Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (4/9/19)

It’s the SmackDown After Mania!

Published

5 years ago

April 9, 2019

SmackDown keeps things going even after Wrestlemania with a Tag Team Championship match! Will the Usos put the Hardy Boyz on #Lockdown?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Aleister Black, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali VS Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev w/ Lana & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Black, Ricochet & Ali win.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The IIconics VS ???; The IIconics win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Hardy Boyz; The Hardy Boyz win and become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Six Man Tag: The New Day VS Drew McIntyre & The Bar; The New Day wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Awwww Brooklyn~!

Don’t you dare be sour! Clap for the NEW WWE World Champion, and feel~ the power~! The New Day leads the way for KOFIMANIA! Fans have their signs up proudly as Kofi Kingston high-fives fans on the way into the ring. And the ring is ready for a celebration with a balloon rainbow and plenty of pancakes! SmackDown gives us a quick slideshow to show how Kofi endured, won, and celebrated Wrestlemania Sunday to finally have this title. And fans let him know, “You Deserve It!” Big E wants to make sure everyone knows that finally, a man who made millions of fans cry tears of joy, a man who is clearly an A+ Player with extra credit, broke his foot off between the cheeks of the evil vegan, Daniel Bryan, to become the W, W, E, World, Heavyweight, CHAMPION~!!

Xavier speaks to Brooklyn. Ya bois the NEW~ DAY~, went to Raw in an effort to make even more history. Talking about that split E hit? Fans want “One More Time!” and E gives it to us! But no, that wasn’t it. Big E meant how Kofi was this close to becoming DUAL champion, much like The Man, Becky Lynch! And as much as fun as it would’ve been, there is nothing like being home on the Blue Brand! The New Day is known for shenanigans, crude humor, a lot of booty stuff, but that’s not happening tonight. Tonight is a celebration! They will celebrate the career of the man who is their friend and brother, Kofi Kingston! Fans cheer again as Xavier thinks back to Kofi’s debut. Following Kofi’s career was incredible. Xavier’s own debut and his meeting Kofi the first time, it was meeting a hero.

And what makes it even more special, they bonded together to dig their way up here! They reshaped culture and history together! Wrestlemania saw it happen again when Kofi won. So on behalf of The New Day and everyone in this arena and WWE Universe, “We love you, and congratulations!” Kofi is at a loss for words. But this moment right here “wasn’t supposed to happen”. It wasn’t in the cards, yet here we are! Kofi gives a very special shout out to his family right in the corner. Orion, Kai, and Mrs. Kingston, Chichi, they are Kofi’s inspiration to be the best husband, father and role model possible. He loves them so much, but here comes The Bar! Cesaro & Sheamus ruined Raw’s main event, now they’re raining on the parade!

Sheamus says Kofi owes them for saving him last night. Seth Rollins was mopping the floor with him and they kept Kofi from losing that title. Fans tell The Bar what they think of them, but Sheamus tells them and Kofi that the reality was Kofi was going to lose that belt within 24 hours! And not just because Kofi is a B+ Player, but because he didn’t have The New Day to help him. So here’s a proposal: Kofi and The New Day have a Six Man Tag with The Bar. Okay fine, but they don’t have a third man. Oh but they do. They made a friend while on Raw. But there will be plenty of time to prepare for The Bar and… DREW! The Scottish Terminator joins forces with the Swiss Cyborg and Celtic Gladiator! Will this pumped up Bar be enough to break The New Day?

Six Man Tag: Aleister Black, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali VS Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev w/ Lana & Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega

The Dutch Destroyer & King of Flight didn’t win tag titles on Wrestlemania Weekend, but there’s always next time. For now, they combine with the Beacon of Light to take on the Rockstar, the Brute and El Idolo! Which trio takes back major momentum after WrestleMania?

