Wednesday Wrestling Minutes - Your Weekly Source for NXT, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor and Independent Wrestling News

NXT 10/22

Recap of the battle royal from last week.

Asuka opens this episode of NXT. She has a slightly updated mask on, it looks a bit more colorful now. Also, she has a video and it’s mostly the creepy mask too. I feel like the mask is a symbol of Asuka and her character. You’ll only really know about her what she shows you. It doesn’t matter what you see on the outside (the mask) because she could easily change her demeanor (take off the mask) and be something completely different.

She takes on Billie Kay. It looks like she too has a little bit of a visual update to her gear and a new song too. She even gets a short video promo before the match.

Asuka extends for a handshake and Kay accepts but pulls Asuka in for a knee to the midsection. Billie stays on top of Asuka, hammering her in the corner and drops her with a delayed vertical suplex.

Asuka stuns Billie with a kick and starts to unleash a few more kicks. Asuka catches a flying arm bar and turns it into a seated arm bar. Asuka hits a german suplex and a knee right to Billie’s face as she’s seated on the mat. Asuka gets the Asuka Lock crossface chicken wing, Billie tries to fight back but has to tap out.

Video package about Baron Corbin. Pretty sure we’ve seen this before. About how he’s special and he’s going to do what he wants and doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him, blah, blah.

Next out, Enzo and Cass with Carmella take on Dash and Dawson. Enzo and Cass with their usual excellent mic work. Dash and Dawson still have their satin jackets, looking like the new Varsity Club.

Dash and Dawson working together to isolate Enzo and working over Enzo’s knee. Cass tries to help out Enzo but still gets knocked out of the ring by Dawson. He turns around and gets rolled up by Enzo for the surprise win! (I don’t think Cass was ever legally in this match)

Dash and Dawson aren’t happy about that and beat down Enzo after it’s over while Cass is down outside. Cass tries to save Enzo but he’s overwhelmed by D&D who take him to the ground and hammer him on the mat. D&D lost the match but they won the fight and sent a message to Enzo and Cass as well as the Vaudevillains.

Another special message from Eva Marie in Paris. Says she still on vacay, taking in the culture (you know what I’m talking about…well, maybe not). Wanted to give everyone a present – this special message since she’s sure everyone misses her.

Next out, Danny Burch to no doubt do the job to someone. He takes on James Storm?? What’s he doing in the NXT Zone?! Not sure if he’s gonna be full time or if it’s gonna be a Rhyno-type deal. They say he started in WCW and spent the last 15 years on the independent circuit. LOL – didn’t know TNA was considered an indy.

Burch starts out strong but Storm turns the tide quickly. Storm hits, I guess, his finisher (they call it The 8 Second Right) for the win in a short match (started like an Air Raid Crash but he swung Burch around and dropped him on his back). Storm caps it off with his catchphrase “Sorry about yo damn luck.”

Apollo Crews gets his title shot in two weeks – guess they aren’t playing this feud until Takeover London.

The announcement is followed by a Crews video package, “Who is Apollo Crews” letting his personality out a little. Talks about how you have to take chances to reach your dreams and succeed and that you can’t be afraid to fail – even though that is his biggest fear.

It also reveals his upbringing - he’s first generation American since his parents are from Africa. He lived all over America and in Africa, in Uganda, for a while. Talks about his dad watched wrestling so he started and became hooked. How Ultimate Warrior really captured his attention with his energy and his passion. Talks about his dream was always to be a wrestler. His father, especially, didn’t want him to do it but he knew he had to try and had the drive to succeed, despite realizing the years of work it takes to maybe get a chance in the big time.

Why are they still showing Nia Jax vignettes? She debuted already. Did they not realize this? Yeah, next week, we get it. Lots of people are going to be on the show next week – why don’t you give them vignettes? The answer to that riddle is “Because they aren’t related to The Rock”

Alexa Bliss with Blake and Murphy out next. So Blake and The Murphy are just her enforcers now, right? I’m down with that. Was their tag title run to just build their names so it’d be meaningful when they take a backseat to Alexa’s career? Possible, since I don’t see Blake and Murphy getting near the belts again nor going to the main roster, since they are more bland than the Matadores.

Alexa Bliss takes on Peyton Royce. Is this new music too? Is this the same music Billie used?

Niether can really maintain an advantage early on. Bliss showing that she’s more than capable enough to deliver quality singles matches, transitioning to moves well and working heel effectively.

