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  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (05/1): Backlund vs. Inoki; John Cena & Christian win WWE gold

    1969 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk, Jr. wrestled Dick Murdoch to a time limit draw 

    1976

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher beat Ox Baker & Chuck O’Connor to win the WWA Tag Team Title in a steel cage match
    – The Strangler beat Pepper Gomez to win the WWA title
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Art Thomas
    – Art Thomas won a 16 man battle royal
    – Bounty Hunters beat Steve Regal (sub Bob Kelly) & Bobby Bold Eagle
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Blackjack Heddon (sub Baron Von Krupp)
    – Johnny Starr beat Raoul Guzman
    – Moose Cholak beat Emile Zapata
    – Paul Christy beat Cashbox Jim Kent

    1980

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat the Crusher dq
    – Dino Bravo no contest Jerry Blackwell
    – Greg Gagne beat Super Destroyer Mark II
    – Super Destroyer Mark III beat Bobby Heenan
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Mad Dog Vachon & Steve Olsonoski
    – Little Bruiser & Lone Eagle beat Billy the Kid & Tom Thumb

    1981 

    Gainesville, Georgia:
    – Harley Race defeated Tommy Rich for the NWA World Heavyweight Title 

    Richmond, Virginia:
    – Gene & Ole Anderson defeated Paul Jones & Masked Superstar for the NWA World Tag Team Title 

    Mexico City, Mexico;
    – Bob Backlund defended the WWF title against NWF World champion Antonio Inoki, wrestling to a draw in a 2 out of 3 falls match

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura in a non-title Cage Match
    – The Crusher and Jerry Blackwell went to a double disqualification
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat Tito Santana
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Big John Studd 
    – Ray Stevens beat Buck Zumhofe

    1983 

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Tommy Rich & Paul Orndorff defeated Larry Zbyszko & Killer Brooks a
    – Tony Atlas defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification
    – Bob Roop defeated Joe Lightfoot
    – Ray Candy defeated Chick Donovan
    – Arn Anderson & Matt Borne (w/ Paul Ellering) defeated Brian Blair & Tito Santana
    – Ron Garvin defeated the Iron Sheik (w/ Paul Ellering)
    – Dick Murdoch defeated Buzz Sawyer via count-out

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Greg Valentine defeated NWA U.S. Champion Roddy Piper to win the title 
    – NWA World Tag Team Champions Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood defeated Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle
    – Keith larsen defeated Ken Timbs
    – Jos LeDuc defeated Rick Harris
    – Bugsy McGraw defeated the One Man Gang
    – Jake Roberts defeated Mike Graham
    – Dick Slater defeated Sweet Brown Sugar
    – Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Angelo Mosca & Gene Anderson
    – Jimmy Valiant defeated the Great Kabuki in a New York Street fight

    1987

    Euguene, Oregon:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel drew Curt Hennig
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Midnight Rockers beat Mike Miller & Rip Oliver
    – Jimmy Snuka beat Larry Zbyszko dq
    – Assassin & Ricky Santana beat Kevin Kelly & Doug Somers
    – Art Crews beat Scott Peterson
    – Joey Jackson drew Coco Samoa
    – George Skaaland drew Buddy Wolff
    – Mark Young beat Mighty Sputnik
    – Sherri Martel beat Madusa Meceli

    Atlanta, Georgia:
    – The New Breed, Chris Champion & Sean Royal defeated Jeff Sampson & Jeff Belk
    – Baron Von Raschke defeated Thunderfoot #1
    – Vladimir Pietrov defeated Jimmy Valiant
    – The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeated Bob & Brad Armstrong
    – Barry Windham defeated Lex Luger via disqualification
    – Arn Anderson & NWA World TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Ole Anderson & Tim Horner
    – NWA U.S. Champion Nikita Koloff defeated Ivan Koloff in a Russian chain match
    – NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Garvin in a lumberjack match 

    1988

    Indianapolis, Indiana:
    – Jimmy Garvin defeated Kevin Sullivan
    – Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner defeated Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane
    – Steve Williams defeated NWA World Tag Team Champion Arn Anderson
    – The Road Warriors defeated the Powers of Pain
    – Lex Luger & Nikita Koloff defeated the Sheepherders
    – Dusty Rhodes fought NWA World Tag Team Champion Tully Blanchard to a double countout when both men began fighting on the floor
    – NWA World Champion Ric Flair pinned Sting

    1993

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Brian Christopher defeated Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title 

    1994

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Shinya Hashimoto defeated Tatsumi Fujinami for the IWGP Heavyweight Title 

    1995

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jerry Lawler defeated Razor Ramon for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title 
    – PG-13 defeated Brickhouse Brown & The Gambler for the USWA Tag Team Title

    1998

    Greenville, South Carolina:
    – Booker T defeated Chris Benoit for the WCW World Television Title 

    Tokyo, Japan:
    – Satoru Asako defeated Yoshinobu Kanemura
    – Manukea Mossman (Tayyo Kea) defeated Daisuke Ikeda
    – Jumbo Tsuruta, Rusher Kimura & Mitsuo Momota defeated Masa Fuchi, Haruka Eigan & Tsuyoshi Kikichi
    – The Headhunters defeated Tamon Honda & Shigeo Okumura
    – Johnny Smith & Wolf Hawkfield (Jim Steele) defeated Gedo & Jado
    – Akira Taue, Takao Omori & Masao Inoue defeated Mike Awesome, Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Hideki Hosaka
    – Steve Williams & Gary Albright defeated Masahito Kakihara & Yoshihiro Takayama
    – Giant Baba, Kentaro Shiga & Hayabusa defeated Hakushi, Jun Izumida & Giant Kamala II
    – Jun Akiyama defeated Hiroshi Hase
    – Kenta Kobashi & Johnny Ace defeated Vader & Stan Hansen
    – Toshiaki Kawada defeated Mitsuharu Misawa to win the All Japan Triple Crown

