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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (1/29/18)

Published

6 years ago

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All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter.

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Elimination Chamber Qualifying, Last Man Standing Match: Kane VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins and enters the Elimination Chamber Match.
  • Second Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: WOKEN Matt Hardy VS Elias; Elias wins and enters the Elimination Chamber Match.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: The Miz w/ The Miztourage VS Roman Reigns; Miz wins and retains the WWE IC Championship.
  • The Revival VS Heath Slater & Rhyno; The Revival wins.
  • Sasha Banks VS Asuka; Asuka wins.
  • WWE Raw Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS Titus Worldwide; The Bar wins and retains.
  • Third Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: John Cena VS Finn Balor; Cena wins and enters the Elimination Chamber Match.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Royal Rumble truly made history!

No one was ready for Asuka in the inaugural Women’s Rumble match, but not even Asuka was ready for the surprise appearance of one “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey! “Hot Rod” Ronda walked right up to the Queen, the Empress and the Goddess to let them and the world know that she was going to Wrestlemania, too. She set the world on fire and blew up the internet with a smile and a handshake, will she burn the house down at Wrestlemania 34? And against who?

 

The Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon, heads to the ring.

The Billionaire Princess enjoyed the inaugural Women’s Rumble in person last night, and now welcomes Philly back. Last week was the celebration of #Raw25, and now we start a new 25 years! She commends Sasha Banks for lasting almost an hour, Nia Jax for proving she is an Irresistible Force, and every legend from Lita to Trish Stratus for making impressive appearances. Then “The Game changed” when THE Ronda Rousey appeared. But all that aside, Stephanie wants to celebrate THE winner, the undefeated Empress of Tomorrow, ASUKA!

Asuka walks out to the ring and the fans give her a huge ovation. Stephanie congratulates Asuka personally and would ask whether Asuka is facing the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Champion, but she must first inform us that there will now be an inaugural Women’s Elimination Chamber match! The fans like the sound of that. Stephanie lets Asuka enjoy her moment now. “Arigato, Stephanie. Arigato, WWE Universe!” Asuka uses her native Japanese to explain that she is the one and future champion! She points to the Wrestlemania sign, and everyone knows what that means. “At Wrestlemania, I will become the Champion! Because no one is ready for Asuka!” But now The Legit Boss, Sasha Banks, heads to the ring.

Sasha says hello and apologizes for the interruption. Last night was a dream come true as every woman made history and main evented again. Sasha was in the ring with 29 other great women, including Asuka, and congratulates Asuka for her win, too. But the part Sasha doesn’t like is that Asuka brags “no one is ready” for her. Sasha is ready, tonight! Stephanie keeps the peace and makes the match: The Boss VS The Empress! Which woman will be better prepared for the other?

 

Elimination Chamber Qualifying, Last Man Standing Match: Kane VS Braun Strowman!

Or rather, a Last Monster Standing as The Monster Among Men takes on the Big Red Machine. Strowman brings out all the props the moment he hits the ring, is he about to slay a demon!?

Raw returns to the match already underway! Strowman scoops Kane but Kane slips out to shove him into a post. Kane stalks Strowman around the ring then SMACKS him with a kendo stick. He rocks Strowman with an uppercut and now the behemoths move into the audience area. Strowman fights back and they slug it out near the extra special seating. The Monster brings the Machine over to the production area and bounces him off desks before he SMACKS Kane with a chair! They keep moving, and now they’ve come very close to the commentary area. Strowman takes a trunk and rams it into Kane’s head against barriers! Another chair comes into play and commentary already wants to get away. Kane is prone on the ground as Strowman jabs that chair into his ribs. Strowman considers his options, calculates the logistics, and makes a decision. HE DEADLIFTS THE COMMENTARY STAGE ONTO KANE!!

The Philly fans lose their minds, and this match is over already! Strowman victoriously walks onto the stage while referees and medics panic to save Kane. Strowman roars, Strowman leaves, is the Big Red Machine gone for good?

Staff manages to uncover Kane.

Somehow, someway, the legendary demon is not crushed into nothingness, but he needs a stretcher all the same. That’s when Strowman returns!! Corey Graves talks with him. “That’s a human being, what did you just do!?” “I did my job, Kurt Angle said ‘Last Man Standing’.” And Strowman is standing. The Monster enjoys watching the medics attend to Kane. Now that he is in the Elimination Chamber match, will anyone else stand a chance?