Royce hits several big kicks and a dropkick but only gets a 2 count on Alexa. Alexa starts hammering on Peyton and then hits a Glitz Flip on the downed Peyton. Alexa climbs the ropes and hits a Sparkle Splash to win.

Main even time – Baron Corbin vs Rhyno, former partners explode.

I’ve kinda figured out why Corbin’s stomach looks weird – it’s his pants, they are way too low. They are like chick jeans, hip huggers than ride way too low.

Anyway, they go right at each other to start and I have a feeling this will be much of the match, just a hard-hitting brawl. Rhyno controlling early but Corbin turns the tide after throwing Rhyno into the ring steps.

While in control, Corbin keeps Rhyno on the mat and off his feet so he can build up momentum and work for the Gore. Rhyno tries to fight up but Corbin is able to hit a huge sidewalk slam for 2.

Rhyno starts to fight back into it and finally has Corbin in position for the Gore. Rhyno hits it – but Corbin kicks out! Rhyno up and sizes up another Gore but this time Corbin catches him and hits the End of Days for the win.

Then after the main event, Samoa Joe cuts a backstage promo about how he’s gonna kill Tyler Breeze for ruining his chance to win the battle royal. I don’t know why this was shown after the main event. It was pre-recorded – it could’ve run literally any time during that episode. Like during that pointless Nia Jax vignette.

Rich Swann, ZZ, Patrick Clark and others report to Performance Center

http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/tough-enough-finalists-join-new-recruits-performance-center-27992953

Among the several Tough Enough contestants who were given developmental contracts, such as Patrick Clark and ZZ (pretty much everyone from the final few rounds was given a contract), I noticed a few indy names on there – Richard Swann, Adrienne Reese (Athena), and Christopher Girard (Biff Busick).

There has been a few pictures of Athena working NXT live shows in Florida and there have been rumors of Busick’s signing for what feels like months now. This isn’t Swann’s first time trying to get a WWE contract either. He’s taken part in training camps before with the hope of being offered a contract but it seems like he finally accomplished that goal. They all bring unique styles and personalities to WWE so let’s hope they can build on those strengths in NXT and not just try and mold them into something entirely different.

Lucha Underground

Biggest news is that tickets are on sale for S2 filming of Lucha Underground – Nov 14, 15 and Nov. 21, 22.

https://twitter.com/LuchaElRey/status/659807031503622144

With ADR back in WWE, what does that mean for Lucha? Allegedly, per the dirtsheets, AAA had no idea that Alberto would be back working with WWE – even though he is the AAA Mega Champion.

I'd guess that it means Johnny Mundo won't be getting revenge on Alberto El Patron for getting thrown through a window at Ultima Lucha. 

Da Meltz is reporting that Cheerleader Melissa will be on LU S2, taking on the role of Marty the Moth's sister. Her name has been in the news lately, as she was recently named USA Branch President for Stardom Wrestling, as they recently started doing shows in CA.

http://www.diva-dirt.com/96544/exclusive-cheerleader-melissa-named-usa-branch-president-for-stardom-wrestling/

ROH DA 10/22

Out first, Addiction to take on ANX. Kaz starts fast and Sabin trips up King. Sabin gets thrown out and ANX takes control. Kaz lifts Titus for backdrop and Daniels rakes his eyes so the Addiction can stop their momentum. King gets a hot tag and starts to turn the tide but Addiction cuts him off and all 4 guys are down.

Daniels sets up for BME but someone in KRD gear runs out and distracts Daniels. He gets Daniels to chase him and allows ANX hit their finish (tandem blockbuster/powerbomb). Who is this KRD guy? Is it Sabin again? If so, why is he messing with the Addiction? Regardless, ANX has a win over the former champs.

The Kingdom out next. The tag champs, Michael Bennett and Matt Taven, Maria Kanellis, and Adam Cole are all looking slick (Maria in a little black dress - my god). Bennett tells a story about how The Kingdom are best friends and how they're snakes  (the story from Natural Born Killers).

Cole says O'Reilly doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the World title. Cole says they have been compared their entire careers and he is the better member of Future Shock. Says it makes him sick that guys like O'Reilly, AJ Styles and Michael Elgin are in the World title hunt and he is not (and runs down Elgin gaining popularity from the G1, saying he had to go all the way to Japan to become relevant again and calls him Little Mike).

