually shift to Charlotte/Sasha/Becky feuding with one another for the title.
Prediction – Charlotte
Zach Dominello: Similarly to Kevin Owens, Charlotte dropping the title now would simply be the worst thing. So, that’ll probably happen. Preferably, Charlotte will retain and Team Bella will move away from the title picture allowing Charlotte to start a fresh program.
Prediction – Charlotte
James Cox: I see this as a grueling win for Charlotte, the blow off to segue into the next couple of contenders. Paige and Sasha Banks are lining up for their shot. I assume we see Paige come out at the end to show her intent. Let’s hope it’s half decent.
Prediction: Charlotte
Steve Khan: Nikki has been built up as a strong challenger, and even though the reasoning may be questionable, it’ll work out in the end if Charlotte wins. Charlotte feels cold as champion as the focus has been split too many different ways. They haven’t paid off the Natalya story yet, so Paige screwing Charlotte here doesn’t make sense and Nikki shouldn’t be champion. Charlotte should win and go over strong, and she probably will.
Prediction – Charlotte
Paul Fontaine – I’ll go with the gang here. It’s amazing that on an NXT show, I care most about the Women’s title but I couldn’t care less about this title at the moment. That’s what the main roster booking has done to both the title and Charlotte in particular. If Charlotte does retain, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to have her lose it on RAW in the next couple of weeks. The title will probably eventually end up on Sasha as a face but right now it sure seems like the champ retains.
Bryan Rose: This’ll be interesting for two reasons. One, the mystery guy aspect. Whoever it is, they’d need to take John Cena out long enough that it’d make sense storyline wise why he’d be out until late December. Two, I wonder if John Cena will even lose the United States championship. It makes all the sense in the world for Cena to drop it here if he’s taking a couple of months off, but then again titles mean so little nowadays it doesn’t really matter. I say whoever Cena faces will win, take the title, and put Cena on the shelf for the next couple of months. If you really want me to be bold when it comes to a guess, I’ll say Braun Strowman. Hey, he fits the bill!
Winner – Mystery dude
Jeremy Peeples: They’ve hinted at nothing for this, but haven’t had Kofi challenge and he’s in kind of a mini-program with New Day. I can see Kofi accepting this challenge after a tag title loss and then winning if Cena’s leaving for a bit.
Prediction – Challenger
Kyle S. Johnson: Will Cena’s opponent be a new face on the main roster? Will it be Dean Ambrose, the man who first accepted Cena’s U.S. Championship Open Challenge on the night after WrestleMania? Will it be Kofi Kingston, the lone member of The New Day not the challenge Cena in recent weeks? Whoever WWE has in mind, they’ll likely wind up taking the belt off of Cena to set him on his way for his sabbatical. This should be a cathartic moment in the half-year program of Cena’s Open Challenge, but a complete lack of build heading into this match could certainly hurt the effect.
Prediction – ???
Zach Dominello: I love a good mystery! The possibilities of who Cena’s challenger might be are endless. On top of that, Cena is reportedly taking some time off after Hell in a Cell which means the chances of him dropping the title are very good. It would great to see a returning star like Daniel Bryan accept the challenge, or perhaps Sami Zayn, who has had one of the best Open Challenge matches with Cena. We could see an Evolve name like Johnny Gargano, or a new face from NXT. Maybe Chris Jericho could make his 1000th surprise return. As I alluded to earlier, what I’m actually hoping for is one of the New Day takes on Cena. Big. E feels like the best fit against Cena, and the rest of the New Day could interfere so Cena doesn’t have to drop the title completely cleanly. The New Day incorporating Freebird Rules with the US title could make for some very entertaining programming.
Prediction – ??? (??? = New Day)
James Cox: Short of this being a ‘surprise’, whether that be an NXT graduate or a return, I would have to assume that this match is against Dean Ambrose after his match was ruined by Randy Orton’s shoulder injury. With Cena taking time off, the title ought to be vacated and they’re short of babyfaces. Ambrose with a title might be a good move. Mind you, has anyone seen Daniel Bryan of later…?
Prediction: Dean Ambrose
Steve Khan: They’ve known for weeks that Cena would be leaving at Hell in a Cell but didn’t bother building up an opponent. Dolph Ziggler seemed like a decent idea, but that’s out the window. It says something that there’s a pre-show match with six guys and five of them have taken this challenge and lost. They could debut somebody new to beat Cena and make an impact, but that seems unlikely.
Prediction – John Cena
Adam Stephen Kelly: The US Title Open Challenge has been a highlight of RAW during John Cena’s two recent tenures as champion. He’s been putting on great matches on a consistent basis at a level we haven’t seen from him in forever. I think WWE has succeeded in its objective to elevate the title in terms of its prestige, at least to a certain degree. While some say the obvious opponent is Kofi Kingston given Cena’s recent bouts with both Big E and Xavier Woods, I don’t think we’ll be seeing any repeat performances on Sunday night, and I’m sure that Woods’ place during the Tag Team Championship match will be ringside, trombone and all. Thinking out of the box, I’m torn between two picks: Daniel Bryan and Sami Zayn. While both have been on the injured list for quite some time, Zayn noted back in August that he’d be back on the road in a couple of months, and as far as Bryan goes, it’s always possible he could’ve been cleared by the doctor WWE wanted him to visit for the final word. It’d be poetic for either wrestler to make their return and emerge victorious.
Prediction – Daniel Bryan or Sami Zayn (new champion)
Paul Fontaine: So I think we have two predictions here. Who is the mystery challenger and who wins the match? In my opinion, the answer is the same. Tyler Breeze. How I see this going down is that they have the typical Cena 3.5 to 4 star match, with Cena doing everything he can to make Breeze into something. At some point, we get outside interference from whomever is going to be Cena’s next program when he comes back…maybe Sheamus. Breeze takes advantage of that and goes on to feud with Dolph Ziggler for the US belt.
