Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
It is announced that Rich Swann is not medically able to compete tonight, and he has been replaced by "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher in the main event.
Tony Nese beats Lince Dorado, then attacks him after the match. TJ Perkins makes the save and hits Nese with the Detonation Kick.
Tom Phillips interviews Rich Swann, who announces he hurt his ankle last night. As he intends on getting his rematch, Neville shows up. Neville calls Rich Swann a peasant, and tells him he should stay down. Swann says he'll never keep him down. Neville shoves him to the floor.
Coming soon to 205 Live: Gran Metalik!
Brian Kendrick guests on commentary for the next match.
Akita Tozawa beats Aaron Solow. After the match, Austin Aries interviews Tozawa, who says something in Japanese before leaving.
Neville is backstage when Noam Dar shows up and congratulates him on how he dealt with Rich Swann. Neville tells Noam Dar he never asked to be his partner or for his help, and that he doesn't have to injure Rich Swann to win. He also tells him he doesn't care about his love life, and tells him to leave his "baggage" at home, which Alicia Fox takes offense to.
"Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and Cedric Alexander beat Neville and Naom Dar - who shows up to the match without Alicia Fox - after Neville leaves Noam Dar high and dry, telling him "You lost your chance."
Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan are backstage with AJ Styles. Dean Ambrose, Baron Corbin, The Miz, John Cena, AJ Styles and Bray Wyatt will all be in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship. In the meantime, Dean Ambrose - who has also just showed up - has unfinished business with Styles. Styles vs. Ambrose is made official for tonight.
John Cena shows up. Cena says that part of being the man is saying you were wrong and saying you're sorry. He apologizes to AJ Styles, saying he is not just "a guy from Atlanta" and is instead an elite-level athlete who brought out the best in him. As for the celebration, he's looking ahead to the Elimination Chamber instead. Suddenly, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton show up, Bray says the more things change, the more things stay exactly the same, and in two weeks, Cena will be trapped with him like a rat in the Elimination Chamber and that he will be leaving the Chamber the new WWE Champion, kicking off a new Era of Wyatts. Orton says that if Cena somehow retains, he will be waiting for him at WrestleMania, and he will set the WW Championship free. Wyatt and Orton then surround the ring, and when they are about to get in, the lights go out and Luke Harper shows up. Instead of joining the Wyatts, he stands with Cena, and Wyatt and Orton retreat. Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up, and makes this impromptu tag team match official...and it's next.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton) beat John Cena and Luke Harper after Harper falls victim to Sister Abigail and Cena's Attitude Adjustment on Wyatt is halted by an RKO.
James Ellsworth shows up in the clothes that Carmella bought for him, and introduces Carmella before the next match.
Carmella beats Delilah Dawson with the Code of Silence thanks to Ellsworth tripping Dawson up.
Dolph Ziggler beats Kalisto, then tries to rip off his mask after the match. Apollo Crews chases Ziggler into the crowd.
Becky Lynch says Mickie James cost her the SmackDown Women's title, but she's used to being attacked from all angles. Naomi says Alexa Bliss disrespected her, but she made her eat her words at Royal Rumble. They plan to keep the momentum going tonight in a tag match against Alexa and Mickie.
Becky Lynch and Naomi beat Alexa Bliss and Mickie James.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) say nobody has challenged them for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships...so they're issuing an open challenge for them in the ring.
American Alpha's (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable) open challenge is answered by the entire SmackDown tag team division. Officials and security try to restore order. After the break, the only two teams still in the ring after the impromptu battle royal are American Alpha and the team of Heath Slater and Rhyno.
General Manager is confronted by Natalya...and security. Nikki Bella is also here, and Natalya and Nikki quickly begin arguing. D-Bry yells at them to stop, then makes a match between Natalya and Nikki Bella official for Elimination Chamber. Natalya storms out of the room.
Neville says his dominance will continue tonight on 205 Live.
Next week: John Cena vs. Randy Orton!
The Miz and Maryse guest on commentary for this match. Baron Corbin shows up during the next match and also guests on commentary.
AJ Styles beats Dean Ambrose. During the match, The Miz and Baron Corbin fight each other, and Ambrose takes them both down only to fall victim to a Styles Clash. After the match, The Miz hits Ambrose with the Skull Crushing Finale, then Baron Corbin hits Miz with End of Days.
During Talking Smack, it is announced that there will be a Tag Team Turmoil match for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber. It is also announced that Naomi will face Alexa Bliss for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at Elimination Chamber.
Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens) arrive to start tonight's show. Owens says everyone told him he had no chance of leaving Royal Rumble as Universal Champion, and he proved them all long, and that ever since he came into power, General Manager Mick Foley has had it against him and that last night, he beat Roman Reigns because he is the one. He then thanks Chris Jericho for helping him, even though Braun Strowman did all the real help. Owens then announces that Jericho is the greatest Royal Rumble competitor of all time, and Jericho announces his total cumulative Rumble time is 4 hours, 56 minutes and 12 seconds - more than any other wrestler, even Triple H - and that he lasted almost 61 minutes in the Rumble and the only reason he didn't win was because of the vertigo he suffered in the shark cage. Braun Strowman shows up. Owens says he was about to thank him, but Strowman doesn't want his thanks and says he did what he did because he can't stand Roman Reigns and because he want the title shot Owens promised him. Owens says he doesn't know what he's talking about, but Strowman says he promised him a title shot, and provides footage from last months proving he did. He then demands a title shot tonight, or else he will break him in half right now. Mick Foley shows up, and while he doesn't appreciate what Strowman did last night, he understands why he did it. Owens doesn't want to go through with the title shot tonight after what he went through last night, but Foley makes the match official anyway.
Sami Zayn beats Chris Jericho.
Sheamus and Cesaro argue over last night's events backstage. Bayley, who they are tagging with in a six-person mixed tag match, tries to get them on the same page and into a group hug. Their opponents for the match, Charlotte and Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) call them nerds, losers, failures and "The Royal Rumble loser support group," and tell them that the champs will beat the chumps.
Kevin Owens talks with Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, who tells him that she had no idea that General Manager Mick Foley would put him in a Universal Championship match against Braun Strowman and that she will do what she can to get the match cancelled.
Tony Nese beats Mustafa Ali. After the match, Austin Aries interviews Nese, who says that he doesn't have to answer questions from his critics.
Seth Rollins shows up. He knows that Commissioner Stephanie McMahon is upset with him, and calls her out after telling her to suck it up and that billion dollar princesses don't always get what they want. Stephanie McMahon shows up, and says she's here to disappoint him on multiple levels, which Seth counters with "Is that the same thing you do to your husband every night?" Stephanie says Triple H is not in the building tonight, yet tells Seth that Triple H is afraid of what he might do to him, and that she asked him to stay away from the arena tonight. She says that Seth Rollins has disappointed as of late, and that he should apologize to everybody. Seth Rollins says he apologizes...for exposing Triple H as a gutless snake, and says that Triple H is afraid because he is the biggest threat to his legacy that he has ever seen and that even Stephanie knows it. Stephanie tells Rollins that she looks at him with disgust and that he's not even on his level, but Rollins says he has nothing left to lose, and entertains the idea of invading WWE headquarters or even Triple H and Stephanie's house as he tries to "slay the King." Stephanie then says she lied and that Triple H is on his way to the arena...and he's coming for Seth Rollins.
Cesaro, Sheamus and Bayley beat Charlotte and Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson).
Commissioner Stephanie McMahon confronts General Manager Mick Foley over booking the match between Braun Strowman and Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship. Foley mentions Triple H's music suddenly playing last week, and says that while he looks stupid tonight, he asks Stephanie not treat him like he really is stupid. Stephanie promises that Triple H will show up tonight. Foley asks that his promise for tonight's main event be upheld as well.
Neville shows up. He says he is the true king of the Cruiserweights and that the title is his crown. He says he will not be denied on 205 Live, and that he has proved everyone wrong. Suddenly, Rich Swann shows up, not to fight him, but to exercise his rematch clause and tell him that the war between Neville and the fans is all in Neville's head. He offers his hand in a show of respect, but Neville tells him that he should bow down in front of a king. Swann leaves, but Neville tells him not to turn his back on a king and goes onthe attack only for Swann to come out on top.
