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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (6/25/18)

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Who leaves Raw THE Intercontinental Champion?

The Architect put out a challenge last week, and the Show-Off answered. Controversy aside, Dolph Ziggler became the NEW WWE Intercontinental Championship! But now Seth Rollins wants his rematch, and its happening tonight! Can #MondayNightRollins return? Or will Ziggler & McIntyre continue to take over Raw?

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Bobby Lashley & Roman Reigns VS The Revival; The Revival wins.
  • WOKEN Hardy w/ Bray Wyatt VS Curt Axel w/ Bo Dallas; Axel wins.
  • The Authors of Pain VS The Gibson Brothers; AoP win.
  • Natalya w/ Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James;  Natalya wins.
  • Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Ember Moon, Sasha Banks & Bayley; The Riott Squad wins.
  • No Way Jose VS Mojo Rawley; no contest.
  • Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens VS Finn Balor & Baron Corbin; Strowman & Kevin win.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins by disqualification, Ziggler retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE honors the memory of the late Leon White, aka Vader.

An innovative big man that no one could deny, he will be missed.

 

The Raw General Manager and the Lone Constable are already in the ring.

Kurt Angle and Baron Corbin stand by side. Corbin insists on getting his own introduction, and makes sure Jojo gets it right. Jojo corrects herself, Corbin is “Stephanie’s personally appointed” Constable of Raw. Can they begin now? Angle got a call from Stephanie last week, and he made an announcement about the Extreme Rules Universal Championship #1 Contender’s match. However, Paul Heyman started a social media rumor about Brock Lesnar’s status. Therefore, Angle sets the record straight. But then Roman Reigns appears!

The Big Dog, the uncrowned WWE Universal Champion, walks out in front of San Diego to a strongly mixed reaction. Paul Heyman’s post implied that The Beast no longer wants anything to do with Roman, despite having beaten Roman time and again. Roman joins Angle and Corbin in the ring while fans continue to either cheer or jeer. He doesn’t mean to interrupt, he just wants to hear this announcement in person. But then Bobby Lashley appears!

The Alpha Male is here, because he and Roman are both in the announced Extreme Rules #1 Contender’s match. Heyman called Lashley a “Lesnar wannabe”, which is why Lashley wants to hear this announcement firsthand, too. Plus, Roman’s had his chances, and for three years, the only thing Roman’s proven is that he can’t win. Roman needs to move on and let someone else have a turn. Fans agree with that.

Move on? Like Lashley did about 10 years ago? For those who forgot or didn’t know, Lashley was in a Wrestlemania main event, and then decided to move on. Why? To be a big MMA star, but how did that go? A real big impact huh? But tell us this: What has Lashley down lately? Nothing! But Roman was the one who main-evented ‘Mania four years in a row. Roman is going for five, so you better check the resume before stepping to him.

Don’t downplay Lashley’s background, Roman. Lashley is the only one with the legitimate tools to win. And Lashley will prove it against three, four or however many guys Angle puts against him, including Roman. Angle explains there will not be a multi-man match. Lesnar has pulled out of the deal, there is no contender’s match at Extreme Rules. What does he mean, off the table? Does Lashley need it spelled out? Lesnar does whatever he wants, and doesn’t care about anything but money. Lesnar doesn’t respect anyone here, there or at home, because Lesnar doesn’t give a sh– Angle calms Roman down.

Lashley wonders if Lesnar had someone legit, he’d show up, instead of always facing Roman! Maybe someone who was an actual challenge. Lesnar has grown tired of Roman, just like the fans! Maybe if it was someone like Lashley, Lesnar would come back. Roman figures that if no one has a match at Extreme Rules, they should just have a match here and now. The fans like the sound of that, but Angle says no. That match will be at Extreme Rules, because there are other stars to attend to tonight. Got that? #SayYeah! The Revival return!

Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder see it’s a new week but the same old story. Maybe these “top guys” get opportunities handed to them, but THE #TopGuys see an opportunity. Last week, they were surprised the two biggest egos won, but they won’t be surprised again. What does Angle say? Corbin says “Let’s get this party started.” Angle agrees, and we get a rematch from last week!

 

Bobby Lashley & Roman Reigns VS The Revival!

It’s tag team deja vu as two top guys take on the #TopGuys in a rematch from last week. Dash & Dawson swear to make up for the loss, will they have a better go at it with tensions running high?

The bell rings but The Revival go at both Lashley & Roman. Lashley & Roman right them off, whip them into back drops, then clothesline them out of the ring. They stare at each other, but Lashley lets Roman start. Roman fetches Dawson and headbutts him to the corner. Roman tags Lashley, and the two work together to whip Dawson. Dawson gets run over, but the double team is a bit sloppy. Dash takes advantage only to get knocked down, but Dawson hotshots Lashley on the rope. Dawson unloads chops on Lashley, then hands. He reels Lashley into a lariat, then tags to Dash for a human weapon leg drop! Cover, TWO, but Dash stays on Lashley with European Uppercuts.

Lashley hits back, then backs Dash down, only for Dash to back him down. Dawson tags in and The Revival mug Lashley. Dawson snapmares and puts Lashley into body scissors. Fans rally for Lashley as he endures the sleeper. Lashley powers up and out, but Dash still tags in. The Revival double suplex Lashley, then cover, TWO. Dash shoves but Lashley comes back with the complete shot. Tag to Dawson, but tag to Roman! Roman rallies with clotheslines. He whips but Dawson reverses, Roman hits the leaping lariat! Fans are a mix as Roman throws close range clotheslines. Roman then runs, and boots Dawson down! Roman uppercuts Dash before he can come in, then aims at Dawson. He locks and loads, but Dash saves Dawson. Roman goes around to Drive-By Dash down! He keeps on Dawson while we go to break.

Raw returns and Dash snapmares Roman into a chinlock. Dash puts his weight on Roman but fans rally. Roman reaches, stands, then arm-drags Dash off. Dawson tags in, blocks Roman from Lashley, then puts him on the apron for kicks and forearms between the ropes. He backs off, but Dash gets a cheap shot in! Dawson goes back to Roman, and stomps one of Roman’s hands. Dawson throws hands, but fans still rally. Roman gets to ropes but Dawson whips him to a corner. Dawson runs but into a boot, so he hurries to tag Dash. Dash runs in and stops Rmoan from reaching Lashley. Dash stomps away, but backs off at the ref’s count. He drags Roman out and up into a seated cobra clutch. Fans rally again while Roman endures.

Roman powers up but Dash yanks him down by his hair. Dash tags Dawson and Dawson drops knees on Roman. Dawson also stomps Roman, then taunts “The Big Dog” about his “Yard”. Dawson puts Roman in a corner but Roman headbutts out. A kick and a whip but Roman reverses and Dawson hits buckles hard! And stumbles into a Samoan Drop! Roman crawls for his corner, as does Dawson. Hot tags to Dash and Lashley! Lashley rallies on the Revival! Belly2belly overhead for Dash, then one for Dawson! Lashley clotheslines Dash in a corner, then the same for Dawson. He rams a shoulder into Dash, but has to SPINEBUSTER Dawson first. Then Lashley suplexes Dash up and down. Lashley takes aim from a corner for his spear, but Roman repeats last week. He tags in, SUPERMAN PUNCH!

Then, Roman fires up, but keeps his space from Lashley. Dawson runs in, but Roman sends him into Lashley! SPEAR to Dawson, but Dash rolls him up! The Revival win!!

Winners: The Revival, Dash pinning

The tag team Top Guys get one over on the singles top guys! Lashley and Roman are beside themselves, their competitive egos getting in the way. Lashley has even more of a reason not to see Roman as a worthy contender to the title. Will Lashley prove himself worthy in a match between these two powerhouses?

 

The Deleters of Worlds speak.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, than The B Team’s parody was absolutely WONDERFUL~! The last time WOKEN Hardy saw such a performance, he was with one William Shakespeare. As for Bray Wyatt, he does not appreciate the facade. The B Team’s eyes tell a different story. Those two are so fixated on the prize, they don’t even realize they’re in the lion’s den. “B Team, you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourselves into.” San Diego, they’re here.

WOKEN Hardy w/ Bray Wyatt VS Curt Axel w/ Bo Dallas!

Before facing off for the Raw Tag Team Championships, these two teams will try to divide and conquer each other in a singles match. Will the Son of the Perfect One be DELETED in one-on-one competition?

Of course, the parody continues as WOKEN Axel laughs and tells that this is an “eternal corn-flict” not bound by time or space. And Bo Wyatt says “We may be entering the lion’s den, but you’re about to be entering a… B-Hive! Bzz~!” They will not rest until- *cough cough* Too much smoke. San Diego, The B Team is here. *cough cough*

The bell rings and Hardy gives Axel DELETE DELETE buckle bumps. Hardy throws elbows, then headbutts, then elbows again. Hardy kicks but Axel hits back. Axel whips but Hardy reverses. Axel boots from the corner but Hardy stops him on the top rope with heavy haymakers. Hardy positions Axel then climbs up, but Axel resists. Wait, did Hardy slip!? Either way, it’s a cover, and Axel wins!!

