Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/26/19)

Two more matches in the King of the Ring tournament!

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2019

Steven Mitchell

Raw returns to New Orleans!

And to do it up big, not only will Raw’s opening round in the King of the Ring wrap, The Boss returns to in-ring action! Is there any possible way Natalya wins with a bad arm against the bad-in-blue Sasha Banks?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Ricochet VS Drew McIntyre; Ricochet wins and advances to the next round.
King of the Ring Raw Bracket: The Miz VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins and advances to the next round.
Bayley VS Nikki Cross; Bayley wins.
Raw Tag Team Championship 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Contender’s Match: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler win and will face Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman for the Raw Tag Team Championships at Clash of Champions.
Sasha Banks VS Natalya; Banks wins.
Cedric Alexander VS Cesaro; Alexander wins.
WWE United States Championship: Braun Strowman VS AJ Styles; Styles wins by disqualification, and retains the WWE United States Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sasha Banks is in New Orleans!

The Boss will have her first match since WrestleMania 35 in New York, against Natalya, who Sasha brutally attacked not just once, but twice since returning to Raw. But right now, Sasha goes to the ring and grab a mic. “So everybody wants to know why.” Everyone wants to know where Sasha has been. Four months, Sasha was gone. Out of sight, minding her own business. But all she hears is “Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks.” But New Orleans cheers for Becky! No, Sasha Banks. Because Sasha Banks “threw a fit.” She did. Because Sasha Banks cried after WrestleMania on the floor. She did. Because Sasha Banks took her ball and went home. Damn right she did. And not for reasons fans thought. Sasha was relegated to a WrestleMania tag team match she cared nothing about, for titles that meant even less, while Becky Lynch main-evented against Charlotte and Ronda.

So yes, Sasha went home, and took an amazing vacation using her WrestleMania paycheck that wasn’t as much as Becky’s. And then Sasha came back to work. But with a plan. Sasha needed the perfect moment, “and there she was. Good ol’ Natalya.” The poor one-armed friend. Sasha “cries” and wipes her tears away with her hair. Sasha gave Natty a hug, and lied straight to her face when she said Natty’s daddy would be so proud. Then look who came to save the day: Becky Lynch! And we saw what happened then. And now Sasha is the center of attention, like she deserves. And why? Because Sasha is the standard! She ran the Women’s Division since day one, because she is The Boss and the talk! She deserves all the glory! As far as Natty goes- Well wait, here she comes! And with her bad arm wrapped, Natty tackles Sasha to the ground! The two brawl and Natty rams Sasha into the apron, then into steel steps!

Natty hammers away but Sasha powers back. Referees rush out with security to separate the two, but the fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Sasha gets at Natty with more hands! Sasha holds onto hair but the referees separate the two, only for Natty to get back at Sasha! Natty won’t let up as she hammers back on Sasha! Sasha kicks Natty away and the referees keep them apart this time. Raw goes to break, will their match still happen tonight?

The Street Profits are pumped for tonight!

The Boss back in action is going to make tonight LIT! Two more King of the Ring matches, and Strowman VS AJ Styles! That’s Phenomenal, and it’s for the title! But what’s even more exciting, the 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Match! Awesome! But what the heck is that? A tag team gauntlet! And that winner faces Strowman & Rollins for the Raw Tag Team Championships! Whew! Heavy Machinery, The Revival, Lucha House Party, Hawkins & Ryder, The B-Team, The Viking Raiders, and former champions, The OC’s Gallows & Anderson. Those two losing the titles to go through seven teams, that’s hot. Wait who is the last team? Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler! Quite the team right there! But who makes it through the turmoil to head for Clash of Champions?

King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Ricochet VS Drew McIntyre!

The One and Only wants to truly become #KingRicochet by winning this tournament, but he’ll have to first survive the Scottish Terminator! Will Ricochet advance to meet Samoa Joe in the second round? Or will McIntyre make a broken dream come true?