 

Kurt Angle encounters Braun Strowman backstage.

Do they really have to keep talking this over?! With the whole world watching, Strwoman continues to endanger everyone else! Can he give Angle just one break!? Strowman says Angle’s right. He’s right that Strowman didn’t do more! He won like he was supposed to! And now at Elimination Chamber, he’ll do it all again to be the last one left! Then Strowman promises to do the same to Lesnar at Wrestlemania!!

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is still in Philly and still plays his guitar. He once again asks, “Who wants to walk with Elias!?” Not that he cares what they think. Elias sings for himself, and to hear his own voice. Elias was disappointed to be eliminated in the Rumble by John Cean, but promises John will get what’s coming to him. We must look to the future, and that means the WWE Elimination Chamber and Wrestlemania. And of course, WWE means “Walk With Elias!” In order to qualify, Elias must defeat The WOKEN One, who he has a song for. “On the Road ot Wrestlemania, got Brock Lesnar in my sight. It’s Elias’ night. After I win the Chamber, it’s Brock Lesnar who will be in danger. It’s Elias’ night.” The fans boo and jeer while Elias enters the chorus. But then “Ye-e-e-e-e-e-e-es~!”

Second Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: WOKEN Matt Hardy VS Elias!

The time has come to DELETE! Will the WOKEN WISDOM carry Hardy’s mortal vessel through to the Chamber’s contender opportunity?

Raw returns as the bell rings. The two circle, Elias powers Matt to a corner but Matt turns it around. They scrum in the corner and the ref counts, but Hardy lets up. Elias kicks but Hardy counters, and laughs! He shouts “DELETE!” at Elias, but Elias puts on the headlock and takeover. Hardy endures, gets to his feet and fights back but Elias holds on. Hardy gives more body shots and a back suplex to break free. He kicks Elias while he’s down and then goes after him in a corner, but Elias fights back while a new table is being constructed. Elias denies the Side Effect with elbows and Hardy staggers to a corner. Hardy evades and “DELETE” chops Elias over and over. Hardy brings Elias out and gives him a neckbreaker, cover, TWO! Elias endures a cravat hold from Hardy, and Hardy laughs and shouts “DELETE” the entire time. Elias fights back with body shots then knees. He chops Hardy back then whips him to ropes but Hardy kicks. Hardy goes for the Twist but Elias counters and then runs Hardy over with a lariat. Hardy staggers to a corner, Elias runs in and unloads strikes. The referee backs Elias back but Elias is enraged, he gives Hardy one more stiff stomp. The Drifter drags Hardy around and swings the arm into the post!

Hardy writhes in pain, Elias refreshes the count, then slams the arm into the post again. Elias returns into the ring and grins while we go to break.

Raw returns again to see Elias working over that arm while the announce table finishes assembly. The fans rally for Hardy, and Hardy slowly stands up. Hardy fights back, Elias throws Hardy to ropes but Hardy hits back. But then Elias yanks the beat up arm to slow him down. The two brawl back and forth, Hardy unleashes headbutts, then whips to back elbow Elias down. Russian leg sweep and cover, TWO! Hardy gives Elias “DELETE” buckle bumps!

He then hits the corner clotheslines, then another, but Elias powers out of the bulldog. Hardy elbows back and hops up for a flying ax handle. Side Effect! Cover, TWO! Just as Hardy calls for his Twist, Bray Wyatt makes his presence known. The Eater of Worlds is nowhere to be seen, Elias pounces with a boot and the Drift Away neckbreaker! Elias wins! Elias becomes the second of six men to qualify, can he make the others #DriftAway on this Road to Wrestlemania?

Bray Wyatt appears on the titantron.

He simply laughs at the failed WOKEN One. Will he have the last laugh at the end of the Great War?

 

The Miz speaks via social media.

“Roman Reigns is owed an Intercontinental Championship rematch?” Really? What about what The Miz is owed for being the one who brought back the prestige and honor to the title? He is owed rose petals when he walks and silence when he talks. On top of that, he is owed a standing ovation. Kinda like the one Brady will get when he defeats the Eagles. Super Bowl aside, can The Miz keep his title from ending up back in The Yard?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: The Miz w/ The Miztourage VS Roman Reigns!