SmackDown as the King of Strong Style makes his entrance to join his team. The bell rings and Nakamura starts against Ricochet. Fans still sing Nakamura’s theme as he kicks, knees and wrenches Ricochet around. Ricochet spins and wrenches back to a hammerlock to a snapmare. Crucifix cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps on Nakamura but Nakamura breaks free to fire off a strike fest. Nakamura whips but Ricochet rolls off his back. Ricochet handsprings and headscissors to then dropkick Nakamura down! Cover, ONE! Ricochet wrenches but Nakamura kicks to catch Ricochet with the heel. Tag to Rusev and Rusev stomps a mudhole into Ricochet. Both Lana and Zelina cheer their team on as Ricochet rocks Ricochet on the ropes.

Tag to Nakamura, and they combine for a draping knee to suplex! Almas tags in and adds a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Almas stands Ricochet for a CHOP! Tag to Rusev and they mug Ricochet. Tag to Nakamura and he adds on to the mugging. Nakamura wrenches Ricochet’s head in a facelock, then drags him down for knees to the ribs. Nakamura puts the facelock back on but fans rally up. Ricochet stands but Nakamura squeezes tighter. Ricochet fights back but Nakamura knees low. Tag to Rusev and he stalks Ricochet to stomp him. Rusev whips but Ricochet holds ropes, then dodges Rusev to hit a neckbreaker! Fans rally as Ricochet and Rusev crawl, hot tag to Ali! Ali rallies and dodges Rusev for a flapjack dropkick! Tag to Aleister and now Aleister stomps away. Tag to Ricochet and he throws hands.

Aleitser tags back in, and the NXT duo whip Rusev to kitchen sink to basement dropkick! Rusev bails out but Aleister intercepts Almas with a boot. Aleister hits Nakamura, too, then fakes everyone out! He, Ali and Ricochet all sit down in the ring as we go picture in picture.

Fans cheer for Aleister and team as things sort back out. Zelina and Lana are both upset as their team regroups. Ali tags in and waits for someone to return. Rusev runs in but back out to troll Ali. Ali keeps his head on a swivel as Almas also fakes him out. Rusev and Nakamura dare Ail to “C’MON!” but Ali avoids the cheap shot knee only to get a roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Rusev keeps on Ali and tags in Almas. They mug Ali with forearms and kicks. Almas taunts Ali before he wrenches him to a shoulder breaker and clubbing forearms. He brings Ali to the ropes for a hanging armbar! Nakamura tags in and stomps Ali. He drags Ali into a Fujiwara Armbar! Ali endures so Nakamura shifts to a knee drop! Tag to Rusev and they mug Ali more.

Rusev clubs Ali down then drags him up for haymakers. Lana and Zelina cheer as Rusev stomps and clubs Ali out at the ropes. Ali gets up to punch back and starts backing Rusev down. Ali leaps but Rusev catches him! Tag to Nakamura, enziguri to spinebuster! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura drags Ali up for another armlock but Ali endures. Fans rally and Ali fights his way up. Almas tags in and clubs Ali down. Almas drags Ali up for a CHOP against ropes! Rusev applauds then tags in. Rusev whips and catches Ali into a bearhug as we return to single picture.

Fans rally as Ali endures the squeeze and thrash. Rusev squeezes tight but Ali gets free, only to get a clobbering clothesline! Rusev hits Ricochet and Aleister down to leave Ali isolated! Fans boo but Lana and Zelina cheer. Rusev puts Ali in the corner and taunts him to tag before hitting a corner splash. Ali gets to an open corner, Rusev runs in but Ali elbows him away. Ali hops up, flying tornado DDT! Both Ali and Rusev crawl for their corners, hot tags to Almas and Aleister! Aleister rallies on Almas then fires off a strike fest! Sweep to sliding knee! Aleister nips up and fans fire up as Aleister hits the quebrada! Cover, but Rusev and Nakamura both break it! Ricochet springboards to dropkick them both out!

Ricochet aims and slides, but then dodges Rusev to moonsault off barriers! Nakamura KINSHASAS Ricochet from behind! BLACK MASS sends Nakamura back down! But almas rolls Aleister, TWO!! Boot to elbow! But Ali tags in! Ali dodges Almas to hit a REVERSE-RANA! Almas is down and Ali heads up, 450 splash! Cover, Ali and team win!