    2005

    WWE Backlash | Manchester, New Hampshire:
    – Tyson Tomko defeated Val Venis
    – Shelton Benjamin defeated Chris Jericho to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship    
    – The Hurricane and Rosey defeated Tajiri and William Regal, The Heart Throbs (Antonio and Romeo), Simon Dean and Maven, and La Résistance (Robért Conway and Sylvain Grenier) in a Tag Team Turmoil match to win the World Tag Team Championship    
    – Edge defeated Chris Benoit in a Last Man Standing match
    – Kane (with Lita) defeated Viscera (with Trish Stratus)
    – Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels defeated Muhammad Hassan and Daivari    
    – Batista defeated Triple H (with Ric Flair) to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

    2011

    WWE Extreme Rules | Tampa, Florida:
    – Kofi Kingston defeated Sheamus to win the US Title in a Tables Match
    – Christian won the World title in a ladder Match defeating Alberto del Rio 
    – John Cena won the WWE title in a three-way cage match defeating The Miz and John Morrison

  • NXT Cocoa Beach, FL, live results: Samoa Joe teams with The Revival

    Approximately 200 in attendance here in Cocoa Beach Saturday night.

    – No Way Jose beat Mojo Rawley

    Fun opener. Mojo was the more aggressive of the two faces working over Jose, throwing him in o the corner and doing the Stinger Splash. Mojo even hit a pounce, knocking Jose out of the ring. But Jose fired up, hit the baseball punch, and the half-nelson slam for the win.

    – Patrick Clark beat Dan Matha

    Impressive showing by Patrick, hitting an excellent drop kick and playing the fiery babyface. Matha is a large, yet athletic heel, with a lot of upside. Patrick won with a crossbody off the top.

    – Carmella beat Aliyah

    Great reaction for Carmella as the crowd finished her promo for her and went wild for her signature spots. Aliyah has improved a lot recently and works as a heel very well, using holds like an Indian deathlock and cutting off Carmella aggressively when she had the chance. Carmella hit her finishing sequence of a big kick, bronco buster, and leg headlock for the win.

    – Tino Sabbatelli beat Chris Girard

    Very good match. Tino played the arrogant heel and Chris Girard as the aggressive fighter. Tino’s power was just too much for Girard in the end as he won it.

    – Mikey Nicholls and Shane Veryzer beat The Authors of Pain (Dhinsa and Selmani)

    The Authors Of Pain worked as methodical monster heels, but the speed and athleticism of Mikey and Shane were just too much to handle. Crowd was very into this match and lit up for the hot tag, Nicholls ran wild with some impressive kicks and was part of a double team move to finish off the match. Another great showing by the former TMDK in front of an unfamiliar crowd.

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka and Adrien Reese beat Nia Jax and Mandy Rose

    Star reaction for Asuka and the match was build around her as you might expect. Nia would destroy Adrien then allow Mandy to pick the scraps. Asuka finally got the hot tag and ran wild, hitting a vicious knee on Mandy that would make Hideo Itami proud. Asuka won with her head kick then celebrated with the fans ringside.

    – Elias Samson beat Noah

    The crowd was all over Samson as he insulted them in song form before Noah made his way to the ring. The Hawaiian born Noah wants to make friends but the Drifter has none of it and proceeds to work him over and apply headlocks. Drifter wins it with his neckbreaker.

    – Finn Balor, Tye Dillinger & Manny Andrade beat NXT Champion Samoa Joe & The Revival 

    Excellent main event with everything you’d expect. You got a superstar pop for Balor, who was on fire all through the match. Amazing finishing sequence where Andrade did a plancha to the outside on Joe to leave Finn free to hit the double foot stomp off the top on both Revival members and then pin the legal man for the win.

  • Former UFC, Strikeforce & Bellator heavyweight headed to prison

    Former UFC, Bellator, and Strikeforce heavyweight Lavar “Big” Johnson was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday stemming from an August arrest on domestic battery charges.

    Based on an incident on August 11, Johnson was charged with corporal injury on a spouse/co-habitant, assault likely to produce great bodily harm, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and dissuading a witness by force.

    He was charged with punching, kneeing, and slamming his girlfriend’s head on the ground and the wall. Johnson told the judge he was ashamed and embarrassed about the ending of the seven-year relationship, and had friends speak and write for him to try and get the sentenced reduced.

    Judge Glenda Allen-Hill wasn’t moved by the testimony, pointing to the severity of the beating and also that it wasn’t a first time occurrence as Johnson was sentenced to 14 days in jail and three years probation and forced to undergo alcohol counseling after a 2007 incident with a different girlfriend. He was also jailed for 30 days for criminal threats and disobeying a domestic relations order.

    Hill noted that he could have stopped and not inflicted so much damage on his victim, but he did not stop.

    Johnson (18-10) was noted for having a great physical similarity (and same last name) to Dwayne Johnson as he’s 6-foot-4, 255 pounds bald, muscular, and with similar tattoos. He was known as a “kill or be killed” heavyweight as in his 28 pro fights, only one went the distance, a UFC fight with Brendan Schaub where Schaub took him down and held him down for three rounds.

    Over the last six years, Johnson had 11 pro fights (4-11), nine of which ended in the first round. He came to the UFC in 2012 when UFC brought all the Strikeforce heavyweights into the promotion and went 2-2 in four fights, cut after the loss to Schaub.

    He was signed by Bellator and had lost three of his last four fights with his last fight on September 5, 2014.

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (4/30): Superstar Billy Graham wins WWWF World Title; The Rock wins WWF Title

    1964 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Dick the Bruiser 
    – The Crusher beat Wilbur Snyder
    – Doug Gilbert & Rene Goulet beat Hans Schmidt & Tiny Mills 2 out of 3 falls
    – Mitsu Arakawa beat Jack Pesek

    1966

    St. Paul, Minnesota:
    – Cage Match: Crusher beat Chris Tolos 2 out of 3 falls (Special Referee: The Alaskan)
    – Larry Hennig beat Verne Gagne dq
    – Steve Druk beat The Alaskan 
    – Reggie Parks beat Bob Morgan
    – Chris Markoff beat Johnny Kace
    – Mark Starr beat Guy Taylor

    1968

    Moline, Illinois:
    – Larry Hennig & Harley Race & Mad Dog Vachon beat Verne Gagne & Doug Gilbert & Bill Watts
    – Dutch Savage beat Dr X COR
    – Big K beat Rene Goulet
    – Mad Dog Vachon drew Doug Gilbert (sub Mighty Igor Vodik)

