Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (11/20/18)

Published

5 years ago

November 20, 2018

Survivor Series was a bad time for SmackDown, but The Bar and The Big Show look to have their fill with a #ThanksgivingFeastFight against The New Day!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Charlotte Flair VS The IIconic’s Billie Kay; Flair wins.
Charlotte Flair VS The IIconic’s Peyton Royce; Flair wins, by disqualification.
The Miz & Shane McMahon VS The Bryant Brothers; The Bryan Brothers win.
Thanksgiving Feast Fight: The Bar & The Big Show VS The New Day; The New Day wins.
Asuka & Naomi VS Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose; Asuka & Naomi win.
Rey Mysterio VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Charlotte Flair stepped into the match with Ronda Rousey in place of ultimate frenemy, Becky Lynch. Just as it looked like Charlotte was going to lose, Charlotte got herself disqualified with a kendo stick strike! But she didn’t stop at one strike, Charlotte went after Ronda until the kendo stick broke! And then she used a second stick! And a chair! But Charlotte didn’t settle for chair shots across the back, she put it around Ronda’s neck and STOMPED it! With the “Baddest Bitch” title perhaps falling to a new superstar, what will Charlotte do next?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

Despite going berserk just nights ago, she seems rather calm, and proud, tonight. Charlotte picks up a mic as LA chants “Thank you, Charlotte!” Charlotte says she put the baddest beating on the baddest woman, and is “damn proud of it.” Is Ronda a little sore? Is she looking at those bruises and welts, looking for an apology? She’s not gonna get one because Charlotte’s not sorry. Charlotte “enjoyed every second beating your ass!” Sunday was for SmackDown, and Charlotte’s girls in the locker room, and for their champ. Fans understand as they chant “Becky! Becky!” Charlotte has spent half her career fighting against Becky, has spent the other half fighting with Becky, and this time, she fought for Becky. Becky told Charlotte to give Ronda the same beating she would’ve, and that was Charlotte’s mission that night. Mission accomplished! Because Ronda bowed down to the Queen!

But here comes the General Manager, Paige! The Glampire in Chief says Charlotte doesn’t have to apologize. Paige speaks for us all when she says “we enjoyed the beating you gave to Ronda.” But if Charlotte saw Raw, she knows Ronda wants to find Charlotte and finish what was started. Well when’s the next PPV? TLC in December? Well if Ronda sticks her nose in Charlotte’s business, Charlotte will stick Ronda’s head in another chair and stomp “over and over and over!” Why? Because “no one is gonna stop me.” But this is what Paige is out here for. Charlotte snapped! No one can stop Charlotte, not even officials. They were in her way. But even so, you don’t assault the referees! So Paige has little choice. As the GM, Paige must… fine Charlotte $100,000. Seriously?

Wait! Here come the IIconics! Billie Kay & Peyton Royce come out, and Peyton’s in a daze. Is she okay? It’s like she’s Frankenstein. Or Charlotte on Sunday. Bingo! So weird. That was “Blonde Barbie Goes Psycho”. It was like the lights were on but no one was home. Paige, the IIconics know they’re her favorites, it’s the truth, cat’s out the back. Everyone knows. Paige shakes her head “no.” But the IIconics would love to take those 100 G’s off Paige’s hands after Charlotte hands it over. Charlotte speaks up, and says the future isn’t IIconic, the future is going to be one of them becomes the next Ronda for Charlotte to stomp out. Woo~! The Queen has spoken, but which IIconic will be her next victim?

Charlotte Flair VS The IIconic’s ???

SmackDown returns and the one to step up is Billie Kay. The bell rings and Charlotte circles with Billie. They tie up and Charlotte knees low. Charlotte throws her into buckles, then chops! And chops! And chops! Fans “WOO~” with each chop, then Charlotte throws Billie with a headlock takeover. Billie fights her way up and out, but Charlotte gives her a big European Uppercut. Charlotte brings her knee pad down to drop those Flair knees. Peyton grows worried for Billie as Charlotte stalks her to a corner. Billie’s boot is blocked, Charlotte trips her up. Charlotte wants her Figure Four but Billie scrambles away to the ropes. Billie regroups with Peyton, but Charlotte comes out to give Billie forearms. Charlotte puts Billie back in but Billie scrambles back out.

