Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (9/10/19)

The Deadman returns to SmackDown!

Published

5 years ago

September 10, 2019

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown returns to Madison Square Garden!

And not only will the King of the Ring Semifinals wrap up, but the Undertaker is set to return! What happens when the Deadman returns to his yard in the Garden?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Miz VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; The Miz wins.
Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville VS Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss; Cross wins.
Heavy Machinery VS Johnny Silver & Alex Keaton; Heavy Machinery wins.
Ember Moon VS Bayley; Bayley wins.
King of the Ring Semifinals: Chad Gable VS Shane McMahon, w/ Special Guest Referee Kevin Owens; turned into…
King of the Ring Semifinals Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Chad Gable VS Shane McMahon, w/ Special Guest Referee Kevin Owens; Gable wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Undertaker is HERE!

The Phenom is not going to wait, he will make his Madison Square Garden return now! He makes his way to the ring as the Garden explodes with chants. Taker hears the fans all around as the thunderous ovation continues. Taker then picks up the mic to speak. “I wanted to come out here and take a minute and absorb all this.” For the past 30 years, Taker has considered “these hallowed grounds” his home. Taker isn’t sure how many times he’s going to get to come home anymore. But there is one thing that he wants the WWE Universe to remember about this place. The titans born of the ring, the legends that made their names, and the heroes that were created in Madison Square Garden. And it is rewarding for Taker to know each of those souls, he’s taken a piece from each of them. But they will not be forgotten, because the echoes of those memories will sound through all eternity. “And now, we usher in a new era of superstar.”

Sami Zayn interrupts?! The Critic wants everyone to wait a minute as they half boo and half sing his song. HE wants everyone to give it up for the Undertaker! The Phenom! The Deadman! Sami knows one thing about New York: They respect legends. And Taker is a legend! Truthfully, what’s most impressive about Taker’s career is his history in the Garden. Taker sold the Garden out for THIRTY years! 30 years, the Garden was Taker’s Yard! First and foremost, Sami has the utmost respect. However, even Taker must admit he shouldn’t be opening the show. Fans boo in strong disagreement. Sami says it should’ve been Sami opening the show. But in respect, 30 years is a long time. When is it enough? Taker loves the WWE, and everything he does is about paving the way. But Sami is just trying to say that the future is already here. And the future is Sami Zayn. Fans still boo.

Sami can tell the unruly fans of NYC want Sami to take out Taker. No, they’re saying “You Suck!” Sami says this is out of respect! Sami asks Taker to simply turn around and leave the ring. To do the right thing and pass the torch. Sami promises that the future of the WWE is in good hands, with him. “I give you my word.” Taker’s response? He hands the mic to Sami, and starts to walk away. Sami is surprised that all worked, but then Taker stops going through the ropes and walks up behind Sami. Sami is afraid now, because Taker shakes his head, “No.” CHOKE SLAM! The Deadman still has it! Taker now takes his leave. When and where will see the Phenom again?

Shane McMahon watches things backstage.

He is visited by Chad Gable. Sup, Shorty? Sorry, just joking. First, congratulations on making it this far int he King of the Ring tournament! Just keep rolling. But Elias broke his ankle and cannot compete tonight. Yeah, a bye into the finals, that’s great. Whoa whoa. Shane knows about tournaments, and he knows Gable doesn’t want to settle for a bye. Gable will earn his way, but Shane will figure out an opponent for Gable. It could be someone previously eliminated, but Shane wishes Gable luck. Just who will Shane choose to replace the Drifter tonight?

The Miz VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

Speaking of eliminated King of the Ring participants, we can now rule out the A-Lister and El Idolo for Gable’s opponent. However, a golden opportunity is still on the horizon for The Miz, as he prepares for Shinsuke Nakamura and the Intercontinental Championship. Will Miz use Almas as a tune-up for the King of Strong Style? Or will Almas score himself a way into the Intercontinental title picture?

SmackDown returns as Almas and Vega make their entrance, but Nakamura is on commentary speaking Japanese. The bell rings and Almas ties up with Miz. Almas puts Miz in the corner but backs off. Miz dodges the chop to wrench the wristlock. Almas handsprings through to reverse the wristlock. Miz uses ropes to flip through and spin around to arm-drag Almas! And then another arm-drag! Miz has Almas in the armlock but Almas powers Miz to ropes. The ref counts but Almas CHOPS Miz! Almas whips but Miz reverses. Almas goes Spider-Man on the ropes, and Vega joins him in going Tranquilo! But Miz runs in! Almas gets clear but Miz slides under to roll up, TWO! Miz flapjacks Almas down, then mocks Tranquilo! Almas and Vega are furious, but then Miz monkey flips Almas out!

Miz grins at Nakamura then hears the fans chant, “Miz is Awesome!” Miz runs but Vega blocks his path. Almas runs in but almost runs into Vega! Miz rolls Almas, ONE! Miz elbows from the corner, but Vega rakes his eyes! Almas dropkicks Miz down! Almas stomps a mudhole into Miz, then runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Almas grins because he still has Miz on the defense as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Miz gets to ropes but Almas is on him. Almas chokes Miz on the ropes, then Vega gets her own shots in! Vega gets away with it and Almas BOOTS Miz back down! Almas tells the fans to hush while he circles Miz. Almas brings Miz up and brings him in, uno amigo. Almas gets up for dos amigos. And then up again, but Miz blocks tres amigos. Miz takes the suplex for his own! Vega grows worried as Miz and Almas slowly stir. Miz throws haymakers then whips, but Almas reverses. Almas elbows Miz down then covers, TWO! Almas keeps his cool as he drags Miz up and throws him out! Almas goes out after Miz to drop ax handles from the steel steps! Miz staggers away and Nakamura seems to enjoy what he sees. Almas punches Miz around the way but Miz CHOPS back! Almas CHOPS, Miz CHOPS, and CHOPS! Miz whips but Almas reverses to send Miz into barriers!

Almas soaks up the heat and high-fives with Vega. Miz gets up but Almas is on him. Almas puts Miz in the ring and covers, TWO! Almas puts Miz back down to slingshot atomico! Cover, TWO! Almas puts Miz in a chinlock to grind him down. Miz endures and fights his way up. Miz fights out of the hold, but Almas spins around to back suplex. Miz lands on his feet to kick low and DDT! Both men are down and we return to single picture. Miz and Almas stir as fans rally up. Miz is up first and throws haymakers. Almas gives them back but gets counter punches and CHOPS! Miz whips and hits the kitchen sink knee! And then a knee lift, to the A-List Combination! Cover, TWO! Vega shouts at Almas but fans rally for Miz. Miz gives Almas It Kicks! Miz powers up but Almas dodges to roll Miz up, TWO! Miz boots Almas away, then has him in the other corner. Miz kicks but Almas CHOPS! So Miz CHOPS away! And then kicks!

