Sunday, July 30, 2017

On TV This Week 7/30 - 8/5


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

SUNDAY 7/30

MLB
Giants @ Dodgers (ESPN, 8pm)

WNBA
Dallas Wings @ Los Angeles Sparks (NBA TV, 5pm)
Seattle Storm @ Minnesota Lynx (NBA TV, 7pm)

TENNIS
BB&T Atlanta Open, Final (ESPN 2, 5pm)

SOCCER
Tournament of Nations: United States vs. Brazil (ESPN 2, 8pm)

MMA & BOXING
Premier Boxing Champions: Victor Ortiz vs. Saul Corral (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
---
Teen Wolf (MTV, 8pm)
Top Gear America, PREMIERE (BBC America, 8pm)

The Nineties, New World Order (CNN, 9pm)

The History Of Comedy: Spark of Madness (CNN, 10pm)
Remember Me, FINALE (PBS, 10pm)
Naked and Afraid, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)
Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, PREMIERE (NatGeo, 10pm)
Snake City: Bites Back, PREMIERE (NatGeoWild, 10pm)



MONDAY 7/31

MLB
Indians @ Red Sox (STO/ESPN, 7pm)

BASKETBALL
BIG3 Basketball: Dallas (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
---
Superhuman, FINALE (FOX, 9pm)
Intervention, PREMIERE (A&E, 9pm)
The Attack, PREMIERE (Disney XD, 9:30pm)

Siesta Key, PREMIERE (MTV, 10pm)
CBSN: On Assignment, PREMIERE (CBS, 10pm)
Carspotting, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)
Daytime Divas, FINALE (VH1, 10pm)



TUESDAY 8/1

MLB
Indians @ Red Sox (STO, 7pm)
Indians @ Red Sox OR Tigers @ Yankees (MLB, 7pm)
Twins @ Padres (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

BASKETBALL
The Basketball Tournament: Team Challenge ALS vs. Scarlet & Gray (ESPN, 7pm)
The Basketball Tournament: Boeheim's Army vs. Overseas Elite (ESPN, 9pm)

WNBA
New York Liberty @ San Antonio Stars (NBA TV, 8pm)
---
Rare -- Creatures of the Photo Ark, FINALE (PBS, 9pm)
Manhunt: Unabomber, PREMIERE (Discovery, 9pm)



WEDNESDAY 8/2

MLB
Indians @ Red Sox (STO/ESPN, 7pm)

SOCCER
MLS: All-Star Game, MLS All-Stars vs. Real Madrid (FOX Sports 1, 9pm)
---
Ireland's Wild Coast, PREMIERE (PBS, 8pm)

The Sinner, PREMIERE (USA, 10pm)
Baroness Von Sketch Show, PREMIERE (IFC, 10pm)
The Lowe Files, PREMIERE (A&E, 10pm)
Darkness, PREMIERE (Discovery, 10pm)



THURSDAY 8/3

NFL
Cowboys vs. Cardinals (NBC, 8pm)

MLB
Yankees @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
Yankees @ Indians OR White Sox @ Red Sox (MLB, 7pm)

BASKETBALL
The Basketball Tournament; FINAL (ESPN, 7pm)

WNBA
Atlanta Dream @ Minnesota Lynx (ESPN 2, 8pm)

SOCCER
Tournament of Nations: United States vs. Japan (ESPN 2, 10pm
---
Mysteries at the Museum, PREMIERE (Travel, 9pm)
The Tunnel: Sabotage, FINALE (PBS, 9pm)

The Guest Book, PREMIERE (TBS, 10pm)
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team, PREMIERE (CMT, 10pm)
What Would Diplo Do?, PREMIERE (VICE, 10pm)
Nuts & Bolts, PREMIERE (VICE, 10:30pm)



FRIDAY 8/4

MLB
Yankees @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
Yankees @ Indians OR White Sox @ Red Sox (MLB, 7pm)

WNBA
Washington Mystics @ San Antonio Stars (NBA TV, 8pm)
New York Liberty @ Los Angeles Sparks (NBA TV, 10:30pm)

FOOTBALL
CFL: Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Edmonton Eskimos (ESPN 2, 9:30pm)

MMA & BOXING
BOXING: Mauricio Herrera vs. Jesus Soto Karass (ESPN, 9pm)
---
ELeague: Road to the International Dota 2 Championships (TBS, 10pm)
Lion Kingdom, PREMIERE (NatGeoWild, 10pm)



SATURDAY 8/5

NFL
2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony (ESPN/NFL Network, 7pm)

MLB
Nationals @ Cubs (MLB, 2pm)
Dodgers @ Mets (FOX Sports 1, 4pm)
Yankees @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
Yankees @ Indians OR Mariners @ Royals (MLB, 7pm)
Diamondbacks @ Giants OR Phillies @ Rockies (MLB, 10pm)

RACING
XFINITY Series: Zippo 200 at The Glen (NBC Sports, 2pm)

GOLF
2017 Ricoh Women's British Open, Third Round (NBC, 11am)
WGC Bridgestone Invitational, Third Round (CBS, 2pm)

MMA & BOXING
UFC Fight Night: Pettis vs. Moreno - Prelims (FOX Sports 1, 8pm)
UFC Fight Night: Sergio Pettis vs. Brandon Moreno (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)
BOXING: Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Miguel Marriaga (ESPN, 10pm)

TENNIS
WTA: Bank of the West Classic, First Semifinal (ESPN 2, 5pm)

SOCCER
DFL Supercup: Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Bayern Munich (FOX, 2:30pm)

OTHER SPORTS
Beach Volleyball: FIVB World Championships, Women's Gold Medal Match (NBC, 2pm)
Track & Field: 2017 IAAF World Championships (NBC, 3pm)
Horse Racing: Whitney Invitational Handicap (NBC, 5pm)
Arena Football: Tampa Bay Storm @ Philadelphia Soul (CBS SportsNet, 7pm)
---
MOVIE: Collateral Beauty (HBO, 8:15pm)
MOVIE: Hell of High Water (Showtime, 9pm)
George Lopez: The Wall, Live From Washington, D.C. (HBO, 10pm)

Weekend 3 Count 7/30/17


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news rumors and recaps involving WWE, NXT, GFW, ROH, Lucha Underground, NJPW, House of Hardcore, NWA, ICW, CZW, FIP, PWG, AAW, EVOLVE, PROGRESS, SHINE, SHIMMER and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday afternoon at @TripleThreatCLE

** Theme Song Of The Week **
This week's theme song goes to the new WWE United States Champion AJ Styles.



*** WWE ***

- Battleground News: If you missed WWE Battleground last Sunday be sure to check out my recap and see how The New Day became the new WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions and how Kevin Owens became the new WWE United States Champion. Also be sure to check out their champions profile in this edition of Weekend 3 Count as well, further on down in the article.

- The Great Khali Returns: If you missed WWE Battleground this past week, former World Heavyweight Champion The Great Khali returned to help out his friend Jinder Mahal in the Punjabi Prison Match.

- The New Day Set A First: After winning the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship this past week at WWE Battleground, The New Day became the first and only team at the moment to hold both the WWE RAW and Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship.

