Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/16/19)
Witness the TLC Fallout!
Will the Viper strike before the holidays?
After all the tables, ladders and chairs, Raw has a phenomenal follow up as AJ Styles settles things with Randy Orton! Will Styles finally get revenge on the “life ruiner” as a Christmas present to himself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Viking Raiders VS The OC; The OC wins.
- Erick Rowan VS ???; Rowan wins.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match: Decision Unclear.
- Asuka VS Deonna Purrazzo; Asuka wins.
- Randy Orton VS AJ Styles; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins wants to know what fans expect!
Somewhere, it all went wrong, and he can’t figure out why. He won the Universal Championship for US, and “that was still NOT ENOUGH!” He’s been called a liar, accused of conspiracy, because the truth is not good enough. “Some blithering idiot” says this and that, and fans jumped on the bandwagon. But fine. You push The Architect, Seth Rollins pushes back! Fiction has become fact, and now Rollins stands with the AUTHORS OF PAIN! What does this mean for Raw and all the WWE?
Seth Rollins is in Des Moines!
The Architect is home, but it’s hard to tell if fans are happy to see him or not. Rollins gets a mic and wishes to introduce “the first two men who have chosen to live on the right side of history!” Akam and Rezar, the AOP, are here! And they join Rollins in the ring, and even shake his hand. Rollins continues to say that now that everyone is here, they’ll get to business. When he was first in NXT, everyone said “Rollins is the future.” When Rollins arrived on Raw, “Rollins is the future.” All the way up until 2019 and he beat Brock Lesnar not once but twice, “Rollins is the future.” But not just one or two people, everyone, both fans and critics, superstars and management, everyone.
And then something happened. The mood changed, and people questioned Rollins’ leadership. It was as if Rollins did something wrong. Rollins wants to explain something here: “Being a leader is not about being cool or making popular decisions. It is about making decisions for the sake of progress.” That isn’t easy for everyone to get. Kevin Owens is a perfect example of that. That was a tragedy, but Kevin did it to himself. Kevin resisted, Kevin became an example. Rollins doesn’t lie, that is one thing that’s always been real. That isn’t going to change. So Rollins gives us some more truth, that might be hard to accept: “I am a leader.” Bigger than that, Rollins is a visionary! Rollins is going to be the man that leads Raw and the WWE into the next decade and beyond! Whether you like it or not, you are coming along, even if he has to drag you kicking and screaming into 2020! If you resist, the AOP will enforce Rollins’ will.
Now, there is something else Rollins must address. “This is one of those decisions that’s not going to be popular, but it’s the right decision.” Rollins has a score to settle, and he guarantees it will be settled before the end of the night. Rollins says this now: “I’m sorry.” Rollins and the Authors of Pain head out, but what does he mean? Who is his target?
The Viking Raiders VS The OC!
Erik and Ivar are still Raw Tag Team Champions after their open challenge got a bit messy with Kentucky Fried Chicken. But they’re still hungry for competition, will they have a second helping of Too Sweet action?
Raw returns and the Good Brothers make their entrance. Gallows and Anderson have mics to speak about last night. “Listen, listen, listen!” The OC will be the first to admit, The Viking Raiders are the “most unstoppable tag team to hit the WWE in decades.” But the team that has a win over them is The Official, the Original, and the Only Club that matters. Last night, the Vikings sacrificed themselves with those risky dives just to make sure they didn’t lose again! These ugly sum bishes are the champs, but the OC are the Best Tag Team in the World! Gallows and Anderson get in the ring, and this non-title rematch begins!
Gallows and Ivar start and tie up. Gallows kicks, headlocks but Ivar powers out. Gallows rams shoulders, but Ivar comes back to do the same. Gallows kicks low and clubs Ivar, then throws big uppercuts. Tag to Anderson but Ivar lifts Anderson to put him in the corner! Tag to Erik, and Erik feeds Anderson to knees! Ivar does the same! Anderson is down and Erik roars! Erik snarls and glares at Gallows before ramming his knees back into Anderson. Anderson gets to ropes but Erik pulls him back up and around. Tag to Ivar and Anderson gets scooped for a slam! Erik scoops and slams Ivar onto Anderson! The Vikings are fired up with Iowa as Ivar clamps onto Anderson and throws clubbing forearms.
Anderson gets to a corner but Ivar is on him with more clubbing forearms. Ivar wrenches, rams in more knees, then tags back to Erik. The Vikings mug Anderson then Erik suplexes Anderson up, and holds him there! Erik keeps Anderson there for a count of 10 before dropping him! Cover, TWO! Erik keeps on Anderson with an arm lock, but Anderson gets up and rakes the eyes! Tag to Gallows, and Gallows drives elbows into Erik. Gallows whips, but Erik goes up and over! Erik somersaults, runs, dodges and ducks to ROCK Gallows with a forearm! Gallows ends up outside, but Erik builds speed to DIVE, into an uppercut! Gallows picks Erik up to FALL AWAY SLAM him into barriers! The OC gain control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Anderson has Erik in a chinlock. Fans rally up and Erik fights out. Erik runs but into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, ONE!! Anderson is furious but he thrashes and rakes Erik’s face. Tag to Gallows and the OC mugs Erik. Gallows drags Erik up and puts him in the OC corner to throw off heavy hands! Gallows runs and BOOTS Erik down! Cover, TWO! Gallows drives his elbow in over and over then wraps on a tight chinlock. Erik endures, fans rally up again, and Erik fights his way up. Erik throws body shots of his own, but Gallows clubs him down. Gallows back suplexes high and hard! Tag to Anderson and he stomps Erik down at the ropes. Anderson chokes Erik on the rope but the ref counts. Anderson stops at 4 to brag about being the Best Tag Team in the World!
