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  • Edited version of WWE RAW coming to SyFy Friday nights

    In an interesting move, SyFy announced Friday that WWE Raw is coming to the network. Well, a version of it anyway.

    A two-hour airing of the show will air in Smackdown’s former timeslot on SyFy from 8-10 PM EST. It’s assumed that this will be what was previously just the Hulu version of Raw, and bring more WWE saturation to the Universal family of networks. Airing some wrestling content on the network could be an indicator that they want to keep some wrestling fans tuned into it, or to see how well a two hour version fares in the ratings compared to the first-run three hour version. It also could be SyFy looking for a time fill that pulls some sort of rating.

    With Raw’s ratings constantly in question on a weekly basis, is this the answer on how to engage lapsed fans that want a shorter, better version of RAW every week? As always, the numbers will tell the story.

    We’ll have more on this on the Friday edition of Wrestling Observer Live.

  • NXT TV taping results from Full Sail: Debuts, new names, TakeOver matches made

    I’m at Full Sail University in Winter Park FL for tonight’s NXT tapings.

    – Dark Match: Manny Andrade beat Tino Sabbatelli

    Manny had a new name, but I couldn’t hear over the reaction. (Editor’s note: Andrade “Cien” Almas). This was a very good match as Tino is much improved, and a showcase for Manny as he’s clearly the gem of the non-TV roster. Andrade teased dives to the outside, and in the end, Manny hit the running double knees in the corner for the win.

    – Dark Match: NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha beat The Authors Of Pain

    This was the Full Sail debut of Gzim Selmani and Sunny Dhinsa, and they did well in working the Alpha style of match. They got the heat on Gable before the Jordan hot tag. End was the Assisted German Suplex for the win for AA.

    – Mr Regal announces Nia vs. Alexa vs. Carmella for the right to face Asuka for the title at TakeOver .

    – Ciampa and Gargano beat TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorn)

    TM61 are the former TMDK (Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste). Excellent match, hard hitting and fast paced. Big reactions for both teams. Ciampa and Gargano got the heat on Shane for most of it before we got the hot tag to Nick. TM61 hit an amazing double team DDT for a near fall, broken up by Johnny. Finish was the double superkick by Gargano and Ciampa for the win. The teams had a stare down post match.

    – In-ring promo by Austin Aries saying he wants to be champion. Nakamura interrupts him to the loudest pop in Full Sail history. The crowd was even singing along with his music. In English, he says he wants to be the champion. Regal makes his way to the stage and makes the match for TakeOver. 

    – No Way Jose beat Johnny Vandal

    Showcase match for Jose who was incredibly over. NWJ won with his punch and cobra clutch slam.

    – Nia Jax beat Carmella and Alexa Bliss in a triple threat for the right to face Asuka at TakeOver

    Very good match with Alexa outsmarting the other two. Carmella went for two dives and had her leglock on Alexa before Nia broke it up and hit her big legdrop for the win. Post match, Asuka confronted Nia in the ring and held the title above her head.

    – In ring promo by The Revival who say American Alpha are a fine amateur team. They’re interrupted by Ciampa and Gargano who want a match with The Revival. Entertaining stuff, Revival was cleared out of the ring.

    – Tye Dillinger beat Buddy Murphy

    No Alexa or Blake with Murphy tonight. Big reaction for Dillinger. Murphy tried to work headlocks, yet Dillinger was able to fire up with a superkick and an over the knee neckbreaker for the win.

    – Austin Aries beat Elias Samson

    As always, major heat on The Drifter with long booing throughout his promo. Aries won via Last chancery submission. Post match, he cut a promo saying he will beat Nakamura.

    – Regal is out for the women’s title match contract signing. Nia puts down Asuka and says she broke Bayley. Asuka said “You talk too much” then went off in Japanese to a huge pop. A brawl broke out and Nia powerbombed Asuka who stayed down and sold in the go home angle.

    – Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa beat The Revival

    Great match with a big upset surprise win when Gargano hit a superplex. Post match, The Revival beat down the indie darlings before Alpha made the save. Alpha and Revival brawled for a long time with Alpha clearing house.

