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  • Evolve 63 results: ECIII open challenge; cruiserweight five-way; memorable ref spot

    Submitted by Stephen Darrow

    The show opened with the announcer telling us there were two changes: Tony Nese being added to the cruiserweight match to make it a 5 way elimination match and the non-title Hot Sauce v Tim Thatcher match would now be a title match.

    – Dark Match: Joe Coffey def. Rory Gulak via submission

    Gulak did some sort of a Tye Dillinger gimmick where he would evade a move and yell “amazing” or something similar. Coffey put him in a ridiculous standing boston crab and Gulak tapped instantly.

    – Cedric Alexander def. Fred Yehi via pin

    I thought this ended up being the best singles match on the show. It had the stiffest forearms/chops of the evening, and that is saying a lot. It looked like Cedric forearmed Yehi a little too hard and Yehi started to lay them in which looked pretty real to me. There was a dive spot where Alexander knocked the barricade back into the people in the first row. They went into the ring and started exchanging big moves, finally ending with a flurry from Cedric that gave him the victory. Yehi stayed in the ring in shock while Cedric celebrated, Cedric went down to the mat and they exchanged a very manly handshake.

    – Bravado Brothers def. Jason Cade and Darby Allin via pin

    After some standard tag work in the ring, Bravados took them outside and smashed them into the barricades a few times. Action went back into the ring where Cade threw one of the brothers out of the ring. He then went over the barricade into the crowd. The spot of the night happened when Cade leaped from the apron onto a basketball hoop that was left down in the gym, then hit a hurricanrana on one of the Brothers (I still don’t know which one is which). Action found its way back into the ring where Bravado brothers hit their finish and got the pin.

    – Matt Riddle def. Trevor Lee via submission

    Pretty blah match except for a spot where Riddle was thrown into one of the barricades and they broke apart, crashing into the people in the first row. Riddle tapped him with the Bro-Mission.

    – Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher def. Hot Sauce Williams via submission

    Hot Sauce sent the rest of Catch Point to the back because he didn’t want an asterisk next to his name when he won the title. Thatcher then entered with no title belt as Riddle had stole it from him. Thatcher was very technical and kicked out of a few moves that looked devastating. He ended up catching Hot Sauce in an armbar and tapped him.

    After the match, Riddle entered with the belt and cut a promo on Thatcher saying he deserved a title shot. Stokely Hathaway then entered and told him his boy TJP earned a spot in the cruiserweight series and neither of the other two had one. He felt TJP deserved the next shot. Thatcher said he would give TJP the next shot, then it would be Riddle in a Last Man Standing match. Thatcher then exited the ring without trying to get his title belt from Riddle.

    – Cruiserweight Elimination Match: Tony Nese pinned TJP in a match involved Drew Gulak, Lince Dorado, and Johnny Gargano

    Tony Nese entered first and cut a promo on how all he wants is a shot to show to the world what he can do in the WWE cruiserweight tourney. They implied that if he won he would be in the series. All the other entrants came in one by one and cut similar promos. Gargano made some vague WWE references.

    Very good match, non-stop action. Gargano was eliminated early via roll-up by Gulak. Lots of dive spots, the barricades were knocked silly this match. Dorado did a moonsault onto the 3 remaining competitors and right as he was setting it up, Drew Galloway and EC3 entered and beat up Gargano. They cut a promo but the mic wasn’t quite working. After the moonsault spot, Gulak slept outside for about 5 minutes. Back in the ring, Dorado was pinned. Next, Gulak was eliminated by TJP. Nese and TJP then battled for a solid 10 minutes. TJP kicked out of a sit out tombstone piledriver. Nese started yelling “I am not losing this match”, went into a hulk-up mode, and hit TJP with another piledriver then a 450 for the pin.

    With the win, Nese is now in the WWE cruiserweight tournament.

    – Drew Galloway def. Ethan Page via pin — Anything Goes

    Match almost immediately left the ring and they fought all over the gym. They tossed a plastic trash can around and Drew grabbed a half full Coke bottle out of it and smashed it on Ethan’s head. Drew went for a suplex on the outside and Page reversed it. Action went back to the ring and Drew emptied the ring of chairs, another barricade, then grabbed a fan’s plastic chair. Page then went outside and grabbed a tiny ladder. He Irish whipped Galloway into the ladder, which was propped up on the ring and barricade. The ladder went flying about 10 feet almost into the crowd. Match went back into the ring and Drew hit his dirty deeds finisher onto a couple of steel chairs for the pin.