Prediction – Tyler Breeze
Hell in a Cell: Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
Bryan Rose: I’m just kind of glad we’re finally seeing an end to this boring, meaningless feud that I’m pretty sure will rack up some votes as the worst of the year. Five months of back and forth feuding and trading wins and losses is just too much in this day and age, and I don’t think it’s helped Roman Reigns at all in becoming what WWE wants him to be. The verbiage between these two have been really bad at some points. The match…I don’t know. It’ll be either pretty decent, or completely uninteresting. If WWE has even a modicum of an inkling of how to get people over (and I question this) then Reigns should win.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Jeremy Peeples: Roman’s clearly the guy they want to be the man, while Bray has spent the better part of his time since WrestleMania 30 mired in mid-card Hell. Roman should win this, and a Bray win wouldn’t really accomplish much unless they decide to redo the Kane debut with Braun and give Bray a tainted win that way.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Kyle S. Johnson: The feud that never ends rolls into yet another pay-per-view. These two and their various seconds and thirds have traded wins for the last four months, and the stipulation of this match makes it feel as if this will be the blow-off. However, we’re still several months away from WrestleMania, and Reigns is still presumably being groomed for the main event. Keeping him in the feud with Wyatt lets him quietly build some momentum without thrusting him into the main event, and it keeps Wyatt and his crew occupied for the foreseeable future. I’d expect Reigns to get a conclusive win over Wyatt that will stand as a sort of watershed moment in his road to WrestleMania, but don’t be surprised if the feud continues for a month or two longer, possibly with a traditional Survivor Series match.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Zach Dominello: What’s most important here is that this match is the end of the Bray Wyatt/Roman Reigns program regardless of who wins or loses. Please just let the be the end. If my dream comes true and that is the case, I expect Reigns to defeat Wyatt. If this program is destined to continue, which is all too possible, Wyatt wins.
Prediction – Roman Reigns.
James Cox: The day that they get Bray Wyatt up against someone where it doesn’t just end up being a weird rivalry, will be a good day. Having said that, in a cell this could be a good match and a win for Reigns where he comes out looking strong could do his path towards WrestleMania some good. We hope for no interference, but the cell doesn’t even guarantee that anymore. I’m ready to see the back of this feud.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Steve Khan: The big benefit these two have is that their Cell match will go on before the other one, so all the little Hell in a Cell tricks will work in their favour. These two can brawl, but the feud has really sucked, so the crowd should be interesting. Reigns needs a win badly. I can see the Wyatts taking out Ambrose early, leaving Reigns on his own and battling to get the win. Whatever happens, a multi-man match at Survivor Series seems likely.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Adam Stephen Kelly: I’m looking forward to seeing the back of this feud, but at least we know that Hell in a Cell will be the blow-off. The stipulation makes for a fitting end to the madness, but I’d have preferred the match to be Last Man Standing or something so that the cell was exclusive to the Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker main event. There’s no way that Roman Reigns isn’t coming out on top. He’ll look very strong in the finish, while Bray Wyatt will move on to another opponent he can specifically target and then lose to.
Prediction – Roman Reigns
Paul Fontaine: I think this might actually be a good match but I suspect they’ll be playing to crickets. Tons of interference, despite the Cell, is almost a lock. Reigns almost has to win since he’s going to inevitably be challenging for the big belt at Mania unless Vince comes to his senses. Thankfully this feud will be over. There’s an outside chance that Ambrose turns on Reigns and costs him the match but that scenario would make more sense if the top 2 faces weren’t on hiatus for the next 2 months.
Jeremy Peeples: Unless they decide to have Sheamus cash in on Kane and then find a way to keep Kane as Corporate Kane without having him leave as champion, Seth is going to win this. They seem to be giving the WWE Champion some wins, so they know he needs to be protected and a loss to Kane isn’t the way to do it.
Prediction – Seth Rollins
Bryan Rose: I kind of want to see Kane win here. Seth Rollins, while not at a Rey Mysterio or Magnus level when it comes to worst world champions of all time, is pretty high on the list. He’s lost so many matches between August and now it’s baffling. Yes, Flair lost all the time, but that was in the eighties. This is today, and that can’t fly here. Kane is WWE’s constant band aid when it comes to looking for a main event title program and this one’s no different. Rollins is such a great main event level worker that the match itself I feel will be pretty decent. I’m just expecting a really screwy finish here that gives Rollins the victory for two reasons. One, it’s WWE in the year 2015 so no one can look too strong. Two, they need a way to continue this into next month. I really feel this is a feud that’ll last through at least TLC so they’ll need to find reasons to feud. I mean, I hope I’m wrong, but would you be surprised if that were actually the case?
Prediction – Seth Rollins via wacky finish
Adam Stephen Kelly: I’m surprised that Seth Rollins has lasted as long as he has as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Given his size and style, many had predicted long before The Shield broke up that Rollins would be the one most likely to be misused by the company and end up lost in the midcard. Of course, that theory was put to rest at the climax of WrestleMania, and we’re now six months into his title reign. He’s very much an interesting champion for interesting times, and was booked incredibly well in the beginning. But now? Hmm, not so much. Could the shock value of Kane winning the title be WWE’s answer to RAW’s ratings slump? Nothing would surprise me at this stage, only I hope that isn’t the reality come Sunday night.
Prediction – Seth Rollins
Kyle S. Johnson: WWE cannot be so ridiculous as to go with Kane as their World Heavyweight Champion in the middle of a historic ratings slump, can they? Almost certainly not. Seth Rollins, oddly enough, has built up a head of steam for himself with two(!!) consecutive wins on television. This shouldn’t be an incredible feat, but it somehow is. Kane was nowhere to be seen on television this week, so this match feels incredibly flat heading into Sunday. I expect Seth to win by hook or crook, and then let the chips fall where they may in terms of the Corporate/Demon Kane job dynamic.
Prediction – Seth Rollins
Zach Dominello: I’ll miss you most of all, Happy Go Lucky Director of Operations Corporate Kane. You were too good for this world.
Prediction – Seth Rollins
James Cox: This would provide the suitable out for Kane to leave The Authority. That story has well and truly run its course. Seth doesn’t need to drop the title yet and Kane certainly isn’t the man to take it. I just wonder if they can make this a good match – Kane is rarely very good in matches, let alone semi-main event spots. Seth is a remarkable performer but is losing and has been facing old guys who can just about still go in the last two months on ppv. We need to see him up against quality opposition and, no, that’s not Sheamus. How they solve that little issue is anyone’s guess.
