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Tag: Raw

  • WWE RAW live results 1/4: Roman Reigns vs Sheamus and the possible return of Jericho

    The Big Takeaway: Roman Reigns defeated Sheamus to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a match where Vince McMahon was special referee. Of course, it wasn’t Vince who counted the pinfall. Afterwards, Vince announced that Reigns would defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the Royal Rumble match itself. It’s the first time since 1992 that the championship will be on the line in the Royal Rumble match. Chris Jericho returned in a disappointing segment with New Day. Brock Lesnar returns next week. 

    Show Recap: 

    Stephanie McMahon started to come out but Roman Reigns’ music played as she was making her entrance. So they were in the ring together. Reigns said they didn’t need her out there, it was about Vince McMahon, who he called out. Stephanie said Vince wasn’t in the building yet, and the odds weren’t in his favor tonight. Reigns said the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was his life because it’s how he supports his family. Stephanie said no one competes with Vince McMahon and wins in the end. She mentioned the charges against Vince from last week have been dropped because you can’t keep a good billionaire down. Well, multi-millionaire. 

    Stephanie said once Reigns loses the championship tonight, she’ll use him over and over until his body wears out. Reigns said if Vince screws him over tonight, Stephanie won’t be picking him up from jail, she’ll be picking him up from the hospital. 

    Dean Ambrose came out to do commentary for the match with Kevin Owens and Neville. Reigns waited through a video package to slap hands with him, which may be foreboding the Ambrose turn we’ve waited months for. 

    Brock Lesnar is back next Monday in New Orleans. Another example of buidling things a week in advance. Next week is also the College Football Playoff National Championship game with Clemson vs. Alabama. Considering how disappointing the CFP semifinal ratings were, it’ll be interesting to see how much of a hit Raw will take. 

    Kevin Owens defeated Neville (9:13) 

    Solid match. Kevin Owens won after he crotched Neville on the top rope. He finished Neville off with the Pop-Up Power Bomb. Neville did a 450 from the apron to the floor. Neville is still carrying around his Slammy for Newcomer of the Year. Strikes me as odd since that was usually a heel move in the past, namely with Owen Hart. JBL compared Neville to Too Cold Scorpio and Owens to Otto Wanz in the span of 30 seconds. 

    Owens tried to attack Neville afterwards, but Ambrose stopped it with a tope. Well, it was a tope that he largely whiffed on. They fought to the announcers table, where Owens teased power bombing Ambrose through the table again. Instead, Ambrose turned the tables and gave Owens an elbow drop off the barricade through the table. 

    Vince walked out of a limousine where Jojo stopped him. Vince said the charges against him were dropped because he has a good attorney. The irony of it all is last week he was arrested by the law, and this week he is the law. 

    They showed a vignette to promote the Taratino movie The Hateful Eight counting down the eight superstars people love to hate. Number three was Owens. Number 2 was the New Day (?). And tops was Sheamus. Only if Vince was doing the countdown, which may have been the case. 

    Titus O’Neal defeated Stardust (4:14) 

    Titus O’Neal won with the Clash of the Titus. Of all the matches I’ve seen, this was the most recent one. 

    Charlotte approached Becky Lynch backstage. The two are wrestling tonight and Charlotte wasn’t happy about it. She asked Lynch if she asked for the rematch. Lynch said she didn’t, but she was excited about it. Charlotte said she had already beaten Lynch once on Raw. They agreed to meet again tonight in the spirit of competition. Ric Flair came up from behind Lynch and made her jump when he yelled “Whoo!” I don’t want to ask why Flair would have been waiting behind Lynch for so long, but I can speculate. 

    Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte (C) in a nontitle match (10:45) 

    They teased the finish from November where Flair tried to trip Lynch, leading to Charlotte winning via schoolgirl cradle. Except this time, Lynch escaped the cradle and pinned Charlotte with a Oklahoma Side Roll while holding the trunks. To complete the heel turn, Charlotte attacked Lynch in the postmatch, giving Lynch a spear and laying the boots to her. Flair cheered her on. They wrestled scientifically until Charlotte leveled Lynch with a punch. Charlotte was a straight heel from that point forward. 

    McMahon talked with Sheamus backstage to explain prefight instructions. No biting, no outside interference, no low blows and to obey his commands. McMahon added with a grin “may the luck of the Irish be with you.” 

    Ryback and the Big Show went to a no contest (1:04)

    Ryback was tossed over the top rope by the Big Show when the Wyatt Family appeared. Braun Strowman put Ryback out with the choke. Then the Wyatts surrounded the ring on Show, who clotheslined Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. Strowman had a staredown with Show that was supposed to generate heat, but didn’t. The three heels jumped Show from behind and Harper left Show laying with a superkick. Looks like another babyface turn for Big Show, who has to hold the all-time record by now. 

