Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/13/20)
Time for a Fist Fight!
History will be made in a very unique way.
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe had a big surprise for Seth Rollins & The Authors of Pain last week. But now we’re entering new territory in a Six Man Tag FIST FIGHT! What does that mean? And who will come out on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AJ Styles VS Randy Orton; changed to…
- Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Ricochet VS Mojo Rawley; Ricochet wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS Sarah Logan; Flair wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Scavenger Strike: R-Truth VS Mojo Rawley; Rawley wins and becomes the WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Rusev VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lana; Lashley wins.
- Open Challenge: The Viking Raiders VS ???; The Viking Raiders win.
- Buddy Murphy VS Aleister Black; Aleister wins.
- Erick Rowan VS ???; Rowan wins.
- Six Man Tag Fist Fight: Seth Rollins & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & The Big Show; Rollins & The AOP win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Randy Orton heads to the ring!
The Viper is here and ready to go after the Phenomenal One once again! But before getting to the match, Orton makes sure to give the fans his signature pose. Then he picks up a mic to say that he was asked to come out and “excitedly” welcome the fans to the show. But Orton isn’t really the “excited” kind. Instead, he invites a certain someone to join him in the ring. “AJ Styles, get yo’ ass out here!” And once he’s out here, Orton promises to show Styles why Orton is a favorite to win the Royal Rumble, and give him the three most dangerous letters in wrestling. But before Orton can finish spelling it out, Styles appears! Styles stares Orton down as he walks down the ramp and heads to the ring.
Styles gets in the ring and gets a mic of his own to ask Orton what’s going on here. Is Orton going to brag? Is Orton going to fake another injury? Yes, Orton got the better of Styles, but Styles actually believed Orton was really hurt. And how does he get repaid? With an RKO! And now Orton thinks he’s the favorite to win the Rumble? That’s not true! Why is that? Well maybe Orton wasn’t watching last week’s Raw, when A J Styles hit a great RKO! It was beautiful! Many, many people told Styles that it was the best RKO ever. Some even felt Styles’ RKO was phenomenal. Maybe that’s all Styles needs to beat 29 other men in the Rumble this year. And that will include Orton, Brock Lesnar and- Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Stud struts on stage and down the ramp, already holding a mic. “And that includes Drew McIntyre.” McIntyre has had a really tough few weeks. He reached down to overcome No Way Jose and his conga line. But now McIntyre wants bigger and better. And here he has Styles and Orton. These two are having an RKO measuring contest. The Claymore’s bigger. Orton drops his mic while McIntyre wants him to look at him. McIntyre knows who is going to win the Rumble and will prove it here in Kentucky tonight. So we have two options: talking all night (boo~!); or a Triple Threat (YAY!) Well there you go! McIntyre inserts himself into the rivalry, will he take advantage and come out the big winner?
Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Randy Orton VS Drew McIntyre!
The bell rings and McIntyre BOOTS Styles! Orton bops McIntyre and throws him out, then goes after Styles. Styles tumbles to the apron but forearms Orton back. Styles springboards but Orton ROCKS him! Orton drags Styles through the ropes and fans fire up, but the OC appear to save Styles! Anderson runs in at Orton, but gets an RKO! McIntyre CLAYMORES Gallows then kips up! The Viper and the Terminator thwart a Too Sweet Screwjob, but this is far from over! Raw goes to break as things calm down.
Raw returns and McIntyre has Styles up top while Orton is down. McIntyre CHOPS Styles then climbs up to join him. Styles resists the superplex and trips McIntyre up. Styles CHOPS and punches away until McIntyre is in a Tree of Woe. Orton returns to throw hands on Styles and stomps on McIntyre. Orton stomps one of McIntyre’s hands! Orton then climbs up over McIntyre to get at Styles! Fans fire up as Styles resists, McIntyre adds on! Spider German and SUPERPLEX! Orton and Styles are down and McIntyre flops out of the Tree. “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre drags Styles up and throws hands on both opponents. Orton hits back, then Styles kicks Orton. McIntyre kicks Styles then kicks Orton, then throws hands on Orton in a corner.
