Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (6/25/19)

It’s a new Drew Era in 205 Live!

Published

5 years ago

June 25, 2019

Steven Mitchell

We have a NEW WWE Cruiserweight Champion!

After WWE Stomping Grounds, it is now Drew Gulak who reigns atop the Cruiserweight Division! But will a golden Gulak make all of 205 Live submit to him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Jack Gallagher VS Mike Kanellis w/ Maria; Gallagher wins.
Humberto Carrillo VS Rob Rollenbeck; Carrillo wins.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tony Nese VS Akira Tozawa; Nese wins and faces Drew Gulak for the title at Extreme Rules.

PLAY BY PLAY

At Stomping Grounds, three of the best Cruiserweight superstars did battle.

The Premier Athlete, Tony Nese defended his title against both the Stamina Monster and the Philly Stretcher, but that was too much for even him. However, Nese did not fall, it was Akira Tozawa who could not survive Drew Gulak’s new non-submission attack! And now Gulak reigns supreme!

The NEW Cruiserweight Champion speaks!

“The time for community is over. Because the pillars of the Cruiserweight Division, and what they were founded on, are weak.” Gulak gave up his crusade to save 205 Live to focus on himself. “This place, it doesn’t deserve my generosity. It deserves my wrath.” We already saw a sample of it at Stomping Grounds. And after stripping away what held Gulak back, we must call him champion. Tonight, Mr. Nese and Mr. Tozawa can fight. Whoever walks away the winner will be put down for good at Extreme Rules! Who moves on to take the cruel Cruiserweight Crusader to the extreme?

Jack Gallagher VS Mike Kanellis w/ Maria!

The Extraordinary Gentleman and the Opportunist of Love want at that Cruiserweight Championship as much as anyone, but Mike also says Gallagher is dead weight dragging down the entire division. Gallagher is too much of a gentleman to point out all the times Mike messed up, but actions also speak louder than words. Whose actions speak the loudest as the summer heats up?

The bell rings and Gallagher slowly circles with Mike. They slowly approach but Mike backs off. Mike and Gallagher circle again and tie up with a test of strength. Gallagher pries one hand free and stands on it, to turn Mike around to a stretch! Mike endures as Gallagher digs his head into the back. Mike uses his power to turn it around, but Gallagher works on turning it back. Gallagher flips but Mike is on him with feet in the shoulders. Mike pulls back on both arms but Gallagher endures. Gallagher reaches back with his legs, and starts pedaling Mike’s chin! Mike lets go and fans cheer for Gallagher. Gallagher baits Mike in and table tops him to a cover, TWO!

Gallagher gets a headlock and climbs the ropes for a big takedown! Maria is annoyed as Gallagher makes it a cover, ONE! Gallagher tries again, TWO! Mike stands up and powers Gallagher to a corner. The ref calls for a break but Mike whips Gallagher to a corner. Gallagher hits the headstand! Fans cheer as he keeps Mike back with his feet. Mike grows annoyed, but then Gallagher goes up and over to dropkick Mike out! Gallagher builds speed and slides, but Mike gets under. Gallagher grabs Mike and heads for barriers, but Maria stands in his way! Mike shoves Gallagher into a post! Then suplexes him to the ground! Maria cheers her husband on while Mike leaves Gallagher to the mercy of the count. The ring count climbs to 5 before Gallagher stirs. Deja vu to last week with Chad Gable!

Gallagher drags himself up at 7, and in at 8! Mike stomps Gallagher out! And rains down rights! Mike is furious but fans boo and jeer. Mike puts Gallagher on the ropes and rakes the eyes. The ref reprimands him but he snapmares Gallagher into a chinlock. Gallagher endures, even as Mike digs his knee in. Maria likes what she sees, but fans give Gallagher strength. Gallagher fights out with elbows, then runs, only for Mike to follow and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Mike keeps his cool as he stalks Gallagher to a corner. Mike whips Gallagher corner to corner hard! Gallagher hits buckles and hits the mat, but Mike drags him up and to the top rope. Mike CHOPS Gallagher, then climbs up to join him. Mike hooks a leg but Gallagher fights back.