    After the match, EC3 came out to celebrate with Drew. He said his open challenge was off because he already beat everyone up in the back and there was no one left. Gargano then came out and cut more WWE related promos, said something about him being “best for business” and he “knows how to play the game”. Gargano then said he didn’t want to pin EC3 so this would be a last man standing match. EC3 accepted the challenge and Drew went to the back.

    – Johnny Gargano def. EC3 via KO in a Last Man Standing match

    Back and forth match, good action. EC3 got mad at the ref for not counting fast enough so he knocked him out. He beat Gargano up and went to the back for another ref. The second ref counted to 9, Gargano got to his feet and EC3 whacked him with a chair. The ref started counting from 1 and EC3 told him “no that’s not 1, its 10”. The ref disagreed and EC3 then knocked that ref out as well.

    Galloway came in, and then the Catch Point stable came in to help Gargano. They cleared Drew from the ring and it was left with EC3 surrounded by three men and the third ref. EC3 pleaded to the ref who just patted him on the face, EC3 then turned around to eat a bunch of superkicks. The match ended with EC3 being superkicked into the ref who gave him the Stone Cold salute, then a pretty well executed stunner. EC3 was then tossed over the top onto a table that was at ringside that didn’t break and the ref counted to 10.

    At that point, the four men in the ring celebrated and the ref got a nice pop for his stunner. After the cameras were off, the ref attempted a spin-a-roonie and The Worm…which weren’t great. 

  • ROH Hopkins, MN, live results: Adam Cole hospitalized with pneumonia; Young Bucks return

    Submitted by Christopher Falken

    – Bullet Club member Adam Cole is in the hospital with pneumonia and has been pulled from tonight’s show and Sunday’s show in Milwaukee, WI. Will Ferrara takes his place to face Chris Sabin tonight.

    – Dalton Castle def. Juice Robinson

    Lots of comedy early on. It got more physical as it went on and lots of back and forth. They shake hands after the match, and TV Champion Bobby Fish comes out for a live Fish Tank with Dalton. Dalton requests for it to be a sitdown interview but they don’t have any chairs. Dalton has 2 more Boys come out and they form human chairs for them to sit on. Lots of comedy. They promise to remain friends after their match at Best in the World, but Fish says he doesn’t see Dalton as a champion, making him storm off. Neither one came off like a heel.

    – Chris Sabin def. Will Ferrara

    Decent match. Daniels comes out for commentary to lead into the next match.

    – Silas Young/Beer City Bruiser def. War Machine and Moose/Lio Rush

    Excellent match and easily the match of the night with nonstop action. Rush was the star despite being there to take the pin and the crowd came alive after being dead nearly the whole show so far.

    – ACH def. Alex Shelly

    Solid match. ACH cut a promo afterwards and calls Shelley one of his idols. Shelley puts him over to bring the show into intermission.

    – Steve Corino comes for an interview after intermission.  He cuts a promo on BJ Whitmer, who has been on commentary all night.  He says a lot of nothing.

    – Donovan Dijak def. Cheeseburger

    About the match you’d expect with Cheeseburger getting little bursts of offense in only to be cut off seconds later and tossed around. Kaz’s turn to do commentary for the next tag match.

    – ANX def. The Young Bucks and RPG Vice

    Both ANX and RPG Vice work heel over the returning Bucks who haven’t missed a beat. King stole the pin on Trent after he got hit with a Meltzer Driver and said ANX was going to make wrestling great again.

    – Michael Elgin def. Kamaitachi

    Not a lot of people in the crowd were familiar with Kamaitachi, but got behind him when he was on offense. They raise each other’s arms after the match.

    – Daniels comes out for one last time and cuts a promo hyping the main event.  Quick promo, just some cheap heat and out come the tag teams.