    1970

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – The Stomper & Bob Geigel defeated Baron Von Raschke & Harley Race  

    1976

    Denver, Colorado:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Larry Hennig dq 
    – Verne Gagne & Greg Gagne beat Bobby Duncum & Bobby Heenan
    – Mad Dog Vachon beat Jim Brunzell
    – Blackjack Lanza drew Russ Francis 

    1977

    Baltimore, Maryland:
    – Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bruno Sammartino to win the WWWF World Heavyweight Title 

    1980 

    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Greg Gagne 
    – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura went to a no contest with AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon
    – Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes
    – Jerry Blackwell beat Johnny War Eagle
    – Gino Brito beat Mad Dog Lefebvre

    1983

    Greensboro, North Carolina:
    – Greg Valentine defeated Roddy Piper for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight Title 

    1998

    Augusta, Georgia:
    – Chris Benoit defeated Booker T for the WCW Television Title  

    2000 

    WWE Backlash: Washington, DC:
    – WWF World Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian defeated Road Dogg & X-Pac 
    – WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Dean Malenko defeated Scotty Too Hotty
    – Big Bossman & Bull Buchanan defeated The Acolytes
    – WWF Hardcore Champion Crash Holly defeated Tazz, Hardcore Holly, Perry Saturn, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy in a six-way match 
    – The Big Show (dressed as Hulk Hogan and calling himself the “Showster”) defeated Kurt Angle 
    – Test & Albert defeated The Dudleys (Bubba & D-Von) 
    – WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero defeated Esse Rios
    – WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Benoit defeated Chris Jericho via DQ
    – The Rock defeated Triple H to win the WWF World Heavyweight Title (Shane McMahon special referee)

    2006 

    WWE Backlash:
    – Goldust defeated Rob Conway    
    – Carlito defeated Chris Masters    
    – Umaga (with Armando Alejandro Estrada) defeated Ric Flair    
    – Trish Stratus defeated Mickie James by disqualification in a match for the WWE Women’s Championship
    – Rob Van Dam defeated Shelton Benjamin to win the WWF Intercontinental Title
    – Big Show vs. Kane ended in a no contest
    – The McMahons (Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon) defeated Shawn Michaels and God in a No Holds Barred tag team match    
    – John Cena defeated Triple H and Edge (with Lita) in Triple threat match to retain the WWE Championship

  • Daily Pro Wrestling History (4/29): Pillman Memorial Show, Inoki vs. Flair; Giant wins WCW World Title

    1926

    St. Louis, Missouri:
    – World Heavyweight Champion Joe Stecher beat John Pesek in 2 out of 3 falls to retain the title (newspapers reported a gate of $28,000 and 8,000 fans. Reportedly, promoter Tom Packs guaranteed $30,000 for the title match)

    1965 

    Kansas City, Kansas: 
    – Doug Gilbert defeated Bob Brown
    – Sonny Myers defeated The Red Raider
    – Bob Geigel defeated Don Soto
    – Johnny Valentine defeated Steve Bolus
    – Pat O’Connor defeated Art Neilson 
    – The Missouri Mauler defeated Ron Reed via DQ in three falls

    1966 

    Denver, Colorado:
    – Ernie Ladd & Wahoo McDaniel beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race on a 3rd fall dq
    – The Crusher defeated Chris Tolos
    – Dick The Bruiser defeated Dory Funk 
    – Verne Gagne beat Bill Melby

    1971

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Strong Kobayashi
    – Gene Kiniski beat Blackjack Lanza
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Big K
    – Bobby Jones beat Pete Mymko
    – Bobby Heenan beat Tony Condello

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr. and Danny Little Bear were both counted out in the third fall 
    – The Stomper beat Baron Von Heisinger 
    – Harley Race beat The Viking 
    – Buddy Austin and Bob Orton beat Tony Russo and Bobby Whitlock 
    – Rufus R. Jones defeated Benny Ramirez

    1975

    Omaha, Nebraska: 
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Superstar Billy Graham & Dusty Rhodes in a 2 out of 3 falls match (special referee was Khosrow Vaziri (Iron Sheik)) 
    – Greg Gagne beat Paul Perschmann (Playboy Buddy Rose)
    – Ivan Putski no contest Baron Von Raschke 
    – Billy Robinson drew Horst Hoffman
    – Jim Brunzell beat Boris Breznikoff

    1976

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – Verne Gagne no contest AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel
    – Loser Leaves Town: Larry Hennig & Jos Leduc beat Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant
    – Jim Brunzell beat Bobby Duncum
    – Greg Gagne beat Mad Dog Vachon dq
    – Russ Francis drew Baron Von Raschke
    – Chris Taylor beat Kim Duk

    1984

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Cage match: The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke & Dick The Bruiser beat Jesse Ventura & Mr. Saito & Jerry Blackwell
    – Nick Bockwinkel beat AWA Champion Jumbo Tsuruta dq
    – Road Warriors beat Curt Hennig & Ronnie Garvin
    – Harley Race no contest Jim Brunzell
    – Blackjack Mulligan beat Ken Patera
    – Billy Robinson beat Larry Zbyszko
    – Fabulous Ones beat Steve Regal & Kevin Kelly

    1995

    Pyongyang, North Korea:
    – Hiro Saito defeated Yuji Nagata
    – Black Cat defeated El Samurai
    – Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) defeated 2 Cold Scorpio
    – Scott Norton & Masahiro Chono defeated Akira Nogami & Takayuki Iizuka
    – Road Warrior Hawk defeated Tadao Yasuda
    – Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Hiroshi Hase & Kensuke Sasaki 
    – Akira Hokuto defeated Bull Nakano
    – Antonio Inoki defeated Ric Flair