    Rusev and Alberto Del Rio defeated the Usos (13:21) 

    Alberto Del Rio pinned Jimmy Uso with the top rope stomp. Very good match. Earlier, Del Rio had Jey Uso set up for the stomp, but somehow missed. Jimmy followed with a top rope splash that was broken up by Rusev in the first of several good near falls. Rusev gave Jey Uso a belly-to-belly superplex for the heat. Again, no Lana and no mention of her, except by the crowd. 

    Heath Slater pinned Dolph Ziggler (4:37) 

    Heath Slater was joined by Curtis Axel, Bo Dallas and Adam Rose. Can someone explain where Damien Sandow is and why isn’t he on my TV? Slater, who has a haircut, won after Rose and Axel distracted Dolph Ziggler, and Slater won with a rollup. 

    Postmatch, Rose, Axel, Slater and Dallas cut promos invidually. They’ve now started a group called “Social Outcasts.” 

    Ziggler cut a inset promo about being in the Royal Rumble. For a better promo, search “Josh Norman” under Youtube. The sad part is Josh Norman is not a pro wrestler. He’s a cornerback for the Carolina Panthers who cuts better promos than anyone in pro wrestling aside from Paul Heyman. That’s exhilarating and depressing all at once. 

    Steve Austin will have Flair on his podcast next week. 

    Vince approached Reigns backstage. Vince, again playing the role of John McCarthy, had a rules meeting with him. Vince didn’t wish him good luck as he left. 

    The New Day, which has a new video that features them in animated form riding unicorns with rainbows in the background, came out. Big E. laughed over Mike Tyson falling down while riding a Hoverboard. Then they pointed to the TitonTron, where they started to have a countdown. But the countdown was interrupted by Chris Jericho’s countdown, who came out to a good, but not great, pop. 

    No one remembered Jericho going heel at Night of Champions on Ambrose and Reigns. He did various catchphrases before Xavier Woods stopped him saying they’ve already saved the WWE in 2015. Jericho said live attendance, ratings and WWE Network numbers need a boost. That was weird. He called them Green Day and tried to get fans to chant “Rooty Tooty Booty.” That sounded cringeworthy but the fans chanted it as long as New Day was out there. Jericho announced that he would be in the Royal Rumble.  Of all the Jericho returns, this was easily the least remarkable and felt flat. Feels like New Day needs a new spark because they’ve hit a dry spell.  

    The New Day defeated The Dudley Boyz and Kalisto (16:36) 

    Big E. pinned Devon Dudley after the Midnight Hour. Your weekly six-man match that went too long. Bubba Ray Dudley threw Kalisto onto all three members of New Day outside the ring. Kalisto was taken out by Big E. at ringside. The Dudleys tried to set up Wazzup on Kofi Kingston, but Woods broke it up by dumping Devon to the mat. 

    Vince came out where the tightest referee t-shirt imaginable for any 70-year-old that has the physique that he has. Apparently, he’s not counting on Al-Jazerra calling anytime soon. He did look a little skinnier. Somebody had a “Cranky Vince” sign that lasted about as long as one of Kim Kardashian’s undershirts. That twitter account hasn’t been updated in over two years. 

    Roman Reigns (C) defeated Sheamus to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with Vince McMahon as special referee (18:17) 

    Vince played heel ref from the start, trying to fast count Reigns. Sheamus threw Reigns into the ring steps, then threw the steps at him. He later suplexed Reigns onto the announcer’s table. Sheamus used a Rolling Senton for a two count. When Reigns covered Sheamus after a Samoan Drop, Vince counted slower than the Great Kabuki’s ring entrance this morning. Then Reigns had the cover with a Backland lift, but Vince faked an eye injury. Reigns hit the Superman punch, but Vince didn’t even count. He was still faster than Bronco Lubich. Reigns told Vince “Watch this.” He teased giving Sheamus the Superman punch, but instead he punched Vince. Then Reigns speared Sheamus and pinned him, but no ref. 

    An incensed Reigns threw Sheamus over the announcer’s table as Vince recovered. Vince try to scramble away but Reigns threw him down and told him Vince was screwing with his life. Stephanie came out. Reigns threw Vince into the ropes, and Stephanie wound up rebounding into the ring. Reigns stalked over her but she got out of the ring. Reigns teased spearing Vince, Sheamus came back in the ring and hit Reigns with two Brogue kicks. For some reason, Vince didn’t count Sheamus out. Instead, Scott Armstrong ran out. It was explained that Armstrong was a heel referee who had worked with the Authority for years. Who remembers that? He hasn’t been on TV in years. Reigns kicked out. 

    Armstrong then held Reigns up for Sheamus to Brogue Kick him again. But Reigns sidestepped him, hit Armstrong with a Superman’s punch, flattened Sheamus with another Superman’s punch. Referee John Coleman (they actually identified him on TV) ran down and counted the pin for Reigns. 

    Vince knocked down Coleman. Vince’s physique looks great. As for his punches, all I can say his physqiue looks great. Afterwards, he announced that Reigns would defend the title in the Royal Rumble match against 29 other men. 

