Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (2/5/19)

Two HUGE Elimination Chamber preview matches go down on tonight’s SmackDown!

Published

5 years ago

February 5, 2019

SmackDown prepares for the world title Elimination Chamber with TWO big preview matches! Hardy VS Bryan and Orton VS Ali, who gets major momentum?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana VS The Good Brothers; Nakamura & Rusev win.
Randy Orton VS Mustafa Ali; Orton wins.
Triple Threat Tag: Carmella & Naomi VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville VS The IIconics; Rose & Deville win.
Jeff Hardy VS Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan; Hardy wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

The Queen “congratulated” her best frenemy, Becky Lynch, but the two ended up fighting again. As we know from last night’s Raw, Becky’s bad leg is the reason Stephanie McMahon questioned The Man’s ability to face the Baddest Woman at Wrestlemania. Becky fought Stephanie but would get suspended, and will remain suspended until she concedes and lets doctors check her knee. Charlotte says “The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.” Becky’s arrogance got in her own way. She refuses to be checked by doctors and beat up Stephanie, and now she’s suspended. Hopefully “Becks” is thinking more clearly. She should see a doctor, go to some rehab, and hopefully be back for her match with Ronda. Charlotte “cheers” for Becky, just like the fans. Because Charlotte knows someone who is 100% right now, and would love to face Ronda at Mania instead.

Fans boo for Charlotte as she points at the sign, but then Becky appears?! She heads down the stairs and fans cheer Becky on. Charlotte says it’s one thing to take away Ric’s catchphrase, it’s another to steal Roman Reigns’ entrance. But Becky makes her way from crowd to barrier and to ringside. Security isn’t sure what to do, but Becky tells Charlotte to stop boring the fans to death. The Man is back on SmackDown! More like limping on SmackDown! One leg was good enough to stop Charlotte from winning the Women’s Rumble! But as the two frenemies argue, out comes Triple H! The Game has had enough of this. Becky was suspended, and should not be here. Charlotte rubs it in as HHH reminds her: see the doctor and get reinstated. As for Charlotte, shush and get out of the ring.

Charlotte takes her leave, and HHH has security take it easy. HHH reminds Becky of the suspension, and tells her that to go to Mania and fight Ronda, “it’s simple.” See the doctor, get cleared. But Becky doesn’t trust any of them to clear her. It’s not about trust, it is what it is. Get cleared, rest up, face Ronda. Simple as that. But until then, stay home. Becky asks how Stephanie’s doing. Did HHH make sure she’s medically cleared after Becky punched her out? Fans cheer Becky on but HHH keeps his cool.

HHH realizes he’s seen this over and over. He even bought into “all this The Man crap” like the fans did. But Becky’s not The Man. Becky’s just a self-destructive superstar afraid of failure. She can be smug all she wants but HHH sees that he’s right. Becky wants to be a martyr. That’s why when she “scratched and clawed” to the top, she found a way out by picking a fight. Becky knew it was suicide but she did it anyways! Becky blames everyone else, including the doctors. She says she was in “medical prison” but it was just an excuse. Becky is doing the same thing again. She scratched and clawed but she needs an excuse not to do it. Becky has a convenient excuse as her way out, when the truth is, Becky’s scared. She’s afraid to go to the doctors, and afraid of what they’d say.

HHH thinks Becky’s just fine, and this is all an act. Becky is afraid she can’t go to Wrestlemania, but the truth is she’s just afraid she can go and will have to face Ronda. Becky is afraid to face Ronda, and she’s afraid she’ll be exposed as a fraud! Fans boo but HHH continues to insist that Becky is afraid, in front of the whole world, that we’ll all see she fears Ronda. Becky SLAPS HHH! Fans cheer her on while HHH scowls face to face with her. Becky smirks as fans want that “One More Time!” She backs off for now, but how much of what HHH said is true?

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana VS The Good Brothers!