Miz runs corner to corner, big knee! Then again, another knee! Almas follows the third time but misses his knee! Almas crashes and burns on the outside and Vega is panicking! Miz takes aim, builds speed, and wrecks Almas with a dropkick! Miz brings Almas around to bounce off the desk! Nakamura stands up and Miz glares back at him. Miz kicks Almas then throws him AT NAKAMURA! Vega is freaking out as Miz taunts Nakamura, “C’MON!” Miz puts Almas in but Vega trips him up. Almas boots to ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Vega is furious but Almas keeps his focus. Almas climbs up top and moonsaults! Miz moves, and catches the second moonsault! Waistlock to full nelson, FINALE! Cover, Miz wins!!

Winner: The Miz, by pinfall

But Nakamura attacks! Nakamura wants to get back at Miz already, KINSHASA!! Nakamuar grins as he leaves Miz down and out, but will things be the other way around after Clash of Champions?

Shane comes looking for Chad Gable.

Matt Hardy and Apollo Crews haven’t seen him, but Gable comes by. Oh there he is. So has Shane found the opponent to replace Elias? Yes. Elias thoroughly approves of the replacement. But who is it?! Oh it’s the BEST in the WOOOOORLD! Shane McMahon! See you out there, kid.

Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville VS Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss!

Fire & Desire are set to take on the Goddess and her best friend for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions this Sunday, but Mandy and Nikki go one-on-one to build momentum. Who wins big before the big match at Clash of Champions?

SmackDown returns as Mandy takes up the mic. “Last week, I told my opponent tonight that she’ll never look like me.” Mandy would be embarrassed if she was Nikki. And why’s that? Because Mandy’s beautiful and Nikki’s… ugly. Oh did the fans not know that? Well let’s take a look. They put Nikki’s snarling face on screen. Yikes. Mandy’s looks open doors, Nikki’s looks slam them shut. “Nikki looks like an over-sized rat crawling out of the Lincoln Tunnel.” But here come Alexa and Nikki! Nikki goes right at Mandy with furious fists! The referee pulls Nikki off, rings the bell, and Nikki TACKLES Mandy! Nikki rains down rights then drags Mandy from the ropes! Mandy shoves Nikki away but Nikki hops on for a thrashing sleeper hold!

Mandy backs Nikki into a corner and gets free, then whips. Nikki dodges and crossbodies, but into Mandy’s arms. Mandy throws Nikki overhead with a Fall Away Slam! Mandy keeps Nikki from rolling out to cover, TWO! Mandy puts Nikki into the corner to stomp away. Fans rally for Nikki and the ref backs Mandy off. Mandy drags Nikki up to club her down, then snapmares her into a half straitjacket, then a full straitjacket. Fans still rally as Nikki endures being thrashed about. Mandy continues to mock Nikki that she’ll never look like her! Alexa coaches Nikki up as Nikki fights against the straitjacket. Nikki hits a jawbreaker! Mandy staggers and Nikki elbows her from the corner. Nikki kicks low but Mandy goes to bump her on buckles. Nikki stops that, and fires up to bump Mandy! And again and again and again! Nikki throws Mandy away to then throw big forearms!

Nikki runs in to corner splash! To a bulldog! Fans fire up with the crazy Cross as she climbs up top! Sonya distracts but Alexa yanks her off! Cross leaps but the crossbody FLOPS! But she still dodges the knee to roll up, Nikki wins!!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by pinfall

Fire & Desire are shocked, but that’s the power of a best friend backing you up. Will #BlissCross continue this roll through Clash of Champions to stay champions?

Heavy Machinery hits the buffet!

Don’t forget the protein, Tucky! Yes, mix up that for an ice shake! Otis takes a drink, and “OH YEAH! We’re comiiiin’!” Will Tucker and Otis bulldoze another team in tag team action tonight?

WWE, the V Foundation and Connor’s Cure again team up to fight cancer!

#BelieveintheFight, donate and do what you can to help the superstars of tomorrow today.

Ember Moon confronts Bayley.

They talked about elevating the Women’s Division, but then Bayley goes and beats up Becky Lynch? This is the boss’ influence. Nothing’s changed, this is still Bayley. Bayley did that for SmackDown! It’s not just about Sasha or Becky, but about this title. So then beating someone up elevates the division? Bayley’s better than that. Ember sees this is about Bayley struggling as a champion, especially after Sasha returned. What does Ember know about being champion? Ember knows the champ got pinned by Charlotte on Raw. But let’s save it for the ring. See you there. Will Ember be able to Eclipse Bayley this close to Clash of Champions?

Heavy Machinery VS Johnny Silver & Alex Keaton!

They’re COMIIIIN’! Will their opponents stand a chance after that protein shake powered Tucker and Otis up?

Keaton starts with Tucker but Tucker gets him down in a waistlock, and then another waistlock slam! Tucker runs but shows off his agility as he hops over Keaton. Then Tucker TOSSES Keaton to his corner! Silver tags in, speeds things up, but gets tossed, too! Tucker SUPERKICKS Keaton, then whips Silver into him. Silver flounders into the LARIAT! Otis wants in and starts hip thrusting. Tucker tags Otis and MSG fires up! Otis sandwiches Silver and Keaton, and Otis powers up! Otis brings the straps down, truffle shuffles, then does the CATERPILLAR! Elbow hits! Tag to Tucker, they bring Silver up, pop up to Otis’ catch! COMPACTOR! Cover, Heavy Machinery wins!

Winners: Heavy Machinery, Tucker pinning

A whole lot of fun for Tucky and Dozer in the Garden! But will they be heading for SmackDown Tag titles after Clash of Champions?

Kevin Owens finds Shane McMahon.

How’s Kevin doing? Shane asked Kevin to talk about things. Shane is still reconsidering the fine he put on Kevin. Shane is considering undoing the fine. What’s the catch? No catch! Just a job he has to do tonight. Kevin will be the special guest referee for the very important King of the Ring match. Imagine: the BEST in the WORLD King of the Ring! Just remember, this is for Kevin’s family. Then that $100,000 fine will be gone! DO things to the best of your ability, okay? And what if Kevin… Nevermind. Alright, just think about it. Will Kevin do what Shane wants him to do?

Erick Rowan is nobody’s puppet!

Just as it looked like the Big Dog had sniffed out the red herring, and just as Daniel Bryan was demanding an apology, the Redwood Behemoth went on a rampage! Rowan admitted to what he did, but will be even prouder of what he does to Roman at Clash of Champions. “Nobody tells me what to do!” What will Rowan do to Roman this Sunday?

Rowan is in the Garden!