The bell rings and Ricochet waistlocks but is thrown right off. Ricochet bobs ‘n’ weaves but McIntyre throws him to a corner. Ricochet dodges and rolls to handspring but McIntyre gets clear to CHOP Ricochet down! McIntyre throws Ricochet overhead across the ring! McIntyre stands Ricochet up to CHOP him back down! Then he shoves Ricochet, but Ricochet dodges to sends McIntyre into rope. Ricochet chops but McIntyre shoves. Ricochet throws McIntyre out then gets on the apron, for a corner moonsault! McIntyre gets clear but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet tilt-o-whirls but McIntyre powers through to give Ricochet a backbreaker on the barriers! McIntyre drags Ricochet off to head up the steel steps! McIntyre gives Ricochet an arpon backbreaker! Ricochet is writhing while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as McIntyre bends Ricochet back in a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch. But Ricochet pops out to a cover, ONE! Ricochet CHOPS, ducks and chops again. McIntyre clubs back and clubs Ricochet down. McIntyre urns but into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Both men are down but New Orleans fires up! Ricochet heads for a corner while McIntyre gets to ropes. McIntyre runs in but Ricochet dropkicks the legs out. Ricochet goes tot he apron to kick McIntyre from the corner! McIntyre staggers and Ricochet springboards for a missile dropkick! McIntyre bails out but Ricochet roars as he builds speed! Ricochet FLIES and takes McIntyre out! Both men are down on the outside but Ricochet is up first. The ring count reaches 5 as Ricochet gets McIntyre back in the ring.

Ricochet slides in at 7 but he can’t fireman’s carry McIntyre up. He spins and kicks instead, then jumps up, but McIntyre blocks the Poison-Rana, into the INVERTED ALABAMA! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and McIntyre grows frustrated. McIntyre hauls Ricochet up to SLAP him back down. McIntyre trophy lifts Ricochet but Ricochet slips out, only to get an elbow. McIntyre runs in but Ricochet catches him!? He adjusts to a Northern Lights! Roll through, but McIntyre Falcon Arrows Ricochet down! McIntyre runs over but Ricochet kicks and flips to the apron to kick again! Ricochet springboards, flying clothesline connects! Fans fire up as Ricochet hits the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down again, but Ricochet wills himself back up first. “This is Awesome!” as Ricochet drags McIntyre to a drop zone.

Ricochet climbs but McIntyre stands. Ricochet hops down but his kick is caught! McIntyre DECKS Ricochet off the apron! McIntyre drags Ricochet back up, and whips him at steps. Ricochet leaps over, and triangle kicks back! Ricochet catches his breath as the ring count climbs past 5! Ricochet leaps into a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre refreshes the count and drags Ricochet back in. McIntyre aims from a corner, Ricochet stands, SUPERKICK from Ricochet! McIntyre staggers, but Ricochet kicks the legs out. Ricochet kicks away, but runs into a LARIAT! Deadlift sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO!? McIntyre can’t believe Ricochet still lives! McIntyre stands up as fans are thunderous for Ricochet. McIntyre hauls Ricochet back up into a fireman’s carry, and then climbs the ropes! Ricochet fights, slips out, and trips McIntyre up!

Ricochet runs but is tossed to the ropes, to come back with a RECOIL! McIntyre is down, Ricochet climbs up, Ricochet leaps for the 630!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall; advances to the second round

The King of Flight survives and wins against the Scottish Terminator! But will Ricochet be able to survive the Samoan Submission Machine?

Raw shares a backstage interview from last week with Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins.

The unlikely duo beat The OC, but now this brings in a new conundrum. The Clash of Champions PPV requires Rollins to defend both his titles. But that’s how it goes. Any team that wants after Rollins and Strowman can go ahead and try. Right, big guy? But Strowman stares at the Universal Championship. The Monster Among Men agrees to defending the tag titles, but what about said Universal title? There is a long list and the most talented locker room. But Strowman doesn’t care about that, does he? Is Strowman going to challenge him for THE title? Oh c’mon, they only just won the tag titles together. But yeah, he is. Well it won’t be fun, but Rollins won’t back down. Challenge accepted. The two tag partners shake on it, but will one title cost Rollins the other?

King of the Ring Raw Bracket: The Miz VS Baron Corbin!

The Hollywood A-Lister could truly become king of Castle Marmiz, but will this tournament still be awesome after tonight? Or will the Lone Wolf take one step closer to adding a new accolade to his long list?

Raw returns as Miz takes to the mic. “In my 13 year WWE career, I have accomplished a lot.” All the titles, all the movies, his reality show which has its season finale tomorrow night. But fans always ask, what does Miz still want? Miz wants it all! Miz brings the fans along on a quest onto the Iron Throne! Miz could become… KING AAAAAAWESOOOME! But now Baron Corbin makes his entrance, and this match begins!