Gallagher throws right hands and wobbles Mike, the last one sends him down. Gallagher stands and leaps, but into boots! Mike is up fast, fireman’s carry, Samoan Driver! Cover, TWO!! Gallagher lives and Maria is furious for her husband! Mike smirks because he’s at least getting a fight out of Gallagher. Mike stands Gallagher up to CHOP away, but then Gallagher ducks to throw hands! The brawl is on as they hit each other back and forth. Gallagher gets an edge and backs Mike down! Mike reverses the whip but Gallagher dodges, to get a SUPERKICK! Mike rolls Gallagher, hand full of tights, but the ref sees it! The ref abandons the count and Mike is furious. “Are you trying to screw me?!” No, this is calling the match fair and square. Mike drags Gallagher up, but gets the Gentleman’s Headbutt! Cover, Gallagher wins!

Winner: Jack Gallagher, by pinfall

Maria is in shock. Mike had this, but his anger got the better of him! Is Mike going to drop back down the Cruiserweight ranks now? Is Gallagher moving on up?

But Mike is so fed up, he wants Maria to tell Drake Maverick the bad news. “I’m done!” And he leaves through the crowd! Is Mike dropping out of 205 Live?!

The Cruiserweight contenders speak.

Tony Nese starts, “I could sit here and make a bunch of excuses. But that’s not me.” Nese was fully aware of how the Triple Threat could go, and at the end of the day, he lost the Cruiserweight title. “But I didn’t work so damn hard for someone else to determine my future!” And tonight, Nese takes back control. He will finally gets the 1v1 match he wanted, with the man he respects in Akira Tozawa. The same man Gulak beat to take that Cruiserweight title. As for Gulak, him holding that title, he needs to remember he never beat Nese for it. And Nese vows to take it back.

Akira Tozawa takes his turn, saying, “Stomping Grounds, I had a victory within my grasp. And it slipped.” Tozawa won’t let this opportunity slip through his hands. After he beats Nese tonight, Tozawa goes to Extreme Rules to become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion. Who takes the other past their limits to take Gulak to the extreme?

Drake Maverick tries to call Mike Kanellis.

But it goes straight to voice mail. Is this how it’s going to be? All Mr. & Mrs. Kanellis ever want is opportunities handed to them, but then they squander the opportunities given and blame him! “This is completely unacceptable and completely unprofessional!” Maverick hangs up, but are the Kanellises going to leave him hanging?

Humberto Carrillo VS Rob Rollenbeck!

Ultimo Ninja returns to action with his own hopes of heading for the Cruiserweight Championship. Can he rebound from recent stumbles as the summer heats up?

The bell rings and Carrillo circles with Rob. They tie up and Carrillo wrenches to a wristlock. Rob slips through to wrench back, but Carrillo handsprings to reverse back. Rob elbows free then whips, but Carrillo goes up and over. Carrillo rolls back and shows off his agility! Rob shrugs that off but Carrillo rolls under. Carrillo misses the roundhouse but hits the enziguri! Carrillo drags Rob up and whips, but Rob reverses, only for Carrillo to dodge and springboard for a big arm-drag! Then he dropkicks Rob down and snapmares to a cover, TWO!

Carrillo keeps his cool and drags Rob up. Rob hits back with a big knee! Rob whips but Carrillo holds ropes, so Rob throws forearms. He whips but Carrillo handsprings to back elbow Rob down! Carrillo keeps his eyes on Rob as he gets up, and ducks to springboard for a flying headbutt! Cover, TWO! Carrillo comes closer to a win but he still needs to get it done. Carrillo whips Rob to a corner but Rob puts him on the apron. Rob punches but Carrillo counter punches him back! Carrillo climbs for a missile dropkick! Carrillo puts Rob in a drop zone, hops up, and flips for a splash! Cover, Carrillo wins!

Winner: Humberto Carrillo, by pinfall

There’s no rust on Carrillo! His stock is rising, but will he be in position for a title match after Extreme Rules?

Backstage interview with Ariya Daivari.