Rowan storms his way to the ring, and picks up the mic to speak. Fans boo as he says, “All my life, people just don’t seem to get me. They don’t know me.” The WWE Universe thinks Rowan is always being controlled by someone else. That is, until last week. Rowan needs everyone to look him in the eyes and see what it is that makes him tick. They need to look deep into his eyes and see what he’s capable. He is a mastermind in his own right! But all people seem to see is “a big brute who terrorizes and brutalizes,” just like he did to Roman Reigns. But speaking of, now Roman is here! And the Big Dog again collides with the Big Red, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Rowan is reeling but on his feet. Roman lets out the battle cry as he runs around the way, only to get a BOOT! Rowan thrwos Roman into barriers, then runs in, to an uppercut! Roman throws Rowan over the barriers, then goes after him. They brawl in front of the WWE Universe!

Roman punches but Rowan headbutts as they go around through the crowd. Rowan throws Roman over the barriers and back to ringside. But then Roman comes back with another SUPERMAN PUNCH! Rowan staggers but rises. Security rushes out to stop them, but no good! A third SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman is fired up but Rowan rises again. Rowan grabs a FAN!? To POWERBOMB at Roman and the security guards! Rowan climbs back to ringside to shout “I have something to say!” But Rowan backs away for now, only to come around the way, to TACKLE Roman and security guards! Rowan stomps away on Roman, then drags him up the ramp! But Roman fights back with big uppercuts! Rowan clubs Roman back, and then bounces him off the stage’s LED floor!

Security gets Rowan off Roman, but now Roman rises up. Roman hits a fourth SUPERMAN PUNCH! He beats Rowan down right by the King of the Ring throne! Security pulls Roman off Rowan, but Rowan uses the camera rig as a weapon! He swings it into Roman and guards!! “You want more, Big Dog?!” But security tells Rowan to stop. Rowan promises more is to come on Sunday! Roman gets up and the fans are behind him, but that was one hell of a brawl. Will Rowan be the end of Roman? Or is Roman going to get revenge for everything Rowan has done and more?

Rowan is still riled up backstage.

He mumbles Roman’s name over and over as he paces. His match with Roman Reigns is now NO DISQUALIFICATION! Is this just the beginning of the Big Red going berserk?

Ember Moon VS Bayley!

The War Goddess wants to show bad bad Bayley that she doesn’t need to be bad to be better. Charlotte Flair is on commentary to confirm, this is the true Bayley we’re seeing now. Will the Queen of ALL Eras be able to show not even bad Bayley is bad enough to deny the historic tenth title reign? Will Ember Moon prove herself worthy of that title in her own right? Or will Bayley beat Ember to then go on and beat Charlotte?

The bell rings and Ember dropkicks Bayley right away! Ember whips but Bayley reverses, but Ember handsprings through the hip toss to arm-drag Bayley. Bayley bails out and walks it off, but Ember goes out to fetch her. Bayley knees back then throws Ember at barriers. Ember hops up to rock Bayley back! But Bayley then trips up and knees Ember down! Charlotte mockingly applauds as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Bayley drags Ember up and into the ring and covers, TWO! Bayley keeps on Ember by knocking her back down. Bayley brings Ember up to bump her off buckles, then stomps away in the corner. The ref backs Bayley off but Bayley covers, ropebreak saves Ember. Bayley wraps on a chinlock but Ember endures. Ember fights up but Bayley throws her down! Bayley comes back to go after Ember in a corner. She elbows and clubs Ember, then hip tosses her hard! Bayley waits for Ember to stand, to ram her shoulder into the corner! Bayley wacky waving finger guns at Charlotte, only to get a Code Breaker! Both women are down as we return to single picture!

Bayley and Ember slowly stand, and Ember counter punches Bayley! Ember mule kicks, front kicks and enziguris Bayley to a corner! Fans fire up with Ember as she runs in for a big forearm smash! Then springboard crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Charlotte knows Bayley needed this new edge, but isn’t impressed by it. Ember kicks Bayley to the apron but Bayley slides under to sunset flip. Ember rolls through to high stack, TWO, to a deadlift! But Bayley counters the bomb with headscissors! Ember goes to a corner and Bayley runs in, but Ember dodges. Bayley still knees Ember off the apron! Bayley builds speed to run into Ember’s enziguri! Ember climbs up and leaps, but Bayley dodges the Eclipse. BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

Bayley didn’t need to resort to bad behavior to beat Ember. Charlotte leaves commentary to applaud Bayley as she enters the ring. Charlotte still says she’ll have the title for a tenth time, though. Bayley nods, ready for a fight from the Queen. Will #CharlotteTenTime happen this Sunday? Or will Bayley prove she’s the one elevating the Women’s Division?

Kofi Kingston heads to the ring!

And he returns to where #Kofimania all began! Kofi says it feels good to be back at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden BABYYYY~! This building will always hold a special place in his heart, because it was here that Kofi’s career changed forever. This was where Kofi stepped up to one of the best in the WWE today to prove that he belongs! That’s what Kofi did when he whooped Randy Orton all over! Their Falls Count Anywhere went all over the arena, and the icing on the cake was Kofi putting Orton through a table! New York was chanting Kofi’s name, just as they are now, and Kofi knew then that one day he’d be back in MSG, in the ring, standing before the world as the WWE Champion! And that day has come!

NOw, a lot of kids, the youngins might not remember any of that. Some fans might have forgotten, too, but that’s okay. Here’s some classic footage! November 16th, 2009, Kofi JUMPS for a SUPER Boom Drop to put Orton through a table! And that is just a small taste of what happens at Clash of Champions when Kofi remains your “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Orton can be heard, but he cannot be found. He’s coming out from the back by the fans. Orton can’t stand KOfi bragging about something so insignificant. Orton won the title, won Royal Rumbles and won Money in the Bank. But none of that matters, because Orton will win that title back again. Orton will do it because Kofi has pretended to be something he’s not. From fakin’ being Jamaican to that Power of Positive CRAP. Fans are ready to see Kofi and Orton throw down here and now as KOfi takes off the belt to head for the Viper. But Orton has a CHAIR!

Orton SMACKS Kofi down, and again says he’s “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Another SMACK across the back, and then Orton drags Kofi up to throw into the barriers! Orton moves things around to put Kofi on the table, but Kofi stops the DDT! Kofi gets Orton down for furious fists! And then Kofi gets the chair, to SMACK Orton back! And again! Orton flails but gets another chair shot to the back! And another! Kofi also does some rearranging and brings a table into position. Kofi relived this memory in the footage, he wants to do it in real-life! Fans chant for “Table! Table!” as Kofi brings Orton up. But Orton fights back to CHOP Kofi onto the table. Orton has the chair again, but Kofi kicks the legs out! The table collapses and Kofi clubs away on Orton’s back. But Kofi won’t be denied, and he finds a spare table! Fans cheer as Kofi keeps the flashback alive!

Kofi puts Orton on the new table, and then grabs the chair. Kofi SMACKS Orton so that he stays on the table. Ten years comes full circle as Kofi climbs up! Kofi is on the railing, and he LEAPS, SUPER BOOM DROP through the table!! Fans old and new are losing their minds! Will Kofi change one thing about history and finally put Orton away to solidify his legacy as champion?