Winner: Curt Axel, by pinfall

The B Team is even “undefeated” in singles competition! But Hardy and Wyatt are not amused. They glare at Axel and Bo while fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” But Hardy says that was WONDERFUL~! They applaud, and B Team celebrates. But who will be celebrating after Extreme Rules?

 

The Authors of Pain walk the halls.

And they bully some random staffer… Titus Worldwide comes by and let the new guys know not to mistreat the backstage crew. Thanks for the advice, but no thanks. Akam & Rezar storm off, ready to do the same to their opponents.

 

Kurt Angle and Bayley welcome Alicia Fox back to Raw.

They’re all glad to have the former Women’s Champion back, but Angle asks to speak to Bayley alone. Angle was speaking with Sasha Banks earlier, and they’re going to team up again. No! They can’t– They’re too valuable to Raw. They and Ember Moon will take on the entire Riott Squad, so get along. Bayley calms herself. Can she and Sasha make up, again?

 

The Authors of Pain VS The Gibson Brothers!

AoP returns to Raw, and both Rich & Rex regret signing up for this already. The bell rings and Rezar immediately boots Rex! Rezar brings Rex up and dumps him out of the ring! Then Rezar drags Rich in, and tags in Akam. Akam boots Rich out of the ring to join his brother. Akam puts Rex back in, then carries him for a Death Valley Driver into the corner! Tag to Rezar, Rex gets the LAST CHAPTER! Cover, AOP wins!

Winners: The Authors of Pain, Rezar pinning

They’re back again but the story remains the same. They even hammer away on each Gibson Brother! So Titus Worldwide comes to the rescue! Apollo & Titus run in but Akam & Rezar decide to head out. Will these ruthless upstarts regret being bullies? Or will Titus’ brand regret thinking AoP cares?

 

Angle and Corbin argue.

Corbin questions Angle’s judgment in making a tag team match involving the volatile “friendship”. Does he like seeing tag teams implode? Angle is just trying to make Raw as exciting as possible! But then in walks Finn Balor. Finn just wanted to ask why Lesnar had that contenders match tanked? Corbin thinks Finn should be grateful. Finn would just embarrass himself, like last week. That’s funny, coming from a guy with a TGIF manager uniform. And now, in comes Mr. Monster in the Bank, Braun Strowman. Strowman feels bad for being so rough on Kevin Owens, who just wanted to be a friend. So Strowman volunteers to be Kevin’s tag team partner. Angle is already dreading this runaway train. But who does Strowman want to face? These two. Corbin and Finn? Well, combustible tag teams are always more fun, so why not? #CheckPlease.

 

Alexa Bliss & Mickie James head to the ring.

The Goddess and three-time Raw Women’s Champion was literally slammed last week after she and Ronda Rousey had a confrontation in the ring. Alexa Bliss did rile Ronda up when she cashed in at Money in the Bank, but made it worse by calling Ronda an “over-hyped rookie.” For that, Ronda teed off her and then bombed her through the table. But because of all that, Ronda was suspended for 30 days, meaning Alexa won’t have to fear her at Extreme Rules.

So this week, Mickie James introduces the “one and only Goddess of WWE”, to a mixed reaction from San Diego. Alexa deserves it after what “that angry maniac” did to her. What’s her problem? Alexa is somehow still standing, because champions bounce back. The Baddest Woman on the Planet is just the Most Entitled Brat on the Planet. Even after what happened, Ronda doesn’t get the rules, because Alexa’s cash-in was 100% legal. Personally, Mickie sees that as one of the greatest cash-ins ever! Alexa saw the tweets, too, thank you all. But how is she reward? Facing “the bully” Nia Jax at Extreme Rules. Maybe, depends on her arm. Nia might still be reattaching it after MITB.

But the fact of the matter is: Alexa is champion while Nia is recovering and Ronda is suspended. And what’s funny is that as long as Alexa’s known Nia is that Nia can always paint herself as the victim. She walks around thinking she’s the hero of her story when she defeats “mean ol’ Alexa Bliss”. Nia thought she had her fairy tale ending and Backlash was the sequel. You know, the “different girl” beat the “mean girl”, but that’s just movies. In reality, Alexa’s the hero! Alexa has overcome every obstacle ever put in her way, like Elimination Chamber, MITB and Ronda Rousey! Boo all you want, Alexa’s still champ. Fans decide to say “You Suck!” instead. How rude. But here comes Natalya!

The Queen of Harts says the countdown is own. 23 days away from Natty’s friend, Ronda, comes back to deal with Alexa. Oooh~, so scary! So impressive that Natty can count backwards from 30. But what’s surprising is that Natty left that five star vacation with Total Divas to come back and tell Alexa all that. How does Alexa know that? Because Natty over-posts her entire life. So Natty, thanks for nothing, bye. No, she’s not. Natty talked with Angle, and he said they’re having a match, right here and now! Fans like the sound of that. And one more thing, Natty didn’t come alone. Nia Jax is here, too!

 

Natalya w/ Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James!

The Queen of Harts is fighting for her friend that was suspended, with her other friend in her corner. Can she make the Goddess of Sass pay for all the trash talk she’s been throwing? Or will Alexa find a way to slip away with a win?

Raw returns and Alexa has Natty in a body scissors. Fans rally and Natty turns around to throw hands on Alexa. Alexa grabs Natty for a guillotine, but Natty powers up and out. Alexa sunset flips but Natty rolls through. Natty wants a sharpshooter, but Alexa scrambles to the ropes. She even grabs the apron skirt, but Natty drags her back in. The referee bothers with that, but he doesn’t see Alexa kick out Natty’s bad leg, then kick her in the head. Cover, TWO! Alexa glares as she puts Natty back in the body scissors. Natty endures but Alexa rolls her over, TWO. Alexa keeps squeezing, but Natty turns around again. Alexa grabs her in a guillotine again, but Natty powers out to a Michinoku driver!

Both women are down and a 10 count begins. Natty is up first, discus misses, and ALexa throws her down by her hair. Knee drops to back flip, Insult2Injury! Cover, TWO! Alexa complains about the count, but she still stomps Natty down. She skateboard stomps on Natty’s head, then covers, TWO! Again, TWO. Again, TWO. Alexa grows frustrated, and she drags Natty up to choke her. She wants Natty to just quit, but Natty grabs her back to return the favor! ALexa breaks free but Natty starts rallying with lariats. Natty snap suplexes! Then, Russian leg sweep. Natty runs over Alexa but Mickie swipse at her. Alexa rolls Natty, TWO, but that killer right! Natty gets to ropes, but now Nia gets to trip Alexa! Discus Lariat! And Sharpshooter! Alexa taps, Natty wins!

Winner: Natalya, by submission

Turnabout is fair play as Nia helps Natty sneak one on the sneaky Alexa and Mickie. With a win over the Goddess, does this make Natty a future contender? And with Nia up first, will Alexa’s reign at Extreme Rules?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

The former Intercontinental Champion has his rematch tonight, but he won’t make excuses. He made an open challenge and lost to Dolph Ziggler. But he’s had seven days to let that loss motivate him to getting better. This Rollins here tonight will be like nothing he’s ever seen. As for Drew McIntyre, he’ll have the best seat in the house when Rollins takes the title back.

 

Jinder Mahal poses for photos.

The Modern Day Maharaja and Man of Peace is interrupted by the Riott Squad. No, smile, Mahal, it’s fine. Until the camera gets busted, on purpose. Mahal keeps calm, which just weirds the Squad out. They leave, ready to make more trouble in the ring.

Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Ember Moon, Sasha Banks & Bayley!

This is the last chance for The Boss and the Huggable One to make up as friends, but neither one seems to want to. Can they put everything in the past behind them and win against the unified Ruby, Sarah & Liv?

The bell rings and Bayley starts against Sarah. Bayley clubs away, then tags to Ember. Ember tags Sasha, then double suplexes Sarah with Bayley, and then Sasha adds meteora knees! Cover, TWO, but Sasha keeps an eye on Liv & Ruby. Sasha brings Sarah over to tag in Ember, roll up, TWO. Ember is powered into the Squad’s corner and Liv tags in. Sarah throws hands, then Liv goes Matrix. Ember still hits a back elbow, then runs. Liv follows, but Ember sweeps the legs. Ember runs, slides in, complete shot! Liv rolls out, but the others come in, only for Sasha and Bayley to knock them down. The Squad regroups on the outside, and Ember builds speed, to DIVE! Ember bowls Ruby and Liv over! For now, Ember and the “friends” work together while we go to break.