The Persian Lion took some lethal liberties dealing with Oney Lorcan last week, attacking with a chair and then clobbering Lorcan on the stage. What drove him to do that? What drove him? Stop trying to stir the pot. Daivari explains it like this: he has expensive taste in fashion, but when it comes to fighting, things are much simpler. Lorcan gave Daivari six stitches in his ear, and cost him being #1 contender to the Cruiserweight title! There’s a misconception that Lorcan is tough, but he’s not. Daivari is tough, and smarter, too. Yet he doesn’t see Lorcan’s chair shot coming! “How does it feel!?” Lorcan rains down rights as he keeps shouting that at Daivari. Referees pull him off but he still gets in his stomps and punches! How will it feel for Daivari when he and The Fury of 205 Live face off in the ring again?

The Lucha House Party speak.

Lince Dorado wonders if they took the Singh Brothers too easy last week. Or was it they didn’t expect them to stoop lower than scum!? Kalisto says he’s tired of Samir & Sunil playing around with fire. What they did to Penelope Pinata cannot be forgiven! But Lince says he talked to Maverick, and he grants them a tag team rematch! And this time, their way! Lucha House Rules! That’s some breaking news! The tornado returns to 205 Live! Will it be #LuchaTime once again?

WWE Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tony Nese VS Akira Tozawa!

If the Premiere Athlete had his way, this would’ve been the match we got at Stomping Grounds, nothing more and nothing less. But now he gets to prove he can take the Stamina Monster down on his own and earn a rematch for the title. Will Nese take back his future with his own hands?

The bell rings and Nese circles with Tozawa. They tie up and Tozawa waistlocks. Nese standing switches and slams Tozawa to the mat. Tozawa gets up and pries his way out to a wristlock. Nese powers Tozawa to a corner, then whips Tozawa corner to corner. Tozawa reverses but Nese stops himself to elbow Tozawa away. Nese jumps up to moonsault but Tozawa gets under. Tozawa runs but Nese goes Matrix to mule kick and knee lift. Nese kicks then powers Tozawa to a cover, ONE! Tozawa gets to a corner but Nese is on him with stomps. Nese drags Tozawa up for knees and a suplex. Tozawa slips out to shove and huricanrana Nese down!

Nese bails out to the apron but Tozawa kicks him all the way off. Tozawa then builds speed but Nese gets clear. So Tozawa goes to the apron for the CANNONBALL! Both men are down but fans cheer! The ref checks on them and both men are okay to continue. Tozawa drags himself up and fans cheer. Tozawa brings Nese back to the ring and slowly heads for the top rope. Fans “AH! AH!” but Nese rolls and leaps to PELE! Nese drags Tozawa down to cover, TWO! Nese keeps cool as Tozawa rolls away. He stomps Tozawa then drags him into a chinlock for crossface forearms. Nese drags Tozawa up again but Tozawa fights with body shots. Nese whips and blasts Tozawa with an elbow! Cover, ONE! Tozawa toughs it out but Nese drags him into the body scissors and puts the squeeze on Tozawa’s ribs.

Tozawa works against the hold, prying at Nese’s feet. He elbows Nese off him, then fireman’s carries! Fans rally as Tozawa powers up, but Nese fights out with elbows. Tozawa falls and Nese covers, TWO! Nese has the rear bearhug right away! Tozawa endures, and works his way over, but Nese drags him away from ropes. Tozawa elbows Nese again, and fans chant “AH! AH!” Nese knees low and runs, into a BOOT! Tozawa fireman’s carries again! Fans cheer to give him the strength for the toss! Tozawa keeps moving, sliding shotgun dropkick! Nese bails out and Tozawa builds speed, to DIVE! The Tozawa Torpedo sends Nese over the announce desk!

Nese stirs but Tozawa is laser focused, even as the ring count climbs. Tozawa drags Nese back to the ring and puts him in. He climbs up top again, and leaps for the missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Nese still lives and Tozawa grows frustrated. Nese drags himself to the ropes and fans “AH! AH!” for Tozawa. Tozawa reels Nese in but Nese blocks the lift. Nese elbows out of the waistlock, but swings and misses. Tozawa tilt-o-whirls to the Iron Octopus! Tozawa pulls hard but Nese powers up and out for a sidewalk slam! But Tozawa lands a bit more on his head! The referee checks, but Tozawa is somehow able to continue. Nese drags himself to ropes while fans rally up.