Cole says The Kingdoms goal is to win the TV and World titles too. But then reDRagon comes out. Security holds them back from getting in the ring. Fish says they want to take out Cole and The Kingdom. Cole says there's 3 of them and only 2 of you - then Elgin shows up, with new music too, and runs off The Kingdom. Next week, Kingdom vs reDRagon and Michael Elgin. 

Main event time now - Page vs Briscoe, no DQ. Bj Whitmer on commentary. Jay out next, no Mark though. Whitmer says this is the biggest match of Page's career and he's beyond ready.

Page asks for handshake then slaps Briscoe. Briscoe hits a big boot and a line over the ropes to the outside and Page thrown into the barricade. Briscoe for a dive but Page smashes him with a chair as he flies out. Page gets out a table and it's getting crazy early. Page yells at Briscoe in the corner to say his name, referencing when Briscoe said he didn't know who Page was.

Briscoe down in the corner and Whitmer handing crutch to Page but Mark runs in and grabs it and walks out with it. Page big DDT on a chair and back from commercials, Page is still in control. Briscoe dodges and Page bad shoulder into the ring post. Page lands on the table he set up and Briscoe double stomp him through it. Briscoe neckbreaker with a chair and gets another table set up in the corner. Page ducks and a pump handle suplex through the table. 

Back from commercials and they're still battling. Page sets up another table at ringside. Jay sets up for Jay Driller but Page turns into Right of Passage (thr Dudebuster). Jay grabs a chair and hits Page then Jay Driller through the table. Jay rolls Page in and covers but only 2 count! Page ducks a big boot and hits his own, tries to get BJ attention (probably for the other crutch) but he's too wrapped up with Steve Corino and Page gets Jay Driller and pinned.

Whitmer in as Briscoe gets up and hammers him with the crutch. Corino gets in to distract Whitmer and let Briscoe roll out. Corino in his face and Whitmer says hit me, so Corino punches him but he also had a roll of quarters in his hand and Whitmer is out cold. Corino heads out and hugs Kevin Kelly and walks up the ramp - is he done on commentary?

Corino suspended indefinitely, Nigel will make a ruling at the TV taping on Oct. 23.

http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/did-one-punch-cost-corino-his-career

Young Bucks sign exclusive ROH contract

This announcement was unexpected but not necessarily unbelievable. The Young Bucks are the hottest free agents in pro wrestling so obviously, every company out there was looking to lock them down.

If you watched the recent Young Bucks documentary from Highspots, you learn just how important family is to both Nick and Matt. An exclusive deal with ROH guarantees that they will be able to provide for their families and also be able to spend more time at home and less time on the road. Matt also stated that this contract is the biggest exclusive contract ROH has ever signed.

Having signed an exclusive contract like reDRagon, Michael Elgin and Adam Cole, this guarantees the Bucks will be at all future ROH shows. But unlike past exclusive contracts, the Young Bucks will still be participating in New Japan as well as being able to take select indy dates – specifically PWG, since the Bucks view it as their home promotion and really helped launch their careers.

Top matches for ROH Final Battle, Dec in Philly, are Lethal vs Styles for the World title, and The Kingdom vs War Machine for the tag titles. Styles was slated to work a recent ROH TV taping but hurt his back against Okada at King of Pro Wrestling and made it worse on a long flight. He believes he will be fine for Final Battle. 

New Japan Pro Wrestling

Super Jr first round has been pretty good. Bucks/Taguchi and Dorada was good and worked in a lot of comedy. Timesplitters vs Ricochet/Sydal has been great. Plus all these guys have a lot of history.

Kushida faced Ricochet in the Super Junior tournament final, which Ricochet won, and Sydal defeated Kushida at an ROH TV taping recently. Plus Shelley and Sydal were influential indy guys in the mid 2000s, who have had a big influence on the style today. And Ricochet too has had a big impact on the junior heavyweight style, but to a lesser degree since Shelley and Sydal debuted several years before him.

The show on the 24th was pretty good overall and the first round of Super Jr tag really delivered. The crowd was really vocal all night long too. I feel like there was more chanting than usual and there was even dueling chants. Chanting is much more typical in American/British crowds than in Japan. WWE/NXT/ROH fan influence perhaps?

Also, Chase Owens (an NWA wrestler in NJPW) has apparently joined Biz Cliz as he started teaming with Omega in the Super Jr. tourney. But we’ll see how long that partnership lasts since Owens and Omega lost in the first round.