Winners: Ali, Aleister & Ricochet, Ali pinning

The Light, Flight and Black win, but RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! The Viper ruins everyone’s celebration and even shocks himself. Randy Orton gets back up from losing to AJ Styles, but then Kevin Owens gives Rusev a STUNNER!? The Prizefighter won’t be outdone, but what will he do next? The Superstar Shake-Up is also coming, where will anyone end up when it’s all over?

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Jimmy & Jey are ready to defend their titles again so soon after winning a Fatal 4 Way at Wrestlemania. But before that, congrats to Kofi Kingston! Wrestlemania came and went, but one thing remains the same: The Usos still have the tag titles. But for the first time, they feel the need to win. The Usos need to win against the Hardy Boyz. The SmackDown Tag Team Championships are second to proving who is the better brother tandem. No, it’s about proving who is the better team in all of WWE History! The Usos welcome Jeff & Matt to the #UsoPenitentiary, but will it simply be rendered OBSOLETE?

R-Truth & Carmella are in the ring!

“Brooklyn, make some noise!” What’s up?! Well what’s up is that The Man, Becky Lynch, is the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion! Kofi Kingston is the WWE World Champion! And at Wrestlemania, not only did the FABULOUS Truth put on the World’s Largest Seven Second Dance Break, Carmella beat Andre the Giant in the Royal Rumble match! Uh, no, Truth, no. It was the Women’s Battle Royal. Same thing, right? But to think, just a year ago, Carmella was Ms. Money in the Bank and cashed in to become champion. But then she lost the title only to gain a friend. A friend that reminds her to let loose and have fun. Let’s not get emotional, but she couldn’t have done it without Truth. And wining the Women’s Battle Royal is her first step to bigger and better.

But wait, here comes Samoa Joe! The WWE United States Champion retained after beating Rey Mysterio in under a minute, but he wants another fight! R-Truth gives him that fight, and rocks him with a calf kick! Truth misses the scissor kick and ends up in a Coquina Clutch! Joe has the sleeper on tight, but instead throws Truth out of the ring. Joe demands a mic and he gets one. “What stands before you is a man who destroyed Rey Mysterio in under 60 seconds at Wrestlemania!” So that is a warning that Joe might take even less time to beat up anyone else. The Shake-Up is coming, will Joe soon be a threat to Raw like he is to SmackDown? But wait, here comes BRAUN! This isn’t just anyone else! This is the Monster Among Men!

The Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner goes right at Joe and hits a corner splash! Joe boots Strowman away, and grabs on for a Coquina Clutch! But Strowman powers out! And scoops Joe for a- No, Joe escapes by the skin of his teeth! Will Joe end up on Raw? Will Strowman end up on SmackDown? Either way, will we see this battle of titans happen for that United States title down the line?

The IIconics are here!

Billie Kay & Peyton Royce say high to Strowman on their way out, but he just ignores them. But that’s okay, the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are here to put those titles on the line already! Who will they defend against after the break?!

What’s in the box?

And what in the world is that creature?! Is this some kind of harbinger of doom?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The IIconics VS ???

SmackDown returns and Billie & Peyton take a moment to speak. “Two nights ago at Wrestlemania~, we defied all odds.” The IIconics emerged with these titles! Now when people win titles, they talk a lot about being fighting champions. But the IIconics don’t just talk, they walk, wink wink. And they’ll defend these titles anytime, anywhere, against any team! So tonight, they’ve arranged their first defense to be against the best team in Brooklyn! Ladies & Gentlemen, with an undefeated record of 45-0, it is Karissa & Kristen, the Brooklyn Belles! Peyton & Billie are honored to be facing such a prestigious team. While the challengers have a bright future, Peyton’s & Billie’s future will always be… IICONIC! Strike the pose. Will Peyton & Billie be the 1 in 45-1? Or will they end up the shortest reigning tag champions in those titles’ short history?