    – Adrienne Reese beat Nikki Storm

    This probably doesn’t make tv. It was a fun match with the top rope spinning stunner as the amazing finish.

    – Dark Match: Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura beat Tye Dillinger and NXT Champion Samoa Joe

    We got a great dark match main event to send the crowd home happy. Amazing reactions for Shinsuke and Finn with a lot of fun spots and Shinsuke being the star that he is. Shinsuke pins Joe with the Kinshasa.

  • John Cena to host 2016 ESPYs, first match back is official

    Former WWE Champion John Cena announced today that he would be the host of this year’s ESPY awards on July 13. Additionally, his first match back from injury is now being advertised.

    The ESPY spot is his biggest breakthrough when it comes to exposure within mainstream sports, and is a significant coup for WWE to get one of its performers so prominently placed before that audience.

    The ESPYs are ESPN’s fan voting awards for a number of different sports categories, aired on their main network and treated like other major award shows with a red carpet, celebrities from all walks of entertainment, pre-show, etc.

    On the in-ring front, Cena returns to WWE on the May 30 Raw in Green Bay, Wisconsin, teaming with WWE Champion Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose against A.J. Styles & Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows.

    That would indicate his first major show appearance would be June 19 at the Money in the Bank PPV from the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

  • Lucha Underground results: 7-way Gift of the Gods title match

    We get a rundown of the Aztec Medallion matches so far this season, alongside Chavo stealing Cage’s medallion. Pentagon Jr’s demise is shown and we see Vampiro’s torture of him again. In his office, Dario puts stacks of cash in his bag and Cage runs in. Dario calls him the Medallion Machine and Dario tells him it’s his problem – and that if Chavo puts the medallion in the belt, it’s his. Dario and Cage come out of his office, and we get Striker asking what Cage is doing come out of it. 

    Dario stands next to the medallion-less Gift of the Gods Title and announces a seven man match to determine the Gift of the Gods. Dario tells everyone who has a medallion to come out – so Chavo will have to go through Cage to actually get into the match. Texano comes out first and puts the medallion in – resulting in an amusing “well done!” by Dario. Joey comes down while Dario says he has a sixth sense for fashion. Sinestro comes down without Catrtina, but with a new cape and hood – “spooky!” according to Dario.

    It’s “THE RETURN OF THE MACK! BIG MACK BABY MACK BABY MACK BABY!” and then “Sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy Star!” Dario is amazing, and a “strong star woman” according to him. Chavo comes down to a “chickenshit” chant. Cage kicks his ass, but only grabs a washer – and Chavo hits him with the chair to put the medallion in the belt. Dario puts Chavo in the match, resulting in “a sorry man” and Cage doing his goofy catchphrase and even goofier finisher to Chavo. Dario has to win best non-performer of the year just for this segment.

    Mascarita Sagrada vs. Argenis vs. Daga vs. Kobra Moon

    Famous B does Sagrada’s intro in his new 423-GET-FAME tie – which needs to be on ProWrestlingTees ASAP, and the phone number alone gets a chant. Striker talks about watching midget porn in high school talking about Brenda and Sagrada. Kobra snaps his neck on the rope and gets 2. Kobra Moon hits a Michonoku Driver, resulting in Vamp marking out since it was his WCW finisher. A tumbling exchange between Daga and Argenis is won by Argenis with a kick. Dada hits a dropkick on the apron, but a baseball slide misses and sends Daga to the floor where he eats an Asai moonsault.

    Sagrada gets a victory roll on Kobra for 2. Sagarada goes for an armbar on Argenis, but Argenis Backlund lifts him into a One Winged Angel for 2. Corner running uppercut to Argenis by Daga, and a huge German gets 2. Daga gets a Gory special on Kobra and a Billy Goat’s Curse to Argenis. Argenis tosses Sagrada violently against the ropes. Crazy Fosbury Flop dive by Daga to the floor! Kobra Moon hits a fire thunder driver to Sagrada and lets Daga win. Famous B and Brenda console Sagrada while the fans chant “GET FAME 423!”