- Was AJ Styles Supposed To Win At Battleground?: According to sources, there is a backstage rumor going around that the actual AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens match was botched at the end. Styles was supposed to go over Owens and retain the WWE United States Championship, however, Owens scored the pinfall and left the new champion. After looking at replays, Styles' shoulder was actually up during the deciding pinfall, which should've broken the pinfall from happening. It's unknown if this ending was changed while the match was going on or if Styles was really screwed out of the championship on a referee botched call.

- Chris Jericho Returns MAAAAANNNNNN: In case you missed Smackdown Live this past Tuesday, Chris Jericho returned to the blue brand for another WWE run. It's unknown how long this run will last at the moment.

- AJ Styles Regains WWE United States Championship: In case you missed Smackdown Live this past week, AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho in a Triple Threat Match to win the WWE United States Championship. Check out AJ Styles' champions profile down below.

- As The Paige Turns: According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, WWE Women's Wrestler, Paige, is potentially facing charges from the domestic violence incident with GFW World Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron at the Orlando International Airport on July 9th. The Orlando Police Department have reportedly found probable cause to charge the former WWE Divas Champion with domestic battery. The evidence has been forwarded to the state attorney's office for review and they will decide if charges need to be brought against Paige. Alberto El Patron, meanwhile, was suspended by GFW until the investigation is complete. El Patron has not been edited out of any Impact broadcasts during his suspension and looks as if he will not be stripped of the title.

- Paige's Future With WWE: According to sources, Paige could be looking at another WWE suspension over the charges as the company has a zero tolerance policy regarding domestic violence, but she must be arrested before a suspension is brought. A conviction would also bring termination. WWE's policy on domestic violence reads like this:

"WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated. WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE. Section 9.13(a) of the WWE booking contract, commonly known as the “morals clause”, provides WWE with broad discretion and authority to act under such circumstances".

- Was Paige Issued An Arrest Warrant??: As of last Monday afternoon, Pro Wrestling Times announced that an arrest warrant was in fact issued for Paige by the San Antonio Police Department, due to the incident at the airport. It's unknown as to whether or not Paige is still even in the United States or if she's out of the country. Paige, however, stated on Tuesday afternoon that those reports of a police warrant were false and she was not being seeked by the police. As previously reported, WWE may be forced to fire Paige, who will now likely be suspended indefinitely. If she is convicted of any of these charges, her contract is likely to terminate. WWE were also helping The Rock produce a movie about Paige's life, it's unknown if WWE will stay on board with the movie or cut ties with it all together.


- Ric Flair's ESPN 30 For 30 Special: It was announced this past week that Ric Flair's ESPN 30 For 30 special will be aired on November 7th.

- UFC Wants Brock Lesnar Back: According to sources, UFC has stated that they would love to get Brock Lesnar back for a fight this year. UFC has been failing money wise this year and is looking into getting Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor to fight this year. A possible opponent for Lesnar that UFC is looking at is moving Jon "Bones" Jones into the heavyweight division and challenging Lesnar.


** 205 Live Recap **
This week Rich Swann and TJ Perkins battled each other in tag team action with mystery partners. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville battled Ariya Daivari in a non title match.

- Backstage, Neville says that Ariya Daivari made a huge mistake on RAW and needs to be reminded that 205 Live is Neville's world. Neville will remind Daivari that he's the King of the Cruiserweights tonight. 

- Neville vs. Ariya Daivari: The match closes out with Neville drop kicking Daivari out to the floor. Neville follows him outside and starts arguing with Akira Tozawa who's sitting in on commentary. Daivari sends Neville crashing into Tozawa and gets back into the ring before the 10 count.
Winner: Ariya Daivari, by countout.

- Brian Kendrick Promo: Kendrick says he's sick of trying to help people only to get disrespected. Kendrick then mocks Jack Gallagher, by dressing him like a clown in a picture on the TitanTron. Jack Gallagher hits the ring and says he's not talking this week, instead he's knocking Kendrick's bloody head off. Kendrick escapes the ring to end the segment.

- Backstage, Rich Swann announces that he's picked Cedric Alexander as his mystery partner tonight. TJ Perkins announces that he's picked Tony Nese as his mystery partner.

- TJ Perkins and Tony Nese vs. Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander: The match closes out with Nese sending Swann into the announcers table. Perkins hits the Detonation Kick on Alexander for a near fall. Alexander goes to the top rope, but gets shoved off by Nese, allowing Perkins to score the pinfall.
Winners: TJ Perkins and Tony Nese, by pinfall.

- Champions Profile: THE NEW DAY: The New Day defeated The Usos this past week at WWE Battleground to become the new WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions.

- Big E made his professional wrestling debut in 2009, was trained at Florida Championship Wrestling and in NXT. Big E was born in Tampa, Florida.

- Big E has wrestled for FCW, NXT and WWE.

- Top Titles Won:
* 1 Time FCW World Tag Team Champion
* 1 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion.
* 2 Time WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time NXT World Champion.

- PWI ranked Big E #24 of 500 singles wrestlers in 2014.

- Kofi Kingston made his professional wrestling debut in 2006 and was trained by Ohio Valley Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling and Killer Kowalski. Kofi Kingston was born in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana.

- Kofi Kingston has wrestled for NWA, WWE's ECW, WWE and other Indy Promotions.

- Top Titles Won:
* 4 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion.
* 3 Time WWE United States Champion.
* 1 Time WWE World Tag Team Champion.
* 4 Time WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champion.

- PWI ranked Kofi Kingston #20 out of 500 singles wrestlers in 2013

- Xavier Woods made his professional wrestling debut in 2005 and was trained by Brodie Lee Chase and Rob Adonis. Woods was born in Columbus, Georgia.

- Xavier Woods has wrestled for TNA, NJPW, FCW, WWE and other Indy Promotions.

- Top Titles Won:
* 1 Time DSW Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time FCW World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time NWA Anarchy Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time TNA World Tag Team Champion.
* 2 Time WWE RAW World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champion.

- Xavier Woods was ranked #58 out of 500 singles wrestlers.

- PWI picked The New Day as Tag Team Of The Year in 2015 and 2016.

- The New Day are also the longest reigning WWE World Tag Team Champions in company history, holding the titles for 483 days.

- Champions Profile: KEVIN OWENS: Kevin Owens defeated AJ Styles this past week at WWE Battleground to become the new WWE United States Champion.

- Kevin Owens made his professional wrestling debut in 2000 and was trained by Carl Ouellet, Jacques Rougeau, Serge Jodoin and Terry Taylor. Kevin Owens was born in Saint Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada.

- Kevin Owens has wrestled for CZW, PWG, ROH, NXT, WWE and other Indy Promotions.

- Top Titles Won:
* 1 Time AAW Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time C4 Champion.
* 1 Time C4 Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time CRW Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time CZW Iron Man Champion.
* 2 Time EWR Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time IWS Canadian Champion.
* 3 Time IWS World Heavyweight Champion. 
* 1 Time NSPW Champion.
* 3 Time PWG World Champion.
* 3 Time PWG World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time ROH World Champion.
* 1 Time ROH World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time 2CW Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time 2CW World Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time NXT World Champion.
* 1 Time WWE Universal Champion.
* 2 Time WWE Intercontinental Champion.
* 3 Time WWE United States Champion.