The King of Strong Style and the Bulgarian Brute both want the WWE United States Championship back from R-Truth, which is why they both beat him down after he beat them both in one night. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson didn’t like them bullying Truth, and now will fight them both on his behalf. Will Gallows & Anderson be #TooSweet to beat, even for two former champions? Or will Rusev and Nakamura CRUSH as they give the Club a #Knee2Face?

SmackDown returns as Nakamura makes his entrance. Rusev and Lana make their entrance next, and we begin. Teams sort out and Gallows goes right at them both! Nakamura stays in and Gallows whips to run him over with an elbow. Tag to Anderson and Anderson whips. Nakamura reverses, swings a kick but hits the heel kick. Rusev tags in without warning and tensions start rising. Anderson rolls Rusev but Nakamura breaks it. Gallows rocks Nakamura but Rusev throws him out. Anderson uppercuts Rusev, then slingshot sentons onto everyone! The Good Brothers are in control while we go picture in picture.

Rusev and Nakamura stir while Lana looks on. Anderson fetches Rusev in and stomps away. He throws haymakers and puts Rusev in a corner for more stomps. Anderson throws up the Too Sweet then whips but Ruesv holds onto ropes. Rusev whips Anderson but runs into a boot. Anderson runs but into Rusev’s arms for a swinging side slam! Cover, TWO! Rusev keeps on Anderson with stomps of his own, then chokes him on the ropes. Rusev stops at 4 to then kick Anderson in the back! Anderson writhes while Rusev tells Nakamura this is how it’s done. He tags Nakamura and the two mug Anderson together. Nakamura puts Anderson into a corner and then gives him Bad Vibrations! Nakamura drags Anderson up onto the top rope, and runs in for the Top Shelf Knee!

Lana likes what she sees as Nakamura brings Anderson down for a cover. TWO, and Nakamura tags to Rusev. Rusev whips Anderson but Anderson kicks him back! Anderson heads for his corner but Rusev hits Gallows first. Rusev then heel kicks Anderson down, and taunts Gallows with Nakamura’s “C’MON!” Nakamura isn’t amused but Rusev covers Anderson, TWO! Tag and both Rusev and Nakamura toy with Anderson via kicks. Nakamura rams his knees in while we return to single picture. Nakamura drags Anderson up in a facelock and squeezes. Fans rally with “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” Anderson fights back and chops Nakamura! Nakamura fires off a strike fest, but Nderseon counters with an uppercut!

Nakamura staggers and Anderson whips, but Nakamura reverses. Anderson dodges in the corner but Nakamura dodges back, Inverted Exploder! Nakamura wants to end this on his own, Kinshasa countered with a SPINEBUSTER! Fans rally up as both men head for corners, hot tags to Gallows and Rusev! Gallows rallies and roundhouses Rusev! He runs corner to corner for a big splash! Then the YAKUZA Kick! Nakamura runs into the Gallows Slam! Rusev dodges and double clotheslines take both men down! Lana shouts for Nakamura to get back in the ring but Nakamura refuses. She forces him to stand up but Anderson tags in. Jump kick! Gallows grabs Rusev but Nakamura revives to save Rusev! KINSHASA for Gallows, Shotgun Kick to Nakamura! MACHKA Kick for Anderson! Cover, Rusev & Nakamura win!

Winners: Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev pinning

For one time only, they were successful! Rusev picks Nakamura up and raises both his and Lana’s hands in victory. But now that the truce is over, which one of them will reach the United States Championship first?

Mustafa Ali speaks.

“No one expects someone like me to survive someone as dangerous as Randy Orton.” No one expects him to survive the Elimination Chamber. But those expectations are wrong. The Viper goes to strike, and misses. The Beacon of Light survives to become WWE World Champion. Ali asks “What if”, but will he make his own expectations a reality?

Paige is here!

