Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (4/30/19)

Who enters the Money in the Bank Ladder match for SmackDown?

Published

5 years ago

April 30, 2019

SmackDown follows Raw in deciding their men and women for the Money in the Bank Ladder matches! Plus, what will Kofi Kingston say to Kevin Owens’ betrayal?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Becky Lynch VS Bayley; Lynch wins.
Kairi Sane & Asuka w/ Paige VS ???; Sane & Asuka win.
2v1 Handicap: The B-Team VS Roman Reigns, w/ Special Enforcer: Elias; Reigns wins.
Mustafa Ali & Finn Balor VS Randy Orton & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Ali & Finn win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Michael Cole introduces the NEW WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston!

SmackDown opens with pancakes and positivity as Kofi makes his way to the ring. Kofi flings the flapjacks to the fans in Ohio State University and then stands with Cole. Cole is excited to celebrate a “remarkable 11-year career.” But it wasn’t until Wrestlemania 35 that Kofi finally got his 1v1 shot at the world title. Kofi’s journey had insurmountable odds, including the Elimination Chamber match. Footage plays to remind us how Kofi fought so hard but still fell short of the title inside that sinister steel structure. Then fast-forward to the SmackDown Gauntlet where Kofi won all but one match, because of Vince McMahon continuing to stack the deck.

Did Kofi ever believe he’d get that title match? Kofi tells Michael that over these last 11 years, there were highs and there were lows, but the important thing was to fight on! Kofi is glad to keep fighting because that’s why he’s the WWE Champion. He’s proud that he got to do that alongside his brothers, Big E and Xavier Woods. Without the New Day, this would not have happened. “We are the guys that proved that the impossible IS possible!” Cole has called all 11 years of Kofi’s career, and when he looks back to calling that “magical” Wrestlemania moment. There are very few superstars who have ever had that kind of Mania Moment. That night in New York may have been the greatest moment ever, and we relive it with footage of that victorious Trouble in Paradise.

Ohio lets Kofi know, “You Deserve It!” Cole agrees, Kofi deserved to have that moment. Kofi is still feeling the high that he got to share with his friends and family. Next to his marriage and the birth of his children, Wrestlemania 35 was the best moment of his life. But Cole points out that he now has a huge target on his back. And the first person to take aim was Kevin Owens. We relive this as well, with Kofi VS Nakamura being broken up by Rusev. Kevin and Xavier looked to help Kofi, but then the first chance he had, Kevin SUPERKICKED Kofi! The Prizefighter was back to his old ways as he brutalized Kofi, and then took out Xavier Woods with an apron powerbomb!

Kofi grimaces in the present as he has to admit he should’ve seen this coming. But the New Day always believe in giving people second chances, and allowing people to change. They believed Kevin genuinely wanted to change, but Kevin is still Kevin. If Kevin wanted to challenge Kofi, all he had to do was ask. Kofi has no problem being a fighting champion. So Kevin was talking about he was coming for the WWE Championship, let him! Kofi says this happens at Money in the Bank! Kofi is not afraid of Kevin, or worried about losing his title. But speaking of Kevin, he appears! Kevin stares at Kofi from the stage as he says, “Challenge accepted.”

Kofi gave the world a Wrestlemania Moment no one will forget. He won the title on the Grandest Stage of Them All, “it doesn’t get any better than that!” But moments end. And no one may want to admit it, but Kevin will speak for the WWE Universe: no one believes Kofi is championship material. Ohio boos because they disagree. But Kevin looks into Kofi’s eyes and hears the words Kofi says, but it just shows him that Kofi doesn’t believe it either. The water keeps rising and Kofi is drowning. But Xavier appears to attack Kevin! Kevin SUPERKICKS Xavier down but runs away from Kofi! Kofi goes to Xavier’s side, but clearly the New Day is in a bad way. Will Kofi still be positive when he and Kevin finally have this out?

Kofi helps Xavier in the trainer’s room.

The plan was for Xavier not to come out, what was he thinking? Xavier just couldn’t sit around and let Kevin talk like that. Yeah but Kofi has it handled. Xavier has his own family to worry about. Kofi promises he has this covered, but will he really be alright on his own?

Becky Lynch VS Bayley!

The Man and the Huggable One have been friends a long time, all the way back to NXT. But this is the first time on the main roster they will ever face off in the ring! Will Bayley make a big impact this close to the Champ-Champ’s MITB double header?

SmackDown returns and Bayley is fired up as the first SmackDown superstar to enter the Women’s MITB Ladder match. But now #BeckyTwoBelts makes her entrance with a bigger introduction, and doesn’t seem worse for wear after her brawl with the Sassy Southern Belle last night. Becky joins Bayley in the ring and puts her belts aside to start this match.

The two circle and tie up and Becky throws Bayley down. But Bayley gets right up and gets in Becky’s face. Bayley and Becky circle again and tie up. Becky headlocks but Bayley powers out, only for Becky to run her over. Becky runs but Bayley gets under, only for Becky to throw her back. Bayley hops back up on the apron and hotshots Becky down! Bayley runs but Becky forearms her down! Both women sit up and stare down while we go picture in picture.

Bayley and Becky circle again as Ohio cheers. The two tie up and Becky waistlocks. Bayley works to a hammerlock but Becky reverses to one of her own. Bayley drops to a knee as Becky leans on her. Becky flips Bayley for a cover, ONE! Bayley gets to ropes but comes back to tie circle. Becky sweeps her legs and covers, ONE, and Bayley sweeps to cover. Becky slips out to Oklahoma roll, TWO! Bayley rolls Becky, TWO! Becky gets Bayley for an Okana Roll, TWO! Bayley knees Becky low then whips Becky. Becky reverses but Bayley holds ropes. Becky seems to hyper-extend herself with that kick and has to back off. Bayley goes right after that leg but Becky backslides her! TWO and Becky blocks a boot. Bayley stops the Becksploder, but runs into a waistlock takedown.

Becky has Bayley but Bayley fights out and throws a BIG right! Becky gives one back! And a calf kick! Bayley bails out while Becky fires up. Becky goes to the ropes but Bayley trips her. Becky kicks Bayley away then kicks her down. The Man hobbles back and eggs Bayley on. Bayley gets in but Becky body checks her to a corner! Becky brings Bayley around and goes after the arm. Bayley endures and works her way back up, but Becky arm-drags her down. Becky is right on Bayley with a snap suplex! Becky drops a leg, then an elbow, but misses the second leg drop! We return to single picture as Bayley and Becky are both stinging. But Becky goes after the arm again! Bayley slips out and flapjacks Becky on buckles! Then clobbers Becky from behind! Cover, TWO!

Bayley keeps her cool as she drags Becky up. She whips Becky to a corner but misses, to still block the jump kick to clobber Becky again! And throws in a running knee! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her focus while she brings Becky up again. Fans duel as Bayley puts Becky on an apron. Bayely puts Becky through the ropes to fire off forearms! She stops at the ref’s count but runs side-to-side, only to miss the knee! Becky kicks Bayley down and hurries up top. Becky leaps at Bayley, missile dropkick hits! Cover, TWO! Becky keeps her cool while Bayley sits up. Becky goes after Bayley with forearms and European Uppercuts, then EuroUppers to Bayley’s back. The Champ-Champ clubs Bayley but Bayley eggs her own, and now it’s a brawl!