Corbin goes at Miz and stomps him into a corner. The referee backs Corbin off, and Corbin gloats that the throne will be his. But Miz throws hands and has Corbin in a corner. Miz climbs up and rains rights down. Miz kicks and boots Corbin, then clotheslines him out! Miz runs but Corbin dodges the dropkick to ROCK Miz with a right! Corbin drags Miz up and bumps him off the apron. Miz staggers around the corner but Corbin rams him into barriers! Then he brings Miz around to ram him into more barriers! Corbin puts Miz in but Miz throws counter punches! Miz throws hands from both sides then whips. Corbin reverses but then Miz dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in and LARIATS Miz down! Cover, TWO! Corbin keeps his cool while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Miz dodges a boot to give Corbin the A-List combination! Fans are fired up for Miz as he fires himself up. Miz stands and goes at Corbin with more counter punches! And then more haymakers from all sides! Miz gives Corbin It Kicks! Miz goes corner to corner for double knees! And again! And then the A-List Lariat hits! Miz climbs up and leaps for ax handles! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps his cool as Cedric Alexander watches backstage. Alexander faces the winner of this match in the next round, so he wants to be ready. Corbin avoids the Figure Four and kicks Miz away. Miz runs back, but into Deep Six! Cover, TWO! Corbin can’t believe Miz survives, and grows frustrated. Corbin argues with the referee, but he cools off to run at Miz. Miz boots Corbin away! Then wants the full nelson, only for Corbin to back suplex. Miz lands on his feet, and avoids the choke slam with a sunset flip! TWO, and Corbin knees low.

Corbin reels Miz in but Miz flips through! Low DDT! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives and now Miz is surprised. Miz catches his breath as fans rally up. Miz gives Corbin more It Kicks! Miz powers up the buzzsaw, but Corbin ducks it! Corbin rolls Miz, TWO! Corbin runs in but slides out. Corbin slides in, but into the FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Corbin survives the Skull-Crushing Finale?! Corbin gets under the bottom rope and out of the ring to flop to the floor. The ring count begins but Miz goes out to fetch Corbin. Miz throws Corbin into barriers! Then back into the ring, and Miz climbs up to springboard! Corbin gets under and reels Miz in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall; advances to the next round

The quarterfinals won’t be awesome after all. Corbin catches Miz at the right moment, and now he heads for the next round. But will the Age of Alexander keep Corbin from the throne?

Corbin goes to the throne, and tries the crown on already. He also raises the staff and takes a seat before speaking into the mic. “When I showed up tot his building today, I was asked about some ridiculous poll where the WWE Universe voted.” The fans wanted anyone but Corbin to win, but he doesn’t care what the fans think. “None of you actually matter to me!” And that’s because on everyone’s very best day, they couldn’t do what Corbin has. Corbin is where he is today because of one person: himself. And after he is coronated, everyone will hear, “All Hail King Corbin!”

Backstage interview with The OC!

Gallows and Anderson lost the Raw Tag Team Championships to Rollins and Strowman, and must survive seven other tag teams in order to have a rematch. What is their mindset going into that? Last week, Strowman and Rollins “earned’ a title match, but now eight teams must fight to earn one? It doesn’t make sense and it’s not fair. But the OC rights some wrongs to show everyone why Raw belongs to the official, the original and the only club that’s ever mattered. But will Tag Team Turmoil be Too Sweet by the end of tonight?

Bayley VS Nikki Cross!

The SmackDown Women’s Champion visits Raw to settle things with the loony lass over her crashing of A Moment of Bliss. Bayley likely has the Queen of All Eras on the card for Clash of Champions, but can she keep momentum on the way there?

Raw returns as one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions makes her entrance. The bell rings and we begin as Nikki shoves. Bayley punches and Nikki kicks, but Bayley trips Nikki up. Bayley gets a headlock then whips, but Nikki rolls over and runs, only for Bayley to get her with a back suplex! Nikki bails out but Bayley goes to dropkick. Nikki has the feet but Bayley kicks her away. Nikki trips Bayley up and then rams her into the apron! Nikki drags Bayley up into the ring and then goes after the arm. She drops knees and then wraps on a body scissor! Bayley endures as Nikki talks trash in Bayley’s ear. Bayley works against the hold and elbows Nikki. Nikki clubs back and then rolls Bayley for a cover, TWO!