And like she did on Raw, she hopes everyone goes to see her autobiographical movie, Fighting With My Family. The story of the second-generation Anti-Diva will be told in theaters everywhere on February 22nd!

The Usos speak.

“At Elimination Chamber, it’s the Usos taking on the tag team champs, Shane O’Mac and The Miz.” The Best tag Team in the World? No, there’s a man trying to make his daddy proud and one wanting to live a dream. That sounds like those two are trying to be Jimmy & Jey! But the Usos are different. They know how to struggle together. Do Miz & Shane? They know how to starve. Do Miz & Shane? They know how to be hot and cool at the same time. The Usos are their brother’s keeper, are Miz & Shane?! No, they don’t know. But they will. #McMizTV, Welcome to the Uso Penitentiary!

Randy Orton VS Mustafa Ali!

The Viper wants to strike while the Beacon of Light wants to shine. Both men will be part of the world championship Elimination Chamber match, but they’ll go 1v1 as the first preview tonight. Which man gains a huge lead going into that sadistic structure of steel?

The bell rings and Orton circles with Ali. They tie up and Orton powers Ali to a corner. Orton backs off so Ali CHOPS him! Ali throws forearms and more chops, but Orton kicks low. Orton shoves but Ali kicks him back. Ali runs but into a lariat! Orton stomps away on Ali over and over, then drags Ali up to hang him out to dry. Ali tumbles to the floor but Orton is right on him, back suplex to the announce desk! Orton drags Ali back to the ring and in for a cover, TWO! Orton keeps on Ali by pulling him back into a mounted chinlock. Fans rally up and Ali fights his way up. Orton knees low and whips Ali to a corner. Ali goes up and over and then runs, but into the spinning powerslam! Cover, TWO!

Orton drags Ali up and scrapes his boot off his face. Ali crawls to ropes but Orton is on him in the corner. Orton puts Ali up top then throws hands. Ali headbutts back! Ali stands up but Orton trips him up. Orton climbs up to join Ali, and hits a top rope SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ali survives and Orton is surprised, but we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Orton bumps Ali off buckles. Orton throws European Uppercuts then throws Ali down. Cover, TWO! Orton keeps on Ali with a chinlock but Ali endures. Fans rally up again and Ali fights his way up again. Ali throws body shots but Orton clubs him back. Orton whips but Ali flapjack dropkicks! Orton bails out but Ali pursues, only to walk into a kick. The referee tells Orton not to as he goes for another announce desk back suplex, but Ali slips out the back! Ali dropkicks Orton over the desk! Fans fire up as Ali leaps over onto Orton! Ali rains down rights and then stomps and he fires up with the fans! Ali drags Orton to the ring but Orton throws him in first. Orton catches his breath but Ali is on him with a kick!

Ali hits a SUPERKICK! And another SUPERKICK! Orton staggers about, Ali runs in corner to corner, but Orton puts him on the apron. Orton kicks Ali as he comes in, and drags him out. Ali fights Orton off to roundhouse Orton hard! Ali slingshots and somersaults, facebuster! Cover, TWO! Ali can’t believe how close he was right there! But Ali keeps himself going and fans fire up behind him. Fans chant “205! 205!” for the Heart of the Cruiserweights. Orton shoves Ali away but Ali uppercuts back. Ali hops up and fakes Orton out! Tornado DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali was so close but he won’t slow down. Ali drags Orton to the drop zone and climbs back up. But Orton trips him up, into an RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Viper still strikes! Ali had heart but it wasn’t enough to survive. Will things be different when you add the other four great stars to the match?

Samoa Joe gets Orton outta nowhere!! Orton is in the Coquina Clutch and goes to sleep! Joe boots Ali out, too! The Destroyer stands tall and fans are divided. Will Joe destroy five other great superstars to finally become WWE World Champion?

But now Daniel Bryan comes out. Joe wants at the Planet’s Champion, but Big Red comes out to back him up. Rowan is the bodyguard for the champ, and Bryan heads to the ring. His match with Jeff Hardy isn’t until the main event, so what does he wish to say to the WWE Universe beforehand?