Anderson hits Erik more, Erik ROCKS Anderson back! Anderson boots, Erik forearms! They brawl back and forth and Erik is stuck in the OC corner. Anderson goes to back suplex, but Erik lands on his feet to tag Ivar! Ivar rallies with big forearms and a sidewalk slam! He runs to BASEMENT SPLASH! Big forearm for Gallows! Ivar scoops but Anderson escapes, only for Ivar to cartwheel and LARIAT! Ivar runs corner to corner to hit a BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, but Gallows breaks it! Ivar is seething but Gallows hurries away. Ivar puts Anderson in a corner, but Anderson dodges, to hit a neckbreaker! Both men are down but Anderson grits his teeth as he gets up. Tag to Gallows, and the OC bring Ivar up, neckbreaker back suplex combo! Cover, TWO!
Tag back to Anderson, the OC bring Ivar up to double whip. Ivar breaks through and handsprings, double back elbows! Fans fire up with the War Beard! Erik returns, both Vikings DIVE! The champions are back in control as we go to break!
Raw returns again and Gallows sucker punches Erik! Ivar punches Gallows back but gets a ROUNDHOUSE! Tag to Anderson, Gallows fireman’s carries, Anderson runs, BOOT O’ DOOM! Cover, TWO!! Anderson is furious with Ivar’s toughness! Fans rally up as The OC has Ivar cornered again. Anderson runs in but gets a BOOT! Ivar fights up, seated senton! Gallows tags in, but so does Erik! Erik blocks to give back strikes, BIG forearm! EXPLODER SUPLEX! Anderson runs in, he gets Ace Ten Mao! Erik roars and tags Ivar back. Ivar runs in to corner splash, then feed to shotgun knee! Human weapon, Ivar hip attack! Ivar covers, TWO! Ivar keeps his focus as he tags Erik back in. Iowa rallies as Ivar climbs up. Erik lifts but Gallows slips out to uppercut Ivar!
Gallows hits Erik then tags Anderson. Erik ROCKS Gallows but Anderson hotshots! And uppercuts! Anderson runs side to side, ROCKET- NO! Erik has Anderson, Ivar tags in! POWERBOMB, and then Ivar hops up. Ivar has to fight Gallows off, then climbs up to the very top! VIKING MOONSAULT! FLOPS! Tag to Gallows, sorta, Anderson boots Erik. The OC has Ivar, MAGIC KILLER! Cover, The OC wins!!
Winners: The OC, by pinfall
They just beat the Raw Tag Team Champions! The Best Tag Team Champions get the Viking Raiders again, but will third time be the charm to take those titles away?
Raw shares footage of a backstage interview with Erick Rowan.
This was last week after Raw went off the air. Rowan asked Sarah Schreiber if she had family. She does. People she cares about? Yes… People she loves, that she’d go to the ends of the earth to protect. Well then mind your business about what’s in the cage! The Big Redwood cares for this mystery creature, but will it become a strength or weakness for him as time goes on?
The OC is fired up!
The Best Tag Team in the World just won! And AJ Styles is ready to take out Randy Orton! But, after everything Orton has done, Styles will do this on his own. he’s not just going to beat Orton or hurt him, he’s going to END Orton’s career! Then these mother lovers celebrate in the winner’s circle tonight! Too Sweet!
Erick Rowan VS Dante Leon!
Big Red puts his “loved one” by the steel steps and prepares to dominate again. Will Dante survive this bad omen?
The bell rings and Dante is very wary. He gets out of the ring but Rowan gives chase! Rowan dares Dante to fight, but Dante would rather not. They go around the other way and Rowan still has Dante trapped. So Dante goes under the ring! Rowan goes looking for him, Dante pops out the other side! Dante, don’t! He touches the cage!! Rowan runs after, Dante trips, and Rowan catches him! To BODY CHECK Dante down! Rowan drags Dante up with one arm and puts him in the ring like he’s a pillow! Rowan circles Dante before clamping on the Iron Claw, for a SLAM! But Rowan’s rage is not satisfied, and fans want to see that “One More Time!” Rowan drags Dante back up for a second Iron Claw SLAM! Cover with one foot, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Rowan warned everyone, but still his opponents do not listen. Will Rowan break anyone that breaks his one rule?
Backstage interview with Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega!