King of the Ring Semifinals: Chad Gable VS Shane McMahon, w/ Special Guest Referee Kevin Owens!

The biggest underdog of the King of the Ring is so close to the throne, and yet so far. The Drifter went down with an ankle injury over the weekend, but that doesn’t give Gable an easy way into the finals. Shane McMahon’s ego is the reason he’s jumping into this tournament, and he’s putting Kevin between a rock and a hard place. Will Kevin do the job for Shane to avoid crippling debt? Or will Gable get a fair shake in this match?

SmackDown returns as Kevin makes his entrance as the guest referee. Gable follows, already wearing gold gear in preparation for the crown. But Shane barely waits for Gable’s introduction to finish before making his way out, with his Best in the World World Cup trophy. He already places the crown on his trophy, and then gets his “proper” introduction from Greg Hamilton. Is Shane going to repeat history the same way he did back then?

Kevin rings the bell and Shane mocks Gable by kneeling while having his dukes up. But Shane gets serious and gets up to his feet. Shane headlocks and throws hands but Gable pushes him away. Gable dodges Shane’s attack to hit CHAOS THEORY!! Cover, Kevin counts, Gable wins!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall; advances to the King of the Ring finals

Kevin screws Shane just like Shane screwed Kevin! But Shane refuses to let that happen! This is now 2 out of 3 falls! Kevin can’t believe it, and neither can Gable, but Shane sadly has that authority.

King of the Ring Semifinals Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Chad Gable VS Shane McMahon, w/ Special Guest Referee Kevin Owens!

The irony is that history is being made for the KOTR tournament. Gable already has one fall, can he get Shane again? Fans call Shane names as Kevin has no choice but to keep this match going. And Shane blindsides Gable from behind! Shane is in no mood to be made a mockery off, and he bounces Gable off the table again and again and again, and then throws him into the timekeeper’s area! Kevin restores order as best he can while SmackDown goes to one last break.

SmackDown returns as the second fall is already underway. Gable is on the outside and Kevin is counting. The count passes 5 and Gable flounders up, but gets in at 9! Shane is upset with Kevin’s count but still brags like he’s already won. Shane goes after Gable with stomps and mule kicks while fans boo. Shane kicks Gable around then drags him up for a scoop. Shane holds Gable up there to then slam him down hard! Shane double gun flexes on Gable but fans boo and jeer. Shane throws fast hands but Gable hits back! Gable gets a waistlock but Shane elbows free and mule kicks again. But Gable crucifix rolls Shane, but Kevin has to take his time checking. Kevin then counts, ONE, even though that was more like seven. Shane kicks Gable around again as Kevin feels ashamed. Shane Oklahoma rolls Gable, and Kevin fast counts, but still only gets TWO!

Shane keeps on Gable with stomps and jabs. He wants to make Gable pay for that early fall. But Gable hits back with elbows and uppercuts! And big knees and shoulders! Shane swings but misses and Gable mule kicks, to a rolling kick! Gable hits a rolling neckbreaker! But Gable goes up top, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, but Kevin goes slow, and Shane gets out at “TWO”! MSG is furious and Gable is beside himself. Shane hotshots Gable back, then runs in to clobber him from behind! Shane lifts Gable into the torture rack, for a neckbreaker! Cover, Kevin’s fast again, “TWO”! Gable still survives, but Shane decides to grab a chair! This won’t be something Kevin can ignore. Kevin tells Shane this is not going to work. Shane nods knowingly, and lets Kevin put the chair away. To go for a low blow! But Gable gets that leg for an ANKLE LOCK!

Shane endures, flails, but then Gable grapevines!! Shane TAPS, Gable wins!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by submission; NOW advances to the King of the Ring Finals

There was nothing Kevin could fake about that, either. Gable and Corbin will meet this Monday to settle things! Who will be THE King of the Ring?

Fans taunt Shane with “You Tapped Out!” as Kevin explains that to Shane. That was a fair loss, but Shane still attacks Kevin! Shane rains down rights then stomps Kevin. Shane grabs the mic to tell Kevin, “YOU’RE FIRED!” Like father like son. Shane rubs it in by hammering away with the microphone! Will this termination stand?

My Thoughts:

A really great go-home from SmackDown here. The Undertaker opening was a great move, mostly because it gives Taker time to have his entrance. And the promo itself was great, as it really felt like Mark Calloway was talking through his character to speak some truth: 30 years of a career and Taker might not have many more moments like this left. But perhaps to most fans’ disappointment, we did not get The Fiend attacking Taker like the supposed hidden message in Firefly Fun House might have implied. I was still thinking The Fiend would attack Taker as he made his exit, but no. And Sami was the perfect choice to mouth off against Taker and then get a choke slam. This also helps keep Sami out of the match of Miz VS Almas with Nakamura ringside. Miz and Almas put on a hell of an opener, and Miz was doing some stuff I hadn’t seen him do. If this is the warm-up, I can’t wait to see what Miz does against Nakamura in their match.

Nikki VS Mandy was pretty good, but also pretty quick. Bayley had a good match with Ember Moon but it also felt really quick. All the champions stand tall, but I feel like they could defy the math and win on Sunday for a potential story of Sasha Banks & Bayley going back for those tag titles. Two Woman Power Trip would be really great for Sasha & Bayley as we head through Hell in a Cell into Survivor Series and beyond. Heavy Machinery made their squash match really fun, but there’s still a lot that they’ll need to do to be contenders again. Though hardly advertised or touched upon this week, Revival VS New Day for the SmackDown tag titles must still be on the card. They could probably play up a possibility of forfeit only for Woods to return heroically. Now whether the New Day retains is another story. Kofi and Orton had a great segment, and it was great to see a recreation of THE Kofi VS Orton spot from ten years ago. However, this might be a case where the math stands tall and all three New Day members lose their belts to #ForeverTheRKO. What would be crazy is if this led to a Six Man Tag #WinnersTakeAll in Hell in a Cell!

Rowan and Roman had a pretty great segment tonight, too. Rowan got to speak for himself, and it does feed into what some fans had wanted for him (and similarly, Luke Harper) ever since that already forgotten Bludgeon Brothers repackage. Rowan is proving as a character that he can be like Bray and Braun and be a monster all unto his own. His brawl with Roman was great, and that camera jib spot was really creative. Them going No Disqualifications is going to be great for both of them, and it can also bring Daniel Bryan back around to interfere on someone’s behalf. And then Shane gets brought back around thanks to the opening of Elias’ unfortunate injury. WWE does great with having to come up with a back-up plan, and while it was annoying Shane was in the King of the Ring tournament, the result was as it should be: Gable wins! And Kevin VS Shane will surely come back around now that Shane has “fired” Kevin. Kevin’s gripe will be that this is obviously unfair, and Shane just has to admit he’s not as good as he thinks he is. My money’s still on one last insane Cell spot.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

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Did you know that challenger in French is still “challenger?”