Becky hits, Bayley hits, but Becky throws Bayley with the Becksploder! Becky runs in for a Straight Firearm! She whips Bayley to ropes but Bayley dodges and double clotheslines take them both out! Both women are down and a standing count begins. Fans rally and duel as the count climbs past 5. Becky crawls to Bayley and they stand at 7. Bayley cradles outta nowhere, TWO! Becky wants the legs but Bayley pushes her away. Bayley saido suplexes Becky down, then climbs up! Fans fire up as Bayley leaps! Macho Elbow meets knees! Becky has the Disarm-Her! Bayley taps, Becky wins!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission

But now Charlotte Flair attacks! The Queen boots The Man right down, then throws Bayley into a post! Fans boo as Charlotte dusts her hands off. Charlotte sent her message to both the champion and a possible Ms. MITB, but will she regret the response?

Aleister Black speaks.

“Fear is a powerful and paralyzing tool. And it is in man’s nature to fear what we don’t understand.” His opponents try to figure him out, and by the time they think they have, the referee has counted 1-2-3, in Aleister’s favor. And any hope of conquering their fear has simply left them. What happens is that they take one look into Aleister’s eyes and they don’t like the abyss that stares back. The abyss unveils a truth about them that allows them to #FadetoBlack. The Embodiment of the End is coming, when will he strike?

The Hardy Boys are here!

Jeff & Matt Hardy are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but given the injury to Jeff’s leg, will they much longer? Kayla Braxton asks the Hardy Boys as to what happened to his leg. It’s probably easier to show. And we are shown a highlight reel of the destruction Lars Sullivan has unleashed since finally appearing on the main roster. The Leviathan has wrecked living legend after legend, and it seems the Hardy Boys sustained the worst of it. Jeff is unable to walk on his own because of Lars, and needs surgery. Jeff is going to be out a long time, so therefore, as heartbreaking as it is, and as much as fans don’t want it, the Hardy Boys must relinquish the tag titles.

This is not the end of their journey. Jeff regrets not even getting to defend those titles. But he vows that their return will be extreme and- Oh no. Not Lars again! The Mile High Monster makes his way down the ramp, eyes locked on the wounded Jeff. Matt stands in front of his brother, but he doesn’t last long! Lars knees Matt low then throws him out! Jeff is still stuck between the ropes as Lars looms closer! But Matt returns to save Jeff! Lars powers Matt to the other corner! And then gives him a FREAK ACCIDENT! Jeff hobbles and looks to use the crutch as a weapon! But here comes Truth with a CHAIR SHOT! Lars didn’t flinch! Lars glares and roars, and then punches the chair away! He pops Truth up for a FREAK ACCIDENT!

The Hardy Boys get away with their lives, but Lars wants to make Truth suffer! Lars gives Truth a running powerbomb! “Stay down!” Truth doesn’t move, so Lars leaves him be. Is there any man, or team of men, that can stand before The Leviathan?

SmackDown reveals the superstars for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match!

It’ll be… The Beacon of Light, Mustafa Ali! the Intercontinental Champion, Finn Balor! El Idolo, Andrade Almas! And the Viper, Randy Orton! And much like on Raw, these four men will divide into teams to get a leg up towards that very ladder match! Will Ali and Finn or Almas and Orton be the ones keeping pace with Braun Strowman and Ricochet from Raw?

Kairi Sane & Asuka w/ Paige VS ???

The IIconics are on commentary to watch this Women’s Tag Match as #JoshiRoyalty sets sail together again against Ohio’s finest. Will Peyton & Billie be impressed or intimidated after seeing the Princess and Empress in action again?

Kairi starts against the tigress but the taller wrestler taunts Kairi’s height with her out-of-reach test of strength. So Kairi CHOPS her in the chest! Kairi blocks a kick to dragon screw, then drags her over to Asuka. They double whip and then fire off kicks and bulldogs to a dropkick! Asuka toys with her target but her buzzsaw is kicked. Asuka still ducks the tigress’ roundhouse to give a roundhouse! But the tigress tags out her partner. The bright red haired partner runs in and SLAPS Asuka! The IIconics laugh, but so does Asuka? Asuka fires off fire hands! She kicks low then hip attacks her into a German Suplex! Asuka fires off kicks and buzzsaws her down! Cover, but the tigress breaks it up. Kairi runs in, waistlocks and feeds her to Asuka’s code breaker! Then adds a blockbuster to it!

Joshi Royalty targets red for an inverted DDT. Tag to Kairi and it’s time to weigh anchor! The InSANE Elbow hits! Cover, Kairi and Asuka win!

Winners: Kairi Sane & Asuka, Sane pinning

The Glampire celebrates with her new team, but the IIconics are irate! Peyton and Billie are still the champs, but will they be for much longer when going against the Princess & Empress?

Fire & Desire are not impressed.

But Mandy Rose is oddly excited. Because she was told by Shane that they’ll get a part in this year’s Women’s MITB match! Seriously!? Well, only one of them. Which is crazy, because how are they supposed to decide? This is like Beyonce or J Lo! Mandy wants to give the spot to Sonya, but Sonya sees Mandy is trying to butter her up to give the spot back. Mandy almost won the title anyway,and now she can finish the job. Go for it, Queen Bee. Mandy is touched, and they hug it out. Will Mandy truly be golden after winning the MITB contract and aiming for the top?

Roman Reigns is here!

The Big Dog wants to make SmackDown his Yard, but he may have stepped in it the very night he debuted. He took offense to Elias and to Vince so he gave them both Superman Punches, and then he got into a fight with Shane the very next week. Elias called Roman out for MITB PPV and Roman accepted the challenge. But for tonight, Roman stands before Ohio State University to say, “You only get one shot at making a first impression. So I figured on my first night on SmackDown,” he’d knock out Mr. McMahon. Fans do like that, but Roman admits that wasn’t the plan. He just wanted to get the point across that he is still the Big Dog, and that SmackDown IS his Yard. But here comes the money~! Yes, Shane O’Mac returns!

Shane addresses Roman from the stage, but he also wants Greg Hamilton to give him a subtle introduction. “The Best in the World, Shane McMahon!” Fans boo but Shane enjoys that very much. And to Roman, everyone knows Shane is the BITW, but Roman is the Big Dog in the Yard? Shane reminds Roman that the McMahons owns the land. Is that so? No, Daddy owns the land. And when Vince was in here, Roman was on his feet while Vince was on his back. Yes, we all saw Roman hit a National Treasure. But to refresh Roman’s memory, Roman was the one down on the mat last week. Because Elias helped Shane. But Roman wants to know, can Shane do it on his own?

Shane would love nothing more than to slap him around, but he doesn’t have the time. Shane has to go see Coach Harbough in Michigan to work with a true championship organization to get ready for his match with The Miz. But if Roman wants a fight, there are plenty of guys lining up to “welcome” Roman to SmackDown. In fact, here are two. It’s the B-Team! Curt Axel and Bo Dallas are ready, and to get to business, this is their opportunity for a great first impression. Roman will be taking on… BOTH of them! Of course. What’s next? Blindfold him? Tie a hand behind his back? Don’t be silly, Roman. But that’s rather intuitive. A match of this caliber does need something more. And that is a special guest referee/enforcer. It’ll be… ELIAS!

The Drifter is already dressed in his stripes as he introduces himself. The stack is decked, and the match is next, after the break!