    Backstage, Killshot suits up before Marty the Moth creeps up behind him and says he’s reporting for duty. He says they have a match and mocks him with gun sounds before a wacky kung fu movie fight breaks out between them. Killshot wins and give him a finger-gun bang while Marty cackles. Robert Rodriguez’s band plays Marty to the ring. Marty and Joey should be a creeper tag team in season three.

    Marty the Moth vs. Killshot

    Vamp talks about the importance of dogtags in the military, while Striker talks about Col. DeBeers, Private Daniels, and Vamp talks about Major Gunns. Marty bumrushes him with corner strikes and tosses him to the floor – where he lands on the floor. Marty teases a dive and leans over the rope – but then eats a high kick. Marty catches him off a flip dive and eats a powerslam. Vamp talks about being silent now because of his mental suffering and then Striker mocks him a bit. Release German by Marty and then a turnbuckle exploder gets 2. 

    Vamp says that Marty spends a lot of time in dark corners, while Striker says it was more than likely dark booths. Killshot lands a corner elbow and then lands a basement hook kick. A somersault cutter gets 2 for Killshot. Corner running hook kick lands, but they wind up on the apron. Marty teases an apron German, but avoids that and lands an apron death valley driver. Vamp credits it to his military training, where I guess they had extensive viewing parties of Perry Saturn in WCW. They exchange punches and Marty lands a huge lariat. Back stomp gets 2 for Marty. Marty goes for a corner ass splash, but Killshot catches him for the modified One Winged Angel for the win – this was a lot of fun.

    Marty jumps him after the match, while Striker says that wins and losses still matter – but this impresses Dario as well. So it’s kind of like Dana White wanting you to be an exciting fighter more than just being a winning fighter. Marty grabs the dogtags and then lands a top rope curbstomp before giving him a finger-gun bang to the head just like Killshot did to him in their backstage deal. I dug this – they have good chemistry together and they’re doing something new with each guy. 

    Chavo Guerrero vs. Texano vs. Joey Ryan vs. The Mack (Baby) vs. Sinestro vs. Aerostar vs. Sexy Star

    Chavo cheapshots Texano. Joey and Sexy go at it and she gets 2 off a backslide. Joey tries to kiss her, but Chavo stops it so he can get 2 off a schoolboy. Mack sends Joey outside with a dropkick and the faces stand proudly. Mack and Sexy have a tumbling exchange and then Texano and Mack go at it with Mack going for a sunset flip. Texano takes the top off of Aerostar and traps him in the corner with chops.S

    Aerostar lands a springboard tornado DDT for 2. Superkick by Texano, but he gets sent to the floor. Sinestro goes after Aerostar, but Aerostar lands a flying sunset flip for 2. A wacky exchange leads to Sinestro crotching himself and eating a kick to the face. Sinestro flip dives onto the pile on the floor. Sexy sells a leg injury, and then goes up top for a crossbody off the top to the floor onto the pile. Joey lands a pumphandle slam for 2. Backstabber to Joey gets 2 for Sinestro. 

    Sinestro lariats Texano, but Texano lands one on him when he runs into the opposite corner. Pop-up rana gets 2 for Aerostar. Sexy lands a running dropkick to Joey and stomps on the stomach. Mack and Sexy team up to chop the hair off of Joey’s chest. Double team legdrop/kneedrop thing from the combo. Chavo gets another “chickenshit” splash, but 2 off a frog splash to Joey.

    Everyone gangs up on Chavo. Stunner. Codebreaker. Texano bomb. Springboard legdrop, and a springboard dive hit him. Then Cage comes in. Hey no fair – you already hit your finish on him earlier. He kicks everyone else’s ass – I guess to ensure that Chavo wins so then he can beat Chavo and get the shot he feels is his. Steiner screwdriver to Joey Ryan gives Chavo the win and the Gift of the Gods. Cage congratulates Chavo on being champion and says that Dario told him that Chavo already agreed to face him for the title next week. I like that – they gave you a reason to explain things without words, and then gave you some as well to fully explain it. 