While everyone else wants a shot at the Universal Championship, these two men know the legacy this championship holds. The A-Lister won the IC Title back only last week at #Raw25, can he hold onto it to the end of tonight?

The bell rings and the two circle. Miz rushes Roman, but runs right into an uppercut! Roman keeps The Miztourage back before rocking Miz with more right hands. Miz flounders to a corner but Roman is on him with headbutts. The Miztourage get close again but Roman scares them off before whipping Miz corner to corner. Roman runs in but Miz boots him away. Miz chops but Roman just absorbs it. Miz tries again, but still no effect. Roman rocks Miz with another right hand uppercut, Miz goes down! The Miztourage coach their leader up but Miz gets clothesline’d out of the ring! The Miztourage check on Miz but Roman slips out to the outside. Roman walks over and The Miztourage back off, and then Roman throws Miz into steel steps. The Miztourage bark at Roman but he backs them down again. Roman returns to The Miz and they both reenter the ring, only for Roman to clothesline Miz out again. The Miztourage return to check on Roman, and the referee begins a count. Roman slips outside again, but now the Miztourage gain some courage. So Roman grabs a chair!

Bo and Axel have less courage as he walks over, they run for the hills! Roman keeps his eyes on Miz now but he still has the chair in hand. He raises it, the referee stops him, this will disqualify him. Roman throws the chair away, then refreshes the count. Miz shoves Roman into a post! The champion has some control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Miz has Roman in a chinlock. The fans duel while Miz squeezes and stretches Roman. Roman wills his way to his feet, powers out and lifts Miz, but Miz wiggles and slips out. Miz grabs Roman in the full-nelson but Roman breaks it, to then Samoan Drop Miz! The two men are down but slowly stirring while the ref starts a ten count. They brawl on their knees then up to their feet. Miz throws haymakers from both sides with Philly’s support, but Roman blocks and lariats back! Roman rallies now, hitting the leaping lariat off the reversal. The Big Dog fires up and gives Miz all ten of the close-range clotheslines! Roman runs and boots Miz down, then gets to a corner while Philly gets loud both ways. He locks, loads and aims,… But Miz chop blocks the leg out! Roman goes down, clutching his knee, while Miz catches his breath. Miz starts up the “It Kicks!” He prepares the buzzsaw, Roman blocks and lifts! Miz sunset flips and into the Figure Four Leglock!

Roman flails and writhes from the pain in the knees! He reaches for ropes, but Miz slowly drags Roman away. Roman endures while the fans duel again. He gets his second wind, and Miz puts more pressure into it, but Roman manages to roll it over! Now Miz takes the pressure and has to endure! Miz reaches for ropes, and gets the break. The hold is undone and both men clutch their knees as they gain space. Roman and Miz stand up, but Miz kicks out the bad leg! Miz hobbles over and goes for it again, but Roman rolls him! Deadlift into the sit-out powerbomb!

TWO! Both men are down again, but Miz rolls his way to a corner. Miz goes after a turnbuckle pad, just like #Raw25! The referee catches him, then Roman storms over and goes after Miz. The referee pulls Roman away, Miz pokes Roman’s eyes, and hits the Skull-Crushing Finale! TWO!? The Miz cannot believe Roman survived! But he won’t stop there, he hobbles up and around while fans continue to duel. He drags Roman up for another try, but Roman powers him to a corner and throws in an elbow. Roman hobbles away but then runs into a post! Miz runs, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Both men catch their breath while the fans acknowledge “This is Awesome!” Miz and Roman crawl to opposite corners, but The Miztourage return! Axel distracts while Bo gets Miz out of the ring. Roman clobbers Axel, then sees Bo. He hobbles out and walks over to uppercut Bo down. Miz swings but msises, he gets an uppercut! Roman puts Miz back in the ring, but Miz exaggerates to distract the ref and Bo goes after Roman! Roman elbows Bo away, then throws him into the ring! SUPERMAN PUUNCH for Axel, SPEAR for Bo!

Roll up from behind, Miz steals the win! The A-Lister retains his title once and for all–with help, of course. Who will The Miz move on to now? And where does The Big Dog go from here?

 

Paul Heyman shares his thoughts on the Elimination Chamber announcement via Twitter.

 

The Revival VS Heath Slater & Rhyno!