Tonight, there will be a gauntlet match to determine a challenger to the United States Championship. El Idolo is part of that gauntlet, and would be the favorite if not for Ultimo Ninja being in the line-up. Humberto Carrillo has won twice, but Almas says he is going to win. Vega is upset Charly said that. But yes, Almas lost to Humberto twice, blah blah blah. But that will be the best thing that ever happens to Humberto, but also the worst. Because now, Almas takes him seriously. And when the time comes, Vega will wear high heels so Carrillo can hear her coming and takes the time to repent. Almas continues in Spanish to say this is his night, no one else’s. But who will be standing at the end of the gauntlet to face Rey Mysterio for the title?
Liv Morgan speaks.
“One day, I woke up and reflected on the girl who I had been.” Where she was, where she wasn’t, and where she was going. The one who let everyone else tell her who to be, how to act, and how to dress. All Liv wants to be is comfortable in her own skin, yet has always been self-destructive. But now, she has no choice. She has to destroy this her so that the real her can emerge. What will the real Liv be when she returns?
Bobby Lashley and Lana are here!
The Rocky Mountain Machine wrecked Rusev, with a lot of help from the Ravishing Russian. But tonight, they’re all dressed up to celebrate! Fans boo as they grab mics. Lana speaks first, saying that yesterday was very busy with people scrolling through her Instagram. But if they missed her “hot boyfriend” have his match, then let’s all relive history here tonight. Lana’s big bad boyfriend crushed and destroyed Rusev, putting him through a table! Lashley soaks up the heat as he poses for his victory. “Isn’t he beautiful?” No one will ever compare to “such a gorgeous and wonderful and beautiful man” as him.
Lana tells Bobby that he was so wonderful and just gives her butterflies every day. Fans continue to chant for “Rusev Day!” but Lashley helps her tune it out. Could everyone please be quiet? They’re trying to move on! Everyone should move on and face the reality. Rusev Day is DEAD! But as she was saying, Bobby is so wonderful and amazing and attractive. Fans chant “We Want Rusev!” but Lashley tells them not to be so rude. Lana says she wants Lashley so everyone needs to shut up and listen. Lana starts again, and says she wants the world to know how much he loves her. Fans chant “Bobby Sucks!” but Lana says the fans suck! Lana pulls out a ring to ask Lashley to ask her to marry her! Lashley is speechless. What a… unique marriage proposal.
Fans chant “NO! NO!” but Lashley says he doesn’t like being told what to do. Except when it’s Lana. Lashley takes the ring to present it back to Lana, “the most gorgeous woman in the entire world.” She is the most amazing female wrestler in the WWE and they are together, without the shadow of a doubt, going to make the most amazing power couple ever. Will she marry him? OMG so romantic! Just as they rehearsed! Lana says YES! Lana pictures the most Ravishing Wedding, and it’ll be on LANA Day! They kiss and fans boo. But will this just end up a Ravishing Trainwreck like Lana’s relationship with Rusev did?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match!
We already know of Ultimo Ninja and El Idolo, but the field also includes Akira Tozawa the Stamina Monster, Ricochet the King of Flight, V1 Matt Hardy, and the 24-Time “747 7/11 24/7 European Television Champion,” R-Truth! Who survives to the very end to be Rey Mysterio’s next challenger?
Des Moines, Iowa, MAKE SOME NOISE! “Can I tell y’all something?” Truth would not be in the WWE if not for his childhood hero, John Cena. Aw c’mon guys, Cena’s good. When Truth was a “wee little tyke,” he remembers seeing those US Championship Open Challenges every Saturday Morning. That is why Truth will become the first-ever United States “747 7/11 24/7 I-95 South Television” Champion! And Truth takes them both to WRESTLEMANIA! A bold claim from Truth, but who is his opponent? Where’s that WrestleMania sign, for that matter? But before that, here comes the Stamina Monster!
R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa!
The bell rings and the gauntlet begins! Truth and Tozawa tie up and Tozawa headlocks. Truth powers out, Tozawa holds ropes and grins as fans “AH! AH! AH!” Truth counters with “What’s Up?!” They tie up, Truth headlocks, but Tozawa powers out. Truth runs Tozawa over, then again! Truth fakes Tozawa out the third time to kick him back. Truth whips, Tozawa reverses but now Truth stops himself with ropes, to break it down! Truth elbows Tozawa down then has him in the corner. Truth runs corner to corner but Tozawa dodges and Truth RAMS into the post! Truth hits the floor, Tozawa takes aim, CANNONBALL! Both men wreck into the barriers but Tozawa is up first! Tozawa puts Truth in then climbs up, big missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Tozawa keeps his cool while Mysterio watches back stage. Things speed up, Truth does the splits to dodge! Truth runs, but no scissor kick! Tozawa spins to a sunset flip and ELIMINATES Truth! And the flood gates are open! Eric Young, Curt Hawkins, No Way Jose and Titus O’Neil hurry after the 24/7 Champion! Truth gets his baby and runs for the hills! Will Truth at least keep one title on the way to WrestleMania? As for Tozawa, he focuses on the One and Only!
Akira Tozawa VS Ricochet!
Stamina and speed collide in just part two of this gauntlet match! Who lasts longer? We find out after the break!