Sasha Banks is in the trainer's room when Bayley shows up. Sasha says she is getting ready for her match, and even after Bayley tries to talk her out of it after what happened to her knee last night, Sasha has her mind made up and leaves the trainer's room.
In the locker room, Kevin Owens finds out from Chris Jericho that the Universal title match is still on. Owens wants Jericho to have his back, and Jericho says he's got Owens back.
Chris Jericho guests on commentary for the next match, much to Kevin Owens' chagrin. That doesn't last long, however, as when Braun Strowman shows up, he heads to the commentary table and choke slams Chris Jericho through the commentary table after breaking it down. Jericho has to be helped to the back.
Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal Championship ends when Roman Reigns shows up and fights Strowman. He takes out both Strowman and Owens before leaving.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman enter the arena.
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar show up. Heyman says they are at a point where they have to admit Goldberg has Lesnar's number, but at the same time says that Goldberg is beatable, and uses things such as The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak, Andre the Giant's 15-year undefeated streak and Kurt Angle winning a gold medal with a broken neck as an example. Heyman then announces that Brock Lesnar challenges Goldberg one final time at WrestleMania.
Nia Jax beats Sasha Baks due to referee stoppage after Nia Jax works on Sasha's knee again. Bayley shows up when Nia Jax continues to work on Sasha's knee, then Nia Jax lets go and leaves.
Sasha Banks and a trainer help Sasha Banks to the trainer's room.
Before the net match, Enzo Amore and Big Cass make fun of Jinder Mahal's muscles and Rusev's face protector.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass beats Jinder Mahal and Rusev in a tornado tag team match.
Triple H finally arrives.
Triple H shows up. Triple H talks about how he plucked Seth Rollins from obscurity, gave him the world and made him the face of the WWE, but when it came time to holding his end of the bargain, and he collapsed under pressure. He calls Seth a failure, and says Seth made himself into a failure. He says Seth owes him an apology and that Seth spat in his face. Triple H then says he is trying not to destroy other people's careers and is now trying to create them, but when it comes to Seth, he is done with creating. He calls Seth out, telling him to get ready to meet his creator. Seth Rollins shows up and approaches the ring when he is suddenly attacked by a man in a black T-shirt and blue jeans. After a few seconds, we find out this man is former NXT Champion Samoa Joe. Triple H leaves Seth to Joe, who continues to attack him and eventually puts him in the Coaquina Clutch.
Naomi, Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch beat Alexa Bliss, Mickie James and Natalya.
Charly Caruso interviews Jeri-KO (Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens). Jericho says Owens knows what he's getting into, and that he will win. Jericho knows he's going to be in a shark cage during the match and hanging up there like "a beautiful cloud of Jericho." Owens says Raw General Manager has something against him, and that so many people say he will not walk out WWE Universal Champion, but he plans to prove everyone wrong like he has done before. He tells Jericho not to worry about being locked in a shark cage, as he will give him the best show of all time: The Kevin Owens Show.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) beat Sheamus and Cesaro after Anderson grabs Cesaro's tights to win the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships in a match where two referees are present. During the match, the referee inside the ring is accidentally Brogue Kicked by Sheamus, and the referee outside the ring takes over and calls the rest of the match.
Charly Caruso interviews Dean Ambrose in the Social Media Lounge. His version of the Intercontinental Championship would have stingray leather on the back and have the classic design on the front. He plans to hold on to the bottom rope for dear life and have Big Show do all the work in the Royal Rumble match. If he wins, he would face AJ Styles over John Cena, then confronts John Cena at Waffle House.
Nia Jax beats Sasha Banks after Sasha lands on her knee during a kick-out of a pinfall by Nia Jax, allowing Nia Jax to hit a Samoan Drop for the win.
Stephanie McMahon calls Seth Rollins' actions at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio intolerable and will address them on Raw. Seth Rollins is also banned from the arena so that he will not detract from tonight's event.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up as it is announced by Michael Cole that issues with signing up for the WWE Network have been resolved. He talks about his WWE Championship win against Sycho Sid at Royal Rumble 1997 for a bit, then talks about this year's Royal Rumble match, saying there's no telling who will win it before asking everyone to enjoy the show.
Charlotte retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Bayley after hitting the Natural Selection on the ring apron.
Kevin Owens retains the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns after Roman is attacked by Braun Strowman.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass advertise KFC's Georgia Gold Chicken.
52,020 people are in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas for Royal Rumble.
We see #30-#15 of 30 facts about the Royal Rumble match.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and General Manager Mick Foley talk about the ineffectiveness of the shark cage when SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan show up. They all spin the tumbler, then Sami Zayn shows up and grabs a ball with a number in it. Dean Ambrose, looking for churros, does the same, then open Sami's ball up and tells him he's #8 in the Royal Rumble match.
Neville beats Rich Swann with the crossface after a superplex to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship!
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) advertise VUDU.
John Cena beats AJ Styles in a well-received match to win the WWE Championship for a 13th time and his 16th overall major singles title in the WWE, tying him with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Cena celebrates with a Make-A-Wish recipient after the match.
Elimination Chamber returns in two weeks.
Next week on Raw: Commissioner Stephanie McMahon comes face to face with Seth Rollins!
Jerry "The King" Lawler guests on commentary for the Royal Rumble match.
We see #14-#1 of 30 facts about the Royal Rumble match.
Royal Rumble 2018 will take place in the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
#23 entrant Randy Orton eliminates #30 Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble match, becoming the seventh man to win two Royal Rumbles, after countering the Spear with an RKO. During the match:
Enzo Amore and Big Cass start the match by cutting an epic promo where Cass says he will win the Royal Rumble match.
"The Extraordinary Gentleman" Jack Gallagher shows up at #5 with his umbrella. Chris Jericho attacks him from behind, and when Jericho poses and says "Drink it in, man!" Gallagher hits him with a low blow with the umbrella. Jericho opens and spins the umbrella in comedic fashion before it is tossed out of the ring. Gallagher later uses it after being tossed through the middle of the ropes to drop down from the top rope, but is eliminated by "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger makes his main roster debut, fittingly at #10. He ends up being the seventh (and last) man eliminated by Braun Strowman before Braun is eliminated by everyone else in the ring, with Baron Corbin landing the coup de grace,
James Ellsworth tries to get in the ring at #11, but his path is blocked by Braun Strowman. Dean Ambrose enters at #12, and Ellsworth and Ambrose have a reunion of sorts, and Dean hatches up a plan where they get in the ring at the count of three. Both of them rush towards the ring at three, but Dean stops at the last minute and Ellsworth runs into the ring and into Strowman, who tosses him out immediately.
Kofi Kingston is knocked off the top rope by Baron Corbin. He grabs on to the top of the nearby ring post and pulls himself up, allowing himself to get back in the ring and hit Corbin with Trouble in Paradise.
Sheamus and Cesaro eliminate The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) all at once, only to be eliminated simultaneously by Chris Jericho seconds later.
Luke Harper shows up at #25, and stares down Randy Orton. Bray Wyatt plays peacekeeper, then Harper levels Wyatt with a clothesline before hitting Orton with a big boot. Harper almost hits Sister Abigail on Wyatt, but Orton hits him with an RKO.
Enzo Amore shows up at #27 only to be eliminated in seconds by Brock Lesnar, who has laid everyone else out after he showed up at #26.
Goldberg shows up at #28 and elminates Brock Lesnar in mere seconds.
Big Cass
Chris Jericho
Kalisto
Mojo Rawley
"The Extraordinary Gentleman" Jack Gallagher
The show begins with Adam Cole bragging about how he took the ROH World Championship back from Kyle O'Reilly at Wrestle Kingdom 11 and became the first-ever three-time ROH World Champion.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) guest on commentary during the first match.