2v1 Handicap: The B-Team VS Roman Reigns, w/ Special Enforcer: Elias!

SmackDown returns and Roman has Axel to start with. Elias watches closely as Axel gets the arm and wrenches. Axel brings Roman over but Roman breaks free before Bo tags in. Bo still tags in and circles with Roman. Axel distracts and Bo headlocks Roman. Bo throws Roman down with a takeover but Roman keeps his shoulders up. Roman powers his way up and out, then things speed up. Bo has a stumble and then gets an elbow from Roman! Roman scoops but Axel distracts. Bo escapes to then clobber Roman from behind! Bo fires off and tags in Axel. The B-Team work together, and Bo feeds Roman to Axel’s DDT! Cover, TWO!

Axel keeps on Roman with a grinding forearm in his face. The main referee disapproves but Elias doesn’t really mind. Axel puts Roman in the corner and fires off body shots. Bo tags in and keeps on Roman. Tag to Axel and he stomps and punches away. Fans boo but Elias approves. Axel grinds Roman but the main ref counts. Axel backs off to tag Bo and they rally on Roman again. But this time Roman BOOTS Axel and Samoan Drops Bo! Cover, TWO! Bo crawls away but Roman pursues. Elias “consults” with the main ref and Bo pulls Roman’s hair! Roman uppercuts Bo down but Axel clotheslines Roman! Elias stops now that the B-Team has gotten away with it. The B-Team stomp Roman but the main ref reprimands them. Elias CLOBBERS Roman behind the ref’s back! Roman is in trouble as we go picture in picture.

Bo drags Roman up and into the ring. He covers, TWO!! Roman survives but Bo drops knees. Bo grinds his knee into Roman’s face but lets up at the ref’s count. Bo drags Roman up for more body shots then tags in Axel. The B-Team snapmare and neck snap Roman, then Axel covers. TWO, but Axel keeps Roman down with an armlock and chinbar. Roman endures and fights his way up. Axel throws Roman down by his hair then tags in Bo. Axel drops an ax handle and Bo drops another knee. Bo covers, TWO! Bo keeps on Roman with a chinlock and leans on him. Elias cheers Bo on as Roman gasps for air. We return to single picture as fans rally up.

Roman endures but starts to fade as Elias makes sure the timekeeper pays attention. Bo leans harder on Roman but Roman gets a second wind! Roman stands but Bo knees low. Bo whips but Roman clotheslines back! Both men are down but Roman can only crawl to the opposite corner as Bo tags in. Elias talks trash but Roman sends Axel into the post! Roman rallies on Bo then on Axel. Axel reverses the whip but gets the leaping lariat! Roman gives Axel point-blank lariats in the corner. Bo stops Roman at 4 but gets an uppercut for it! Axel runs in and Roman fireman’s carries him. Bo staggers over, Samoan Drop and DDT combo! Cover on Axel, TWO! Roman keeps his cool while he stares down Elias. Roman makes sure Elias sees him lock ‘n’ load! Bo returns, he gets the SUPERMAN PUNCH! Axel rolls Roman, TWO!!

SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, but Elias pulls out the main referee! Elias keeps Roman from winning, but Roman goes after him! Elias gets out of the way, Roman gives Bo the Drive-By Dropkick! And Elias comes back to clobber Roman! And throw him around ringside! Elias feeds Roman to Axel’s Perfect Plex! Elias counts it, TWO!? He even did a fast count! Ohio State cheers Roman as Axel drags Roman up for Elias. Elias runs out to fetch his guitar! He brings it back to the ring, but Roman revives to fight free! and SUPERMAN PUNCH Elias! But Axel still rolls Roman, but Roman gets out to SPEAR! The main ref returns, counts, and Roman wins!

Winner: Roman Reign, by pinfall

The Big Dog defies the stacked deck! Elias isn’t happy and surely Shane O’Mac isn’t, either. What will it take for Elias to make Roman #DriftAway at MITB? Or will he simply end up buried in Roman’s Yard?

Firefly Fun House returns~!

Bray Wyatt is back and now he’s painting! “Bonjour!” He loves to paint, because painting is a way to express any suppressed feelings. “When you’re expressing yourself, no one can ever truly hurt you.” But wait, who is this little bunny friend? It’s Ramblin’ Rabbit! And would he like to see the painting? Yes! Bray shows us all his painting of… a burning shed! With Abby inside… (the one Orton burned) Speaking of Abby, she says this is NO time for games! She woke up in a bad mood~! Ramblin’ Rabbit leaves while Abby scolds Bray. He hasn’t learned his lesson, did he? Take it easy, Abby, that’s the past. And he is sorry for what he did. The kids forgive him, right? Yeah~!

Fine. Just keep it down while Abby is resting. Yes, yes, shh. Abby the Witch is a… “sociopath”. Ramblin’ Rabbit returns. That’s the word of the day, right? Yes, that’s right! Sociopath is the word of the day! Well that’s all the time we have for today. Aww… But remember, little fireflies. He’ll light the way, and you just have to let him in. See you next time~! Bye~! Yay~!

Umm…

Mustafa Ali & Finn Balor VS Randy Orton & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

SmackDown’s four MITB Ladder Match entrants do battle in a tag team match! Which team will work best together for the common goal of momentum?

Zelina Vega says this is the best part of the night. The ring is going to be graced with the presence of Andrade. Andrade himself says that he does not respect Finn Balor. He says that he has no respect for Mustafa Ali. But the 12-time world champion, Randy Orton, “any time you want a little something, tag me in. And I will teach you to respect Andrade!” El Idolo has no friends but will he regret telling his tag partner he has something to learn?

The teams sort out, and we start with Orton and Ali! They tie up and Orton powers Ali to the corner fast. Orton backs off but Ali hits back! Ali fights off Almas and kicks Orton. He mule kicks Almas then slingshots, but Orton shoves him down! Ali hits the apron hard and is down but we go to break.

SmackDown returns and Ali fights against Orton. Orton reels Ali in for a powerslam! Cover, TWO! Orton keeps his cool as he drags Ali up by his hair. The ref reprimands Orton but Orton kicks Ali low to whip. Ali hits a flapjack dropkick! Both men are down and crawling for their corners. Hot tags to Almas and Finn! Finn rallies on Almas then hits Orton for good measure. Finn whips but Almas sunset flips, only for Finn to roll through and dropkick! Another kick for Orton, then double stomps for Almas! Finn runs in to CHOP Almas, then whips corner to corner. Almas reverses and redirects Finn, but Finn goes up and over. Finn runs into a boot, but he kicks Almas off the top! Amlas hits the floor and Finn builds speed, and Ali does, too! Double DIVES onto Orton and Almas!

Vega panics as Finn puts Almas back in. Finn climbs but Vega anchors his feet! He shakes her off but Almas throws Finn down! Almas runs corner to corner, CIEN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Finn lives and both Almas and Vega are furious. Almas drags Finn up and hammerlocks, but Finn slips out. Almas reverses back but Finn escapes. Ali tags in and Finn hits Slingblade! Ali hits the 450! Cover, Ali & Finn win!

Winners: Mustafa Ali & Finn Balor, Ali pinning

But Orton RKO’s Finn! Ali SUPERKICKS and SUPERKICKS Orton out! The Viper may have ruined the celebration but the Beacon is still shining! Will Ali be the one to ascend and take that MITB contract in his first try?