The #TopGuys got even with the Good Brothers in the Rumble Kickoff show, and look to further reestablish themselves. Can they break the One Man Band and his ManBeast here tonight?

Raw returns to this match while in progress, Rhyno has a headlock on Dash Wilder. Dash powers out but Rhyno runs him over. Rhyno tags in Slater, the “Wild Man” hits a flying ax handle. Slater yanks on Dash’s arm again and again, and fans chant “E C Dub!” for Rhyno. Dash whips Slater but Slater fires out with a forearm, then a forearm smash in a corner. Dash escapes the ring and regroups with Scott Dawson to talk this through. Slater has the fans cheering “Heath’s Got Kids!” while The Revival flank him. Slater fights Dawson off but Dash comes from behind with an armbar DDT. Dash hammers away then tags Dawson to stomp away on that arm. Dawson gives Slater a hammerlock back suplex to further attack the arm. Rhyno rallies fans, Dawson drives in knees. Slater crawls but Dawson drags him over and tags in Dash. Dash gives a flying knee to the arm, then wrenches it with a keylock. The fans continue to chant “E C Dub!” for Rhyno and Slater, but Dash keeps Slater down with knees. Dash suplexes Slater but Slater lands on his feet to counter with a neckbreaker! Dash tags Dawson, Dawson denies Slater a tag, but only momentarily! Rhyno gets in and rallies on The Revival. He whips Dawson but Dawson reverses, Rhyno elbows him away before giving him a flying shoulder tackles! Rhyno rams in shoulders and then gives a belly2belly. Slater takes out Dash, but Dawson chop blocks Rhyno’s leg! Slater goes down, Dash tags in, Shatter Machine!

The Revival win!

In-ring interview for The Revival.

“We just defeated the first-ever SmackDown Tag Team Champions,” so perhaps, how do they compare to the legendary Graham Brothers? Charly isn’t familiar with them. That’s no surprise, because no one seems to care about the old days! Fans chant “E C Dub” trying to get themselves over. Unlike the fans, The Revival learn from the past instead of just leaving in it. Strong words and impressive wins, can these #TopGuys make their way towards the Raw Tag Team Championships?

 

The newest WWE Hall of Fame Inductees: The Dudley Boys!

Bubba Ray & D-Von ruled and revolutionized tag team wrestling from ECW to WCW to WWE and all around the world! Now they finally enter WWE’s HoF and truly immortalize themselves and Dudleyville!

 

Finn Balor speaks via Twitter.

The Extraordinary Man lasted an extraordinary 57 minutes in the Men’s Rumble this year. But John Cena was the one who ended his run. Now he’ll step up to the Face that Runs the Place and then step over him to get another chance. Can Balor Club dethrone CENAtion tonight?

 

Backstage interview with Sasha Banks.

From first woman in the Women’s Rumble to facing the Empress tonight, Ssaha is “moments away from defeating Asuka.” She’s waited for this opportunity for a long time. Asuka may have made history, but Sasha vows to do the same.

Sasha Banks VS Asuka!

The Legit Boss has all the confidence in the world, but does she have what it takes to give the Undefeated Empress her first loss?

The bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, Sasha puts Asuka in a corner and gives her a shove with attitude. She then rolls Asuka, ONE, and Asuka gets a headlock on. Sasha fights out but Asuka runs her over. Asuka runs, rolls and hip-tosses Sasha but Sasha counters with an armlock. The fans have mixed reactions while Asuka gets up to her feet. Sasha powers her to a corner, then throws forearms and stomps. The Legit Boss backs off, then runs back in, but Asuka puts her on the apron. They trade blows but Asuka kicks Sasha between ropes. Asuka runs, hip attack sends Sasha down tot he ground. The referee starts a count on Sasha while Asuka catches her breath in the ring. The count reaches 5 before Sasha stirs. Sasha crawls up and in at 8, Asuka drives her hips into Sasha some more.

She threatens Sasha in Japanese before grinding a boot into her chin. The ref has Asuka back off now, but she comes back with kicks and a yank on the arm. Asuka puts Sasha in an armlock, but Sasha endures. Asuka makes it part Fujiwara and even bends the fingers. Sasha is grounded while fans enjoy Asuka enjoying herself. Sasha gets up and forearms Asuka, so Asuka hits back and whips her to a corner. Asuka walks into Sasha’s elbow, Sasha counters a kick with a knee, then double knees! Cover, TWO, but Sasha keeps her cool as she taunts. The Boss boasts while we go to break.