The Tempura Boyz (Sho Tanaka and Yohei Komatsu) beat Coast to Coast (LSG and Shaheem Ali) and the team of Cheeseburger and Will Ferrara. After the match, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) admit they made a challenge for the tag team titles to get The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero) to show, but then they decided while they were on commentary to give the winner of the three-way tag match that took place a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championships. They then superkick Sho and Yo, then introduce Adam Cole. Cole says that he is a god, a living legend and a history maker as he is Ring of Honor's first-ever three time World champion. He says that this makes him different from everyone, including the challengeers he has coming up such as Dalton Castle (whom he calls a gimmick) and Bobby Fish (who he says he might as well get rid of now that he's gotten rid of Kyle o'Reilly), and Jay Lethal and Jay Briscoe (saying he's beaten them before and that he can beat them again). He says that 2017 will be a great year as Bullet Club will continue to run the show and Adam Cole will continue to run Ring of Honor. The Young Bucks then "too sweet" Adam Cole.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll retains the ROH World Television Championship against Juice Robinson (perhaps best known as CJ Parker from NXT). After the match, Scurll says he came to Ring of Honor to compete, but hasn't seen any competition.
Chris Sabin says that six men will prove there is competition for "The Villain" Marty Scurll in Ring of Honor. He goes on to say that since iron sharpens iron, those six men will battle to earn the right to challenge for the ROH World Television Championship.
Jay Briscoe beats Jay Lethal to continue on in the Decade of Excellence Tournament.
Corey Graves announces on the pre-show that he is stepping away from the commentary table, but he is leaving the NXT Universe in good hands, as he is being replaced by Nigel McGuinness, who is debuting on next week's show.
NXT Breakout Star of the Year: Billie Kay and Peyton Royce
NXT Match of the Year: #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargaon) vs. The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) at NXT TakeOver: Toronto
NXT Tag Team of the Year: The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson
Bobby Roode says that he is what a real champion should look like. He has the looks, ability and skill, and the only thing missing is a title around his waist. If "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura says he wants to kick his head off, he'd love to see him try, as he will walk out as NXT Champion.
#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) says winning Match of the Year is a dream come true, and that the fans are pulling for them to beat the odds one more time against The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar). But the fans write their books, and they are not to be underestimated.
NXT Female Competitor of the Year: Asuka
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce steal the Female Competitor of the Year award.
NXT Male Competitor of the Year: "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura
NXT Overall Competitor of the Year: "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura
Nigel McGuinness accepts the NXT Overall Competitor of the Year award in "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura's honor.
Eric Young beats "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger after Dillian Kane and Alexander Wolfe prove to be a distraction to Dillinger.
Roderick Strong beats Andrade "Cien" Almas.
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to win the NXT Tag Team Championships!
Seth Rollins makes a surprise appearance, calling out Triple H, saying that he took his life from him and that he is not leaving until he makes him. Triple H shows up, summons security and leaves. Rollins fights off all security officers and overpowers them, but when he rushes to the back, security gets the upper hand.
Asuka retains the NXT Women's Championship against Billie Kay, Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross despite the constant double-teaming of Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, who at one point put Nikki Cross throw a wooden table from on top of the commentary table.
WWE United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate is seen in the front row.
Bobby Roode beats "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura after Nakamura injures his right knee after the Kinshasa to win the NXT Championship! NXT Trainer Matt Bloom (best known in the WWE as Prince Albert, A-Train and Tensai), who is acting General Manager as William Regal is out on business, shows up and watches the final moments of the match from ringside.
The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero) show up. Brother Nero says it's time for Jeff Hardy to be World champ again. Matt Hardy says he has received a premonition where he must revert to his Egyptian roots and become the King in Gold after seeing a vision of team after team and title after title coming into their hands as they start a tag team revolution. The DCC ("The Cowboy" James Storm, Bram, Eddie Kingston) show up, and Storm says that the only revolution he sees is The DCC. Next week is Open Fight Night, and they can call out anyone they want, but this week, they plan to prove why they're called the Death Crew Countil. Decay (Rosemary, Abyss, Crazzy Steve) show up, and Crazzy Steve says they welcome the opportunity of Matt Hardy's premonition of a tag team revolution, and challenge The Broken Hardys for the tag titles. Matt Hardy grants them their challenge, and we have a three-way dance for the tag team titles.
The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero) retain the TNA World Tag Team Championships against The DCC (Eddie Kingston and Bram) and Decay (Crazzy Steve and Abyss).
Drew Galloway says he's going to tell us what he's going to do with the Impact Grand Championship in the ring...
Laurel Van Ness and Braxton Sutter are at a restaurant. Not only is Laurel really into Braxton, she's also pretty bossy.
Drew Galloway shows up. He's back and a changed man, and he wants the Impact Grand Championship to mean something. Next week is Open Fight Night, but this week is his Open Fight Night and he issues an open challenge for the title. Moose shows up, and says he's going to get in the ring, get everyone pumped, beat the hell out of him and take back the Impact Grand Championship.
Drew Galloway retains the Impact Grand Championship after Moose inadvertently pushes him into the referee, allowing him to hit a second low blow prior to a Future Shock DDT.
At the referee, Laurel Van Ness talks about how her daddy helps her get what she wants while also badmouthing Allie. Braxton Sutter, obviously not interested in this dinner date, drinks the wine that Laurel bossed restaurant staff for earlier...from the bottle.
Rosemary retains the TNA Knockouts Championship against Jade in a Monster's Ball Match. Gail Kim shows up to check on Jade after the match, then Rosemary spits purple mist into her face.
As Braxton Sutter gets the check for the date, it is obvious that Laurel Van Ness is the only person enjoying the date.
We hear from Caleb Konley, the newest addition to the X Division.
DJ Z retains the TNA X Division Championship against Trevor Lee, Andrew Everett, Marshe Rockett and Caleb Konley. After the match, Gregory Shane Helms and Trevor Lee attack DJ Z's leg with a steel chair to try to re-injure it.
Backstage, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards talk about the main event with Lashley. Eddie Edwards says he has to face Lashley on his own to prove that he can do it by himself. Davey Richards has a sour look on his face.
"Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero talk about Open Fight Night and go through possible opponents with the help of Vanguard-1. Matt gets a premonition of the person Jeff will face next week, but he does not reveal who it is.
Lashley beats Eddie Edwards 3-2 in a 30-minute Iron Man Match after fighting through a guillotine choke from Eddie Edwards in the last seconds of the match to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for a fourth time.
Ember Moon beats Liv Morgan. Both women show respect after the match.
Andrade "Cien" Almas says Roderick Strong should be worried because he will kick him in his face. Roddy shows up, saying he's not hard to find and dares him to do it right now. Almas walks away, but runs back and attacks him.
No Way Jose beats Kona Reeves. After the match, No Way Jose is about to be interviewed when "The Drifter" Elias Samson and plays his guitar. Jose isn't having any of this, and tells him that his song sucks and that he needs to drift away. Samson runs to the apron only to be punched off, and he backs off.
We see an interview from last week, where "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger says Eric Young never travels alone. He dares Young to bring the rest of SAnitY with him (Alexander Wulfe, Nikki Cross, and Big Damo, who is now renamed Killian Dain) to NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
Eric Young beats Chris Atkins. After the match, Eric Young says "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger made his choice and that it was the wrong one. Killian Dain - formerly Big Damo - makes an example out of Atkins by hitting him with a running senton.
Earlier this week, Shane Thorne was forced to undergo surgery for a torn ACL and a lateral meniscus tear, and will be out for seven to nine months.
General Manager William Regal brings out Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Nikki Cross and Asuka. Peyton and Billie show up first, and say they run the NXT Women's Division and will prove it at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. They've done damage to Asuka, and say Nikki Cross is simply crazy before proclaiming that one of them will win the NXT Women's Championship. Nikki Cross shows up, followed by Asuka. Asuka runs in and chases Billie and Peyton away before staring down with Nikki Cross, but Billie and Peyton rush into the ring and attack them. Asuka and Nikki Cross come out on top, then they stare down again. Security shows up, but Asuka and Nikki Cross both fight security off before Asuka nails Nikki with a roundhouse kick and fighting security again. Nikki Cross takes down Asuka - and all the security guys who try to drag Asuka out of the ring - with a high flying cross body from the top rope to end the show.