So the semifinals are reDRagon vs RPG Vice, which we've seen 1000 times but should still be good. And Young Bucks vs Sydal and Ricochet, which will be insane. Guessing reDRagon vs Sydal and Ricochet, cause otherwise the finals will be a match we've seen a lot already. 

Road to Power Struggle

Nov. 1

(I’m assuming this will be on World, since it has Super Jr matches)

Sho Tanaka, Yohei Komatsu and Jushin “Thunder” Liger vs Jay White, David Finlay and Tiger Mask

Juice Robinson, Captain New Japan and Togi Makabe vs Mascara Dorada, Katsuyori Shibata, and Hirooki Goto

The Timesplitters vs Kenny Omega and Chase Owens

Yoshi-Hashi, Sakuraba, Toru Yano and Shinsuke Nakamura vs Tama Tonga, Bad Luck Fale, Doc Gallows and Karl “Machine Gun” Anderson

Ryusuke Taguchi, Tomoaki Honma and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Gedo, Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada

Super Jr. semifinal

Matt Sydal and Ricochet vs The Young Bucks

Super Jr. semifinal

RPG Vice vs reDRagon

Power Struggle

Nov. 7

Super Jr finals

Hirooki Goto vs “King of Darkness” EVIL

Yoshi-Hashi and Toru Yano vs Bad Luck Fale and AJ Styles

NEVER Openweight Championship

Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs Tomoaki Honma

Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Sakuraba and Kazuchika Okada

IWGP Intercontinental Championship

Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs Karl “Machine Gun” Anderson

-Enuhito reports that should Nakamura retain at Power Struggle, he’s said he will defend the IC belt in an open challenge match at Wrestle Kingdom 10

-If he retains at Power Struggle, this will be the 4^th year in a row he’s defending the IC belt at WK (2013 vs Sakuraba, 2014 vs Tanahashi, 2015 vs Ibushi)

-As with many years past, Nakamura’s WK challenger usually appears at the November Osaka show and is expecting this year to be the same. He says “It is a chance. Anyone, any promotion. I am waiting at Osaka.”

-The next big event for NJPW after the Power Struggle tour will be the World Tag League from Nov. 21 to Dec. 9. And then the Road to Tokyo Dome begins Dec. 11.

Pro Wrestling NOAH

Global League Tournament, 2015

-The Global League is NOAH’s G1 tournament

-Two blocks of wrestlers face off with the winners of both blocks facing off on Nov. 8

Results (as of 10/30)

Block A

Naomichi Marifuji – 8

Takashi Sugiura – 8

Masato Tanaka – 8

Chris Hero – 8

Davey Boy Smith Jr. – 4

Satoshi Kojima – 4

Lance Archer – 2

Quiet Storm – 2

Block B

Minoru Suzuki – 10

Shelton X Benjamin – 10

Katsuhiko Nakajima – 8

Maybach Taniguchi – 6

Muhammad Yone – 4

Colt Cabana – 4

Mitsuhiro Kitamiya – 0
Takashi Iizuka – 0

-I would not be surprised if this is leading to Marifuji winning, beating Suzuki for the GHC Heavyweight Championship and finally ridding NOAH of Suzukigun

-Hero also posted a picture from his recent Global League match. After he beat Kojima, he was given a “winner’s present” (wut?) of a lifetime of free beer at a bar in Sasebo, Nagasaki. Only problem is, he doesn’t drink.

Indy

Listening to Colt’s podcast (the one featuring Bob Holly) and Colt mentions he’s doing another Wrestling Road Diaries, this time with Kikutaro (saw him in CZW as Ebessan) and Grado, titled “Wrestling Road Diaries 3: Funny Equals Money” – a play on the highly-publicized Jim Cornette slight against Colt from their ROH days together where Cornette claimed that “Funny doesn’t equal money.”

It’s a really unique idea because not only is it going to focus on the use of comedy in wrestling from three of the top, most well-known and well-liked comedic wrestlers of the time but it is also highlighting three wrestlers who have a similar style but come from completely different backgrounds (Colt in America, Grade in Scotland and Kikutaro in Japan). Haven’t filmed it yet but Colt mentions that it will hopefully be on DVD “before Wrestlemania next year” which would be WM33.