- Kevin Owens was ranked #6 out of 500 singles wrestlers in 2016.

- Champions Profile: AJ STYLES: AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho this past week on Smackdown Live to win the WWE United States Championship.

- AJ Styles made his professional wrestling debut in 1998 and was trained by Rick Michaels. Styles was born at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina

- AJ Styles has wrestled for TNA, ROH, NJPW, WWE, PWG, NWA and other Indy Promotions.

- Top Titles Won:
* 1 Time AAW Heavyweight Champion.
* 3 Time Ballpark Brawl Natural Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time CWF/CWE Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time FWE Heavyweight Champion.
* 4 Time IPW Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion.
* 4 Time IWC Super Indies Champion.
* 1 Time IWR King of The Indies Champion.
* 1 Time Max-Pro Cruiserweight Champion.
* 1 Time MPW Universal Heavyweight Champion.
* 2 Time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time NKPWA Junior Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time NWA Wildside Heavyweight Champion.
* 3 Time NWA Wildside Television Champion.
* 1 Time PPW Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time PWG World Champion.
* 1 Time RPW British Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time ROH Pure Wrestling Champion.
* 1 Time ROH World Tag Team Champion.
* 3 Time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
* 4 Time NWA World Tag Team Champion.
* 2 Time Legends/Global/Television Champion.
* 2 Time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.
* 2 Time TNA World Tag Team Champion.
* 6 Time TNA X Division Champion.
* 1 Time WWA International Cruiserweight Champion.
* 1 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
* 2 Time WWE United States Champion.

- PWI ranked AJ Styles #1 on the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in 2010.


*** NXT ***

- Vince McMahon Possibly Moving Talent To NXT: According to sources, it has been said that Vince McMahon is thinking about moving unused and struggling WWE main roster talent back down to NXT for improvement. This can help the struggling talent possibly reinvent themselves and help them get noticed by the fans again before making another main roster appearance.

- Takover: Brooklyn 3 Matches So Far: The following matches were made official for NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3 this past Wednesday night.

- "NXT World Championship Match": Bobby Roode (c) vs. Drew McIntyre 

- "NXT Women's Championship Match": Asuka (c) vs. Ember Moon 


*** GFW ***

** GFW Impact Recap **
This week's show saw GFW World Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron battle LAX in a non title gauntlet match. Unified Knockouts Champion Sienna defended her title against Rosemary in a Last Woman Standing Match.

- Earlier in the day, Joseph Park is hyping up Grado in asking Laurel Van Ness to marry him so he can stay in the United States.

- The show begins with the Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announcing today as "Impact Day" and he'll be doing the ring announcing tonight.

- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Ethan Carter, Eli Drake and Chris Adonis vs. Moose, Marufuji and Eddie Edwards: The match closes out with EC3 attempting to hit Moose with the Grand Championship while the referee is distracted. Moose counters, but EC3 lands a low blow and then a double underhook butterfly suplex that EC3 calls the ECD and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Ethan Carter, Eli Drake and Chris Adonis, by pinfall.

- Backstage, an unknown wrestler named Richard Justice announces that he's the standby wrestler in case the show needs to be stretched out due to time issues.

- Bobby Lashley Promo: Lashley says he's sick of newcomers coming in, automatically getting title shots and special privileges and demands Bruce Prichard to give him a world title shot at Destination X. Prichard interrupts and reminds Lashley that he's sick of wrestlers giving him demands. Matt Sydal interrupts next, says he'll not be ignored anymore and starts brawling with Lashley. Sydal gets the advantage and hits Lashley with the Shooting Star Press to end the segment.

- "Super X-Cup Tournament Match": Davey Richards vs. Taiji Ishimori: The match closes out with Richards countering a springboard and trapping Ishimori in an Ankle Lock submission. Ishimori escapes, but eats a stiff kick. Richards misses the double foot stomp and then both men trade reversals. Ishimori takes out Richards and then hits the 450 Splash to score the pinfall and advance in the tournament.
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Bruce Prichard announces that Bobby Lashley will face Matt Sydal at Destination X in 3 weeks in a Shot vs. Shot Match. If Lashley wins he gets a World Championship and X Division Championship Match. If Sydal wins he gets the World Championship and X Division Championship Match.


- "Unified Knockouts Championship, Last Woman Standing Match": Sienna (c) vs. Rosemary: The match closes out with Sienna hitting a mid air Silencer on Rosemary and getting a 9 count. Rosemary drops Sienna with Red Wedding on a steel chair. KM hits the ring and helps Sienna stand at a 9 count. Rosemary chases off KM and then smacks Sienna with a chair. Rosemary grabs a trash can and puts it on Sienna while she's on a table. KM returns and distracts Rosemary, which allows Sienna to shove Rosemary off the top rope and through the table at ringside. Sienna beats the 10 count and retains her title as Rosemary is still laid out.
Winner: Sienna, by knock out, to retain the Unified Knockouts Championship.

- Backstage, Joseph Park is prepping Grado for his marriage proposal to Laurel Van Ness.

- Backstage, Ethan Carter says he's in Moose's head and will get a GFW Grand Championship Match next week.

- Backstage, Alberto El Patron is with his father and brother. El Patron says he's the exact opposite of LAX, because they are led by Konnan, who's a lunatic. El Patron promises revenge for his father and brother tonight.

- Trevor Lee is in the ring still with Sonjay Dutt's X Division Championship. Lee says Dutt is banned from the building, Lee is a fighting champion and will defend it tonight against a Mexican icon. Mexican Mini Octagoncito hits the ring and is announced as his opponent.

- Trevor Lee vs. Octagoncito: The match closes out with Lee getting bored with Octagoncito and takes the count out loss.
Winner: Octagoncito, by count out.

- After the match, Sonjay Dutt goes after Trevor Lee, but is caught and escorted out of the building by GFW Security.

- At LAX's clubhouse, Konnan talks about finishing off Alberto El Patron once and for all and instructs Homicide to start off the Gauntlet Match tonight. 

- Grado and Joseph Park Promo: Grado comes out in an orange suit and calls out Laurel Van Ness. Laurel arrives and Grado begins complementing her beauty as he gets on one knee. Allie interrupts and is excited, but Braxton Sutter interrupts and forces Allie backstage. Kongo Kong interrupts next, chases Grado away and grabs Laurel in his arms to end the segment.



- "Gauntlet Match": Alberto El Patron vs. LAX:

** Alberto El Patron vs. Homicide: The match closes out quickly as El Patron hits a top rope splash on Homicide and scores the pinfall.

** Alberto El Patron vs. Ortiz: The match closes out with Santana trying to interfere and help Ortiz. El Patron takes out Santana and then hits the tree of woe double foot stomp on Ortiz to score the pinfall.

** Alberto El Patron vs. Santana: The match closes out with El Patron grabbing Konnan, but Diamante leaps at El Patron, however, she gets caught in mid air and dumped onto the rest of LAX. El Patron traps Santana in the cross arm breaker submission, but LAX all jump El Patron and get DQ'ed.
Winner: Alberto El Patron.