Bayley gasps for air but Nikki drags her up to whip and ram a knee in. Nikki keeps that up and Bayley falls down. Nikki covers, TWO! Bayley hits back but Nikki clubs Bayley and then hoists her into a corner. Nikki has Bayley in the Tree of Woe and stomps away! Nikki then runs to ram into the ribs! Bayley falls out of the tree, cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Nikki drags Bayley up but Bayley punches first. Nikki headbutts low then whips, but Bayley goes out tot he apron. Bayley slides in, rolls Nikki, TWO! Nikki goes to headbutt but gets caught into a snap suplex! Bayley tosses Nikki tot he apron and rams her knee! Then hits the hotshot! Nikki flops down and Bayley covers, TWO! Nikki hits then runs, but Bayley scoops Nikki for a spin-out sidewalk slam! Bayley hurries up top, leaps, and hits a Macho Elbow! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

Bayley wins again, sending Nikki limping back to Alexa. Will Bayley keep strong towards Clash of Champions and her fight with The Queen?

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.

The match has been made, so for the first time, tag team champions defend their titles only to face off for a singles title that same night! And the Monster Among Men gets another shot at the United States Championship tonight! Strowman is up for a historic night as he defends the tag titles, the US title, then takes the Universal title from Rollins. Now THAT is Winner Takes All. And Styles will only #GetTheseHands when he’s all alone tonight. Will Strowman get his hands on all the gold?!

Raw Tag Team Championship 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Contender’s Match!

Erik and Ivar start the turmoil and will have the biggest challenge of all eight teams! But who will start this unique gauntlet with them?

Raw returns, and the first team to face the Viking Raiders is the B-Team! Curt Axel and Bo Dallas used to be Raw Tag Team Champions, perhaps they can make the climb back to the top here tonight.

The Viking Raiders VS The B-Team

Teams sort out, and Erik starts against Axel with the bell. Erik gets Axel down and roars at him. Erik runs but Axel throws an elbow! Axel stomps Erik in the B-Team corner to the beat of their chant, “B-Team! B-Team! GO GO GO!” Bo tags in to keep the cheering and stomping going. Axel tags back in to do more stomping, and then Bo tags in again. Bo hits a clothesline, a knee and feed Erik to Axel, only for Erik to rock Axel with a right! Erik hauls Bo into the corner and tags in Ivar. Bo gets knees from Ivar then from Erik. Erik hits Axel back out, then Ivar feeds Bo to Erik who feeds Bo to THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, and the Viking Raiders ELIMINATE The B-Team! But now they face The OC!

The Viking Raiders VS The OC

Erik and Ivar are ready as the Club storms their way to the ring. Gallows starts with Ivar but he sucker punches Erik! Ivar attacks but Anderson joins in. The OC double shoulder and stomp away on Ivar. Anderson hits Erik back down then Gallows throws big shots! Anderson hits a rocket kick and Gallows hits a splash! The OC goes after Erik and clubs away. But Ivar builds speed to DIVE! The War Bear wrecks Anderson and Erik! Gallows mugs Erik while Ivar has Anderson back in the ring. Anderson fires back and Gallows saves Anderson. Erik attacks now, and the referee can’t get either team to settle this! The referee DISQUALIFIES both teams!! Erik, Ivar, Gallows, Anderson and New Orleans are disappointed, but this turmoil starts fresh! And first out… the GLORIOUS Robert Roode and his new friend, The Show-Off, Dolph Ziggler! But who will they face after the break?

Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Lucha House Party

Raw returns and it is the Cruiserweight trio that faces Roode and Ziggler! Lince Dorado fights with Roode and give shim a jawbreaker to a CHOP! But Roode whips Lince to the corner. Licne boots back then hits Ziggler. Lince fights and tilt-o-whirls to throw Roode down! Roode tags Ziggler in, and Ziggler keeps Lince from Gran Metalik. But Lince enziguris and uses his head to tag Metalik! Metalik springboards and handsprings around, and then goes again to elbow Ziggler down! Fans fire up as Metalik runs the ropes to hit a springboard missile dropkick! Cover but Roode just breaks it! Lince leaps back in with a huricanrana! Lince then climbs again, only for Ziggler to send him down! Metalik rolls up to sunset flip bomb Ziggler! Cover, TWO! Metalik kicks then handsprings again, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, Ziggler & Roode ELIMINATE Lucha House Party!!

But now the #TopGuys are next. Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder want their way back to the Raw Tag Team Championships, but Roode and Ziggler look ready.

Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS The Revival

Dawson starts with Ziggler and the two circle. They tie up and Dawson puts Ziggler in the corner. Dawson gets the headlock takeover but Ziggler gets a headscissor! The referee misses the unique cover, but Dawson slips out to get a facelock. Ziggler uses that amateur ability to roll Dawson up, ONE and Dawson gets the ropes. Dawson elbows Ziggler away and Ziggler bumps into the referee. The referee lets it slide given the scrappy situation. Ziggler and Dawson tie up again and Ziggler headlocks. Dawson pulls hair but Roode tags in. Roode and Ziggler mug Dawson, then Roode CHOPS Dawson in the corner. And again! Dawson turns it around to CHOP away on Roode! Dawosn whips but Roode reverses to then back drop Dawson down!