Raw returns, and Ruby has Ember in a cravat. Ember hits back, but Ruby gets her with an STO! Cover, TWO! Ruby hits Bayley just because, then pie-faces Sasha. Sasha is held back by the ref but that allows Liv & Sarah to get in cheap shots all over Ember. Ruby drags Ember up, scoops, but Ember slips out to tag Sasha! Sasha rallies on Ruby, then hits Liv & Sarah. Sasha counters a kick with a knee, then hits double knees in the corner. She has to swipe at Sarah, and that allows Ruby to dodge the second pair of knees. Ruby brings Sasha down then covers, but Bayley breaks it. Sarah throws Bayley out, but Ember drags Sarah out. Ember rocks Sarah with the roaring elbow! Liv hits Ember with headscissors!

Ruby has Sasha, but Sasha jackknife covers, TWO. Sasha hits Liv, but Ruby small package, The Squad wins!

Winners: The Riott Squad, Ruby pinning

And then Bayley just jumps Sasha!! So much for getting along!

But fans are loving this, as Bayley just throws furious hands. Sasha is shocked, but Bayley is fuming. And she goes after Sasha more! All of her frustration just explodes with every hit on Sasha. Fans love it, they want her to do more. Bayley drags Sasha up by her hair, but Sasha hits back. Bayley still puts Sasha in a corner face first! Sasha is dazed, but fans want that “One More Time!” Bayley slowly exits the ring, and grabs Sasha again to dump her onto the ground!

Fans chant “We Want Tables!” but Bayley brings Sasha up and around first, to throw her into steel steps! And then again! Bayley kneels down to look Sasha, and says “That was for everything you’ve done to me!” “You think you’re better than me?!” Fans applaud Bayley standing up to Sasha, but will this cost her her spot on Raw?

 

Kurt Angle needs to do something about Bayley & Sasha.

But then Kevin Owens comes in, and he begs not to be teamed with Strowman. But you wanted to be his friend last week. There’s no chance Strowman wants to be friends now. He always runs Kevin over, and threw him off this massive ladder! And sometimes it’s more like he wants to EAT Kevin alive! Strowman was genuine, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship. Just think about it. Kevin refuses to say anything more, which is to Angle’s liking. Will Kevin survive being Strowman’s “friend?”

 

No Way Jose VS Mojo Rawley!

The Fighting Fiesta gets a rematch with the laser-focused #KillerInstinct. Will Jose tie things up between them? Or will Mojo rise to 2-0 and on to bigger and better?

On his way to the ring, Mojo asks Jose about him wanting a rematch. Mojo’s embarrassed to be out here in the first place. Who are those people in the conga line? Why are they here? You have to earn the right to be out at ringside. They haven’t earned that, and neither has Jose.

Mojo eyes the conga line “clowns” up and down. Who is this hamburger? Todd. Well, Todd, you aware you’re a burger on national television? Fans chant for Todd, but is he really making his family proud? Is this Todd’s plan to being part of the WWE? Mojo wants Todd to listen: this moment in time, this is the closest Todd will ever be to being a WWE superstar. This is the peak of his entire existence. Will Todd ever be a superstar? NO! Mojo tells Jose, he’s not getting a rematch. Jose comes out to ask why not. Mojo punches Jose out! Mojo then leaves, not wanting to entertain this scenario any longer.

 

Angle talks with Bayley.

Guess she doesn’t care about Raw. Next week, she’s going to counseling. What about Sasha? Sasha’s in a trainer’s room! Bayley doesn’t need counseling. She will do the counseling, or she’ll be fired. Is Bayley really going to anger management class next week?

 

Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens VS Finn Balor & Baron Corbin!

The Monster in the Bank claims to have reconsidered The Prizefighter’s offer to be friends. And at the same time, he faces The Extraordinary Man, who he once called his “little buddy”, and a guy that no one really likes in the Lone Wolf. Friend or foe, who is going to #GetTheseHands?!

Finn and Kevin start with the bell, but then Corbin tags in. Corbin circles with Kevin and ties up. Kevin gets a headlock but Corbin powers out. Kevin comes back with a shoulder, but Corbin doesn’t budge. Back to the headlock, but Corbin powers out again. Corbin runs Kevin over with his shoulder! Corbin runs in but into a boot. Kevin hits Corbin with right hands, then hops up, but Corbin rocks him with an uppercut! Kevin flops down, and Corbin tags in Finn. Finn hops up to ax handle the arm, then wrenches it. Corbin tags back in, but Kevin hits back. Kevin chops and chops, then whips, but Corbin reverses into the choke slam. Kevin slips out, and tags in Strowman! Finn grins at Corbin, this is what the Constable gets for having an ego.

Strowman and Corbin circle, tie up, and Strowman pushes Corbin back. Strowman flexes, but Corbin gets around him to shove him. Corbin trash talks, but Strowman just grins. Corbin kicks low, then runs, but Strowman swats him down. Strowman hits a straight right, and down goes Corbin! Strowman tags in Kevin, and shouts, “GET IN THERE!” Kevin goes, but Corbin tags out to Finn. Finn and Kevin circle, tie up, and Kevin kicks low. Kevin puts Finn in a corner to chop and stomp away. Kevin stomps and stomps, then drags Finn out for more stomps. He puts on the chinlock, but fans build to a rally. Finn gets up, but Kevin puts him in the corner again. Kevin hits low, then hits Corbin just because. Kevin backs up, but Corbin intercepts.

Strowman comes in, and with Kevin’s help, puts Corbin in a corner. Strowman throws hands on Corbin, then Kevin and Strowman coordinate, corner clothesline from Strowman to Finn while Kevin cannonballs on Corbin!

The Monster roars, he and his unlikely ally are in control while we go to break.

Raw returns, and Finn has Kevin in an armlock. Kevin endures while fans rally. Kevin stands, but Finn keeps on the arm. Strowman and Kevin reach but they’re too far away. Kevin hits Finn with forearms, but Finn turns him around for the elbow drop DDT. Cover, Strowman kicks Finn off it. Finn backs off and Corbin tags in. Corbin goes after Kevin now with a whip into a corner. Kevin elbows back out, then side steps. Corbin slides out then in, but Kevin tags Strowman! Strowman runs Corbin over, then clubs him down with one arm! Corbin gets to a corner, Strowman corner clothesline. Strowman runs again, but into a boot, hot tag to Finn! Finn doesn’t really want to get in, but Strowman makes him, to then club him down, too.

Strowman clotheslines Corbin back out, then sees he has his targets lined up. He goes out, and runs Finn over! Then he runs Corbin over! Kevin was smart to stay on the apron. Strowman tells Kevin to do it, too. Fans like that idea. Kevin doesn’t want to run around. But then he tags in, and gives it a shot! Kevin barrels Finn over, then runs into Corbin’s clothseline. So Strowman grabs Corbin, to put him into barriers. Strowman helps Kevin up, then runs at Corbin again, only to be sent into the post! Kevin returns to the ring, but Finn is back. Slingblade from Finn! Finn takes aim, but Corbin tags in a bit stiffly, so Finn kicks him down! Kevin goes after Finn, but Finn holds ropes to dump Kevin out. Finn then builds speed, but Corbin drags him out! These two fight, their team is imploding!

The ring count begins, climbs, but neither Corbin nor Finn care anymore. They just brawl to the stage, and are counted out!

Winners: Strowman & Kevin, by count-out

They did it! Their first time teaming together, and this unlikely duo succeeds! Or rather, Finn and Corbin fail. But either way, Kevin is super excited. “See what we can do together?” He offers Strowman a handshake, and fans want Strowman to #ShakeHisHand. Kevin fears the worst, and bails out, all the way to the stage. But Strowman picks up his briefcase and follows after. Kevin isn’t sure what Strowman’s up to, but he doesn’t want any part of it. Will they ever truly get along?

 

Kevin runs in fear of Strowman.

He hides in the locker room. Strowman comes looking for Kevin, and asks people where Kevin went. Who? This guy just works concessions. Strowman’s looking for the guy “who looks like he has a bowling ball under his shirt.” Sorry, haven’t seen him. Strowman storms off, and Kevin is safe for another day.

Kevin comes out of hiding after the break.

He has his luggage and has security keep him safe while he head for the parking lot. Kevin makes it out of the building, but the valet is a different story. The valet says he no longer has Kevin’s keys. Because Strowman already got them for him! Strowman lets Kevin has his keys, but hopefully he has insurance, because look what he did to Kevin’s car: it’s upside-down! And maybe on fire… Strowman laughs as he walks back inside. Will Kevin ever be safe with the Monster around?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins!

The Architect put out the challenge and the Show-Off accepted. The Scottish Stud may have had a part to play, but in the end, Rollins still lost and now Ziggler is a six-time IC Champion. Can Rollins make Ziggler’s reign short and revive #MondayNightRollins? Or will Ziggler find a way to retain and cancel it for good?

Raw returns and the introductions are made, the belt is raised and we begin. Rollins dropkicks Ziggler right away, then stomps him out of the ring. Ziggler regroups with McIntyre, then comes back in. He and Rollins circle, and Rollins corners Ziggler in a corner. The ref calls for the ropebreak, and Rollins backs off at 4. Rollins and Ziggler circle again, tie up, and Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler throws hands, but Rollins counters and chops. Rollins snapmares and rolls Ziggler with a crucifix, TWO. Rollins arm-drags Ziggler to an armlock.  Ziggler gets up and backs Rollins up. They end up in the ropes, and Ziggler lets go at 4, to then get Rollins with a sucker punch. McIntyre smirks as the ref tells him to back off.