    SUMMARY: Since the horrendous show a month ago when I said that Reigns wasn’t the guy, the WWE has booked him very well. He’ll be the first man ever to defend the WWE Championship in a Royal Rumble. If he emerges with the belt, it’ll make him all that much stronger. Not sure what other option makes sense. A pretty good show. 

  • B&V 12/31: Breaking Ground, Granny, Monday Night Raw!

    It’s the return of the Bryan & Vinny Show, either the first of 2016 or the last of 2015, however you want to look at it! A packed show as we’ve got WWE Breaking Ground, Granny with a look at everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions, and Vinny’s Monday Night Raw review! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • B&V&C 12/29: Retro Raw and Nitro, F4W Karate Fighters Holiday Tournament Finale

    The Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show returns tonight for our year-end spectacular! Not only do we have the usual retro Raw and retro Nitro reviews from 19 years ago this week, but it is the FINALS OF THE 2015 F4W KARATE FIGHTERS TOURNAMENT! Bryan vs. Craig is the headliner, who gets their hand raised in end and who tucks their tail and runs? A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • FREE! WOL 12/29: Raw and RIZIN fallout, news and more!

    Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive returns today to talk all the news in wrestling and MMA including tons of thoughts on the RIZIN show with the doom of Kazushi Sakuraba, Raw from Monday, Big Show and whether or not he’s number one in the Royal Rumble, texts, calls and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Sin Cara dislocated shoulder at last night’s RAW

    Jorge Arias, who works as Sin Cara in WWE, suffered a dislocated left shoulder last night in his match with Big E on Raw in Brooklyn.

    The spot, replayed multiple times saw Arias on the ring apron when E scooped his leg and pulled him off the apron and he took a bump off the apron to the floor, landing badly on the shoulder.

    The match was halted temporarily as The New Day backed off and played to the crowd while the trainer came out.  Even though it seemed clear he was hurt, even more so as the match continued, the match did in fact continue to its planned conclusion of E winning with the Big Ending, although he very much was protecting the left shoulder when he did the move.

    Arias did spots while the left arm was pretty well hanging there.

    Sin Cara on Twitter acknowledged the injury saying “Not even a dislocated shoulder could stop from performing in this great city.”

    There is no word on how long he may be out of action.  WWE officials stated that a full report is not in but the injury is not believed to be anything serious.

  • WWE RAW live results 12-28: The return of John Cena and Vince McMahon, plus pre and post Raw live resutls

    The Big Takeaway: 

    As the company has done so often since 1999 in an attempt to build a new babyface, Roman Reigns is now being booked like Steve Austin. Vince McMahon got arrested. Reigns was the last man standing in the end. Then Vince came out at the end of the show to announce that Reigns would defend the championship against Sheamus next week with a special referee: Vince McMahon. It was a two segment show and the rest was boring. 

    Show Recap:

    Vince McMahon started the show with Tony Chimmel doing the ring announcing. McMahon claimed he had to undergo dental surgery after the Superman’s punch that Roman Reigns delivered two weeks ago. He ordered Reigns to come out. 

    McMahon told Reigns that he practically incapitated HHH and disrespected Stephanie McMahon. Vince said HHH would get revenge on Reigns when he least expected it. And he said Reigns literally kicked him out of his own ring. McMahon said he owns his ring, he owns the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and sooner or later Reigns will understand he owns Reigns. Reigns responded that the fans own the WWE World Championship. Crowd started a “Daniel Bryan” chant which McMahon ordered them to shut up. Then they started a “CM Punk” chant as the two talked over them. 

    McMahon brought up Reigns’ predecessors the Wild Samoans. Hardly anyone knew that in the crowd. McMahon reminded Reigns he was one generation away from having a bone through his nose. McMahon said he made Reigns’ uncle Afa wrestle every night of the week and there was nothing left of him once it was over. Then there was Reigns’ father Sika, which McMahon claimed to have used him up. McMahon said paid Sika with Reigns dead peanuts. No one really reacted because they didn’t remember Sika. Plus, when did the Samoans become the Road Warriors at the gate? 

    Reigns shoved McMahon down. McMahon started claiming he had a neck injury in the most phony tone possible. Stephanie came out to check on him with police officers in tow. Stephanie ordered Reigns arrested. One of the detectives refused saying they were there to provide security, not be Stephanie’s personal police department. Damn, I wish somebody had told that to the police in the late 90s. Depending on the city, the show and the superstar, police were more involved in wrestling angles than actual police work some weeks.  

    Stephanie started to get in the detectives’ face until he ordered her to step back or else she would be arrested. Vince tried to smooth things over, but next things you know Vince started to get in the detectives’ face. Stephanie reminded her father to sell his neck again. Finally, three officers came in the ring and put the handcuffs on McMahon.

    The detective then read Vince his rights, complete with the line “If you can’t afford an attorney…wait, that doesn’t apply to you.” Vince was led through the crowd with Stephanie protesting the whole way as Reigns smiled and help up his belt. 