    1996 

    Battle Formation: Tokyo, Japan:
    – Yuji Nagata & Tokimitsu Ishizawa defeated Shinjiro Ohtani & Koji Kanemoto 
    – Riki Choshu, Takashi Iizuka, Osamu Nishimura & Satoshi Kojima defeated Shiro Koshinaka, Kuniaki Kobayashi, Tatsutoshi Goto & Akira Nogami 
    – Great Sasuke defeated Jushin Liger to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title
    – Randy Savage defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan
    – Masahiro Chono defeated Lex Luger
    – The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) & Power Warrior (Kensuke Sasaki) defeated Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner & Scott Norton 
    – The Great Muta defeated Jinsei Shinzaki (Hakushi)
    – Genichiro Tenryu defeated Tatsumi Fujinami
    – Shinya Hashimoto defeated Nobuhiko Takada to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title

    1998

    Brian Pillman Memorial event: Norwood, Ohio:
    – Nick Dinsmore defeated Trailer Park Trash
    – Reno Riggins & Steve Dunn defeated Brian Taylor & The Bounty Hunter
    – Flash Flanagan defeated Bull Pain
    – Chip Fairway & Shark Boy defeated Sean Casey & Terik The Great
    – Al Snow defeated Chris Candido
    – Chris Benoit defeated Chris Jericho

    1999
    WCW Monday Nitro: Albany, Georgia:
    – WCW World Tag Team Champions, Lex Luger and Sting defeated Harlem Heat (Stevie Ray and Booker T) to retain the title
    – The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated Fire and Ice (Scott Norton and Ice Train)
    – Lord Steven Regal pinned The Belfast Bruiser in a parking lot brawl
    – The Giant (with Jimmy Hart) pinned WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair (with Miss Elizabeth and Woman) to win the title

    2000
    Los Angeles, California:
    – Sabu defeated The Messiah for the vacant XPW Heavyweight Title 

    2001 
    WWF Backlash: Chicago, Illinois:
    – Jerry Lynn won the WWF Light Heavyweight Title from Crash Holly
    – Triple H and Steve Austin won the WWF World Tag Team Title from Kane and the Undertaker
    – Lita defeated Molly Holly
    – X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible and Albert) defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley and Spike Dudley)
    – Rhyno defeated Raven to retain the WWF Hardcore Championship
    – William Regal defeated Chris Jericho in a Duchess of Queensbury Rules match    
    – Chris Benoit defeated Kurt Angle 4-3 in Sudden Death Overtime    30-minute Ultimate Submission match    
    – Shane McMahon defeated Big Show in a Last Man Standing match    
    – Matt Hardy defeated Christian and Eddie Guerrero in a Triple threat match to retain the WWF European Championship

    2007 
    WWF Backlash: Atlanta, Georgia:
    – Carlito defeated Johnny Nitro    
    – The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch to retain the World Tag Team Championship    
    – Melina defeated Mickie James to retain the WWE Women’s Championship    
    – Chris Benoit defeated Montel Vontavious Porter to retain the WWE United States Championship
    – Shane McMahon, Vince McMahon and Umaga defeated ECW Champion Bobby Lashley (Vince McMahon became new ECW Champion)
    – Undertaker vs Batista ended in a draw in a Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship    
    – John Cena defeated Edge, Randy Orton, and Shawn Michaels in a fatal four-way match to retain the WWE Championship

    2012
    WWE Extreme Rules: Chicago, Illinois:
    – Santino Marella defeated The Miz to retain the WWE United States Championship
    – Randy Orton defeated Kane    in a Falls Count Anywhere match
    – Brodus Clay (with Hornswoggle, Naomi and Cameron) defeated Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger)
    – Cody Rhodes defeated Big Show in a tables match to win the Intercontinental Title
    – Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match for the World Heavyweight Championship
    – Ryback defeated Aaron Relic and Jay Hatton in a Handicap match
    – CM Punk defeated Chris Jericho in a Chicago Street Fight to retain the WWE Championship
    – Layla defeated Nikki Bella (with Brie Bella) to win the WWE Divas Championship
    – Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena in an Extreme Rules match

  • NXT Full Sail tapings results: Bayley “injury”; Finn Balor returns; big debuts

    Photo credit @JJWilliamsWON ~!

    I was live at Full Sail University in Winter Park FL, alongside the usual sellout crowd of 450 in attendance for NXT TV.

    Dark Match –

    Manny Andrade beat Angelo Dawkins

    Dawkins made his way to the ring first, stirring it up and jawjacking with no one in particular. Huge star reaction for Andrade, wearing his vato style fedora and pants with suspenders over his normal gear. Fast paced match for the most part, Manny teased one dive, then reset himself as a teaser, then on the center so he could face hard camera he did the Tranquilo lounging on the middle ropes to taunt Dawkins. The finish saw the running double knees while Angelo was set in the corner for Manny to pick up the win.

    5/4/16 —

    Dasha Fuentes welcomes us to the show and then we have a Samoa Joe in ring promo. He says his title win was inevitable and he did exactly what he said he would. Before Joe could continue, he was interrupted by the debuting Eric Young, wearing street clothes. He says that Joe knows him and what he’s about, and points to the title on Joe’s shoulder adding I collect those. Joe then leaves but says Young doesn’t belong in his ring and the next time he sees him in it, he will beat his ass.

    Nia Jax beat Tessa Blanchard

    What you’d expect as they are building Jax up for Asuka. She won after hitting a huge leg drop center of the ring for the win directed at the hard camera.

    Austin Aries beat Tye Dillinger

    Good reactions for both men, and this is the best match Aries has had thus far in NXT as well. Dillinger seemed a little taken aback by how strong of a reaction he had as there were dueling chants for both while they had a very good match. Dillinger hit the Goto style knee to the back that AJ Styles has been using lately for a convincing near fall. Tye then lowered the knee pad to attempt his usual finisher but Aries caught him with the rolling back elbow for the win.

    Fuentes informs us that Mr. Regal has made Eric Young vs. Samoa Joe as tonight’s main event.

    The Revival beat The Hype Bros

    The Revival did an excellent job of controlling the ring and were able to get the win while not cheating, but still causing a distraction to their advantage. These two clearly study their classic tag team wrestling. Shatter machine for the strong win to get them back on track.