- After the match, LAX tie up El Patron with flags and beat him down. El Patron's brother El Hijo hits the ring, but gets beat down. El Patron's father Dos Caras hits the ring with a steel chair and with the Veterans of War. El Patron, VOW and Dos Caras all clear the ring to end the show.

- Moose Re-Signs With GFW: Moose announced this week that he has signed a new three year contract to compete with GFW Wrestling.

- Matt Morgan Done: Matt Morgan announced this week that he no longer works for GFW. Morgan stated that he made a deal with GFW where he could wrestle for them, since they tape TV shows on the weekend, as long as it didn't effect is Monday through Friday 9-5 job. GFW since have decided to begin doing TV tapings during the weekdays, which would cause Morgan to be unable to attend, due to work. Morgan asked for his release and was respectfully granted it by GFW. 

- Davey Richards Done: Davey Richards officially announced this past week that he has asked for his release from GFW, which they respectfully granted. Richards stated that he plans on finishing up his medical degree and eventually becoming a full time doctor.


*** RING OF HONOR ***

** ROH TV Recap **
This week's main event saw ROH Television Champion Kushida defend his title against Jay White.

- "Six Man Mayhem Match": 'The Villain' Marty Scurll vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Josh Woods vs. Vinny Marseglia vs. Will Ferrara vs. El Terrible: The match closes out with Shane Taylor hitting the ring and knocking out Woods. Kazarian takes out El Terrible, Ferrara and Marseglia. Kazarian goes for the pin on Marseglia, but gets tossed outside by Scurll. Scurll covers Marseglia and scores the pinfall.
Winner: 'The Villain' Marty Scurll, by pinfall.

- A video airs of Christopher Daniels stating that he doesn't want his one loss to Cody Rhodes defining him as a wrestler. Daniels vows to win back the ROH World Heavyweight Championship  in a 2 Out of 3 Falls Match from Cody in 2 weeks.

- The Beer City Bruiser vs. Brian 'The Kingpin' Milonas: The match closes out with Bruiser going to the top rope and hitting a frog splash on Milonas to score the pinfall.
Winner: The Beer City Bruiser, by pinfall.

- After the match, Silas Young gives us an update on Jay Lethal being missing for 29 days now since Young injured him.

- "ROH Television Championship Match": Kushida (c) vs. Jay White: The match closes out with Kushida applying the Hoverboard Lock submission on White while on the ropes. Kushida then tosses White off the ropes when the referee tells him to release the hold. Kushida lifts White up while still in the Hoverboard Lock submission and hits Back To The Future on White to score the pinfall and retain his title.
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall, to retain the ROH Television Championship.

- After the match, #1 Contender Kenny King arrives and applauds both men's performance and says he's looking forward to fighting Kushida. 


*** Lucha Underground ***

** Lucha Underground TV Recap **
This week, #1 Contender to the Lucha Underground World Championship Rey Mysterio battled PJ Black. Also The Cueto Cup Tournament continued.

- "The Cueto Cup Tournament Match": The Mack vs. Texano: The match closes out with The Mack in control of Texano until Famous B distracts Mack. Mack lays out Famous B with a Stunner, but gets hit with the Sit Down Power Bomb by Texano for the pinfall, to advance in the tournament. 
Winner: Texano, by pinfall.

- At a local bar, Son of Madness interrupts Son of Havoc. Havoc says he turned his back on the Invisible Cult Club. Madness tells Havoc that he'll have to return to the club eventually.

- Backstage, The Rabbit Tribe are apologizing to Mascarita Sagrada for failing him in The Cueto Cup. Sagrada gives the Tribe a rabbit's foot which they seemed pleased with.

- "The Cueto Cup Tournament Match": Pentagon Dark vs. Drago: The match closes out with Pentagon beating down Drago, while Kobra Moon barks orders to Drago. Drago hits a springboard and follows with a frankensteiner on Pentagon. Drago hits a top rope splash and gets a near fall. Drago next hits a Mexican Destroyer on Pentagon for another near fall. Pentagon finally catches Drago and hits the package piledriver to score the pinfall, to advance in the tournament.
Winner: Pentagon Dark, by pinfall.

- After the match, Pentagon goes for the arm break on Drago, but Kobra Moon tries to make the save. Pentagon shoves down Kobra and goes for the arm break again on Drago. Aerostar hits the ring to make the save, but Drago refuses help and shoves Aerostar into the mat face first. Drago escapes with Kobra as Pentagon grabs Aerostar and breaks his arm instead.

- Backstage, Catrina approaches Pentagon Dark and says he has something that belongs to her and Mil Muertes. Pentagon reveals the Cero Miedo sign in her face. Catrina threatens Pentagon again and then disappears.

- Rey Mysterio vs. PJ Black: The match closes out with Rey hitting a tornado DDT on Black, but referee Marty Eias gets knocked out during the move. Johnny Mundo hits the ring and attacks Rey before waking up Black. Jack Evans hits the ring and it's a 3 on 1 beat down on Rey. El Dragon Azteca hits the ring and goes after Worldwide Underground, chasing them out of the ring. Taya hits ringside and trips up Azteca on the floor. Black gets thrown on top of Rey as the referee wakes up, but Rey kicks out at two and a half. Azteca returns and chases WU backstage. Rey counters a Razors Edge from Black, hits the 619 and the springboard frog splash to score the pinfall.

- After the match, Rey Mysterio warns Johnny Mundo that in 4 more weeks Johnny won't be running anymore and Rey will become the new Lucha Underground World Champion.

- The Cueto Cup Tournament Final 8: The following are the Final 8 remaining in the Cueto Cup Tournament with the winner becoming the new #1 Contender to the Lucha Underground World Championship.

* Pentagon Dark vs. Texano
* Mil Muertes vs. Jeremiah Crane
* Fenix vs. Pindar
* Prince Puma vs. Dante Fox


*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***

** G1 Climax Night #5 Highlights **
NJPW returned this week with more G1 Climax Tournament action to crown a new #1 Contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

~~~ BLOCK A HIGHLIGHTS ~~~

- Zack Sabre Jr. defeated YOSHI-HASHI.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Yuji Nagata.
- Bad Luck Fale defeated Tetsuya Naito.
- Kota Ibushi defeated Tomohiro Ishii.
- Togi Makabe defeated Hirooki Goto.

* BLOCK A SCORES AFTER NIGHT #5 *

- Hirooki Goto 4
- Tetsuya Naito 4
- Zack Sabre Jr. 4
- Hiroshi Tanahashi 4
- Bad Luck Fale 4
- Kota Ibushi 4
- YOSHI-HASHI 2
- Tomohiro Ishii 2
- Togi Makabe 2
- Yuji Nagata 0

** G1 Climax Night #6 Highlights **

~~~ BLOCK B HIGHLIGHTS ~~~

- Michael Elgin defeated Satoshi Kojima.
- EVIL defeated Tama Tonga.
- Minoru Suzuki defeated Juice Robinson.
- Kenny Omega defeated Toru Yano.
- Kazuchika Okada defeated SANADA.