    Vince was shoved into a police cruiser with Stephanie screaming about how she was going to sue the police damage. Michael Cole speculated Vince could be charged with assaulting an officer. 

    Neville defeated Kevin Owens (:21)

    Neville escaped a Pop-Up Power Bomb and pinned Kevin Owens with a victory roll. Wrong crowd to pull this upset because the fans chanted for Owens before the match. The pin was booed. Owens attacked Neville afterwards. 

    As Neville was being helped to the back, Owens ran back out to clothesline Neville into oblivion. He was about to power bomb Neville onto the apron when Dean Ambrose ran down for a pull-apart brawl.

    The official announcement that the Rock was coming to WrestleMania was made. Byron Sexton started to do the “Can you smell” line, to which Cole ordered him never to do again. 

    Jojo interviewed Becky Lynch, who was jumped by Team BAD while Charlotte wrestled on Smackdown. Charlotte tweeted earlier that she wouldn’t appear tonight on Raw, but Lynch said she wasn’t worried or angry about it. She spoke about coming to Brooklyn when she was penniless and now she was on Raw. 

    Sasha Banks did prematch mic work putting over Boston to get heat. Naomi said Brooklyn was a garbage-filled, overrated, overpopulated, polluted stank dump. 

    Sasha Banks defeated Becky Lynch (15:40) 

    Banks won with a cradle following a series of reversals after Banks hit the Bank Statement. Lynch attempted to clamp on Disarm-her, but Banks escaped. They tried to have a match with rest holds to build heat, but this crowd wasn’t playing along. It got “boring” chants, which seemed to throw them off their game because they weren’t on the same page in certain spots. An average match. 

    Renee Young was outside the police station where Vince’s mugshot was posted. She confirmed that Jerry McDevitt was at the jail and Stephanie had shown up with high-profile attorneys. 

    The New Day pranced down with Xavier Woods talking about winning the World Tag Team Champions in Brooklyn in August. It was the very building where the trombone made its debut. Kofi Kingston teased singing a new song, but Woods heard the trombone (named Franchecha) that the fans didn’t vote for them to win a Slammy. Kingston said everytime the New Day comes out, it’s an OMG moment. For instance, for all the parents at home has their children misbehave, they should call the New Day because the New Day will fight their kids. Woods said “Oh my God, Kofi, aren’t you a father?” Kingston said “Exactly! OMG!” 

    Kalisto defeated Kofi Kingston (2:45)

    Kalisto pinned Kingston with a huracanrana. Before the finish, Kalisto dropkicked Woods off the apron, but Big E. Caught him. Sin Cara ran off the steps and gave both men a crossbody. 

    This led to Woods challenging Cara to face Big E. Immediately. 

    Big E.defeated Sin Cara (4:36) 

    Cara legitimately injured his shoulder after taking a bump to the floor off the apron, and the doctor had to stop the match. While this was going on, the fans started a dual chant of “We Want Cena” “No We Don’t.” After the stoppage, Woods screamed the Rocky IV line “It was supposed to be an exhibition!”  From the Ill-fated Apollo Creed-Ivan Drago fight. It was a gutsy performance from Cara, especially when he gave Big E. A rolling senton off the top rope. After Kingston and Woods got involved, Big E. Won with the Big Ending.  

    Cena is on the cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. 

    MizTv started to do a year-in review which was quickly interrupted by Ryback, who said 2016 would be the year of the big guy. Golddust came out and wondered if this was the year the Miz would win a SAG Award, an Oscar, or some Golden Globes. Then Zack Ryder came out to a big pop. Ryder claimed that Brooklyn was “New Zack City” and said 2016 would be the year of Ryder. Miz started to talk about how he tried yoga in January when R-Truth came out. R-Truth said when fans cast their ballots for Superstar of the Year, cast their vote for the Truth. Miz reminded Truth that the Slammys were last week. Then Heath Slater showed up and said he had a lot to say. Before he could start, the Big Show walked down. Slater said nobody cared what Show had to say. Slater managed to block the subsequent right hand with his chin. 

    Ryder and Golddust were also knocked down. Truth punched himself in an attempt to knock himself out. Show gave him a choke slam. Ryback and Big Show squared off, with Show tossing Ryback over the top rope. 

    Crowd chanted “Please Retire” at Show. Instead, he said he was going to enter himself into the Royal Rumble and would accept position number one. 

    Ryback defeated The Big Show by countout (2:53)

    As Ryback was about to deliver a meathook clothesline, Show rolled out of the ring and walked out. A totally meaningless segment, and the same can be said of the last 45 minutes of this show. 

    Sheamus came out and debated the crowd for cheering Vince’s arrest and vowed to carry out a beat down on Ambrose and the Usos tonight. 