    In Vampiro’s temple, we see Pentagon tied up while Vampiro torments him and says he must break him to make him strong. Vamp promises to torment him until he refuses to show signs of suffering. Vamp canes his own head and talks about Ian trying to suppress him with pills and tells Pentagon that the beating he’s getting here is nothing compared to what Matanza did. As he prepares to swing a barb wire bat at his spine, the screen goes black.

    This was an outstanding episode of the show – easily one of the best of the season. They built up Killshot’s character well, gave Marty something to do, re-established Cage as a top act, showcased Dario in his best talking segment yet, furthered the Vampiro-Pentagon issue, and made a perfect use of their limited time to get things done.

    To see all of the screenshots for it, just click here.

  • UFC News: Cyborg likely to return in July, DJ to defend flyweight title

    Wednesday’s UFC Tonight was full of news on upcoming fights, some of the ‘Wow!’ variety and some of the ‘Meh’ variety. 

    UFC 201

    With UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler set to return to action at Atlanta’s UFC 201 (July 30) against Tyron Woodley, the rest of the main card is starting to take shape with a new title match and another catchweight fight featuring a female destroyer of worlds.

    In the co-main event, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will defend against #6 ranked Wilson Reis, he of the one-fight win streak. 3-1 as a flyweight, he’s essentially filling a role here as Johnson wants to continue to fight frequently in an effort to break Anderson Silva’s consecutive title defense streak. He’s at 8 right now and with Reis and a December title defense against a TUF winner on the docket, 10 looks to be an easy bet.

    While the flyweights haven’t done much for the box office, UFC is hoping their next female breakout star will help as they are working on Cris Cyborg vs. Germaine de Randamie at a 140-pound catchweight fight on that Atlanta show. Cyborg wasted no time in dispatching Leslie Smith at UFC 198 in her Octagon debut while de Randamie picked up a big win in front of her hometown fans in Rotterdam a few weeks ago.

    On Twitter, Cyborg is denying it vehemently in both English and Portguese.

    Assuming those are the top three fights and considering the event falls in the UFC 200 afterglow, there’s not going to be a lot of buzz for this show with this promotionally low-key cast of characters involved. 

    UFC Fight Night South Dakota

    The July 13th event headlined by an awesome lightweight tilt in Michael Chiesa vs. Tony Ferguson got a sweet co-main event as bantamweight contenders Michael McDonald and John Lineker will do battle. McDonald returned after a two-year absence in January and submitted Masanori Kanehara in the second round, while Lineker won an entertaining decision over Rob Font at UFC 198 last Saturday.

    Other Stuff

    UFC is looking to bring an event to Cleveland, OH, this September and have heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic as the headliner. If that comes to pass and Alistair Overeem gets the opportunity, there goes The Reem’s plans to be on the November MSG show. 

  • WWE NXT results: Bayley vs Nia Jax: Austin Aries & Nakamura team up

    • The Big News: Nia Jax flat out destroyed Bayley in the main event, laying claim to #1 contender status
    • The Medium News: William Regal made Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor a steel cage match at NXT TakeOver.
    • The Little Beaver Sized News: Austin Aries and Shinsuke Nakamura made a tremendous team.

    Austin Aries & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Blake & Murphy

    Tag team action kicks things off this week. This was set up last week when Blake & Murphy stormed into Mr. Regal’s office and demanded a title shot while he was having a meeting with Austin Aries. Aries was told to find a partner and he did find quite the teammate in Shinsuke Nakamura.

    Blake & Murphy were in disarray from the start. There was a disagreement over who would start, so Aries ran across the ring with a dropkick and almost pinned Murphy in 10 seconds. Aries and Nakamura worked very well together..,so well that I was hoping they would become a full time team, but alas that probably ain’t happening any time soon.

    Blake ran away instead of dealing with Nakamura, so Nakamura gave Murphy the Kinshasa for the pin. Aries wanted the tag, but Nakamura either didn’t see it or ignored it. Blake, Murphy and Alexa argued after the match with Alexa walking off on them and then Blake walking off on Murphy.

    ********

    Bayley was backstage and said she is not afraid of Nia Jax and while she is tough the same thing that happened in London would happen tonight and after this she is going after Asuka again.

    ********

    We got a music video with clips of Asuka interspersed throughout.