Nikki and John Cena have dinner on the town. Nikki is no longer wearing her neck brace, and is looking forward to her doctor's appointment and final CAT scan on her neck.
Renee, Lana, Dana Brooke, Eva Marie and Maryse. Lana wants to get an elephant for her wedding, but Maryse tells her about the abuse elephants have to go through for people's entertainment.
Trinity and Jon Uso talk about the incoming draft extension, and Trinity wonders what will happen if they're put on different brands.
Maryse and Mike mentions Lana wanting elephants at her wedding. She likes Rusev and Lana, but doesn't want to contribute to animal abuse. Mike says that if Maryse isn't going, he's not going.
Renee Young is heading home to Toronto with Dean, and is concerned about what her family will think of Dean. Natalya tells her to try to find a happy medium between "Prince William and The Sasquatch."
Trinity does an interviews backstage involving the incoming brand extension, and she knows it will affect her career and her love life. She is nervous.
Renee and Dean head out of the arena. Dean questions the possibility of moving to Canada as well as what Renee's mom will think of her when he woos her away.
Nikki has her final CAT scan.
Renee Young is waiting for her mom to show up, and tells Dean Ambrose to freshen up his appearance, fearing that her mom will think he's a hobo. Renee's mom Carol shows up, and Dean answers the door as Renee puts on make-up. The three of them have a drink at the patio, and Dean and Carol hit it off quickly. and we find out that Carol has had surgery on her ankle and that her foot is swelling.
Nikki nervously awaits the results of her final CAT scan. She finds out that her neck is finally getting better and that she will soon be medically cleared to wrestle again.
Lana is looking at a video of how elephants are treated when used for people's entertainment as she sits by the pool, and feels bad. She just wishes Maryse wasn't so "mean." She then gets in the pool with Rusev and mentions that she has bought a flower arc, and Rusev wonders why the flowers are so expensive.
Nikki meets up with Nattie, and mentions that she is coming back soon.
Renee, Dean, and Renee's family have a meal out at a restaurant. A random person pops out of the bushes and steals Renee's hat, and Dean chases after him. Renee goes after Dean to make sure he doesn't kill him. Dean confronts the guy and his friend, who both happen to be a tad drunk and want to be on TV. Dean threatens to beat them up, and tells them to apologize. Renee confronts Dean for this, and Renee becomes worried about what they think of Dean more than ever. At this point, Renee just wants to go home, but the rest of the family doesn't seem that concerned.
Nikki Bella meets with Head Athletic Trainer Brian Duncan at the NXT Performance Center to see if she's in ring shape.
Renee's family meets Dean at a bar, then they all head home. Dean teases playing "Human Frogger" at a nearby crosswalk.
Nikki, Brie, Bryan and J.J. meet Lana and Rusev in Malibu. They all find out that Rusev has rented an orange Lambourghini, and Lana is a bit upset because Rusev wouldn't even buy a wedding gift for her.
Renee, Carol and Dean head to a bar. Renee feels Dean needs to reign in the craziness and eccentricity a little bit. When Renee and Carol go shopping while Dean waits outside - and acts as eccentric as ever - Carol thinks Renee isn't letting Dean be himself when she says he's being a bit eccentric and crazy and that Carol is egging him on, and says the hat episode was noble and proof that Renee couldn't find a better guy.
Lana and Nikki talk about Rusev. Nikki tells Lana that she has a lot to figure out concerning the wedding in 24 hours.
Renee apologizes to Dean for unintentionally being too controlling of his behavior. The family has some fun at the patio.
Everyone heads to Malibu and Lana and Rusev's rehearsal dinner.
Nattie, Renee, Dean, Jon Uso and Trinity joins the rest of the gang in Malibu. Rusev tries to understand the belief that you can't see the bride until the wedding takes place. Nattie is worried about the brand extension and how it will affect everyone being able to get together.
Brie tells Lana that her wedding only happens once, and that she can be as selfish as she wants for it. She gets some small metal elephants as a gift, and is reminded of how she wanted to give Rusev an elephant when he couldn't even give her a gift himself. Lana feels disappointed.
The wedding of Rusev and Lana happens. She finds out that Rusev got her the flower arch that she wanted, and even though Lana loves her last name, she takes Rusev's. Both Lana and Rusev exchange vows and kiss. Everyone plays carnival games after the wedding due to the circus theme, and there is an elephant there - but it's a statue, not the real thing, much to the relief of Maryse and Mike, who both show up after all. At the dinner, Rusev and Lana cut the cake. Nikki gets an e-mail that she was definitely not looking forward to, and shows it to Brie. Nikki finds out that she cannot participate in the brand extension, and shares the rest of the news with everyone else. Bryan and Brie remind her that she probably wouldn't be comfortable going back to a full-time schedule right now, and Brie reminds her not to stop training.
At the dance, Lana is happy and grateful not only to be married, but also to be friends with the rest of the women's division.
Everyone awaits their fate on the day of the WWE Draft, and everyone is worried about their future within the company.
Nikki heads to the NXT Performance Center to get back in ring shape after about a year on the shape. Although she's not on TV quite yet, she's getting back in the ring and nobody can stop her.
During the WWE Draft, everyone wonders whether they will go to Raw or SmackDown. Paige wonders if she will be on a brand at all. The show ends before the first pick is mentioned.
Total Divas returns April 19th.
Bonus clip: Lana and Rusev train before their wedding day, and the question of whether Lana will take Rusev's last name comes up.
Tom Phillips interviews Neville. He says Rich Swann is resilient, but lacks common sense. He will not show him mercy Sunday. As for Cedric Alexander, he doesn't want any doubt in anyone's mind that 205 Live belongs to him, and that Cedric will learn that first-hand.
TJ Perkins beats Tony Nese with a La Magistral Cradle after both of them have a nasty collision. After the match, Tony Nese hits Perkins with a suplex to the corner followed by a knee to the head, before insisting to the commentators that he is the winner. Referees tend to Perkins.
Akira Tozawa comes to 205 Live next week!
TJ Perkins is helped to the back.
We look baack at Sheamus' win in the 2012 Royal Rumble match.
Before the next match, Brian Kendrick tells Tripp Bradshaw that he's not taking his place in 205 Live, that the world is cold and harsh and that his dreams will be snuffed out for he is not cold or harsh enough.
Brain Kendrick beats Tripp Bradshaw with the Captain's Hook. (Tripp Bradshaw is, in reality, relative newcomer Palmer Cruise from Pure Pro Wrestling in Hadley, Michigan. The name is a rib on JBL's accidental trip from the commentary table from last week's SmackDown Live.)
Rich Swann wishes Cedric Alexander in his match against Neville, and tells him to believe in himself as Neville will try to get in his head and intimidate him, but he is not unbeatable. He tells Cedric to wait for Neville to make a mistake, and then makes his move. He then tells Cedric to save him some, as he has unfinished business at Royal Rumble.
Neville beats Cedric Alexander with the scissored arm bar after Cedric is distracted by Noam Dar and takes him out only to slip off the top rope. After the match, Naom Dar taunts Cedric only to get tossed out of the ring by Neville. Neville attacks Cedric again, then Rich Swann makes the save. Noam Dar and Cedric Alexander take their fight to the back while Swann and Neville continue in the ring, and officials and security have to restore order.
General Manager Daniel Bryan is about to eat an apple when The Miz shows up with Maryse and starts calling Toledo, Ohio a dump, all while demanding he have his own dressing room. After joking that he will block off a stall in the men's bathroom, D-Bry gives Miz his rematch against Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship. After Miz demands that the match be no-disqualification, Daniel Bryan says that he will not let Maryse win on his behalf, and since Miz supposedly pays the SmackDown Superstars' salaries, he makes the match a lumberjack match instead. Miz and Maryse storm off.