Prediction – Seth Rollins
Steve Khan: Rollins should win and move on from this dreadful storyline immediately. We know this. But, again, I can see them wanting this keep this going as Rollins has nothing else lined up. Kane could win via DQ, which would protect him, keep the feud going, and keep him as director of operations. It’s the lamest possible finish, so that’s my prediction.
Prediction: Kane via DQ
Paul Fontaine: In the whacky world of WWE booking, the guy that wins on TV loses on PPV. Rollins has been on a mini streak since losing every match for over a month. Demon Kane lost on Monday night. That logic says all signs point to a Kane win. So that’s what’s going to happen and then Sheamus cashes in. This will mean his post-Christmas program with Cena means even more.
Prediction: Kane, but Sheamus leaves as champ
Hell in a Cell: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
Bryan Rose: This is another one of these trilogies that WWE love to book, but I find myself having little interest. I will admit their last match was really good, but the finish was so bad I can’t get myself excited for the third. Them being in a cell I think will hurt things more than anything. But I’m pretty sure it’ll at least be better than their Wrestlemania match, which was solid at best and I’m being kind of generous there. I think Lesnar needs to win, given the amount of money they pay him, plus he’s such a fascinating commodity, something WWE has little of right now, and having the 50+ year old Undertaker win this series really does no one any favors.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
Adam Stephen Kelly: In theory, this is one of the most epic rivalries of the last decade. The fact that Brock Lesnar broke The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak back in 2014 is still shocking to this day. With hindsight, there’s no denying that such an unforgettable moment was the perfect excuse to carry on the feud. It may have taken over a year to continue, but the SummerSlam rematch did not disappoint, blowing their WrestleMania encounter out of the water. Not only did the match deliver but the build-up was fantastic. It felt like must-see television and deserved its place as the main event. Hell in a Cell is a fitting stage for the conclusion of this story, and yet their final battle feels insignificant; fuelled by two months of extremely underwhelming hype. In the wake of Night of Champions, WWE seemed more concerned with promoting Lesnar’s match against The Big Show at the Live from Madison Square Garden special than his upcoming pay-per-view bout. The teased brawl in the opening segment of this week’s RAW felt like the kind of angle you would see two or three weeks prior to a pay-per-view, not on the go-home show, and with diminishing ratings, it made no sense to utilise both Lesnar and The Undertaker in the first segment when you already had Steve Austin kicking off the show. Why they didn’t advertise them for the second or third hour when RAW was up against an especially hot edition of Monday Night Football featuring the new Star Wars trailer premiere is beyond me. Lesnar should emerge from the cell victorious since he’s the most bankable star going forward. With this feud in the rearview mirror, it’ll certainly be interesting to see what WWE has in store for both wrestlers come WrestleMania 32.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
Jeremy Peeples: The hype for Summerslam’s match was fantastic, while this one has largely been built on the fumes of that. Taker redeemed himself this year with WM 30 and Summerslam, so it should be pretty good as a match. Brock should win this thing since he has more time left in the ring than the Undertaker probably does.
Kyle S. Johnson: What happened here? WWE managed to make the Summerslam rematch feel like the hottest thing in the company with one single brawl; for the Hell in a Cell rematch, there was an announcement out of nowhere during Night of Champions, and then almost nothing up until the go-home show. The build to this match seems incredibly paltry compared to Summerslam, and it pales even in comparison to some of the weaker builds of the past year. Still, despite an inexplicable lack of promotion, this should make for an enjoyable little bit of ultra-violence to send the audience home happy. Lesnar should win this one to help build toward his likely return to the title picture, and one has to wonder what the result will do in terms of setting up both men for their respective WrestleMania matchups.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
Zach Dominello: Uninspired build-up aside, this is a huge match. With one win a piece, this has been booked as the blow off match, and there’s no apparent reason to doubt it won’t be the final match of the series. So who ends this epic rivalry on top? Both men are expected to be at WrestleMania next year in Dallas, so ideally you want them both looking strong coming out of this match. That leads me to believe that we won’t get a clean finish. Whoever wins will likely do so in less than honourable fashion, possibly with some outside help, wanted or otherwise. That may also plant the seeds for at least one these two’s WrestleMania match next year. If that is the case, it’s not really about who wins or loses, but what the match sets up for their respective futures. Now having said all that, Brock Lesnar is currently WWE’s biggest star attraction, so if we do get a straightforward winner, I’d go with him.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
James Cox: So a clean finish here to end this feud is all we’re after. Well, that and a good match after such a meager and mediocre build this month. Lesnar’s the best things they’ve got and Undertaker can still ride off into the sunset at WrestleMania in Texas. It would be a courageous man to call this match any other way and I’m not that man, but I do think that this will a really good match. I hope we get some of the old Undertaker. In theory, this could be his penultimate WWE match, so I think he throws everything at it without being too wild or dangerous. The cell at least means that they can avoid to many suplexes, bumps and F-5s for Undertaker in his condition.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
Steve Khan: There’s no argument to be made for Undertaker winning. Their match at SummerSlam was great and this should be good too. Lesnar will likely beat him clean and they can even shake hands to keep Lesnar as a babyface moving forward.
Prediction – Brock Lesnar
Paul Fontaine: Lesnar has to win. I still have no idea why this match was booked for right now but perhaps we’ll find out during or right after this match. There must be a long-term idea here that this match plays into. Right? They can’t possibly just be hot-shotting for network buys. Regardless, the Cell should add something to this match as Undertaker Cell matches are usually pretty great. Hopefully Taker comes out of this match ok. I don’t have the slightest idea where either guy goes from here at this point.
WWE announced this morning that the WWE Network will be available in India starting on 11/2.
The price will be $9.99 in U.S. dollars with no commitment and the ability to cancel at any time. The network will be available on desktop, laptop and mobile devices.
The WWE is offering the first month free. It will be the same English language version as in the U.S. with 3,700 hours of video content.