* BLOCK B SCORES AFTER NIGHT #6 *

- Kazuchika Okada 6
- Kenny Omega 6
- EVIL 4
- Minoru Suzuki 4
- Juice Robinson 2
- SANADA 2
- Tama Tonga 2
- Toru Yano 2
- Michael Elgin 2
- Satoshi Kojima 0

** G1 Climax Night #7 Highlights **

~~~ BLOCK A HIGHLIGHTS ~~~

- Tomohiro Ishii defeated YOSHI-HASHI.
- Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Bad Luck Fale.
- Togi Makabe defeated Kota Ibushi.
- Tetsuya Naito defeated Yuji Nagata.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Hirooki Goto.

* BLOCK A SCORES AFTER NIGHT #7 *

- Tetsuya Naito 6
- Zack Sabre Jr. 6
- Hiroshi Tanahashi 6
- Hirooki Goto 4
- Bad Luck Fale 4
- Kota Ibushi 4
- Tomohiro Ishii 4
- Togi Makabe 4
- YOSHI-HASHI 2
- Yuji Nagata 0

** G1 Climax Night #8 Highlights **

~~~ BLOCK B HIGHLIGHTS ~~~

- Tama Tonga defeated Juice Robinson
- SANADA defeated Toru Yano
- EVIL defeated Minoru Suzuki
- Kazuchika Okada defeated Satoshi Kojima
- Michael Elgin defeated Kenny Omega

* BLOCK B SCORES AFTER NIGHT #8 *

- Kazuchika Okada 8
- Kenny Omega 6
- EVIL 6
- Minoru Suzuki 4
- Michael Elgin 4
- SANADA 4
- Tama Tonga 4
- Juice Robinson 2
- Toru Yano 2
- Satoshi Kojima 0