GFW

Maybe get the first champs crowned in GFW. I think they were 

Nick Aldus def Bobby Roode Global Championship

Christina Von Eerie def Amber O'Neill womens

The Bollywood Boys def Reno Scum tag

PJ Black def Virgil Flynn, Jigsaw and TJP Nex*Gen Championship 

Exclusive Ring Rust Radio interview with WCW and WWE legend Bill Goldberg

The hosts of Ring Rust Radio – Donald Wood, Mike Chikari and the other one – recently had the chance to speak with WCW and WWE legend Bill Goldberg. Along with discussing his role in the upcoming film “Check Point,” Goldberg talks about returning to wrestling, a dream final match, his time in WWE and more. You can listen to this interview on the YouTube link below or continue past to read the entire interview here.

Ring Rust Radio: You are staring in the upcoming film “Check Point.” You play TJ, a major character who requires you to bring both acting skill and fighting skill. Tell the fans what they can expect from your character and the movie as a whole?

Goldberg: The movie as a whole is in modern times, end of days, the possibility of home grown insurgence this day and age of terrorism. It’s about never letting our guard down cause it could happen on U.S. soil and in our own back yard. My character is a hand-to-hand combat veteran with a couple of tours now finds himself as a delivery man in a small town in North Carolina. Among the other civilians in town, there are a plethora of veterans strewn throughout. Ranging from the Vietnam War to the Afghanistan War with all sorts of different types of specialties. At the end of the day, they find out the terror cell is in their own back yard and they band together in a rag-tag team of veterans that try to take them down.

Ring Rust Radio: Earlier this year, you had the chance to step into the ring for another spear and jackhammer at Citi Field. How did hitting your moves feel after so long away from the ring and did it give you the itch to consider another run as a competitor?

Goldberg: The itch will always be there because I am always a competitor and my wife and son have never seen me wrestle. Let me be clear though, that itch won’t supersede my ability to be a businessman. The itch is always there, it’s there three times a week when I walk into my Muay Thai gym and put the gloves and shin pads on. It was a very special circumstance at Citi Field and ironically now the Mets are in the World Series. It was something I chose to do and thought was appropriate at the time. It was not me coming out of retirement by any means. I am a part owner of Legends of Wrestling so if I want to go out there and pick and choose my spot to do something interesting, then that’s what I do with no motives behind it. I am a competitor and always have that itch until the day I die, but I won’t let the itch supersede being a businessman.

Ring Rust Radio: If you could choose your ideal opponent for a final match, who would it be and why?

Goldberg: It would be Austin for sure. Brock would be a good one since we have unfinished business. At the end of the day that everyone clamors for, and I even clamor for, would be Austin and me. There will always be a question mark there unless we were to do something one on one. It’s kind of a match made in heaven.

Ring Rust Radio: Brock Lesnar is the biggest draw in WWE today, and you had the opportunity to lock horns with him in a dream match at WrestleMania 20, but it wasn’t necessarily received as well as expected by the live crowd since they knew both you and Brock were leaving WWE afterward. How do you view that match looking back? Were you happy with it? Is there anything you would’ve changed?

Goldberg: No, I mean you play the cards you are dealt. At the end of the day, we were up against an impossible task to entertain a group of people that 100 percent know you are both leaving after that match. Utter distain is what we received from the fans. Would I change anything about? Yeah, I would change everything about it. At the end of the day, if you take it for what it was, it was an interesting match. The overtone was so skewed, it was just such a weird situation and insurmountable task. Would I change anything? Yes. Would I change everything? Yes.

Ring Rust Radio: Mike mentioned the negative crowd reaction from WrestleMania 20 and crowds of recent years have become very hostile and can throw out some pretty harsh chants. As a performer, what is typically the reaction to the crowd, do you just take it in stride or do you find it disrespectful?

Goldberg: It’s a totally different crowd these days. I can’t speak to it since I don’t have much experience with them. Coming out at Citi Field and doing my thing and certain appearances, I interact with them. It’s a total different information age with the crowd out there now. It seems as if they kind of dictate things, but at the end of the day you go out and do your job and follow your directions.

Ring Rust Radio: You’ve said in previous interviews that you never truly felt welcomed in WWE and never felt like you were “one of them” after making the leap from WCW. In your opinion, why did you and WWE never truly click? Why wasn’t the relationship as fruitful as it could have been?

Goldberg: Because I was a football player and competitor in life and those were a bunch of fraternity boys.

Ring Rust Radio: You appeared on Celebrity Apprentice in 2010, which is a show I'm a big fan of. What are your thoughts of Donald Trump running for president and if he won, do you think he would make a good president?