    ********

    No Way Jose is really excited to be on NXT, happy to show off his smile and hope people don’t underestimate him. This is just Jose being Jose and he is here to have fun, have a fiesta and have a fight.

    ********

    Carmella submitted Peyton Royce

    Backstage, Carmella cut a promo looking to the left of the camera, talking about her boys Enzo and Cass before saying she wants to be Women’s Champion. Peyton calls herself the Venus Flytrap of NXT…and no one has a clue as to what she’s talking about.

    Peyton got a near fall with a kick to the face and a version of the Three Amigos where she used a Fisherman’s Suplex at the end. Carmella looked good on her comeback, picking up the win with a Flatliner, followed by the Headscissors.

    ********

    Last Saturday night in Portland at an NXT house show there was mass chaos with Joe and Balor, necessitating the entire locker room emptying to pull them apart. This led to the announcement by William Regal announcing a cage match with Samoa Joe and Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver.

    ********

    Blake, Murphy, and Alexa were backstage arguing. Alexa shouted that she was tired of them constantly losing, so she is dumping 470 pounds of lifeless weight in order to win the NXT Women’s Championship.

    ********

    Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Danny Burch & Rob Ryzin

    After being in NXT for close to a year, Gargano & Ciampa have, I believe, their first squash match. Corey Graves made a point that the fans always chant Johnny Wrestling but never chant for Ciampa.

    Gargano and Ciampa made fools out of Burch for several minutes until Ryzin distracted Ciampa just long enough for Burch to take over. Even then, the heels didn’t last very long on offense. Gargano did a spear through the ropes on Ryzin before Gargano and Ciampa finished him off with a double superkick to the head.

    ********

    Mr. William Regal was backstage and he congratulated Enzo & Cass and The Vaudevillians on being called up to Raw before booking American Alpha vs The Revival at TakeOver.

    ********

    Nia Jax pinned Bayley

    This wasn’t officially a #1 contender’s match, but it is a safe bet that the winner here will probably face Asuka at TakeOver. These two faced off in London last December with Bayley winning by tapout.

    Bayley started by using the same strategy at TakeOver, working for the guillotine but constantly getting thrown off, including landing face first. Nia played monster while Bayley did everything she could to try to slay the dragon a second time, but no matter the move, Nia seemed to have a counter for it.

    Nia used a tilt-a-whirl shoulderbreaker on Bayley and used that to begin an assault on her shoulder, which would prevent any attempt at a guillotine or a Belly to Bayley Suplex. Nia used a Cobra Clutch and her jumping bearhug to wear down the former champion. Bayley made her comeback using leg kicks, but she could not maintain a sustained offense. The closest Bayley got was using a crossbody off the top rope, but Nia kicked out.

    Bayley finally got on the guillotine, but she was thrown off, landing awkwardly on her knee. Nia squashed her in the corner and then picked up the win with a legdrop! Nia Jax has completely dominated the former champion! What will happen if and when she gets her hands on Asuka?

    Until next week, remember to say your vitamins and take your prayers!

  • Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold confirmed for June’s UFC 199

    Less than 24 hours after losing their title challenger for middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, UFC found someone to fill in — someone that has been fighting his entire professional career to get a title opportunity.

    Michael Bisping, the sometimes controversial British star, got the nod Wednesday and will get his first UFC title shot on June 4th, facing Rockhold for the second time in a memorable career in less than three weeks time. Chris Weidman was supposed to face Rockhold in a rematch, but had to pull out with herniated discs in his back.

    UFC president Dana White announced the news on ESPN, adding that Jacare Souza was their first option. However, Souza is looking at meniscus surgery after his recent quick victory over Vitor Belfort Saturday in Brazil. Fomer top contender Yoel Romero was also not in consideration as he is still on suspension after testing positive for a banned supplement.

    The 37-year-old (28-7) has won three straight and is coming off the most notable win of his career in February, a decision victory over Anderson Silva. He faced Rockhold in November 2014 and lost via second round submission. Just a week ago, he was filming on the set of the new ‘XXX’ action movie, so he hasn’t been in the gym training for a fight. However, given the opportunity, it’s safe to assume he’ll be as ready as possible in a few weeks.