    No Way Jose beat Noah

    Big reaction for No Way Jose in Full Sail as you’d expect; he’s a fun personality with a lot of charm. The chants included “No Way, No Way, No Way Joseee” to the tune of the Sami Zayn “Ole’” chants and his song’s style “No Way Jose” chants as well. Salsa dance style offense and solid work before the big baseball pitch wind up punch and then a full nelson slam for the win. Post match, No Way Jose was able to convince referee Drake Wuertz to dance with him to a huge cheer. Some fancy footwork by Drake.

    NXT Champion Samoa Joe beat Eric Young

    They got over ten minutes here in our main event, hard hitting action with these as you’d expect. Joe was able to outlast Young in their battle, hit the muscle buster and instead of going for the pin Joe locks in the clutch for the choke out victory. Joe then wouldn’t release the hold for a very long time until officials were able to get the two separated.

    5/11/16 —

    In ring promo segment with Finn Balor who got great reaction, “Thank You, Finn” chants. He says he’s going to address the elephant in the room, Samoa Joe. He reminds us all that he beat Joe twice before and both matches could have gone either way. Then, we got The Drifter walking out singing a song about Finn, no words were comprehendable due to the loudest booing since Eva Marie challenging Bayley a few months back. Absolutely drowned out by booing here.

    Finn never even moved as Samson made his way in to the ring and once Samson was directly behind himm, Balor hit a Pele kick to a huge cheer. Finn then picks up the guitar and looks at the hard camera before throwing it towards the entrance way where Elias was after rolling out of the ring. Samson made the catch, saving his precious acoustic guitar. Very fun segment here as Finn was in no mood for The Drifter’s nonsense.

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat Corey Hollis and John Skyler

    Great reaction including “You Deserve It” chants for the tag champs. There was excellent wrestling early by Chad Gable before the heels were able to use distractions and take advantage. They worked Gable over for a bit before the Jason Jordan hot tag, after running wild and bringing the straps down, The Revival made their way to the ramp to get a closer look at the champs, there would be no distraction though. Jordan even raised the straps back up so he could lower them again, hit a spear in the corner, tag in Gable for the Grand Amplitude assisted suplex for the win. The champs and former champs stared at each other before making their way to the back.

    Shinsuke Nakamura beat Alex Riley

    Huge ovation for Shinsuke Nakamura who got an absolute superstar pop as you’d expect. Riley tried to trade big shots with Nakamura and that didn’t end well, big running knee to midsection by Shinsuke while Riley was set over the top rope. Kinshasa for the win and a mighty YeaOh in the center of the ring as celebration.

    Alexa Bliss beat Rachael Ellering

    Good showing by SWA’s own Rachael Ellering here, Alexa Bliss worked her match and won it with the splash off the top rope.

    Finn Balor beat Elias Samson

    The best match I’ve seen from The Drifter, a lot of fun seeing him mix it up with the top stars lately as the crowd absolutely hates him. Finn had his shoulder taped still yet was working an extra vicious style, a lot of action in between Samson headlocks, big dropkick through the ropes by Finn, strong kicks and finally hits the 1916 DDT for the win as he sits on Elias Samson and stares in to the hard camera wanting this to be Samoa Joe.

    Post match Finn continues his promo from earlier as he wants his rematch with Samoa Joe, as Joe comes out Mr. Regal runs to get between them, and standing on the ring apron with Finn still in the ring. Finn runs and dives over Mr. Regal on to Samoa Joe, then holds the NXT Championship in his hands before setting it on Joe who is laid out on the ground. William Regal then makes it official that at NXT Takeover June 8th we will in fact have NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor for the title.

    5/18/16 —

    NXT Women’s Champion Asuka beat Adrien Reese

    Dueling chants as both are fan favorites to the Florida NXT fans, Asuka has some who have turned on her after dethroning Bayley so there was a light mixed reaction. Not too much but noticable. Excellent work by these two, Reese is an incredible athlete and Asuka thrives on facing great talents. Reese went for a move off the top rope but Asuka caught her arm and transitioned it in to the Asuka Lock for the win.

    Dasha Fuentes told us that Blake and Murphy would be facing Austin Aries and a partner of his choosing next, I’d expect this to be built up with backstage promos.

    Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura beat Blake and Murphy w/ Alexa Bliss

    As expected, another huge superstar reaction for Nakamura. When he wrestles, everything seems like a blur because the crowd is so in to him. Aries did a lot of work with Blake and Murphy before Shinsuke got the tag and set up for the Kinshasa. Aries however had his hand out for the tag which Shinsuke did not give before hitting the move and scoring the pin. The referee raised Aries and Nakamura’s hands the victor yet Aries was still subtly talking to Nakamura as if he wanted that tag. Also after this match Alexa Bliss walked away angrily leaving her team, then Blake looked back at Murphy and left him as well. We may have seen the last of BAMF.

    Carmella beat Peyton Royce

    Carmella introduced herself as only she can and now she allows the crowd to finish her promo for her by raising the mic as everyone else says “Hottest Chick In The Ring” how you doin? Nice touch as she’s quite over. This is Peyton’s first singles match under her new Poison Ivy type persona, holding a flower, maneuvering herself through the ropes, very fluid motions. At one point Peyton hit two vertical suplexes and a third with a bridge for a near fall, Carmella then fired up for her comeback which is now a superkick, bronco buster, face first drop and her leglock submission for the win.

    Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano beat Danny Birch and Rob Rizin

    Showcase match for Ciampa and Gargano, yet some very fun strong exchanges by Danny Birch who goes by Martin Stone on the indie scene these days, laying in strikes with the always ferocious Tommaso Ciampa. Finish was Gargano and Ciampa hitting double superkicks on Rizin who was on his knees in the center of the ring.

    Nia Jax beat Bayley

    This match went about fifteen minutes, Nia was destroying Bayley at every turn. We had enough hope spots to keep us believing that Bayley could get this win like she did in London yet that was not the case. Jax would stomp on the arm of Bayley, then Bayley would try to lock in the submission that beat Nia once before, Nia would then slam her down again, Bayley mustered up the strength to make it to the top yet it was Nia’s evening.