Roode drags Dawson up and tags Ziggler back in. Ziggler throws hands and then Ziggler headlocks. Dawson pulls hair again and Dash tags in. Ziggler hurdles Dawson but Dash blasts him down! Dash hits Roode then tags Dawson back in. Backbreaker leg drop combo! Cover, TWO! The Revival are furious, but they cool off as they tag again. They grab a leg each and catapult Ziggler into ropes! Cover, TWO! Dash keeps his cool as he wraps a waistlock for a rear bearhug. Ziggler endures and scrapes a forearm in Dash’s face. Ziggler gets to his feet and elbows free, only for Dash to ram his shoulder in low. Tag to Dawson, and Dawson brings Ziggler around to put on the apron. Dawson kicks and punches away, then Dash gets a cheap shot in. Roode protests but Dawson slingshot suplexes Ziggler down! Cover, TWO! Roode was late on helping out but he does reach for the tag.

Ziggler fights back against The Revival, but Dawson kicks low to bring Ziggler for a back suplex. Ziggler slips out, elbows Dawson and tags Roode! Ziggler SUPERKICKS but Dash turns that into a tornado. Ziggler denies the DDT part, FAMOUSER! Ziggler leaps at Dawson but Dawson shoves him away. Dawson forgot it’s Roode that’s legal as he gives Ziggler the BRAIN BUSTER! But Dawson escapes the Glorious DDT once, only to get it again!! Cover, Roode & Ziggler ELIMINATE The Revival!? The newest team on the block takes out the #TopGuys, but they meet the next team after the break.

Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS The Major Bros

Raw returns as Curt Hawkins rallies on Roode and Ziggler, and hits the bulldog clothesline combo! Hawkins dropkicks Ziggler then dropkicks Roode! Ziggler swings into a neckbreaker! Tag to Ryder, and Ryder hops up. Hawkins fireman’s carries Ziggler, blockbuster Samoan Drop combo! cover, but Roode breaks it! Roode throws Hawkins into the post hard but Ryder clotheslines Ryder out! SUPERKICK from Ziggler! Cover, Ziggler & Roode ELIMINATE Hwkins & Ryder!! Another former Raw Tag Team Championship team goes down to the GLORIOUS and the Show-Off! But that means the last team they face is… Heavy Machinery!

Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Heavy Machinery

After fighting multiple teams, Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic might be the worst team to go against! Will Roode and Ziggler survive their first night teaming together? Or will they be steamrolled on the road to Clash of Champions?

Ziggler and Roode call a timeout, but there are no timeouts in wrestling. Tucker throws big hands on both Roode and Ziggler! Tucker feeds Ziggler into the ring, then runs. ZIggler dodges but Tucker goes up and crossbodies! Cover, TWO!! Tucker was so close to finishing this fast, but he drags Ziggler over to a standing suplex. Tag to Otis, and he takes the hand-off while keeping Ziggler up! Otis holds Ziggler for a little longer before dropping him down. Cover, TWO! Ziggler survives again but Otis tags Tucker back in. Otis helps Tucker slingshot for the senton! Tucker wants Ziggler to stand, and he runs, but Roode dumps Tucker out hard! Ziggler tags Roode and Roode throws Tucker into barriers. Then into steel steps! Roode puts Tucker back in, covers, TWO!

Roode keeps on Tucker and scrapes his laces off Tucker’s face. Roode drops a knee, covers, TWO! Tucker is tough but Roode keeps on him. Roode drags Tucker over and tags Ziggler. Ziggler throws hands and Roode adds on. Ziggler drops Tucker with a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Tucker with a sleeper hold! Fans rally as Tucker endures. Tucker fights his way up to his feet but Ziggler is a backpack. Ziggler throws Tucker down by his hair, then dares him to stand. The leap is caught and catapulted into post! Both men are down and fans come to life for Otis! Hot tags to Roode and Otis! Otis rallies and bulldozes both Roode and Ziggler! Otis squashes Ziggler then scoops and spins and slams Roode! The Dozer runs corner to corner to squash Roode! Roode falls, and Otis pumps it up! Ziggler runs in but he gets TOSSED!

