Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/29/2020)

The 2020 Dusty Rhodes Classic comes to a close!

Published

4 years ago

January 29, 2020

Steven Mitchell

What does NXT have in store on the way to Portland?

TakeOver: Portland is on the horizon, and we need a contender for Adam Cole BAYBAY! What will GM William Regal rule on for the NXT Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Finn Balor VS Trent Seven; Balor wins.
Shotzi Blackheart VS Deonna Purrazzo; Blackheart wins.
Damien Priest VS Dominik Dijakovic; Dijakovic wins.
Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai; Nox wins.
Chelsea Green VS Kayden Carter; Carter wins.
2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals: The Broserweights VS Grizzled Young Veterans; The Broserweights win and will challenge for the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: Portland.

PLAY BY PLAY

We begin another new era for NXT!

The EST made her presence known, The Queen of Spades again made someone #TapNapOrSnap, and Imperium made sure the Undisputed Era was put on notice. But perhaps biggest of all, we have a NEW North American Champion as Keith Lee dethrones Roderick Strong! What will this Limitless Reign mean for the black ‘n’ gold? What is the fallout of Worlds Collide? And lastly, which tag team proves they are the best in NXT with the Dusty Cup Finals?!

Finn Balor VS Trent Seven!

The Prince was rrrreeeal again in Houston! Worlds Collide was not Unbesiegbar but Too Sweet as Balor beat Ilja Dragunov, and then beat up Johnny Gargano! He didn’t even stop there, as he made sure Moustache Mountain got the message, too. That message: If you aim at The Prince, you better not miss. But will the Artful Dodger make Balor miss his shot?

Trent slow rolls in but Balor baseball slide dropkicks him right out! Balor stomps away on Seven and then gets in the ring to take off the jacket. Fans are divided as the ref reprimands Balor. Balor just brushes that off as Seven gets up and takes his own jacket off. Seven refuses to let Balor punk him out so this match begins! Balor BOOTS Seven immediately! Balor stomps, the ref backs him off, but he comes back to choke Seven on ropes. The ref counts and Balor lets up at 4 as fans sing for Seven. Balor stomps Seven more and more, then drags Seven up to snapmare at he ropes. Balor drops springboard stomps over and over and over but the ref backs him off again. Fans are still divided as Balor glares at Seven.

Seven bails out but Balor builds speed to wreck him with another dropkick! Seven leans on the railing but Balor brings him over to bump off the apron. And then throw into railing! And then CHOP! Balor puts Seven in and stalks behind him. Balor paces before kicking Seven in the ribs! Balor wraps on a chinlock but fans rally up for Seven. Seven fights his way up even as Balor neck wrenches. Seven throws body shots and a CHOP! Balor trips Seven to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Balor is a bit surprised but not upset. Seven kicks at Balor but Balor stomps him down. Balor scoop slams Seven hard then runs to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Seven is tough but Balor won’t let up as he kicks Seven again.

Balor brings Seven up and reels him in, but Seven cradle counters! TWO, but barely! Seven CHOPS Balor back now, but Balor SLINGBLADES right back! Balor grits his teeth as he grinds a boot into Seven’s head. The ref reprimands and pulls Balor off, but Balor just stomps Seven more. Balor CHOPS Seven down hard! Seven sputters for air as NXT goes picture in picture.

Balor stomps Seven at the ropes more, showing no mercy for the man from Moustache Mountain. Balor CHOPS Seven in the corner, then lets him flop against the ropes. Balor CHOPS again, then whips him corner to corner. Balor runs in to CHOP, then goes the other way to CHOP! And again the other way and Seven is floored! Cover, TWO! Balor is growing a bit annoyed with Seven but he watches him rise. Seven leans on the ropes but Balor throws big forearms and another CHOP. Seven flops into a corner but Balor throws haymakers to knock him down. Balor jams a knee into Seven’s face at the ropes, then chokes him again! The ref counts and Balor lets up at 4 but the ref is reprimanding all over again.

Seven crawls, Balor stalks behind him, and Seven gets bent back against ropes! Seven SUPERKICKS! Balor is down but Seven can’t capitalize as he sputters for air. Seven runs in corner to corner but into a drop toehold! Seven hits buckles and then Balor puts him down, cover, TWO! Balor grabs an arm to STOMP Seven’s head! Balor clamps on with a half straitjacket and grinds Seven down. Seven endures, fights his way up, but Balor wrangles him back down. NXT returns to single picture as Seven fights his way up to fight with forearms! And CHOPS! Seven whips, Balor reverses but Seven DDTs! Fans are fired up as Seven runs in to CHOP Balor! Balor goes running but Seven just CHOPS again! Seven whips again, then runs in, but Balor boots!