    Towards the end of the match, Nia stomped on Bayley’s leg and after making it to her feet and fighting back some, Bayley then in the corner buckled her leg and collapsed for a moment before Jax was able to set her in the center of the ring, drop a big leg on the back of Bayley’s head, roll her over and score the convincing win. Post match the referee and two men in black shirts checked on Bayley, after a while they helped her to the back with her keeping all weight off her leg.

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat The Revival

    This was a non title match yet Revival needed this one if they had any hope of getting the titles back. Excellent work as you’d expect, yet the crowd was clearly drained by Bayley losing and being helped to the back just prior to this match. Great wrestling by four of the best tag team workers we have seen in NXT, with a new finish for the team Alpha locked in stereo Ankle Locks for the double tap out submission on both men. This was a definitive victory by American Alpha who now await their next challengers.

    This concludes three weeks of TV NXT will be back at Full Sail University on May 19th to get us to the June 8th NXT Takeover live special.

  • Former TNA World Champion debuts at NXT tapings

    When former TNA Champions Eric Young and Bobby Roode left TNA in March, the assumption they would head to the land of WWE/NXT seemed pretty obvious. But as we know in today’s wrestling culture, anything is possible when it comes to what goes into that decision making process.

    Roode made an on-screen debut during NXT TakeOver during Wrestlemania weekend and Thursday night at the latest set of NXT tapings, Young made his promotional debut by interrupting and confronting NXT Champion Samoa Joe during an interview segment. The two then had a non-title match as part of the first show they taped. If you want the result, click here.

    Even thought it’s a taping, WWE and HHH wasted no time tweeting about the debut — even going so far as to share a video of the entrance.

    The 36-year-old Young has been a pro since 1998 and is best known for his decade-plus run in TNA that saw him win every male title the company offered and even the Knockouts tag team titles at one point.

  • WON Preview: The death of Chyna and the Conor McGregor Saga

    READ IT HERE: The death of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer and the saga of Conor McGregor and UFC

    The life and career of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer and the saga of Conor McGregor out of UFC 200 and Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier as the new main event are the lead stories in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. There is also an update the TNA situation, with tons of notes on the future of TNA and Lucha Underground and one of the best wrestlers in the world joins ROH.

    The lead story looks at the life of Joanie Laurer. The story examines the circumstances of her death, the publicity it received, the media coverage that never looked past the surface and was almost totally lacking context regarding her role in wrestling, and her post wrestling life. The story also looks at her start in pro wrestling, how she got into WWE, her role in the ascension of HHH to the top of the card, how she was booked, how the relationship with HHH benefittted her, and just how hot pro wrestling was during that time period.

    A look back at her IC title win and the back story, and why her title reign was so short along with a look at her run with Eddy Guerrero, doing Playboy, her departure from WWE, why she never lost the women’s title, her most-watched match of her career and it wasn’t in WWE, the attempt to make her a star in Japan, the WWE Hall of Fame and her life after wrestling, all in this issue.

    This issue examines how Conor McGregor managed to get himself off the biggest UFC event of the year, how his strategy backfired, the UFC press conferences, the new Cormier vs. Jones fight, business notes for UFC 200 as well as a rundown of UFC 197, with all the business news, match-by-match coverage, pay records and poll results.

    In this issue, there is a look at the upcoming Payback show, notes about the angle for power, the NXT title change, the return of John Cena, Bret Hart talks return to WWE, update on WWE Board of Directors, update on the concussion lawsuits and counter suits, WWE trying to make moves to Japan, WWE with new movie partnership, WWE wins awards and the update on the Global cruiserweight series. Finally, there is also a look at the Adam Rose suspension, a new WWE book, plus details on all the NXT shows over the past week as well as the complete WWE European tour.

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    Check out the latest Online Wrestling Observer BACK ISSUE: March 8, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWF faces backlash for being risque, WCW’s Renegade passes away, tons more  WWF faces backlash for being too risque, former WCW wrestler Renegade passes away, plus tons of news.

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    • Last week at Arena Mexico
    • CMLL loses one of its top stars
    • Lucha Libre Elite tournament
    • El Hijo del Santo files suit, but wants to keep his identity a secret, and it goes to the Supreme Court
    • Notes on the lawsuit
    • Controversy over Pentagon Jr. bookings
    • All Japan Champion Carnival finals and a look at outsiders who have won the tournament
    • Update on Pro Wrestling NOAH annual tag team tournament
    • New Japan notes from Korakuen Hall shows
    • New Japan running loaded show this week
    • Notes on New Japan vs. NOAH combined show
    • Update on Ricochet
    • Major scares at Lucha Underground tapings
    • Update on Rey Mysterio with Lucha Underground
    • Update on ROH/New Japan shows in May
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    • UFC fighter forced to retire for unique reason
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    • Dominick Cruz responds to Urijah Faber
    • UFC fighter gets announcing gig
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    • Debut of Bellator kickboxing

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    issues sent to you today. 

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  • Daily pro wrestling history (04/28): Pro Wrestling USA show; Owen Hart wins WWF IC Title

    1949

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – NWA World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown beat Bobby Bruns by third fall dq 

    1966 

    Kansas City, Kansas:
    – Dick the Bruiser & The Mongolian Stomper defeated Bob Geigel & Bob Brown via DQ in three falls
    – Jerry Kozak defeated Jim Wehba (Skandar Akbar)
    – Bobby Hart defeated Tor Kamata via DQ
    – Ron Reed defeated Oki Shikina
    – Pat O’Connor defeated The Butcher via CO

    1967 

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
    – AWA Champion Verne Gagne beat Mad Dog Vachon by dq 
    – NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion Danny Hodge defeated Bob Boyer
    – Larry Hennig beat Doug Gilbert
    – Johnny Valentine beat The Alaskan 

    1973 

    Minneapolis, Minnesota:
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens beat Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch in 2 out of 3 falls 
    – Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bill Watts
    – Horst Hoffman beat Larry Hennig 
    – Billy Robinson beat Tosh Togo 
    – Geoff Portz beat Rene Goulet 
    – Reggie Parks beat Vic Rossitani 