Otis has Ziggler up and throws him at Roode. Otis runs back in, and he sandwiches them both! Both men are down, but Ziggler stays in the drop zone. Otius hits the CATERPILLAR! But Ziggler isn’t the legal man, Roode comes in and rolls Otis up! TWO!! Roode gets a powerslam! Cover, TWO!! Otis tags Tucker, and they get Roode up. Ziggler SUPERKICKS Tucker down! And ZIGZAGS Otis onto him! A reverse Compactor! Roode winds it up and has Tucker, GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, Roode & Ziggler win!!

Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships

Unbelievable! The freshest tag team around, and they’ve won the Tag Team Turmoil! Will this unlikely duo defeat the unlikely tag team champions in Rollins and Strowman?

Sasha Banks VS Natalya!

The Boss and the Queen of Hearts brawled earlier tonight, but now things will be settled in the ring. Will there be any rust on Sasha with her four months off? Or will Natty’s bad arm make Natty too vulnerable?

Natty wants at Sasha right away but waits for the bell. then she tackles Sasha down! Natty and Sasha scrap again, and Sasha sends Natty out. Sasha slides but Natty dodges to ram Sasha into barriers! Natty drags Sasha up for a snap suplex! And another! Natty throws Sasha into the ring at 5, then rains down rights. Sasha pushes Natty away but can’t get away as Natty puts her in a corner. Natty fires off but the referee backs her off. Sasha elbows back, then kicks the bad arm! Sasha runs, wheelbarrows, but Natty slips out to a BIG German Suplex! Sasha has a rough landing, but Natty drags her to a cover. TWO, but Natty has Sasha’s legs. Sasha shoves Natty away and slides out of the ring but Natty grabs the “little snake.” But Sasha throws Natty into the post! Then into the timekeeper’s chair!

Sasha drags Natty up and whips her into the post! Natty clutches that arm but Sasha puts her in at 6. Cover, TWO! Sasha grabs at Natty’s arm and stomps away. The referee backs Sasha off to check on Natty but Sasha won’t let up. Sasha sits Natty up but Natty SLAPS her back! Sasha puts Natty in a corner to stomp the arm! And then wrap the arm around the ropes. The referee counts and Sasha lets off at 4, only to kick the arm again. The referee makes Sasha back off, abut Sasha runs in! The meteora misses and Natty rolls her up! TWO, but Natty wants the legs. Sasha powers out and hits the back stabber! Into Bank Statement crossface! Natty reaches, but her arm gets trapped! Sasha pulls the other arm for a straitjacket modification! Natty taps out, Sasha wins!

Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission

The Boss shows no rust and no mercy in her return to the ring! But she’s not done, she puts Natty back in the Bank Statement! The referee shouts for her to stop, but Sasha grins as she tortures Natty! Sasha lets Natty go, and finally leaves. Sasha’s back in blue and bad to the core, but will she be leaving all her opponents black and blue on the way back tot he top?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles!

The Phenomenal One lost by disqualification, so Strowman gets his rematch tonight. But this is a bunch of bull to Styles. Gallows and Anderson were screwed out of the tag titles! And everyone knows Styles can win without The OC ringside. Strowman intimidates everyone but Styles. Strowman won’t walk out of Clash of Champions with all the gold, because he’s not winning tonight or any night! Styles gives Strowman what he deserves: nothing. Will Styles deny Strowman at least one belt on the way to Clash of Champions?

Cedric Alexander VS Cesaro!

The King of the Ring tournament continues for one of these men, but the Swiss Cyborg wants to prove he could still have beaten the former Cruiserweight Champion. Who wins in a sampler of what could have been?

The bell rings and Cesaro circles with Alexander. They tie up and go around, and Cesaro puts Cedric in a corner. The ref counts but Cesaro gives a clean break, only to shove Cedric. Cedric shoves back, but Cesaro blasts him with EuroUppers! Cesaro whips corner to corner but Cesaro stops himself to CHOP back! Cesaro knees low then whips Cedric, but Cedric goes up and over and rolls to handspring and heascissor and dropkick Cesaro out! Cedric builds speed, and DIVES into a EuroUpper! Cesaro pushes Cedric back in and then drags him up in a gut wrench for a suplex! Cover, ONE, but Cesaro keeps on Cedric with a chinlock. Cedric endures and fights his way up. Fans build to a rally but Cesaro throws Cedric out. Cedric boots back then steps in for the complete shot!

Cesaro bails out again and fans rally as Cedric builds speed. Cedric FLIES and takes Cesaro down! Cedric drags Cesaro back in the ring then climbs up. Cedric springboards and clotheslines Cesaro down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro gasps for air but Cedric is on him. Cedric reels Cesaro in but Cesaro hits back with more EuroUppers. Cedric runs and crossbodies Cesaro and himself out of the ring! Both men are down on the ground while we go to break.