Styles throat chops McIntyre and enziguris! Orton LARIATS Styles! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Orton! Orton falls over from the Glasgow Kiss, Styles gets one, too! McIntyre underhooks to FUTURE SHOCK Styles! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre aims at Orton and Styles from a corner and the countdown begins. But Orton dropkicks McIntyre first! McIntyre flounders out of the ring but he drags Orton out with him to throw into barriers. And then the apron! And then back to barriers! Styles slingshot forearms McIntyre! Orton back suplexes McIntyre onto barriers! Styles rams McIntyre into a post! Orton pulls steel steps apart and fans fire up! Orton runs over, to RAM McIntyre! McIntyre is down in a daze while Styles gets into the ring. Orton glares at Styles but puts the steps aside.
Styles eggs Orton on and then catches him between the ropes! Styles drags Orton out, to steal the draping DDT! Fans are divided as Styles parodies hearing the voices! Orton slowly stirs as Styles stalks him. Orton stands, and blocks Styles’ RKO! Styles dodges the clothesline to PELE! Styles still wants it, Orton stands again… But still no RKO! Orton kicks Styles low and hard, then considers stealing something back! Orton reels Styles into position, STYLES CLASH ON STYLES!! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives his own move! Orton keeps his cool, because fans are rallying behind him. Orton paces, and then hears the voices himself! Styles stands, but rolls Orton up! TWO, RKO!! CLAYMORE!! McIntyre covers Styles, McIntyre wins!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Scottish Stud didn’t need to steal any moves, he just needed to steal the victory! McIntyre outsmarts two greats, but will he be the greatest Royal Rumble winner when The Beast is the first entrant?
Seth Rollins meets with the Authors of Pain.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen.” Are they as excited about tonight as he is? Opportunities like this are rare. The first-ever Fist Fight is a demonstration. And as much as it hurts Rollins to say this, those that aren’t with them are against them. Hopefully Raw chooses to be with them. This is inevitable, no one can stop them. Akam and Rezar agree, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe and The Big Show won’t stop them. “Because this is unstoppable. This is the destiny of Monday Night Raw!” Rollins sacrificed everything for this, and more than anyone will ever understand, to ensure that destiny remains intact. Tonight, they will impose their wills and show ALL of the WWE what happens when you do not embrace the vision of the Monday Night Messiah.
Ricochet VS Mojo Rawley!
The One and Only is ready to rise up through the Royal Rumble and come out the #1 contender! But will he crash and burn this close to Houston?
Raw returns as Mojo Rawley makes his entrance. The bell rings and Mojo runs at Ricochet! Ricochet dodges, and dodges again, to waistlock. Mojo throws Ricochet off and stares him down. Fans rally for Ricochet as he runs at Mojo, slips out of a scoop and throws big forearms. Mojo shoves Ricochet, Ricochet rolls off his back, then somersaults to handspring headscissor! And dropkick! Fans fire up as Ricochet does a dance. Ricochet brings Mojo up but Mojo knees hard and low. Mojo looms over Ricochet, then drags him up to throw him out. But no “elimination” as Ricochet slides back under. Ricochet dumps Mojo out, to “ELIMINATE” Mojo! Mojo is upset and gets up in a huff, Ricochet triangle dropkicks Mojo back down!
Ricochet builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit wipes Mojo out and fans fire up! Ricochet drags Mojo up and back into the ring, to then springboard and leap. Mojo dodges to POUNCE Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! Mojo grows frustrated but he keeps eyes on Ricochet. Mojo rams shoulders into Ricochet in the corner, then drags him up for a gut wrench powerbomb! Ricochet gets up and hobbles off but Mojo is on him with haymakers. Mojo runs corner to corner for a BIG corner splash! Mojo looms over Ricochet and then puts him back in a corner. Mojo pulls Ricochet up but Ricochet holds ropes! Ricochet escapes Mojo, slips to the apron and shoulders back. “See ya!” Ricochet kicks Mojo in the head! Ricochet springboards but into Mojo’s arms!