Teams sort out as the titles are raised, and we begin with Billie and Karissa. They tie up and Billie knees and clubs Karissa down then tags in Peyton. They double kick her down then strike their poses! Paige watches from backstage as Peyton throws hands on Karissa. Tag to Billie and Billie hotshots into Peyton’s heel kick! Billie drags Karissa up and puts her in the corner for IIconics mudhole stomps. Tag to Peyton and she grinds her boot into Kristen’s face. Tag back to Billie and they double whip Karissa at Kristen. Kristen tags in and she dodges Billie to hit Peyton! Kristen rolls Billie up, TWO!! Billie boots Kristen, then tags in Peyton. Peyton rolls Kristen to Billie for the wheelbarrow half nelson, Peyton rams in her knee! Cover, The IIconics win!

Winners: The IIconics, Peyton Royce pinning; still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions

Brooklyn’s best fall to Peyton & Billie! The IIconics start a streak of their own, but how long will it last?

Backstage interview with Paige.

What’s she doing back on SmackDown? Well other than being the SmackDown after Mania, this is also the SmackDown before the Superstar Shake-Up. Paige just wanted a look at the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. That was an impressive match against the… Brooklyn Belles, was it? But here’s a little secret. Next week, Paige will bring an impressive tag team of her own. Bye for now. Wait, Paige is leading another women’s tag team?! Who will be joining the Glampire on Superstar Shake-Up SmackDown?

Shane McMahon is here!

The Best in the World slowly walks out to the ring, having survived Falls Count Anywhere against The Miz at Mania. What will he have to say about that match after the break?

SmackDown returns and Shane stands in the ring with the World Cup trophy. We review the Falls Count Anywhere with a slideshow ending with that insane superplex off the camera tower! But Shane only won because he was on top of Miz after the fall to the spare platform below. Even so, he manages his million dollar shuffle. Shane reviews the amazing night we’ve had so far and the amazing week in all. Next week only continues that as we go to Superstar Shake-Up. But he wants to reflect on Wrestlemania. There were huge moments like Seth Rollins becoming the NEW WWE Universal Champion. Kofi Kingston became the NEW WWE World Champion. And of course, Becky Lynch is now both Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.

But why did over 80 thousand people jam into MetLife Stadium? Why did millions and millions of people watch? They all wanted to see Shane beating The Miz. Fans boo because that’s not true. But Shane says Miz is in the rear view, and not even here in Brooklyn tonight because he’s tending to Papa George. Shane wants to talk about that for a second. Papa Miz had the audacity to hop into the ring, and it shocked Shane. Papa Miz put his dukes up and stepped to Shane. Shane realized how serious Papa Miz was when he managed to get Shane in the eye. Fans tell Shane “You Deserve It!” But Shane says Papa George deserved getting beat up. And that 68-year-old backed potato and his son got what was coming to them. They found out Shane is who he says he is: The Best in the World.

But on that subject, Shane gets ring announcer Greg Hamilton to give him that proper introduction. Shane couldn’t help but notice the lack of enthusiasm from a moment ago. It wasn’t quite like that amazing Wrestlemania one. What’s going on, Greg? Well, Greg has fans threatening him over that introduction. Well, this is Brooklyn, that stuff happens. But this is also the best city in the world. And why? Because the Best in the World lives in Brooklyn. So Greg, forget about one thing. Forget about the people doing anything to him. He has to worry about Shane doing something to him. So get this right, okay? With conviction and pride. Okay? Okay. Frame it with trophy and… “Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing: The BEST, in the Woooor-” No not good enough. Give us the Mania one. No, no, damn it!

Shane wants Greg to step out with him as he keeps trying. “Best in the-” No, you’re choking, Greg. C’mon. C’mon! It’s still not good enough for Shane. Greg isn’t trying hard enough. Is he crying? No…! “The Best, in the W-” Okay, Greg, last chance. Or else there will be consequences. Shane knows he has another one in him. Don’t be nervous. Let it rip! “Introducing: The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOORLD~!” SHAAAANE! McMAAAAHON~! There it is. Fans boo Shane bullying poor Greg. Shane lets Greg go about his business then finally takes his leave. But will The Miz return to finally deflate that million dollar ego?

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Hardy Boyz!

Jimmy & Jey. Matt & Jeff. Two brother tandems that have done so much in tag team wrestling, and especially on SmackDown! But now, they finally meet and battle to be the very best! Will The Usos put The Hardys on #Lockdown? Or will The Hardys DELETE the Usos’ reign?