Ziggler brings Rollins up to bump him off buckles. He then throws body shots, and snapmares Rollins for the elbow drop. Cover, ONE, but Ziggler stays on Rollins. Ziggler wrenches the arm, puts on a headlock, but Rollins reaches. Ziggler gets the headlock takedown, but Rollins works against it. Fans rally while they stand up, but Ziggler won’t let Rollins out of the hold. Ziggler throws Rollins with another takedown, but fans rally more for Rollins. They stand up again, and Rollins fights his way out. Ziggler throws Rollins down, then gets another headlock takedown. It’s a cover, ONE. Ziggler keeps on Rollins, but Rollins endures. Rollins sits up, stands up again, then powers out. Things speed up, and Rollins hip tosses and dropkicks Ziggler down! Ziggler bails out of the ring, and regroup with McIntyre, but Rollins comes over.

McIntyre stands in Rollins Way, but Rollins still gets Ziggler. Rollins bounces Ziggler off apron and barriers, then stares down with McIntyre again. This match continues but we go to break.

Raw returns, and Ziggler kicks out Rollins’ leg. Rollins clutches his knee while McIntyre tells Ziggler to keep on him. Ziggler kicks the leg again, and Rollins gets to a corner. Ziggler grinds Rollins’ face into ropes, then throws elbows. He backs off at the referee’s count, but then snapmares Rollins for another elbow drop. Cover, TWO, but Ziggler wraps Rollins up in a chinlock and body scissors. Fans rally for Rollins while he endures the squeeze. Rollins fires up and gets up, to then fight out of the hold. Ziggler hits back, then whips corner to corner, but Rollins reverses hard! Both men are down, but Rollins sits up first. Ziggler drags himself up, but Rollins runs in. Ziggler puts Rollins out of the ring and down to the ground! A 10 count begins but Rollins beats it at 5. Ziggler covers, TWO.

McIntyre paces while Ziggler stands back up. Ziggler brings Rollins back up, then throws hands. Ziggler claims he’s the best, not Rollins. He throws more hands on Rollins, and starts to feel his own ego. He stands Rollins up, whips him, but Rollins kicks back. Rollins suplexes but Ziggler slips out to put on the sleeper! Rollins powers out, but Ziggler again gets the sleeper. They go backwards into buckles, but Ziggler holds on. Rollins throws Ziggler off and the two run, and collide with double crossbodies! Both men hit the mat, and fans build to a rally. Rollins sits up first, but Ziggler follows. Rollins chops, then chops, then whips. Ziggler reverses but Rollins boots back. Rollins hops up, but has to jump over, and then runs to Slingblade!

Ziggler staggers and Rollins clotheslines him out. Rollins takes aim, builds speed, but McIntyre clubs him from behind! The referee didn’t see a thing as he was watching Ziggler. Ziggler returns, and clobbers Rollins for himself. The referee suspects foul play, and EJECTS McIntyre! Ziggler and McIntyre both protest, but Rollins rolls Ziggler! McIntyre distracts the referee, Rollins doesn’t get counted even though he holds it for way longer than three! Rollins lets Ziggler go to hit McIntyre. Then he hits Ziggler! Ziggler rolls out, Rollins runs, and DIVES on them both!!

Rollins drags Ziggler up and into the ring, then climbs up to the top rope. Ziggler trips him up! Cover, TWO! That was so close, but still so far from the end, and we go to one last break.

Raw returns once more, and Rollins fights his way out of another sleeper. He swings Ziggler, Revolution Knee! But both men are down. Rollins crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK. McIntyre has truly been ejected, so he won’t be a factor now. Rollins sits up while fans fire up. Ziggler gets to the apron, but Rollins stands first. Rollins joins Ziggler out there, brings him over, and prepares a powerbomb! Ziggler fights out, gets down, then tosses Rollins off. But Rollins is back, only for Ziggler to satellite DDT Rollins on the apron!

The ref counts, but Rollins doesn’t stir until 6. Rollins stands up at 9 and beats the count! Rollins still clutches his head and neck, but he’s still in this match.

San Diego loves what’s going on as they declare “This is Awesome!” Ziggler takes aim and stomps to tune himself up. He shouts this is his time, and he takes aim at Rollins. Rollins turns around, but stops the kick to counter with a Buckle Bomb! SUPERKICK from Rollins, cover, TWO! No one can believe it, but that was just a two. Rollins gets back up again, and fans fire up as he climbs to the top rope. He aims, but Ziggler intercepts him! Rollins headbutts Ziggler but Ziggler punches Rollins. Ziggler climbs up again, but Rollins resists. Rollins gives another headbutt, then adjusts on the top rope. FROG SPLASH HITS! TWO!! Fans still chant “This is Awesome!” as Rollins stomps “Burn It Down!”

Rollins SUPERKICKS, but Ziggler dodges the stomp. Ziggler tries but can’t get the ZigZag. Rollins rolls Ziggler, TWO, Ziggler rolls, TWO and Rollins tries again, TWO! Rollins runs in at Ziggler, but Ziggler side steps him and he goes into the post. ZIG-ZAG!! Cover, TWO!? HOW?! Fans are thunderous for this match even as both men are down. Rollins crawls over to Ziggler while Ziggler crawls over to him. They both get up, and Ziggler puts Rollins in a corner. Ziggler hoists Rollins up, then climbs up to join him. Ziggler prepares but Rollins resists. Rollins shifts, and they change positions. Rollins takes aim, but not at the floor! Ziggler resists just to save himself, but now they’ve completely changed positions, and Rollins SUPERPLEX! Roll through, FALCON ARROW! Cover, but McIntyre returns to drag the ref out!?

McIntyre not only violates the rules of ejection, but he attacks Rollins!

Winner: Rollins, by disqualification; Ziggler retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship

McIntyre keeps beating down Rollins, having succeeded in helping Ziggler hold onto the title. He then drags Rollins up and Ziggler joins in, but here comes Roman! The Big Dog isn’t going to let his Shield Brother be beaten down on top of being robbed. Ziggler heads out but into a SPEAR! McIntyre glares and these two throw hands! McIntyre headbutts Roman, but Roman comes back with a SUPERMAN Punch! Roman holds the ring while McIntyre and Ziggler regroup. But in the end, Rollins only wins the match, not the championship. Will Rollins be given another shot? And will Roman be there to keep an eye on McIntyre next time?

 


 

My Thoughts:

A really good night for Raw, after quite some time of being mediocre again. While we did get another Lashley-Roman segment that leads to a Lashely-Roman VS Revival match, that was the point Dash & Dawson were making. And this time, they win because Lashley and Roman are progressing in their story to be more and more against each other. Plus, the Revival being back, they need wins to stay afloat. Same goes for the AoP when they showed up later. Those guys deserve some wins, and I’m sure that’s what will happen in their feud with Titus Worldwide. I was surprised Axel won the way he did, that looked like a botch went right. Either way, this keeps B Team looking halfway believable against Deleters of World, but I still don’t see them winning.

Alexa and Mickie up the Heel points, but great for Natty to get the win with Nia by her side. This really stacks the contenders up for Alexa, but with Ronda back in time for Summerslam, bet on that being the time and place for Ronda taking the belt off whoever has it, even if it’s her friend Natty. The Six Woman tag was actually set up just the right way, where it seemed unnecessary, became entertaining, then really took off when Bayley finally let loose. I don’t think Bayley is Heel, she’s just a tougher Face. The anger management she’s forced to go to better have Dr. Shelby, and references to Team Hell No. Mojo being no nonsense is just as eerie as it should be. Poor “Todd” got roasted, too. That feud only goes forward if Angle forces Mojo to have that rematch.

The tag team match of two dysfunctional teams was actually really great. I was wondering if Strowman was gonna run Kevin over during that spot just out of habit, but him turning a car over off-camera is still good enough. Strowman obviously has to bide his time with Lesnar not showing up. The work-shoot of Lesnar not participating until Summerslam won’t matter to Strowman, and I personally hope Strowman cashes in on Lesnar the minute Lesnar is on camera. In the meantime, he can just keep messing with Kevin and everyone else. That was a killer main event, and that’s even after seeing today’s WWE UK Championship Tournament. The only downside is the screwy finish of McIntyre still interfering, to then prompt Roman to come out. If only Ambrose was healthy. But maybe Lashley can use this against Roman, too, talking about Roman “saving face” for the loss.

My Score: 8.8/10


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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/19/24)

Prepare for Backlash!

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Did you know that challenger in French is still “challenger?”