Raw returns and Tozawa runs at Ricochet. Ricochet dodges, but Tozawa dodges the back hand. Tozawa blocks a kick and flips Ricochet to kick him down. Ricochet gets to a corner but Tozawa whips corner to corner. Ricochet reverses, Tozawa goes up and over, things speed up even more, Tozawa waistlocks and shoves but Ricochet rolls off Tozawa’s back. Ricochet dodges again, handsprings and headscissors then dropkicks Tozawa out! Fans fire up as Ricochet builds speed, but Tozawa gets in to spinning roundhouse! Ricochet is out now, Tozawa builds speed, and Tozawa DIVES! The Tozawa Torpedo hits! But he keeps moving, for ANOTHER! That’s two and fans are fired up!
Tozawa puts Ricochet in, rocks him with a right, then climbs up top. Ricochet stands and dropkicks the dropkick out of the air! Tozawa is down in the corner he came from and Mysterio is still watching. Fans fire up behind Ricochet as he CHOPS Tozawa to a corner. Ricochet CHOPS again, then stalks Tozawa to another corner. Ricochet wrenches, hooks a leg and chinbars Tozawa for a modified stretch. Rolling cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps close with a facelock and clubbing forearms. Ricochet drags Tozawa up for wrenches, kicks and a modified Gory Especial! Tozawa endures this Bow ‘n’ Arrow, so Ricochet spins for a slam! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps his cool as he throws forearms on Tozawa. Tozawa hits back but Ricochet CHOPS again. Ricochet whips, Tozawa reverses, and tilt-o-whirls for an IRON OCTOPUS!
Ricochet endures as Tozawa cranks and stretches him, but Ricochet powers out to enziguri! Tozawa wobbles but Ricochet brings him up for a back suplex. Tozawa escapes, kicks, swings, slides under, waistlock GERMAN but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet spins Tozawa, but the enziguri misses! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Tozawa and Ricochet are exhausted and on the mat, but fans rally up. Ricochet and Tozawa sit up and fans “AH! AH!” with Tozawa. Tozawa drags Ricochet up in another waistlock, but Ricochet elbows out and CHOPS! Ricochet runs in, but is sent out. He stays on the apron, shoulders in and bumps Tozawa off buckles, to then KICK him away! Springboard clothesline hits! Fans rally and Ricochet shooting stars, onto knees! Tozawa cradles, TWO, SUPERKICK!
Ricochet is down in a drop zone, Tozawa heads up top! But Ricochet gets under the jump, and SUPERKICKS back! Ricochet rip cords, for the RECOIL! Cover, Ricochet ELIMINATES Tozawa! But it’s time to get extreme!
Ricochet VS Matt Hardy!
Will Hardy “DELETE!” Ricochet after the break?
Raw returns again, and Hardy catches Ricochet’s clothesline, SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO!! Hardy drags Ricochet up to give forearms over and over into the corner. The ref counts, Hardy lets up and throws up the V1. Hardy whips corner to corner hard, and Ricochet hits the mat. Hardy drags Ricochet up to bump him off buckles over and over, and over and over! Fans fire up as Hardy drags Ricochet up to pull against the ropes. The ref counts, Hardy lets up, and straddle attacks from behind! Cover, TWO!
Hardy keeps his cool but Ricochet throws hands back. Hardy clubs him down, brings him back up, and suplexes him down. Cover, TWO! Hardy drags Ricochet up but Ricochet hits back again. Ricochet throws forearms, runs, but Hardy back drops him! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps on Ricochet with a rain of right hands, then drags Ricochet back up for a cravat neck wrench. Ricochet endures as Hardy twists his head. Ricochet throws body shots but Hardy clubs him down. Hardy has Ricochet in a corner but Ricochet elbows back. Ricochet climbs but Hardy stops him, for a crucifix BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet still lives and Hardy can’t believe it. But Hardy also keeps on Ricochet, leg drop and cover, TWO! Hardy drags Ricochet up to whip him to a corner. Ricochet’s boot is blocked, but Ricochet enziguris back!
Hardy staggers and Ricochet somersaults, to shotgun dropkick! Fans fire up as both men are down. Hardy sits up first but Ricochet follows. The two rise and fans rally up more. Ricochet throws haymakers, dodges, runs and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor! Ricochet runs corner to corner to ram his shoulder in! He bumps Hardy off buckles and KICK him down! Hardy hobbles, springboard lariat caught to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO!! Hardy grits his teeth as Ricochet survives again. Hardy goes back to a corner and climbs up top. Hardy MOONSAULTS but FLOPS! Ricochet standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up more as Hardy rolls to a drop zone. Ricochet heads up top now, 630 but he has to bail out! Hardy runs into a dropkick-flip but kicks back. Twist of Fate rolled up! Ricochet ELIMINATES Hardy!! Fans are divided but Hardy’s chances were DELETED!
Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo!
Ultimo Ninja’s hot streak will truly be tested against a man he’s teamed with in recent Raw matches. But will Carrillo prove to us all it isn’t a fluke but fate that he’s in this position?