Raw returns and Asuka unloads her vicious kicks into Sasha. Sasha ends up in a corner but evades and turns Asuka sideways. Stock Drop knees! Cover, TWO, but Sasha comes back with stomps. She drives knees into Asuka’s back and bends her arms back in a half-surfboard. The fans slowly build to a rally for Asuka, but Sasha puts Asuka right into the mat as she pulls harder. Asuka refuses to quit, she gets back to her feet. Sasha throws Asuka down by her hair, then taunts her again. She drags Asuka up, snap suplex to cover, TWO. Sasha grows frustrated, but she keeps on Asuka with a snapmare and running slap! The fans boo and jeer, but Sasha keeps toying with Asuka. Asuka stands up and fires up with open hand strikes! She whips Sasha, tilt-o-whirl takedown into crossface! Asuka endures Sasha’s signature submission and makes it a cover, TWO! Asuka rolls into a backslide, TWO, crossface! Sasha pulls Asuka back but Asuka endures and again shifts her weight. Asuka gets to her feet but Sasha knees low. Sasha throws Asuka out, but Asuka lies in wait while Sasha runs. Sasha DIVES but gets kicked out of the air! The Boss crash lands onto the ground! Asuka drags her up and into the ring, but Sasha revives. The two brawl with elbows but Asuka gets the edge. She shoves Sasha, pop-up knee! Spinning backhand after backhand then the back heel kick! Asuka runs, Shining Wizard! Sasha gets to a corner, big hip attack from Asuka! Asuka won’t let up, she climbs up top! Big missile dropkick and cover, TWO!! Sasha survives hit after hit, but Asuka is not deterred. She lifts Sasha, Sasha rolls, TWO, takedown to the cross armbreaker! Sasha reaches, flails, rolls, TWO! Asuka stands up and runs while Sasha is on the apron, but now Sasha sends Asuka tumbling! Sasha takes am, and hits big double knees!

She drags Asuka up and in now, then climbs up top. SUPER Double Knees, TWO!! Sasha is at a loss for what to do! The fans cheer both women on, and they both stand up. Sasha blocks but Asuka counters, chickenwing but Sasha rams Asuka into buckles for the Back Stabber to Bank Statement crossface again!

Asuka reaches and crawls for ropes! Sasha denies the break and rolls Asuka, but Asuka adjusts for her Asuka Lock!! Now Sasha is trapped, body scissors on, she taps! Asuka wins and remains undefeated!! This instant classic is truly proof of the Women’s (R)Evolution!

 

John Cena speaks via Twitter.

Only the Rumble Winners know they’re going to Wrestlemania, so even Cena himself has to wonder, “How do I get to Wrestlemania?” He knows he can gain a spot in the Chamber, and then the Chamber will lead to Wrestlemania. Why is that important to Cena? Well because he wants to answer the question “When are you done?” with “I’m just getting started!”

 

WWE Raw Tag Team Championships: The Bar VS Titus Worldwide!

While the Swiss Cyborg & Celtic Gladiator won back the titles from The Architect & The Gold-Blooded Son, they did lose a couple times to The Real Deal and his top client. Can Titus & Apollo shock the world with a win here tonight?

The bell rings, the belts are raised, and we start with Sheamus and Crews. The two circle and Crews rolls up quick, TWO. Sheamus bails out and regroups with Cesaro to keep his cool. They don’t want to get flustered against the other team already. Sheamus clubs Crews and whips but Crews slips out to another roll up, TWO. Crews runs at Sheamus in a corner but Sheamus shoulders him away. Sheamus locks on a headlock but Crews powers out, only for Sheamus to run him over again. They speed up, Crews dropkicks Sheamus and covers, TWO. Crews brings Sheamus over and tags in Titus, they double whip and double elbow. “Worldwide~” boasts while Cesaro complains. Sheamus elbows Titus away, then gives him a European Uppercut. He clubs away on Titus, but then Titus uses his power to turn it around and unload on Sheamus. Titus chops and uppercuts, but Cesaro tags in. Cesaro goes after Titus and even talks trash before giving his own EuroUppers and body shots. The Swiss Cyborg gloats but the Gator carries him corner to corner! Titus unloads more chops, then throws Cesaro across the way! The fans fire up and bark along with Titus, big corner splash. Sheamus distracts, Titus backs him down, but then Cesaro runs at him. Sheamus tags in, Titus slams Cesaro but gets clobbered by the Gladiator. The Bar has control again while we go to break.