    – Briscoe Brothers def. ROH Champion Jay Lethal/Roderick Strong and ReDRagon

    Fans were tired out by this point but got back into it towards the end. Bucks interfere and interrupt the Lethal Injection while Jay hits the Jay Driller on Strong to end the show.

    Overall, there were no bad matches.  The attendance seemed down from the last few shows run in Hopkins.  No return date announced.

  • NXT Download Festival results: Bobby Roode makes in-ring debut; surprise return

    Photo: Jason Elliott & additional notes from Josh Nason

    Bobby Roode made his WWE in-ring debut Saturday at the NXT show at the Download Festival in Derby, United Kingdom, defeating Angelo Dawkins.

    Roode had very briefly been advertised for the tour, before it was pulled because they wanted his debut to be a surprise. He had appeared briefly on the last two NXT Takeovers in a backstage segment on Wednesday and in the crowd in Dallas.

    It is expected the 39-year-old will work the remainder of the tour.

    Here’s what happened Friday:

    – Hugo Knox defeated Sawyer Fulton after hitting a split-legged moonsault

    – Nikki Glencross defeated Peyton Royce after clamping on a swinging fisherman’s suplex.

    – Baron Corbin returned to defeat Angelo Dawkins & Alexander Wolfe in a handicap match via End of Days. Corbin put Wolfe through a table after the match.

    Here’s what happened Saturday for the first of two 90 minute sessions:

    – No Way Jose def. Alex Wolfe

    – Tye Dillinger def. Sawyer Fulton

    – Carmella def. Nikki Glencross

    – Bobby Roode def. Angelo Dawkins

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka def. Peyton Royce

    – Finn Balor and Hugo Knox def. NXT Tag Champions The Revival in a non-title match

    Here are the results for the second 90-minute session:

    – Bayley & Carmella def. Nikki Glencross & Nia Jax

    – Angelo Dawkins def. Wesley Blake

    – Triple H did a promo, talking about the Golden Gods Spirit Of Lemmy Award.

    – Alexa Bliss def. Peyton Royce

    – American Alpha def. Saywer Fulton & Alexander Wolfe

    – Shinsuke Nakamura & Andrade “Cien” Almas def. NXT Champion Samoa Joe & Baron Corbin

    Reports from any and all shows can be sent to newstips@wrestlingobserver.com. 

  • Evolve 62 results & video highlights: Hero vs. Thatcher III; Tony Nese gets WWE tourney opp

    – Anthony Nese vs. Fred Yehi

    Yehi won via submission after clamping on the Koji Clutch. Nese did a promo afterward saying despite his losing streak, he wants an opportunity in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic and he wants it Saturday night.

    – Darby Allin vs. Ethan Page

    Page won after hitting a package piledriver. Earlier in the match, Page gorilla press slammed Allin over the ropes and into a support beam that was said to be a big spot.

    – Cedric Alexander vs. Matt Riddle

    Riddle submitted Alexander with a neck crank after hitting a fisherman’s buster.

    – Evolve Tag Team Champs Catch Point (Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams) vs. Bravado Brothers (Harlem & Lancelot Bravado)

    Champs retain after Williams pinned Lancelot after a big DDT spot. Post-match, Catch Point are cutting a promo and calling out Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher. Thatcher came out, and told the guys to get lost.

    – Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher vs. Chris Hero

    Said to be a great match. Thatcher retained the gold by submitting Hero with a cross armbar.

    Post-match, Riddle, Gulak, Williams, and Stokely Hathaway all came out to contront Thatcher. Williams wants his title shot Saturday and Thatcher agrees. 

    – Drew Galloway & Ethan Carter III vs. Johnny Gargano & TJ Perkins (Unsanctioned Street Fight)

    Wild match that spilled everywhere including on the bar inside the arena and outside the arena. Big action, table spots, you name it. Gulak came out to check on Perkins after Galloway powerbombed him through a table. This brought Hero out who hit a piledriver on Gulak and then booted Gargano and piledrove him to turn on Evolve. ECIII hit the One Percenter on Perkins for the win.

    Post-match promos by Galloway and Carter reveal a fourth member of their crew: Cody Rhodes! Rhodes will debut for the promotion on August 19th in Maryland against Gargano.