Raw returns again and Carrillo offers a handshake. Ricochet takes it, but then rolls Carrillo up! TWO, and Ricochet tries another, TWO! Carrillo dropkicks and covers, TWO! Carrillo brings Ricochet up but Ricochet hits back with big forearms and a CHOP. Ricochet whips but Carrillo reverses, things speed up, and Carrillo sunset flips but Ricochet rolls through. Ricochet kicks but Carrillo ducks it, to enziguri! Carrillo runs and springboards for a HUGE arm-drag! Ricochet ends up outside, Carrillo FLIES! Direct hit takes Ricochet out at the ramp! Carrillo drags Ricochet up and into the ring, follows and stalks Ricochet to ropes. Carrillo kicks Ricochet down then wrenches through to a hammerlock. He rams Ricochet’s shoulder into buckles then covers, ONE.
Ricochet clings to ropes but Carrillo pulls him away to wrap an arm around and drop knees on it! Carrillo brings Ricochet up, wrenches and gives an arm code breaker! Cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps on the arm while Mysterio continues to watch from backstage. Ricochet endures and fights his way up. Ricochet throws body shots but Carrillo wrangles him back down! Carrillo cranks on the keylock but fans rally up. Ricochet fights his way up again and throws more body shots. Ricochet is free but Carrillo clubs him back. The two throw big hands, Ricochet CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Carrillo reverses, Ricochet handsprings but Carrillo sweeps his arms out from under him! Ricochet lands hard and Carrillo covers, TWO!
Carrillo keeps his cool as he goes after the arm again. Ricochet refuses to quit and hits back. Ricochet arm-drags, Carrillo arm-drags back! Carrillo grinds on the arm but Ricochet works his way up yet again. Ricochet throws forearms and haymakers, but Carrillo knees low. Carrillo grows a little frustrated and he stomps Ricochet down. Carrillo drags Ricochet up, whips him corner to corner, but Ricochet reverses. Ricochet runs in but is put on the apron. Carrillo turns around but into a shoulder, slingshot sunset flip! TWO, and Carrillo blocks a kick to give a kick! But he runs into a SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Both men are down, but Zelina Vega swaggers her way out. La Muneca keeps an eye on El Idolo’s possible opponents as we go to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet ROCKS Carrillo! Cover, TWO! Vega still watches from the stage as Ricochet and Carrillo both rise. Ricochet rams shoulders into Carrillo’s ribs then CHOPS him again. Carrillo turns it around to CHOP and CHOP back. Carrillo runs corner to corner, Ricochet goes up and over to CHOP again! Ricochet runs corner to corner, but Carrillo stops him and spins him to the outside. Ricochet haymakers Carrillo away then springboards for another lariat! Shooting star hits! Cover, TWO! Vega is intrigued as Ricochet and Carrillo reset. Ricochet stands first, brings Carrillo up, but Carrillo blocks the suplex. Ricochet throws forearms but Carrillo is the one who suplexes. Ricochet slips out, waistlocks but Carrillo elbows. Carrillo runs, dodges a boot and forearms Ricochet in the back! Then Carrillo hops up to missile dropkick Ricochet down! Cover, TWO!
Carrillo and Ricochet are both slow to rise but Vega just smiles and laughs. Carrillo focuses back on Ricochet, drags him to a drop zone and heads up top. Fans fire up as he climbs, but Ricochet gets clear! Carrillo rolls through the landing, but Ricochet dropkick-flips and enziguris! Carrillo is on his knees, Ricochet runs, Carrillo BOOTS! Ricochet PELES! Ricochet runs into a forearm from Carrillo! Carrillo runs but Ricochet CROSSBODIES them both out! Vega is very amused as both men crash and burn. A ring count begins and climbs up to 5 as the two men stir. Ricochet is up first but flops over. The count passes 7 but both men spring up and in at 9.5! They’re both still in this, but this is just getting easier for Almas at this rate.
Carrillo and Ricochet are on opposite ends. Ricochet runs in but Carrillo BOOTS him down! Carrillo positions Ricochet in the drop zone, climbs up top, but Ricochet SHORYUKENS! Ricochet CHOPS Carrillo again, but Carrillo SLAPS back! Ricochet and Carrillo brawl as Ricochet climbs. They brawl on the very top and Ricochet gets the edge. Ricochet brings Carrillo up, SUPERPLEX!! But Ricochet can’t make the cover right away, TWO!! Carrillo survives but barely! Ricochet and Carrillo stir as fans rally up. Ricochet throws a haymaker, Carrillo gives it back. Ricochet punches again, but so does Carrillo. They go back and forth, staggering but still standing. Ricochet gets another edge, boots then Northern Lights! But he doesn’t stop at once, he rolls through to TWISTING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!!