Raw returns and Titus pries his way out of a headlock to back suplex Cesaro down. Cesaro tags Sheamus, he blasts Crews away before running Titus over. Tag back to Cesaro, The Bar whip and Bar Lariat Titus down. Cover, ONE, but Cesaro keeps Titus down. The fans build to a rally, Titus stands up but Sheamus tags in. The Bar mugs Titus, then throws him out to the floor. Sheamus distracts the ref, Cesaro stalks Titus. Titus sees him coming and boots him down! Sheamus is shocked but he goes after Titus himself now. Titus rocks him with a right hand, then another. Titus gets the hat-trick then hotshots Sheamus back. Sheamus stands up while Titus reenters, and rock shim with a knee, only for Titus to respond with a big clothesline! The fans rally with Titus Worldwide. Hot tags to Crews and Cesaro, Crews rallies! Crews mule kicks then boots, Cesaro ends up in a corner. Cesaro puts Crews on the apron but Crews knocks him away before climbing up. Flying crossbody, TWO, standing moonsault landed on his feet. Cesaro whips Crews but Crews goes up and over and handsprings back for a big leaping lariat! The fans fire up with Crews, then standing shooting star hits!

TWO! Crews drags Ceasro up but Cesaro fights back. Cesaro escapes the trophy lift then tags Sheamus, double hip toss but Crews lands through. Crews comes back, pop-up to what may Crews have meant to been headscissors but it’d double-edged as Crews hits the ground hard. Cesaro drags Crews up, but Crews revives and throws Cesaro out. Sheamsu rolls up, TWO, enziguri from Crews! Standing moonsault once more, Cesaro breaks the cover! Titus returns and throws Cesaro back out, but then Sheamus boots him down. Cesaro tags in but Crews doesn’t know, flying crossbody, roll-through, TWO! Cesaro rams Crews into a post, then feeds to Sheamus, A-Swiss-ted White Noise! The Bar wins and retains in furiously fast action!

 

Third Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: John Cena VS Finn Balor!

Either The Face that Runs the Place or the Extraordinary man who does Extraordinary Things, only ONE will go to the Elimination Chamber match!

The bell rings and the two circle. Cena hears the “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!’ chants. They tie up, Cena powers Finn to a corner but Finn turns it around. Finn honors the break and grins as he backs off. The fans cheer for Balor, which Cena takes note of. They circle again and FInn gets the waistlock, but Cena powers out to a wristlock. Finn rolls but can’t get away, Cena puts him on the mat. Finn handsprings and arm-drags to an arm-lock on Cena. Cena stands up, fans duel again, but Cena pushes Finn to ropes. They both honor the break but Cena whips. Finn reverses and arm-drags Cena a couple more times, and returns to the arm-lock. The fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” again. Cena gets up and lifts Finn, Finn slips out and runs but Cena runs him over. Cena puts Finn in a headlock and gets the takeover. Finn headscissors but Cena pops out and hits another takeover. Finn headscissors again and Cena pops out again for a third takeover. The fans duel again as Finn goes for a third headscissors. Cena blocks but Finn turns that to a ghost pin, TWO! Cena bails out and cools off while the fans fire up. He lets them know he hears them, then gets back in the ring. The two tie up again, and engage in a test of strength. They’re deadlocked but Cena eventually brings Finn to his knees. Cena glares at the booing fans but Finn gets to his feet! Finn spins around and rolls him up, TWO, Cena decks Balor with a right hand. The 16 time champion has control and Finn is dazed as we go to break.

Raw returns once again and Finn rallies but Cena runs him over again. Cena lifts Finn and slams him, then covers, TWO. Finn gets himself to a corner, Cena walks over and whips him corner to corner hard. Cena watches Finn as he slowly gets up. He whips Finn corner to corner again even harder! The fans boo and jeer and Cena plays dumb as to why. He brings Finn up again and whips him a third time, but Finn boots back now. Finn rallies with forearms on the run, then trips Cena up for double stomps! The fans fire up for Finn as he gives Cena a running chop. Then they go corner to corner but Cena fires out and rallies with his shoulder tackles. Spin-out bomb, and fans know what that means.