Because the PPVs are part of the television deal in India, they will be blacked out live but will be available on the network on a one-day delay. When the current television deal regarding live broadcast of the PPVs expires at the end of 2016, the pay-per-views will air live in India on the network.
They announced that in India, the network will be available also on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Roku and Smart TVs.
The news was taken well on Wall Street and WWE’s stock has risen so far today from $19.24 per share to $20.64 per share.
– Air Date: October 22, 2015 – Location: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX
The Big News:
Tyler Breeze made a strong debut.
Show Recap:
Smackdown started with a cold open – Seth Rollins walked around backstage wearing a smile, until he ran into a gleeful Kane and stopped smiling. Rollins and asked why he’s here if he’s been suspended and Kane said his suspension was just for Raw.
Rollins told Kane he should enjoy his last night as director on Smackdown. Kane told him the fans will get one last chance to see Rollins as champion and he will open the show against a mystery opponent. Kane told Rollins not to feign another injury because you never know who will show up to stop him.
Kane kept walking and greeted Kofi Kingston and Big E, who looked very upset. Kane loved New Day’s positivity but they were both upset over their precious Xavier Woods going through a table on Raw. They both wore poorly made “XW” armbands in Woods’ honour. Kingston said they were supposed to be three unicorns spreading magic throughout WWE, but now they’re only two unicorns.
Kane faked playing a sad trombone (Xavier Woods must be spinning in his grave) and put them in a match against Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. New Day didn’t like this idea so Kane did the sad trombone noise again and left. Kane did this poorly and Kingston made sure to point that out. Kingston and Big E were great. Somewhere in here, Big E said Kane wasn’t the D.O.O. (Director of Operations), he was “B.O.O… T.Y. Booty!”
Seth Rollins beat Cesaro via pinfall
Rollins escaped a crossface early and bailed. He grabbed his title and they showed Stardust and The Ascension watching the match from the first row. Rollins began walking out, but as the referee’s count got to eight, he jumped back in the ring. Cesaro hit him with uppercuts and a dropkick and Rollins bailed again. Cesaro went after Rollins but Rollins tossed him into the barricade and steel steps.
Rollins had the heat after the break and hit a flying knee. Rollins went to the top but Cesaro dropkicked him to the outside and followed with a running uppercut. Cesaro posed in the crowd and they cheered loudly, including Stardust whose reaction was great. Cesaro caught him with a flying crossbody in the ring for a nearfall. Rollins connected with an enzuigiri and superkick for two.
Cesaro came back with a pop-up uppercut and followed with a crossface but Rollins squirmed to the ropes. Cesaro tried a superplex but Rollins slid out, wiped out Cesaro by the feet, and hit a pedigree for the win. This was really good. The finish was a little abrupt but the champ winning clean with his finisher is not a bad thing.
Backstage, Renee Young interviewed The Miz about interviewing Summer Rae and Dolph Ziggler. Miz said Summer had a huge announcement that would be trending everywhere. He asked Renee who does her hair and, before she could answer, told her to call his people.
They aired a video for their [corporate sponsor] cancer awareness month. It was actually a nice video and people cheered.
In the ring, Paige said she’s been accused of attacking Natalya but nobody believes that she didn’t do it. Paige said she only cares about the opinion of two people, Charlotte and Becky Lynch, and called them out. Paige started to ramble so Becky told her to hurry up and finish her empty speech.
Paige claimed to be sincere when she said she was happy that Charlotte and Becky got called up. Becky reminded Paige that she said Charlotte only won the title because of her father and called Becky irrelevant. Paige admitted she said some mean things but they’re a family.
Charlotte stopped her there and said she couldn’t understand where Paige was coming from. She said Paige should understand what it’s like winning your first [women’s] title but Paige was making it about herself again.
Team Bella interrupted. Nikki said nothing got in her way when she was champion and Brie asked if this was Smackdown or an episode of Pretty Little Liars. They cut to the ring and Paige mouthed “I don’t even know what that is.” Nikki called Charlotte “little miss Flair” and Paige “baby Beetlejuice.”
Nikki said she would win her title back, and Charlotte reminded her who the champion was. Charlotte offered to put the title on the line right now, but Paige stepped in and said Nikki would have to face her instead. Nikki accepted. Paige, Charlotte and Lynch were good here. The Bellas were the Bellas. Fox said nothing.
Nikki had the heat for a while but Paige came back with knees in the corner and a superkick. Nikki used the tights to toss Paige into the ropes and tried a cover holding the tights for a two count. Nikki hit a spinebuster and went for the rack attack but Paige tried a roll up with the tights for two. Paige followed with a fallaway slam for two.
Nikki came back with an Alabama Slam for two. Booker called it a sidewalk slam. Nikki tried an elbow smash, Paige ducked and tried another superkick, but Nikki countered into the elbow and nailed the rack attack for the win. Good match. Aside: Nikki’s pants are impossibly small and she looked down at her own boobs about five times.
The Miz was out for MizTV. He called out Ziggler and asked what it’s like to be tossed aside. Ziggler said Lana can do whatever she wants, but Summer was using him and he didn’t want any part of it. Miz called her out. Summer said it’s clear she proposed to the wrong man. Ziggler stopped her and said “I’m just not that into you, bro.” Summer laughed and said she was over Ziggler and she found a real man, which brought out the debuting Tyler Breeze.
Breeze came out in purple with his full entrance and selfie stick. He didn’t get a big reaction but people were chanting NXT. Breeze accused Ziggler of being stuck in 1985 because of his outfit and called himself the Gorgeous One, the King of Cuteville and the Sultan of Selfies, but introduced himself to Ziggler as Tyler Breeze.
Breeze said when he heard his Summer was being mistreated by some uggo (ugly person), he had no choice but to fly in from Monte Carlo to be with her. People chanted “Tyler’s gorgeous.” Breeze said he and Summer would give WWE a facelift and they took a selfie, which showed up on the big screen. “Prince Pretty has arrived.”