Raw returns again, and Cedric fights Cesaro’s leg lock off, only for Cesaro to drop a leg! Cesaro throws more EuroUppers, then big body shots! Cesaro puts the legs on the rope and pulls but the ref counts. Cesaro lets up at 4, to come back running! Cedric elbows Cesaro away, and again. Cedric throws forearms and chops but Cesaro knees low. Cesaro whips but Cedric handsprings for the Neuralizer enziguri! Cedric scoops Cesaro on one leg for a Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO! Corbin watches backstage, knowing he has Cedric next. Cedric and Cesaro slowly stir, and Cedric gets to the corner. Cedric stands as fans build back to a rally. Cedric springboards again, but that bad leg slows him down. He has to punch Cesaro away, then he climbs up, But Cesaro dropkicks the legs out! Cesaro climbs up to join Cedric now, for a deadlift SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! But into a Half Crab!

Cesaro tortures Cedric as he sits deep on the hold! Cedric endures and reaches for ropes, and gets the ropebreak! Cesaro lets go and hobbles away, still sore on his own end. Cesaro dares Cedric to stand, and Cedric does. Cesaro runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro shocks Cedric! Cedric stands up on his good leg as fans rally again. Cedric grabs Cesaro but can’t lift. Cesaro elbows Cedric so Cedric forearms back. Cedric lifts but Cesaro makes it a crossbody, TWO! Cesaro has both legs for the Crab! Then the Half Crab on the bad leg! Cedric reaches but Cesaro pulls harder. Cedric slips out to get to his feet! He climbs up Cesaro for a victory roll! TWO, and Cedric elbows Cesaro. Cedric runs as best he can, handspring but he misses! ANKLE LOCK!

Cesaro has the bad leg and Cedric flails. Cedric rolls to send Cesaro out! Cesaro’s back in, LUMBAR CHECK outta nowhere! Cover, Cedric wins!

Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

The former Soul of 205 Live survives, but will his bad leg be a liability against the Lone Wolf? Or will the Age of Alexander never see its End of Days?

Backstage interview with Roode & Ziggler!

This new team came together because Ziggler finally found someone with that special twinkle in their eye. Ziggler and Roode found that common bond, and sure a random team-up like Rollins and Strowman as tag champions, they’re going to be focused on their Universal Championship match. The real main-event is right here! When this opportunity came along, they both realized there was no better partner than each other. It’s like they’ve been teaming for years. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it! this isn’t just a whim, this is destiny! The most talented, most athletic, best looking in the WWE will be the next Raw Tag Team Champions! And yes, it will be absolutely… Glorious.

The Street Profits check in.

Raw has been… LIT. Ziggler and Roode are changing the game at Clash of Champions! The same night Strowman and Rollins will face off for the Universal Championship! Is it possible for Architect and Monster to hold it together? Dawkins is too busy enjoying himself some early Mardi Gras. Focus, Dawkins! He is. On the after party on Bourbon Street, bro! Dawkins borrowed a vest from Corbin to make a voodoo doll. Yes, but before that, the big event tonight is Strowman VS Styles! Who you have, fam!? Dawkins has- Oh, Strowman is walking by. Probably should choose him, because that match is up after the break.

WWE United States Championship: Braun Strowman VS AJ Styles!

Gallows and Anderson helped The Phenomenal One retain a few weeks ago, but that didn’t sit well with anyone. So now, Styles has to do things by himself in order to deny Strowman at least one more title belt. Will the Monster Among Men #GetTheseHands on his second title belt on his way to facing Rollins for his?

The introductions are made, the United States Championship is raised, and the match begins!

Strowman grabs Styles and throws him out of the ring! Then Strowman goes out and comes around the corner to run Styles over! But Strowman keeps going, and doe a full lap to run Styles over again! Strowman puts Styles back in the ring, and runs into boots. Styles gets on the apron and forearms Strowman away. Styles then springboards, but Strowman grabs him for a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Styles survives and gets to the apron, but Strowman BOOTS him down! Styles is down on the outside and realizing what he’s gotten himself into while we go to one last break.