Balor runs in, to a SNAP DRAGON! Seven fires up and CHOPS, then ripcords, SEVEN STAR LARIAT! Cover, TWO!?! Balor survives but Seven keeps his focus. Balor gets to the apron, Seven runs over, and elbows Balor off into railings! Then DIVES into them! Seven puts Balor in and Full Sail is thunderous! Seven climbs up but he needs to catch his breath. Seven reaches the top, only for Balor to chop block him down! Balor throws Seven into buckles, then backs off to take aim. SHOTGUN! Seven crashes into buckles and Balor puts him in a drop zone. Fans know what this means. Balor is up top, COUP DE GRACE! But that’s no longer enough for the Prince, as he hits 1 9 1 6!! Cover, Balor wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Seven put up a seven star fight, but Balor is 10 outta 10 right now! Balor wins two crossover matches with NXT UK, but will he be more than ready for NXT TakeOver: Portland?

Backstage interview with The Broserweights!

Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne are just one match away from taking home the Dusty Rhodes Classic trophy. Riddle can see the love in Dunne’s eyes, and tonight, this team makes history. Dunne made it here before, now it’s time for redemption. Even if Dunne has to snap fingers off to do it. Extreme for Riddle, but that’s why they’re going to win. And when the Broserweights celebrate, they’ll see why Dunne’s the life of the party. Will the Broserweights be feeling high as a kite after facing the Grizzled Young Veterans?

NXT reviews the destruction of Team Kick.

Dakota Kai felt snubbed and abandoned, and she brutally betrayed Tegan Nox at WarGames. But Tegan got her revenge at Worlds Collide with a blindside attack! Tonight, both women will see the fight coming. Who kicks the other to the curb to finally move on from the break-up?

A cryptic message is given.

Two lights, and the numbers, 5, 2 and 20. What does it mean?!

Shotzi Blackheart VS Deonna Purrazzo!

The wild child may have lost to the Queen of Spades, but there’s no shame in that. Riding down to the ring in a tiny tank, is Shotzi ready to go to war with the Armbar Virtuosa?

The bell rings and fans are rallying for Shotzi already. She and Deonna tie up, Deonna hammerlocks then wrenches and wristlocks to a takedown. Shotzi resists and moves around as Deonna grinds on the shoulder. They get up, Shotzi arm-drags then ducks under to enziguri! Deonna wobbles and Shotzi runs to springboard, only for Deonna to block! Armbar DDT! Deonna soaks up the heat as she snapmares and drops a leg on the arm. And again! Deonna traps the arm in an arm scissor then drops knees on it! Fans rally for Shotzi as she gets up, but Deonna reels her in for a LARIAT! And another! Cover, ONE but Deonna tries again, TWO! Deonna is frustrated as she drags Shotzi up. Shotzi jawbreakers, and neckbreakers!

Both women are down and fans rally up. Shotzi gets to the ropes and to a corner. Deonna runs in but Shotzi goes up and over to come back and corner splash! Shotzi shoves and runs to SLING DOG! Fans cheer as Shotzi KNEES hard, then roaring elbows and question mark kicks! Cover, TWO! Deonna toughs it out but Shotzi keeps on her. Deonna shoves and BOOTS Shotzi! Shotzi staggers but hits a CODE BREAKER! Then Shotzi heads up top, Tank Girl wants to fly! SUPER SENTON! Cover, Shotzi wins!

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall

The wild one gets one in the win column! Shotzi is howling, but will everyone be singing her praises as she continues to climb in NXT?

Bask in his glory!

Keith Lee is back, just a week removed from his incredible victory of Roderick Strong! The Limitless North American Champion has the fans singing and chanting as he makes his way to the ring. Lee basks in that praise for a moment before taking a mic. “Yes, yes, yes! Greetings and salutations. My name is Keith Lee, and I am your Limitless NXT North American Champion!” Fans say, “You Deserve It!” Lee continues to paint the picture for us. Two months ago, Lee told the Undisputed Era that he was deciding which championship he would take first. And with the NAC on his shoulder, now only is Lee a moment maker and THE game changer, but he is a prophecy ender. And next up- Damien Priest!? The Archer of Infamy takes aim at a golden target as he heads for the ring to join Lee!