In a WrestleMania rematch, AJ Styles takes on LA Knight in a #1 contender’s match, to challenge WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight; Styles wins and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Backlash.
  • SmackDown/WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma; The Profits win and will challenge A-Town Down Under for the titles.
  • Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez; Santos wins.
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight!

After fighting their way through Triple Threats, the Phenomenal One and the Mega Star meet again, YEAH! It’s a WrestleMania Rematch, the winner moving on to Backlash, YEAH! Will AJ Styles avenge his loss at the biggest WrestleMania ever? Or will everyone from here to France know whose game it is?

The bell rings and the two step to each other. The fans in Pittsburgh “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Knight lets Styles know it. Styles snarls, they tie up, and they go around. Knight puts Styles in a corner, the ref counts, but Knight lets off slowly. Styles kicks low! The fans boo but Styles headlocks. Knight pulls hair, throws body shots, then headlocks in return. Styles pushes Knight to ropes, powers up and out, then hurdles, drops and DROP- NO, Knight avoids the dropkick to BOOT, and LARIAT! Knight then TOSSES Styles out of the ring, storms out after him, and brings him to commentary. Knight SMACKS Styles off the desk! And again! And again!

The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every SMACK, then Knight tops it off with one last SMACK! Knight drags Styles up and into the ring, storms in, but Styles KICKS Knight in the ropes! Styles reels Knight in, but Knight back drops Styles up and out! Styles flounders on the floor, Knight runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Styles hits desk again and Steel City is loving “L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Styles soaks up the heat as he taunts Knight. Styles brings Knight up, but Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight backs Styles down, whips, but Styles ducks ‘n dodges! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Both men slowly sit up, crawl around, and then stand. Styles fires a shot, but Knight gives it back! The haymakers go back and forth, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH!” Styles staggers but he still ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Styles again and again, but Styles throat chops! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but Knight ducks the lariat!

Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Styles! Knight stomps a mudhole in at the corner, “YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner to KNEE Styles down! The fans fire up, Knight puts Styles up, and Knight ROCKS Styles. Knight climbs, but Styles ROCKS him back! Knight staggers away, but returns to spring right up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that crash but both men are down again. The fans rally as Knight rises, and he brings Styles around. Knight reels Styles in, suplexes, but Styles slips free! Styles goes to a corner, ELBOWS Knight away, then goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Knight stays in this and Styles starts losing his cool. The fans rally for Knight but Styles looms over him. Styles brings Knight up and in, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight then scoops Styles, but Styles slips free to roll up, TWO!! Knight escapes, swings, but Styles dodges to PELE! Knight ends up in a corner, Styles runs in, but Knight puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Knight, springboards, but Knight gets under! Styles comes back, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Then JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up with with Knight as he storms around. Styles rises, Knight winds up, B F- NO, Styles bails out!

The fans boo but Knight storms over. Knight drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS him! And pokes him in the eyes! Then ROCKS him! And springboards, to PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship)

Styles bent the rules, but a win is a win! He will get his shot at the American Nightmare in Lyon, France, will this year’s Backlash be phenomenal?

 

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

The car pulls up, Solo Sikoa steps out in a suit, and Paul Heyman is there to greet him. Nice threads, Solo. Tama Tonga walks over and Solo says meet the newest member of The Bloodline, Solo’s MFT. The Wise Man is stunned. But Solo cuts him off to ask if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman hesitates and Solo asks again, is Kevin here? If he is, he’s probably already in the locker room. Then take them to him. Heyman obeys and leads on. There have already been changes to the chain of command, is there about to be a change to the landscape of SmackDown, too?

 

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

In a familiar scene to Monday Night Raw, there is a podium with something under a satin sheet. The SmackDown General Manager welcomes to Pittsburgh the Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque! The fans fire up as The Game makes his way to the ring! HHH joins Aldis in the ring, gets a mic, looks around at the crowd as he revels in the cheers, then says, “On the heels of the biggest, most epic, history making, record breaking, epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time, we are here tonight, sold out, 15 thousand strong, Pittsburgh, PA! So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer that!

HHH wants to take a moment to say that he thinks Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing great jobs at leading their respective brands into the future. Thank you to both of them. And when we talk about the future, we have to talk about the history made coming into the future. So when history is made, HHH wants it to be represented here befitting of those that make it. So Aldis, if we could, let us bring the… champions out here. Aldis says without further ado, the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The fans boo as A-Town Down Under make their way, blue belts in hand.

Theory & Waller join Aldis and HHH in the ring, mics already in hand, and they soak up the heat from Steel City. Waller says this is huge. Monday, we saw the second place champions get new belts. And now A-Town Down Under will be presented new titles! Theory says speaking of truth, didn’t Truth think HHH was a magician? Well, who knows what magic trick HHH has to make these guys look better than they already do, but hey, give it a try. HHH says congratulations on becoming tag team champions, so he will show them what they will wear going forward. From now on, they will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Reveal! In the style of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era belts, the solid gold shines. HHH offers a handshake, but Waller leaves him hanging to shake Theory’s hand! Aldis makes it clear to them. They ever pop off and disrespect HHH like that, here’s a real magic trick: A-Clown Down Under will disappear, permanently! The fans like the sound of that! Aldis snatches the blue belts away since they won’t need them, and speaking of disappearing, there’s a chance one of the following four teams will make their title reign disappear. That #1 contenders match starts right now! The fans fire up, but which team defies the odds to get some golden tickets to France?

 

Backstage interview with Naomi.

Kayla Braxton is with The Glow and says last week, she beat Tiffany Stratton to get this title opportunity tonight. Will the friendship with Bayley get in the way of this match? Naomi says no, of course not. Bayley’s her sister, and she needed help against Damage CTRL, so Naomi was more than happy to help. But in no way will friendship get in the way of this opportunity. It has been over two YEARS since Naomi’s last WWE singles championship match, and there is nothing that will get in the way of making the most of this moment. Now last week, Tiffy Time felt the glow, so that same energy keeps going tonight.

Naomi is also looking forward to next week’s WWE Draft, where she will walk in the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. Naomi is ready, but will she be able to best Bayley in Bayley’s first title defense?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance, followed by Akam & Rezar with the Final Testament. Waller & Theory are on commentary, Waller admitting he wants any team but AOP, and Theory saying these teams are fortunate to have real superstars leading their division. In this form of Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are active, so the Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate, starts against Montez Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Bate powers up to pry at the hold but Ford clamps on tighter. Bate powers up and out, drops, but Ford leaps over! The fans cheer, things keep moving, Bate feints high to drop low!

Bate shows knuckle lock, Ford obliges, but Bate wrenches, baits and double pump handles to FLIP Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford gets up to sweep and cover, TWO! Bate steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Ford gets up, dropkicks cancel out, and both men kip up! The fans fire up and the two reset. But then Humberto Carrillo sneaks a tag, before he DECKS Bate with a sucker punch! Ford dodges Humberto but Angel Garza holds the ropes open! Ford tumbles out,  Garza tags in, and Humberto sits Ford up. Garza runs in to KNEE Ford down! The fans boo, Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza back suplexes, Ford lands out!

Ford tags Dawkins and he dodges Garza to FLYING ELBOW! Garza tags out to Akam, but then the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, tags in off Dawkins! Rezar tags, Dunne runs up but Akam LARIATS him down! Rezar DECKS Dawkins, then the AOP start clearing the corners! But Ford goes up to leap, but into an URENAGE! The fans boo but the AOP roar and soak up the heat. Waller’s worst case scenario might end up reality, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Ford endures a facelock. Ford fights up, pries at the hold, but Rezar shoves him to ELBOW him down! Rezar talks trash, Waller taunts the Steelers players sitting in the front row that they don’t really know what championships are, and then Rezar sucker punches Dawkins down! Rezar stands Ford up, Canadian Racks and bends him! Ford endures, the fans rally, but Rezar thrashes Ford around! Ford kicks and flails, he gets free, hot tag to Dunne! Bate sneaks a tag, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Akam and then NCR fire off on Rezar! The fans fire up, Humberto runs in, but Dunne dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

Bate & Dunne STOMP Humberto’s hands! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK! Garza runs up, but into the REBOUNDER GERMAN COMBO!! The fans fire up with NCR, but Rezar runs up! He grabs Dunne, but Bate says Bop up, BANG! Bate fireman’s carries Rezar?! But Rezar ELBOWS right free! Dunne GAMANGIRIS, Ford SUPERKICKS, and Dawkins ENZIGIRIS! Rezar wobbles, and everyone helps Bate gets Rezar up! BIG STRONG AIRPLANE SPINE! But then Legado CLOBBER Bate and Rezar! They BOOT Dunne, whip the Profits but the Profits reverse to TOSS Legado out! Ellering coaches Rezar while the Profits regroup.

Bate gets up, Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins brings Bate to the very top, but Dunne CLUBS Dawkins! NCR mug Dawkins but Ford joins in! They brawl, but AOP add on! Humberto finds Rezar to tag in, before the DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM!! Bate’s the only one left up top, so Legado mug him! They double trophy lift Bate, to DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCH him onto everyone!! Humberto then finds Bate, sunset flips and rewinds, Garza jumps, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as all eight men are down around ringside, and Waller says this is gonna be easy pickings for A-Town Down Under now.