Des Moines can’t believe these two men have the energy to keep going. Ricochet and Carrillo rise again and Ricochet rolls Carrillo to a drop zone. Ricochet goes up top but Carillo enzigurirs! Carrillo forearms, but Ricochet elbows back. Carrillo has Ricochet turned around and he climbs up behind, SUPER POISON-RA- NO!! Ricochet lands on his feet!! And then BOOTS Carrillo, into the fireman’s carry. But Carrillo slips out, springboard enziguri! SUNSET BOMB!! Ricochet’s in the drop zone, Carrillo goes up, MOONSAULT!! Cover, Carrillo ELIMINATES Ricochet!! But that just means…
Humberto Carrillo VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
The music hits, but Almas hits from behind! He takes the cheap way to get an even bigger advantage on an already exhausted opponent! Almas stomps Carrillo to the corner, runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Almas fires up for another, CIEN SHADOWS DOS! But that’s still not enough to humiliate Humberto after the defeats he’s suffered. Almas tosses Carrillo out and pulls up mats from the ground! Almas wants Carrillo to pay for the swollen eye, and whips Carrillo hard into barriers! Almas is seething as he drags Carrillo up, hammerlock and headlock, LA SOMBRA to the concrete!! Vega laughs at Carrillo as Almas shouts, “It’s MY title!”
But here comes Rey Mysterio! The King of Lucha will not let Almas do any more harm to Humberto. Almas wipes his hands of this and takes his leave, but where does this leave the United States Championship?
Raw returns and Carrillo is stretchered out, but here comes SETH ROLLINS?! What does The Architect and the Authors of Pain have to do with this? Oh no, that steel pipe…! That was the pipe given to Kevin Owens by Rey Mysterio! Akam and Rezar rush Mysterio and the fight is on! 2v1 and Rollins asks, “What’re you doing, man?” They didn’t come out here to fight, but Mysterio provoked them. They found something of his and wanted to return it. This is his pipe, right? Here, it’s his, have at it. Mysterio isn’t so sure, but when he does reach for it, Akam stands on the pipe to dribble his head! And then atomic drop PUNCH! Rollins takes the pipe back and tells Rey, “It didn’t have to be this way, man.” But because this is his pipe that he gave to Kevin to use on the AOP, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
That’s not Rollins, though. He is merciful! Tonight is Mysterio’s lucky night. But just remember this, please. “You owe me one, Rey.” Rollins holds on to the pipe as he and the AOP take their leave. But then, CURB STOMP! Rollins may not have lied, but he didn’t quite make it clear that that is what mercy looks like. Referees rush to Mysterio’s side, will this only make things easier for Almas when the time for the title match comes?
Backstage interview with Rollins and the AOP.
Why did he do that? What does she mean, “Why?” He leads by example! He had a score to settle, score settled. But the more interesting thing is why he didn’t hospitalize Mysterio. Because if he had, Mysterio can’t answer the challenge. What challenge? Rollins is going to establish dominance. Rollins challenges Mysterio to a match for that WWE United States Championship on next week’s Raw. The Raw Before Christmas looks to be a brutal one, will Mysterio accept the challenge and survive?
Randy Orton speaks.
“Tonight, I face AJ Styles, a former champion who has wrestled all over the world.” A man who beat Randy Orton at WrestleMania, and a man that made SmackDown his house. But tonight, Styles remembers that this is Raw. If he has any trouble remembering just who Orton is, and why Orton is superior, he will remind him with the “three most destructive letters in sports entertainment: R K O.” Will Orton be able to spell it out for AJ Styles here tonight?
Asuka VS Deonna Purrazzo!
The Kabuki Warriors survived the brutal Women’s Tag TLC and kept their titles! But for now, the Empress of Tomorrow goes it alone against NXT’s Armbar Virtuosa! Will Deonna make a big impression on everyone against one of the most dominant women to go through Full Sail?
Before the bell, Deonna takes off her jacket and BOOTS Asuka in the face! Asuka is furious immediately but Deonna dares her to do something about it. The ref keeps the peace and things calm down as we go to break.
Raw returns and Asuka goes after Deonna with the bell! She throws Deonna down then kicks her against ropes over and over! She stops at 4, to then grind her boot into Deonna! The ref counts again, Asuka runs and hip attacks Deonna down! Fans fire up behind Asuka and she runs in to the corner for another hip attack! Asuka has Deonna’s head but Deonna powers out and kicks low, to hit an armbar DDT! FUJIWARA! Asuka endures, moves around, stands up and rolls to victory roll Deonna, TWO! Asuka catches Deonna to an armbar of her own! Deonna endures but Asuka kicks away on her face. They move around, Deonna grips tight but Asuka shifts to a kneebar! Deonna scrambles but only gets stuck deeper! Asuka reaches up to get a chinlock, this is a modified STF!
Deonna endures as Asuka grinds her forearms into Deonna’s face. Asuka pulls back but Deonna endures, even as Asuka goes after the arm again. Deonna pops free but Asuka has the ankle lock now! Asuka reels Deonna in, but Deonna elbows out hard! Deonna staggers over but Asuka breaks free. No back hand, backbreaker to Complete Shot! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives that lethal combination, but Deonna doesn’t lose her cool. Deonna looms over Asuka and kicks her, but Asuka fires up. Asuka blocks the next kick, spins Deonna into a strike fest, and then hits a pop-up knee! Doenna is dazed, but gets even more kicks! BUZZSAW! But Asuka won’t end it there, she drags Deonna up into the chicken wing, and then ASUKA LOCK! Deonna endures but taps, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
The Virtuosa was vicious, but she was not ready for Asuka! With the Pirate Princess by her side, will the Empress of Tomorrow reign for a long, long time?