Priest has a mic of his own as he tells Lee, “I don’t know if you know this about me, but uh… I really, really taking things. Things that are meaningful.” That could be women, or priceless possessions. He usually gets what he wants. And what he wants, is that belt. Doesn’t everyone? But Priest just wants to know how Lee is going to give it to him. Wait, here comes Dominik Dijakovic! Lee’s immediate rival heads right out to make sure no one overlooks his towering presence in this title scene! “Keith, you and I, Lord knows we’ve been through our fair share of battles.” Some of the best in NXT history. So if anyone deserves that title, it’s Lee. Damn straight. BUT, if anyone deserves to challenge him for it, it’s damn sure not bootleg Marilyn Manson.

Whoa, boys, whoa! Keith likes where this is going, so he’s gonna get going. But Dijakovic turns Lee around, Priest turns Dijakovic around and Lee bails out. Priest DECKS Dijakovic, but that only angers the Croatian Colossus! A ref runs out to the ring, this match is made NOW!

Damien Priest VS Dominik Dijakovic!

The bell rings and the two titans collide! Priest throws big knees and forearms, then whips Dijakovic to a corner for a big back elbow! Dijakovic whips and returns the elbow to also club and whip again. Scoop to a backbreaker, then a springboard splash! Cover, TWO! Priest bails out but Dijakovic pursues, clubbing him in the back! Priest BOOTS back, and then brings Dijakovic up the steps! Crucifix lift, CRUCIFIX BOMB on the apron! Fans lose their minds and Priest roars as NXT goes to break!

NXT returns as Dijakovic kicks, forearms and elbows hard! “Time to fly!” Dijakovic suplex TOSSES Priest at the ropes! Priest spasms and gets to his feet as Dijakovic clamps on. Priest bell claps then fires off a strike fest, discus forearm and LARIAT! Dijakovic staggers up into a lifting Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Priest keeps his cool as he looms over Dijakovic and shoots his arrow. But Dijakovic torture racks and flips, but no Feast! Dijakovic chop grips, CHOKE BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Priest bails out but Dijakovic pursues again. Dijakovic is on the apron and he MOONSAULTS! Direct hit takes out Priest! Fans are rallying as Dijakovic puts Priest in. Dijakovic springboards but into Priest’s grip! SUPER CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Dijakovic survives going South of Heaven but Priest just runs to FLY! Direct hit wipes Dijakovic out!

Priest gets Dijakovic in the ring fast and then takes aim. But both men spin for DOUBLE DISCUS BOOTS! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this classic outta nowhere. Priest and Dijakovic slowly rise, and Priest goes to the apron. Priest climbs up but Dijakovic SUPERKICKS! Dijakovic climbs to fireman’s carry, but Priest fights for his life! Priest gets around behind Dijakovic, for a SUPER POISON-RANA!! Cover, TWO!?!? HOW?! Priest doesn’t question it, he drags Dijakovic up, but no Reckoning! Priest is shoved into buckles, then torture rack lifted, FEAST YOUR EYES! Cover, Dijakovic wins!!

Winner: Dominik Dijakovic

That was literally a HUGE win for the Colossus! If this is what it took to take a step closer to the North American title, what will it take for Dijakovic to go all the way to the top?

Backstage interview with Tommaso Ciampa!

While he is feeling great after DIY won their reunion match at Worlds Collide, he and everyone else is focused on the coming announcement concerning Adam Cole’s NXT Championship challenger for Portland. William Regal promises to make a huge announcement tonight, but Ciampa vows that Goldie’s coming home. “And tonight, Daddy makes sure of it.” Ciampa has a pipe, but is he going to do what it sounds like he’s going to do?

NXT returns to find The Undisputed Era down in the back!

Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish have been laid out! Perhaps Ciampa did do what it sounded like… Ciampa walks by and puts his pipe down to then head inside. He isn’t in much better shape, but the fans cheer for the “Psycho Killer!” Ciampa heads to the ring, dragging a table with him! Ciampa sets up the table, and as fans get loud again, he uses the can of spray paint in his pocket to send another message: X marks the spot. Adam Cole finally sees what’s happened and hurries after Ciampa! Ciampa is ready, and Cole shouts, “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Ciampa got hurt and now we’re supposed to feel sorry for him? Ciampa attacked the Undisputed Era like a coward! Ciampa reminds Cole that he never lost that title! “I’m Goldie’s Daddy!”