SmackDown returns as the Usos make their entrance. The belts are raised and the bell rings, but the teams stare down before sorting out. Jey starts with Matt and we begin! Matt and Jey tie up and go around, but Matt wrenches Jey to a shoulder breaker. Fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” as Jeff tags in. The Hardys double whip, elbow and hit the fist drop and senton combo! Jeff covers, TWO! Jeff keeps on Jey but Jey powers him tot he corner. Jimmy tags in and hits a running uppercut! Jimmy CHOPS Jeff but Jeff kicks and wrenches back. Tag to Matt and Matt hops up to drop an ax handle on Jimmy’s arm. Matt drags Jimmy up for another wrench but Jimmy fights out. Jimmy headbutts Matt a few times but Matt haymakers back.

Matt whips but Jey tags in. The Usos reverse and combine for an assisted Samoan Drop. Jey covers, TWO! Jey drags Matt up and out of the ring then Jimmy gets a cheap shot in. Jimmy backs off while Jey goes out to give Matt an uppercut. Jey throws Matt right into barriers! The ring count begins while Jey trash talks, but Matt hits back! They brawl at 5 and Jey puts Matt in at 7. Jey keeps between Matt and Jeff to tag in Jimmy. The Usos mug Matt then Jimmy uppercuts Matt to a corner. Jimmy whips Matt corner to corner hard and Matt bounces off buckles. Jey tags in and the Usos coordinate for the backbreaker ax handle! The Usos stare Jeff down while we go picture in picture.

Fans rally up for Matt as he crawls, but Jey stays between him and Jeff. Jey drags Matt up to a facelock but Matt endures. Matt fights out but Jey clubs him back. Jey back suplexes Matt down and Matt gets to a corner. Tag to Jimmy and the Usos double whip Matt corner to corner. Matt hits the buckles hard face first, then crumbles to the mat. Fans rally for Matt but Jimmy just grins. Jimmy taunts Matt to tag Jeff but then stomps his hand. Jimmy drags Matt up but Matt counter punches! But Jimmy kicks low and scoops, only for Matt to slip out. Matt kicks and DDT’s Jimmy down! Both men are down and fans rally up as they crawl for their brothers. Hot tags to Jeff and Jey!

Jeff rallies and whips but Jey reverses, only for Jeff to forearm him down. Jeff hits the atomic drop and leg-splitter leg drop! Cover, TWO! We return to single picture as Jeff stalks Jey. Jeff kicks but Jey denies. Jey kicks but Jeff blocks, only to get the dragon whip! Tag to Jimmy but Jeff sends Jey out. Jimmy kicks, uppercuts and whips but Jeff reverses. Jimmy stops himself and mule kicks Jeff back to climb up and copy Whisper in the Wind! But he misses! Jeff does it right with his Whisper in the Wind! Cover, TWO!! Tag to Matt and the Hardy Boyz coordinate for Poetry in Motion! Jimmy staggers into a Side Effect! Cover, TWO! Matt takes off the shirt and drags Jimmy up.

Tag to Jeff but Jimmy spins out of the Twist of Fate to SUPERKICK! Jeff rolls Jimmy, TWO! SUPERKICK! Tag to Jey! USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Jeff survives and fans are fired up! The Usos are beside themselves but they coordinate again. Tag to Jimmy and the Usos go to a corner each. Fans know “This is Awesome!’ as both men climb. But Matt anchors Jey. Jey sends Matt down and adjusts, but Jeff dodges the Double Uce!! Tag to Matt and he goes right at Jimmy, Twist of- Jimmy denies but Jeff tags back in. Matt blocks the kick to finally hit the Twist of Fate! Jeff climbs, SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, The Hardys win!!

Winners: The Hardy Boyz, Jeff pinning; NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions

They’re now EIGHT-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions in their illustrious careers! Kayla Braxton comes in to interview and congratulate Matt and Jeff, but wait, is that… LARS SULLIVAN!? The Leviathan made his main roster debut by destroying Kurt Angle’s happy farewell, is he about to harm the Hardys?