Samoa Joe speaks.

“See tonight, we learned a lesson.” Physics works a little bit differently for Joe. For every action there is an opposite and overwhelming reaction. Orton learned about that reaction. Tonight was retaliation but Elimination Chamber will be about devastation and evisceration, but also justification. The ends justify the means, because the end will be Joe holding that title up high. “See you then, boys.”

SmackDown returns to Daniel Bryan and Rowan in the ring.

The New Bryan holds up that very title Joe speaks of. Bryan is also “The Favorite Son of Washington”, to which the fans agree. Fans cheer his name and Bryan finally gets to talk to people who understand his mission. Bryan knows the people of the great state of Washington are intelligent, smart people who know we need change. But Bryan speaks to a global audience, and those people don’t understand their crass, selfish behaviors only destroy their minds, fatten their bodies, and kill this planet we all live on! Those people fill their emptiness by stuffing their faces with “deep-fried animal carcasses”, just going from day to day. Washington knows Bryan fights an uphill battle. “But that is why I have created this” new symbol. It is something for people to rally behind.

The old title was a symbol of excellence, but also of excess. This sustainable, organic title is both a symbol of excellence and of change! But there are people threatened by that change. Rowan says that everyone who knows the story of Galileo that great minds like theirs are often considered “dangerous” just for their ideas and their good intentions. People fear that, and they especially fear Bryan. Bryan holds the organic title, and everyone will try to silence him! “How dare you ‘What’ my good friend”. Bryan says they try to silence him back he’s not their champion. Bryan serves something greater than money and fame, he serves the planet! “The suits” don’t like that. They never wanted Bryan as champion, which is why he’s in an unfair match for his title. It’ll be Bryan and five others in the Elimination Chamber!

Bryan was in the Chamber, and knows what it takes to win. That reinforces how dangerous this situation is. Bryan shares footage for those who don’t know. Two men start, four wait in pods, but only one survives all the way to the end. Bryan lists his opponents: AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Mustafa Ali, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy. Those five will be inside the Chamber with Bryan, and they all want to take the title backwards! Bryan won’t allow that! The people need Bryan as champion! The ignorant masses need Bryan as champion! And most of all, the planet needs the New Daniel Bryan as THE WWE World Champion!! Washington agrees with that! But despite his mission and despite his resolve, will Bryan survive and keep his organic title all the way to Wrestlemania?

Backstage interview with Jeff Hardy.

The Charismatic Enigma watched what Bryan just said. Bryan has disrespected the title like no other. Hardy can’t change Bryan’s mind, so he’ll just wait for their match tonight. Then he’ll do it again at the Chamber. But AJ Styles comes in and knows Hardy, being here as long as he has, isn’t really going to be the guy to represent the title’s legacy. Well Styles’ legacy shows he can’t beat Bryan. Did Hardy miss that big bald yeti in there with them? If Styles had gotten the job done, things wouldn’t be this way. Hardy promises that after settling things with Bryan, he and Styles will settle things in the Chamber!

Triple Threat Tag: Carmella & Naomi VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville VS The IIconics!

The FABULOUS Glow forms out of a desire to make history! However, they’ll be joined by the duo formerly known as Absolution, as well as the BFF’s, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay. Naomi is not going to stand for the Golden Goddess’ fake sob story from Tough Enough! This match will give us just a sample of the Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match, which team from Team Blue will gain major momentum going into that match?

SmackDown returns as Peyton & Billie make their entrance. The IIconics obviously would love to have those brand new titles around their waists, because it would mean things coming full circle. As for Sonya and Mandy, they know the FABULOUS Glow is in way over their heads. The IIconcis are funny, but you don’t laugh your way to victory. The duo of #Fire&Desire are the only other women to have Chamber experience. Everyone else should just step aside now. As for the grudge between her and Naomi, Naomi hasn’t beat her yet, so she’s doing something right. Sonya and Mandy make their entrances, and we begin.