    The League of Nations defeated the Usos and Dean Ambrose (16:50) 

    Sheamus pinned Jey Uso with the Brogue Kick. Jey was about to give Sheamus a splash when Rusev held his leg, giving Sheamus time to get his knees up. A double hot tag match that lost the crowd early . Fans chanted “This is Boring” with Sheamus in there. Jimmy Uso did a tope spot onto Rusev. Crowd chanted for Lana, who again was missing with no explanation. She’s really someone who would give the League of Nations the right spice. 

    Post match, Owens ran out of the crowd to attack Ambrose. It led to a camera shot worth it’s weight in gold where Owens power bombed Ambrose off the announcers table onto another announcers’ table. Pieces of the table flew everywhere and you’ll likely be seeing replays of that spot on opening vignettes for years to come. Ambrose sold it great acted like he was in convulsions and had to be carried out by referees. Owens feels like the most over heel on the roster in terms of getting a reaction, albeit a heel that fans want to like. But as we saw in Philadelphia two weeks ago, he knows how to turn a crowd. 

    Vince, Stephanie and someone trying to be McDevitt stormed out of the police station without taking questions from reporters who were standing by. It’s amazing how the company can be so meticulous in its planning for angles regarding the owner, but can’t figure out where Lana is. 

    Cena made his return to the usual chorus of people hating him. He pointed out a guy who wore a t-shirt with “Cena” crossed out. He ran down Alberto Del Rio for not defending the U.S. Championship once on Raw since he won it at Hell in a Cell. Del Rio came out with the rest of the League of Nations and said “The Champ is Here.” He said Brooklyn didn’t deserve to have a U.S. Championship match. Cena did a speech putting over Brooklyn. The jibber-jabbered back and forth with Cena trying to goad him into defending the championship. Del Rio refused to put the belt on the line. Cena called him a one-hit wonder who lost his manhood. Del Rio said he was going to send Cena home tonight for good, then finally agreed to put the title on the line. 

    Cole and JBL did a tribute to Lemmy of Motörhead, who passed away this afternoon after a brief illness. It was impressive they had a video package put together so quickly regarding his life because his death was announced just a few hours ago. If you haven’t, check out the documentary on Lemmy that aired on VH1 Classic, a great tribute to a great performer. 

    John Cena defeated Alberto Del Rio (C) by DQ, so Del Rio retains the U.S Championship (14:04) 

    The only match on the show worth anything. Del Rio clamped on the armbar, but Cena made the ropes. Cena went for the AA, but there was a ref bump as Del Rio kicked the referee. Rusev and Sheamus ran down. Rusev hit Cena with a thrust kick. Del Rio covered him, but Cena kicked out. With the referee still down, Sheamus tried to give Cena a Brogue Kick, but Sheamus hit Rusev. Cena gave Sheamus the AA, but Del Rio gave Cena a back stabbed and a superkick that he used to beat Cena in October, but Cena again kicked out. Del Rio went for the arm breaker, but Cena hit the AA. Rusev )(shook off that Brouge Kick fast) and Sheamus ran in for the DQ. 

    Sheamus gave Cena the Brogue Kick. The Usos ran down for the save but they were quickly disposed of. 

    Reigns came down for the save, giving Rusev a spear on the floor and Del Rio a superman punch. Sheamus and Reigns had a staredown. Sheamus entered the ring with a chair, but Reigns gave him a Superman punch and a chair shot across the back.  

    Vince McMahon came out and said he was going to sue the city of New York. Vince said Reigns would face Sheamus for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship next week. The special referee would be Vince McMahon, and Vince kept repeating “Happy New Year” to end the show. 

    The Big Takeaway:

    Part of the problem with booking Vince McMahon to appear on these shows is he’s one of the few larger than life personalities the company has left. Once he appears in the opening segment, then leaves and goes away for two-and-a-half hours, the crowd heat has nowhere to go but down. It was capitalized with some poorly booked segments, namely MizTv. Reigns was received very well. 

    RAW: Additional live Brooklyn notes  

    From Mike Omansky

    The Barclay Center was sold out and WWE announced a return date of Monday, March 28th, the RAW before Wrestlemania.

    Presale on Ticketmaster…code: RAWISBK

    Pre-“RAW” – SUPERSTARS

    DARREN YOUNG W ADAM ROSE, finisher and pin. Not much at all.

    JACK SWAGGER & MARK HENRY W ASENSCION, when Henry pinned Conor after the world’s strongest slam. Decent match. Swagger worked most of it; got beaten down; made the hot tag; over shortly after that.

    Post-“RAW”

    A “massive” 6 man tag had been advertised on local TV spots in the past 2 weeks, but it didn’t take place. After it went off the air, we got the usual skit in lieu of a match.  League of Nations members attacked Cena; Reigns helped Cena and Cena finally got the AA on Del Rio.  In the process, Cena teased a turn on Reigns (had a chair in hand), but that was momentary.

  • B&V&C 12/22: Retro Raw and Nitro, Karate Fighters Round Two, best song ever, more!