    **********

    Evolve 63 card — Saturday from Orlando, FL:

    – Evolve Champion Timothy Thatcher vs. Tracy Williams

    – WWE Cruiserweight Tournament preview: Johnny Gargano vs. Drew Gulak vs. TJP vs. Lince Dorado vs. Tony Nese elimination match. If Nese wins, he’s in the tourney.

    – Anything Goes: Drew Galloway vs. Ethan Page

    – ECIII open challenge to anyone on the Evolve roster

    – Matt Riddle vs. Trevor Lee

    – Fred Yehi vs. Cedric Alexander

    – The Bravado Brothers vs. Jason Cade & Darby Allin

  • UFC featherweight contender Chad Mendes flagged by USADA

    Photo: Sherdog

    Team Alpha Male has had some ups & downs in the last few weeks with Urijah Faber’s latest failed attempt at a UFC title shot and Cody Garbrandt’s emergence as a contender providing the rollercoaster effect.

    Friday night, that coaster took a dip as the UFC announced that featherweight contender Chad Mendes may have violated USADA’s anti-doping policies:

    “The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Chad Mendes of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection. USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full and fair review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.”

    The 31-year-old Mendes (17-4) has been on the shelf since getting knocked out cold by Frankie Edgar back in December 2015, his second straight loss by T/KO (Conor McGregor). A two-time challenger for the UFC’s featherweight crown, he’s been out of the spotlight since that last defeat as he’s lost two of his last three.

    Mendes is a former second place finisher in the NCAA championships in wrestling.

  • NXT TakeOver live results: Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor cage match; Nakamura vs. Austin Aries

    While it might not be “The End” of NXT, tonight’s TakeOver show from Full Sail University in Florida will likely be the end of one of the longest and most entertaining rivalries in NXT history as Samoa Joe and Finn Balor will battle in a first for NXT: a steel cage match.

    Also on the show, Nakamura and Austin Aries look to advance to the next step in their respective NXT runs while NXT tag champions American Alpha are hoping this will be the end of their multi-month run against The Revival. NXT women’s champion Asuka looks to make a statement as she battles Nia Jax for the first time with the belt on the line, and Andrade Cien Almas finally makes his TV debut after months working NXT house shows, winning over crowds.

    Join us at 8 PM EST for NXT TakeOver: The End, live on WWE Network. Before you do, check out this preview, as well as today’s Wrestling Observer Live.

    **********

    Andrade Cien Almas vs. Tye Dillinger

    Almas won his debut in a hot five minute match. This was similar to Apollo Crews’ debut last August in that it was a more competitive match than most NXT debuts have been over the years. The fans at one point did dueling chants of “He’s 100” and “Perfect 10” as it was mentioned that Cien means one hundred in Spanish.

    There was a hot move where Andrade went for a moonsault, but Dillinger rolled out of the way. However, Andrade landed on his feet and immediately hit a standing moonsault to Dillinger. Dillinger got several near falls, including one after a superkick when Andrade was upside down on the top rope. In the end, Almas won with a running double knees in the corner while Dillinger was sitting in the corner.

    **********

    NXT Tag Team Champions American Alpha vs. The Revival

    Revival became the first team to become two-time NXT Tag Team Champions as they won clean with Shatter Machine on Jordan. This was different than the usual American Alpha match as it didn’t start with several minutes of Gable and Jordan suplexing their opponents all over the place. Instead, it was more of a fight than a wrestling match.

    At one point, the fight broke down into a 4-way with Jordan and Gable doing simultaneous takedowns and then using a double ankle lock, which made the fans go bananas.

    Dawson hit a Spinebuster which looked nicer than Triple H’s. Dash and Dawson clipped Gable’s knee out during the heat and used a real nice double team combination legdrop for a near fall. Jordan made the hot tag and went all Full Suplex University on both men. Revival got many near falls before the finish, making you believe that they would lose at the end, but alas, they did not.

    The fans were legitimately shocked by the finish and then they were shocked further when The Authors of Pain (Sunny Dhinsa and Gzim Selmani) attacked American Alpha after the match was over! They laid out Gable and Jordan before WWE Hall of Famer and Road Warriors manager Paul Ellering appeared on the ramp nodding his approval. The fans chanted “Who are you?” at Ellering.