Exclusive interview with Becky Lynch!
Last night, teaming with Charlotte Flair in the Women’s Tag Title TLC, Becky could’ve gotten another belt. But in the end, the Kabuki Warriors won and retained. How is The Man handling that loss? Becky says that the last few months have been a bit “off” for her. She was taken out of singles competition and given a try in the tag division. She thought this was a way for the “powers at be” to bury her. It’s worse: they’re going out of their way to protect her. Becky sees the merchandise, the posters, the events, and realized that she’s their golden goose. They want to protect Becky because they don’t think she can beat Asuka. Maybe they’re right. But Becky isn’t here to be sheltered and protected. The Raw Women’s Championship says Becky’s the best on this show, but when Asuka won in the TLC match, that means Asuka’s the best in the world. TLC last year, Royal Rumble 2019, all that proved it, too. Becky might be handling this loss a bit more honestly now.
Then what would Becky say to those who feel Asuka deserves to be Raw Women’s Champion? Becky would rather say something to Asuka first. Becky says that she needs Asuka. Asuka is the one person she couldn’t beat. Becky admits Asuka has had her number, but it’s time to change. Not for the company, not even for the title. But because Becky needs to prove something to herself. Will Asuka accept the challenge to challenge Becky? Will Becky finally be ready for Asuka?
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“Seems like I have a lot of bad people coming after my US title.” Almas is an incredible athlete, and Mysterio has no problem defending the title against him at any time. But Mysterio doesn’t like that Almas tried to end the career of the young star, Humberto Carrillo. Listen up, cabron. You try and hurt Mysterio’s friend, you’re going to get hurt. As for Rollins, he thinks he settled some score, but it only started a fight. Rollins shows us why he doesn’t deserve respect. Mysterio hasn’t had a 1v1 with him, but next week will give us that first-time-ever! Challenge accepted!
Randy Orton VS AJ Styles!
The Viper has gotten the better of the Phenomenal One for quite some time now. Will that continue to happen as they go 1v1 once again? Or does Styles finally have what it takes not just to defeat Orton, but to end him?
Raw returns as Styles makes his entrance. The bell rings and Orton circles with Styles, but then Styles rushes in! Orton dodges and throws haymakers on Styles against ropes and in the corner. Orton keeps on Styles but Styles uses the ropes as defense. The ref backs Orton off and Styles hits Orton back! Styles CHOPS and CHOPS then whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back and ducks the clothesline. Styles narrowly avoids the RKO! Orton watches Styles closely, goes outside but Styles gets back in. Styles gets Orton with a kick then goes out after him. But Orton gets Styles quick a back suplex to the apron! Orton scowls as he bounces Styles off steel steps! Orton puts Styles in then takes his time stalking up behind. Orton stomps Styles on the legs and scrapes his laces on Styles’ face!
Styles gets to the apron but Orton drags him up. Styles hotshots Orton back! Then Styles slingshots, but Orton trips him up! Orton drags Styles through the ropes and fans know what that means! But so does Styles and he gets free to roll and go for the leg! Orton blocks but Styles powers through, CALF CRUSHER! Orton fights as Styles cranks, Orton can’t get him off the leg! Orton crawls, reaches, but Styles drags him away from ropes! Styles hooks on again and Orton still can’t fight him off! Orton crawls and reaches, even as Styles pulls deep! Orton grabs the ropebreak! Styles lets go at 4, and Orton flops out of the ring. Styles grins as he’s done a lot of damage already. Orton hobbles around the way and Styles slips out the back. Styles comes around to gain a head of steam into the CHOP BLOCK! Orton writhes as Raw goes to another break!
Raw returns once again and Styles keeps going after the bad leg. Orton clutches his knee but Styles yanks on it. Styles dares Orton to get up as he kicks the leg again. Orton manages to stand and punch back! Orton has Styles on the ropes but Styles kicks the leg out again. Styles drags Orton up and has the leg but Orton pokes Styles’ eyes! Styles staggers away and protests but Orton rests in a corner. Styles runs in but Orton drops him on the buckles! Both men are down and fans rally up. Orton uses the ropes to stand but Styles follows. Styles walks into a haymaker and another, and another. But Styles comes back with rights of his own! Orton hobbles but kicks with the good leg. Orton uppercuts and haymakers, but Styles KICKS the bad leg out yet again! Styles runs, into the spinning powerslam!
Orton clutches the leg, that slam took a lot out of it. But Orton forces himself to stand up again and hobble over to Styles. Styles grabs the leg again! Orton holds on and headbutts Styles back! Orton catches the kick, to bring back the back2backbreaker! But another double-edged move for that leg! Orton crawls to the cover, ONE! Fans rally up for the “RKO! RKO!” and Orton stalks Styles to the corner on one good leg. Orton hoists Styles up top and throws haymakers. Styles wobbles up top but Orton climbs up to join him. Orton sits Styles up, fans cheer, but Styles slips out to trip Orton up! Orton hobbles, Styles CHOP BLOCKS again! Orton writhes in pain but Styles springboards, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Orton still lives and Styles can’t believe it!