Dunne grabs Garza, Bate has Humberto, STEREO ANKLE LOCKS!! Grapevine for Garza! But Humberto BOOTS Bate onto Dunne! Legado is free, Ellering has AOP regroup, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Rezar CLUBS Dawkins down. Rezar soaks up heat, taunts the other teams, then CLUBS Dawkins again. Rezar brings Dawkins up again, but Dawkins fires off body shots! Rezar KNEES low, reels Dawkins in, talks more trash, and lifts Dawkins up, to POWERBOMB! But then Dunne runs up to ROCK Rezar! Akam gets in to scoop Dunne and SLAM him on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Rezar looks to Ellering and he coaches AOP. Rezar HAMMERS Dawkins, Akam tags, and AOP get NCR up! The fans boo but NCR RANA free to send AOP into each other! Ford jumps in, as does Garza.

All the teams realize, they gotta do something about AOP. So they all mug AOP! The fans fire up as AOP tumble out, but now who strikes first? Dunne runs up but Garza SUPERKICKS him first! Bate waistlocks Garza and Ford winds up, but Garza ducks so the BACKHAND hits Bate! Garza SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins DECKS Garza! Humberto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Theory says if A-Town Down Under were in this match, he’d knock everyone out and Waller could just sneak in to cover. Humberto and Dawkins rise and go to corners. Humberto runs up, but Dawkins POUNCES him away!

Dawkins gets Humberto up, Ford returns and tags in! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Humberto and Ford climbs! The stars are out for the BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! Another save from the Bruiserweight and Ford is frustrated. Dunne drags Dawkins up to CHOP, but Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins whips Dunne out of the ring, but Dunne grabs the arm! And he pulls off the glove so he can SNAP fingers! The fans fire up, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Ford brings Humberto up, Humberto JAWBREAKERS! Bate tags in off Ford, BOOTS Garza, then runs up, but into a POP-UP! But Bate RANAS Humberto!!

Bate then DUMPS Garza out, goes to the apron, and Dunne lines up targets. Bate and Dunne climb, Ford runs in, NCR DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT while Ford FLIES over the corner post!! Down goes Legado and AOP!! The fans are losing their minds as Bate hurries to get Humberto up. Bate puts Humberto in, reels him in, underhooks, but Humberto fights it! Humberto back drops but Bate lands on his feet! Humberto cradles, TWO! Humberto LARIATS Bate, tag to Garza! Legado gets Bate up, feed to the POP-UP KICK!! #FTY! Humberto then DIVES to take out Dunne! Garza goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT!!

But Ford flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! The fans are thunderous as everyone is down again! Bate flounders, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins whips Legado, Ford joins in, THE REVELATION!! Cover, PROFITS WIN!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Waller & Theory are relieved it isn’t AOP, but they still look a bit annoyed that it is Ford & Dawkins. The Profits are Triple Crown Tag Team Champions from Raw to SmackDown to NXT, but will they soon add the WWE Tag Team Championships to make it a grand slam?

 

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton is with The Role Model, and brings up the emotional moment from Monday Night Raw where Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her title. But let us focus on Bayley’s title, as she defends it for the first time against Naomi. Where is her head at ahead of the main event? Bayley says after seeing Rhea vacate the Women’s World Championship on Raw, Bayley appreciates her reign more. She is focused, and she has realized she’s THE Women’s Champion in WWE right now, something she does not take for granted. Because we all know that with the WWE Draft, things are bound to change.

And as excited as Bayley is to face her friend, Naomi, one thing that won’t change is her as THE WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley is just as confident at Naomi, so something’s gotta give! Will The Role Model #FeelTheGlow? Or will she still be shining with gold after tonight?

 

Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa.

The Wise Man apologizes that they haven’t found Kevin Owens, but he has to be here somewhere. Just look at the time. They will find him, somewhere. Solo stops listening and heads to gorilla. Heyman follows after, but Solo gives him a look. Heyman says he isn’t trying to upset Solo. Please believe him. The last person on this planet Heyman wants to piss off is Solo. But respectfully, Solo is making decisions that are not his to make, yet. One day, these will all be Solo’s decisions. But not now, not here! These are decisions that can only be made by one man. Solo asks Heyman if he’s done talking. Heyman asks if MFT is coming with Solo.

Solo just gives a thumbs up, with that taped thumb. The music hits and Solo makes his entrance, Heyman still following all the way into the ring. What does the Enforcer have planned? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his usual introduction. And he doesn’t know if there is a list of the most brilliant backstage maneuvering politicians int he history of the WWE, but if there were, Heyman would have to think that he personally is in the top… Well, permit Heyman, with Solo’s permission, to explain what’s going on right now within The Bloodline, “the premier act in the history of WWE.” The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” but Solo shrugs that off. Heyman assures us that as The Wise Man for… Heyman gets emotional, so Solo just snatches the mic! The fans boo but Solo paces.

Solo tries to talk but the fans boo. Solo says last week, he had to lose a brother! He had to! It was in order for him to find a new one! His MFT, Tama Tonga! And with that, a bloodied Kevin Owens is tossed out, by the Good Bad Guy! Tama shoves Kevin down the ramp, stalks behind him, and referees rush out to stop him from doing anything further! Kevin can’t even sit up, but Tama steps over him to go to the ring. The fans boo as Tama joins Solo in the ring while the refs help Kevin to his feet and to the back. Tama raises his finger to the sky, because he acknowledges Solo! Heyman has no choice but to go along, but wait! Kevin is heading back down the ramp!?

The fans fire up as Kevin shows his grit and defiance! He drags Tama out to fire off hands!! The fans cheer but then Solo whips Kevin into steel steps! Solo drags Kevin back up, puts him in the ring, but now security rushes in! Tama storms in after Kevin but Kevin TACKLES Tama! The security gets Kevin away from Tama, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Kevin down!! The fans boo but then Tama SPLASHES Kevin! Tama rains down fists on that bloody wound, then he DECKS guard after guard! Producers try but Tama is a madman! Tama shoves everyone away so he can slip out of the ring, to grab a chair!!

The fans boo as Tama storms back in, but now Aldis steps up! Aldis warns The Bloodline here, and Solo has Tama stand down. Solo takes the chair from Tama to show they’re done here. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but the damage is done. Solo & Tama are a dangerous duo, will nothing and no one stop them from taking over SmackDown?

 

Heyman goes to the parking lot.

He’s in shock, but Aldis finds him and pulls him along. Was Heyman aware of this? Aldis shows Heyman the aftermath of one car T-boning another! And in case Heyman can’t guess, the struck car was Kevin’s. The attacking car was Tama’s! Heyman says this wasn’t authorized! No, Heyman, Aldis is speaking now. He gets this is a conflict within The Bloodline, but on his show, things are settle din the ring. Next week is the Draft, a lot of eyeballs on it, and a lot top brass are gonna be here. So Aldis will not tolerate this behavior. So make sure The Bloodline understands. Because, Heyman, if you don’t, the repercussions will be equally savage.

Aldis brings Heyman in close to tell him losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences. Will the Wise Man be able to rein in such an unruly force as Solo and Tama?

 

Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!

The LWO still doesn’t believe Legado’s claims that they had nothing to do with Dragon Lee going down before WrestleMania, so they’re going to get to the bottom of this one themselves! Will Caribbean Cool make the Emperor of Lucha confess his crimes? Or will Santos prove he was right all along?

The bell rings and the two talk trash. Then they start throwing hands! Carlito backs Santos down but Santos gets around to whisper something in Carlito’s ear. Carlito ELBOWS Santos away, runs up and hits a THESZ PRESS! Carlito then bumps Santos off buckles, fires hands, then has him in another corner. Carlito whips corner to corner, runs up, but Santos BOOTS him! Santos runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Vega coaches Carlito to stay on Santos and he brings Santos up. Carlito ROCKS Santos, whips, but Santos KICKS him! Santos runs, but into a DROPKICK! Carlito kips up and the fans fire up!

Santos is on the outside, the ref won’t let Carlito go after him, but then Carlito WRECKS Santos with a dropkick! Carlito loads up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Santos and Carlito hoists Vega up to celebrate! The fans cheer the LWO on as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Santos whips Carlito hard into buckles. Carlito falls over, Santos soaks up the heat, then Santos HEADBUTTS Carlito to a corner. Santos then CHOPS, gets space and runs in, to DOUBLE KNEE! Carlito slumps in the corner but Santos puts him up top! Santos GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Carlito flounders, Santos pushes him to a cover, TWO! Vega is relieved but Santos huffs and puffs. Santos rains down fists on Carlito, then clamps on a top wristlock. Carlito endures and Vega coaches him while the fans rally. Carlito rises, throws body shots, then LARIATS!