In a WrestleMania rematch, AJ Styles takes on LA Knight in a #1 contender’s match, to challenge WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight; Styles wins and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Backlash.
SmackDown/WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma; The Profits win and will challenge A-Town Down Under for the titles.
Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez; Santos wins.
WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight!

After fighting their way through Triple Threats, the Phenomenal One and the Mega Star meet again, YEAH! It’s a WrestleMania Rematch, the winner moving on to Backlash, YEAH! Will AJ Styles avenge his loss at the biggest WrestleMania ever? Or will everyone from here to France know whose game it is?

The bell rings and the two step to each other. The fans in Pittsburgh “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Knight lets Styles know it. Styles snarls, they tie up, and they go around. Knight puts Styles in a corner, the ref counts, but Knight lets off slowly. Styles kicks low! The fans boo but Styles headlocks. Knight pulls hair, throws body shots, then headlocks in return. Styles pushes Knight to ropes, powers up and out, then hurdles, drops and DROP- NO, Knight avoids the dropkick to BOOT, and LARIAT! Knight then TOSSES Styles out of the ring, storms out after him, and brings him to commentary. Knight SMACKS Styles off the desk! And again! And again!

The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every SMACK, then Knight tops it off with one last SMACK! Knight drags Styles up and into the ring, storms in, but Styles KICKS Knight in the ropes! Styles reels Knight in, but Knight back drops Styles up and out! Styles flounders on the floor, Knight runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Styles hits desk again and Steel City is loving “L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Styles soaks up the heat as he taunts Knight. Styles brings Knight up, but Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight backs Styles down, whips, but Styles ducks ‘n dodges! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Both men slowly sit up, crawl around, and then stand. Styles fires a shot, but Knight gives it back! The haymakers go back and forth, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH!” Styles staggers but he still ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Styles again and again, but Styles throat chops! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but Knight ducks the lariat!

Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Styles! Knight stomps a mudhole in at the corner, “YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner to KNEE Styles down! The fans fire up, Knight puts Styles up, and Knight ROCKS Styles. Knight climbs, but Styles ROCKS him back! Knight staggers away, but returns to spring right up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that crash but both men are down again. The fans rally as Knight rises, and he brings Styles around. Knight reels Styles in, suplexes, but Styles slips free! Styles goes to a corner, ELBOWS Knight away, then goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Knight stays in this and Styles starts losing his cool. The fans rally for Knight but Styles looms over him. Styles brings Knight up and in, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight then scoops Styles, but Styles slips free to roll up, TWO!! Knight escapes, swings, but Styles dodges to PELE! Knight ends up in a corner, Styles runs in, but Knight puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Knight, springboards, but Knight gets under! Styles comes back, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Then JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up with with Knight as he storms around. Styles rises, Knight winds up, B F- NO, Styles bails out!

The fans boo but Knight storms over. Knight drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS him! And pokes him in the eyes! Then ROCKS him! And springboards, to PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship)

Styles bent the rules, but a win is a win! He will get his shot at the American Nightmare in Lyon, France, will this year’s Backlash be phenomenal?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

The car pulls up, Solo Sikoa steps out in a suit, and Paul Heyman is there to greet him. Nice threads, Solo. Tama Tonga walks over and Solo says meet the newest member of The Bloodline, Solo’s MFT. The Wise Man is stunned. But Solo cuts him off to ask if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman hesitates and Solo asks again, is Kevin here? If he is, he’s probably already in the locker room. Then take them to him. Heyman obeys and leads on. There have already been changes to the chain of command, is there about to be a change to the landscape of SmackDown, too?

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

In a familiar scene to Monday Night Raw, there is a podium with something under a satin sheet. The SmackDown General Manager welcomes to Pittsburgh the Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque! The fans fire up as The Game makes his way to the ring! HHH joins Aldis in the ring, gets a mic, looks around at the crowd as he revels in the cheers, then says, “On the heels of the biggest, most epic, history making, record breaking, epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time, we are here tonight, sold out, 15 thousand strong, Pittsburgh, PA! So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer that!

HHH wants to take a moment to say that he thinks Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing great jobs at leading their respective brands into the future. Thank you to both of them. And when we talk about the future, we have to talk about the history made coming into the future. So when history is made, HHH wants it to be represented here befitting of those that make it. So Aldis, if we could, let us bring the… champions out here. Aldis says without further ado, the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The fans boo as A-Town Down Under make their way, blue belts in hand.

Theory & Waller join Aldis and HHH in the ring, mics already in hand, and they soak up the heat from Steel City. Waller says this is huge. Monday, we saw the second place champions get new belts. And now A-Town Down Under will be presented new titles! Theory says speaking of truth, didn’t Truth think HHH was a magician? Well, who knows what magic trick HHH has to make these guys look better than they already do, but hey, give it a try. HHH says congratulations on becoming tag team champions, so he will show them what they will wear going forward. From now on, they will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Reveal! In the style of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era belts, the solid gold shines. HHH offers a handshake, but Waller leaves him hanging to shake Theory’s hand! Aldis makes it clear to them. They ever pop off and disrespect HHH like that, here’s a real magic trick: A-Clown Down Under will disappear, permanently! The fans like the sound of that! Aldis snatches the blue belts away since they won’t need them, and speaking of disappearing, there’s a chance one of the following four teams will make their title reign disappear. That #1 contenders match starts right now! The fans fire up, but which team defies the odds to get some golden tickets to France?

Backstage interview with Naomi.

Kayla Braxton is with The Glow and says last week, she beat Tiffany Stratton to get this title opportunity tonight. Will the friendship with Bayley get in the way of this match? Naomi says no, of course not. Bayley’s her sister, and she needed help against Damage CTRL, so Naomi was more than happy to help. But in no way will friendship get in the way of this opportunity. It has been over two YEARS since Naomi’s last WWE singles championship match, and there is nothing that will get in the way of making the most of this moment. Now last week, Tiffy Time felt the glow, so that same energy keeps going tonight.

Naomi is also looking forward to next week’s WWE Draft, where she will walk in the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. Naomi is ready, but will she be able to best Bayley in Bayley’s first title defense?

WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance, followed by Akam & Rezar with the Final Testament. Waller & Theory are on commentary, Waller admitting he wants any team but AOP, and Theory saying these teams are fortunate to have real superstars leading their division. In this form of Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are active, so the Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate, starts against Montez Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Bate powers up to pry at the hold but Ford clamps on tighter. Bate powers up and out, drops, but Ford leaps over! The fans cheer, things keep moving, Bate feints high to drop low!