Backstage interview with the final Women’s MITB entrants!

It is the #Shenom, Ember Moon! She is beyond excited for this moment. She has many names yet hasn’t made a name for herself. The MITB match changes careers, and Ember vows to climb up and become Ms. MITB. But the other final entrant is the original Ms. MITB, Carmella! The Fabulous Princess won the first two MITB ladder matches. But didn’t she use- It doesn’t matter, a win is a win. This match does change careers, and Carmella made her first cash-in count to become SmackDown Women’s Champion. So she vows to remind everyone why #MellaIsMoney. Maybe, but will Carmella and the field all be Eclipsed by the War Goddess?

The KO Show returns!

Kevin Owens already made an impression earlier tonight, but now he invites Xavier Woods onto his talk show? Is this just a trap to get back at Xavier for his ambush? Find out, after this last break.

SmackDown returns once again, and Kevin is in a bad mood as he sits in a chair. Fans boo as Kevin welcomes them to his show. The signs are gone, the graphics are gone, the desk is gone, because “the pageantry, all this crap” is something The New Day would do. The New Day would have banners and pancakes and “stupid crap”, but Kevin doesn’t need all that. He just needs himself, because he IS the show. And before he was rudely interrupted by Xavier Woods, Kevin was trying to make a point. The point is that Kofi is in way over his head as champion. But help is on the way, because Kevin is that help. At MITB, Kevin will relieve Kofi of that “burden”, because Kevin truly believes- No, wait, he’s positive he will take that title from Kofi.

But enough about Kofi, that’s all anyone’s said for a month! Kevin wants to talk with Xavier! Because we all know about Kofi, but Kevin wants to know all about Xavier. If Xavier is willing, or even able, just humor him and trust that Kevin just wants to have a chat. When Xavier doesn’t appear, Kevin insists. He wants to give Xavier the spotlight and gives another introduction. But Xavier still doesn’t appear. Kevin knew this would happen, so he has a Plan B. It’s an Xavier Woods action figure! One of the many “piece of crap” the New Day has been schilling for years. Kevin puts “Lil’ Woodsy” on the chair. Is he upset? Is it because he’s lonely? Well that’s okay, Kevin has a Big E action figure! With a bandaged leg, of course. What a great reunion.

Kevin knows the real Xavier and Big E aren’t here to tell Kevin how they feel. And these pieces of trash aren’t needed, so Kevin kicks them out. But Kevin feels he knows exactly what is on the minds of Xavier and Big E. But before Kevin can reveal what he thinks they think, Kofi appears on stage! And rushes the ring! Kevin and Kofi brawl! Kofi gets Kevin down as he rains down rights but Kevin bails out. Kofi pursues and leaps for a BIG ax handle! And he won’t let up on Kevin, either! Kofi punches and knees Kevin into the apron but Kevin punches him away. Kevin runs in but is sent over the announce desk! Ohio fires up as Kofi slams an arm chair on Kevin! Kofi stomps away but Kevin rakes his eyes!

Kevin runs away through the WWE Universe but Kofi is still furious. Kofi climbs up to look at Kevin. Kofi says if this is the fight he wanted, then he’ll give him that fight! Will Kevin regret lighting a new fire inside of Kofi Kingston?

My Thoughts:

It seems like WWE may have not prepared for moving MITB up. I get that announcing the entrants streamlines the process and now we have a couple weeks of development for that, but it would’ve been a little bit more fun if we got matches to determine things. Though, I suppose there aren’t that many superstars quite worthy of this, either. The tag team match as the main event match was good, even though it was just copy-paste from Raw. Faces win here like they did on Raw, but it was a good twist for Orton to strike and Ali to stand tall. There were leaked images suggesting other superstars would be in this match, but now that Ali and Finn are in it instead, things could change.

But I feel that with just choosing superstars, this allowed Vince to screw up things that were being set up just last week. It was great to see Kairi & Asuka squash Poison Ivy and Cheetah from DC Comics (why did we not get their real names?) but why move Sonya & Mandy out of the way? They were meant to challenge Paige’s new team in an attempt to prove she chose wrong. Naturally they’d fail, but now we won’t see that. Mandy joins Bayley in MITB by being the modest friend, as do Carmella and Ember. I can’t be sure who wins but I stand by my prediction of a SmackDown Ms. MITB to set up for a possible cash-in on Becky or Charlotte. Becky VS Bayley was a great match, and Becky wins to stay strong, but Charlotte did good in attacking to remind everyone of her part in this.

Aleister Black’s promos are still properly cryptic, but with him not being named for MITB, it sounds like his story on SmackDown won’t really start until after. Bray Wyatt and Firefly Fun House seem to be on both shows still, will they end up on one show after MITB? Maybe Bray will have guests soon. He might even have a match with Aleister. Hopefully Lars and Truth have a match soon. There’s only so much brutalizing outside of a match you can do, and we’ve hit it. The Hardys give up the belts while Jeff is out, and Lars adds insult to injury, as it were. There aren’t as many big names in SmackDown’s tag division so who knows who takes those up. Maybe that match will be at MITB.

Reigns’ segment was okay. He did fine, Shane did fine, but how is beating The B-Team “overcoming odds”? Again, only so many tag teams on SmackDown now, so I guess Shane had to bring someone on board. The Authors of Pain are hurt, SAnitY fell apart in the Shake-Up, and Heavy Machinery are too fun as Faces, but at least Shane made sure to add on with Elias as a bonus ref. Obviously Roman was going to win, and obviously he’ll win against Elias unless Shane screws him over. But at least fans won’t have to fear Roman getting the MITB contract or the title so soon. And speaking of, the New Day segments were good tonight, but in the end, I still feel Kofi finds a way to win, and then has to worry about Mr. MITB.

My Score: 8/10

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

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

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

Published

7 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

Part Three: Acceptance @TheJonGresham #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/NE9FPzCCz2

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

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

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

.@XiaBrookside and @Ashamae_Sebera face off NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/Q0S3wSRpeu

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

LSG vs Joe Hendry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.@TheEricYoung channels "The Sickness" as he prepares for FULL METAL MAYHEM with @FrankieKazarian at #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/tm1TqxZBLo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6.5/10

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

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

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

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/24)

Time to Man Up!

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the Ivy League MVP earn a title shot?

The NEW ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, is here to step onto the Proving Ground with one of Maria Kanellis’ baby boys, Griff Garrison! Will Griff make Maria proud? Or will he reach for the sky?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bryan Keith VS Aaron Solo; Keith wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, Savion Truitt & Damian Chambers; Archer & The Righteous win.
Lee Johnson VS JD Drake; Lee wins.
Abadon VS Allysin Kay; Abadon wins.
The Infantry VS The Iron Savages w/Jacked Jameson; The Infantry wins.
Six Woman Tag: Diamante, Leila Grey & Taya Valkyrie VS Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora; Kiera, Leyla & Adora win.
The Beast Mortos VS Nick Comoroto; Mortos wins.
Lady Frost VS Marti Belle; Frost wins.
The Dark Order VS Zak Patterson & Frank Milano; The Dark Order wins.
ROH World Championship Proving Ground Match: Mark Briscoe VS Griff Garrison w/ Cole Karter & Maria Kanellis; Mark wins and denies Griff a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Mark Briscoe speaks.