    The Authors of Pain have been working the Florida NXT house shows for a few months.

    Asuka was warming up with Seth Petruzelli backstage and Bayley walked in, offering a handshake.

    **********

    Shinsuke Nakamura vs Austin Aries

    Nakamura won with his second attempt at the Kinshasa. As expected, this was an excellent match. Aries had his ribs taped for some unknown reason, but that didn’t really play into the match. The fans sang Nakamura’s theme song, which, if you recall, is completely instrumental. It was pushed in commentary that no one had ever controlled Nakamura the way Aries was, while Aries stretched Nakamura on the mat. The story told was every time Nakamura would go for one of his moves, and Aries would have the counter.

    Nakamura kicked Aries seven ways from sideways when he was on offense. Nakamura, at one point, went for the Kinshasa, but Aries blocked it and suplexed Nakamura before locking on the Last Chancery. Aries gave Nakamura a death valley driver on the ring apron, which looked like it killed him. The crowd did that annoying thing where they count one number ahead of the referee during a countout. Aries went for a Suicide Dive, but Nakamura moved causing Aries to crash into the barricade. Nakamura threw him back in the ring for the finish.

    **********

    Tickets are on sale this Saturday at 12Noon for NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn.

    **********

    NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Nia Jax

    A much better match than expected. This built similar to the Nia-Bayley match from a few weeks ago where Jax just completely dominated Asuka from the bell. Every time Asuka went for a move, Nia would either block it or power out of it. Asuka’s biggest move was a kneebar, but Nia was right near the ropes.

    Asuka made her comeback using a series of spinning back fists that Nia was blocking with her face. Nia used a power bomb like during the contract signing last week, but Asuka somehow turned a pinfall attempt into an armbar. Asuka won with several hard kicks to the face and head.

    Not at the level of the great TakeOver matches, but still really really good.

    **********

    Earlier today, Mr. William Regal was talking to Cathy Kelly when Bobby Roode entered, walked past Mr. Regal, and entered the locker room.

    **********

    NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs Finn Balor in a steel cage match with pinfall, submission or escape rules

    Joe retained the title with a Muscle Buster off the middle rope in yet another excellent match. This was exactly the physical match you expect from these two and at least this time Joe didn’t accidentally bleed in the first 30 seconds of the match. Joe on two occasions hip tossed Balor into the cage.

    There was an amazing spot where both men were on the top rope and Finn went to hoist himself over the top of the cage, but Joe did his jumping Inzigiri to the back of Finn’s head, causing both men to crash onto the mat.

    Joe at one time was caught between the ropes and the cage. Balor was on the top rope and kicked Joe in the face, causing Joe to hunch over on the top rope, crotching Balor on the ropes. Later on in the match they were back on the top rope and Balor gave Joe a Slingblade off the top rope and then one normal one. Balor kicked out of a Muscle Buster and Joe kicked out of a Coup de Grace before the finish.

  • Nakamura to face Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt on WWE Japan tour

    The WWE’s July tour of Japan is coming into shape with the cards officially released on their Japan microsite including Nakamura’s first official scheduled WWE action. 

    Nakamura will face both Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens on the tour, while WWE Champion Roman Reigns will be involved in two fatal-four way matches for the title. Also, it looks as if the John Cena/AJ Styles feud will last a few months as they are also scheduled for both nights.

    Thanks to reader Robin Clarke for sending these over:

    Friday, July 1st:

    – Fatal Four-Way: WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins

    – John Cena vs. AJ Styles

    – Fatal Four-Way: WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. The Usos vs. Vaudevillains vs. The Club

    – Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bray Wyatt

    – WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte vs. Natalya

    – Dolph Ziggler vs. Curtis Axel

    – Titus O’Neil vs. Baron Corbin

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

    – Ric Flair is also listed as doing an appearance.

    Saturday, July 2

    – Fatal Four Way: WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins

    – John Cena vs. AJ Styles

    – WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. Vaudevillians

    – Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens

    – The Usos vs. The Club

    – WWE Women Champion Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch

    – Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

    – Titus O’Neil vs. Curtis Axel

    – NXT Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Natalya

    As always, the cards are subject to change.