Bate shows knuckle lock, Ford obliges, but Bate wrenches, baits and double pump handles to FLIP Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford gets up to sweep and cover, TWO! Bate steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Ford gets up, dropkicks cancel out, and both men kip up! The fans fire up and the two reset. But then Humberto Carrillo sneaks a tag, before he DECKS Bate with a sucker punch! Ford dodges Humberto but Angel Garza holds the ropes open! Ford tumbles out, Garza tags in, and Humberto sits Ford up. Garza runs in to KNEE Ford down! The fans boo, Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza back suplexes, Ford lands out!

Ford tags Dawkins and he dodges Garza to FLYING ELBOW! Garza tags out to Akam, but then the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, tags in off Dawkins! Rezar tags, Dunne runs up but Akam LARIATS him down! Rezar DECKS Dawkins, then the AOP start clearing the corners! But Ford goes up to leap, but into an URENAGE! The fans boo but the AOP roar and soak up the heat. Waller’s worst case scenario might end up reality, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Ford endures a facelock. Ford fights up, pries at the hold, but Rezar shoves him to ELBOW him down! Rezar talks trash, Waller taunts the Steelers players sitting in the front row that they don’t really know what championships are, and then Rezar sucker punches Dawkins down! Rezar stands Ford up, Canadian Racks and bends him! Ford endures, the fans rally, but Rezar thrashes Ford around! Ford kicks and flails, he gets free, hot tag to Dunne! Bate sneaks a tag, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Akam and then NCR fire off on Rezar! The fans fire up, Humberto runs in, but Dunne dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

Bate & Dunne STOMP Humberto’s hands! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK! Garza runs up, but into the REBOUNDER GERMAN COMBO!! The fans fire up with NCR, but Rezar runs up! He grabs Dunne, but Bate says Bop up, BANG! Bate fireman’s carries Rezar?! But Rezar ELBOWS right free! Dunne GAMANGIRIS, Ford SUPERKICKS, and Dawkins ENZIGIRIS! Rezar wobbles, and everyone helps Bate gets Rezar up! BIG STRONG AIRPLANE SPINE! But then Legado CLOBBER Bate and Rezar! They BOOT Dunne, whip the Profits but the Profits reverse to TOSS Legado out! Ellering coaches Rezar while the Profits regroup.

Bate gets up, Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins brings Bate to the very top, but Dunne CLUBS Dawkins! NCR mug Dawkins but Ford joins in! They brawl, but AOP add on! Humberto finds Rezar to tag in, before the DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM!! Bate’s the only one left up top, so Legado mug him! They double trophy lift Bate, to DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCH him onto everyone!! Humberto then finds Bate, sunset flips and rewinds, Garza jumps, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as all eight men are down around ringside, and Waller says this is gonna be easy pickings for A-Town Down Under now.

Dunne grabs Garza, Bate has Humberto, STEREO ANKLE LOCKS!! Grapevine for Garza! But Humberto BOOTS Bate onto Dunne! Legado is free, Ellering has AOP regroup, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Rezar CLUBS Dawkins down. Rezar soaks up heat, taunts the other teams, then CLUBS Dawkins again. Rezar brings Dawkins up again, but Dawkins fires off body shots! Rezar KNEES low, reels Dawkins in, talks more trash, and lifts Dawkins up, to POWERBOMB! But then Dunne runs up to ROCK Rezar! Akam gets in to scoop Dunne and SLAM him on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Rezar looks to Ellering and he coaches AOP. Rezar HAMMERS Dawkins, Akam tags, and AOP get NCR up! The fans boo but NCR RANA free to send AOP into each other! Ford jumps in, as does Garza.

All the teams realize, they gotta do something about AOP. So they all mug AOP! The fans fire up as AOP tumble out, but now who strikes first? Dunne runs up but Garza SUPERKICKS him first! Bate waistlocks Garza and Ford winds up, but Garza ducks so the BACKHAND hits Bate! Garza SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins DECKS Garza! Humberto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Theory says if A-Town Down Under were in this match, he’d knock everyone out and Waller could just sneak in to cover. Humberto and Dawkins rise and go to corners. Humberto runs up, but Dawkins POUNCES him away!

Dawkins gets Humberto up, Ford returns and tags in! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Humberto and Ford climbs! The stars are out for the BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! Another save from the Bruiserweight and Ford is frustrated. Dunne drags Dawkins up to CHOP, but Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins whips Dunne out of the ring, but Dunne grabs the arm! And he pulls off the glove so he can SNAP fingers! The fans fire up, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Ford brings Humberto up, Humberto JAWBREAKERS! Bate tags in off Ford, BOOTS Garza, then runs up, but into a POP-UP! But Bate RANAS Humberto!!

Bate then DUMPS Garza out, goes to the apron, and Dunne lines up targets. Bate and Dunne climb, Ford runs in, NCR DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT while Ford FLIES over the corner post!! Down goes Legado and AOP!! The fans are losing their minds as Bate hurries to get Humberto up. Bate puts Humberto in, reels him in, underhooks, but Humberto fights it! Humberto back drops but Bate lands on his feet! Humberto cradles, TWO! Humberto LARIATS Bate, tag to Garza! Legado gets Bate up, feed to the POP-UP KICK!! #FTY! Humberto then DIVES to take out Dunne! Garza goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT!!

But Ford flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! The fans are thunderous as everyone is down again! Bate flounders, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins whips Legado, Ford joins in, THE REVELATION!! Cover, PROFITS WIN!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Waller & Theory are relieved it isn’t AOP, but they still look a bit annoyed that it is Ford & Dawkins. The Profits are Triple Crown Tag Team Champions from Raw to SmackDown to NXT, but will they soon add the WWE Tag Team Championships to make it a grand slam?

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton is with The Role Model, and brings up the emotional moment from Monday Night Raw where Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her title. But let us focus on Bayley’s title, as she defends it for the first time against Naomi. Where is her head at ahead of the main event? Bayley says after seeing Rhea vacate the Women’s World Championship on Raw, Bayley appreciates her reign more. She is focused, and she has realized she’s THE Women’s Champion in WWE right now, something she does not take for granted. Because we all know that with the WWE Draft, things are bound to change.

And as excited as Bayley is to face her friend, Naomi, one thing that won’t change is her as THE WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley is just as confident at Naomi, so something’s gotta give! Will The Role Model #FeelTheGlow? Or will she still be shining with gold after tonight?

Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa.

The Wise Man apologizes that they haven’t found Kevin Owens, but he has to be here somewhere. Just look at the time. They will find him, somewhere. Solo stops listening and heads to gorilla. Heyman follows after, but Solo gives him a look. Heyman says he isn’t trying to upset Solo. Please believe him. The last person on this planet Heyman wants to piss off is Solo. But respectfully, Solo is making decisions that are not his to make, yet. One day, these will all be Solo’s decisions. But not now, not here! These are decisions that can only be made by one man. Solo asks Heyman if he’s done talking. Heyman asks if MFT is coming with Solo.