    1979

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Andre The Giant beat Bobby Duncum
    – Billy Robinson beat Angelo Mosca
    – Wilbur Snyder beat Buddy Wolff
    – Baron Von Raschke beat Sailor Art Thomas
    – Doug Gilbert drew Paul Ellering
    – Mighty Igor beat Doug Somers
    – Jesse Ventura beat Frank Hill

    1985 

    Chicago, Illinois:
    – Sgt. Slaughter & Jerry Blackwell & Verne Gagne beat Masked Superstar & King Tonga & Sheik Adnan in a steel cage match 
    – Larry Hennig & Curt Hennig went to a time limit draw with AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors
    – Fabulous Freebirds Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts beat Jim Brunzell & Greg Gagne & Tonga Kid
    – Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher beat Butch Reed & Larry Zbyszko
    – Nick Bockwinkel & Mr. Saito beat Brad Rheingans & Tom Zenk
    – Baron Von Raschke & Buck Zumhofe beat Jim Garvin & Steve Regal

    1986 

    Pro Wrestling USA: East Rutherford, New Jersey:
    – Road Warriors beat Ivan Koloff & Nikita Koloff in a steel cage match
    – Dusty Rhodes beat Arn Anderson in a steel cage match
    – Texas Death match: Nick Bockwinkel beat Larry Zbyszko
    – AWA Champion Stan Hansen defeated Leon White 
    – AWA Tag Team Champions Curt Hennig & Scott Hall beat Nord The Barbarian & Boris Zhukov
    – Tully Blanchard beat Ronnie Garvin dq
    – Magnum TA beat Baron Von Raschke
    – King Kong Brody beat Steve O
    – Mike Rotundo beat Doug Somers
    – Colonel DeBeers beat Davey Gee

    1990

    Memphis, Tennessee:
    – Jimmy Valiant defeated Jerry Lawler for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title 
    – Brickhouse Brown & Sweet Daddy Falcone defeated Rex King & Steve Doll for the USWA Tag Team Titles

    WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event: Austin, Texas:
    – Hulk Hogan defeated Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig 
    – Earthquake defeated Hillbilly Jim 
    – The Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers ended in a double DQ 
    – WWF World Champion The Ultimate Warrior defeated Haku
    – The Big Boss Man defeated Akeem via DQ 

    1995

    Pyongyang, North Korea:
    – Yuji Nagata defeated Tokimitsu Ishizawa 
    – Bull Nakano & Akira Hokuto defeated Manami Toyota & Mariko Yoshida 
    – Hiroshi Hase defeated Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) 
    – Masahiro Chono & Hiro Saito defeated El Samurai & Tadao Yasuda 
    – 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Shinjiro Ohtani 
    – Kensuke Sasai defeated Masa Saito
    – IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shinya Hashimoto vs. Scott Norton ended in a twenty minute draw

    1996 

    WWF In Your House VII: Omaha, Nebraska: 
    – Marc Mero defeated The 1-2-3 Kid via DQ 
    – Davey Boy Smith & Owen Hart defeated Jake Roberts & Ahmed Johnson 
    – The Ultimate Warrior defeated Intercontinental Champion Goldust via countout 
    – Vader defeated Razor Ramon 
    – WWF World Tag Team Champions The Bodydonnas 
    – WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels defeated Diesel in a no-disqualification match 
    – Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin
    – Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Marc Mero
    – The Undertaker defeated Mankind

    1997

    Omaha, Nebraska:
    – Owen Hart defeated Rocky Maivia for the WWF Intercontinental Title 

    1999

    – Rob Conway defeated Nick Dinsmore for the Ohio Valley Heavyweight Title

  • WWE Smackdown results: Roman Reigns and AJ Styles confrontation, League of Nations dissension

    – Air Date: April 28, 2016 (Apr 27 in Canada) 
    – Location: Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH 

    – The Big News: 

    There was another interesting confrontation between AJ Styles and Roman Reigns. Also, the League of Nations appear to be done. 

    – Show Recap: 

    Roman Reigns came out to heavy booing (and some cheers). Jerry Lawler even mentioned it, saying it’s fun to boo Reigns and he doesn’t mind it. Reigns said he superman-punched Styles in the mouth, and would do it again at Payback. He did it because he doesn’t believe Styles’ claim that he isn’t behind the attacks of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.  

    Reigns wanted the truth directly from Styles, but he got The Miz and Maryse instead. Miz introduced Reigns to Maryse and people clapped for her. They kissed. Miz said he warned us about Styles, Gallows and Anderson. He made a convoluted analogy to Shawshank Redemption, called Reigns the warden, and concluded that Styles would walk out as WWE Champion. 

    Miz said he deserved some recognition for this and he kissed Maryse again. Reigns punched him in the face. Miz fell to the outside and Maryse checked on him. Reigns handed the Intercontinental title to Maryse, said “nice to meet you,” and held up his WWE title belt. 

    This was fine for what it was. I must point out that Reigns did not use his new catchphrase here or at any point during the show, thankfully. They announced Reigns vs. Miz, and that Miz is the one who requested the match. They didn’t mention who he asked, because nobody is in charge of Smackdown. 

    Backstage, Renee Young interviewed the League of Nations. Sheamus said no three men could beat them, and they proved it at WrestleMania when they beat New Day. Alberto Del Rio said they got rid of the weak link in Wade Barrett, and Rusev said you might as well call them the united nations. Goofy. 

    Kalisto, Sami Zayn & Cesaro beat League of Nations via countout 

    They announced earlier that this was basically an open challenge issued by the League. LON weren’t getting along right off the bat, as they kept blind-tagging themselves in. They got the heat on Zayn, but as Del Rio sized up a superkick, Rusev made a blind tag. 

    They argued in the ring, so Sheamus jumped in to break it up. They shoved each other for a bit until Del Rio walked out, which got a mixed reaction. Rusev held Zayn and tagged in Sheamus, who came off the top with a double axe handle, but Zayn moved and Sheamus nailed Rusev. Sheamus and Rusev then shoved for a bit until Rusev walked out, leaving Sheamus alone.  

    Zayn made a hot tag to Kalisto who hit a hurricanrana and springboard crossbody. Cesaro then tagged in and hit an uppercut and diving crossbody. Sheamus actually kicked out, so Cesaro hit a million uppercuts and dropkick. Cesaro went for the swing but Sheamus bailed and walked out. 