Ziggler said he’s seen guys like Breeze come and go and called him a lazy millennial. Breeze attacked him with a forearm for saying something so stupid and they brawled. Breeze got the better of it when he put Ziggler’s throat against the selfie stick and smashed it into a turnbuckle. He beat down Ziggler some more until referee broke it up. Breeze hit a spinning heel kick and took another picture with Summer. This was a good debut and it seems like the WWE crowd will get into Breeze as a heel if they keep him strong.
Sheamus & King Barrett (w/Rusev) beat The Lucha Dragons via pinfall
In an inset promo, Barrett said he and Sheamus have shared plenty of pints and have had many scraps, but they always emerge victorious when fighting back-to-back. Sheamus said they’ve decided to take their arse-kicking stills off the street and into the ring. Rusev screamed about crushing their opponents on Sunday. Barrett and Sheamus were amused.
Heels worked over Sin Cara until he tagged Kalisto who did his usual impressive-looking offense on Sheamus. The highlight of the match came next. Sin Cara went for a dive on Barrett to the outside, but Rusev ran and aggressively pushed Barrett out of the way, and Sin Cara splatted onto the mats. Kalito then hit a dive on Rusev as he argued with the referee.
Kalisto avoided an attack by Barrett but Sheamus caught him with a Brogue kick for the win. The finishing sequence was great and I like this heel trio. Kalisto was impressive too.
The announcers pushed the WWE Network and explained why you’re stupid if you order Hell in a Cell on pay per view.
Ryback beat Bo Dallas via pinfall
Bo cut a dumb promo about nothing before the match until Ryback interrupted. I was hoping Ryback would just kill him but they actually had a match scheduled. Bo got some offense, which is too much offense, but Ryback beat him with a clothesline and shell shocked.
Backstage, Kevin Owens told Renee that Ryback is a freak of nature and shows respect for previous champions. Owens said he’s not like that, but he’s the champion and asked Renee what that says about him. Renee said arrogance can be a dangerous tool. Owens said she can call it arrogance, but it actually means he’s better than Ryback. Owens said, as far as he’s concerned, the Intercontinental Title didn’t exist before he had it. HIAC would be the Kevin Owens Show and he will walk out as champion. Good promo.
They aired a video for Brock Lesnar vs. Undertaker
Non-Title: Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose beat WWE Tag-Team Champions Kofi Kingston & Big E via pinfall
Kingston touched his “XW” armband and pointed to the sky. Ambrose chopped Kingston and Big E yelled, “Protect yourself, Kofi!” Reigns tagged in and got a nice reaction and hit Kingston with a clothesline. Kingston immediately tagged out and Big E did his little dance at Reigns.
They went back and forth but Big E got the heat after pushing Reigns off the ring into the barricade. Reigns waited until after a commercial break to battle back and tag in Ambrose, who nailed a dive on Big E outside the ring. Kingston used a referee distraction to take out Ambrose and New Day regained control.
Kingston played hopscotch before doing his jumping leg drop. He tried a crossbody but Ambrose ducked and tagged in Reigns. Reigns used clotheslines in the corner and took out Big E with an apron dropkick. He gave Kingston one too, but used the announce table.
Ambrose hit a missile dropkick on Big E and both New Day members were sent to the outside. They bailed and went backstage, but The Dudleys backed them towards the ring. Ambrose and Reigns used a doomsday device on Big E, Reigns hit Kingston with a superman punch and spear for the win. This was fun.
Reigns and Ambrose posed and it seemed like the show was about to go off the air, but Bray Wyatt appeared on the screen. Bray said Reigns can’t outrun his fear and would see him in hell.
Final Thoughts:
Thumbs up for this show. Good wrestling up and down, and Tyler Breeze’s debut was well done. I’m also glad they did it on Smackdown instead of Raw.
Hugo Knox defeated Riddick Moss with a sunset flip of sorts. Crowd was quite into Hugo, his dancing is entertaining and his energy shines through. Moss’s work is good. He just needs direction or a character to work with. Knox, on the other hand, has an infectious energy with his dancing.
November 4th –
Asuka defeats Cameron via submission with the Asuka Lock
The crowd was behind Asuka completely including “Asuka’s Gonna Kill You” & “Asuka City” chants, there also isn’t much backlash towards Cameron, she’s just a heel working Asuka so it’s no big deal that she’s here. Asuka did her best to showcase submissions. Post match Asuka mocks Cameron by doing the Funkadactyl drop down while looking at the camera smiling. Crowd laughed big for this.
Bull Dempsey defeats Angelo Dawkins w/ Sawyer Fulton with his top rope seated maneuver
Bull does his usual routine and mocks Dawkins with his “Bull” front “Fit” back to his singlet, turning back and forth. Just a showcase for Bull here.
Eva Marie defeats Marley (aka Gionna Daddio) via pinfall
Immense heat on Eva, she is despised and thus lead to a good reaction for the debuting Marley, a house show favorite who people actually like. Post match people are booing Eva away and even chanting “That Was Stupid” at her win.
NXT Champion Finn Balor vs Apollo Crews ends in a DQ when Baron Corbin attacks Apollo after an outstanding match.
We get Crews’ entrance including the fog machines in front of his tron, we were very in to Apollo, singing and chanting for him. Then a huge reaction for Balor, the two stand face to face under a spotlight in the center of the ring as Finn is still wearing the title around his waist. In ring introductions to huge cheers, major big fight feel. The crowd was so conflicted as we would never booo either of these men, so it was cheering for one or the other or just clapping/stomping and moments of uncertainty. Excellent work here.
Apollo even got Finn up in the gorilla press, Finn got the knees up to counter the standing moonsault, there was also a big dive to the outside by Finn on to Apollo, late in the match Balor even hit a variation of the Bloody Sunday, the match was so deep in that people were feeling a title change before Baron Corbin ended it. The crowd was furious at Baron here, as he pummeled Crews first and Balor next before Samoa Joe makes the save, Joe stands over Finn and even helps him up before turning on him. Punches in the corner before a muscle buster in the center of the ring. Referees assist Balor to the back after some time. Looking forward to how this translates to tv, I’d say Balor v Crews was the best NXT match for both these men thus far, would love to see more of this someday.
