This week in pro wrestling had big title changes and wrestling on a boat! Seth Rollin’s faction gains more power. Kairi Sane returns! AEW films Dynamite from Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager cruise. Will NXT bask in Keith Lee’s glory? The finals for the Dusty Classic has been set!
Find out all you need to know in this jam packed week in wrestling, right here.
RAW:
New Alliance leads to newly crowned tag team champions.
The Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS hosted this week’s broadcast on 1/21/20. We had a great opening segment with the “Monday Night Messiah” Seth Rollins, AoP, and newly recruited ally, Buddy Murphy. It was a fantastic promo that eventually led to a scrum with Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and an appearance from the Raw tag team champions, The Viking Raiders. A tag team title match was booked for later in the evening, more on that later.
The match that we’d all watch forever
Andrade retained the US Title against Rey Mysterio in one heck of a match-up to begin the show. The ladder match was advertised earlier in the week and it didn’t disappoint with several key high spots. Mysterio was set to climb the ladder to retrieve the title, but Zelina Vega sat atop the ladder and distracted Rey which led to Andrade hitting the Hammerlock DDT through a ladder, a brilliant spot.
After Andrade retained the belt, he was going to drive Mysterio into the exposed concrete and Humberto Carrillo made the save with his return. They’ve since been booked for a title match at the Royal Rumble Sunday.
Aleister Black quickly disposed of a local talent with a Black Mass and if you blinked, you missed it. Black should be a major factor in the Rumble with sound booking.
Paul Heyman, “The Advocate” for the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar, cut a promo with his client, which led to Ricochet coming out and confronting the Beast. Ricochet showed no fear, but was simply kicked below the belt for his efforts. It was a great feature for Ricochet, but did nothing to further his character as Lesnar just grinned and left. Ricochet should be the iron man of the Rumble this weekend. That was be smart.
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre was ruled a no contest after interference from the OC. This sets up all three men to have interactions with one another this Sunday and after Orton hit an RKO on McIntyre in a very “DTA” segment, McIntyre grabbed a mic and stated he should have Claymore Kicked Randy, and then he set the table for a potential Rumble win for himself.
Becky Lynch submitted Kairi Sane in a non-title match with the Disarmher, getting prepared for her match with Asuka this weekend. Sane looked strong, but Lynch needed the momentum heading into the PPV. Expect a fine contest with Asuka, but Lynch should and probably will retain before an improbable showdown with either Shayna Baszler or a returning Ronda Rousey.
Newly crowned champs
We crowned new tag team champions as Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy dethroned the Viking Raiders. Many are saying it should have been AoP, but what a monumental way to move Buddy Murphy to the next tier of rising talent. Rollins took advantage of a miscue between the Raiders, hitting a Blackout Stomp on Ivar and Murphy scored the pin.
They should hold the belts for a short time before either losing them back to the Raiders, to Joe and Owens or perhaps to the Street Profits. The tag team title scene on Raw is getting interesting and it’s about time.
Erick Rowan squashed Matt Hardy after an iron claw slam after the Street Profits did a weekend update style segment, similar to NBC’s “SNL”. Hardy seems to be on his way out to hone his craft elsewhere, perhaps in an AEW ring, with the return of his “Broken” character.
Main Event Miscues
Bobby Lashley and Lana defeated Rusev and Liv Morgan in the main event and this was booked poorly. This should have been at the top of the hour and the tag team title match should have taken place here. Rusev and Morgan lost again, doing nothing for their story after Lashley hit a spear on Rusev. If Rusev eliminates Lashley in the men’s Rumble, this can be salvaged, but the faces need a win, sooner, rather than later.
Outside of the main event follies, this was another tremendous edition of Raw, loaded with action.
AEW Dynamite:
This wee on Dynamite, there is pro wrestling on a cruise ship! The first ever title change in AEW history. A unexpected heel turn. Jurassic Express takes on the Inner Circle. A newe debut in AEW women’s division. Finally, the number one contender for the AEW World Championship is crowned. All from a cruise ship. Let’s dive in because this is Dynamite!