    Given the other options, the fight is, ahem, best for business given the vitriol between the two and that Bisping knows how to sell a fight.

  • TNA Impact results: Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley lumberjack title match, Willow unmasked

    Previously on Impact:

    Last week on TNA Impact, Ethan Carter III began his road to redemption by defeating Rockstar Spud in a cage match. This was the first in a series of matches that EC3 must win in order to get a rematch with Mike Bennett. Meanwhile, Willow made his return last week and attacked Jeff Hardy. This was most perplexing because Willow is the alter ego of Jeff.

    Tonight on Impact:

    On tonight’s show, TNA World Champion Drew Galloway puts his title on the line against Bobby Lashley. Also, Jeff continues his mission to unmask Willow and reveal his true identity.

    Show Recap:

    –Earlier today, we see Drew Galloway entering the Impact Zone with the TNA title. Also earlier today, Bobby Lashley arrives at the Impact Zone. What a coincidence. Lashley and Drew spot each other backstage and get into a brawl.

    -In the Impact Zone, Willow makes his way down to the ring. Josh Matthews and The Pope recap Willow’s attack last week.

    Willow enters the ring and takes the microphone, his voice is distorted.  He says he is Willow and hear him roar. No, but seriously, he makes an extremely demonic cackle. This brings Jeff to the ring causing the crowd to cheer in ovation. Jeff lets us know that there is only one Willow and he lives inside of him. Jeff speaks like Willow and does the cackling laugh. This leads to a match.

    Jeff Hardy vs. Willow

    This was a short match and was basically a squash. Jeff dominated Willow and won with the Twist of Fate. After the match, Jeff attempted to take the mask off of Willow when a second Willow attacked Jeff from behind. The two Willows beat down Jeff and pointed at the entrance. A third Willow walked out and Pope said it looked like Jeff. This Willow also spoke with the distorted voice and said he was going to be Jeff’s worst nightmare.

    Back from commercial, the two Willows held Jeff as the third Willow addressed him. Willow unmasked to reveal…Maxell Hardy! Just kidding, its Matt Hardy, but he was messed up. This was a different Matt. He spoke with a weird tone and had a streak of blonde hair. It also appeared that his left eye is messed up and appears to be all white. Presumably, the Swanton bomb from the heavens a few weeks ago caused all of this. Matt told Jeff that he scarred him. Matt choked out Jeff in the middle of the ring to end the segment.

    -In the back, a tall, beautiful, bubbly blonde approached Velvet Sky. She introduced herself as Allie, Maria’s assistant. She informed Velvet that she has a match with Sienna later. Velvet got in Allie’s face and she backed down. Just then, Allie got a call from Maria who had her assistant tell Velvet that if she lost to Sienna, Velvet will be fired. Allie is better known as Cherry Bomb from the Indies.

    -We get a recap of Drew and Lashley brawling earlier in the day. Next, Jeremy Borash interviews TNA President Dixie Carter. She announces that tonight’s title match will be a lumberjack match.

    Sienna vs. Velvet Sky w/Velvet’s job on the line

    As Velvet makes her way to the ring, Josh reminds us that if Velvet loses she is fired. They’re pushing Sienna as a monster and she dominates the early part of the match. Velvet makes a short comeback and scores several near falls. However, it’s not enough and Sienna hits her finisher to pick up the win. Velvet is fired and is in fact done in TNA.

    -Next we get a vignette of Mike Bennett and Maria hanging out by the pool. Maria looked ridiculously hot and The Miracle knows it. He tells Maria to get some sun and then they’ll go over to the Impact Zone to make a miracle happen.

    -Back from commercial, Maria is apparently done getting some sun as she introduces The Miracle. He asked if the fans believe in miracles and the crowd chanted “No we don’t”. Miracle discussed EC3’s road to redemption and that if he doesn’t win he won’t get a rematch at Slammiversary. Miracle calls out a future hall of fame because he wants to beat one. He brings out Earl Hebner and challenges him to a match. He provokes Earl to shoving him in the face. Bennett calls out a second referee.