Teams sort out and Sonya starts with Carmella. They tie up and go around and Sonya knees Carmella to the mat. Sonya trash talks the IIconics then tag in Mandy. Mandy kicks Carmella but Carmella gets a waistlock. Mandy slips around but Carmella wrenches the arm. Carmella brings Mandy down and tags Naomi. Mandy runs away to tag in Billie! Naomi settles for kicking Billie and hitting a snapmare. Naomi hits a sliding lariat while Sonya keeps Mandy safe. Fire & Desire watch Naomi closely while we go picture in picture.

Naomi drags Billie up and tags in Carmella. The FABULOUS Glow double moonwalk and DDT! Cover, TWO! Carmella keeps on Billie but Billie pulls hair! Tag to Peyton and the IIconics stomp a mudhole into Carmella. The referee reprimands them but they let up and Billie feeds Carmella to Peyton’s heel kick! Billie covers, TWO! The IIconics throw a hissy fit and Billie drags Carmella up. Billie kicks at Mandy and Sonya to keep their tags away. But Mandy still gets in! Mandy takes Carmella and tags in Sonya. Mandy suplexxes and Sonya hits a shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Carmella and rams her into the corner. Tag to Mandy and they both stomp away. But Carmella shoves Mandy and Peyton tags in off her!

Peyton goes after Carmella with a snapmare and chinlock. Carmella endures and fans rally up. Carmella gets up but Peyton puts her in the IIconics’ corner. Tag to Billie, double team bulldog to the knee! Cover, TWO! The IIconics are furious but Peyton tags in. They both mug Carmella and then trash talk Mandy. Carmella fights back and crucifix rolls Peyton! TWO, FABULOUS Kick knocks Peyton down! Both women crawl and fans rally up. Billie tags in and drags Carmella way, but Carmella shoves her back. Mandy tags in and clubs Carmella down. Mandy trash talks Naomi and brings Carmella over for mudhole stomps. She wrenches Carmella into a standing abdominal stretch. Fans rally while Mandy grinds an elbow in.

Carmella fights out and hip tosses Mandy off! Carmella runs but is caught! Mandy pushes but Carmella dodges, hot tag to Naomi! Mandy tags to Sonya before running around. Naomi gets caught but roundhouses and heel kicks Sonya! They run, springboard enziguri! Sonya tags out to Peyton but Naomi gives Peyton a leaping jawbreaker! Billie runs in but is thrown and dropkick’d out! Naomi has Peyton and throws her at Mandy! That’s a tag! Naomi drags Mandy in by her hair and rains rights! Fans fire up with Naomi as she grounds ‘n’ pounds! Peyton come sin but Eats DaFeet! And the Rear View! Mandy butterflies Naomi to a piledriver! Cover, Mandy & Sonya win!!

Winners: Fire & Desire, Mandy Rose pinning

The newly renamed Absolution take the win amidst the chaos! Will they be able to do the same when the Raw tag teams are thrown in?

Andrade Almas speaks.

“It’s not about the leyenda, the Legend of Rey Mysterio.” Zelina Vega comes in to say Mysterio is just a fable, a myth. He’s in the past. But what El Idolo did was stamp out that legend. Not because he wanted to, but because he needs to. Mysterio can try to stop Almas, “but you can’t fight fate.” The Legend of Andrade begins with Mysterio’s end. Will Almas end the King of Lucha Libre on the Road to Wrestlemania?

WWE and SmackDown celebrate Black History Month.

Superstars go to the National Civil Rights Museum to learn of all the powerful moments in the struggle for ethnic equality. Martin Luther King Jr. is an inspiration to all peoples, may his dream live forever.

Is anyone ready for Asuka?