Tag team title match. A debut for the women’s division. Jurassic Express takes on the Inner Circle.
Kenny Omega/Adam Hangman Page vs SCU (Frankie Kazarian/Scorpio Sky) for the AEW Tag Team titles. Page wins titles via Buckshot Lariat.
How do you start off a program that was filmed on a cruise ship? With a banger of a match and for the AEW Tag Team titles, that’s how! The pals, yet not so pals Omega/Page take on the Cinderella champs, SCU. The match started of as a friendly exchange, but Adam’s frustration ended that quickly. Kenny asked a the irritated Page to calm things down and Page begrudgingly accepts.
Back to a friendly yet competitive match, until Page was tagged back in. The Hangman now isolated from Omega, is hit by a crisp German Suplex that leaves him a bit stunned. This actually look like it really got him. Page tags in Kenny after a huge clothesline on Frankie. Omega then works over the champs with a Snap Dragon Suplex to Kazarian and a Tigerdriver 98 to Scorpio.
The champs fight back and Page looks to be not really injured, as he jumped from the top turnbuckle in to the crow, taking out Frankie. Omega fought out of the TKO, but is wiped out by Adam’s Buckshot Lariat. Hangman then drags Omega to their corner and tags in. Taking out SCU with a Buckshot Lariat to both members of SCU. Scorpio Sky received one outside the ring on the ramp and Frankie caught one in the ring was pinned.
New champions, first ever title change in AEW history, and the Cowboy is still not happy.
After winning the titles, The Young Bucks come out celebrate with their friends. Well, what they think is their friends. Kenny Omega welcomes the Bucks, but Adam still not feeling that he is with The Elite, leaves the ring. Hangman then grabs beer from the crowd, goes crowd surfing while drinking beer and lands at the top of the ramp. Kenny gives him an acknowledgment of great job and Page walks out.
Now a champ, Hangman is still not happy. Maybe it’s because he is champion with an Elite member, but good friend. It may be something else, like his his losing record last year and he still can not get over it. What ever it is, a dark Hangman is lurking.
Dr Britt Baker vs Priscilla Kelly. Baker wins via Lockjaw submission.
Priscilla Kelly, real life wife to Darby Allin made her debut tonight. That’s the great news, the bad is that is was against Britt Baker. So this wasn’t going to translate into a win for Kelly. However, The Devil’s favorite harlot got in some impressive offense in the beginning to the middle of the match. Yet, Baker is one of the stars AWE wants to push no matter what. So in quick fashion, Britt locks in the Lockjaw for the win.
After the match Tony Schiavone comes down for an interview. The Dr cuts him off and starts to passive aggressively insult him, calling Tony a Starbuck’s barista. This behavior that has not been seen in Baker. Britt continues to insult Tony as JR cuts to commercial. Here is the thing, this was taped the night before. Someone could’ve saw on how this was not a good promo. Yet it was allowed to air, on top off it they kept JR saying “ok, this is enough”. Not in a scripted way, but hey this is a bad promo way. Hopefully, Britt brushes up on her mic skills soon.
The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Proud and Powerful) vs Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus/Jungle Boy/Marko Stunt). Jericho wins via Judas Effect pin fall.
This was a fun match. Everything from Marko getting scared from the pyros to Ortiz giving up chopping Luchsuarus because.. well he’s a big dinosaur! The babyfaces took quick control utilizing quick strikes and move set. Santana regains momentum with a nice Russian Leg Sweep from the middle ropes and break to commercial.
After the break, Le Champion and pals are working over Jungle Boy. However, Jungle Boy finally escapes long enough to hot tag his best friend, Luchasaurus. The big dino goes on a rampage, taking out Santana and Ortiz. With Luchasaurus’ sights set on Jericho, Jake Hagar interrupts. Leading two the big.. umm, men to brawl outside. Marko is the legal man and hits a 450 Splash on Chris. Le Champion kicks out and hits the Judas Effect elbow for the win. Fun match, really fun match.