** G1 Climax Night #9 Highlights **

~~~ BLOCK A HIGHLIGHTS ~~~

- Togi Makabe defeated Yuji Nagata
- Bad Luck Fale defeated Kota Ibushi
- Hirooki Goto defeated Zack Sabre Jr.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated YOSHI-HASHI
- Tomohiro Ishii defeated Tetsuya Naito

* BLOCK A SCORES AFTER NIGHT #9 *

- Hiroshi Tanahashi 8
- Tetsuya Naito 6
- Zack Sabre Jr. 6
- Hirooki Goto 6
- Bad Luck Fale 6
- Tomohiro Ishii 6
- Togi Makabe 6
- Kota Ibushi 4
- YOSHI-HASHI 2
- Yuji Nagata 0


*** WrestleCircus ***

** The Squared Ring Recap **
WrestleCircus returned this past week for their The Squared Ring event. The show saw the CZW Wired Championship defended, WrestleCircus titles defended and appearances by some well known wrestlers throughout the business currently. The main event of the show saw WrestleCircus Sideshow Champion Tessa Blanchard battle WrestleCircus Lady of the Ring Champion Rachael Ellering with both titles on the line. 


- Lance Archer vs. Steve Reno: The match closes out with Archer making quick work of Reno and getting the easy pinfall.
Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall.

- "CZW Wired Championship Match": MJF (c) vs. Lio Rush: The match closes out with MJF hitting a piledriver through the second rope on Rush to score the pinfall and retain his title.
Winner: MJF, by pinfall, to retain the CZW Wired Championship.

- The Mecha Wolf vs. Ethan Page: The match closes out with Wolf hitting a suplex/kick to the head combo on Page to score the pinfall.
Winner: The Mecha Wolf, by pinfall.

- Scorpio Sky vs. ACH: The match closes out with Sky scoring a rollup pinfall on ACH while holding onto a handful of tights.
Winner: Scorpio Sky, by pinfall.

- Sammy Guevara vs. Flip Gordon: The match closes out with Guevara hitting the 630 Splash on Gordon to score the pinfall.
Winner: Sammy Guevara, by pinfall.

- John Morrison and Taya Valkyrie Promo: Morrison rips on the AAA wrestling promotion in Mexico. Taya warns everyone not to wrestle in Mexico because Vampiro would probably steal everyone's championships and award them to Sexy Star for no reason. Taya says they'll continue to work for Lucha Underground and GFW like the good little soldiers, but Vampiro and Jeff Jarrett shouldn't expect wedding invitations to their wedding.

- "Wrestling Revolver Scramble Championship, Open Challenge Match: The match closes out with current champion Jordan Len X coming out victorious against 11 other wrestlers to retain his title.
Winner: Jordan Len X, to retain the Wrestling Revolver Scramble Championship.

- Sami Callihan Promo: After the Open Challenge Match, Sami Callihan hits the ring and destroys Leva Bates with a piledriver before cutting a promo. Callihan calls NXT and Lucha Underground bullshit promotions and from this day forward independent wrestling runs through him. Callihan accuses Jordan Len X of being a champion only because his brother runs WrestleCircus. Shane Strickland interrupts and says he's sick of Callihan's bullshit and disrespectfulness. Strickland gets spit on and slapped by Callihan. Strickland announces that his match against Callihan tonight will now be a No DQ Match. Callihan throws a steel chair at Strickland, but he catches it and dares Callihan to try something right now to end the segment.

- John Morrison vs. Donovan Dijak: The match closes out with Morrison kicking out of Feast Your Eyes twice. Morrison accidentally kicks Taya Valkyrie as she tried to distract the referee. Dijak goes for Morrison's own finisher Starship Pain, but Morrison moves out of the way. Morrison hits Dijak with Starship Pain and scores the pinfall.
Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall.

- "WrestleCircus Big Top Tag Team Championship Match": Roppongi Vice (c) vs. The Lucha Brothers: The match closes out with RPG hitting Strong Zero to score the pinfall to retain their titles.
Winners: Roppongi Vice, by pinfall, to retain the WrestleCircus Big Top Tag Team Championship.

- Christi Jaynes and Gentleman Jervis vs. Colt Cabana and Delilah Doom: The match closes out with Christi and Jarvis scoring the pinfall.
Winners: Christi Jaynes and Gentleman Jervis, by pinfall.

- "Ringmaster Championship Match": Shane Strickland (c) vs. Sami Callihan: The match closes out with Callihan trapping Strickland in the Stretch Muffler submission. Strickland begins fading, but somehow finds a way to reverse the hold into an Arm Breaker submission. Strickland applies the pressure and kicks Callihan in the face repeatedly until Callihan finally taps out.
Winner: Shane Strickland, by submission, to retain the Ringmaster Championship.

- "WrestleCircus Sideshow Championship and WrestleCircus Lady of the Ring Championship Match": Tessa Blanchard (c) vs. Rachael Ellering (c): The match closes out with Tessa getting the win to retain her title and win Rachael's title.
Winner: Tessa Blanchard, by pinfall, to win the WrestleCircus Lady of the Ring Championship and retain the WrestleCircus Sideshow Championship.

- Champions Profile: TESSA BLANCHARD: This past week Tessa Blanchard defeated Rachael Ellering to win the WrestleCircus Lady of the Ring Championship. Tessa also currently holds the WrestleCircus Sideshow Championship.

- Tessa Blanchard made her pro wrestling debut in 2014, was trained by Magnum TA, Tully Blanchard and George South. Tessa was born in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina. Tessa is the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer and past 4 Horsemen member Tully Blanchard. Tessa is also the granddaughter of Joe Blanchard and stepdaughter of Magnum TA. Tessa is also currently dating Ricochet/Prince Puma.

- Tessa Blanchard has competed in SHINE, SHIMMER, NXT, Lucha Underground and other Indy Promotions.

- Top Titles Won:
* 1 Time APWA World Ladies Champion.
* 1 Time ECWA Women's Champion.
* 1 Time EWA Florida Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time EWA Heavyweight Champion.
* 1 Time PWX Women's Champion.
* 1 Time Remix Pro Fury Champion.
* 1 Time SHIMMER Tag Team Champion.
* 1 Time WrestleCircus Lady of the Ring Champion.
* 1 Time WrestleCircus Sideshow Champion.

- PWI ranked Tessa Blanchard #38 out of 50 for Top 50 Best Female Singles Wrestlers of 2016.


And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 7/27/17: NXT Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

NXT returned this week for more NXT action at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Last week, Drew McIntyre became the new #1 Contender to Bobby Roode's NXT World Championship, when he defeated Killian Dain. Would we get a response from the champion or challenger tonight?? Kassius Ohno also announced last week that he would go one on one with his best friend Hideo Itami tonight. Itami wasn't happy about the announcement after being told about it. What other action will we see in this week's NXT TV??

** NXT TV Card **

- Ember Moon battled newcomer to NXT Lei'D Tapa.
- NXT World Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain battled Damon Ramos and Timothy Bumpers in a non title match.
- The Velveteen Dream Patrick Clark battled Cezar Bononi.
- Kassius Ohno battled Hideo Itami.  

- Drew McIntyre comments on his future NXT World Championship Match against Bobby Roode.

** NXT **

- Ember Moon vs. Lei'D Tapa: The match closes out with Ember countering a tornado DDT into a suplex on Lei'D. Ember lands a kick on Lei'D, goes to the top rope and hits the Eclipse Stunner to score the pinfall.
Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall.

- After the match, Ember Moon says that she wants Asuka at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3. Ember says she's ready for Asuka, but is Asuka ready for Ember.

- The Authors of Pain vs. Damon Ramos and Timothy Bumpers: The match never happens as Nikki Cross, Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe attack Ramos and Bumpers. Akam and Rezar go after Dain and Wolfe and begin brawling with them. Nikki orders Dain and Wolfe to retreat before AOP gains total control.
Winners: No Contest.

- Earlier today, Thea Trinidad, now known as Zolita Vega, confronts No Way Jose. Zolita tells Jose that he's lit a fire under Andrade "Cien" Almas that Jose can't dance around.

- The Velveteen Dream Patrick Clark vs. Cezar Bononi: The match closes out with Bononi hitting an atomic drop and a drop kick on Clark. Clark plants Bononi by countering a slam into a Death Valley Bomb. Clark hits the Purple Rain Maker elbow off the ropes and scores the pinfall.
Winner: The Velveteen Dream Patrick Clark, by pinfall.

- In William Regal's office, Regal officially announces that Asuka will defend the NXT Women's Championship against Ember Moon at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3.

- Drew McIntyre Promo: McIntyre is excited that he's main eventing Takeover: Brooklyn 3 and thanks all the fans that have supported him. McIntyre says he had to leave WWE and come back to fully understand what hard work meant to get what you wanted in this business. McIntyre says that every person in the NXT locker room is a hard worker except for Bobby Roode. McIntyre informs Roode that this is not HIS NXT it's OUR NXT.

- Kassius Ohno vs. Hideo Itami: The match closes out with Ohno delivering a clothesline, a shining wizard and a big boot on Itami for a near fall. Ohno hits a senton on Itami and gets another near fall. Itami hits a diving drop kick, sending Ohno into the corner. Ohno fights out of the Go To Sleep and lands a kick on Itami. Itami has had enough and kicks Ohno below the belt, taking the DQ.
Winner: Kassius Ohno, by DQ.

- After the match, Itami ground and pounds Ohno as he's down. Itami puts Ohno down with two straight Go To Sleeps. Itami turns to leave, but decides to hit one more Go To Sleep on Ohno, using the steel steps for assistance.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon 7/26/17: Smackdown Live Richmond Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