“Now House of Black, I’ve been doing this dance with y’all a little while now, and I’m starting to understand how y’all operate. Starting to understand y’all’s M-O. You try to intimidate me. You try to strike fear into the hearts of men. Well I done told you, I fear no man, I fear no evil. And ancient wisdom says the violent take it by force. Now lemme tell you, Eddie Kingston, Adam Copeland, and Mark Briscoe, we some violent men! And at Dynasty, we bringing the violence, babeh! So heed my advice, House of Black! Be afraid, be very afraid!” The Sussex County Chicken is ready for a fight, will he, the Rated R Superstar and Mad King tear down The House of Black once and for all?

Bryan Keith VS Aaron Solo!

The Bounty Hunter is still looking for a prize, but he’ll gladly fight to earn his shot. Will Keith be heading for a golden opportunity on the other side of Dynasty? Or will Solo shoot first?

The Code of Honor is upheld with sarcastic enthusiasm by Solo, and Keith shoves him away. The bell rings and Solo SLAPS Keith! Keith TACKLES Solo and rains down fists! The fans fire up, Solo gets away then knees Keith low. Solo ROCKS Keith, whips him to a corner, but Keith comes back to run Solo over! Keith scoops to SLAM Solo, then stands on Solo’s face! The fans fire up for the KNEE DROP! Keith then SLAPS Solo! The fans rally for “BK! BK!” Solo storms up but Keith kicks low. Keith reels Solo in, suplexes, and he holds Solo up! Keith marches around, then SLAMS Solo down! Solo bails out and the fans fire up as Keith aims.

Keith builds speed, slides, but Solo ducks! Solo sends Keith into steel steps! The fans boo as Solo leaves Keith behind. The ring count starts, fans chant “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” Solo counts along but wants it to go faster. Keith stands at 8 of 20, slides in, but Solo stomps and HAMMERS away! The fans boo more, but Solo stands Keith up to bump him off buckles. Keith CHOPS in return! Then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~,” then Keith ROCKS Solo with a forearm. Keith CHOPS in the corner, but then Solo dodges. Solo tries but Keith dodges the chop to CHOP Solo down! The fans fire up while Solo is stinging.

Keith whips Solo, Solo reverses and CLOBBERS Keith! Cover, TWO! Keith grits his teeth but Solo knees him in the back! And again! The fans rally, Solo taunts them, and then ELBOWS Keith in the head. Solo stalks Keith to a corner, digs his boots in, but again the fans chant “SOLO SUCKS!” Solo stomps away on Keith, digs his boots in again, but Keith fights up! The fans fire up as Keith fires forearms! Keith fires forearms again and again and again, winds up, but Solo dodges! Solo comes back, but Keith ROCKS him after all! The fans fire up as Keith runs in to BOOT! Solo sputters, Keith runs, but then Solo SUPERKICKS! Keith just roars!

Solo swings, but into a T-BONE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Keith keeps calm. Keith waits on Solo as fans rally behind him. Solo staggers into a fireman’s carry, but he fights free! Solo shoves, goes to a corner, but then Keith comes back. Solo ELBOWS Keith, whips, but Keith reverses! Solo goes up but gets caught, for an USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up again as Keith slashes his throat and aims his finger gun! Keith underhooks, but Solo fights the lift! Solo back drops, Keith sunset flips but Solo stays up to DOUBLE STOMP! Solo then runs up, catches Keith and hits a T-BONE! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up but Solo hurries to a corner. Solo climbs fast, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Keith survives that coup de grace and Solo isn’t sure what to do. Solo kicks Keith around, drags him up and reels him in to underhook. Keith fight that lift, Solo CLUBS away on him, but Keith Alabama Lifts! Solo grabs ropes so Keith lets him down, and ENZIGIRIS! But Solo SCREW HIGH KICKS! Solo goes up top, but Keith RISING HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up with Keith and he climbs! Keith reels Solo in, for DIAMOND DUST!! Cover, Keith wins!

Winner: Bryan Keith, by pinfall

A big win for BK! And he gives back that sarcastic handshake. Will the Bounty Hunter be hot on the trail of a championship after AEW & ROH pass through the Gateway City?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“If you ask AI to create the perfect professional wrestler, it wouldn’t even come close to you. If wrestling is a body business, then you’re a multinational corporation. Biology defying symmetry, no fat, all muscle, no waste. As functional as you are aesthetic. High-flying? You got it. Ground ‘n’ pound? You got that, too. Striking, brawling, submission, technical, there is not a single style you have not perfected. For the last 20 years, you’ve been one of the most consistent and proficient wrestling specimens for any company that’s been willing to throw money at you and begged you to stay. And now, it’s time for them to beg for mercy.

“You are Tony Nese, and you are a Premier Athlete.”

Now Mark Sterling & The Premier Athletes are here in person.

They stand backstage, Sterling’s guys in matching tracksuits, and he says the last time he looked into the camera, he told everyone he had a plan. The very next day, they enacted that plan. Sterling took them off the road, they entered a professional fight camp. They got the best coaches, best trainers, best doctors, and these three started to do what they do best: go to work. Supercard of Honor, against two former ROH TV Champions, PA got an impressive victory. Fruits of their labor. Ariya Daivari is back better than ever. Josh Woods is bigger and better than he was when he won the National Championship. And Tony Nese is in the best shape of his life, which is saying something.

In fact, what’re we even talking about? These three are the most underappreciated athletes in the company. They walk like stars, they move like stars, they present themselves like stars, and by the end of this year, they will be champions. Supercard was just phase one of this plan. Phase two… starts tonight. Then just what happens when the Premier Athletes start making moves?

Lee Johnson VS JD Drake!

Even though he lost at Supercard, Big Shotty stays positive! He got close to the ROH World Television Championship, will he get back there for another shot? Or will Scrap Metal be another speedbump in Lee’s momentum?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, JD HIP TOSSES, and Lee scrambles to ropes. JD flexes and fans cheer, which surprises JD. Lee gets up, he and JD reset. They tie up, JD arm-drags, but Lee gets up. Lee keeps calm while JD talks some smack. They circle, tie up again, and JD scoops! JD carries Lee around, with one arm! Then SLAM! JD dusts off his hands and the fans fire up more. Lee is a bit frustrated, but he fires himself up. The fans rally with him, he and JD circle to tie up. Lee goes to hip toss, but JD blocks! JD tells Lee he knows that’s not gonna work!

JD goes to hip toss but now Lee blocks! Lee arm-drags, then he goes to feint, but JD blocks with a headlock. Lee shoves JD, tries another arm-drag, but JD blocks that. JD whips Lee, Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges and arm-drags again! The fans fire up as Lee tries to scoop, but JD’s too hefty! JD SLAPS Lee, ROCKS him, then whips him to ropes. Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges again, shoves JD and hurdles! Lee drops, then DROPKICKS! JD staggers to a corner, Lee fires up, and the fans fire up with him! Lee runs up on JD in a corner to CHOP! JD barely flinches! JD puts his arms back and dares Lee to try again. Lee CHOPS, but JD puts Lee in the corner!

JD swings, Lee dodges and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Lee whips, JD reverses but Lee ELBOWS back! Lee runs up but into a lift, and FLAPJACK off buckles! Lee falls, the fans rally up, and JD dusts himself off. JD storms back up on Lee, brings him up, and the fans rally. JD ROCKS Lee, stands him up in the corner, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” while Lee sputters. The fans want that “One More Time!” so JD stands Lee up. JD winds up, to JAB! The fans boo JD trolling them, but JD stands Lee up to CHOP him after all! Lee is stinging, but JD brings him up. Lee throws body shots but JD ROCKS Lee!