A great heel vs a Bad Boy. Number one contender for the AEW Championship revealed!
MJF vs Joey Bad Boy Janella. MJF wins via Double Cross pin fall.
Just like the Baker vs Kelly match, commercial breaks bogged this match down. What could’ve been a higher rated match, became meh. The two trade blows and ended up even going in to the break. With either men gaining complete control over the match, something had to give. That something was Kip Sabian and Joey’s ex-girlfriend, Penelope Ford arriving. The new couple provided distraction by making out on the ramp. MJF, took advantage of the distraction and hits the Double Cross for the win.
Joey took his loss and walked up the ramp, as MJF grabs the mic to taunt Cody. The American Nightmare arrives, leaving MJF slightly worried. The only reason MJF is not totally worried is because Cody can not lay a finger on him. However, just like Cody states on the mic “I can’t touch you, but I have friends that can”. The Young Bucks Superkick MJF and drags the ultimate heel to a pool, then dumps MJF in it. This was an alright match, and still fun ending.
Hangman is clearly angry.
An interview with the new tag champs Omega and Page became a focal point on Page’s mindset. Tony was interviewing the champs and every time Adam wanted to say something he was interrupted. Once by Tony, then Kenny, and lastly The Young Bucks who invited themselves in. Page’s frustration was near his limit. Finally, Adam found a way to speak. Hangman said, “I’m surprised too. I’m surprised that we won this before you did.”, referring to the titles. Adam walks out again, irritated by everyone. The small bits of story is great, this will all lead to a big payoff in a few months time or maybe a years’ time.
Jon Moxely vs Pac for the number contender for the AEW Championship. Moxley wins via Paradigm Shift.
I can watch these two guys fight all night and again they put on a well thought out match. The focus for Pac was Jon’s injured eye from last week. The Unhinged One’s eye was wrapped up, leaving half his eyesight eliminated. The Bastard quickly took to targeting the eye, with blow after blow.
After the break, Moxley turned things and Pac around with a big Lariat. Jon went to the top rope for an Elbow Drop, but Pac got his knees up. The Bastard then attempts the Brutalizer, however Moxley counters out. After another targeting on Moxley’s eye, Pac attempts two separate Black Arrows. With both attempts missing, gives Jon the opportunity for a two Paradigm Shifts for the win.
All this was going down while Le Champion was on commentary. After the match, The Pain Maker throws down his headset and stares down Moxley. The only man so far that may truly threaten his title reign. Let’s hope that creative will keep this good story arc going without being too outlandish. The spike to the eye was a bit much last week, other than that, this has been a great ride.-David G.
NXT
Dusty Classic: Semi Final 1
The first of this week’s two semifinal matches in the tag team tournament sees NXT Tag Champs Fish and O’Reilly (with Strong and Cole ringside) taking on the inaugural UK Tag Champs the Grizzled Young Veterans. I went in fully expecting Imperium to interfere and cost Undisputed Era the match, but thankfully they were allowed to have a really strong match prior to any of that so that GYV didn’t have the rug completely pulled out from under them.
The match started with a great grappling exchange between O’Reilly and Gibson. UE focused a lot on weakening Drake’s knee. Both teams kicked out of each other’s finishers during the match, but then familiar music played. Imperium did not get physically involved, but they did appear standing on the perch above the announce table. That created enough of a distraction for GYV to hit one final Ticket to Mayhem for the pin.
MYC Rematch
Toni Storm and Io Shirai squared off in a rematch of the finals of the 2nd Mae young Classic. Even before that match, they had a long history of battling in Japan that gives them good chemistry in the ring. I’m still not a big fan of how much Storm plays the underdog in her matches. It’s fine against a larger opponent such as Ripley, but when it’s someone small like Shirai it just doesn’t feel right for her character. She should be presented stronger in my opinion, and not just by picking up tough wins.