    It’s the Bryan & Vinny & Craig Show RETRO TUESDAY SPECTACULAR! What a show we have tonight: Full reviews of Raw and Nitro from 19 years ago this week, Round Two of the F4W Karate Fighters Holiday Tournament with Bryan vs. Vinny, plus the greatest song all time all my life. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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  • Paul Heyman backstage at WWE RAW

    Paul Heyman is backstage at Raw right now in Minneapolis.

    We don’t have it confirmed that Brock Lesnar is there, but it would makesense with it being the Slammy Awards show and this being in Minneapolis, where he lived for years.

    Tonight’s show should also get the ball rolling for this year’s Royal Rumble.

    Lesnar would be one of the leading candidates for the Superstar of the Year award.  Lesnar was not advertised as appearing on Raw until 1/11 in New Orleans, at which point he and Heyman would be appearing fairly regularly through WrestleMania.

    Check out our live coverage of WWE RAW.

    Sign up now to listen to Wrestling Observer Radio tonight with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discuss the fallout of WWE RAW tonight.

  • WWE RAW live results: The Slammy Awards, plus post-show notes

    The Big Takeaway: 

    Slammies were given out. Only major news item on the show was John Cena is returning next week. The show was focused on getting the League of Nations over as a heel group. 

    Show Recap:

    Stephanie McMahon started the show smiling. She said McMahons don’t wallow in their self-pity, so she won’t let Roman Reigns get her down tonight. Reigns showed up smiling because he was the new champion. He suspected that McMahon had something up her sleeve, but he doesn’t sweat any of the McMahons or HHH. Roman said he hasn’t seen HHH since he laid him out at TLC, but he told her to tell HHH he wasn’t hard to find, he was the one wearing the gold. 

    Stephanie ordered him to get out of her ring. Reigns just laughed at her. Stephanie shrieked as Reigns kept laughing and the fans chanted “no.’ Reigns said the fans didn’t want him to leave. Roman asked the fans if they wanted to see her get really mad, and he turned his back to her. Stephanie screamed at him to get back in the ring, saying “How dare you turn your back to me!” They love taking lines from “Gladiator.” 

    Reigns kept smiling and walked back up through the crowd. Fans were cheering as he made his way up the crowd as Stephanie ordered him to get back in the ring. Roman ignored repeated threats. Stephanie got so mad that she ordered Reigns’ cousins, the Usos, to wrestle the New Day. Reigns no sold that.  Then she ordered Dean Ambrose to wrestle Sheamus in a steel cage. 

    Dolph Ziggler came out for the first Slammy Award for the “Breakout Star of the Year.” The nominees were Kevin Owens, Neville, Charlotte, Tyler Breeze and Braun Strowman. 

    The winner was Neville. His acceptance speech was interrupted by Owens, who said he should have won. Owens got cheered. He ordered Neville to take a walk. Neville complied. What the hell kind of booking was that? They should have handed Neville a shovel so he can bury himself. Owens turned his ire to Ziggler, claiming that the only way Ziggler could win a Slammy was if they awarded “Has-Been of the Year.” That led to a pull-apart brawl with Ziggler fighting in his tuxedo. 

    Kane defeated Bray Wyatt by DQ (:53)

    They spilled over to the floor where Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Strowman jumped Kane for the DQ. The Dudley Boyz and Tommy Dreamer ran out for the save, starting up yet another eight man between these teams. 

    The Wyatt Family defeated Kane, Tommy Dreamer and the Dudley Boyz (2:47) 

    Harper pinned Devon Dudley with a lariat. The Dudley Boyz gave Harper Wazzup, but Strowman clothesline do both Dudleys. Kane clotheslined Strowman over the top rope before the finish. 

    Santino Marella came out for the “LOL Moment of the Year.” Crowd was happy to see Marella. Nominees were the New Day and it’s showdown with Edge and Christian; the Bushwackers being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame; the Miz world premiere of his erectile dysfunction commercial where he turned out the Miz was the one who got over; R-Trtuh cutting a promo for the Money in the Bank match he wasn’t even competing in; and the New Day dancing with Stephanie, while HHH reluctantly joined in.

    R-Truth was the winner. Santino accepted the award for R-Truth because he’s never won a Slammy before, which the audience kind of groaned at. R-Truth came out and demanded the award. Santino took off running with the Slammy and R-Truth chased him. 

    Santa Claus cut a promo wishing everyone a Merry Chirstmas. Of course, it was Mick Foley. His daughter Noelle and son Dewey were dressed as elves. 

    Paul Heyman came out to present a Slammy. He said aside from LOL and Diva of the Year, every Slammy should go to Brock Lesnar. The award was the “OMG Shocking Moment of the Year.” Nominees were Seth Rollins cashing in the briefcase at WrestleMania; Lesnar giving Michael Cole and a random cameraman F-5s the night after WrestleMania; Kalisto delivering Solina del Sol on Jimmy Uso at TLC off the top of a ladder onto another ladder; Sheamus cashing in the briefcase and pinning Reigns at Survivor Series, ending Reigns 1st world title reign after 5:15; and the Wyatt Family jumping the Undertaker at the end of their Hell in a Cell match. 