Peyton blocks Charlotte’s path to Billie, so Charlotte shoves her out of the way. Billie boots Charlotte down! Billie puts Charlotte back in and hammers away with right hands. Cover, TWO! Charlotte gets to a corner but elbows Billie away. She rolls Billie up, TWO and Charlotte hits buckles! Billie stomps away on Charlotte but the ref has to back her off. SO Peyton gets Charlotte’s hair and pulls her against the ropes! Billie then boots Charlotte back down, covers, TWO! The IIconics are furious and screechy but Charlotte is up again. Charlotte scoops Billie and throws her with a Fall Away Slam! Charlotte kips up and fans “WOO~!” Natural Selection! Cover, Charlotte wins!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall

The Queen may be unhinged, but she’s still at the top of her game. But she’s not done? She grabs a mic and wants Peyton to try now. Fans like the idea, but Peyton doesn’t. Charlotte insists Peyton enter, and Billie says Peyton should get revenge. Charlotte says she doesn’t have all night. Billie says Peyton can do it, but Peyton isn’t so sure. The ref asks Peyton if she wants this match, and despite better judgement, Peyton enters the ring. Charlotte promises to play “Flair and square”, but Peyton still ducks out of the ring. Fans boo and Billie comes around to encourage Peyton. This match still seems to be on the fence as we go picture in picture.

Charlotte stares daggers at the IIconics as she waits. She even gives Peyton an easy target with hands behind her back and one knee on the mat. Peyton works up her courage but still enters tentatively. The bell rings and we have our Charlotte double header!

Charlotte Flair VS The IIconic’s Peyton Royce!

Charlotte circles with Peyton, still having her hands behind her back to tease Peyton. Peyton runs away and just barely gets away! Charlotte waits for Peyton as she talks it out with Billie. Billie gives Peyton pointers and ideas but Charlotte grows impatient. Peyton hugs Billie for luck, then heads back in. Charlotte grins as she gives Peyton space. Then she rushes Peyton into a corner! Charlotte throws shoulder after shoulder in but the ref backs her off. Charlotte turns around into a knee! Peyton catches her breath before bringing Charlotte up. She goes to throw Charlotte out but Charlotte throws Peyton out instead! Charlotte keeps on Peyton with chops at the barriers! Billie comes over but Charlotte scares her off. Peyton throws Charlotte down by her hair!

Peyton drags Charlotte up to club her down. She throws Charlotte in, then knees her down! Cover, TWO! Peyton is furious but cools off as we return to single picture. Peyton rocks Charlotte with a right and another knee! Cover, TWO! The IIconics are shrill as they argue with the ref. Charlotte gets to ropes but Peyton stomps away on her. The ref backs Peyton off but Peyton comes back to cover, TWO! Peyton brings Charlotte up for kicks, but then misses a knee. Charlotte rolls Peyton, TWO! Peyton clobbers Charlotte! Cover, TWO! Peyton keeps on Charlotte with a chinlock, but fans rally up. Peyton thrashes Charlotte around but Charlotte endures. Charlotte fights her way up but Peyton puts her against ropes. Peyton pulls hair, but stops at 4. So Billie pulls Charlotte’s hair! Then Peyton spins, but Charlotte catches the kick! And spins her for a boot!

Charlotte drags Peyton up, and scoops, but Billie attacks!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by disqualification

Much like Ronda on Sunday, Charlotte wins tonight because of a DQ. But The IIconics keep on Charlotte with knees and hammering fists. Fans want Becky to appear, but the IIconics still get Charlotte up and throw her out of the ring. Billie & Peyton grab chairs from the timekeeper’s area, but then the timekeeper snags the chair back. The IIconics huff as they turn around, into a DOUBLE SPEAR! The Queen grabs Billie and bounces her head off the announce desk again and again! Then Charlotte goes to Peyton, to give her a taste of the desk! Charlotte grabs both IIconics, for a double dose! Charlotte has fans make way, as she throws Billie into the barriers, then rams in her knee! Then she goes back to Peyton, to throw her into steel steps!

The IIconics are both down and out after the savagery of the SmackDown Queen, but it’s not done! Charlotte throws Billie over the announce desk! Then she throws Peyton to join her! Charlotte pulls the desk apart and fans fire up as she stands tall over all! Will anyone ever be able to stop her?

Rey Mysterio speaks.

