On Episode 165, we do some catch up work as we review the week that was across WWE for January 30, 2017 and check out the fallout from the Royal Rumble and Takeover: San Antonio.
Raw saw Braun Strowman challenge Kevin Owens for the Universal Championship while KO’s best friend, the United States Champion, Chris Jericho took on Sami Zayn. Sasha Banks, against the advice of her good friend Bayley, decided to try and get even with Nia Jax. Was The Boss successful? Brock Lesnar made a surprise appearance as he and Paul Heyman had a challenge for Goldberg for WrestleMania 33. Huge developments took place though as Triple H showed up to call out Seth Rollins. A new threat to not just Seth, but the entire Raw roster, emerged. Who ended up being Triple H’s Destroyer and what impact did this have upon Seth Rollins’ involvement at WrestleMania? We fill in any gaps you may have missed on Episode 165.
On Smackdown Live, the field for the upcoming Elimination Chamber match was set as the Road To WrestleMania gets ready for its first major detour. The new champion, John Cena, formed an unlikely alliance with Luke Harper to take on the man he will face at WrestleMania 33, Randy Orton, and Bray Wyatt. Becky Lynch teamed up with Naomi to challenge Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. How did the outcome of this match impact the Smackdown Live Women’s Championship scene? The Tag Team scene continued to be a mess with everyone challenging American Alpha all at once. In the Main Event, AJ Styles took on Dean Ambrose. Could the Intercontinental Champ get a bit of payback or could the former champ get back on the winning track?
On 205 Live, Tony Neese battled Lince Dorado, and Akira Tozawa made his long awaited debut. In the Main Event, the new Cruiserweight Champion, Neville, teamed up with Noam Dar as they took on Jack Gallagher and Cedric Alexander. What sorts of issues would arise between the King of the Cruiserweights and the Scottish Supernova to impact the outcome of this match? We let you know on Episode 165.
NXT focused in on the fallout from NXT Takeover: San Antonio. Along the way, Ember Moon continued to make a push towards the front of the line to challenge Asuka for the NXT Women’s Championship as she battled Aliyah. The UK Champion, Tyler Bate, made a special appearance as he took on Oney Lorcan, Corey Graves said goodbye to the NXT Universe, and No Way Jose went one on one with Elias Samson in the Main Event. We have all the details for you here on Episode 165.
We close things out with an interview Dave conducted with Hip Hop Artist and rapper, R8ED R. R8ED R has been busy making hip hop and rap songs based on pro wrestling and the various pro wrestlers that have made up the rich history of sports-entertainment. Dave and R8ED R talk about that but also talk a lot about NXT Takeover, the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania and all sorts of aspects of the pro wrestling industry. It is a great discussion between two super fans that we think you will enjoy.
And please make sure you stick around to the end of the Episode to hear the World Premiere of R8ED R’s new song Beverly. It is all right here for you on Episode 165.