Randy Orton beats Luke Harper after countering the discus punch with an RKO. After the match, Bray Wyatt helps Luke Harper up only to hit him with Sister Abigail.
Renee Young interviews Mickie James in the ring. When asked why she showed up out of the blue last week and did what she did, Mickie mentions she took her first Women's title from Trish Stratus at WrestleMania. She says she's kept an eye on WWE, and feels what she has done has been swept under the rug by the company. If it weren't for Alexa Bliss, they would have gotten away with this, as she knows everything about her. She says that thanks to Alexa Bliss, she's here right now. She then talks about how Becky Lynch because the #1 women's pick for SmackDown Live, and says that this is now about the reinvention of Mickie James. Becky Lynch shows up, and Mickie dares her to get in the ring so she can give her something to cry about. She does, and Mickie runs into the crowd as a set-up for Alexa Bliss to attack Becky. After Becky hits Twisted Bliss, Mickie tells Becky that she's learned from Alexa to always be one step ahead.
We see footage from last week where Carmella and James Ellsworth went on a shopping trip. After some strange wardrobe choices, Carmella ends up choosing Ellsworth's wardrobe for him.
Baron Corbin guests on commentary for the next match.
Mojo Rawley wins a 10-man over the top rope challenge to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble match, last eliminating Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango).
We see footage from earlier today where Natalya attacks Nikki Bella during an interview outside of the arena.
AJ Styles shows up. Styles is cross about his placement in the official poster for Royal Rumble, because he is in the back and John Cena is in the front. He then calls Cena out, Styles stops Cena before he can even speak, and takes offense to the fact that Styles was mocked and not even mentioned by name on Today, simply being called "Guy from Atlanta." He reminds Cena who he is, and says nobody missed him, as he has replaced him. He says Cena knows that he's the better man in the ring, and that Cena keeps making excuses before saying that Cena himself is the only excuse left as he is a sorry excuse for a wrestler as he is not built for the indies. He then makes fun of Cena's new shirt, and asks what he has to do to earn some respect, then threatens to plant his foot in his ass at Royal Rumble. Cena says Styles is only complaining because he blames everyone else but himself for his problems, and says he was built for WWE. He tells Styles he's not even close to being at his level, and that he gets more done in a day than Styles does in a career and does it without complaining. He takes Styles' complaints about him burying him because he's built for the indies by saying he's built for WWE, right here, right now. He then says that Styles isn't a guy from Atlanta and that he's just a guy, and that he only holds the WWE Championship because he lets him, and on Sunday, he is taking back the WWE Championship.
Dolph Ziggler quickly beats Kalisto with a stuperkick. After the match, Ziggler grabs a steel chair. JBL gets up from his seat at the announce table and shows disappointment with Ziggler, who is attacked from behind and almost hit with a chair shot by Apollo Crews.
The Collins Family is the recipient of the Little Caesars Seat Upgrade.
Before the next match, Nikki Bella and Natalya brawl at catering. Naomi grabs the microphone and demands anyone face her and feel the glow, as she's been gone for months and wants a match. Alexa Bliss shows up, but she's not here to answer her challenge and treats her like a nobody. Naomi dares her to get in the ring so she can snatch her bald. Alexa teases getting in the ring, but then gets out, telling Naomi that she's not worth her time and to "say hello to obscurity for me."
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Dean Ambrose. He plans on smashing The Miz's nose before smashing him through the canvas to retain the Intercontinental title.
Dean Ambrose retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against The Miz in a Lumberjack Match after all the lumberjacks brawl in the ring.
On Talking Smack, AJ Styles insists that John Cena could never cut it in the indies.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) vs. Sheamus and Cesaro (c)
for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships in a match where two referees are assigned
Finally, Gallows & Anderson have a shot at the titles...and to ensure that there is no tomfoolery and a definite winner, there will be one ref in the ring and one ref outside of it.
My prediction: Gallows & Anderson just might take the titles.
Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks has just about had it with Nia Jax injuring and re-injuring her...but now she's 100% again and she's ready to take on her biggest challenge yet - both figuratively and literally - in Nia. How is this one going to end?
My prediction: Sasha Banks will win this one...somehow.
2017 Royal Rumble Match
This one has quite a few big names in it: The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar and Goldberg. One of them will definitely be in the running, but there are 27 other names out there that are waiting to get their chance at the major singles title of their respective brand...
My prediction: Goldberg will probably be taking this one.
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens (c)
for the WWE Universal Championship; Chris Jericho will be suspended above the ring inside a shark cage
Well, it all comes down to this. Roman finally gets his shot against Owens, and Chris Jericho is stuck in a shark cage high above the ring so he can't interfere (one can hope). Will Owens retain, or will Roman be the big dog again?
My prediction: Roman Reigns is taking the title.
John Cena vs. AJ Styles (c)
for the WWE Championship
Once again, the rematch to determine who the face that runs the place really is...is here. And the WWE Championship is on the line...
My prediction: AJ Styles will retain.
Bayley vs. Charlotte (c)
for the WWE Raw Women's Championship
Wait, Sasha Banks isn't going for the title again? Well, that's a bit of a relief. Wait, Bayley is going for the title now? Well, that's a bit of a relief.
My prediction: Charlotte will retain, but this won't be the last we see of Bayley and Charlotte in the ring for a title.
Neville vs. Rich Swann (c)
for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Neville's back...as a heel! Now he's going for the Cruiserweight title! Well, 2017 is coming up roses already, now, isn't it?
My prediction: Neville will probably take the title.
Nikki Bella, Naomi and Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss, Mickie James and Natalya
As last-minute and as par for the course as the match is, you can still look at this and see that SmackDown Live does more with its Women's Division than Raw has ever done with its own. Now that I realize this, who's par for the course now?
My prediction: Nikki, Naomi and Becky are winning this one.
Roman Reigns start's tonight show, and it is noted that the shark cage that Chris Jericho will be locked in is in the middle of the ring. Royal Rumble is in six days, and 40,000 people will be going nuts. In the middle of the storm is Jericho locked in the shark cage so he can have a more fair fight with Kevin Owens and he can have the Universal title around his waist. Jeri-KO (Jericho and Owens) shows up, and Owens tells Roman that he is confused from when he powerbombed him through the announce table last week. After Owens brags about being the only man to do that, Roman says Owens is the one who will get an ass whuppin' in front of his own best friend. Jericho calls Roman a stupid idiot, jokes about being hung over the ring like salami, and says him beating Roman for the United States title last week is the real joke. He then says he's in the mood to get in the ring and teach Roman another lesson. Roman takes this as a challenge for the United States title, and says they can have their rematch for the title right now. Owens tells Roman on Jericho's behalf (much to the annoyance of Jericho) that he's got his rematch, and he has a strong feeling - "more like a psychic vision" - that Roman will be locked in the shark cage tonight. Roman says he has a vision of his own: reclaiming the US title tonight, and taking the Universal title from Owens at Royal Rumble, as he's something Owens will never be in the WWE: the guy.
It is announced that Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) will take on Sheamus and Cesaro for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships at Royal Rumble, and that htere will be two referees assigned to the match.
Luke Gallows beats Cesaro after attempted interference from Karl Anderson.
General Manager Mick Foley is on the phone with Commissioner Stephanie McMahon when Sami Zayn shows up. When he asks how to throw his hat in the ring for the Royal Rumble, Foley just tells him to go at it, but Stephanie tells him that he'll have to earn his spot by beating Seth Rollins tonight.
We see an interview from earlier today between Corey Graves and Bayley. After Bayley talks about her ascent to the main roster, Bayley says that her fandom for the WWE is not a negative, and that it's what got her here. When it comes to being a role model, she says she remembers being on the other side of the guardrail and having her night made by the WWE Superstars, and tries to do the same for her fans. She doesn't have the money or bloodline of Charlotte Flair, but she plans to walk into Royal Rumble, face Charlotte and walk out the Raw Women's Champion.