There was no decision due to interference from Bianca Belair, who gets her shot at the title against either Storm or Ripley in a few weeks. Ripley came to the ramp to handle Belair, but Shirai took to the air to take down both women. Storm then took down Shirai to end the segment holding the belt in the ring. She gets her chance to win it Saturday at Worlds Collide.
Miscelaneous
Videos and interviews are peppered throughout the show to sell a number of ongoing feuds as well as introduce some new talent to the brand. Shotzi Blackheart and Shayna Baszler each had a moment to promote their match. Ilja Dragunov responded to last week’s Finn Balor video. The story between Tegan Nox and Dakota Kai was recapped ahead of their confrontation next week.
Additionally, “Prince” Finn Balor got an enhancement victory over Joaquin Wilde ahead of his fight with Dragunov this weekend. An overly aggressive Balor played with his foe by hitting at least 3 of his signature finishing moves before finally making the pin.
Baszler got a bit of revenge on newcomer Shotzi Blackheart, the woman who eliminated her from the battle royal last week. Blackheart used her quickness to counter the more methodical style of the two-time champ. The result was a quality match in which Baszler remained dominant but Blackheart still looked worthy even in defeat. If Baszler wins the Rumble this weekend as many people expect, this could be her last match for the black and gold.
Dusty Classic: Semi Final 2
Imperium’s Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel (with Wolfe and Walter ringside) took on the odd pairing of Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne. Even though this was technically only their second match together, the Broserweights were booked much more confidently this week. Fast, hard hitting action slowed throughout the match, and both teams incorporated some clever tandem work.
Former and current UK champs Dunne and Walter had a tense staredown outside the ring, but it didn’t come to blows. Dunne did a good job selling a knee injury in the match and fighting through the pain. He and Riddle locked in simultaneous submissions at one point, but it was one last bit of tandem offense that finally sealed the deal for the odd couple.
It was nice that the powers that be refrained from having Undisputed Era get involved here, because the broserweights really needed this strong victory to establish themselves as legitimate contenders with so few tag matches on their records thus far. They were joined on stage by GYV to exchange some words in front of the Dusty Cup. The finals will take place next Wednesday.
Limitless
The main event this week was the North American Title Match between the champion Roderick Strong and the challenger Keith Lee. Lee has been on a huge momentum roll since the fall, but would he finally get his first taste of NXT gold? They told a fairly basic wrestling story with the match, but they told it exceptionally well. The larger Lee relied upon his superior size and strength to dominate. Meanwhile Strong represented speed and technique.
Strong also focused on further damaging the ankle that UE had injured last week. He also had the other 3 members of UE ringside, interfering every chance they got. It was an incredible match where they once again allowed it to happen without any outside teams getting involved. The big man overcame the odds to emerge victorious thanks to a huge Fireman’s Jackhammer (I missed the name they were giving it).
After Lee had his chance to celebrate and soak up the adulation of the Full Sail audience, the Era was left alone to face Imperium for a show closing brawl.
Next week:
Dusty Classic Tournament Final: The Grizzled Young Veterans vs The Broserweights
Tegan Nox vs Dakota Kai
Plus fallout from both Worlds Collide and Royal Rumble~Jason M.
NXT UK
The show kicked off this week with the unveiling of a newly rebranded title belt. Walter will now carry the NXT UK Title, which he claims to not be tainted like the former WWE Title held by bate and Dunne. Aiden English is filling in on Commentary for Nigel during this set of tapings.
Crusierweights
Two matches were held to determine which NXT UK superstars would represent the brand in the 4 way Cruiserweight title match on Saturday. Jordan Devlin picked up one of the spots in a incredible match against Ligero. Travis Banks got the final spot in a hard fought victory over former cruiserweight champion Brian Kendrick. Devlin and Banks join Isaiah Swerve Scott and reigning champion Angel Garza for that match on Saturday.