    Kalisto was the winner. He came out wearing a mask in a three-piece suit, which reminded me of Mil Mascaras in the dying days of World Class Wrestling. Crowd didn’t really react to him. Weird to see Kalisto and Heyman out there together. There was a photo tweeted of Owens waiting in the ring taking a nap against a turnbuckle as Kalisto did the promo. 

    Kevin Owens defeated Dolph Ziggler (12:05)

    More good stuff from Ziggler. Owens won with the Pop-Up Power Bomb after Ziggler tried to give him a Zig Zag. Ziggler had just hit a Famouser for a two count. Ziggler has really upped his game over the last six months. Nothing new regarding an Ambrose-Owens program tonight, so it remains to be seen if that’s a program that fell through the cracks or if it’s on a one week sabbatical. 

    Stephanie came out to present the Superstar of the Year Slammy. Everyone on the roster was nominated. Reigns, Sheamus, John Cena, Owens, Ambrose, Wyatt, The New Day, Lesnar, the Undertaker, Kane, Rollins, and Sting were highlighted in an excellent video package. 

    Stephanie announced Rollins as the winner. Rollins came out on crutches to a good babyface reaction, and the announcers put him over like he was a face. There was even a “Thank you, Seth” chant. Rollins wasn’t shilling a bit, going full arrogant saying there was no other option for Superstar of the Year. He brought up his performance at the Royal Rumble in the three-way against Cena and Lesnar, winning the championship at WrestleMania, etc. As quickly as the success came, one wrong landing made it all disappear. 

    Rollins turned serious and said in 2016, he would redesign Seth Rollins, he would rebuild himself and he will reclaim a championship he never lost. 

    Alberto Del Rio (C) defeated Jack Swagger in a nontitle match (7:07) 

    Alberto Del Rio won with the Double Stomp on the Tree of Woe. Afterwards, Sheamus gave Jack Swagger the Brogue Kick. 

    Mark Hery came out to present the “Hero in All of Us” Award. This was an award presented to various wrestlers who help out with charity. Nominees were: Natalya for her work with the Special Olympics and the USO; Reigns for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Dosomething.org campaign; the Big Show for the U.S. Armed Forces and the Special Olympics; Titus O’Neal for his commitment to help the homeless; Cena for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

    Cena was the winner to wide cheers. Fans weren’t as happy when it was announced he wasn’t there. Henry accepted the award for Cena and appeared a little choked up, perhaps knowing this was the last time he would be at a Slammy presentation as an active wrestler. 

    They announced non televised Slammy Winners, including Lesnar vs. Undertaker as Rivalry of the Year; the Stone Cold Podcast as Best WWE Network Show; Damien Mizdow winning Double Cross of the Year (knocking off Del Rio in an upset); and Reigns leveling HHH as Extreme Moment of the Year. 

    Supposedly, Santa Claus came out to present the award for Surprise Return of the Year. It was Bo Dallas under the outfit. Nominees were the Dudleys, Chris Jericho, Del Rio (with Zeb Coulter not mentioned or even shown), Kane (?), and Sting. 

    The winner was Sting, who was also absent. Crowd wasn’t happy about that one either. 

    New Day were out and unhappy that they didn’t get the Slammy for Tag Team of the Year. As revenge, Big E. Was going to ruin the ending to the latest Star Wars movie, but Kofi Kingston didn’t want that because his son hadn’t seen the film yet. The Usos came out with new music. 

    The Usos defeated the New Day in a 2-on-3 handicap match (10:57) 

    Jey Uso pinned Xaiver Woods after reversing an Rolling Reverse Cradle. Pretty good match but the fans were getting worn out by this point. Fans chanted for Bayley. How about we keep that one quiet before she’s called up to the main roster and buried faster than you can say “Miss Universe is Miss Colombia?” 

    R-Truth, who retrieved his Slammy from Santino, came out to present the Diva of the Year. Nominees were: Nikki Bella, Naomi, Paige, Sasha Banks, and Charlotte. 

    Paige was announced as the winner. Paige and R-Truth embraced. It appeared R-Truth tried to put his handprint on her ass because she had to push him off. Paige acted like a heel. Did she tun again since TLC? Of course, this was the Steve Harvey spot that you knew was coming. R-Truth said he had made a mistake and Paige was the runner-up. The winner was announced as Nikki Bella. Nikki came out and asked Paige to stick around. Nikki did a total babyface speech, dedicated the award to everyone. She and Paige embraced. 

    Rusev defeated Neville via submission (8:02) 

    Rusev got almost all the offense and got the submission win with the Accoldate. Neville attempted the Red Arrow but Rusev moved, Neville jumped off right into a thrust kick by Rusev. Post match, Sheamus gave Neville another Brogue Kick. 