JD whips, Lee sunset flips! JD stays up, but Lee avoids the hip drop! Ghost pin, TWO! JD gets up, kicks low and whips, to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lee stays in this and the fans rally up. JD sits Lee up, KICKS him in the back, then paces around. The fans rally for Lee but JD pie faces him around. Lee rises, JD brings him up and Lee CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! JD throat chops! The ref reprimands, JD claims he jabbed to the chest. JD then scoops and SLAMS Lee, to then FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Lee is still in this but JD CHOKES him! The ref counts, JD lets off, claiming he was just checking the pulse.

JD clamps on a chinlock, digging his knee into Lee’s back. Lee endures, the fans rally up, and Lee fights to his feet. Lee throws body shots, but JD knees low! JD suplexes but Lee slips free! Lee ROCKS JD, ROCKS him again, but JD CHOPS! JD runs, but Lee SUPERKICKS! JD flops out of the ring and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Lee builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up even more! Lee puts JD in, climbs a corner, and JD stands. JD staggers around, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but then bails back out. Lee thinks on what he has to do and the fans rally up.

Lee runs, to slide, but JD gets under! JD pops Lee up to CLOBBER him! JD puts Lee in, aims from a corner, and Lee goes to the opposite end. JD runs up, but Lee moves, CANNONBALL hits buckles! Lee hurries up while JD is down! The fans cheer as Lee aims, FROG SPLASH, but JD moves! Lee rolls through, runs back at JD but JD puts him on the apron. JD ROCKS Lee, goes up, and he brings Lee around. The fans fire up as JD brings Lee up, but Lee fires body shots! Lee GAMANGIRIS, then climbs! Lee sunset flips for the POWERBOMB! The fans fire up and Lee climbs back up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Lee wins!

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

Big Shotty’s got range, and he hit the mark! Will Lee take this momentum and turn it into another chance at a championship?

Abadon VS Allysin Kay!

Speaking of second chances, The Living Dead Girl got screwed out of the ROH Women’s World Television Championship when Mercedes Martinez & Diamante conspired against her. And while AK Don’t Play, she knows the OG Badass well. Can Abadon prepare for revenge by taking down Martinez’s greatest rival?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, but Abadon holds on, to BITE Allysin’s arm! Abadon then laughs, dodges Allysin to HEADBUTT low, HELL STAB, then mule kick! Abadon runs to SHOTGUN BOOT! Allysin goes to a corner while the fans rally up and Abadon shrieks! But Allysin BOOTS Abadon down! Allysin rains down fists, covers, ONE!! Abadon sits up but Allysin brings her around to fireman’s carry. SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Allysin drags Abadon up to TOSS her to a corner! Allysin fires body shots, then she CHOPS! Allysin whips corner to corner hard and Abadon bounces off buckles!

Allysin takes a bow, puts pinkies up, and SPLASHES in the corner! Allysin CHOPS, whips, and runs up again, but Abadon BOOTS her! Abadon runs to BULLDOG! The fans rally as Abadon slithers out to the apron then climbs up the corner. Allysin crawls, Abadon aims, CROSSBODY! Abadon runs to KNEE Allysin back down! Abadon storms up on Allysin, reels her in, BLACK DAHLIA! Cover, Abadon wins!

Winner: Abadon, by pinfall

Abadon smiles, then shrieks into the night! Will Mercedes Martinez make sure to stay far, far away from the frightening Living Dead Girl?

Backstage interview with Taya Valkyrie.

Lexi Nair is with La Wera Loca and brings up her trios match alongside Diamante and Leila Grey. But this is also the first time we’ve seen her since Supercard, where Johnny TV lost to Dalton Castle. The question is: where is Johnny? Uh, recovering from that vicious attack by Dalton Castle and his “special boy,” Paul Walter-Whatever! Taya is gonna call up Fran Dreischer to file a complaint! For someone so TV Ready, Castle and Paul sure don’t look it. So yes, Johnny is rehabbing. Wait he’s in rehab? Ew, no, who do you think they are? Johnny is rehabbing the abs! This is an aesthetics business so he has to look amazing!

So tonight, Taya will carry the weight of the TV Family in trios action. So run along, Lexi, Taya has things to do. Uh, this is Lexi’s interview space. Oh, well, her apologies. Taya bumps Lexi on the way out, but will Taya’s team win some major points in the title chase tonight?

The Infantry VS The Iron Savages w/Jacked Jameson!

Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo may not be the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but they are not deterred. Will they get through the jacked ‘n’ juicy juggernauts to go after The Undisputed Kingdom once again?

The teams sort out, #BadNewsAndTattoos starts against Beefcake Boulder, and they keep the Code of Honor. They tie up, Bravo tries but can’t push Boulder back, but Boulder pushes Bravo back! Bravo resets with Boulder, beefs up, and they tie up. Bravo wrenches to wristlock, but Boulder WRINGS Bravo out! Boulder talks smack on Dean and Bravo, but Bravo pie faces. Boulder scoops Bravo, but Bravo slips free to DROPKICK! Boulder stays up, runs up, but Dean is there to GAMANGIRI! Bravo tags Dean while Boulder throws a fit, but DOUBLE DROPKICKS send him reeling! Bulk Bronson tags but runs into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

The fans fire up as the Infantry crisscross and SPLIT the wishbone! Bravo gets fans going with “OORAH!” Dean runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson bails out, Boulder is there to help him, and Dean builds speed, only for Jacked Jameson to stand in the way! He wants Dean to sip the Savage Sauce! Dean says no thanks, but in comes Bronson! EXPLODER! Bravo protests but Bronson drags Dean to a cover. The ref is busy arguing, he finally sees the pin, TWO! Bronson is annoyed, but he mocks Bravo’s air machine gun. Bravo then tags Boulder before he brings Dean up. The fans rally but the Savages still hit a SHOULDER TACKLE SUPLEX COMBO!

Bronson flexes, Boulder taunts Bravo, and then Boulder whips Dean to the corner. Boulder wraps Dean’s arms around ropes to HEADBUTT again and again and again! Tag to Bronson, he brings Dean around, and they visit #TIDDYCITY! But Dean reverses, it’s Bronson who dives in! Boulder panics, runs up, but Dean DUMPS him! Bronson swings, misses, hot tag to Bravo! Bravo rallies on Bronson with big forearms! Bravo whips, Bronson reverses, but the CARLIE CROSSOVER takes Bronson down! Boulder gets up, Bravo fakes him out to SCISSOR KICK! Bravo then kicks Bronson, and manages a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally, Bravo pounds the mat, but now Jameson wants Bravo to sip! Bravo says no, get outta here! Bronson runs up again, Bravo dodges, and Bronson barely avoids hitting Jameson! Bravo aims, Bronson dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Jameson! Jameson spews sauce! Boulder catches Jameson, Dean goes up, and Dean CROSSBODIES to wipe them both out! But Bronson rolls Bravo up! TWO, and Bronson grabs Bravo, only for Bravo to kick low! Bravo reels Bronson in, tags Dean, and TORNADO- NO, Bronson stops the DDT! Dean gets in, Bronson scoops, but Dean slips free! Feed to a SUPERKICK!