November 11th:
Adrien Reese (aka Athena) defeats Peyton Royce after an incredible finisher, a leaping off the top rope stunner
Fans were in to Adrien from the start but increasingly reacted louder to her work, some smooth transitions, roll throughs, and that finisher got a giant “Whoah!” reaction and cheer for the finish. Great debut here.
Tye Dillinger vs. Baron Corbin never happens as Apollo Crews rushes the ring and lays in to Baron to a brawl
The people were going wild, an intense brawl where Apollo’s shirt even got ripped open during the fight. Baron is the most hated man in NXT, it also feels like Crews was elevated even with the non finish. He’s a star. Dillinger had new music, a good face reaction even before people knew he was facing Corbin, sadly we didn’t get to see any more of him at this set.
NXT Women’s Champion Bayley & The Hype Bros defeated Alexa Bliss, Wesley Blake, and Buddy Murphy when the Hype Bros hit the super rough ryder from the top
Amazing atmosphere for Bayley here, crowd was singing her theme song, singing chants for her “Heyyy We Want Some Bayley” a play on the New Day’s recent chant for themselves. This was all about Bayley yet Mojo and Zack were able to go with it, Mojo doing his “Hammer Time” wacky dancing, telling Blake & Murphy that they get “Zero Chicks” and building up to Bayley finally getting her hands on Alexa. Near the finish, Alexa slips away to steal the NXT Women’s title and run off with it, Bayley tries to go through the ring but Blake stands in front of her only to be hit with a Belly To Bayley which received a gigantic reaction, Bayley made her way after Bliss as the Hype Bros finished off Blake & Murphy for the win.
Nia Jax squashed Deonna Purrazzo
Bear hugs, tree slam, leg drop. We’ll be seeing similar matches for a while.
Dash & Dawson win the NXT Tag Team Championships from The Vaudevillains
This was completely unexpected, crowd was in to the Vauds early on and through the match yet seemed happy with the finish knowing how hard Dash & Dawson work. “You Deserve It” chants and you could see genuine emotion on Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder, these men are proud to be wrestlers and now champions.
– November 19th:
Samoa Joe makes his way to the ring for a promo, he’s met with booing and “Why? Joe, Why?” chants. He goes on to say he carried Finn to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic win, that he deserved a title shot from the day he walked in to NXT, that William Regal putting him in the battle royal was an insult. This leads to an angry Finn Balor on his way to the ring, referees and security try to cut him off and are in the ring between the two before Joe gets a cheap shot and is able to lock in the clutch, choking Finn out in the center of a dog pile of referees and security. Finn is again helped to the back after this segment.
Nia Jax defeated Carmella
Nia womanhandled Carmella here, winning easily with her slam and big leg drop. No sign of Enzo & Cass at these tapings.
Chad Gable & Jason Jordan defeated The Ascension with the assisted German suplex
The Ascension were out first to a gigantic ovation, these men are loved here. Then an equal and shocked reaction when Gable & Jordan’s music hit since we knew this would be good, these two are made men. The crowd continued singing “Gable – Jordan” to the tune of Kurt Angle’s old theme music, then The Ascension received “Yah” chants which lead to “Gable – Yah! – Jordan – Yah!” amongst other chants for both teams. Good match, crowd was super in to it. Post match The Ascension make their way back in the ring for a staredown followed by embracing and raising the winners’ hands. The Full Sail crowd appreciated this sportsmanship and endorsement.
Emma defeated Mary Kate aka Andrea via Emma Lock
Another fun case of when a veteran is not facing someone adored by the crowd, they’ll be cheered even as a heel. “Evil Emma” chants, quick showcase match for Emma. No sign of Dana Brooke on this set either.
NXT Tag Team Champions Dash & Dawson defeated Corey Hollis and John Skyler
Quick showcase match for the champs here, clean in the middle with their assisted codebreaker type finish.
NXT Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Alexa Bliss via pinfall with the Belly To Bayley
Alexa worked a lot of holds trying to slow the pace and keep Bayley under control. Crowd wasn’t expecting a title change here and there weren’t any intense near falls to worry about. Plenty of cheers and chants for Bayley along with taunts towards Alexa Bliss. Finish was mostly out of nowhere in the center of the ring. After Bayley celebrated for a moment Eva Marie’s music hit and she made her way to the ring to a chorus of booos. Now she has been boood before in NXT for her matches and it was pretty bad for her on stage interview.
This was the loudest negative reaction I have ever heard. She was boooed down and it was deafening. Bayley would lean in and try to hear what Eva was saying, then look back at us and her hand to her ear. This was unbelievable. After being booed out of the building, Eva left and Bayley was able to take the mic and say she accepts. I believe that title match will happen the first episode of the November 19th taping. Bayley’s music hit and everyone was sent home happy.
Welcome to my 5 year anniversary doing NXT reviews for WrestlingObserver.com! The very first match I reviewed was Kaitlyn vs Maxine, which won the 2010 Worst Worked Match Of The Year Award and somehow I came back for more!
-The show opened with a video package for the battle royal from last week. They actually aired almost every elimination, including about 20 seconds on the last two, before showing Apollo Crews standing victorious as your new #1 contender.
Asuka submitted Billie Kay
Asuka kicks things off this week. I haven’t had the chance to write this yet, but she has awesome theme music. Her foe this week is Billie Kay, whose claim to fame is she has the longest legs in NXT. I do like how they are long enough to touch the ground.
Billie grounded Asuka and Asuka stood up and smiled at her before slapping on a rolling arm bar, hitting a German Suplex and then a running knee to the head. Asuka finished things off with the Crossface Chicken Wing with a body scissiors, called the Asuka Lock.
-Last week Baron Corbin and Rhyno’s alliance sadly fell apart during the battle royal, so tonight they will go one on one in the main event.
-A Baron Corbin video aired. It’s actually the same one they aired months ago.
-Tyler Breeze cut a selfie promo on Samoa Joe. Breeze took offense to being eliminated last week and said that if he isn’t #1 Contender then Joe will never be. Breeze did challenge him to a match by threatening to slice off a couple pieces of bacon.
Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady defeated Dash & Dawson
Dash and Dawson do not get an automatic title shot after defeated The Vaudevillians during the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Instead they have to defeat a certifide G and a bona fide stud and his 7 foot tall friend.
The heels got the heat on Enzo the entire 2 minute match, working on his knee. Dawson knocked Colin off the apron, turned around and got small packaged by Enzo for the win.
After the match Dash & Dawson immediately took down Enzo, beat him down and then beat down Colin. They actually hit their double team Flapjack/Codebreaker on Colin.
-A Rhyno video aired. It included footage of him in the early-2000’s as ECW Champion, Hardcore Champion and US Champion and brought it full circle to him Goring the world while Paul Heyman’s 2001 commentary screaming “GORE GORE GORE” aired.
Quick joke. What candidate did Rhyno vote for in 2000? Al GORE! GORE! GORE! Okay I’ll stop now.
-Eva Marie is still on vacation. She hopes we all miss her and never forget about her.
James Storm pinned Danny Burch
Turns out Danny Burch is with a u. For some reason I have always been spelling it Birch. The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion is making his debut. They acknowledged he was in WCW for a cup of coffee, but said he spent the last 15 years on the Independent scene. The fans gave him quite the ovation and the announcers put him over big. The fans chanted “You belong here”.
Storm looked good here, winning the match with the 8 Second Ride. Let it be known his debut was better than Chris Harris’ WWE debut. He did scream “Sorry about your damn luck” at Burch afterwards.
-Finn Balor vs Apollo Crews for the NXT Championship in 2 weeks, which led to an Apollo video package. This was a really good video package, including talking about him being an Ultimate Warrior fan and begging his Mom to buy him a toy belt. They also included footage of him in Evolve.
-A Nia Jax video aired. It will not be 8 weeks until her next match, it will only be one.
Alexa Bliss pinned Peyton Royce
I haven’t heard such a quiet crowd in NXT history as I did for Peyton Royce’s entrance. Despite their apathy there were about 10 people trying to start a Peyton Royce chant.
Alexa Bliss is so short (how short is she?). Alexa Bliss is so short that she stood on Peyton at one point and was barely a hair taller than the referee. Peyton kicked Alexa a lot, but it just led to Alexa doing more offense. Bliss did a standing Moonsault, but ended it with double knees to the gut. She did win with the Sparkle Splash.
After the match Alexa cut a promo on Bayley, saying that Alexa is what everyone strives to be and she was made to be NXT Women’s Champion.
-Next week: Samoa Joe vs Tyler Breeze
Baron Corbin pinned Rhyno
Main event time. These two sports entertained at NXT Takeover: Unstoppable in May, which was Corbin’s best (and longest) match until the Joe match in August.
Rhyno beat on Baron until Corbin rolled outside the ring. Rhyno ran after him, but Corbin shoved him and eventually threw him into the ring steps to take over. Rhyno almost didn’t get back in the ring before the 10 count. Back in the ring Corbin hit every move that never beats anyone and then got frustrated when Rhyno didn’t lose to them.
Corey Graves made a comment about how Mike Tyson came out of nowhere to win the Heavyweight Boxing Championship, which is complete bs. Tyson made quite the name for himself and was pretty well known before he went for the title.
Rhyno made his comeback, hitting his belly to belly suplex and the Double A Spinebuster for a near fall. He went for the Gore, got kicked in the face, hit it a second time and somehow Corbin kicked out at 2. Rhyno went for another Gore, but Corbin turned it into End of Days for the win.
-The show ended with Samoa Joe cutting a promo on Tyler Breeze backstage. Joe called him a desperate man and in his desperation he cost Joe his rightful title shot. He said Tyler had the audacity to call him out and Joe asked him to take the very best picture he could because after next week he will never look the same again.
A great promo to end the show and we are done for the week. Thanks for checking things out, see you next week and remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!
Submitted by Travis Banks from the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX
Pre-Show Notes:
– Arena is roughly 3/4 empty. Maybe 4000 total in attendance. Security telling everyone to only stand and make noise during entrances.
Dark Match:
– Dudley Boyz def. The Ascension with the 3D
– Mark Henry def. Brad Maddox with the World’s Strongest Slam. Henry gives his shirt to his family in the crowd.
Main Event:
– Sasha Banks w/ Team BAD def. Brie Bella w/ Team Bella with the Bank Statement
– Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan def. The Prime Time Players with a Strowman bearhug on Titus
– WWE Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens def. Neville with a Pop Up Powerbomb. During the match, Owens tried to run around ringside and hide. Security forced anyone who stood up to sit back down, some almost violently.
Smackdown:
– Show begins with Seth Rollins arriving backstage. He is booked in a match against a mystery opponent by Corporate Kane. New Day asks Kane for the Dudleys but get booked against Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.
– WWE Champion Seth Rollins def. mystery opponent Cesaro with the Pedigree. Stardust is in the crowd in the “Stardust Section”.
– Paige is out to explain that she didn’t attack Natalya last week. She invites Becky and Charlotte out, and they accuse Paige of being jealous. Bellas come to the stage and ask if they’re watching Pretty Little Liars. Paige challenges Nikki to a match, which is next.
– Miz TV with Dolph Ziggler and Summer Rae is announced. Miz is backstage with Renee Young and says Summer has a bomb to drop.
– Nikki Bella def. Paige with the Rack Attack. Both have their teams at ringside but neither get involved.
– Miz TV with Dolph Ziggler and Summer Rae. Summer introduces her new man, Tyler Breeze. He says he and Summer Rae of Sunshine will give WWE a makeover. Dolph calls Breeze a lazy millennial but Breeze attacks and does a beatdown.
– Sheamus and Wade Barrett (w/ Rusev) def. The Lucha Dragons with a Brogue Kick.
– Ryback def. Bo Dallas. Owens is interviwed backstage and says he is better than Ryback and will prove it Sunday.
– Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose def. New Day with a spear on Kofi. Post match Bray Wyatt on the tron tells Roman he will see him in hell.
After the show Wyatt and Rowan come out and fight Reigns and Ambrose and get thrown out of the ring.