Raw returns once more, and Strowman scoops Styles. Styles slips into a sleeper hold! Strowman flails as fans duel, and he drops to a knee! Styles holds on tight but Strowman powers his way back up to ram Styles into buckles! Strowman is free, but runs into only buckles! Styles chop blocks Strowman’s leg out! Styles kicks away on the leg as Strowman hobbles around the ring. Then he hits a sliding forearm to Strowman’s back! Strowman is down and Styles goes tot he ropes, for a Lionsault! Cover, TWO! Strowman still lives but Styles keeps moving. Another forearm to the back! Styles drags Strowman into the Calf Crusher! Strowman shouts in pain as Styles cranks backs on the bad leg! Strowman reaches, refusing to give up. Fans rally up as Strowman powers his way to sit up! Styles is shocked, and Strowman headbutts Styles down! Cover, TWO!

Strowman crawls to ropes and uses them to stand. Styles stands but gets run over! Strowman keeps moving and runs Styles over again! Strowman hauls Styles up, scoops him, but Styles slips out of the slam. Styles dodges Strowman and Strowman runs into the post! The referee was almost a casualty. Styles dropkicks Strowman into the referee! Styles fires off but Strowman has him by the throat. Styles rakes the eyes, and LOW BLOW kicks! Fans boo as Styles gets away with that, but then Styles gets himself a chair. Styles SMACKS Strowman’s back while the referee’s still out! Strowman stands and scoops Styles for the MONSTER SLAM! But no ref to count the cover! The OC attack now that there is no one to enforce the ringside band! But Strowman fires off chair shots on The OC! But then the referee comes to and Styles plays possum! Strowman tries to explain but the referee heard something. The referee disqualifies Strowman!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by disqualification; still WWE United States Champion

Strowman fires off out of fury! He SMACKS Styles, SMACKS Anderson, SMACKS Gallows, and SMACKS Styles again! Then Strowman scoops Gallows for a Monster Slam! And Anderson gets a Monster Slam! And Styles gets one more MONSTER SLAM! The Monster Among Men stands tall despite again not being a double champion. But can Strowman turn it all around at Clash of Champions?

My Thoughts:

This was an odd Raw. Still pretty good all things considered, but it also felt odd. For one, there were a lot of recaps for an episode that wasn’t a go-home. That rather hurt some of the pacing and amount of time that could be given to things, especially with Sasha Banks going out to the ring at the same time a recap video was playing. Sasha didn’t really do the best with her promo, but her dabbing tears with her hair was a nice touch in mocking Natalya. It was good to have Sasha bring up the story of her post-Mania “meltdown,” but I’m surprised there was nothing with her and Bayley since Bayley was around. WWE really needs to remember continuity is a thing. But Sasha has a great match with Natty and a great win, though it was obvious she would. Bayley also has a good match with Nikki, but it was clearly filler for the night. There is hope that if things go as I feel they should, Bayley and Banks will be able to argue about the things Sasha said tonight as they go to face off at Survivor Series, should both be champions at the time.

The King of the Ring matches tonight were both great, but I’m surprised at their results. I did not think Ricochet would win, but it was such a great match and fans got behind him so strongly, it felt right. WWE still doesn’t like Heel VS Heel or Face VS Face so it’s a shame that the still mostly Heel Joe gets Ricochet by default. I guess we won’t be getting another match of McIntyre VS Alexander, so they probably had it happen before the tournament for that reason. Miz VS Corbin was good, and while I expected Corbin to win, I thought it would be from some kind of Sami Zayn or Shinsuke Nakamura distraction. But good for Corbin to win clean, and he will have a really good match with Cedric Alexander. Cedric had a great match with Cesaro, though it wasn’t really for anything. The fans seemed rather dead when that match started, but they came to life seeing the match. Corbin had a good promo after his win, I have a feeling he advances somehow into the Raw half of the semifinals.

The Tag Team Turmoil was a great match, especially on paper. It was a bit of a shame the OC and the Viking Raiders cross each other off, those two teams should’ve been the last two teams. But what an effective surprise for Roode and Ziggler to not only team suddenly, but for them to win the match! Two makeshift teams fighting for the tag titles, that seems rather weird. But with Rollins VS Strowman for the Universal title happening, Ziggler and Roode have to be taking those titles to carry towards Hell in a Cell or even Survivor Series. Though this will be the Nth time Ziggler and Rollins meet in a match of some kind just this year… Strowman VS Styles was a pretty good match, but of course Styles wins thanks to shenanigans. Styles pulls an Eddy Guerrero and gets away with it, but this probably goes one more week. Tag titles aside, it would probably be a bit too much for the US VS Universal champion in one match for winner takes all, but continually teasing it is certainly possible.

My Score: 8.2/10

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 SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

24 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!