  • TNA Impact Wrestling results: Slammiversary go-home show with Broken Matt Hardy

    Previously on Impact:

    Last week on Impact, Ethan Carter III was put in charge for the night. He had failed on his Road To Redemption and made a rematch with The Miracle for Slammiversary. Also, Matt and Jeff Hardy were featured in a series of very unique videos revolving a contract signing at Matt’s home in North Carolina and ended after Reby threw a fake doll at Jeff. This distraction allowed Matt to put Jeff through a table, which was done in slow motion.

    Tonight on Impact:

    Tonight’s Impact is the go-home show for Slammiversary this Sunday night.  All the key matches are set and the rest of the card should be filled out by the end of the night. In tonight’s main event, The Miracle and Maria take on EC3 and Gail Kim in a tag match. Additionally, Sienna and Madison Rayne go one on one to determine the number one contender for the Knockouts title on Sunday.

    Show Recap:

    – We kick the night off with the deranged and twisted Matt Hardy making his way to the ring. Josh Matthews reminds us that we’re 5 days away from Slammiversary.

    Matt took the mic and basically repeated everything he said for the last few weeks. He’s broken and it’s Jeff’s fault. He recaps the angle from last week and tells us that Jeff is out of his life. Matt wants his World title back and calls out current champion Drew Galloway. It must be noted that Drew has been really good in his role. Without saying anything, he was able to show that the new Matt disturbs him. Matt wants to be added to the main event at Slammiversary but Drew refuses and instead gives him a title shot tonight. It’s official for tonight; Drew defends the TNA title against Matt in the main event.

    – TNA Knockout Champion Jade comes out and takes a seat at ringside so she can get a better view of the next match.

    #1 Contenders Match Sienna w/ Allie vs. Madison Rayne

    Madison is introduced before the commercial. When we come back, Allie and Sienna are on their way to the ring. Allie is doing the intro for Sienna as they walk to the ring. Allie reminds Jade that if she interferes, Madison will be disqualified. On commentary, Josh tells us that next week they will reveal the 2016 TNA Hall of Fame Inductee. 

    Sienna dominated the match with power moves until Madison made a brief comeback. Sienna used her finisher, which The Pope called the “AK-47” to put away Madison and become the number one contender. Post match, Jade and Sienna brawled with Jade getting the better of Sienna.

    – Backstage, The Miracle and Maria recapped their respective feuds. They take on their Slammiversary opponents next.

    – Next we get a video package on the Galloway vs. Lashley feud that is very well done. It recapped Drew winning the title, pushing Lashley as a killer and recapped all of thier wild brawls. They’ve done a really good job with the build to this match.

    – Next we get a glimpse of Willow laughing. The announcers didn’t acknowledge it at all. Does anyone know where Jeff Hardy is?

    – Now we get a video of King of The Mountain Champion Eli Drake on top of a mountain. He mentioned tonight’s Fact of Life Championship Edition.

    – Back in the ring, its time for Fact of Life. Eli recapped winning the KOTM title and let us know that Bram will get his rematch Sunday. Eli introduced his guests, the TNA Tag Champs, Decay. So far, Eli has not used that ridiculous “Dummy, Yeah” Button. Decay discusses their match on Sunday until the challengers, BroMans, interrupt them. Josh and The Pope say that BroMans have a new look because they have a new manager. There was nothing new about them.

    BroMans bring out Grado and Mahabali Shera to even the odds. Eli started using the “Dummy, Yeah” button and kept pressing the button over and over. Is there anything more annoying? Yes, there is and its Al Snow with a whistle. The Tribunal ran out and a huge brawl broke out. Al Snow was acting like a coach blowing on his whistle (insert dirty joke here). Bram joined the brawl and we cut to commercial.

    The Tribunal (Basille Baracca & Baron Dax) w/ Al Snow, Decay (Abyss & Crazy Steve) w/ Rosemary and Eli Drake vs. Bram, Grado, Mahabali Shera and BroMans (Robbie E. and Jesse Godderz) w/Raquel

    – We come back from commercial and a ten men tag match is in progress. All these teams are involved in matches at Slammiversary. The Pope says that he talked to Al Snow earlier and he wants to be known as “The Coach”. Al blew on the whistle the entire match. It was very similar to John Tolos’s “Coach” gimmick when he was briefly in the WWE.