Louis is growing his hair out, seemingly leaving the bald monster persona behind. Tucker & Marcus were half way to the ring when the Hype Bros music hit and the two sprinted past them to get everyone fired up. The crowd was all over Tucker Knight for his silver boots, always a fun live event tradition, even singing songs about them. Ryder took a beating here until making the hot tag to Mojo who ran wild before tagging in Ryder to hit the electric chair rough ryder from the top for the win.
Apollo Crews beat Elias Samson
Elias makes his way to the ring with his guitar to be interviewed by our hostess Dasha Fuentes, he begins playing his guitar and does a fun song insulting the town they’re in as he does at each event. Apollo’s music hits to a good reaction, plenty of chants for Crews as Elias worked holds during this match. Towards the end Crews got a hold of Samson’s guitar and held it over the side of the ring threatening to drop it, then threatened to play it, all to infuriate Samson. After the guitar was safe the finish saw Crews fire back and hit his new finish a big scoop slam variation for the win. Apollo Crews has a lot of fan support growing here.
Gionna Daddio & Aliyah the former Jasmin aka Nhooph Al-Areebi were out to talk to the crowd, very energetic and likable babyfaces here, talked about being the youngest divas in NXT and were proud to follow in the footsteps of those who started the Divas Revolution, mentioning Bayley, Sasha, Becky, and Charlotte. Which lead to Emma & Eva Marie interrupting them, Emma proclaimed she started the Divas Revolution, crowd was anti Eva Marie here, booing her down so she put her arms up and twirled to soak in the attention and encourage it. During the verbal exchange the heels took cheap shots and laid out the two youngsters leading to referees rushing the ring attempting to break it up and check on the roughed up divas.
Riddick Moss def. Levis Valenzuela Jr.
Valenzuela is charismatic, likable and plausible as his persona, his dancing and proclaiming “Fiesta” brings the people in and his taunts received actual laughs from the crowd, the best being “Booo this man, he sucks!” as he pointed at Riddick. Simple yet wonderful when the wrestler has charm the way Levis does. Moss is technically sound and plays the straight heel to Levis’ flamboyant babyface.
Chad Gable & Jason Jordan beat Dash & Dawson
A great reaction for Gable & Jordan, these are made men after that performance at Takeover Respect. The singing of their names to the old Kurt Angle theme is very over, with Jordan even encouraging it along. Dash and Dawson are also well respected by the local crowds and strong, rough, and tough workers. A very good tag match as one would expect, and in the end Gable & Jordan get the win with the assisted German suplex. Jordan and Gable feel like a cut above with their athleticism, they are amazing wrestlers.
Hugo Knox beat Sawyer Fulton
Knox is another non-tv wrestler with personality that already shines through, his dancing and party boy attitude got a lot of “Go Hugo” and other chants of encouragement. Fulton is big and scary, so the dynamic of this match was the serious heel getting frustrated by the fun loving face and finally getting beat.
Gionna Daddio storms out from the back with a mic to call out Emma and Eva Marie, she says they don’t know who they’re messing with and she’s from Jersey. The heels make their way down and take each side of the ring asking her what she’s going to do, which leads to Gionna declaring she wasn’t challenging them alone…
Asuka & Gionna Daddio beat Emma & Eva Marie
Huge pop for Asuka, this woman is a star. Emma’s nightmare continues as Asuka seems to be following her at every turn both on tv and on live events. Good heel work by Eva Marie in this match, taunting Gionna while in holds, embracing the heat. Hot tag to Asuka who laid in some ferocious kicks to Eva Marie at one point. Tag to Gionna who hit a crossbody for the win. Gionna has a lot of potential, as many of our non tv wrestlers on this show, the personality and likability is already there. Emma & Asuka did a good job here keeping everything going.
Baron Corbin beat Solomon Crowe
Heel heat for Corbin is not only on NXT tv but also at live events, there are always hecklers and those who get Baron’s attention only to get taunted right back. Crowe is out with an altered look, Orange sleeveless zip up hoodie, the sides of his head shaved and looking quite intimidating. Hard hitting match here, big moves in this one, Baron prevails with the End Of Days for the win and a chorus of booos.
Blake & Murphy w/ Alexa Bliss & Tye Dillinger vs. The Vaudevillains & Finn Balor went to a no contest once Alexa Bliss interfered, leading to Bayley running in to have the match restarted as an 8 Person Tag.
WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor, WWE NXT Women’s Champions Bayley & WWE NXT Tag Team Champions The Vaudevillains beat Tye Dillinger & BAMF
BAMF entered first to their dubstep music which always gets them heat, Dillinger even as a heel is well liked at live events, and his Ten gimmick is over, even Alexa Bliss was holding up the two hands open Ten sign during his entrance.
The Vaudevillains are quite popular at live events as well, superstar reaction to Finn Balor. The current non-demon persona with the leather jacket has included an attitude of confidence, he is the main event. Finn joins in posing with Gotch and English pre match and is entertained himself with their ole timey antics, including some awkward stretching by Simon Gotch.
The match took off once it was restarted as Bayley is another true main eventer here in NXT, the place lit up, people jumped out of their seats at her music. Finn Balor himself was leaping and punching the air as Bayley laid into Alexa Bliss. Finn was ecstatic to see Bayley and was her biggest fan. This match then went all over the place including all six men in a long connected submission hold with Finn at the end holding a Boston Crab on Murphy, yelling to ASK THEM.
Then all hell broke loose, Aiden English hit a Stone Cold Stunner on one of BAMF and this lead to Bayley hitting one of her own on Alexa Bliss. The place was going crazy. The ring clears and Bayley is seemingly alone as Bliss is down and the men are all on the outside. As Tye Dillinger comes face to face with Bayley in the center of the ring, putting his hands in her face with his Ten gesture, and in the greatest moment of the night Bayley wraps her arms around Dillinger and hoists him up for the Belly To Bayley. Leaping to her feet and pumping her fist after hitting him to the mat, the crowd was electric.
Balor then goes to the top and nails the Coup De Grace on Dillinger for the pin. The babyface champions all celebrated, hugs for all. Bayley even Too Sweeted Finn Balor, everyone left this show happy.