“These eyes have seen a lot in my lifetime. The good and the bad.” Superstars of past and present, but still nothing like Randy Orton. These two go back over a decade, but The Viper’s been more sadistic and dangerous than ever before. Just look at Jeff Hardy in Hell in a Cell. Orton wants after Mysterio the same, but the King of Lucha won’t let Orton make him another victim. The Apex Predator may be at the top of his game, but so is Mysterio. “Just watch and see.” Can Mysterio dial up the 619 to stop Orton’s hunt for heroes?

It’s time for Miz TV!

The host of the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show has fans in LA, who know “Miz is Awesome!” Miz appreciates that. But to the show, “it was an absolute honor to fight alongside tonight’s guest at Survivor Series”. That true grit is inspiration for all, so please welcome Commissioner “Best in the World”, Shane McMahon! And Shane O’Mac does head to the ring! Shane can’t do his usual money shuffle after what he went through, though, so The Miz does it for him. Miz insists Shane try, but Shane admits himself he’s too banged up. He does like Miz’s version, though. The two sit down and yes, they’re all banged up. But Shane’s performance “was nothing short of transcendent.” Being there to see it, the “reckless abandon”, Miz is now #ShaneStan. Miz and Shane, SmackDown’s final two!

Just like at WWE World Cup, they fought to the bitter end. They put it all on the line, they sacrificed it all for SmackDown! They flew from turnbuckle and crashed onto tables, they went Coast2Coast! Not once, but twice! Wait, “they”? Shane did all that. And he got clobbered by Strowman for that, and has a hard time remembering the rest. Well, Miz only said they did it together because SmackDown as a team did it. Miz motivates even The Best in the World. Well alright. Shane is privileged to be here, and knows these shows have questions from host to guest. Right, of course. Miz is a bit nervous. As two-thirds of Best in the World, but Shane did the finishing touches, Miz has just one question: “Shane McMahon, will you team up with me?” To do what…? Tag team titles! Fans like that!

Shane has to admit, this duo could be something. Miz and Shane, Shane and Miz, “co-besties” (as in co-holders of the Best in the World trophy), Best Team in the World! Okay they can work on the name, but c’mon, Miz didn’t just see a Commissioner, he saw a fighter, a survivor, and maybe even a champion! Shane is flattered by the offer, but between Miz’s duties as a show host and Shane’s as a commissioner… This is not the reaction Miz expected. Miz thought Shane would be jumping for joy and shaking his hand. Everyone’s excited about this, and Miz even asked Paige about this. If Shane is “as much of a man”, no, if he’s as much of a McMahon as Miz knows Shane is, Shane will agree to competition tonight! Fans also like that idea. And here comes the competition!

As Miz said, he asked Paige, and apparently these two local talents were found. Introducting Wayne & Dane, The Bryant Brothers! Miz doesn’t doubt the lack of resemblance, nor does he doubt Shane’s ability. He clears the ring of his set and takes off the jacket, but Shane doesn’t seem so sure. Shane can barely get between the ropes to stand on the corner, but it seems this match is happening.

The Miz & Shane McMahon VS The Bryant Brothers!

Fans are fired up for this new team, and so is Miz. Miz starts against Dane(?) and ties up. Miz knees low then knees more. He runs, to boot Dane down! Shane applauds as Miz poses. Miz runs to boot Dane down again! Miz shows off his A-Lister Shuffle, then drags Dane up. Low DDT spikes Dane, then Miz decides to give Shane the crowning achievement. Shane politely wants to decline, and let Miz handle this by himself. Miz humbly accepts, but Dane surprises him! The Bryant Brothers win!?

Winners: The Bryant Brothers, Dane pinning

The local boys beat a WWE Grand Slam Champion, and Wayne didn’t even have to tag in!! Miz is shocked, but Shane doesn’t seem surprised. Wayne & Dane celebrate all the way out, while Miz apologizes to Shane. Miz wants this to work, but is he aiming too high? Or will Shane feel better about this when he feels better physically?

The New Day pilgrims prepare for a feast!

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E are in the Thanksgiving mood after being part of the only win SmackDown scored at Survivor Series. And they’re joined by Gobbledy Gooker! Oh wait, it’s R-Truth! Gobble gobble! Ya bois are the 1 in 6-and-1, but will these three be the three to win the first ever #ThanksgivingFeastFight?

Thanksgiving Feast Fight: The Bar & The Big Show VS The New Day!