    Instead of going after Sheamus, they all just stood there and watched as the referee counted him out. They played Zayn’s music as the good guys posed. I have no idea why they couldn’t just pin Sheamus. 

    After a break, the League argued backstage. Rusev pushed Del Rio, then Sheamus shoved them both into a door. He yelled that the League was done and walked off. Rusev yelled, “Forget your league!” That’s one way to do a breakup, I guess. 

    They aired the Owens-Zayn video package from Raw. 

    Baron Corbin beat Damien Sandow via pinfall 

    After Dolph Ziggler attacked him on Raw, Corbin watched his back as he walked down the aisle tonight. Sandow didn’t get an entrance, if you were wondering. Some people chanted “Let’s go Sandow” as Corbin beat the crap out of him outside the ring. Corbin won in 2 minutes with End of Days. 

    Backstage, Renee caught up to AJ Styles. Styles said he doesn’t care what Reigns thinks. He’s going to take the title away and Reigns won’t be calling him a liar, he’ll be calling him champion. Styles doesn’t answer to Reigns and will step on his cape when he wants to. Styles added that he’ll be at ringside for Reigns’ match tonight. 

    Ambrose Asylum with Natalya and Women’s Champion Charlotte 

    This was the top of the hour segment. They showed a replay of Chris Jericho getting the best of Dean Ambrose on Raw. Ambrose remained outside the ring by the announce table and said he would get to his part-time position in a moment, but he wanted to talk about his full-time position first. 

    He said Jericho made a mistake by letting him go (from the Walls), because Ambrose doesn’t let go, and he was going to plant Jericho in the middle of the ring and beat him at Payback. Ambrose said he would turn Bon Jovi (Jericho) into Meatloaf. 

    It was time for Ambrose’s part-time position, so he jumped in the ring, called himself a multifaceted entertainer, popped a Tic Tac, and introduced us to the Ambrose Asylum. He brought out Natalya, who said his set reminded her of the dentist’s office. 

    Ambrose showed a clip of Charlotte tapping to Natalya but being saved by Ric Flair, and asked how things were going to be different on Sunday. Natalya said she would have Bret Hart in her corner. That brought out Charlotte and her dad (Ric Flair). 

    Charlotte called it disturbing that Natalya was parading Bret around after everything he’s been through. Natalya said Charlotte should look in the mirror and see who was standing behind her. 

    Charlotte said the difference was that Flair is legendary, but also her coach. Natalya called Flair a creepy old man who knows Charlotte isn’t good enough to win on her own. Bret would be there on Sunday to stop Flair from interfering and Charlotte will tap again. 

    “Stop me?!” said Flair, who claimed he owned Bret Hart in WWE and WCW. Flair said he would’ve beaten Bret on the moon if Vince flew them there. (This is where they cut out Flair telling Natalya to kill herself from the live taping.) Natalya told him to settle down and told Charlotte it’s time the fans get a champion they deserve. People cheered. They faced off and that was pretty much it. 

    Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady beat Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel (w/Heath Slater) via pinfall 

    New Day came out, kicked out all three announcers and took over on commentary. Enzo and Cass won quickly with the rocket launcher. The highlight of New Day on commentary was Byron Saxton being forced to sit on the floor. The Vaudevillains had come out on the stage to watch the match, and Big Cass called them soft afterwards. Again, the fans really liked Enzo and Cass. 

    Backstage, Goldust told R-Truth it felt good when they danced last week. Before he could finish, Truth said Goldust looked happy in a team with Fandango, so he got himself a different partner in Tyler Breeze, who showed up. Truth deemed them “Gorgeous Truth,” and they left. Fandango showed up to console Goldust. Breeze didn’t say or do anything. Truth used a small tree branch as a selfie stick. 

    They aired a promo for Primo and Epico who discussed Puerto Rico’s crippling economy. (Not really.) 

    Apollo Crews beat Stardust via pinfall 

    Crews won quickly with the spin-out powerbomb. 

    They aired a replay of the Shane and Stephanie stuff from Raw. Ranallo said everyone has been raving about the job Shane has done, and Lawler scoffed. 

    Non-title Champion vs. Champion Match: WWE Champion Roman Reigns beat IC Champion The Miz (w/Maryse) via pinfall  

    Styles came out before the match to sit at ringside. Reigns hit Miz with the drive-by and faced off with Styles, who tossed his chair aside. As they mouthed off, Miz attacked Reigns from behind, tossing him head first into the announce table and steel post to gain control. 

    There were some brief dueling chants for Reigns, and Styles couldn’t help but look around at the crowd. Reigns came back with a Samoan drop, fists, clotheslines and more clotheslines. Reigns sized up the superman punch but Maryse pulled Miz out of the ring. 

    Reigns went after him, but Miz dropkicked the steps into Reigns. Miz followed with a DDT in the ring for a two count. Miz went for the skull crushing finale, but Reigns fought out with elbows and followed with a spear for the win. Average match at best, about 12 minutes. 

    Styles jumped in the ring afterwards to face off with Reigns. Gallows and Anderson made their way down and Reigns went after them, as an annoyed Styles looked on. Gallows and Anderson got the better of Reigns and Styles wasn’t stopping them. 

    The Usos ran out to make the save. After Jimmy Uso superkicked Anderson, Styles got in his face, perhaps to settle things down. However, Jimmy dropped Styles with a punch and superkicked Gallows. Styles came right back with a jumping kick on Jimmy, and Gallows knocked Jimmy out of the ring. 

    Styles got in Gallows’ face, but Gallows nudged him aside and ate a spear from Reigns. Styles tried a Styles Clash but Reigns back body dropped him out of the ring. Reigns posed with his title as Styles yelled at him from ringside. This was really good. 

    – Final Thoughts: 

    This was a very bland show until the very end. The angle with Styles and Reigns wasn’t historically good or anything, but it’s so refreshing seeing two top guys feud over the title in an intriguing storyline that doesn’t involve company management in any way. 

    Also, unless I missed it (and I don’t think I did), they did not air the Chyna tribute video.