Goldberg: I think if he won, I would move to Canada. I think he would be a horrible President. At the end of the day, when you are in the front office, your tenure is dictated by the people surrounding you. To think that Donald Trump could have his finger over the big red button is absolutely terrifying.

Wednesday Wrestling Minutes - Your Weekly Source for NXT, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor and Independent Wrestling News

NXT

Women’s Champ Bayley opens NXT this week. Says NXT made history at Respect. Not just her but the Dusty Classic too and the whole show was about respect. Says they started a whole new level of the Divas Revolution and want women's wrestling to be respected. OK promo, nothing special though.

Bayley is interrupted by BAMF with Alexa leading them. Alexa talks up Bayley's accomplishment at Respect. Crowd tries to what her but she shuts it down with her cadence. Alexa says that's all she wanted to say, that Bayley is an incredible champion. Says the NXT women have no limit and raises Bayley's hand with the belt - then snatches it and Blake and Murphy step between them. Alexa says they are the future together but she deserves the belt more than Bayley and she will take it from Bayley.

Talk to Finn and Joe after the Dusty Classic. Regal congratulates them. Joe says tagging with Finn has been a pleasure and an honor. But he's been undefeated since he came to NXT and he could've gone about this a lot of ways, but he wants an NXT Title shot. Finn says he's a fighting champ so Joe can have a shot. Regal says it's not that simple and everyone should get a chance to be the champ. Announces a battle royal for this show. Joe says he deserves the shot, citing his record and stuff, and Regal agrees but says that everyone will have a chance in the battle royal.

Dillinger, Crews and Rhyno cut short promos about the battle royal. Crews us still a little plain, Rhyno was Rhyno but Dillinger did well with the short time alloted.

Vaudevillains out next. They take on Angelo Dawkins and Sawyer Fulton. Dawkins looks about the same (sorta like MVP almost, could just be the headband) but Fulton has a new look though it's very dull and sort of Sheamus adjace. Guess they're gonna do their own thing soon. Cause they were jobbers before but at least they had matching outfits. Now they have different clothes and no monentum so why stay together.

English starts out against Dawkins and works a few holds and then takes him over. But English gets cornered and Dawkins and Fulton tag in and out and work him over. English finally makes the tag and Gotch turns the tide. They hit the Whirling Dervish for the win soon after.

Afterward, Dash and Dawson talk down about the champs to Devon. They say that wasn't impressive but they are. That they are the rightful #1 contenders because they because the Vaudevillains in Dallas during the Dusty Classic. Not only that, but they are ghe rightful champs. But instead, they have to face Enzo and Big Cass.

Recap of Asuka destroying Dana Brooke and Emma at Respect. They show a trainer checking on Dana Brooke’s neck and Asuka walks in. She feigns concern for Dana and pats her on the head then stares at Emma and gives her a creepy smile and leaves. Dana Brooke also apparently thinks she beat Asuka and Emma wants them to check her head more.

Next, newcomer Evie out to get squashed by Nia Jax. She's from NZ, which is weird (Billie and Peyton are from AUS). Evie has worked in NZ, AUS, Japan, Shimmer and Shine, the last of which being a WWNLive company. I don’t mean to be offensive…but Nia Jax’s outfit does not do her any favors. Her demeanor doesn't make sense either (she's been presented like a monster but she's all smiley and shit) and her music is crap.

They lock up and Nia throws her easily. Evie hits the ropes for a line but bounces off. Hits the ropes again and Nia with a big bear hug. Showing lots of intensity in the hold. Evie fights out and tries sunset flip but Mia picks her up and throws into the corner.

Evie tries to fight back but Nia grabs her and slams her with basically a Rock Bottom (started like one, standing front slam sorta uranage but she picked up the leg to sorta make it different.) I also found it funny Graves said Evie couldn't prepare because there's no tape of Nia Jax.

Tyler Breeze says if there's anyone who deserves a title shot, it'd him. Truer words were never spoken. Then Baron Corbin says some stuff.

Eva Marie video promo from Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower. Says hey, it's your favorite and that all her grueling matches left her needing a vacation and she misses everyone and hopes they miss her. Man they are really going full steam ahead with this meta Eva Marie gimmick. Fans think that's what she's like, so NXT is using it to work them. She might still be bland at best in the ring, she sure draws a lot of heat.