The table is set with all the fixings, and *cough* 6 and 1 */cough* it’s time to enjoy this “bountiful spread.” One of the New Day’s favorite holidays is coming! “Tur! Key Day! Tur! Key Day!” AKA Thanksgiving. And that means ya bois will be participating in the very first Thanksgiving themed street fight. Now obviously this is like a real Thanksgiving feast, minus throwing mashed potatoes at your creepy uncle. Unlike “you people”, the New Day share what they’re thankful for *cough* 6 and 1 */cough*. LA chants for that, and Kofi is also thankful for that! SmackDown is the 1 in 6 and 1! But for some reason, that doesn’t count? As Big E puts it, “That’s disgusting!” Fans boo, because it’s truly unfair.

Xavier is thankful for his 2 Terabyte hard drive, so that he doesn’t have to delete his Spider-Man save just to download Red Dead Redemption 2. And Big E is thankful for the big, juicy, succulent breasts! Amen? AMEN! What is Big E talking about? The turkey, obviously. Oh okay, yeah. Big E gets a little frisky with the turkey, but now The Bar & Big Show make their entrance. Cesaro, Sheamus and their big unfriendly giant are all upset over being AoP’d on, but they’re also upset over being part of this gimmick match. Cesaro & Sheamus are the tag team champions! But this can’t be Paige’s idea, this has to be The New Day’s doing. Now calm down there, Cesaro. When Paige talked about stepping their game up, she meant you! “You you you!” Because at least SmackDown Tag Team Division won their match!

Fans chant “6 and 1! 6 and 1!” You taking a piss, fella? How could anyone have prepared for spontaneous urination?! Everyone saw what happened, no one could plan for it. But The Bar & Show will make up for that by taking the New Day and kicking their arse! The feast begins after the break.

SmackDown returns and The Big Show starts with Woods. Turns out even a Thanksgiving Feast Fight is still a Six Man Tag. Woods mule kicks Show, then runs but bounces off him! Show hauls Woods up and rips the pilgrim’s shirt off to CHOP him! Show hauls Woods up for another! Tag to Cesaro, and he hauls Woods up for a big EuroUpper. Tag to Sheamus, and Sheamus drags Woods up onto the apron. Sheamus begins the Bodhrain beating, but stops at 3. He then laughs as he headbutts Woods down. Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro drags Woods around for an elbow drop. Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps on Woods with a chinklock, an shifts to a cobra clutch. Fans rally up and Woods feeds off the energy. Woods fights out but Cesaro tags Sheamus. Sheamus kicks low then whips, Bar Lariat runs Woods over!

Fans boo as The Bar give their catchphrase. Sheamus brings Woods up for a high keylock, but fans rally again. Woods fights his way up and out, then mule kicks and chops! Sheamus mule kicks back and Woods falls! The Celtic Gladiator roars then tags in the Swiss Cyborg. The Bar stomps Woods then Cesaro hits a basement dropkick. Cover, TWO! Cesaro argues the count but still brings Woods up for another chinlock. Woods endures and fights his way out. Fans rally with “6 and 1!” as Woods tries to power Cesaro back. Cesaro pushes Woods back, but then has to knee Woods. Cesaro boots Big E, then whips Woods. Woods wheelbarrows, victory roll facebuster! Fans rally again and Woods crawls. Hot tags to Kofi and Sheamus!

Kofi flies in and rallies with double hand chops! He dropkicks Sheamus, then speeds up to hit the leaping lariat! Kofi fires up and gives us a Thanksgiving Boom Drop! Fans fire up again as Kofi takes aim at Sheamus. Kofi spins but Sheamus dodges to mule kick. Sheamus runs into a boot and Kofi heads up top. Kofi leaps, crossbody! Cover, Cesaro breaks it! Woods goes after Cesaro but Cesaro throws him out. Cesaro sees Big E coming, Big E clotheslines him down. Big Show makes a move but Big E runs and bumps shoulders with him. Big Show holds own, but then Big E kicks his hand from the rope! The Giant crashes down through the table! Show is smothered and covered in gravy and butter!

Big E turns around, Sheamus hits the bicycle knee! Sheamus roars, then decides to bring in the third turkey. Fans chant “We Want Turkey!” so Sheamus takes aim. Sheamus swings but Kofi dodges, Woods swing kicks Sheamus, and Kofi gives him a big uppercut. Woods comes in, grabs the bird, and gives it to Kofi. Turkeys can’t fly, especially when they’re stuffed and golden brown, but this one flies with Kofi! Turkey slam dunk sends Sheamus through the other table! Kofi drags Sheamus up and in, splattering the cranberry sauce. Tag to Big E, Woods gives him turkey number four, and makes it Big E’s turkey gauntlet! Big E aims at Sheamus, for a poultry power punch!! Cover, The New Day win!