We're back with this week's Smackdown Live recap, just two days removed from this past Sunday's WWE Battleground pay per view. Jinder Mahal continues his reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Kevin Owens and The New Day are new champions and now we're just one month away from WWE SummerSlam. What surprises would Smackdown Live have for us this week, as they were live in Richmond, Virginia.

** Smackdown Live Card **

- Shinsuke Nakamura battled Baron Corbin in a rematch from WWE Battleground.
- Charlotte and Becky Lynch battled Tamina and Lana.
- Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn battled Mike Kanellis and Aiden English.
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens defended his title against AJ Styles and Chris Jericho in a Triple Threat Match.

- New WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens gets a surprise visit.

- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jinder Mahal demanded his next opponent for WWE SummerSlam.

- The Usos send a message to the newly crowned WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions The New Day.

** Smackdown Live **

- Kevin Owens Promo: Kevin Owens brags about his Battleground victory over AJ Styles and how good things come to good people. Owens announces the return of the United States Championship Open Challenge....but....not this week in front of the hick fans of Virginia. AJ Styles interrupts and demands his rematch for the title right here, right now. Owens shoots down that idea and then gets interrupted by.....CHRIS JERICHO! Jericho says he's back and wants his rematch for the title that he never got because he was stretchered out last time he was in a WWE ring. Styles says he's glad he's back, but Jericho needs to get in line behind Styles. Jericho accuses Styles of line jumping him and adds Styles to The List. Owens tries to walk out, but gets interrupted by Shane McMahon. Shane announces a Triple Threat Match for the title tonight between Styles, Jericho and Owens to end the segment.

- Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin: The match closes out with Corbin getting a near fall Deep Six. Nakamura counters End of Days and trades shots with Corbin. Nakamura blocks a low blow from Corbin and connects with kicks. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Corbin and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Naomi talks about Nattie Neidhart disrespecting her. Nattie interrupts and mocks Naomi for what she's done to the WWE Smackdown Live Women's Championship since winning it. Nattie says Naomi is disrespectful and needs to appreciate the ones that paved the way for Naomi. Naomi says she has respect, earned the title and will make Nattie feel the glow at WWE SummerSlam. Carmella appears and reminds Naomi that she's watching her with her Money In The Bank briefcase.

- Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Tamina and Lana: The match closes out with Charlotte in control of Tamina. Tamina counters a slam and plants a super kick on Charlotte. Lana tags in as Charlotte kicks Tamina outside. Charlotte then hits a Big Boot on Lana for the pinfall.
Winners: Charlotte and Becky Lynch, by pinfall.

- After the match, Tamina yells at Lana for losing, but still let's Lana leave with her.

- Jinder Mahal Promo: Mahal brags about defeating Randy Orton at WWE Battleground and demands to know who his next opponent is for WWE SummerSlam. Mahal begins speaking in his home language to his fans in India when John Cena interrupts. Cena says he's here to congratulate Mahal after Mahal sarcastically guesses at what Cena is going to say to him. Cena sends his congratulations and sends a heads up to Mahal, because at WWE SummerSlam Mahal will meet Super Cena as Cena will become a 17 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Daniel Bryan interrupts and informs Cena that Cena doesn't make the matches he has to earn them just like everyone else. Bryan announces a #1 Contenders Match next week between John Cena and Shinsuke Nakamura to end the segment.

- Backstage, Kevin Owens tells Shane McMahon that it's not fair that he has to defend his title in a Triple Threat Match. Shane says he's not worried about Owens he's worried about putting on a great main event for the fans.

- Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn vs. Aiden English and Mike Kanellis: The match closes out with Dillinger hitting a ten count punch on Kanellis in the corner. Dillinger drops English and unloads more offense on Kanellis. Zayn tags in and scores with the Helluva Kick to score the pinfall.
Winners: Sami Zayn and Tye Dillinger, by pinfall.

- The New Day head to the ring and suddenly get jumped from behind by The Usos. The Usos drag Kofi and Woods out to the stage, beat them down and toss them into the LED board. Big E tries to make a comeback, but gets drilled with double Uso Kicks. The Usos celebrate as The New Day is left laid out. 

- Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura says that next week John Cena won't see him and Jinder Mahal will see him at WWE SummerSlam.

- "WWE United States Championship, Triple Threat Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho: The match closes out with Owens hitting double corner cannonballs on Jericho and Styles. Jericho plants an enziguri on Styles and then Jericho eats an Owens super kick. Styles hits a Pele Kick on Owens and all three men are down. Jericho tosses Styles outside and then eats another Owens super kick. Owens hits the Pop Up Power Bomb on Jericho, but Jericho somehow kicks out at two and a half. Owens hits a frog splash on Jericho, but Styles grabs Owens and tosses him outside. Styles quickly covers Jericho and scores the pinfall to win the title.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to win the WWE United States Championship.


- After the match, Kevin Owens has a temper tantrum, tears apart the announcers table and tosses steel chairs. Owens grabs a microphone and demands a title shot against Styles next week. Styles accepts as the show closes out.

Krunch Time With Katelin 7/26/17: 5 Things To Watch In Browns Training Camp


By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


Football is back!!!!

The Browns are getting ready for the 2017 season, headlined by first overall pick Myles Garrett. Its been a successful off-season for the Browns. They've beefed up the offensive line, they've also added players on both sides of the ball in the draft and during free agency. But it wouldn't be an off-season with changes in the coaching staff. Gregg Williams is now the defensive coordinator after the firing of Ray Horton.

And with that being said the number one thing to watch for is the new defensive coordinator and his staff. Gregg Williams has a history of being one of the top defensive coaching in the NFL. He is a hard-nose football guy and is here to help change the culture. We've seen it already...during press conferences he's calling out players and members of the media *cough. And we've also seen bits and pieces of how he interacts with players (before the press conference of the first round picks). And that's what I'm personally interested in. Seeing how Gregg Williams interacts with the defense during camp and how it will set a tone of the defense throughout the regular season.


It wouldn't be a Browns training camp without a quarterback battle. But this time its s triple threat match between: second year quarterback Cody Kessler, Veteran quarterback Brock Osweiler, and rookie second round pick Deshone Kizer. There is an argument to be made for all three of these guys to start week one. Kessler has been in the system for a year and has made improvements to his game. For the record, he might be odds on favorite to start week one.

Osweiler was acquired during the off-season along with a second round pick from the Texans in a deal that was basically a salary dump. The Texans wanted Osweiler off the team and the Browns wanted the second round pick and his contract in order to meet the NFL's cap requirements. There were rumors about Osweiler being traded, which could still happen if there is an injury during the preseason. But as of right now he is competing for the starting job. Osweiler never seemed to fit into what Bill O'Brien wanted to do in Houston and the change of scenery might turn out to be a good thing. He did win a super bowl in Denver while playing a number of games during the regular season and he played well.

Last but certainly not least the second round pick out of Notre Dame, Deshone Kizer. This guy has all the tools to be an NFL quarterback. In my opinion he should just start week one. The Browns aren't going to win a lot of game so I don't see why the Browns would wait six-eight weeks for Kizer to start. I'd rather have a complete year grade for him and if the Browns end up with a top five pick in next year's draft they'd know what they have a the quarterback position. Kizer can make all the NFL throws and for the majority of last season was touted as the top quarterback in the class. But a terrible record and the questionable coaching he had in college seemed to have dropped his stock.


Rookies in general are always fun to watch during camp. They give fans a hope for the future and this year is no different. With 10 draftees this year the Browns are full of young talent. Three first round picks: Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, and David Njoku, Kizer, and defensive linemen Larry Ognujobi and Caleb Brantley are the ones should stand out.

But its not just the rookies this year to keep an eye on but the guys who are entering their second year as professionals. The wide receivers are still extremely young. These guys need to step up. Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins are all vying for playing time. Obviously, Coleman will get his chance as a first round pick, but the other three will be battling each other not just for playing time on offense but showing their worth on special teams.