    Robbie hit a cross body off the top onto Decay and Jesse on the floor. Bram runs wild on The Tribunal and clears them from the ring. Eli uses a low blow and pins Grado to win the match for his team.

    – In the back, Jeremy Borash interviews EC3 and Gail Kim. Like every week, EC3 cuts an awesome promo. He gets better and better each week.

    – Backstage, Lashley approached Matt who was randomly kneeling. Matt again mentioned that Jeff is gone forever. Lashley isn’t letting anyone stand in the way of his title match on Sunday.

    – The Miracle, Maria and Allie made their way to the ring. Maria has a bag with her.

    – Next we get an UFC style weigh-in for the EC3 vs. The Miracle match for Slammiversary hosted by Joe Rogan…er…Josh Matthews.  Of course it ended in a brawl.

    Ethan Carter III and Gail Kim vs. “The Miracle” Mike Bennett and “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis

    Before the match, Maria takes the mic and announces that she will not participate in the match. Instead, her assistant Allie will take her place. Allie is surprised but luckily Maria brought Allie’s gear.

    The Miracle teased starting the match with EC3 but he tagged out to Allie. Allie screeched at the top of her lungs until EC3 told her to shut up. Gail Kim tagged in and dominated Allie until Maria tripped up Gail. The guys tagged in and EC3 ran wild on The Miracle. EC3 sent Miracle to the outside. Allie attacked EC3, who no sold every slap. Gail hit a cross body onto Maria and Allie from the top to the outside. EC3 chased The Miracle to the back after Miracle tried to use a chair. Gail rolled up Allie to win the match for her team.

    Post match, Sienna joined Allie and Maria in a beat down of Gail. They place Gail’s knee in a chair and Maria hit it with another chair.

    – Before the commercial, we get another short glimpse of Willow, which the announcers didn’t acknowledge.

    – In the back, we see Braxton Sutter warming up. Josh informs us that he’ll make his debut later tonight.

    TNA X Division Champion Trevor Lee w/Gregory Shane Helms vs. Eddie Edwards

    As Eddie made his way to the ring, we get a recap of Eddie getting screwed out of the X Division title 2 weeks ago in Ultimate X. Eddie and Lee brawled around ringside to start the match. They have a really good back and forth competitive match. These two should really be on Impact more often. It was full of fast paced action with intense shots and highflying moves.

    Eddie was on top when Andrew Everett pushed him off but Lee only got a near fall. DJ Z came out but Helms took him out with a vicious shot. Helms hit Eddie with the X Division title and Lee pinned him to retain the title.

    – In the back, Lashley and Galloway had a face to face. Drew said that if he can make Kurt Angle tap he could do the same to Lashley.

    – Back from commercial, Gail is being checked on in the back. She’s in agonizing pain.

    – We see the video of Braxton Sutter from last week. He wants to be world champion eventually.

    Braxton Sutter debuts

    They make a big deal out of Braxton’s debut. He seems very nervous which Josh and The Pope point out. This was a good debut for Sutter. It was basically a squash match. Sutter uses the downward spiral to win.

    After the match, J.B. interviewed Sutter at ringside. The fans gave him a great reaction. He said he was going to be at Slammiversary. He ended the segment by saying, “its no B.S”, which are his initials.

    – Next we get a typical Willow promo in the back.

    TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway vs. Matt Hardy

    The Pope and Josh point out that they haven’t heard from Jeff but they did just see Willow.

    Drew and Matt always have good matches against each other. Drew gave Matt a backbreaker on the apron and then Matt gave Drew a side effect on the stairs. Matt is in control of the match until Drew counters a submission attempt by Matt. Drew set up for the Claymore when Lashley ran in for the DQ. Pope explained that Lashley interfered because he wants to be the one to beat Drew.

    Lashley and Drew brawled around ringside and to the back.

    Matt’s in the ring and saying that he should be champion. The lights went out and when they came back on the fans in the front are all wearing Willow Masks. This freaked out Matt. Then four guys wearing Willow masks came out. Willow cut a promo on the big screen. Then Jeff’s music hit and Jeff Hardy came out, not Willow. Jeff and Matt brawl in the ring to end the show.