Ciampa tells Cole he’s going to get in the ring and get his ass whooped! Then, Ciampa is going to pick Cole up and powerbomb him through the table! Then we sign a contract for TakeOver: Portland, where Ciampa takes back his title, takes back his life, and makes sure Goldie comes home! William Regal appears and says Cole didn’t care who he faced in Portland. But now after this, Cole takes the contract to show who he is. Whether Ciampa likes it or not, Cole is NXT Champion of the world! So Cole tells Ciampa that he is going to get in the ring, and SUCKER PUNCH Ciampa! Well it’s still the fight Ciampa talked about, but Cole got the jump on Ciampa. But Ciampa BOOTS Cole down! Then gets that POWERBOMB through the table!

Ciampa made his plans come true, and then he grabs the contract. Ciampa uses a pen borrowed from the timekeeper. But then fans chant, “Use the Blood!” that is pouring from a cut the scrap gave him. Ciampa figures he might as well, and swipes some off his head to slap it on the contract! This is now a blood contract for Goldie’s ownership! Will Ciampa give up far more blood, sweat and tears in order to make it all happen? He picks up the title and even drips some blood on it! Is Goldie coming home after Portland? Or will the Undisputed Era at least maintain THE title in NXT?

The EST has had one of the wildest weeks in her career.

Bianca Belair was an impressive second entry into the Women’s Royal Rumble, with the most eliminations and longest time lasted in that match. She also made sure Rhea Ripley is aware of her challenge coming in Portland. Next week, we get a face-to-face of champion and challenger. Will the Nightmare have a reason to fear the strongest and fastest in the division?

Worlds Collide changed the Cruiserweight Division forever!

Not only was then champion Angel Garza presented with a newly redesigned championship belt, but the Fatal 4 Way title defense was truly epic. And in the end, it would be NXT UK’s Irish Ace who hit the jackpot! Jordan Devlin struck gold and became the NEW NXT Cruiserweight Champion! And to rub it in, Devlin comes to Full Sail next week!

Tegan Nox VS Dakota Kai!

Team Kick was the closest of friends until one felt slighted. We know how it went down at TakeOver: WarGames. In fact, Dakota’s entrance again plays the footage so that the wound will be fresh in Tegan’s mind. But not only does this upset Tegan, this motivates her! Will Tegan make Dakota pay for every stomp, kick and smash of the cage door? Or is Dakota only going to add injury to insult?

The bell rings and Tegan throws her spare brace at Dakota to get an opening for the forearm! The brawl is own and they go around the ring with clubbing hands. Tegan puts Dakota in a corner to ram her shoulder in over and over. Fans are on Tegan’s side but Dakota elbows back. Dakota puts Tegan in the corner to throw a forearm, then goes side to side to BOOT! Dakota goes corner to corner but Tegan follows in with a CANNONBALL! Dakota bails out but drags Tegan to join her, and BOOTS her on the apron! Tegan flops down but Dakota throws her over the railing. Dakota stmops Tegan but Tegan sends Dakota into shelving! The ten count climbs but Tegan keeps hitting Dakota among the fans. They end up ringside at 7 and Tegan refreshes the count so she can go after Dakota. Dakota BOOTS Tegan down!

Dakota goes off to pull the timekeeper off his chair, and then take the chair! Dakota runs at Tegan but Tegan mule kicks! And throws Dakota into the post! Tegan wanted to hurt Dakota back, so she considers using that chair Dakota found. The ref says no, but he doesn’t see Dakota grabbing the knee brace! Tegan ducks the swing to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dakota flops out of the ring but Tegan builds speed to get a forearm! Dakota has Tegan stuck in the ropes then gets the chair! Candice LeRae appears to take the chair away! The ref tells Candice to back away now, and Dakota gets in the ring. Tegan uses the knee brace to CRACK Dakota! SHINIEST WIZARD! Cover, Tegan wins!!

Winner: Tegan Nox, by pinfall

Candice may have wanted to keep things fair but her presence did sway things in Tegan’s favor. But this was just one fight. Is there an entire war coming between these best friends turned bitter enemies?

The cryptic message becomes clearer.

The numbers represent February 5th, 2020. That’s only next week! What will happen when the clock counts down to that day?