The Infantry coordinate, for BOOT CAMP! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

Dean & Bravo redeem themselves from Supercard and are ready to get back on track! But wait, The Premier Athletes make their way out here! Is this what Smart Mark was talking about for phase two? Daivari & Nese rush the ring and start throwing hands with The Infantry! Woods tips the scales as he DECKS Dean, then DECKS Bravo! But wait! Here comes Dalton Castle! The Peacock won’t stand for there to be bullies, and he takes off his sandals to weaponize them! The Premier Athletes dare him to, but wait! Here comes Mark Briscoe, Bryan Keith and Lee Johnson! They run The Premier Athletes off!

Sterling shouts, “Who do you think you are?!” but he’s shouting at THE ROH World Champion and many other big names around here! Will The Peacock, the Chicken and the rest of ROH humble Sterling’s stable once and for all?

Six Woman Tag: Diamante, Leila Grey & Taya Valkyrie VS Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora!

The Cuban Diamond has staked her claim at challenging for the ROH Women’s World Television Championship, but so has The Hottest Flame. But let’s not forget The Last Baddie Standing, La Wera Loca, the LEGIT One and The AfroPunk! Billie Starkz still sees herself above all six of these women, but which trio takes the lead in the title chase with a win tonight?

The teams sort out, Taya starts against Kiera and the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Kiera gets around to waistlock. Taya pries the hold, backs Kiera into a corner and throws elbows! Taya stomps away on Kiera, then says who’s the hottest now? Taya snapmares, covers, ONE!! Taya drags Kiera up, whips her to ropes, but Kiera holds ropes to BOOT back! Taya runs up again but Kiera drop toeholds her onto ropes! HIP ATTACK! Taya flounders, Kiera runs to step-up and LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Kiera keeps cool as she brings Taya up, but Taya ROCKS Kiera then throws her by her hair!

Taya tags Diamante, they stomp Kiera, then Diamante sucker punches Leyla! Diamante runs in to DROPKICK Kiera, then drags her to a high stack cover, ONE!! Kiera is tougher than that but Diamante says it’s just a matter of time. Diamante runs, PLANKING SPLASH flops as Kiera moves! Hot tag to Leyla! Leyla gut wrenches Diamante to GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Tag to Adora, then Leyla wrenches so she can hand it off to Adora. Adora WRINGS Diamante’s arm, drags her up and wrenches again, but Diamante ROCKS her! Adora swings, Diamante dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Diamante snarls and pushes Adora down to rain down fists!

Diamante storms around, brings Adora up and CHOPS her on the back! Tag to Grey and she NECK SNAPPERS Adora! Cover, TWO! Adora is tougher than that but Grey rains down fists! Grey drags Adora up, bumps her off buckles, then tags Taya. Taya and Grey dig their boots in, then Taya stomps a mudhole. Taya sits Adora down to METEORA! Tag to Diamante and she stomps a mudhole! The ref reprimands but Diamante tags Taya back in. Taya steps over Adora and mockingly has Adora reach out to her corner. The ref has to keep Hirsch back so Grey gets shots in, then Taya drags Adora up.

Taya again mockingly holds out Adora’s hand but the fans rally up. Adora fights up, but Taya pulls her into the motorcycle stretch! Adora endures the knee in her back, fights up to her feet, and then arm-drags Taya away! Taya gets up, ducks ‘n’ dodges and mule kicks! But Adora ducks the buzzsaw to BASEMENT GERMAN! The fans fire up while both women are down! Adora and Taya crawl, hot tags to Kiera and Diamante! Kiera rallies on Diamante with big forearms, then a SUPERKICK! Turn and NECKBREAKER! Kiera goes up a corner while Diamante flounders around. Diamante stands, into a MISSILE DROPKICK!

Diamante flounders, Grey tags in but Kiera dodges to fire off forearms! Grey shoves back, but Kiera returns to SHOTGUN! Grey flounders, Kiera fires up, and says kiss this! HIP ATTACK in the corner! She sits Grey back down to run and BOOT WASH! Kiera drags Grey to a cover, Diamante breaks it! Diamante gets Grey outta there, and Taya tags in. Taya runs up to mule kick, KNEE LIFT and wrench Kiera, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Leyla also gets in, she pushes Taya around. Leyla drags Taya up but Diamante runs in. Leyla gets around to SAIDO! Taya gets Kiera up but Kiera SUPERKICKS!

Kiera brings Taya over, tags Adora, and they feed Taya to the BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor and GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Hot tag to Grey, she runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Grey is frustrated but she gets Adora up. Underhooks, but Adora breaks that to fireman’s carry! Adora storms over, tags Hirsch, but Grey slips free! Leyla dodges Leila and feeds her to Adora’s BOOT! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Grey survives but Hirsch tags Kiera. Kiera runs, but Taya trips her up! Diamante distracts so the ref misses that! But then Leyla DIVES onto Taya! Diamante CANNONBALLS Leyla!

LARIAT TUBMAN from Adora to Diamante! Kiera dodges Grey to ROUNDHOUSE! And then “That’s all, PERIODT!” FACE THE MUSIC!! Bridging cover, Team Kiera wins!

Winners: Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora, by pinfall

It was fast ‘n’ furious in the end there, but the Hottest Flame burns it down! Will she be first up to strike a match with Billie Starkz?

Backstage interview with Maria Kanellis, Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexi is with the First Lady of Wrestling and her baby boys, the Diamond in the Rough wearing the stolen mask from Serpentico. Lexi congratulates them on their win over Spanish Announce Project at Supercard, but it seems there might be some unfinished business. Are they ever going to give Seprentico his masks back? Karter takes the mask off to say hell no! Griff says Serpentico’s masks mean a lot to him and his lucha libre culture. But uh, they don’t care! It got them the attention that they deserve, and those wins have been a stepping stone in this company.

If Serpentico wants his masks back, he doesn’t need to trick them into a match. They’re happy to beat the crap outta him anytime, anywhere! Maria loves the confidence, and says Griff will need it in his Proving Grounds match against THE ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe. Griff is all fired up, will the Ivy League MVP pass the test with flying colors? Or will he fail to #ManUp?

The Beast Mortos VS Nick Comoroto!

Black Taurus has evolved into something even more menacing than before, and he is looking to stampede all the way to the top of ROH! But Mr. Freak Beast has changed a lot about himself, too, in hopes of finding success. Whose transformation will prove to be for the better as these behemoths collide?

The Code of Honor is upheld reluctantly, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Comoroto shoves Mortos down! Mortos gets up in a huff, gets in Comoroto’s face, but Comoroto pie faces him. So Mortos SLAPS Comoroto! Comoroto runs up, Mortos dodges, and they RAM shoulders! Mortos ducks ‘n’ dodges and jumps to RANA! Comoroto goes to a corner but Mortos runs in to UPPERCUT, CLOTHESLINE, and GAMANGIRI! Mortos wrenches and hits an ARMBAR CODE BREAKER! Comoroto staggers, but he blocks the whip! Comoroto shoves Mortos, runs up, but Mortos dodges to then roll off Comoroto’s back!