    Next Time on Impact:

    Next week on a live edition Impact, the show will revolve around the fallout and aftermath from Slammiversary. Plus, next week they’ll reveal the 2016 inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: The Club vs. Enzo & Cass; Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose

    Dark Match:

    – Golden Truth def. Dudley Boyz

    WWE Main Event:

    – Sheamus defeated Zack Ryder. Dolph Ziggler was on commentary.

    – Titus O’ Neil beat Viktor

    – U.S. Champion Rusev beat Sin Cara

    Smackdown Tapings:

    AJ & The Club did a show opening promo about how they would win at MITB. Enzo and Cass interrupted and called them ‘Sawft’. Gallows made fun of Enzo for being a former manager of a Hooters. Enzo said The Club had been champs on every continent but Antartica. The New Day made their way to ringside and got on commentary.

    – Enzo/Cass and The Club went to a double DQ after The Vaudevillains and New Day interfered and all four teams brawled.

    – Renee Young interviewed Rusev backstage. Rusev said he was greater than Muhammad Ali. Titus O’Neil interrupted and said he would beat him at MITB.

    – Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio beat Cesaro and Sami Zayn. Zayn and Owens disappeared for part of the match and fought to the backstage area before returning. When Owens came back, he attacked Del Rio and then pinned Cesaro.

    – Becky Lynch defeated Dana Brooke by submission

    – Another promo with Bob Backlund and Darren Young. Bob tells Darren he saves money by only wearing one pair of clothes, right down to his “tighty whities”.

    – Baron Corbin defeated Kalisto with End of Days. Dolph Ziggler was on commentary.

    – Backstage segment with Sheamus and Apollo Crews. Sheamus makes fun of Crews but Crews punches Sheamus, sending him into a bunch of objects.

    – Chris Jericho defeated Dean Ambrose after hitting the Codebreaker. After the match, Ambrose attacked Jericho with a ladder to end the show.

  • UFC responds to Brock Lesnar USADA queries

    One of the big questions regarding the Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt fight at UFC 200 is the USADA drug testing procedure.

    When the procedure was first announced, a policy to avoid a fighter announcing his retirement, going on PEDs, only to then come out of retirement was addressed with this passage in the policy:

    “An athlete who gives notice of retirement to UFC, or has otherwise ceased to have a contractual relationship with UFC, may not resume competing in UFC bouts until he/she has given UFC written notice of his/her intent to resume competing and has made him/herself available for testing for a period of four moths before returning to competition.  UFC may grant an exemption to the four-month written notice rule in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an athlete.”

    While Lesnar has said he’s talked about returning for three months, he was not on the active roster and has not been drug tested. Zuffa stated Tuesday that because Lesnar last competed in 2011, long before the USADA policy was in place, he’s being treated as a new athlete just signed to the promotion for the purpose of the policy and not as a fighter who retired, was no longer being tested, and then decided to return.

    Lesnar only signed to face Hunt on Friday, the day before the announcement. There had been a delay in finalizing the deal because Lesnar required permission from WWE to do the show.

    In response to our question on this subject, UFC said the following:

    “On June 6, 2016, UFC heavyweight Brock Lesnar was registered by USADA into the UFC Anti-Doping Policy testing pool. As part of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, UFC may grant a former athlete an exemption to the four-month written notice rules in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an athlete. Given Lesnar last competed in UFC on December 30, 2011, long before the UFC Anti-Doping Policy went into effect, for purposes of the Anti-Doping Policy, he is being treated similarly to a new athlete coming into the organization. 

    “While conversations with the heavyweight have been ongoing for some time, Lesnar required permission from WWE to compete in UFC 200 and only agreed to terms and signed a bout agreement last Friday. He was therefore unable to officially start the Anti-Doping Policy process any earlier. UFC, however, did notify Lesnar in the early stages of discussions that if he were to sign with the UFC, he would be subject to all of the anti-doping rules. Lesnar and his management have now been formally educated by USADA on the policy, procedures, and expectations. 

    “UFC Anti-Doping Policy testing statistics are publicly available at ufc.usada.org and are updated on a weekly basis.”