Chelsea Green w/ Robert Stone VS Kayden Carter!

The Robert Stone Brand’s number one client finally makes her NXT TV in-ring debut. While she opted out of the NXT Women’s Battle Royal yet jumped into the Women’s Royal Rumble, things haven’t gone quite her way. Will the Hot Mess clean up against the fiery Filipina?

The bell rings and KC dropkicks Green immediately! But Green catches her to throw her into ropes and choke her! The ref counts, Green goes to the apron to kick KC in! Green runs to basement dropkick and high stack, TWO! Green drags KC up to whip but KC reverses. KC runs into a BOOT, then Green whips KC hard into buckles! Green drags KC and Robert Stone likes what he sees. Green uses the motorcycle stretch to STOMP KC into buckles. Green grinds boots into KC but the ref backs her off. Green stomps KC in the other corner but lets up again. She brings KC up to snapmare and wrap on a chinlock. Fans rally as KC endures. KC fights up but Green throws KC down! Green brings KC around for underhooks but KC powers out before rolling up, TWO!

Both women are up, KC waistlocks and O’Conner rolls, TWO! Springboard and SUPERKICK! Green wobbles, KC wheelbarrows to victory roll mule kick! Cover, TWO! Green survives but KC isn’t slowing down. KC drags Green up to slap and run, but Green pushes to BOOT! Green dusts herself off because she says this is done. Fans boo but Green soaks it all in. Green grabs KC but gets a cradle counter! KC WINS!

Winner: Kayden Carter, by pinfall

The Robert Stone Brand just got embarrassed! Stone tries to calm Green down but she’s red hot angry! Will this do big things for Kayden? Will this only make things harder on the Robert Stone Brand?

2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals: The Broserweights VS Grizzled Young Veterans!

The American Dream always loved the potential of tag team wrestling. That is why this tradition was started and why it continues. Matt Riddle & Pete Dunne came together to see if they could become something more than what they were apart. Zack Gibson & James Drake already feel they’re THE best tag team in the world, and will force us to accept it. And now that the Dusty Cup comes with a ticket to Portland and the NXT Tag Team Championships, which duo is SSSOON to be recognized as the team living the high life, bro…?

Fans already troll Gibson as the introductions are made. The teams sort out and Dunne starts with Drake and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Dunne wrenches to a wristlock. Dunne tortures the fingers and wrist as he brings Drake to the mat to STOMP the elbow! Tag to Riddle and the Broserweights show off that joint manipulation. Double hammerlock STOMPS for Drake! Fans fire up as Riddle fires off kicks to whip Drake. Drake tumbles to the apron to shoulder in and sunset flip. But Riddle slips out to Ankle Lock! Drake has the ropes, then elbows free. Tag to Gibson as Riddle pushes Drake. Gibson clobbers Riddle out of the leap frog, and then he brings Riddle up for EuroUppers.

Gibson throws forearms and stomps in a corner as fans chant, “Gibson Sucks!” Riddle brings the Bro Kicks to Gibson! Riddle stops at the count of 4 to duck and gut wrench Gibson down! Kip up and a tag to Dunne, the Broserweights work together for the assisted corkscrew senton, and then a basement dropkick! Gibson tags to Drake and things speed up, Dunne hurdles then ducks to CLOBBER Drake again! Dunne runs in at the corner but is put on the apron. Dunne hits Drake away then moonsaults onto Gibson! Drake decks Dunne with a forearm then taunts Riddle. The ref keeps Riddle back and the GYV PESCADO BACKBREAKER!

Dunne is writhing and Drake puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Dunne is tough but Drake drags him up. Dunne CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Drake over and over! The ref sees the hair pulling and reprimands, but Drake clubs Dunne to ram Dunne into a post! Dunne falls out of the ring and is in trouble as we go to break.

NXT returns and Drake brings Dunne up, only for Dunne to X-Plex him instead! Both men are down but Drake tags in Gibson. Gibson keeps Dunne from Riddle with a German, but Dunne lands on his feet. Dunne elbows but Gibson whips hi. Dunne goes up and over, tag to Riddle! The Bro throws those kicks and clotheslines Drake out! Riddle spins Gibson around for the PELE! Riddle forearms in the corner, BROSPLODER! Gibson ducks the Penalty Kick and avoids the moonsault, but not the BROTON! Riddle hits teh Penalty Kick after all! Then he dead lift German Suplexes! Cover, TWO! Gibson survives but that’s why he’s a former tag champion. Riddle brings Gibson up, Gibson jawbreakers then tags Drake. Drake runs into Riddle’s SPEAR!