Matt and Jeff don’t back down, they bring the fight! Lars shoves them away, then clubs them both down. He throws Matt out then drags Jeff up for a FREAK ACCIDENT! Then Matt returns, only to get a spinning powerslam! Fans boo and jeer but Lars isn’t done! Lars climbs up high, and gives Matt the flying headbutt! Lars leaves these tag team legends down and out, who else will be leveled by the Leviathan?

The Man returns to SmackDown!

Becky Lynch already paid a visit to Raw, but now she returns home wearing the blue belt while carrying the red. As with Raw, SmackDown relives the Winner Takes All Triple Threat. Ronda, Charlotte and Becky pulled out all the stops, and in the end, it was Straight Fire that pinned the Baddest Woman on the Planet to become the first-ever dual women’s champion! Fans sing Becky’s theme and she hears the voices of angels. But what a week, huh? She did exactly what she said she would, and she overcame both Ronda and Charlotte in the main event! And now she’s the Champ-Champ, #BeckyTwoBelts! Fans chant along with that one. Now that sounds like cause for celebration. She tried that on Monday, but let’s see how that went.

What Becky means is, as she was on her way out, the Sassy Southern Belle would interrupt. Lacey Evans didn’t take The Man seriously as she struck with the Woman’s Right! Becky hit back, and a brawl was on! The Model Soldier managed a tactical retreat. Lacey’s punch quickly reminded Becky she has two big targets on her belts. Shake-Up or not, Becky’s pulling double duty. There’s a tsunami of challengers is coming, but Becky says “Bring on every last one of them!” Becky wants to make this the most talked-about run in all of WWE. If Becky has to beat every woman in the world and sleep with one eye for the rest of her life, she will. She’s walked through Hell to get these titles, she’ll become a Redheaded Devil to keep them. Who will be first to step up to The Man and her two thrones?

But here comes Lacey again! That was a true sucker punch Woman’s Right this time! Fans still cheer for Becky while Lacey sneers at her from atop the ramp. Lacey brushes herself off and takes her leave again, but did she just put a target on her back bigger than Becky’s?

Six Man Tag: The New Day VS Drew McIntyre & The Bar!

#KOFIMANIA almost became bigger than big, but Cesaro & Sheamus “saved” him from The Architect taking the world title from him. However, Kofi, Big E & Xavier Woods don’t see it that way, and accepted this main event match. Will the power of positivity be enough to defeat the Swiss Cyborg, Celtic Gladiator and Scottish Terminator?

SmackDown returns with both teams in the ring, but then Sami Zayn appears? The Underdog from the Underground returned last night on Raw only to lose against Finn Balor in an Intercontinental Championship match. And now, as fans sing his song, Sami says “You’re not worth it.” Sami doesn’t like the WWE Universe anymore, and takes his leave. With that, the bell rings and we begin the match with Sheamus and Woods!

Sheamus tackles Woods to a corner and puts him no the top rope. He throws hands then whips Woods corner to corner but Woods goes up and over. Woods speeds things up to rock Sheamus with a forearm and mule kick. Woods forearm smashes Sheamus in the corner then tags in Big E. Big E runs out to ram his shoulder into Sheamus. Kofi tags in to slide and double stomp Sheamus down! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Sheamus then tags in Woods. Woods hops up to drop an ax handle on the arm. Woods wrenches but Sheamus powers him to the other side. He lets up at 4 but Cearo hotshots Woods. Sheamus clotheslines Woods out then tags McIntyre. McIntyre drags Woods up for an Inverted Alabama Slam on the desk!! Woods goes down and McIntyre mocks him while we go to one last break.