Battle royal main event time. Rhyno gets an entrance as does Baron Corbin and Samoa Joe. Corbin, Rhyno, Dash and Dawson go after Joe first and everyone else does their own thing. Even though they have jobbers like Danny Birch, Elias Sampson, Steve Cutler and some dude I don't even recognize (even Gargano and Ciampa) - Solomon Crowe is MIA.

Lots of scores being settled (familiar foes) and Crews eliminates Cutler first. Then he tosses Birch and Sampson. Crews picks up Gargano and tosses him into those dudes. After a break, everyone still in it. Tag teams are all still in it, which is cool cause it makes the battle royal/title so important even they want to win it. Breeze and Dillinger going at it, which is a feud I called that would help both dudes.

Cass eliminates Riddick Moss (the dude I didn't know) then Dash and Dawson throw Cass out. Then Enzo throws BOTH them out! But then Dillinger tosses Enzo out (and people chant for him?). Bull then starts hammering Dillinger and throws him out. Bull tries to throw out Corbin but Rhyno stops him and he eliminates Bull. Corbin eliminates Rawley. Then Ryder. Crowd really behind Breeze, no surprise. Then Corbin double cross Rhyno and throws him out! Joe uranage Ciampa onto the apron and out. Corbin trying to get Breeze over the ropes but he lands on the apron. Joe tosses both Blake and Murphy as they were working Joe.

Final four - Crews, Corbin, Breeze and Joe. Supermodel Kick to Joe. Crews trying to pick up Corbin in the corner. Joe blocks another Sm Kick and follows with a big combo of strikes and a uranage. Then Joe gets a head of steam and sends Breeze over the ropes. People are not happy about that. Corbin sends Joe to the apron but Joe fights back with an enzi. Before he can get in, Breeze trips Joe off the apron to eliminate him.

Crews and Corbin left. Showing off their power and trading big shots. Corbin controlling but Crews fights back. Crews hits several big kicks and stuns Corbin then lines him over to become the new #1 contender!

Every episode of Lucha Underground

https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3pjl8b/every_episode_of_lucha_underground/

Ring of Honor

ROH DA 10/14

ACH vs Matt Sydal, Best of 5 #4 

Starts off with some good back and forth technical wrestling. Is ACH acting more cocky and overconfident than usual? Picking up steam now and they show off the crazy speed both Sydal and ACH possess. ACH starts to work over the arm of Sydal after a double stomp to his back but Sydal isn't making it easy. Back from commercials, ACH is still in control, sending Sydal to the outside with a dropkick. Sydal tries to get back into coming off the cop, but ACH catches him with a spinning heel kick. Sydal gets a close 2 count with that standing, guillotine leg drop.

Even though ACH controlled early, Sydal is hammering ACH with stiff kicks to the body and head now. Sydal realizes ACH is kinda loopy after a big head kick and goes for numerous pins to try and end the match but ACH won't stay down.  Sydal wants a stoppage but Paul Turner says no. ACH starts to mount a comeback now. ACH German for 2. Then he hits a big flurry of moves after flipping out of a rana to his feet, but still can't keep Sydal down.

Sydal rolls out of the ring to avoid a 450 but eats an ACH flip over the ropes (like a moonsault from the ring over the ropes). ACH sets up for 450 (Corino called it Midnight Star) but Sydal gets his knees up, nails a reverse rana then a SSP for the win.

Afterward, Sydal and ACH face off and each hold up 2 since it's 2-2. Then the Addiction with Sabin attack and hit Celebrity Rehab on both. After a commercial, Kaz talks about how the tag belts were stolen from them at ASE. Then says roh has turned into a tyrannical dictatorship and rags on Texas.

Daniels says he isn't addressing you people in the crowd because they are beneath The Addiction. He's addressing the charlatan that wore a red mask and attacked them at ASE and shame on everyone who made it happen and who let it happen. They weren't pinned so they weren't beaten so they are still the champs and demand The Kingdom get out there now. The lights go out and ANX show up. They say they weren't pinned for the belts when they lost them either and challenge The Addiction, who back down. Next week, ANX vs Addiction.

Next, Silas Young and the Beer City Bruiser lead the Boys to the ring. Silas runs down their ring gear saying he told them to dress like men, not this Dalton Castle crap. Then he has Beer City Bruiser beat them both down. Hits a big Saito suplex, a corner splash on both, then a double suplex.

BCB goes up top for a splash but the Boys move out of the way. They hop on the back of BCB and start headbutting him like Castle does but Silas breaks them up. Silas hits Misery on a Boy for the pin. Then Silas and BCB carry the Boys out on their shoulders.