Winners: The New Day, Big E pinning

It’s a Happy #SmacksGiving as The New Day cream The Bar and The Big Show. But Cesaro tries to sauce the New Day with the cranberry pan! Woods intercepts with a mule kick, and then holds Cesaro while the others grab more food. Cesaro fights out, but he misses Woods in the corner! Cesaro and the sauce hit buckles! Kofi regroups and throws sauce on Cesaro! Woods hits Cesaro with a Boston cream pie! Kofi hits Cesaro with gravy! Woods hits Cesaro with stuffing! Kofi hits Cesaro with the mashed potatoes! Woods hits Cesaro with another helping of cranberries! Kofi hits Cesaro with the peas! Not the peas! Big E tops it off with pumpkin pie!! Cesaro falls in this mess of a food fight, and Sheamus even gets a second helping of spuds. Will the New Day get a sixth helping of tag titles down the line?

Randy Orton speaks.

The Viper has a Mysterio mask on display as he says “Some people think that this mask represents culture, pride, and respect.” But to Orton, it just represents “nothing more than cheap polyester.” It doesn’t deserve to be respected, it deserves to be destroyed, just like the man who wears it. Orton saw the fans get excited when Mysterio returned. But after we see what Orton does tonight, fans will be disgusted, shocked and disappointed. “All because of the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment: RKO.” Will the Viper’s venom end the King of Lucha’s return already? Or will those three letters be stopped by the most famous three numbers?

Asuka & Naomi VS Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose!

The Empresses of Glowmorrow are still friends after all that’s happened this Fall, such as the WWE Evolution Battle Royal. However, the duo formerly known as Absolution didn’t really work together as God’s Golden Gift turned on the Gladiator Girl and still ended up losing. Then things were made worse when it was Sonya who was recruited to Team SmackDown and not Mandy. Will winning fix things between Sonya & Mandy? Or is no one ready to #FeelTheGlow?

The bell rings and Naomi starts against Mandy. They circle and tie up. Mandy gets a headlock but Naomi powers out. Naomi headscissors Mandy down and Mandy bails out to the apron. Sonya runs in but gets a dropkick! Naomi and Asuka see them both on the apron, double hip attacks send them off! Naomi & Asuka have the ring while we go picture in picture.

Sonya and Mandy regroup while Naomi waits in the ring. Naomi comes out to fetch Mandy into the ring. Mandy goes after Naomi but gets a shoulder. Naomi sunset flips, TWO! Things speed up, Sonya tags in, and Sonya SPEARS Naomi! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Naomi with muay thai knees, then a snapmare into the sliding knee! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps her cool as she stalks Naomi to ropes. She chokes Naomi but backs off at the ref’s count. Tag to Mandy, and they work together to stomp a mudhole into Naomi. They back off, then Mandy tags Sonya. Mandy feeds Naomi to Sonya’s body shots, then Sonya snapmares Naomi into body scissors. Sonya grinds her forearm on Naomi’s face, then thrashes her around in the body scissors.

Fans rally and Naomi fights up. Sonya grinds her forearm more but Naomi still gets up. We return to single picture as Naomi backs into the corner. Mandy tags in and Sonya holds on. Naomi snapmares Sonya off but runs into the lift. Mandy adds her knee to the powerslam! Cover, TWO! Asuka shouts for Naomi to get up but Mandy is on her again. Mandy stomps a mudhole into Naomi then throws furious hands. The ref backs her off but Mandy comes back. Tag to Sonya and they both grind their knees into Naomi. Fans chant for Asuka as Sonya drags Naomi up. Sonya holds Naomi back from getting to her corner, but Naomi slips out of the suplex. Enziguri rocks Sonya! Both women are down and fans fire up!

Naomi crawls for her corner, as does Sonya. Hot tags to Mandy and Asuka! Asuka rallies with Mongolian chops, then whips. Mandy reverses but Asuka uses it to hit Sonya. Asuka speeds up and dropkicks Mandy! Fans are fired up with Asuka as she drags Mandy up. Mandy fights out, but she has no one to tag. Pop-up knee! Then the German Suplex! Asuka fires up again, shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Asuka keeps her cool and runs in, but into Mandy’s boot. Mandy runs, Sonya tags in. Asuka dodges Mandy and that golden knee almost hits Sonya! Sonya misunderstands, given how Mandy treated her in the Battle Royal. But then Sonya warns Mandy about Asuka! Asuka kicks, Mandy dodges, Sonya takes the hit! Naomi gives Mandy a Rear View! Asuka gets Sonya in an Asuka Lock, Sonya taps! Naomi & Asuka win!