The fans rally as Carlito starts to rally with more clotheslines, and an ELBOW! Carlito kicks, runs, and KNEE LIFTS! Santos wobbles, Carlito LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Santos is tougher than that but Carlito says he’s going up! Carlito climbs, but then Lopez gets on the apron! Vega storms right over to YANK her down! The fans fire up as Vega goes up, and RANAS, only for Lopez to block! Lopez SWINGS Vega into barriers! Carlito ROCKS Santos, steps in, but the ref is reprimanding Lopez so he misses Santos KICK ropes to jam Carlito low! Santos reels Carlito in to POST him, then brings him back for the fireman’s carry! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Santos wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

La Madrina helps The Emperor steal this victory, them taking down the Caribbean Cool and La Muneca! Whether or not Legado beat down Dragon Lee, will nothing stop them from conquering SmackDown?

 

VIP Skybox interview with Damage CTRL!

Kayla is with Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane & Asuka as they sit way up in the back. What made the former WWE Women’s Champion and crew want a special view of this main event? Dakota takes offense for Iyo with the use of “former” there. Is Kayla trying to disrespect them? Iyo will take that title back when they’re good and ready. But for now, they’re here to watch two people they can’t stand tear each other apart! Does Dakota need to remind everyone here that DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the WWE!? The fans boo but Dakota says the Kabuki Warriors are STILL the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that will not change-

WAID! Jade Cargill is here! She makes her entrance from the other skybox, with Bianca Belair alongside her! The strongEST duo argues with DMG CTRL, their own title intentions clear. But for now, it’s time for the main event! Who shines with gold here in the Steel City? We find out, after the break!

 

Cody Rhodes speaks.

The American Nightmare is in the UK as part of Raw’s tour, but he still took time to say, “What is the task? Run up the score, leave no doubt, right? Formerly, the task was ‘win the big belt, in the big place.’ We’ve done that. Now, it’s a whole new frontier for us, undiscovered country.” There’s an old expression: the title can make the man, or the man makes the title. Which will it be for Cody? He’s in London tonight, the O2, 16 THOUSAND, then it’s on to Belfast, Ireland. Cody is keeping his promise to bring this title all around the world. Back home, AJ Styles has emerged the #1 contender to this championship.

So then, it will be two Georgia boys duking it out in Lyon, France. The first time ever, at that. Styles has an unprecedented reputation in pro-wrestling. The modern day Excellence of Execution, if you will. Styles rarely misses. But the same goes for Cody. So Backlash in France, Cody looks forward to it. The contract signing is next week, even as the WWE Draft is going on! Will things be explosive when American Nightmare and Phenomenal One meet face to face?

 

WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and either we shine or we glow!

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. The two tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Naomi powers up but Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Naomi slips through, rolls Bayley up, ONE!! The fans rally as the two go again. Naomi waistlocks, Bayley headlocks to hit a takeover, and she makes it a cover, TWO! Naomi fights up to her feet, powers up but Bayley wrenches gain. Naomi waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Both women get up, Naomi ducks the boot but Bayley arm-drags her around! Bayley has the cording hold, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights to her feet. Naomi whips Bayley away, but Bayley runs her over!

The fans cheer and Bayley tells DMG CTRL she’s watching them, too. Things speed up, Naomi does the splits to duck under, then she comes back to kick from below! She drags Bayley into a cradle, ONE!! Bayley hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! ONE!! Naomi and Bayley get up, Naomi trips Bayley to jackknife, ONE!! Ghost pin, TWO! Both women hurry up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans rally while both women are down, evenly matched in this chess game so far. Both women rise, and Naomi SHOTGUNS first! Then she runs up, uses the ropes to slingshot and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Naomi is frustrated but keeps her focus.

Naomi drags Bayley up, Bayley shoves her away. Naomi dodges the lariat to hit REAR VIEW! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Naomi lets her know it was that close, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Bayley whips Naomi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bayley gets up, Naomi runs up, JAWBREAKER! Bayley ends up in a corner now, Naomi runs in, and she forearm SMASHES! Naomi then runs Bayley corner to corner for a BUCKLE BULLDOG! Naomi slips out to the apron while Bayley flounders, and Naomi climbs. The fans duel as Naomi CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Naomi knows that. Naomi keeps her focus while DMG CTRL, Bianca & Jade all focus on them. Naomi ROCKS Bayley, tries the ropes again, but Bayley stops the bulldog to SMACK Naomi off buckles!

Bayley then reels Naomi in, SAIDO! High stack, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Bayley remembers Naomi’s tougher than that, too. Bayley drags Naomi into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Bayley aims, to MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bayley writhes, Naomi goes to the apron. Bayley stands, runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi slingshots, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Naomi is stunned! Naomi refocuses, goes to the corner, and goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Bayley returns the favor and both women are down. Bayley shakes out the leg, stands and runs, to KNEE Naomi down!

Bayley hurries to put Naomi back in a drop zone, and then hobbles her way to a corner. Bayley climbs, to MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time and Bayley covers, TWO!! Naomi survives and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley hobbles on the bad leg, leans on ropes while she catches her breath, and the fans duel even more. Bayley stalks Naomi, hooks her up, but Naomi PELES free! Naomi hurries to a corner, Bayley runs up, but Naomi goes up to sunset flip! TWO!! But into the BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Bayley endures, reaches out with her legs, but then she tucks to a cover, TWO!! Naomi gets up, both women throw forearms!

They both wobble, storm up, and Bayley eggs Naomi on. Naomi wants this, right? So hit her! Naomi fires a forearm, Bayley hits back! Naomi winds up to forearm, Bayley comes back with another! The fans fire up as the forearms go harder and faster! Bayley gets the edge, but Naomi SWATS one, to SCORPION KICK, and then JUMP KNEE! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, Naomi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and a hard one, both women are down on the floor! The ring count starts, Naomi stirs at 3 of 10. Naomi brings Bayley up, but BAYLEY2BELLY onto the desk!! The count is 7! Naomi flounders on the desk, but then TIFFANY ATTACKS BAYLEY!!!

Winner: Bayley, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Tiffany makes herself the center of attention as always as she ruins this main event! She dribbles Naomi off the desk, then RAMS Bayley into steel steps! Then she drags Naomi off the desk to POST her! Tiff storms back over to Bayley, puts her in the ring, then adds Naomi in, too. Tiff says sorry not sorry, but it’s Tiffy Time! Tiffy goes to the corner, for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Tiff flexes over both champion and challenger, having upset Bianca & Jade but having entertained DMG CTRL. But will Wrestling Barbie pay for pissing off the Role Model?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown that also acted as a WWE Draft go-home. Great match from Styles and Knight to open the night but also follow-up their WrestleMania match. Naturally, Styles wins because then he and Knight are 1-1 in 1v1 matches, and also natural Face VS Heel right there. Good promo from Cody Rhodes, that title match is going to be awesome. Awesome new looks for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though maybe too much gold. Nothing really pops when it’s all the same color, so they should’ve had silver on the WWE logo and the words, “Tag Team Champions,” but it’s still a great redesign.

We also got an awesome Fatal 4 Way tag match, with Theory & Waller decent on commentary. And pieces are falling into place for what I was thinking: Profits win the right to face Theory & Waller, we’ll surely get Lashley wanting the US Championship, we’ll get a good faction feud there as we approach those title matches. Also good continuation of the LWO VS Legado feud with Carlito VS Santos, and distractions of course helped Santos win. There’s gotta come a point where Carlito reveals it was him, Dragon Lee, it was him all along! Now, that would make like the third turn since the start of this rivalry (Santos to Heel, Andrade to Face and Carlito to Heel) but hey, the drama is heightened each time, and maybe Dragon Lee will actually get a win in this feud.

Great stuff in Bayley VS Naomi, as well as all the promos. DMG CTRL watching from the skybox, same as Bianca & Jade, was good stuff. The tag title match is definitely coming for Backlash, that will be great stuff. But I should’ve figured Tiffany would “ruin” the main event so that there won’t really be a choice between Bayley and Naomi. The Draft is coming, hopefully they think to keep all three on the same brand, and probably here on SmackDown, so that those three can have it out. I don’t know the chances of a Triple Threat for Backlash but it still feels possible. Though  at the same time, I don’t think they’d take the title off Bayley after only a month, so she’d probably use Tiffany against Naomi to retain.

And what wild stuff with this new, more vicious Bloodline. Solo is in a suit because he certainly thinks he is Tribal Chief already, given Roman Reigns did give him the nod as “Tribal Heir” a few months ago. And while Tama is the MFT, which everyone is already wondering what that even means, it’s clear he’s also the right hand man and a loose cannon at that. Without the Draft, it’d be pretty wild for Jimmy to come back and help Kevin against this new Bloodline. With the Draft, we could get Jey back on the same brand as his family and then he and Jimmy stand against Solo and Tama. But either way, it’ll be a wild ride in this new chapter and I’m all for it.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2024

Motor City Machine Guns either go out on their backs, or head to Rebellion as champs! Lets see how they finish their current run in TNA!