The Empress of Tomorrow is finally SmackDown Women’s Champion, but she’s looking for a challenger. Even after losing for the first time at Wrestlemania 34, she kept fighting fiercely, and has the prize she’s always been after. She continues to be a terror to her opponents, will anyone work up the courage to meet her in the ring?

Jeff Hardy VS Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan!

As the Charismatic Enigma said earlier, he won’t worry about having an intellectual discussion with this New Bryan, he’ll just beat some sense into him! Will Hardy make Bryan and the organic title OBSOLETE already?

SmackDown returns again as Bryan returns to the ring. He gives Rowan the belt for safekeeping, and the match begins. Fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up and Bryan gets a headlock to hammerlock. Hardy gets to the ropes and Bryan backs off. They circle again and fans echo “DELETE! DELETE!” Hardy headlocks Bryan but Bryan powers out, only for Hardy to run him over. Things speed up and Bryan knees Hardy low! Bryan throws EuroUppers on Hardy, then kicks in the corner. Bryan runs corner to corner but into Hardy’s slingblade! Hardy splashes for the cover, TWO! Hardy puts Bryan in a corner for a bump then whips to back drop! “DELETE! DELETE!” and Hardy rams shoulders into Bryan. Hardy whips but Bryan reverses. Bryan runs in to hit a dropkick! Then another! And another!

Hardy’s down and fans fire up for Bryan. Bryan drags Hardy out and goes after the legs in a deathlock. Bryan rams a knee into Hardy’s back, and brings Hardy up for a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Hardy endures but pops out to a cover, TWO! Bryan kicks Hardy at the ropes and from both sides. Bryan drags hardy up to whip but Hardy holds ropes. Hardy boots Bryan and then dropkicks him out! Hardy wrecks Bryan with a dropkick then slips out the side. He prepares to go around the way, but Rowan stands in his way. Bryan takes advantage and trips Hardy onto the steel steps! Hardy goes down hard while we go to break.

Smackdown returns once more, and Hardy endures a hammerlock. “DELETE!” echoes out as Hardy fights back. Hardy runs but into Bryan’s drop toehold! Bryan stomps away on Hardy then goes after the arm. Bryan pulls and twists the arm and then stomps the hammerlock! Hardy clutches his arm while Bryan hooks his nose. Bryan drops a knee and then an elbow, then covers. TWO, but Bryan keeps his cool. Bryan drags Hardy up with an arm wrench, then whips Hardy corner to corner. Hardy reverses but Bryan goes up and over. Things speed up but Hardy gets Bryan with the atomic drop and leg-splitting leg drop! Dropkick and cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool while getting feeling in his bad arm. Bryan and Hardy slowly stand and start throwing hands.

Hardy haymakers and Bryan EuroUppers. They go back and forth and Bryan gets an edge. Hardy goes to backslide but then shifts to the Twist. Bryan powers out but Hardy tosses him out! Hardy goes tot he apron for a leaping lariat! Hardy drags himself up and takes off the shirt. He drags Bryan up and in, then climbs up top. Bryan’s in the drop zone and fans fire up, but Bryan rolls away. Hardy hops down but walks into another drop toehold! Bryan kicks the ropes to jam Hardy’s jaw! Cover, TWO! Bryan grimaces as he aims at Hardy. He gives Hardy the No Kicks over and over, but Hardy ducks the buzzsaw! Twist of Fate! Hardy positions Bryan and heads up top! Swanton Bomb!! Cover, but Rowan drags Hardy off! Rowan throws Hardy into steel steps!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by disqualification

Rowan feeds Hardy to Bryan for the Labell Lock! Hardy endures but it doesn’t matter, this is all to punish him! But then Samoa Joe attacks Rowan! Joe gets Bryan in his Coquina Clutch!! Bryan fades out, but here comes Orton! Orton and Joe brawl, but Orton gets the edge! Joe hits back but Ali appears to leap and hit a missile dropkick on them both! Ali DIVES onto Joe! Then Ali DIVES On Rowan, only to be caught! Rowan CHOKE SLAMS Ali on the announce desk!! But here comes Styles! The Phenomenal One sees all his targets around the ring, and gives Orton a Phenomenal Blitz. He denies the RKO to PELE Orton out! Styles sliding knees Joe! Phenomenal Forearm for Hardy! But once again, Bryan and Rowan retreat. Styles will get his chance in the Chamber, but will finally he take Bryan down?