General Manager Seth Rollins about his match with Sami Zayn tonight, and mentions that Commissioner Stephanie McMahon has set up the match so that if Sami Zayn wins the match, Sami will take Seth's spot in the Royal Rumble match. Rollins is ticked, and pledges to win tonight, win the Royal Rumble match, win the Universal title and stick it to Stephanie and Triple H.
Before the match, it is announced that Big Show is entering the Royal Rumble match.
Sami Zayn beats Seth Rollins with an inside cradle to take Seth's spot in the Royal Rumble match after Seth is distracted by Triple H's music. After the match, Rollins is seething, and he rushes to the back after the match.
It is announced that "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will be on the pre-show panel at Royal Rumble. After this, we look back at Shawn's 1995 Royal Rumble win.
Backstage, an angry Seth Rollins looks for Triple H. General Manager Mick Foley says he knows nothing about this, and tells him he will get to the bottom of this.
We get a closer look at Mustafa Ali.
Mustafa Ali, TJ Perkins and "The Extraordinary Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beat Ariya Daivari, Tony Nese and Drew Gulak.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up. They try to talk about winning the Royal Rumble match so one of them can become the Universal Champion, but instead of being interrupted by Titus O'Neil, they are interrupted by Enzo Amore and Big Cass. After The New Day dances to their entrance theme, Big Cass says he's entering the Royal Rumble match and that he's going to win. Suddenly, Lana, Rusev and Jinder Mahal show up. Rusev calls Big E and Big Cass "big goofs," then announces he is entering the Royal Rumble match, as well. Titus O'Neil shows up, but The New Day don't want to hear from him anymore, and Xavier Woods tells Titus to "catch me outside." Titus announces there is an eight-man tag match between The New Day, Enzo Amore and Big Cass vs Titus O'Neil, Rusev, Jinder Mahal and...Braun Strowman, who shows up before the commercial break.
Braun Strowman, Rusev, Jinder Mahal and Titus O'Neil beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E), Enzo Amore and Big Cass. Suddenly, a noticeably slimmer Big Show appears for the first time in months and stares down with Braun Strowman in the ring until Strowman slowly leaves the ring. After Braun leaves, Big Show and The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) talks with the commentary table for a minute.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary during the next match.
Roman Reigns beats Chris Jericho by disqualification after Kevin Owens interferes, and Chris Jericho retains the WWE United States Championship. As Jericho and Owens attack Roman, Owens calls for the shark cage above the ring to be lowered. Jericho and Owens then throw Roman into the shark cage. They are about to lock him in, but Roman fights back and Owens ends up being the one locked in the shark cage. Jericho tries to hang on to the shark cage, but get Superman Punched and Speared for his efforts.
After the commercial break, the cage is lowered and Kevin Owens is freed. Charly Caruso then tells Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens that Owens' Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns will be no-disqualification as per General Manager Mick Foley. Owens and Jericho are livid, and go so far as to say that the match should be cancelled.
We see an interview from earlier today with Corey Graves and Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says one of her earliest memories is watching her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair win the 1992 Royal Rumble match and the WWE Championship. She calls the Rumble a tradition, as her family dominates the match and Bayley's family watches from the couch. Now, she plans to surpass her father's legacy. She admits that she was proud of Bayley, especially when she debuted, but that changed when Bayley looked at her Raw Women's title, and at Royal Rumble, she will continue to be the champion and Bayley will continue to be the fan.
Nia Jax destroys Ray Lyn, then dedicates her victory to "the recently deceased career of Sasha Banks," then gloats about injuring Sasha. Sasha shows up with one crutch, then uses her curtch as a weapon and goes to town on Nia Jax before sending her tumbling out of the ring and hitting her with the double knees off the apron.
Rich Swann beats Noam Dar (who is now accompanied by Alicia Fox). After the match, Swann calls out Neville, who shows up but then leaves the ring, and Swann has to bring the fight to him.
Tomorrow night on 205 Live: Cedric Alexander vs. Neville!
Charly Caruso interviews Cedric Alexander, who says that now that he is free of distractions, he can finally prove himself in the Cruiserweight Division and become a champion. Alicia Fox and Noam Dar show up. Alicia says Cedric will be nothing without her. When Noam Dar asks if there's no hard feelings, Cedric shoves him to the ground for attacking him last week.
Goldberg headbutts the locker room door backstage, then makes his way to gorilla position and enters the ring. Goldberg says he will win the Royal Rumble match and if he has to Spear and Jackhammer everybody, that's what he's going to do. Before he tells everyone else in the Royal Rumble that they're next, Paul Heyman shows up, and says that everyone - including Goldberg - will fall victim to Brock Lesnar, whom he brings out. Goldberg asks Lesnar if he's going to be a man and come down to the ring of if he's going to stand on the stage like a dumbass. Lesnar gets in the ring, but the lights go out and then come back on. The Undertaker is in the ring. This ends the show.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll retains the ROH World Television Championship against Jonathan Gresham with the crossface chicken wing.
We see a fragment of Kyle O'Reilly vs. Adam Cole at Wrestle Kingdom 11.
"The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Almighty" Christopher Daniels beats Chris Sabin to continue to the finals of the Decade of Excellence Tournament. Both men show respect after the match.
We see a recap of Cody Rhodes vs. Steve Corino, where it is revealed that Kevin Sullivan planned for Corino to take one of the sons of Dusty Rhodes out as part of the sacrifice.
KUSHIDA beats Dragon Lee and Will Ospreay in a three-way match.
In the Race For The Case Match, Eli Drake takes the red briefcase, Trevor Lee takes the blue briefcase, The DCC (Bram and Eddie Kingston) takes the gold briefcase, and The Broken Hardys ("Broken" Matt Hardy and Brother Nero) take the green briefcase.
We look back on Drew Galloway's debut on February 20, 2015.
We look back on Moose's debut on July 12, 2016.
Drew Galloway is backstage. Since he's been gone, there's been a lot of change in Impact Wrestling for the good of the company, but the Impact Grand Championship still isn't around his waist.
Lashley gloats about his win from last week, and says he has a proposition for Eddie Edwards...
Lashley shows up. He says that the ring wasn't big enough for him and Ethan Carter III, so he eliminated him. He says there is nothing that can stop him from taking the World title, and calls out Eddie Edwards, who shows up. Eddie tells Lashley he doesn't have to answer to him and that he owes him nothing, but he knows what Lashley is doing and why he is doing it, as Lashley knows he wants to be a fighting champion, and wants to know his master plan to take the World title. Lashley says Eddie is no fighting champion as he relies on fluke wins and his friends, and calls him a "feel-good champion." He then demands a World title shot in a 30-minute Iron Man Match. Eddie gives him the match so he can prove that Lashley is his bitch. Lashley jumps him for this statement, and Davey Richards has to rush in with a chair to get Lashley to back off.
Backstage, Maria Kanellis-Bennett calls Braxton Sutter on her phone, saying she has something for him when he shows up tonight. She then meets Brooke, who knows exactly who Maria is and tells Maria to stay away from her, stay out of her way and let her do her own thing.
Brooke beats Deonna Purrazzo in her TNA return. After the match, Sienna runs into the ring, but Brooke sees her coming and fights her only to be overpowered.
Tyrus and Eli Drake reveal that Fact of Life is up next, and the red briefcase's contents will be revealed.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett meets with Braxton Sutter backstage. She tells him to stop training Allie to wrestle, and tells him to find Laurel Van Ness.
It's time for Fact of Life with Eli Drake and Tyrus, where the contents of the Race For The Case briefcases will be revealed. The higher the number on the case, the better the prize. Eli Drake opens the red briefcase, which contains the number 4. The DCC ("The Cowboy" James Storm, Bram, Eddie Kingston) mess with Eli Drake and Tyrus before their gold briefcase is opened to reveal the number 2. Trevor Lee - who has no idea how to open the briefcase - gets number 3. That leaves Jeff Hardy with number 1,
We look back at Drew Galloway vs. Matt Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on March 15, 2016.
We look back at Moose vs. "The Miracle" Mike Bennett at Bound For Glory 2016.