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No burying the lead here! The Main Event is The System versus Motor City Machine Guns, and it’s the Go Home episode before Rebellion! So we’re guaranteed a damn good tag match, and we should get either new wrinkles, or ways to keep the storylines cooking going into the Pay-per-View.

With all the rumors and innuendo about the Guns being on their way out, I think we all assume that MCMG is losing, but my inner fanboy is still excited.

Ratings:

  • Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – SQUASH
  • LSG vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – SQUASH
  • Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno: Ali wins via 450 Splash – ** 3/4
  • Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Rosemary wins via Spear – ***
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards: System wins via Roster Cut + Knee Party – *** 1/4

 

Results:

So we kick off the match with Josh coming out to commentary again to watch Hammerstone’s match. They really need a new way to try and keep heat without reusing the same tired gimmick of “ring side seat” to a Squash match.

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

Guido tries to shoot the half, but Hammerstone shrugs him off, lifts him like a child and runs him into a corner, few short shots and then just tosses him across the ring. Hammer gets a little distracted talking smack to Josh and eats a foot, but then tosses Guido with the ole Sack of Shit move and keeps working over Guido.

Hammer shoves Clayton, and provokes him to push him back right in front of the referee. She ejects them, Guido tries to take advantage but when he goes for the pinfall Hammer kicks out immediately and presses Guido out of thing through the ropes. Continues to dog walk Guido, puts the head gear on the ECW Original and then Torture Racks him while staring directly at Josh, and of course picks up the submission victory.

LSG vs Joe Hendry

Hendry cuts a little promo, mentioning the Fat Uncle Phil joke…something about shopping at the TOP Dollar Store. Solid mic work.

LSG is a damn good local talent, he’s been seen in ROH and AEW in the past (perhaps others, but that’s what comes to mind immediately for me), but we all know this is an enhancement match. A few nice chain wrestling spots early, but Hendry uses his power to stop the smaller wrestler, Sack of Shit into Standing Ovation and the match is over quickly.

Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno

Well okay, having Deaner ask the crowd if they wanted a 3v2 or their third member…RHYNO…is pretty much a no brainer in Philly. But at least the gimmick isn’t quite as cringe as I expected.

Jake starts with Zack Gibson and throws him around. Jake goes for the tag and Deaner asks the crowd who Jake should tag, and the crowd picks Rhyno. Rhyno Whips Gibson into a corner, Drake actually softens the impact, allowing Gibson to fire back, tag out, but Rhyno levels both GYV members and then even knocks Ali off the apron. Rhyno tries to call to the crowd to tag in Deaner and that goes over like a fart in church. He tags him in anyway, and the crowd is kinda dead and doing whatever it wants after the obvious ECW chants when Rhyno tagged in.

GYV take a couple lumps but they of course start to work over Deaner and capture some momentum. Solid tandem work from GYV, they cut off Deaner from making a tag and goad Jake a little to cause the ref to block off the babyfaces so the heels can take a few shortcuts. Cody eventually makes the tag to Rhyno, hot tag, he tries to set up the Gore but the GYV manage to stop him in his tracks and hit an Enzuigiri to daze the Man Beast, he falls to his corner and Jake tags himself in. Jake literally runs them all over, tags in Cody and Launches him from the Top Rope into Zack Gibson. Ali makes the save and Jake tries to get his hands on Ali, but the GYV keep throwing themselves at him, literally. The triple team finally gets the best of Jake, they hit 3 Dives and then post Jake, so they gather around Cody like hyenas.

They forgot about Rhyno, he’s set up for a Gore, he Gores Drake, Gibson and Ali take out Rhyno, but then Cody starts to fight back. Ali stops Deaner’s offense with an Avalanche Sunset Bomb, then hits his 450 Splash. Jake barely misses being able to break up the pin.

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

Jody tries to start quickly with Shoulder Tackles, Lariats and Scoop Slams, and it does seem somewhat effective. Rosemary is having trouble finding offense against the intensity, but she keeps kicking out. Shotgun Dropkick finally gives Rosemary an opening, she goes into full mount and rains down strikes. Rosemary shoves Jody into a corner and Bites her in the corner. Jody tries to fight out, they go across and Rosemary catches her with the legs and puts her in the Upside Down. Splash in the corner from Rosemary, Exploder Suplex and Jody is eating a lot of offense.

Rosemary looks like she’s caught after she gets tripped up into the ropes and Jody goes for her Rope Knee into the German, but Rosemary dodges. Rosemary hits her own suplex and pulls out a beautiful Last Chancery! I haven’t seen her do that in a long time. Jody manages to fight to the ropes, Rosemary is a little slow to capitalize and eats a Pump Kick. Rosemary goes flying into the ropes, Jody hits the Double Knees into the German this time for 2, and they trade a few haymakers after that. Jody folds Rosemary with a low Lariat, Zombie rise spot a few times, Jody goes for a pinfall and Rosemary kicks out.

Havok jumps up on the apron, Dani meets her and they decide to step down, but the distraction was enough. Jody turns around and eats a Spear. Rosemary wins!

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards

Eddie and Shelley start off, and its a very simple slow start. Mostly an early stalemate, the typical Japanese style the TNA seem to love to employ. Starters tag out, but then Shelley with the blind tag, Sabin Baseball Slides out, picks Eddie’s ankle and sends his face bouncing off the apron, while Shelley sneaks up being Myers and they hit a tandem move before we cut to commercial. Off of the commercial it looks like Eddie and Myers regained control. But a nice Jawbreaker from Shelley sends Eddie falling back into the MCMG corner. Dragon Screws to both legs from Sabin and Shelley, and we get the Dragon Screw dissection spot for the Guns.

Myers gets sick of things, tries to get involved, but Simultaneous Figure Fours from the MCMG makes The System look silly. Alisha does the classic “push the rope forward” gimmick to assist Eddie in breaking the hold. She keeps chirping at Shelley until she finally grabs his foot. Shelley doesn’t take kindly, tries to grab her by the hair but she gets away, Shelley eats a strike and falls back to the ropes so Lish can just throttle him with the rope, Sabin walks over and acts like he’s going to PK her and the look of disgust on her face is hilarious, like “how dare he threaten to kick her”. Would I be mad is Masha decides to team with Lish and they win the Knockouts Tag titles? No, because the Knockouts Tags are trash. But I still prefer Lish as valet/manager.

Shelley starts fighting back after another commercial break, Eddie tries to cut him off, but Sabin clocks Eddie and Shelley manages to make the tag and Sabin comes in. Lights up both System members, Kick off Tornado DDT, into a Running Gamengiri. Eddie tries to counter but Shelley assists, tandem strikes, Double Baseball Slide into the classic MCMG spot 5 Hole Dive! Keeping up with the classics Shelley stacks the System members on each other and hit the Missile Dropkick/Flatliner spot. As the Guns are rolling, Sabin accidentally catches Sabin with his foot and The System take control! They hit their pieces of the System Overload spot, but Sabin kicks out. Roster Cut attempt from Myers, but Shelley is back. High Speed Dirt, Machine Gun Sandwich, but Lish grabs Shelley’s foot when they’re setting up Skull and Bones. Shelley gets dropped on the turnbuckle and thrown out, Sabin eats the Roster Cut followed up with Boston Knee Party and System retains!

Its a little weird to have had the two commercial cuts and the fact there’s still Nic Nemeth to follow. So it feels a little flat, I hope this wasn’t their swan song match, because it was nice to see some classic spots, but it was entirely too abbreviated. 

Nemeth comes out, goes into the crowd and finds a kid with a kendo stick and borrows a beer from someone, so he does a bit of a Sandman tribute. Moose cuts off his promo basically immediately. He throws out the “can’t beat the system” line again, and Nic rolls with the punches well. Moose uses a few cute analogies about Nic having a failure laden past, but Nemeth bites back and its really damn good. He says he can see it in Moose’s eyes that he thinks he’s getting in the ring with Dolph Ziggler, but no, there is no more old Dolph Ziggler, just the new Nic Nemeth. And Moose’s cool seems to be slightly shaken after those words. Good promo.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

So this was okay, if it didn’t end as strongly as it did, I would’ve rated this much lower. Two squash matches in the beginning, reusing the Josh comes out to the announce table to watch trope is boring, hell even Clayton’s shove to Hammerstone was super lame looking. The Deaner match was luke warm at best, but things picked up around the Rosemary match.

Lets also not overlook the segments with ASH & Xia, Jonathan Gresham’s whole deal and EY having to return to the violence/sickness/world class maniac, whatever you want to call it, were all great building blocks. This definitely wasn’t what I would call a strong Go Home, but it didn’t hurt things for Rebellion. The whole injury of Cardona was addressed, which honestly sounded weird since Jordynne basically said she was expecting them to have a backup plan so she has a backup plan. I don’t really like how that video package came across.

But who knows, all I know is, this wasn’t an awful episode, it just wasn’t really strong either.  Here’s to hoping Rebellion Saturday is still strong.


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