Interview Time
UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray spoke briefly about facing Mia Yim as part of Worlds Collide. When she was done, Imperium took over the interview but were interrupted by South Wales Subculture. Angered by this show of disrespect, Imperium asked for a tag match against the former champions. The request was granted, but not exactly the way they wanted it to be. Next week will see a 6 man tag featuring Imperium’s Aichner, Barthel AND Wolfe against the team of Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster, and a partner of their choosing.
Unfinished Business
Ilja Dragunov picked up a solid enhancement victory to promote his upcoming match against Finn Balor. After the match, he tried to cut a promo on Balor but was interrupted by Gallus. When he got on the mic, Joe Coffey walked a fine line building to a program against Ilja without being completely heelish. He showed respect to the young Russian, but he also partially blames him for the loss at TakeOver Blackpool. Coffey told Dragunov to take care of business on behalf of the brand at Worlds Collide, but be aware that they’ve got unfinished business after that.~Jason M.
SmackDown:
In the go home show for the Royal Rumble, The Fiend provides a brutal lashing. Jimmy Uso is comeback wrestler of the night. An interview, turns into a brawl and a big match for John Morrison. Let’s dive into SmackDown!
Family vs a Court. A rumble starting. Monster plus Drifter is music.
Roman Reigns/The Usos vs King Corbin/Dolph Ziggler/Bobby Roode. The Usos win via Uso Splash pin fall.
What a way to start the show off! This had almost every in ring emotion you could think of. What seemed to be a standard six man tag match, quickly became a two on three handicap match. Jimmy Uso looked to tweeked his knee coming off the top rope. Shortly afterwards, Jimmy fell victim to the Zig-Zag on top of the steel steps. Jimmy had to be escorted out of the match, leaving Jey and Roman.
After the break, the Anoa’i family isolate Dolph and take it to him. However, Ziggler finds a way to tag King Corbin. The King then promptly hits a Deep Six on Jey. The only Uso remaining, fights back and hot tags Roman in. The Big Dog decimates the Court, but the heels find a way to regain control. With Roman receiving a beat down the heels corner, Jimmy makes his way back to the ring!
Reigns gets the hot tag to Jimmy and the crowd and Jimmy erupts! Jimmy takes out Roode with a Samoan Drop, then Corbin and Ziggler with a Tope. Roman then takes the fight to Corbin in the crowd, as The Usos hit the Uso Splash on Roode for the win.
What a match! This was possible because there was no 10 minute dialog to set up the show. WWE just gave great action in the first match, ala’ AEW Dynamite. You know what, I want more of this. The fans really do not need an exposition for the night’s card. Most of the time, we just want straight up action. WWE provided it tonight.
Brawl of brawls.
Micheal Cole interviews Lacey Evans on her upcoming bout with SmackDown champion, Bayley. After an emotional interview, Bayley attacks Lacy. The officials attempt to separate them, but the fight keeps going. Kayla Braxton then interviews Dana Brookes and Carmella backstage. Again, the brawl between Evans and Bayley spills through the interview.
Lastly, a match between Alexa Bliss/Nikki Cross vs Fire and Desire had the same results. Just as the match was going on, Bayley and Lacey’s brawl spills into the match. Forcing a no contest result and a group of ladies fighting it out. Great build to both the match between Lacey vs Bayley and the women’s Royal Rumble.
Braun Strowman/Elias vs Shinuke Nakamura/Cesaro. Elias wins via Elbow Drop pin fall.
Well, this was alright. What had promise of Braun showing off his comedic chops turned into a babyface win. The Drifter had a song, invited Braun to sing along. Shin/Cesaro interupted, cue match.
It wasn’t a totally bad match, just very predictable and lasting a bit too long. Just as Shin and Cesaro took the win, Braun recovers. The Monster hits Cesaro with a Powerslam and The Drifter hits a rare Elbow Drop for the win. This was eh..