Styles cools off and brings Orton up. He wants the Clash, but Orton resists and back drops Styles out! Styles lands on the apron, but Orton punches him down. Orton drags Styles through, DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up and Orton hears the voices! Styles drags himself up as Orton slithers up, but still no RKO! The Calf Crusher returns! Orton reaches as Styles hooks on! Styles drags Orton away but Orton pushes him off! Styles runs in, is put back on the apron, and fakes Orton out! Orton’s knee buckles, Styles springboards for real, but STILL into the RKO!! Orton covers, and wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Styles’ plan was almost perfect, but The Viper still had enough to strike! But here comes the OC! They beat down Orton with stomps, but here come the Viking Raiders! Erik and Ivar rush the ring and brawl with the Good Brothers! Styles gets up to chop block Ivar’s leg, and then Gallows tosses Ivar out. The OC gang up on Erik, and drag him into the MAGIC KILLER! The Official, the Original, and the Only ones left standing are the Best Tag Team in the World and their Phenomenal leader! Will these three be reigning over Raw soon enough? Or can the Viper and the Vikings regroup and retaliate?
My Thoughts:
After the mixed bag of TLC, this Raw didn’t exactly do a phenomenal job, but more a decent job in following up. For one, after Kairi Sane’s concussion, it was good for them to have her at least show herself. She didn’t stick around at ringside to watch or anything, which of course was for the best. It may seem silly she only showed up on the stage, but if she didn’t, you know someone somewhere was going to claim her not showing up was a sign of something worse. Plus, with how they chose to book Deonna Purrazzo in her Raw debut against Asuka, it was clear Asuka wasn’t the Heel in this. I hope this was planting the seeds of a match for the Women’s Tag Titles as part of NXT, and possibly even TakeOver: Portland. Becky’s interview was the logical way to circle back to Becky VS Asuka 1v1, and that will be a great match.
It was also good of Becky to more or less break the fourth wall and point out this is about protecting rather than burying her. I hope bringing back some of that anti-administration attitude helps spark Becky again, as she’s started to cool off with the audience. Becky VS Asuka at the Rumble, perhaps Becky wins, perhaps Asuka and Kairi move on to Portland in February, and then Rumble winner helps determine a lot of what happens after that. Liv Morgan’s vignette was very much like the set-up to a horror/thriller. It was a strange blend of sexy and menacing, so perhaps that is Liv’s new persona. Liv’s return could bring her into the Women’s Rumble story, though no one can say what direction she goes in at this point in time. Maybe she can start small with fellow former Riott Squad member, Sarah Logan. Both need to be featured more on television in a time when things are feeling stale.
I like that we’re seeing a developing story of OC VS Viper & Vikings. OC VS Vikings was a really good opening match, and better than their product placement open challenge. OC winning of course works out better, now they’re the contenders to the titles, for at least a match at the Rumble. Orton VS Styles was a pretty good main event, and I really liked Styles going after the leg over and over. And in the end, that just made the second jump from Orton more impressive. I would hope next week’s Raw Before Christmas gives us a Six Man Tag of these two sides to try and settle things before the Rumble, and naturally Orton and Styles would target each other during the Rumble match.
The Rowan squash matches are already getting tedious, mostly because we got so many needless squashes with Viking Raiders. Something needs to happen with that cage already. The Lana Lashley proposal segment was another high level cringe fest, but perhaps again on purpose. Lashley being “hesitant” was a good tease, but I really hope Lana goes extra bridezilla for their wedding to bug the crap out of Lashley. The only way this ends happily ever after for the fans is if Lashley dumps Lana at the altar given her random outbursts of attitude and selfishness. Then Rusev can laugh because he won’t even need to wreck the wedding per wrestling cliche- I mean, tradition…
The main story of Rollins and AOP was pretty decent, too. Rollins just seems a better Heel, and his promo tonight was a good part of that. Them tying into the United States Championship scene works out in continuity because of Kevin Owens using the pipe. The Gauntlet Match was naturally the best thing of the night, with R-Truth vowing yet failing to become dual champion at this point, Akira Tozawa getting a great showing with Ricochet, and Ricochet himself got a great showing with Humberto Carrillo. I feel like Des Moines gave up on it too soon, though. Ricochet and Carrillo alone made that gauntlet a lot of fun. Almas brutalizing Carrillo before even having their part in the match was great Heel work, and gets some Face sympathy for Carrillo, who might’ve legit split a lip after that concrete DDT spot.
As you can find on WWE Twitter this very moment, Almas takes offense to Rollins wanting a shot at the title. I don’t know Almas will interfere knowing Rollins will have the AOP, but you better believe Kevin is making his return next week to do just that. Kevin might even get reinforcements, aka the Street Profits, so that we can get a real fun Six Man before the Rumble out of this story, too. Almas VS Mysterio has to be the US Championship match at Rumble, and anything can happen there with how great that rivalry has been this past year to give us a great start to the new year.
My Score: 8.1/10
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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
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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!
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.
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