    “The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. “The Referee” Earl Hebner

    Mike knocks down Earl and covers him. The referee is hesitant to make the count. Earl kicked out at two and a half to a massive pop from the crowd. Bennett flipped out and got in the referee’s face. Earl gave a low blow to The Miracle. Maria distracted Earl and Miracle knocked him down. Bennett pinned Earl to win the match.

    Post match, Miracle continued to attack Earl until EC3 ran out for the save. Miracle distracted EC3 and Tyrus jumped him from behind. Bennett announced that EC3 will face Tyrus in a Last Man Standing match. EC3’s road to redemption continues after the commercial.

    Last Man Standing: Ethan Carter III vs. Tyrus

    Back from commercial and the match is underway. Tyrus set up a chair in the corner but EC3 countered and sent him shoulder first into the chair. EC3 brings a table in the ring and uses the steel chair on Tyrus. Tyrus barley makes it to his feet at the count of nine. EC3 goes for the one percenter by Tyrus counters and sends EC3 through to steel chairs. EC3 makes it back to his feet before the count of 10. Tyrus set EC3 up on the table and went up for the Vader Bomb. EC3 got back to his feet and power bombed Tyrus through the table. However, Tyrus made back to his feet and continued to beat down EC3. EC3 gives Tyrus the Samoan Drop through a guardrail set up by Tyrus. EC3 placed the steel steps on top of Tyrus. Tyrus is unable to answer the count of 10 and EC3 wins the match.

    Like last week, The Miracle came out after the match but unlike last week was not clapping.

    – Next we get a video package of Bobby Lashley training in the gym.

    – We get a recap of Willow/Matt’s attack on Jeff earlier. In the back, Jeff is irate over the attack. He challenges Matt to a match at Slammiversary.

    Eddie Edwards and DJ Z vs. The Helms Dynasty (X Division Champion Trevor Lee & Andrew Everett w/ Gregory Shane Helms)

    This is a fast paced match with lots of high impact moves. DJ Z chases Everett around ringside and runs right into a sick boot from Lee. The heels take over on Z and isolate him in their side of the ring. Eddie gets the hot tag and runs wild on the heels. Z tags himself in and hits an insane suicide dive threw the turnbuckles on an angle. Eddie hits a dive onto Lee and DJ Z connects with a DDT on Everett to win the match.

    -We get a recap of Velvet losing in her last match in TNA to Sienna. In the back, Velvet cuts an emotional promo and fights back the tears. She says goodbye to TNA, her friends and the fans. As noted earlier, Velvet is in fact finished with TNA.

    -Another video package this time on Drew Galloway training.

    Facts of Life with Eli Drake w/King of the Mountain Champion Bram

    It’s time for Facts of Life with Eli Drake. It’s also time for one of the most annoying gimmicks in wrestling. Every time Eli says, “dummy” he presses a button and a graphic pops up of Eli saying, “Dummy, yeah.” I blame Mr. Anderson for fact that his segment now exists. Eli does his own introduction using his “announcer” voice. Eli has his Feast or Fired KOTM title shot briefcase with him. Eli brings out KOTM champion Bram. Eli wants Bram to simply hand over the KOTM title but Bram refuses. Eli teases cashing in his title shot but instead he leaves. They brawl briefly until Eli escapes.

    -In the back, EC3 cuts a very brief promo. He wants Mike Bennett and his rematch. EC3 only said about five to seven lines, but it was still far better then the previous segment.

    -Still in the back, EC3 confronts The Miracle and Maria. EC3 demands his match with Bennett. The Miracle refuses and lets EC3 know he’s not done on his road to redemption. Next week, EC3 must defeat Matt Hardy and maybe if he’s victorious he’ll get his rematch with Bennett.

    Lumberjack Match: TNA World Champion Drew Galloway vs. “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley

    Members of the TNA roster surround the ring for the lumberjack match. They trade moves to start the match. Lashley sends Galloway to the floor on the heel side of the ring.