Old foes go at it. The Fiend has his way.
John Morrison vs Kofi Kingston. Morrison wins via Starship Pain pin fall.
You can tell that these two men just know each other. No matter the time spent apart, Morrison and Kofi can make a good match in their sleep. This is what happened, because they had a great match. Both looking strong, while Kofi making John look strong in his comeback.
In what could be called standard booking, had highlights. John took control early on, Kofi fights back after the commercial break. Morrison counters the Trouble In Paradise and hits a Spanish Fly. Kingston kicks out and hits a SOS for a near fall. The Miz distracts Big E, as Morrison hits the Starship Pain for the win.
I really hope John is pushed to the sky, along with Kofi again. I hope these two have a legendary match up for a title on the grandest stage. Long build this story line, have them fight a few times over six months or a year. Then have the end all be all final match with high stakes. That is the only way to reward the fans and these two great talents.
That Fiend..
In the contract signing for the SmackDown title, Micheal Cole moderates. After Daniel Bryan arrives to a huge pop and signs the contract. Bray chooses not to show up in person. Wyatt appears from the Firefly Fun House and attempts to fax the contract in. The fax fails, and Bray questions why Bryan wants to be strapped to the Fiend. Wyatt states that will be a big mistake and the lights cut out.
The beaming red lights fill the arena and The Fiend is in the ring! The Fiend then rips apart Daniel Bryan with a leather strap, almost ripping the flesh off of Bryan. The Fiend then signs the contract, in his own blood and disappears. The contract is signed, Bryan is assaulted , and the stage is set. Will Daniel be the one to conquer The Fiend or will he be another statistic?
Afterthoughts.
This was a really good go home show for the Royal Rumble. I got invested in the women’s Rumble and Evans vs Bayley. The coming back to win the match by Jimmy Uso was just great, along with Roman beating Corbin outside. The only faults I could see was the Elias/Braun team up and not giving the Morrison vs Kofi a bigger billing. Other than that, this was a good go home show for the Royal Rumble and it makes me more intrigued about the PPV now then before.-David G.
News of the Week
Jazzy Gabert was at the UK tapings over the weekend but wasn’t used. She revealed afterwards that she was no longer under contract. It’s a shame they didn’t present a better ending to her storyline with Jinny, but Gabert says she was simply ready to move on and pursue a variety of other opportunities that just wouldn’t be possible if she had to keep returning for NXT Tapings once a month.
Current PPV Cards:
NXT and NXT UK Worlds Collide: January 25
- Undisputed Era vs Imperium
- NXT Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley© vs Toni Storm
- Finn Balor vs Ilja Dragunov
- DIY vs Mustache Mountain
- Cruiserweight Title Fatal 4 Way: Angel Garza© vs Isaiah “Swerve” Scott vs Jordan Devlin vs Travis Banks
- Kay Lee Ray vs Mia Yim
WWE Royal Rumble: January 26
- Universal Title Match: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt© vs Daniel Bryan
- Raw Women’s Title Match: Becky Lynch© vs Asuka
- Smackdown Women’s Title Match: Bayley© vs Lacey Evans
- United States Championship Match: Abdrade© vs Humberto Carrillo
- Sheamus vs Shorty G
- Falls Count Anywhere Match: Roman Reigns vs King Corbin
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Sarah Logan, Natalya
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Brock Lesnar (#1), Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, Erick Rowan, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, Elias, King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, Otis, Tucker, Rusev, Bobby Lashley, Aleister Black, Buddy Murphy, Braun Strowman, Shinsuke Nakamura, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, Kofi Kingston, Big E
NXT TakeOver: Portland: February 16
- Finn Balor vs Johnny Gargano
- NXT Championship: Rhea Ripley or Toni Storm (winner of title match at Worlds Collide) vs Bianca Belair