Riddle gives Gibson the BRO-HAMMER! Tag to Dunne and the Broserweights focus on Drake. Ripcord, FINAL FLASH CLOTHESLINE! Then a powerbomb into the knee! Cover, TWO! Dunne keeps his focus as he looms over Drake. Tag to Riddle and the Broserweights bring Drake up. Drake throws Dunne out hard then hits Riddle. Tag to Gibson but Riddle DOUBLE KNEES GYV! But they hip toss him for the POWERBOMB NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Gibson is furious as Riddle survives! Fans chant “You Still Suck!” at GYV as Gibson stomps Riddle’s hands. Gibson drags Riddle up to underhook for a single leg suplex! Cover, TWO! Gibson is frustrated but he toys with Riddle. Riddle CHOPS, Gibson SLAPS! Riddle CHOPS, Gibson SLAPS! And then BOOTS!

Gibson drags Riddle up, hoists him into the suplex, but Riddle slips out to waistlock. Standing switch, headlock and Drake tags in as Riddle powers out. Drake dropkicks the legs out, Gibson adds a dropkick, then MAYHEM IN MOTION takes out Dunne! Gibson grabs Riddle, enziguri from Drake! Gibson turns Riddle, but Riddle slips out before the superkick! Gibson blocks it, only for the Broserweights to enziguri and knee trigger both GYV down! Double shrug, FINAL BUZZSAW FLASH! Drake enziguris Dunne, Riddle POWERBOMBS Drake! Flip him over, FINAL FLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mr. Mayhem survives and Riddle can’t believe it. But Full Sail cheers as both teams are giving it their all.

Riddle drags Drake around for a BROTON! Then a fisherman buster! Cover, TWO!! Drake toughs it out as another former tag champion, but Riddle kicks and Brotons again! And another! Fans are loving this “Tag Team Wrestling!” classic as Drake DDTs Riddle down! Both men are down but fans rally up. Drake and Riddle crawl to their corners, hot tags to Gibson and Dunne! Dunne throws hands with Gibson fast and furious! And then CHOPS over and over! And then just wild haymakers! They catch their breathes, but Gibson runs into the SNAP GERMAN! Dunne STOMPS both hands! But Gibson ducks the buzzsaw, only for Dunne to slip out to an ANKLE LOCK! Riddle intercepts Drake to get his own Ankle Lock! Stereo Ankle Locks and Full Sail is thunderous! Gibson kicks Dunne away and Drake does the same to Riddle. Things reset as NXT goes picture in picture.

GYV coordinates to go after the Broserweights. Gibson goes after Dunne but Dunne ROCKS him with a right and uses an APRON X-PLEX! Drake shoulders into Riddle and then slingshot DDTs to the apron! All four men are down but things are only heating up. Dunne puts Gibson back in the ring and hops up the ropes. Gibson hobbles over but throat chops Dunne out of the air! And CLOBBERS him with a left hand lariat! Cover, TWO!! Gibson is speechless as he looks down at Dunne. Gibson slaps Dunne, so Dunne CHOPS back. Slap for CHOP, and then Gibson just boots Dunne! Tag to Drake and Drake clobbers Dunne down. Drake stomps Dunne in the ribs and grinds his boot in. Drake looms over Dunne before clamping on with a neck wrench.

Dunne endures and fights his way up. Drake wrenches and whips Dunne hard into the GYV corner. Tag to Gibson and Gibson hoists Dunne up in an Electric Chair. Drake climbs up as we return to single picture. Drake leaps, but Dunne forearms him first! Then victory rolls, TWO! Gibson DECKS Dunne then throat chops Riddle! Dunne whips but Gibson reverses. Dunne goes up but Drake kicks him down! GYV hurry, Gibson gives Drake a boost to FLY out onto Riddle! Gibson hops up, Dunne rises, TICKET TO RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Gibson doesn’t stop, he has the arm for SHANKLY GATES! Dunne endures the keylock clutch, fights his way over, but Drake pulls the ropes back! The ref reprimands but Gibson drags Dunne away.