Solo just gives a thumbs up, with that taped thumb. The music hits and Solo makes his entrance, Heyman still following all the way into the ring. What does the Enforcer have planned? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his usual introduction. And he doesn’t know if there is a list of the most brilliant backstage maneuvering politicians int he history of the WWE, but if there were, Heyman would have to think that he personally is in the top… Well, permit Heyman, with Solo’s permission, to explain what’s going on right now within The Bloodline, “the premier act in the history of WWE.” The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” but Solo shrugs that off. Heyman assures us that as The Wise Man for… Heyman gets emotional, so Solo just snatches the mic! The fans boo but Solo paces.

Solo tries to talk but the fans boo. Solo says last week, he had to lose a brother! He had to! It was in order for him to find a new one! His MFT, Tama Tonga! And with that, a bloodied Kevin Owens is tossed out, by the Good Bad Guy! Tama shoves Kevin down the ramp, stalks behind him, and referees rush out to stop him from doing anything further! Kevin can’t even sit up, but Tama steps over him to go to the ring. The fans boo as Tama joins Solo in the ring while the refs help Kevin to his feet and to the back. Tama raises his finger to the sky, because he acknowledges Solo! Heyman has no choice but to go along, but wait! Kevin is heading back down the ramp!?

The fans fire up as Kevin shows his grit and defiance! He drags Tama out to fire off hands!! The fans cheer but then Solo whips Kevin into steel steps! Solo drags Kevin back up, puts him in the ring, but now security rushes in! Tama storms in after Kevin but Kevin TACKLES Tama! The security gets Kevin away from Tama, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Kevin down!! The fans boo but then Tama SPLASHES Kevin! Tama rains down fists on that bloody wound, then he DECKS guard after guard! Producers try but Tama is a madman! Tama shoves everyone away so he can slip out of the ring, to grab a chair!!

The fans boo as Tama storms back in, but now Aldis steps up! Aldis warns The Bloodline here, and Solo has Tama stand down. Solo takes the chair from Tama to show they’re done here. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but the damage is done. Solo & Tama are a dangerous duo, will nothing and no one stop them from taking over SmackDown?

Heyman goes to the parking lot.

He’s in shock, but Aldis finds him and pulls him along. Was Heyman aware of this? Aldis shows Heyman the aftermath of one car T-boning another! And in case Heyman can’t guess, the struck car was Kevin’s. The attacking car was Tama’s! Heyman says this wasn’t authorized! No, Heyman, Aldis is speaking now. He gets this is a conflict within The Bloodline, but on his show, things are settle din the ring. Next week is the Draft, a lot of eyeballs on it, and a lot top brass are gonna be here. So Aldis will not tolerate this behavior. So make sure The Bloodline understands. Because, Heyman, if you don’t, the repercussions will be equally savage.

Aldis brings Heyman in close to tell him losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences. Will the Wise Man be able to rein in such an unruly force as Solo and Tama?

Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!

The LWO still doesn’t believe Legado’s claims that they had nothing to do with Dragon Lee going down before WrestleMania, so they’re going to get to the bottom of this one themselves! Will Caribbean Cool make the Emperor of Lucha confess his crimes? Or will Santos prove he was right all along?

The bell rings and the two talk trash. Then they start throwing hands! Carlito backs Santos down but Santos gets around to whisper something in Carlito’s ear. Carlito ELBOWS Santos away, runs up and hits a THESZ PRESS! Carlito then bumps Santos off buckles, fires hands, then has him in another corner. Carlito whips corner to corner, runs up, but Santos BOOTS him! Santos runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Vega coaches Carlito to stay on Santos and he brings Santos up. Carlito ROCKS Santos, whips, but Santos KICKS him! Santos runs, but into a DROPKICK! Carlito kips up and the fans fire up!

Santos is on the outside, the ref won’t let Carlito go after him, but then Carlito WRECKS Santos with a dropkick! Carlito loads up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Santos and Carlito hoists Vega up to celebrate! The fans cheer the LWO on as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Santos whips Carlito hard into buckles. Carlito falls over, Santos soaks up the heat, then Santos HEADBUTTS Carlito to a corner. Santos then CHOPS, gets space and runs in, to DOUBLE KNEE! Carlito slumps in the corner but Santos puts him up top! Santos GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Carlito flounders, Santos pushes him to a cover, TWO! Vega is relieved but Santos huffs and puffs. Santos rains down fists on Carlito, then clamps on a top wristlock. Carlito endures and Vega coaches him while the fans rally. Carlito rises, throws body shots, then LARIATS!

The fans rally as Carlito starts to rally with more clotheslines, and an ELBOW! Carlito kicks, runs, and KNEE LIFTS! Santos wobbles, Carlito LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Santos is tougher than that but Carlito says he’s going up! Carlito climbs, but then Lopez gets on the apron! Vega storms right over to YANK her down! The fans fire up as Vega goes up, and RANAS, only for Lopez to block! Lopez SWINGS Vega into barriers! Carlito ROCKS Santos, steps in, but the ref is reprimanding Lopez so he misses Santos KICK ropes to jam Carlito low! Santos reels Carlito in to POST him, then brings him back for the fireman’s carry! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Santos wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

La Madrina helps The Emperor steal this victory, them taking down the Caribbean Cool and La Muneca! Whether or not Legado beat down Dragon Lee, will nothing stop them from conquering SmackDown?

VIP Skybox interview with Damage CTRL!

Kayla is with Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane & Asuka as they sit way up in the back. What made the former WWE Women’s Champion and crew want a special view of this main event? Dakota takes offense for Iyo with the use of “former” there. Is Kayla trying to disrespect them? Iyo will take that title back when they’re good and ready. But for now, they’re here to watch two people they can’t stand tear each other apart! Does Dakota need to remind everyone here that DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the WWE!? The fans boo but Dakota says the Kabuki Warriors are STILL the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that will not change-

WAID! Jade Cargill is here! She makes her entrance from the other skybox, with Bianca Belair alongside her! The strongEST duo argues with DMG CTRL, their own title intentions clear. But for now, it’s time for the main event! Who shines with gold here in the Steel City? We find out, after the break!

Cody Rhodes speaks.

The American Nightmare is in the UK as part of Raw’s tour, but he still took time to say, “What is the task? Run up the score, leave no doubt, right? Formerly, the task was ‘win the big belt, in the big place.’ We’ve done that. Now, it’s a whole new frontier for us, undiscovered country.” There’s an old expression: the title can make the man, or the man makes the title. Which will it be for Cody? He’s in London tonight, the O2, 16 THOUSAND, then it’s on to Belfast, Ireland. Cody is keeping his promise to bring this title all around the world. Back home, AJ Styles has emerged the #1 contender to this championship.