“You Can’t See Me,” but Finn evades the Five Knuckle. Finn says “You Can’t See ME”, then elbow-drop DDT!

TWO! Finn keeps focus, the fans are behind him as he drags Cena up. Cena counters with a fireman’s carry but Finn slips out. They brawl, haymaker after haymaker, with Philly on Finn’s side. Finn shifts to forearms and gets an edge but Cena shoves him and boots him down. Cena keeps Finn in place as he drops the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He picks Finn up, but Finn pops out to PELE! TWO! Finn keeps moving, Slingblade to Cena! Then he aims from the corner, and runs out, but into Cena’s clothesline! Philly boos and jeers again. Cena runs at Finn, Finn boots back, Finn goes for another, but Cena blocks to cradle Finn up and onto his shoulders, “Too Sweet” AA! TWO!! Cena is shocked!

The fans give back “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” while Cena thinks on what to do. Cena makes his way out to the apron and lets the fans boo and jeer. He climbs up, but Finn kicks him down! Finn blasts him with the dropkick, then heads up top himself. He takes aim, COUP DE – No, Cena evaded, trips Finn, STF! Finn endures, flails, and crawls! He powers himself and gets to the ropes! Cena must let go, but the damage may have been done. Finn kicks him from the apron, then drags himself up top again. Cena revives, grabs Finn, and the fans freak out as they know what’s coming. SUPER AA!! Cena wins and moves on to Elimination Chamber! He has his ticket to Elimination Chamber, will Cena punch a ticket to Wrestlemania?

 

My Thoughts:

This was a damn good episode of Raw for following up the Rumble. Sasha logically carries over her animosity from the Women’s Rumble and heads right at Asuka, that was an incredible match the two had. Those spills Asuka and Sasha took were a bit scary, though, I almost thought Asuka was going to win by a referee’s stoppage. The Boss and Empress raise the stakes for what it takes to finally defeat Asuka even once. The Revival at least build themselves up and I continue to appreciate some of the things they say about how fans make it about themselves–see tonight’s off-camera Beach Ball Mania incident–when they should find a way to keep it about the talent. I don’t know when they’ll get tag title chances but they going up against The Bar could be a lot of fun even if neither side turns. Speaking of The Bar, they and Titus Worldwide have a great match themselves, and Crews looks like the way he did when he first arrived on Raw. The Bar wins out because there is meant to be a Raw Tag Team Championship rematch with Rollins & Jordan, but I sense the rematch will only serve to further divide the haphazard team. After that, then I wouldn’t mind seeing another chance for Titus & Apollo.

The episode also makes big inroads towards the next PPV with the Chamber qualifying matches. Braun Freaking Strowman opened tonight with the moment of the night by doing yet another thing I’d never even heard of: flipping the stage onto someone! Strowman in the Elimination Chamber is amazing in itself, he can do so much in such a structure. Social media and commentary did well to sell Kane’s side of things, but hearing the updates made me wish they would’ve done an Attitude Era style hospital scene so everyone could see Kane do the Deadman sit-up and then somehow “escape” the hospital. Elias gets quite the nod for being included in the Chamber match, and the Wyatt VS WOKEN angle continues in a somewhat logical way as Bray costs Hardy via the distraction. WWE is probably trying to build up the anticipation to when they finally present us with The Great War theatrical match, but they have to get going much faster with this or the anticipation will deflate into boredom. Then the main event was great, but even without “Cena Wins LOL”, it seemed inevitable Cena would win since Elias is in the Chamber match. Cena and Elias need to have their feud, since Elias is being the stand-in for Samoa Joe, but I just wish it wasn’t at Balor’s expense. Balor looks strong even in losing since it took the Super AA, but I’m not sure where he is going just yet. Roman VS Miz was a great match, but with Miz retaining, perhaps he and Finn can have a program with The Miztourage and Club at their sides.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

4 hours ago

on

April 26, 2024

By

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
  • Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
  • WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
  • Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

 

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

 

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

 

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

 

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

 

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

 

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

 

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

 

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

 

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

 

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

 

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

 

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

 

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

 

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

 

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

 


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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

1 day ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

Ratings:

  • Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
  • #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
  • ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
  • Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
  • Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out. 

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff. 

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage. 

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official. 

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

 

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.


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