This might not but just a training camp thing to watch but throughout the preseason is to just keep an eye on the secondary. This is Joe Haden's put-up or shut-up year. He's already been challenged by Gregg Williams this off-season and he is the leader of the defense. Haden had a bounce back year last year after a rough 2015 campaign. Even though 2016 was still an injury plagued season for Haden. Outside of Haden the Browns still have some questions. And it isn't in a negative way but just as an unknown.

Jamar Taylor seems to be a solid starter in the NFL and Briean Boddy-Calhoun played well at times last year. The Browns acquired two veterans Calvin Pryor and Jason McCourty late in the off-season. It will be interesting to see if a change of location would help Pryor and the were McCourty will even play. Whether at the corner position or a safety. And how McCourty's leadership will help the development of Peppers, Derrick Kindred, Bobby-Calhoun, and Ibraheim Campbell

There will be a lot more to talk about during the preseason and I will have articles on specific positions while we lead up to the start of the regular season. And as always I will have the Previews for each game and the recaps along with a random article Browns article during the middle of each week. Its good to be back in the groove of writing and talking Cleveland Browns!!!!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Wrestling Lockup With Brandon: RAW Washington DC Recap


By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Another week in wrestling begins with Monday Night RAW live from our nation's capital of Washington D.C. Last week, Kurt Angle's secret was finally revealed as he announced that Jason Jordan was really his son. We still have yet to find a new #1 Contender to the WWE Universal Championship, due to Braun Strowman disrupting the #1 Contender Match between Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe. Also best friends Bayley and Sasha Banks go one on one tonight to determine a new #1 Contender to the WWE RAW Women's Championship. What other surprises were ahead on this week's show??

** This Weeks Card **

- Finn Balor battled Elias Samson in a No DQ Match.
- Enzo battled Big Cass.
- Nia Jax battled Emma.
- Sasha Banks battled Bayley in a #1 Contenders Match. 
- Jason Jordan battled Curt Hawkins. 
- The Revival battled Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
- The Miztourage battled Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose in a 3 on 2 Handicap Match.

- Kurt Angle makes a big announcement involving the WWE Universal Championship Match at WWE SummerSlam.

- Issues between Akira Tozawa and Titus O'Neil continued.

** RAW **

- Kurt Angle Promo: Angle announces that his son Jason Jordan will be in a match tonight to prove himself on RAW. Angle mentions last week's #1 Contender match being disrupted by Braun Strowman, but has a plan lined up for the WWE Universal Championship Match at WWE SummerSlam. Braun Strowman interrupts and demands that it better be Strowman facing Brock Lesnar, because he doesn't fear Lesnar. Samoa Joe interrupts next and demands that it better be him facing Lesnar, because he almost beat Lesnar and he doesn't fear Lesnar or Strowman. Roman Reigns interrupts next and asks Joe and Strowman exactly what they've done to earn a title shot and then Reigns runs down the list of things he's done the past 5 years that should automatically grant him a title shot. Angle interrupts the bickering and says he's decided that it'll be Lesnar defending against Joe, Reigns and Strowman in a Fatal Four Way Match at WWE SummerSlam.
A brawl suddenly breaks out as Reigns sucker punches Strowman. Reigns and Joe double team Strowman and toss him over the barricade. Joe cheap shots Reigns and they brawl in the ring where Strowman comes back and runs over Reigns. Angle yells for WWE Security to help, but they all get destroyed by Strowman. Joe tries to trap Strowman in the Coquina Clutch submission as Angle yells for the RAW locker room to help. The locker room tries to separate everyone as Reigns hits a spear on Strowman and Joe, breaking the submission. Strowman clears everyone out of the ring again and then hits a running powerslam on Reigns to end the segment.

- "No DQ Match": Finn Balor vs. Elias Samson: The match closes out with Balor unloading steel chair shots on Samson, drop kicks him into the corner and then hits Coup de Grace. The Wyatt Family graphic suddenly flashes and the lights go out. The lights pop back on and Bray Wyatt is in the ring laying out Balor with Sister Abigail. Samson crawls over, covers and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Elias Samson, by pinfall.

- After the match, Bray Wyatt spider walks over to an unconscious Balor, spins around, whispers in Balor's ear and then poses over his body.

- Backstage, Kurt Angle believes that Jason Jordan will be a successful singles wrestler and how he has butterflies for his son right now. Emma interrupts and asks Angle if she has to start dating Angle's son in order for her to get noticed. Angle announces Emma vs. Nia Jax for tonight.

- Backstage, Big Show asks Enzo if he's sure he wants to do what he's about to do. Enzo says yes he wants to show Big Cass what a big mistake he made by turning on Enzo. 

- Enzo vs. Big Cass: The match closes out with Cass totally dominating Enzo throughout the match. Enzo tries to fight back, but gets hit with the Big Boot, leading to Cass scoring the pinfall.
Winner: Big Cass, by pinfall.

- After the match, Cass talks trash to Enzo and throws him on the mat. Big Show hits the ring, forcing Cass to grab Enzo and threaten to break his neck if Show gets any closer. Cass shoves Enzo into Show and then hits a Big Boot on Show. Cass trash talks Show and hits three straight Empire Elbows. Show tries to fight back, but Cass hits two more Empire Elbows. Cass stomps on Show, lands some kicks, talks more trash and beats down Show to end the segment.

- Backstage, Alexa Bliss says she's not worried who wins the #1 Contenders Match tonight. Alexa thinks it's funny that a friendship will end tonight only for the winner to go on to lose to Alexa at WWE SummerSlam.

- Nia Jax vs. Emma: The match closes out with Nia dominating Emma as Emma tries to get in some offense. Nia hits a corner splash and then a somersault senton to score the pinfall. 
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.

- Backstage, Akira Tozawa wants a rematch with Ariya Daivari. Titus O'Neil interrupts, says he knows Tozawa's shoulder isn't 100% and got Kurt Angle to cancel his match. Tozawa flips out, tells Titus to stay backstage and storms off.

- Akira Tozawa shoves Titus O'Neil aside and heads to the ring. Neville interrupts Tozawa and takes credit for all of Tozawa's misfortunes, stating that he warned Tozawa not to side with Titus. Neville insults Tozawa, forcing Tozawa to attack Neville. Tozawa hits the diving senton off the top rope, but injures his shoulder. Ariya Daivari hits the ring and attacks Tozawa. Daivari then attacks Neville and leaves him laid out as well. Daivari motions for a title shot to end the segment.

- Backstage, Bayley and Sasha Banks promise not to let their #1 Contender match tonight ruin their friendship. Both ladies tease tension between each other as Sasha says the best lady will win tonight.

- Backstage, Jason Jordan is grateful to be here and knows all eyes will be on him. Jordan is excited that the man he grew up idolizing turned out to be his dad.

- Backstage, Seth Rollins meets up with Dean Ambrose and wants to have a game plan. Ambrose says he's going out and fighting. Rollins reminds Ambrose there is three guys to worry about. Ambrose tells Rollins that there's four guys Rollins needs to worry about and walks off.

- "#1 Contenders Match": Sasha Banks vs. Bayley: The match closes out with both ladies trading shots. Bayley and Sasha brawl out to the apron. Sasha lands a kick on Bayley sending her to the floor. Bayley goes for a superplex, but Sasha blocks it and sends Bayley to the mat. Sasha hits a frog splash on Bayley and gets a near fall. Bayley then reverses the pin into her own and scores the pinfall.
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall.

- After the match, Alexa Bliss arrives, raises her WWE RAW Women's Championship in the air and talks trash back and forth with Bayley.

- Backstage, Curt Hawkins says he's sick of hearing about Jason Jordan and will give us all something to talk about when he beats Kurt Angle's kid.

- Jason Jordan vs. Curt Hawkins: The match closes out with Jordan hitting a belly to belly suplex on Hawkins. Jordan tosses Hawkins and then spears him in the corner. Jordan hits a belly to back suplex and then a neck breaker to score the pinfall.
Winner: Jason Jordan, by pinfall.

- The Revival state that their here to run the tag team division. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson interrupt, call The Revival nerds and head to the ring for their match.

- The Revival vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Gallows tagging in and unloading on The Revival. Gallows goes for the Big Boot, but gets distracted. The Hardy Boys' music suddenly hit and out comes The Hardy's. The Revival take advantage of the distraction, hit Shatter Machine on Anderson and scores the pinfall.
Winners: The Revival, by pinfall.

- After the match, The Hardy Boys hit the ring and attack The Revival. Matt and Jeff hit a Twist of Fate and a Swanton Bomb on Dash Wilder before chasing off The Revival.

- Backstage, The Miz says that he and The Miztourage will prove that Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose are box office bombs tonight.

- "Handicap Match": The Miz, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel vs. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose: The match closes out with Ambrose tossing Miz outside. Ambrose and Rollins hit double suicide dives and take out the Miztourage, but miss Miz. Miz hits a DDT for a near fall on Ambrose. Rollins leaps off the top rope and hits Miz with a flying knee. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Miz and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, by pinfall.



- After the match, Seth Rollins offers the old school Shield fist bump to Ambrose, but Ambrose ignores it and leaves the ring to end the show.