Allie meets Braxton Sutter, who tells her that he can't train her anymore and gives no explanation as to why. Allie is sad.
Before the next match, Robbie E tells Aron Rex he has his number and tells Rockstar Spud that Swoggle has his number.
Aron Rex and Rockstar Spud beat Robbie E and Swoggle.
We look back at Drew Galloway's heel turn from August 25, 2016.
We look back at Moose winning the TNA Impact Grand Championship from Aron Rex on December 1, 2016.
Next week: Jade vs. Rosemary in a Monster's Ball Match for the TNA Knockouts Championship! Lashley vs. Eddie Edwards in a 30-minute Iron Man Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship!
Braxton Sutter escorts Laurel Van Ness to her car...and opens the door for her before getting in the driver's seat...
Drew Galloway beats Moose with a low blow followed by a Claymore to win the TNA Impact Grand Championship. Had the third round went three minute, Galloway would have had one point deducted from all three judges.
Nikki Cross beats Kennedy Louis. During the match, it is made official that Asuka will defend the NXT Women's Championship against Billie Kay, Peyton Royce and Nikki Cross in a Fatal Four-Way match at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
No Way Jose plans to make 2017 fun inside the ring and out, saying it's a new year but the same him. He is suddenly confronted by Kona Reeves, who says that he helped Rich Swann over him when SAnitY attacked them and that he doesn't reward disloyalty. No Way Jose takes this as a challenge, and tells him that if he wants to fight him, so be it. Kona smiles, then leaves.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) says 2016 was their year, and 2017 was no different. TM61 (Nick Thorne and Shane Miller) show up, wanting to make 2017 their year, too. This leads to a match between both teams tonight.
Roderick Strong beats Steve Cutler. After the match, Roderick Strong says that he doesn't care what Andrade "Cien" Almas has to say, as he's here in NXT to win the NXT Championship.
Ember Moon says she will forge her own destiny to the NXT Women's Championship after NXT TakeOver: San Antonio. Liv Morgan shows up, knowing they both want the same thing, and challenges her to a match. Ember Moon accepts.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger shows up, and says he ended 2016 with a big question mark. The crowd chants "Royal Rumble! Number ten!", then Dillinger says that he's let people close to him down one too many times and questions if he still has it. He then realizes General Manager William Regal and the fans believe in him, then SAnitY shows up. Eric Young tells Dillinger he didn't have it, but he could, and that all he needs is some guidance and a proper path. He offers him a spot in SAnitY, and Alexander Wulfe walks up to the apron with a leather jacket. Dillinger takes the jacket and drops it over the top rope. Young says he gets it, saying that the right decision can sometimes feel wrong and that the right decision can be unclear, as he has been there. He says 2016 should have been his year, but it wasn't, but now he plans to do that with 2017 and do it all his way, and he offers that choice to Dillinger, this time telling him he's not asking. Dillinger takes the jacket, then drops it in front of him before fighting him and Wulfe. All of a sudden, Dillinger - who is about to hit the Tye Breaker on Eric Young - is Speared by Big Damo, who then finishes Dillinger off. Eric Young then offers the jacket to Damo, who slings it over the shoulder, confirming himself as the newest of SAnitY.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger will take on Eric Young at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after Thorne grabs Wilder's leg and Miller puts Dawson in an inside cradle. After the match, The Revival go on the warpath, and potentially injures Shane Thorne's knee in the process. Medical staff have to tend to Thorne while The Revival are forced to the back.
It is announced that Roderick Strong and Andrade "Cien" Almas will square off at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio.
Next week: Ember Moon vs. Liv Morgan!
General Manager William Regal moderates the contract signing for the NXT Championship match at NXT TakeOver: San Antonio between Bobby Roode and "The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura. Roode says there will be no physicality or fighting in this contact signing, as he can see the dollar signs in Regal's eyes and knows the match is a big money maker. He says he has followed Nakamura's career in Japan and is familiar with him, but felt he was never really worth his time. He also explains the NXT TakeOver: Dallas ticket, saying it was when the Nakamura era began. He says that Nakamura calls himself "The King of Strong Style," but says he has no style and makes fun of his hair and jacket. Nakamura says he knew their paths would cross, and says Roode looks like a Shibu Inue. The crowd starts a "Shibu Inue" chant, then Roode calls Japan "the land of zero talent" before calling himself the greatest wrestler on God's green earth and Nakamura a joke. He says the wrestlers and the fans are becoming more like him, and he plans to take the NXT Championship title from him at San Antonio, Texas. He signs the contract, but before he can say his title win will be glorious, Nakamura tells him he looks great but he won't win after he signs the contract. He tells Bobby Roode he will kick his off...and it will be glorious.
Lana is having a bachelorette party before she gets married. Only problem is, Rusev is against a bachelorette party because a friend of his made out with the bride at one.
Brie and Nikki talk about their busy lives as they get a manicure. John Cena will be hosting the ESPY Awards, and Nikki will be walking the red carpet for the first time.
Lana, Renee and Trinity see Rusev and Lana's hotel suite in Las Vegas, which is the Hardwood Suite at The Palms. Everyone shoots hoops as it is noted that Rusev has never been in Las Vegas before.
Lana, Trinity, Renee and Rusev have a meal at the bar. A married couple - a young woman pushing a young man in a wheelchair -show up, and the idea of the bachelorette party is brought up while Renee invited them to the bachelorette party. Trinity finds it strange that Renee would invite total strangers to the bachelorette party. When asked why he doesn't like the idea of bachelorette party, Rusev says he doesn't see the point of one. It becomes apparent that Rusev is not budging on the issue at all. Trinity thinks Rusev doesn't trust them.
J.J. and mother Kathy meet Brie and Nikki in Los Angeles. Nikki is on the phone, doing business, and everyone thinks she's playing around on it and looking at her Instagram.
Renee Young head to the lobby for a few cocktails before going to a male stripper show called "Thunder Down Under." All of a sudden, a friend and ex-boyfriend of Lana's, Isaiah - who is very well known for some Old Spice commercials - shows up, asking how Lana is doing. Renee They have a brief chat, then Renee, Trinity and Lana head to the show.
Brie, Nikki, Kathy and J.J. talk about how there are so many paparazzi in Los Angeles, and try to come up with a safe word in case any are around.
Renee, Lana and Trinity ride on a pink party bus. Lana and Renee are loving it, especially when they have fun with the host of the bus, but Trinity is freaked out by the guy. They then see the "Thunder Down Under" show, and Lana gets to be on stage with one of the guys. On the ride back to the hotel, Lana says she is glad she did this, but says she has no idea Rusev will react to the bachelorette party, especially when an ex-boyfriend has been invited.
Back at the Palms, the gang meets up with Rusev. Lana mentions the "Thunder Down Under" show, and Rusev says that they just proved his point. At the same time, Rusev says she can't stop Lana from doing whatever she wants to do. Nevertheless, they all go to the party, and the woman from the married couple that Renee invited at dinner the night before shows up with a friend of hers, and says that she wants to make out with Rusev. Trinity notices that the woman is drunk. All of a sudden, the two girls start fighting, and Trinity has to separate the both of them. Lana is furious with Rusev for entertaining the idea.
J.J., Brie, Nikki and Kathy meet with Nikki's media trainer, and the four of them practice their interview skills for when they hit the red carpet. Once again, Nikki is on her phone. J.J. learns how anything he said can be taken out of context by the media.
Renee, Trinity and Lana talk about the idea of marriage, and the conversation makes Lana really nervous.
Renee, Trinity and Lana head to a pool party at the MGM Grand Hotel, and run into a woman who acts like a cat. They also run into Isaiah, who tells Lana that he is happy for her and Rusev, and tells her that if she feels scared and wants to run, to run to Rusev. Lana is crying, knowing that she is scared of the wedding, and tells Renee and Trinity, and feels what Isaiah said is really relatable, but she doesn't know why she is afraid. Trinity wonders if Lana has cold feet about the wedding, and tells her to let go of the past and move forward.