    Miz, who was on commentary for the Neville match, presented the Slammy for the This is Awesome Moment of the Year: Nominees were Lesnar destroying J&J Security’s car; Randy Orton’s RKO of Rollins at WrestleMania; Stephanie McMahon starting the Divas Revolution; Ronda Rousey showing up at WrestleMania and the Shield reforming to power bomb Orton through an announcers table. 

    The Rock and Rousey at WrestleMania. No one reacted because they knew Rock nor Rousey wasn’t within 1,000 miles of the place. 

    Becky Lynch defeated Brie Bella via submission (5:11) 

    Becky Lynch won with Disarm-her after blocking Brie Bella’s La Magistral cradle. Charlotte was at ringside but didn’t interfere. Crowd has faded out. 

    Ric Flair came out to award the Slammy for Match of the Year. Nominees were Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins at Royal Rumble: HHH vs. Sting at WrestleMania; Owens vs. Cena at the Elimination Chamber; Reings vs. Ziggler vs. Owens vs. Delp Rio in a Fatal Four Way #1 Contenders Match on Raw from November and Lesnar vs. Undertaker at Hell in a Cell. Why Cesaro vs. Cena in July wasn’t nominated is beyond me. 

    The winner was Undetaker vs. Lesnar. Lesnar’s music played, but of course he didn’t come out. Heyman did and got booed. Quite funny to see Flair and Heyman shake hands since Flair fired Heyman from WCW in 1990 over a promo Heyman gave where he went against Flair’s orders and basically put himself over. Fans chanted for Lesnar. Heyman said Lesnar has no desire to accept awards, he wants to show up for a fight. He said while the fans want Lesnar, no one in the locker room is man enough to want Lesnar. Heyman said the Undertaker stood toe-to-toe with Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell, and he paid tribute to Undertaker. Heyman tried to rally the fans with a babyface interview, but they wanted stars at this point. 

    The League of Nations jumped the Usos in the back. Rusev put Jimmy in the Accolade while Del Rio but Jey in the cross armbreaker. Sheamus gave them both Brogue kicks and said “2 down, one to go.” 

    Dean Ambrose (C) defeated Sheamus in a cage match (10:45) 

    Ambrose won by climbing over the cage when he and Sheamus had climbed over and slugged it out. After Sheamus hit a head butt, Ambrose fell to the floor. Once Sheamus hit the floor, Reigns hit him with a spear. Both men made several attempts to climb over the cage. Sheamus gave Ambrose White Noise off the top rope for a two count. Not even that spot could get the crowd buzzing. They fought again on the top rope where Sheamus crouched himself. Ambrose tried to climb over, but Rusev and Del Rio stopped him. So Ambrose jumped off the top of the cage with a hooking clothesline for a good near fall. Ambrose tried to get out of the cage, but Del Rio slammed the cage door into his face. Amazing to see something that drew millions in Dallas in the 80s used as a transition spot here. Reigns ran out of the crowd and gave Del Rio a spear, and hit Rusev with a Superman Punch. Sheamus tried to climb out, but Reigns met him at the top, had a staredown with him and threw a chair into the ring. Ambrose used the chair for several shots across the back, then hit Dirty Deeds. There was a very audible “Sheamus is boring” chant. Stephanie watched from the back. As Ambrose climbed in the ring, Sheamus gave him a Brogue Kick. Rusev and Del Rio put the boots to Ambrose before the match even started. 

    SUMMARY: 

    Show ran out of steam about 90 minutes in. The good news was Reigns got a good reaction the week after winning the strap. 

    Post-Show Notes from Eric Thibault:

    WWE returns on Friday March 4th for a Road To Wrestlemania house show.  The presale password is WWEPRE.

    Kids loved chanting New Day Rocks before the show. Definitely not as full as last Raw in August featuring Undertaker and Lesnar. 3/4 of upper level curtained off. 

    Pre-Show dark match:  Lucha Dragons vs. The Acension.  They went straight to big moves, Acension double teamed Kalisto for the heat one minute in. Hot tag to Sin Cara two minutes in. Kalisto and Sin Cara hit topes, then the Salida del sol and the Swanton for the victory in 3:30.

    Roman Reigns was cheered loudly during the opening video package.

    Nikki and Paige were really over. The League of Nations received little to no reaction during entrances, its matches or post match angles.

    Becky Lynch had a really cool, smoke filled entrance during the commercial break.

    This was the second time on RAW in Minneapolis in the last couple years that they teased Lesnar but didn’t deliver.

    Fans chanted “This is boring” during the cage match but flipped after Ambrose dove off the cage.  Ambrose and Roman celebrated on the ramp after the match.  No post match angle or match.

  • B&V 12/17: Post Christmas Show hangover edition, NXT and Raw, Granny!

    The Bryan & Vinny Show is back tonight with our POST-CHRISTMAS SHOW EDITION. Yes, the show was taped tonight, it’ll air next week, but for now you’ll get the hangover special with our usual Granny Q&A plus full reviews of NXT Takeover and Monday Night’s Raw with the Roman Reigns title change. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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