Winners: Naomi & Asuka, Asuka by submission

Two friends are victorious and united while two friends are out of sync. Can Naomi and Asuka use this win to launch towards something great? Can Sonya and Mandy manage a comeback?

Daniel Bryan heads to the ring!

The WWE Champion is only champion again after sneaking in a cheat in the form of a low blow to AJ Styles’ Phenomenal Ones. The WWE Champion almost had The Beast tapping out, but again only because he managed to sneak in a low blow attack. But now, Bryan and Styles will break their tie against each other at TLC for the title! As for tonight, Bryan grabs a mic as fans are divided down the middle between jeers and cheers. “Listen, I don’t expect these people to understand this, but this explanation isn’t for them. This is for you. Because you see, Daniel Bryan committed an act of betrayal.” (Yes, he is referring to himself in the third person, but it’s unclear who he’s referring to.)

But that betrayal was not last Tuesday, no. That betrayal was three years ago when Bryan stood in the ring and told the fans he was retiring. Bryan’s betrayal began when he gave up on his dreams. But the difference between Bryan and the people is that Bryan doesn’t accept failure. Bryan realized his mistake, learned his lesson and decided to fight. And so he went around the country, saw different doctors, and spent three hours every single day inside a hyperbaric chamber. “A cold, dark enclosed chamber pumped with 100% oxygen”, meant to speed up the healing, but it did even more than that. It allowed Bryan the silence and isolation he needed to meditate on his mantra: “Fight for your dreams, and your dreams will fight for you.”

And it worked! How else can we explain the miracle that Daniel Bryan made his return to the ring!? And when Bryan returned, he received the loudest chants he’d ever heard, and it was a great moment. But for the fans, it was just a moment. They weren’t there for the struggles, the pain, the fights with Bryan’s family, or as psychiatrists kept telling Bryan to move on. The ones who moved on were the fans, and you can hear it now, “as these idiots chant ‘AJ Styles’.”

Bryan keeps his cool as he calls the fans “fickle, fickle, fickle” over and over and over. The chants grew quieter, and Bryan stopped fighting. So when the referee was down, “you didn’t allow Daniel Bryan to give up on his dreams, Daniel Bryan’s dreams took over!” The dreams did what they were programmed to do, and those dreams kicked Styles in the balls! Fans are again divided, but many do boo. Bryan continues to say that Bryan’s dreams made him realize that he didn’t need the people for anything. And Bryan’s dreams told him that at Survivor Series, he didn’t need to beat Brock Lesnar to win. Bryan won by allowing Lesnar to beat the weakness out of Bryan. Bryan’s dreams told Bryan to let Lesnar do that, and then “there would be a new emergence after that match!”

And there was. The old Daniel Bryan that the fans loved, he is dead! The Yes Movement is DEAD! “And all that’s left is you.” Who does he mean? “The new Daniel Bryan, the WWE Champion!!” The only thing that matters is that Bryan will never, ever give up on his dreams again!! Bryan isn’t done, he makes the ring announcer formally introduce him as the NEW Daniel Bryan! This strange metamorphosis brings us a new side to Bryan, but will this new Bryan stand a chance against the old, angry and still Phenomenal AJ Styles?

Rey Mysterio VS Randy Orton!

For the first time in 12 years, SmackDown has this match between WWE icons! The King of Lucha vows not to be another victim, but The Viper vows to erase Mysterio from the WWE Universe once and for all. Who will keep their word at the other’s expense?

The bell rings and these familiar foes circle. Mysterio gets a waistlock but Orton elbows out. Orton whips but Mysterio kicks him away. Mysterio enziguris Orton to ropes, but Orton knows the 619 is coming! Orton ducks and Mysterio stops himself. Orton thinks he’s gotten away, but he gets an apron seated senton! Fans fire up with Mysterio as he puts Orton in the ring. Mysterio gets LA fired up as he climbs up, but Orton trips him up! Orton brings Mysterio back up, then goes after the mask! No respect, but Mysterio fights out. Orton still throws Mysterio down into a Tree of Woe and leaves him hanging while we go to one last break.