SmackDown returns and Big E tags in! Big E rallies on Cesaro with belly2belly suplexes! Then he swivels those hips and builds up speed for the Big Splash! Fans clap along as Big E stalks Cesaro. Sheamus returns but Big E knocks him down. Big E puts Cesaro on the apron and builds up speed, only to run into Cesaro’s knee! Cesaro climbs up and leaps, crossbody but Big E rolls through, TWO! Big E scoops Cesaro but Cesaro scrambles out. Cesaro boots Big E then tags Sheamus. Sheamus rocks Big E with a knee and Cesaro climbs, A-Swiss-ted White Noise! Cover, but Woods breaks it! Cesaro goes after Woods but Woods sends him out. Sheamus gets Woods for the Irish Curse backbreaker! Fans boo as Sheamus fires up and aims from the corner. Sheamus runs but into a big lariat!

Both Big E and Sheamus are down but Kofi returns. Kofi tags in and hits Sheamus with a crossbody on the back! Fans fire up with Kofi as he aims from the corner. Kofi sees Cesaro and boots him first, then runs to FLY onto him! Kofi hurries back up and kicks Sheamus back. Sheamus staggers and Kofi aims again. Kofi spins but Sheamus ducks the Trouble into a lift! But Kofi powers out and things speed up, Trouble in Paradise on the run! Cover, The New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, Kofi Kingston pinning

The WWE World Champion and his best friends are victorious! They celebrate with Kofi’s sons yet again, and even his wife, because #KOFIMANIA is running wild! Will The New Day still be SmackDown blue? Or will the Superstar Shake-Up send them to be red on Raw?

My Thoughts:

It’s hard to say if the SmackDown After Wrestlemania was better than the Raw After Mania. At the very least, SmackDown ended better than Raw did. We had a great opening with The New Day to finally take the time to celebrate Kofi’s career. However, even this is “ruined” by The Bar to give McIntyre his SmackDown debut. The resulting Six Man Tag match, while short, was great and ended how it should have. There’s a lot of teasing during the Superstar Shake-Up that the New Day could end up separated, but I can’t be sure that happens. They’re still one of the hottest teams in WWE, but at the same time, it would be an interesting development if Kofi was stuck on his own for a year. McIntyre on SmackDown is a good idea, though, as Raw is going to run out of space for him.

Of course, it seems like at least one monster is coming to SmackDown, too. Samoa Joe brawling with Braun Strowman was great, and I would love to see Strowman finally get a singles title in a monstrous match with Joe. Lars Sullivan attacked both Matt & Jeff Hardy, making this seem more like he’s a legend killer than someone after belts. Wherever Lars ends up, I’m thinking he’ll go after a belt after all, so perhaps he’ll be on Raw for the Intercontinental or even Universal Championship. As for The Hardys VS Usos themselves, it was a great match and great to see The Hardys win titles again. If they have those titles, they have to be staying on SmackDown, right? Though this could also be a courtesy win to make sure the Hardys had those belts on their resumes before one or both brothers finally retires.

Teddy Long would be proud of all the tag team matches tonight. The opening Six Man Tag was great, any of those six could end up anywhere and be fine, if not better off than they are now. Orton and Owens did great surprise attacks, and personally I hope they stay on SmackDown, they’ve been staples of it long enough that it’d be too much for them to leave. The IIconics had a title defense, but obviously it was a glorified squash. It’s still good exposure for the Brooklyn Belles wherever they end up, but also a quick and easy first defense for Peyton & Billie. They won’t need to worry about the Shake-Up because those titles are cross-brand, but I’m really hoping they defend against Paige’s new team. And I’m hoping that team is the Sky Pirates, because I literally can’t see another team showing up.

And similarly, The Man won’t have to worry about the Shake-Up, because she has both belts now. Becky clearly has more with Lacey Evans, but I’m hoping that after the Shake-Up and we know which women end up where, we see The Man really going all out. She can have an opponent for the Raw Women’s Championship and one for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and pull a double-header at a big PPV like SummerSlam. Becky pulling a reverse Chris Jericho to defend twice and retain both to be the Undisputed Women’s Champion, officially or unofficially, will be an even greater accomplishment that I’m sure she’s up to and deserves to try.

My Score: 8/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (4/9/19)

Don't Miss

Joe’s CMLL Review & Results (4/7/19)

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

15 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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

Coverage

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

Champions need challengers!

Published

19 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

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

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

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

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

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

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

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

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

Mark Sterling speaks.

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

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

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

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

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

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

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

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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