Tozawa stands, but Nese throws a haymaker. And then another! Nese ducks the chop to jam Tozawa with a knee. Nese runs to boot and then windmill kick Tozawa down! Tozawa staggers to a corner while Nese kips up to hit a back elbow! Nese keeps moving but Tozawa sends him to the apron! But Nese kicks back! Tozawa is down and Nese goes to the corner, triangle lionsault! But Tozawa bails out! Nese keeps moving and FLIES! Direct hit takes Tozawa down! Nese puts Tozawa in, and triangle lionsaults to hit! Cover, TWO!! Tozawa survives and Nese can’t believe it! Fans rally up as Nese heads for Tozawa. Nese stands Tozawa up for a chop, but Tozawa comes back with a CHOP! Nese CHOPS, but Tozawa CHOPS back!

They go back and forth, CHOP after CHOP! Tozawa fires off more and more, then fires up, to fake Nese out to the JAB! Tozawa runs but into Nese’s forearm! Nese whips but Tozawa reverses, only for Nese to slip under. Nese pump handles, but Tozawa slips out to hit the rolling roundhouse! Cover, TWO! Tozawa doesn’t stop, he drags Nese to the drop zone and heads up top. But SHORYUKEN from Nese! Nese climbs up to join Tozawa, but Tozawa resists. Tozawa throws body shots and fans “AH! AH!” with each one. Tozawa clubs away on Nese’s back over and over, then adjusts. Sunset flip but Nese holds on! Nese fights Tozawa off, rolls back, and lifts Tozawa in the Alabama position. Tozawa grabs for ropes, but can’t, so he makes it a DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!? Nese survives?!

But Tozawa keeps moving, back to a drop zone and top rope. Tozawa leaps, SUPER SENTON FLOPS! Both men are down but Portland says “This is Awesome!” Nese and Tozawa stir, and Nese is up first. Tozawa hears the “AH! AH!” echoing in the distance, but Nese lifts him in the Alabama position. Tozawa sunset filps and lets Nese go, to get a Crucifix Driver! Cover, TWO! Nese rolls Tozawa, TWO to a deadlift! Buckle bomb! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Tozawa survives and Nese is shocked! Nese grits his teeth as Tozawa sits up in the corner. Nese runs side to side, but into a German Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!

Tozawa refuses to stop, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! German Suplex into buckles! Nese brings the knee pad down, goes side to side, but still misses. Tozawa kicks, swings, slides under, and slips around the clothesline to sunset flip, but Nese counters with the Dude Buster!! Cover, Nese wins!!

Winner: Tony Nese, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

The Premier Athlete brought everything he had, and he proved he could beat the Stamina Monster! And he shows the utmost respect to Tozawa by helping him up and hugging it out. But now he heads for Extreme Rules in the Philly Stretcher’s hometown! Can Nese bring it all again to take it all back?

My Thoughts:

Another really good 205 Live! I’m a little surprised there wasn’t more reference to Drake Maverick getting obsessed and even depressed over the WWE 24/7 Championship, but I do appreciate furthering this build of disgruntled Kanellis and aggravated Maverick. I still feel like this heads for something that determines if Maverick stays 205 Live GM or gets replaced. Gallagher VS Mike was a good match, too, so something has to give that puts Mike up higher in the division. Carrillo faces a jobber but even the jobber makes it look good, so Carrillo’s win is better than just a squash. He’ll probably also start a real rise in the ranks after Extreme Rules. That Lorcan chair shot legit surprised me, it was just so outta nowhere. I can’t wait for Lorcan VS Daivari round three.

These tag feuds are starting to lose their luster. The matches are always great, and the tornado tag of Lucha House Party VS Singh Brothers definitely will be another great one, but what’s the point without Cruiserweight tag titles? Meanwhile, Gulak, Nese and Tozawa all had great promos tonight. Nese VS Tozawa tonight was a great main event! This is definitely the way the match would’ve gone, kayfabe and reality, if it was just Nese VS Tozawa at Stomping Grounds. But with the history of Nese and Gulak, it just makes sense for them to have another match. Chances are this will be another kickoff show match like the Stomping Grounds title match was. A shame, since Gulak and Nese with plenty of time and maybe even a No Disqualification stipulation would be incredible. But Extreme Rules has been nerfed so much these days, another real shame.

My Score: 8.4/10

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

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Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (6/26/19)

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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (6/25/19)

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

1 day 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!