SmackDown returns once more as Mysterio fights back with body shots. Mysterio whips but Orton reverses to run Mysterio over with a lariat! Cover, TWO! Orton stalks Mysterio then hauls him up to put him back on the top rope. Orton climbs to join Mysterio, but Mysterio resists. The mask is under attack again! Orton rips the eye hole open of the mask as fans boo and jeer. Mysterio manages to stop some of the tearing, then he fights Orton off with elbows. Mysterio adjusts and boots Orton away, but misses the missile dropkick! Orton looms over the lucha legend and brings him up by that battered mask. Mysterio kicks back, running boot rocks Orton!

Both men are down but fans rally up with Rey. Mysterio gets to the apron, springboards over, seated senton! He keeps moving, springboard wheelbarrow, bulldog! Then a springboard leg drop! Cover, TWO! Orton survives but Mysterio keeps on him with a dropkick. Orton’s on the rope, Mysterio dials it, 619 BLOCKED! Orton goes for his DDT but Mysterio fights out and swing kicks! Mysterio runs in, tilt-o-whirl headscissors puts Orton back on the ropes. 619 hits!! But Orton bails out. Mysterio gets him with a basement dropkick, then he builds speed for the basement splash– RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! The Viper really can strike from anywhere.

Orton puts a limp Mysterio into the ring, but he doesn’t end it here. He drags Mysterio up by the torn mask, for another RKO! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Viper shows no mercy during the match, and looks to show even less mercy after. Orton has a chair, and puts it around Mysterio’s head! The mask almost falls as Mysterio is sent into the post!! Orton has the mask as his memento of this massacre, but is this humiliation and destruction over? Or is it just beginning?

My Thoughts:

While my feelings on Raw may seem odd, I’m confident that this SmackDown was hands down better, even with everything that happened at Survivor Series. In fact, SmackDown actually used what happened at Survivor Series in a way that mattered and felt right! Charlotte playing the line of Face and Heel as she pulls a double header against the IIconics was brilliant. As she said, she was fighting for Becky, and perhaps she was doing Becky’s part tonight as a crazed yet supremely over Tweener. I hope that when Becky returns to action, she and Charlotte work together to run wild on SmackDown, and then yes, use it to circle back towards Horsewomen VS Horsewomen.

That entire thing with Miz, Shane and “The Bryant Brothers” was amazing. It’s brilliant that Miz wants to ride Shane’s coattails into another tag title run, and it was comedy genius for Miz to lose to jobbers! It’s also smart that Miz isn’t mad but hoping Shane doesn’t give up before trying. I’m curious to see if these two even get a match where they both participate, let alone win. Chances are, something happens and we end up with The Miz VS Shane at Wrestlemania because Shane just loves facing SmackDown’s best on the Grandest Stage of Them All. And speaking of tag teams, I love that The New Day point out the actual record of 6-1, and then that Thanksgiving Feast Fight was goofy yet action packed, exactly New Day’s style. I’m sure TLC will have a title match, perhaps Ladders or Tables, and it could go either way.

Clearly the story between Mandy and Sonya is developing, though a little slowly. They basically cost each other the match, which is good for Naomi and Asuka in their win records. Between the Mixed Match Challenge and whatever other plans WWE has for SmackDown, Naomi and Asuka need to at least appear strong for the time being. As for Mandy and Sonya, I’m still going with Sonya as the Face and Mandy as the selfish Heel, maybe these two get a match on the go-home or Kickoff Show to TLC, and it could go either way.

Bryan’s promo was really well done. It’s been a long time since he’s been a Heel, and the first time around he was the cocky little guy fans wanted squashed. But now, after his amazing Yes Movement Face run, this new Heel being the kind of crazy person Ambrose should’ve been already, it’s really something to see. I can’t wait for Bryan VS Styles 3, maybe that gets a stipulation just so Bryan can’t low-blow Champion’s Advantage out of it. Then, Orton VS Mysterio was a great main event, though I was hoping Orton did something worse than going after the mask. Going after a luchador’s mask is obviously the biggest insult, but it’s not exactly going after Jeff Hardy’s ear gauge hole. Maybe Orton VS Mysterio becomes a Chairs Match at TLC and then we really see Orton torture Mysterio, only to lose in the end.

My Score: 8.8/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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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

20 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.