In the main event, Jay Lethal vs Watanabe for the TV Title.  Lethal in control early but Watanabe staying right with him, looking to set up any of his suplexes. Kevin Kelly says next week, Jay Briscoe vs Adam Page no DQ (along with ANX/Addiction).

Lethal sends Watanabe outside and lands a series of suicide dives which sends Watanabe crashing into the guardrail. Lethal still in control after commercials and gets a 2 off a snap suplex. Lethal pounds on Watanabe with punches and then tells ref Todd Sinclair they were open hand. Lethal has been controlling pretty much this whole time and has been content now to sit in chinlocks.

But Watanabe starts to fight back and drives Lethal from corner to corner then hits a big overhead belly to back suplex. Watanabe gets 2 off a big lariat. Watanabe sets up for more but Truth slides his book in to distract the ref and Lethal mule kick Watanabe in the ding ding and uses the opening to hit Lethal Injection for the win.

New Japan

@e_key_oide tweet about NJPW pres Kidani regarding NJPW on WWE Network from a BushiRoad column (I think BushiRoad owns NJPW – could be wrong)

https://twitter.com/e_key_oide/status/656749203012501504

Tanahashi interview:

-If he loses January 4^th at the Tokyo Dome, he’ll never challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight title again

-If he wins, he will defend the IWGP Title in an open challenge at every upcoming show

https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3prcdi/hiroshi_tanahashi_raises_the_stake_of_the_tokyo/

Was kinda hard to follow the translated page but I didn’t notice anything about never challenging for the title again. Maybe that was a challenge Okada laid down?

I did notice the other titles – IC and NEVER – mentioned in that article. Maybe this is hinting at Tana leaving the World title picture for good? Maybe moving down to IC and feud with Nakamura for the IC belt

Also, the Super Junior Tag Team Tournament begins on October 24. First round matches are:

-Jushin “Thunder” Liger and Tiger Mask vs. reDRagon

-RPG Vice vs. Kenny Omega and Chase Owens

-Mascara Dorada and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. The Young Bucks

-The Time Splitters vs. Matt Sydal and Ricochet

Indy wrestling

Evolve 49 results

October 17

Queens, NY

-Andrew Everett def. Tony Nese, Matt Cage and Peter Kassa

-Matt Riddle def. Jonathan Gresham

-Chris Dickinson def/ Tracey Williams

-Trevor Lee def. Drew Gulak to get an Evolve title shot the following night

-Tony Nese and Caleb Konley def. Milk Chocolate

-Willie Mac def. Earl Cooter

-RPG Vice def. Timothy Thatcher and TJ Perkins

I Quit Match – If Gargano Loses, He Will Leave WWN

-Johnny Gargano def Ethan Page

(Page came out for the match like Triple H. He took the ropes down first but it was Gargano who used them in the Gargano Escape to make Page tap)

when he used the ring ropes with his Gargano Escape

-After the match, Sami Zayn’s music hit and he cut a promo in the ring, putting over Evolve and Gargano and expressing how much he misses indy wrestling.

Evolve 50 results

October 18

Long Island, N.Y.

-Tracey Williams def. T.J. Perkins

-Matt Cage def. Ethan Page

-Peter Kassa def. Andrew Everett

-Former UFC fighter Matt Riddle def. Chris Dickinson

-Drew Gulak def. Willie Mack

-Timothy Thatcher def. Trevor Lee to retain the Evolve Title.

-RPG Vice def. Premiere Athlete Brand (Anthony Nese and Caleb Konley) in a grudge match

Tommaso Ciampa tells Progress crowd he’s being signed by WWE

https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3p9e49/tommaso_ciampa_announced_today_at_progress_that/

But then takes to Twitter to say “don’t believe everything you read”

Rev Pro - Jan. 16

AJ Styles vs Zack Sabre Jr

https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3pe542/revolution_pro_wrestling_announce_high_stakes/

(List of UK promotions on phone - Rev Pro seems to be more import heavy, like PWG of England, but don’t call it that because it can’t be near as good as PWG. It was just a comparison of the use of fly-in talent)

#Rawlternative: European Vacation

-Next one planned for Nov. 9

1: Progress Wrestling

2: Attack! Wrestling

3: Fight Club Pro

4: Tidal Wrestling

5: Westside Xtreme Wrestling

6: IPW:UK

7: Southside Wrestling Entertainment

8: Preston City Wrestling