Riddle gets in but Drake intercepts! Riddle powers out to use Drake as a backpack and a battering ram into Gibson! Dunne is freed and all four men are down again. Fans are loving this and rallying back up as the teams regroup. Gibson tags in Drake, Dunne tags in Riddle. MAYHEM IN MO- NO! DOUBLE POWERBOMB ONTO GIBSON! Then the Broserweights take fingers and SNAP! Pump handle, BITTER FINAL FLASH! Cover, TWO!?! Drake survives but the Broserweights have more to try. In fact, they’re doing something GYV would usually do! Dunne is up top and Riddle gut wrenches Drake into position, but Gibson denies them their Ticket to Mayhem as he hotshots Dunne! Drake gets out, trips Riddle and jackknife covers, TWO!

Riddle waistlocks, ripcords but Drake breaks free to enziguri! Drake runs off Riddle, MAYHEM IN MOTION hits Dunne! Gibson has Dunne on his shoulder in the Electric Chair! Drake builds speed, TOPE DOOMSDAY DEVICE!! Full Sail loses its mind as Dunne is wiped out! Gibson tags in but Riddle fights them both. Gibson holds Riddle in the corner, GRIT YOUR TEETH dropkick! Then the lift, HELTER SKELTER, to Mayhem 450! Cover, TWO!?! The Bro is superhuman but the GYV are supervillains! Drake tags back in, Gibson feeds Riddle to the gut wrench. But Dunne returns to pump handle Gibson as Riddle reverses the position on Drake! BRO DEREK IN STEREO!! But that’s not all, as they both climb up top! Simultaneous MOONSAULT AND FLOATING BRO!!

Riddle is fired up, Full Sail is thunderous, and Dunne tags back in! Fireman’s carry, BROSERWEIGHT TO SLEEP! Cover, Broserweights WIN!!

Winners: The Broserweights, Pete Dunne pinning; 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners, NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships

Who would’ve thought such a combination would be this amazing?! William Regal is there to congratulate them and present the trophy. Is this the rise of new tag team champions? Or will the Tag Team Division remain Undisputed?

My Thoughts:

Tonight was incredi-BRO! NXT took the momentum from Worlds Collide and kept it going tonight! Quick note: they didn’t keep that gender neutral thing about Rhea’s title being the other NXT Championship, thankfully. They must’ve realized it’d get confusing and just dropped it after four days. But to that note, the quick recap package of Bianca’s Royal Rumble performance was great. Rhea VS Bianca is going to be a great match. Shotzi VS Deonna was a really good match, but what really won me over was Shotzi’s tank go-cart. Best new female wrestler? I think so. Dakota VS Tegan was a pretty great match, too, even with Candice showing up and the use of a knee brace. I hope we get more from those two, such as a grudge match for TakeOver: Portland. Chelsea Green VS Kayden Carter was pretty good, and it makes for great story that Green loses quick like that. A feud for Green and KC is a great way to go while they’re still not title picture ready.

Balor VS Seven opening the show was a great move, too. I was hoping Balor would show up in NXT UK but some more NXT UK stars coming to Full Sail is just as good. I want to see Balor VS Bate, too. Balor just needs to be checking off dream matches, really. Gargano will surely respond to Balor next week as well to keep him going in this story. Keith Lee had a great segment with Dijakovic and Priest, and then Dijakovic VS Priest was an incredible match! The match-ups are also limitless for Lee, so it could go anywhere in the weeks we have before Portland. Then the Dusty Rhodes Classic Finals, that was amazing action. I had a feeling that when it came down to this being a #1 Contender’s match for the NXT Tag Team titles, and Undisputed Era are Heels, the Face duo would win. But this did an excellent job of setting that up. Riddle & Dunne VS reDRagon is going to be great, but I wonder if they’re really going to give a fresh team like the Broserweights the titles. It’d definitely be the one title I could see changing.

Of course, I feel like everyone wants Ciampa to win Goldie back. Ciampa’s segments tonight were great. I love that he basically assassinated Strong, Fish and O’Reilly. His back and forth with Cole was good, and by strange fortune, Ciampa got to put blood on his contract like The Fiend did before the Royal Rumble. Cole VS Ciampa is going to be awesome, but I can’t say this is where Ciampa gets the title back. But with time left before Portland, things are probably just going to get wilder before the match, so who knows. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, unpredictability is what makes pro-wrestling the most fun, so this is really fun right now for me.

My Score: 9.2/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results! (1/30/20)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (1/29/2020)

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/19/24)

Prepare for Backlash!

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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!