Brie and Nikki sunbathe on the roof, and Nikki is tired of having ugly pictures taken of her everywhere. Once again, Nikki is on her phone, and Brie feels Nikki needs to calm down and have fun. J.J. throws Nikki's phone into the pool.
Lana tells Rusev that the idea of marriage scares her, and is afraid that the marriage won't work out. Rusev tells her it's okay, but Lana is afraid of what might happen, like Rusev cheating on her or the two of them growing apart. Rusev can't understand why marriage is treated like a bad word, and tells Lana to go into marriage head-on.
Lana, Renee, Rusev, Trinity and family and friends have dinner and a magic show, all made possible by Renee. There are two people in masks dressed as wrestlers who are part of the show. Turns out, it's the married couple from dinner a few nights ago...and the man is not in a wheelchair. Then the host of the party bus shows up, followed by the girl who acted like a cat at the pool party. Turns out, all the weird stuff from the trip to Vegas was a prank by Renee, and the behavior of everyone involved in the prank was planned the whole time.
It is the day of the ESPYs, and everyone in the Bella family handles the pre-show interviews with aplomb. John Cena then hosts the ESPYs.
Bonus clip: Brie and Nikki teach the family how to walk the red carpet.
Bonus clip: Rusev, Lana, Trinity and Renee go on an aquatic adventure.
Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander almost ends before it begins when Alicia Fox shows up and Cedric tells her to leave. Alicia tells him to come back, saying she does the breaking up around here and that Cedric is a rookie in her book. Noam Dar shows up and tries to calm Alicia Fox down, then climbs up onto the apron, distracting Cedric. Noam Dar and Drew Gulak double-team Cedric as Alicia Fox continues to yell at Cedric, and Cedric hurts his already-injured knee in the brouhaha. Referees restore order, then Alexander tells the referee for the match that he still wants to compete, and the match is still on.
Drew Gulak beats Cedric Alexander.
Backstage, Noam Dar and Alicia Fox talk. Noam points at what's going on in the ring on the nearby TV and tells Alicia Fox he did all that for her, but Alicia slaps him again.
We see a video package of the feud between Rich Swann and Neville.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Tony Nese. He says that he is faster, stronger and better, and doesn't have to train different to beat someone who is quick like Mustafa Ali.
Tony Nese beats Mustafa Ali.
It is announced that Tajiri will be out for a while after injuring his right knee last week.
"The Extraordinary Gentleman" Jack Gallagher beats Ariya Daivari in an "I Forfeit" Match with a crossface chicken wing locked in with an umbrella.
Commissioner Shane McMahon starts tonight's show. After running down a list of names who will be in the Royal Rumble match, he announces that in four weeks' time, the WWE Championship will be defended in the Elimination Chamber. AJ Styles shows up, showing his displeasure with having to defend the title in this match, but Shane tells him that's only if he's still WWE Champion in that time. Styles tells him to consult him before making such a match, but Shane says he's in charge here and says he wants the best of the best in that match. Shane then says he doesn't like Styles' attitude, and Styles threatens to take himself, his attitude and the WWE Championship back to Japan. As if on cue, John Cena shows up, but as soon as he starts to speak, Styles tells him to shut up since his "brother-in-law" General Manager Daniel Bryan handed him a title shot before telling Shane as well as the fans that nobody cares about him or the WWE Championship. He then asks who's next to steal his thunder, which leads to The Miz and Maryse making an appearance. Miz says he will beat Dean Ambrose and get the Intercontinental Championship, and whether he wins the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber match, he will be at the main event of WrestleMania like he wants to be, where he will be a dual champion. Styles doesn't want him in the match, but Miz proceeds to make fun of Styles' hair before saying he beat Cena up before it was cool. Styles tells Miz that the last time they were in Memphis, Tennessee, he knocked his teeth out, and that he should be lucky he isn't walking out with a limp. Cena tries to instigate a fight by asking Miz if he's going to let Styles talk to him like that. Miz and Styles are about to throw down when Shane stops a potential brawl by putting them in an official match, which begins next.
Shane McMahon meets up with Dean Ambrose, who wants a new Intercontinental Championship because it smells too much like The Miz. Shane sees his point, but he can't do anything for him. Dean then wants a match against Randy Orton just for fun. Shane makes it official for later tonight.
John Cena guests on commentary for the next match.
AJ Styles vs. The Miz ends when Styles attacks John Cena. Cena goes after Styles, but The Miz catches Cena and tries to put him in the Skull Crushing Finale. Cena reverses this into an Attitude Adjustment, then dodges a springboard knee from Styles before putting him in the Attitude Adjustment as well. He lifts the WWE Championship into the air, then leaves.
Nikki Bella shows up. She tells Natalya that they will finish what they started, and calls her out. Natalya shows up in the crowd and tells her to look at the TitanTron before running away. We then see Nattie in the back as Nikki goes to look for her, heading to the merchandise table and trashing it, accusing Nikki of pitting her family against her and trying to take all the Nikki Bella merchandise and throwing it in the trash. Nikki catch her doing the last act and fights her. Security moves in to restore order, and it takes a minute or two as one of them gets slapped in the face by Nikki and another gets kicked in the face by Natalya.
Dash Fuentes interviews Alexa Bliss, who says that she is not afraid of facing Becky Lynch in a steel cage tonight.
Dean Ambrose beats Randy Orton with a schoolboy pin after Bray Wyatt has to pull Luke Harper off the apron, with Orton distracted all the while. After the match, Orton and Harper come to blows again.Wyatt has to punch Harper in the face to keep from going at Orton again. Wyatt then dares Orton to challenge his authority, then Harper leaves.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky Lynch. Becky says Alexa Bliss won't be SmackDown Women's champ after tonight.
It's time for The King's Court with Jerry "The King" Lawler, for the first time on SmackDown Live. His guest tonight is Dolph Ziggler, who shows up. Lawler says he's known Ziggler to be a good perrson, but admits that hasn't been true as of late, especially when Ziggler has been on a losing streak out of late. He asks Ziggler if he thinks his attitude change will win him some matches, but all the while, Ziggler stays silent. We then see footage of his upset loss to Kalisto and post-match attack on Kalisto and Apollo Crews from last week, Ziggler almost walks out on the segment, but Lawler coaxes him back. Ziggler breaks his silence, saying he knows Lawler would try to make him look bad and that he has footage himself. We then see the tag match on Raw where they faced each other in September 2012, when he dropped multiple elbows on Lawler minutes before his heart attack. Ziggler says he knows Lawler blamed him for it, and that he should have, and that if he doesn't stop with the questions, he'll finish what he started four years. Lawler tells him that no matter how many times he changes his attitude, he'll always be a loser. Ziggler then superkicks Lawler and leaves the ring, and JBL scrambles to the ring (unintentionally tripping as soon as he leaves the commentary table) to check on Lawler. Lawler screams at Ziggler, saying that if he has any guts, he'll get back in the ring.
We see a preview of Shooter starring Randy Orton.
We look back at the extreme exploits of Shane McMahon courtesy of XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
Bray Wyatt announces that The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Luke Harper) will participate in the Royal Rumble match, and that next week, it will be brother versus brother and one must fall as Randy Orton and Luke Harper settle their differences in the ring.
Alexa Bliss retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Becky Lynch in a Steel Cage Match after La Luchadora shows up and keeps Becky Lynch from escaping. After the match, Alexa Bliss and La Luchadora attack Becky, but Becky fights back and manages to unmask La Luchadora...who turns out to be Mickie James, who hasn't been seen since NXT TakeOver: Toronto. Alexa Bliss blasts Becky from behind with the Women's title, then celebrates with Mickie.
During Talking Smack, Jerry Lawler announces that he will be on commentary during the Royal Rumble match.
During Talking Smack, Bray Wyatt explains that Luke Harper and Randy Orton are in a match next week as the only way to settle it is through brutal means and that once everything explodes, the air will be clear and differences will be settled. He also says that regardless of whoever in The Wyatt Family wins, he will win the Royal Rumble.