    Back from commercial, Lashley is in control of the match and sends Drew back outside to the heel side of the ring. The heels tease beating Drew, but they send him back in the ring. Lashley dominated Drew, but Galloway got back to his feet and made a comeback. Galloway goes for the Future Shock DDT but Lashley got out of it. Drew used the Celtic Cross and set up for the Claymore kick when the heel lumberjacks pulled Drew out of the ring resulting in the end of the match.

    Post match, all hell broke loose with all the entire roster brawling at ringside. DJ Z and Trevor Lee both hit dives onto the lumberjacks. In a sick spot, Eddie gave a super plex to Andrew Everett from the top rope to the outside on all the lumberjacks.

    In the ring, a bunch of guys hit moves. Bram knocked out Lashley and Eli knocked out Bram. Jeff took out Eli and set up for the Swanton. Matt ran out and brawled with Jeff to the back. Bennett took out Eli. EC3 starred down Bennett who backed off. Lashley then speared EC3 and Galloway caught Lashley with the Claymore. Drew then hit a dive to the outside on everyone to end the show.

    Next Time on Impact:

    EC3’s road to redemption continues as he battles Matt Hardy. Also, Grado returns to go one-on-one with Al Snow. Plus, next week the Ultimate X match returns.

  • Chris Weidman out of UFC 199 due to injury; possible replacements

    When it was announced that Chris Weidman was going to rematch UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at June’s UFC 199, there were many among the MMA fanbase who groaned due to a) the way the first fight ended and b) rematch fatigue.

    Haters of the Weidman/Rockhold rematch got their wish Tuesday as the former UFC middleweight champion had to withdraw from the event due to an undisclosed injury — widely speculated on Twitter today and confirmed by both Jeremy Botter and Ariel Helwani a short time ago.

    The Los Angeles, CA, show still has plenty of interesting fights (bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz vs. Uriah Faber, Dan Henderson vs. Hector Lombard, BJ Penn vs. Cole Miller, and more, but you know UFC would love to keep the other California kid on that show. 

    Two possible replacements: Jacare Souza who ran through Vitor Belfort this past Saturday at UFC 198 in less than a round, and Michael Bisping who already tweeted that he wants the opportunity. Bisping faced Rockhold in November 2014, a fight Rockhold won via second round submission. Bisping is coming off a unanimous decision over Anderson Silva earlier this year.

    For a name that casual MMA fans know and for the story of him getting his first-ever UFC title shot, Bisping would be the call but from the sporting aspect, Souza has done more than enough to earn the shot. However, the short turnaround to June 4th might not be in the cards. However, given the ease of his fight last Saturday, he may just be up for it.

    *****

    Additionally, UFC confirmed that welterweight champion Robbie Lawler’s next title defense will indeed be against Tyron Woodley (he of the long, long layoff) on July 30th in Atlanta.

  • Despite NBA ratings smash, WWE RAW’s ratings avoid seasonal lows

    A big third hour drop and a massive NBA playoff game resulted in WWE coming close to seasonal lows for the May 16th edition of Raw, but ending just above that mark.

    The show did 3.17 million viewers — just above the 3.12 million viewers for the April 25th show — but lower than any other non-holiday Raw outside of football season since 1997.

    The first hour, which didn’t oppose the Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game, was the highest rated show on cable. Raw was No. 3 on cable behind the game and the post game show, Inside The NBA

    There was a huge drop in Raw’s third hour, which was predicted given everything that was going on. The basketball game was up 28% in viewers from a similar Warriors playoff game last season.

    The key is that even though there are more viewers of Dancing With The Stars (11.64 million) than the NBA game (8.1 million), the latter seems to have impacted Raw more significantly. 

    DWTS draws double the women’s adult audience as men, while the NBA game was made up of 66% males or about double the women’s audience in the 18-49 demo. Raw does numbers similar to that of the NBA in that regard. Also of note in sports Monday, the San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues NHL playoff game did 1.71 million viewers.

    Raw was only down two percent from last week with that tougher competition. The first two hours were similar to last week with hour one slightly up and hour two slightly down. But, the third hour was down four percent from last week. 

    The three hours were:

    • 8 p.m. 3.38 million viewers
    • 9 p.m. 3.30 million viewers
    • 10 p.m. 2.89 million viewers