So then, it will be two Georgia boys duking it out in Lyon, France. The first time ever, at that. Styles has an unprecedented reputation in pro-wrestling. The modern day Excellence of Execution, if you will. Styles rarely misses. But the same goes for Cody. So Backlash in France, Cody looks forward to it. The contract signing is next week, even as the WWE Draft is going on! Will things be explosive when American Nightmare and Phenomenal One meet face to face?

WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and either we shine or we glow!

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. The two tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Naomi powers up but Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Naomi slips through, rolls Bayley up, ONE!! The fans rally as the two go again. Naomi waistlocks, Bayley headlocks to hit a takeover, and she makes it a cover, TWO! Naomi fights up to her feet, powers up but Bayley wrenches gain. Naomi waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Both women get up, Naomi ducks the boot but Bayley arm-drags her around! Bayley has the cording hold, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights to her feet. Naomi whips Bayley away, but Bayley runs her over!

The fans cheer and Bayley tells DMG CTRL she’s watching them, too. Things speed up, Naomi does the splits to duck under, then she comes back to kick from below! She drags Bayley into a cradle, ONE!! Bayley hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! ONE!! Naomi and Bayley get up, Naomi trips Bayley to jackknife, ONE!! Ghost pin, TWO! Both women hurry up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans rally while both women are down, evenly matched in this chess game so far. Both women rise, and Naomi SHOTGUNS first! Then she runs up, uses the ropes to slingshot and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Naomi is frustrated but keeps her focus.

Naomi drags Bayley up, Bayley shoves her away. Naomi dodges the lariat to hit REAR VIEW! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Naomi lets her know it was that close, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Bayley whips Naomi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bayley gets up, Naomi runs up, JAWBREAKER! Bayley ends up in a corner now, Naomi runs in, and she forearm SMASHES! Naomi then runs Bayley corner to corner for a BUCKLE BULLDOG! Naomi slips out to the apron while Bayley flounders, and Naomi climbs. The fans duel as Naomi CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Naomi knows that. Naomi keeps her focus while DMG CTRL, Bianca & Jade all focus on them. Naomi ROCKS Bayley, tries the ropes again, but Bayley stops the bulldog to SMACK Naomi off buckles!

Bayley then reels Naomi in, SAIDO! High stack, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Bayley remembers Naomi’s tougher than that, too. Bayley drags Naomi into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Bayley aims, to MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bayley writhes, Naomi goes to the apron. Bayley stands, runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi slingshots, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Naomi is stunned! Naomi refocuses, goes to the corner, and goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Bayley returns the favor and both women are down. Bayley shakes out the leg, stands and runs, to KNEE Naomi down!

Bayley hurries to put Naomi back in a drop zone, and then hobbles her way to a corner. Bayley climbs, to MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time and Bayley covers, TWO!! Naomi survives and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley hobbles on the bad leg, leans on ropes while she catches her breath, and the fans duel even more. Bayley stalks Naomi, hooks her up, but Naomi PELES free! Naomi hurries to a corner, Bayley runs up, but Naomi goes up to sunset flip! TWO!! But into the BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Bayley endures, reaches out with her legs, but then she tucks to a cover, TWO!! Naomi gets up, both women throw forearms!

They both wobble, storm up, and Bayley eggs Naomi on. Naomi wants this, right? So hit her! Naomi fires a forearm, Bayley hits back! Naomi winds up to forearm, Bayley comes back with another! The fans fire up as the forearms go harder and faster! Bayley gets the edge, but Naomi SWATS one, to SCORPION KICK, and then JUMP KNEE! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, Naomi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and a hard one, both women are down on the floor! The ring count starts, Naomi stirs at 3 of 10. Naomi brings Bayley up, but BAYLEY2BELLY onto the desk!! The count is 7! Naomi flounders on the desk, but then TIFFANY ATTACKS BAYLEY!!!

Winner: Bayley, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Tiffany makes herself the center of attention as always as she ruins this main event! She dribbles Naomi off the desk, then RAMS Bayley into steel steps! Then she drags Naomi off the desk to POST her! Tiff storms back over to Bayley, puts her in the ring, then adds Naomi in, too. Tiff says sorry not sorry, but it’s Tiffy Time! Tiffy goes to the corner, for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Tiff flexes over both champion and challenger, having upset Bianca & Jade but having entertained DMG CTRL. But will Wrestling Barbie pay for pissing off the Role Model?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown that also acted as a WWE Draft go-home. Great match from Styles and Knight to open the night but also follow-up their WrestleMania match. Naturally, Styles wins because then he and Knight are 1-1 in 1v1 matches, and also natural Face VS Heel right there. Good promo from Cody Rhodes, that title match is going to be awesome. Awesome new looks for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though maybe too much gold. Nothing really pops when it’s all the same color, so they should’ve had silver on the WWE logo and the words, “Tag Team Champions,” but it’s still a great redesign.

We also got an awesome Fatal 4 Way tag match, with Theory & Waller decent on commentary. And pieces are falling into place for what I was thinking: Profits win the right to face Theory & Waller, we’ll surely get Lashley wanting the US Championship, we’ll get a good faction feud there as we approach those title matches. Also good continuation of the LWO VS Legado feud with Carlito VS Santos, and distractions of course helped Santos win. There’s gotta come a point where Carlito reveals it was him, Dragon Lee, it was him all along! Now, that would make like the third turn since the start of this rivalry (Santos to Heel, Andrade to Face and Carlito to Heel) but hey, the drama is heightened each time, and maybe Dragon Lee will actually get a win in this feud.

Great stuff in Bayley VS Naomi, as well as all the promos. DMG CTRL watching from the skybox, same as Bianca & Jade, was good stuff. The tag title match is definitely coming for Backlash, that will be great stuff. But I should’ve figured Tiffany would “ruin” the main event so that there won’t really be a choice between Bayley and Naomi. The Draft is coming, hopefully they think to keep all three on the same brand, and probably here on SmackDown, so that those three can have it out. I don’t know the chances of a Triple Threat for Backlash but it still feels possible. Though at the same time, I don’t think they’d take the title off Bayley after only a month, so she’d probably use Tiffany against Naomi to retain.

And what wild stuff with this new, more vicious Bloodline. Solo is in a suit because he certainly thinks he is Tribal Chief already, given Roman Reigns did give him the nod as “Tribal Heir” a few months ago. And while Tama is the MFT, which everyone is already wondering what that even means, it’s clear he’s also the right hand man and a loose cannon at that. Without the Draft, it’d be pretty wild for Jimmy to come back and help Kevin against this new Bloodline. With the Draft, we could get Jey back on the same brand as his family and then he and Jimmy stand against Solo and Tama. But either way, it’ll be a wild ride in this new chapter and I’m all for it.

My Score: 8.9/10

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: 4.18.2024

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

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

LSG vs Joe Hendry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6.5/10

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

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

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

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