Backstage interview with Bryan & Rowan.

Bryan is FURIOUS! What was going on out there? And why is Kayla Braxton waiting behind the scenes? Well, Rowan helped him survive again. No, Rowan is Bryan’s friend and intellectual equal! Bryan won, Bryan will win, because Bryan IS the greatest!! Rowan isn’t a bodyguard, they’re peers! Does no one understand that?! All those guys interfered, but why? Because they know they can’t get the title. They won’t get the title because Bryan will be the champion forever! It’s what the planet needs! No one else seems to understand that! Bryan’s rage subsides, and both he and Rowan take their leave. Will Bryan be able to keep his cool and keep the title inside the Elimination Chamber?

My Thoughts:

A pretty solid SmackDown to follow the odd Raw from last night. The opening segment revolving around Charlotte, Becky and the coming match with Ronda all went rather naturally to my estimation. Charlotte puts her hat in the ring for her replacing Becky, but Becky obviously doesn’t care about any suspension. HHH reinforces the idea that Becky needs to get checked out, but his way of spinning is a valid point if Becky weren’t the Face in this story. And Becky is definitely the Face in the story, because fans love her. And her slapping HHH only makes fans love her more! But things are still on course per what I’d guessed, and we might even have a quick match of Charlotte VS Nia to determine which one will be the substitute, just to keep things going while Becky is “suspended”.

I’m a little disappointed in how SmackDown’s done their side of the Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber. Instead of being the Land of Opportunity, it’s the Land of Entry by Default. They didn’t think to get more women going on SmackDown, like Lacey Evans and who even knows. But they do adjust for it by giving us a pretty good Triple Threat Tag match. Good to know Sonya and Mandy have a new tag name we can all call them by, and it makes some sense for them to go over. Mandy gets the better of Naomi tonight but that likely means Naomi gets to be the one to eliminate #Fire&Desire in the Chamber. They’ll have their true blow-off later, perhaps Fastlane, but in the end, it’s a shame there wasn’t something more to SmackDown’s side of the overall story.

Nakamura and Rusev did very well against Gallows & Anderson. Obviously they’re going to be enemies again as they go after R-Truth, but perhaps there is mutual respect between these two now. I wouldn’t be surprised if they, like The Bar before them, found a way to work together as a team even after this. Those two as a team might help freshen up the SmackDown Tag Division. “McMiz TV” with the Usos next week will be interesting, and the Usos’ promo tonight was great. Their match at Elimination Chamber should be really good, and I still feel Shane and Miz will retain all the way to Mania. There’s talk of a post-Mania Shake Up, so maybe things will freshen up more as new teams are brought over to compete with Miz and Shane.

Ali VS Orton was great, and Ali is doing great in looking strong while still losing. He also got a pretty sizable black eye, but that should be fine after a week. Joe attacking them was great, as was his promo after. Joe VS Orton should definitely happen as a full program, Orton doesn’t need to do his “hero hunting” story anymore. Hardy and Styles had a good little promo backstage, and I wouldn’t mind seeing that story on the way to Mania over Styles VS Orton. Bryan and Rowan have a good promo and Washington really does love Bryan. Between his match with Hardy, him getting away during the brawl, and his surprise backstage interview promo, Bryan had a great night. Add on how he has that personal take on the world title belt and a sidekick, Bryan is definitely finding a way to retain.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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It’s Draft Day!

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

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

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

23 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!