Mortos tries to hip toss but Comoroto blocks! Comoroto LARIATS Mortos down then rains down fists! Fans are torn as Comoroto huffs ‘n’ puffs and stomps Mortos around. Comoroto digs his boot into Mortos’ face, lets off to soak up heat, then he drags Mortos up. Comoroto scoops to SLAM, then he runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Mortos pounds the mat in frustration. Comoroto slashes his throat, but Mortos throws body shots. Comoroto CLUBS Mortos, Alabama Lifts, but Mortos sunset flips! Comoroto stays up, hauls Mortos up, but Mortos JAWBREKAERS, KNEES and ROCKS Comoroto!

Mortos goes to suplex but Comoroto’s a big guy, too! Comoroto suplexes Mortos, but Mortos knees free! Mortos goes to a corner, Comoroto runs in but Mortos dropkicks the legs out! Comoroto hits buckles, then Mortos runs in, CORNER 619! Comoroto staggers away and Mortos climbs, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Comoroto still has power to spare and he storms up on Mortos. Mortos UPPERCUTS first! Mortos goes to whip but Comoroto blocks again! Comoroto whips Mortos to a corner, runs up, but Mortos slips out to the apron! Comoroto hits buckles, Mortos goes up, and the fans rally! MORTOS TWISTER! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Comoroto is big and bad but this is a beast of a different breed! Will nothing stop the modern day minotaur from making ROH his domain? Will Jacoby Watts’ teachings ever pay off for Comoroto?

Backstage interview with Nick Comoroto.

Lexi is with Mr. Freakbeast as he returns backstage, and she asks him what his strategy will be moving forward after this tough loss. Jacoby Watts walks in to say, “Turn the page. Start a new chapter. Nothing changes if nothing changes, Nick. It’s a harsh reality. But I am your answer. Your beacon of hope in the darkness. Follow me and I will lead you into the light! For I am Jacoby Watts, the one and only, praise be to he, and he is me.” Watts waxes poetic while making himself the focus, but will Comoroto accept his guidance?

ROH World Championship Proving Ground Match: Mark Briscoe VS Griff Garrison w/ Cole Karter & Maria Kanellis!

The Sussex County Chicken won this title after a war with Eddie Kingston at Supercard, and those two are still going to be friends taking on The House of Black this Sunday! But will Mark be able to focus on tonight with Dynasty on the horizon? Or is this where Maria’s baby boys start building their kingdom?

Mark shows off the belt and its new camouflage patterned leather! The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer on Mark as he circles with Griff. They tie up, Griff headlocks, but Mark powers up and out. Griff sunset flips, but Mark rolls through to drop on the headlock! Griff moves around, fights up, and powers up, but Mark holds tight! Mark hits the takeover, Griff headscissors, but Mark kips free. Roles reverse as Griff headlocks for the takeover, and Mark headscissors. Griff kips free, but Mark shows Redneck Kung-Fu stance and Griff scrambles away! The fans cheer but Maria coaches Griff back up.

Griff cools off, he and Mark reset, and the two circle again. They knuckle lock but Griff kicks low. Griff UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS again, then whips corner to corner. Mark goes up and out, SWATS the haymaker to REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Then Mark gets in to BOOT Griff down! Griff is on ropes, Mark runs in to BOOT WASH him right outta the ring! The fans fire up as Mark builds speed, and he DIVES onto Griff! Not the cleanest landing but Mark borrows a hat to put it on! The fans fire up with Mark, he gives the hat back, then drags Griff up to DECK him! Mark drags Griff up again, to scoop and SLAM!

Griff sputters, Mark goes to the apron, and the fans fire up as Mark takes aim. But then Karter and Maria stand in the way! The fans boo, Mark sighs and steps inside, and Maria coaches Griff up. Griff flounders up, the fans rally behind Mark but then Karter and Maria each get on the apron! The ref is busy arguing with Maria but Karter distracts Mark. Griff sneaks in to CLOBBER Mark! Griff fires forearms while the fans boo, but then Griff stomps a mudhole into Mark. The ref counts as Griff digs his boots in, but Griff lets off at 4. But then that lets Karter CHOKE Mark behind the ref’s back!

The fans boo as Karter gets away with one, and Griff drags Mark up. Griff UPPERCUTS, but Mark CHOPS! Griff sputters, Mark CHOPS again! Griff knees low, whips Mark to a corner, but runs into an ELBOW! Mark runs up, into a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Griff clamps onto Mark with a chinlock and he grinds Mark down. The fans rally as Mark endures and fights up. Mark throws body shots, then fires up to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Mark runs, but into the ROLLING ELBOW! Griff then torture racks for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! High stack, TWO! Mark survives and Griff is frustrated but Maria coaches him up.

The fans continue to rally behind Mark as Griff aims again. Griff goes up but Mark REDNECK UPPERCUTS! Griff gets caught up in ropes, Mark lets him loose so he can fall to the floor. Karter hurries over, but Mark goes up to PLANCHA both baby boys! The fans are thunderous, and Mark cracks open a can of WOOOOO Energy! Mark chugs it, bangs the can against his head, then gets Griff in the ring. The fans fire up as Mark runs corner to corner, but Griff BOOTS him! Mark comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up, Mark reels Griff in, but Griff wrenches out, only for Mark to LARIAT! Mark hauls Griff up again for underhooks!

Mark lifts, for the JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (denies Griff Garrison a title opportunity)

Maria is upset but there’s nothing she can do, her baby boy wasn’t man enough to stop the NEW ROH World Champion! Will Mark continue to carry on his brother’s legacy and become one of the best champions in ROH history?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH for being 92 minutes. I still skipped some very clear filler, but Marti Belle got a good showing in her loss to Frost and The Dark Order got a good match out of Zak & Frank. Cruz, Damian & Savion got an okay showing but c’mon, they were against Archer & The Righteous, those guys have been running through everyone. It hasn’t really led them to anything yet, but maybe after we get undisputed AEW & ROH World Trios Champions after Dynasty, Archer & Righteous challenge the winners. And real good wins for Bryan Keith and Lee Johnson, each guy looking good towards midcard titles at some point.

Really good match from Infantry VS Savages, with the Savages being a bit more Heelish this time. Good win for Infantry, but I didn’t think The Premier Athletes would be going after them first. And I didn’t expect Faces like Keith, Lee and Briscoe to run out to get at them. Maybe the Premier Athletes can also position themselves to go after the trios titles after Dynasty. If The Acclaimed win, they’ll need Heel opponents. Archer & Righteous can play either side, but fans really like Archer so I kinda want him and Righteous to be Faces when facing Bang Bang Gang.

Good match and good win for Abadon over Allysin. Good win for Kiera, Leyla & Adora, though things got a little sloppy in the middle, Leyla’s timing wasn’t quite there. Athena & Billie are both Heels, so while Queen Aminata is in the mix, the champion she doesn’t choose still needs a good Face challenger so you can take your pick of the winners from tonight. Really good match from Mortos and Comoroto, and Mortos winning also helped serve Comoroto’s story with Watts. Watts keeps insisting he’s the answer, but this has to lead to Comoroto breaking free and beating Watts up for his arrogance.

Good promo from Maria, Griff & Karter, and they just kinda copy-pasted Mark Briscoe’s promo from Collision that same Saturday. Really good match for Griff against Mark but of course Mark wins. Mark getting involved with Premier Athletes, maybe Woods or Nese get a shot at Mark only to lose and be Mark’s solid first defense. Not sure who could be a more prolonged feud with Mark, but there are plenty of possibilities, and I’m just happy to see him showing up on ROH TV as the ROH World Champion should.