Mojo pops Ricochet to a fireman’s carry and tosses him! Ricochet lands on his feet, to hit a RECOIL! Ricochet keeps going, climbing up top. Ricochet aims, leaps and 630 SENTON! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The King of Flight is soaring into the Royal Rumble! But will he be able keep his feet inside the ring against 28 other men and The Beast?
The Street Profits speak.
Ricochet makes the impossible possible. Tonight’s Raw is so fire, we need to call this Monday Night SMOKE! The Fist Fight is coming! Ford bobs ‘n’ weaves and asks Dawkins who he has winning. Dawkins is busy checking paperwork. Pay attention, man! Look fam, Dawkins wants to make sure everyone is ready with their phones to shout “WOOORLD STAAAR~” when someone gets knocked out. Besides, he is working on his Oscar ballad. Nice pop culture reference. But while the Oscars may have stars, Raw has constellations! Fist Fight, Aleister VS Murphy III, Asuka and Becky signing a contract, and Charlotte Flair getting even with Sarah Logan! Boys, hit the Queen’s music!
Charlotte Flair VS Sarah Logan!
After a brawl of their own, it was The Queen standing tall. But the Kentucky Valkyrie sure ruffled Charlotte’s feathers last week. Will Charlotte make sure Sarah learns a lesson right in front of Sarah’s own hometown crowd?
Raw returns as Sarah makes her entrance. The bell rings and Charlotte BOOTS Sarah down! Charlotte grabs the legs right away but Sarah scrambles to the ropes! The ref backs Charlotte off and Sarah bails out to regain composure. Charlotte eggs Sarah on, and Sarah dares Charlotte to come out for more. Charlotte takes the bait and we brawl again! Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS but Sarah throws forearms! Charlotte clubs Sarah and CHOPS her again! Charlotte scoops but Sarah fights the exploder off! They scrap more, Sarah facelocks and drags Charlotte down! The ring count is climbing, but Sarah won’t let Charlotte get back in so easy. Charlotte escapes and Sarah pursues, only to get a backbreaker to buckle shot!
Charlotte looms over Sarah and has the legs again. “WOO~” echoes out as Charlotte spins, Figure Four! Charlotte bridges to the Figure EIGHT! Sarah taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
The Queen gets a win, but she wants the ref to get her robe. The ref does as told and even helps Charlotte put the robe on. Will Charlotte be the Queen of the Rumble, too? Speaking of the Rumble, Charlotte throws Sarah out of the ring like an elimination! Will we see this again in Houston?
Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe discuss the Fist Fight.
Joe thinks Kevin is worried, but ti’s simple: the more vicious it gets, the better it is for them. So just go out and fight. What happens when they’re in fights? Their opponents are down in a puddle of their own fluids. Big Show comes by and hears about the stress. But they don’t need to worry about things when Show has his huge fist. Show feels things will go just fine when he reintroduces his 7X fist to Rollins’ face. Good point. Good thing Show is on their side.
Brock Lesnar is here!
The Beast and his Advocate, Paul Heyman, are back for the second week in a row! They go right to the ring, and fans boo. Heyman says “y’all need to show a bit of appresheation for the champ’on.” But ladies, gentlemen and “things that live in Kentucky,” Heyman gives his normal introduction. But then he can’t believe how “stupid” the fans are for being upset yet still talking along with the saying. So the fans chant “You Suck!” instead. In that case, Heyman and Lesnar decide to leave. Fans cheer them heading to the ramp, but that makes them reconsider. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Heyman’s client does NOT suck! Fans think he does. Lesnar and Heyman storm back into the ring for Lesnar to hold up the WWE World Championship. Fans still boo.
Heyman calms down and tries again. Heyman counts himself in and begins his usual introduction, even as fans boo very loudly. The Advocate for “the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” says that they broke the biggest news of 2020. Lesnar is not only entering the Royal Rumble as world champion, but as NUMBER ONE. Lesnar will go through 29 other competitors, none of them worthy of facing him, and will WIN the Royal Rumble! This isn’t a prediction, it’s a spoiler. Heyman’s spoilers prove that there is a streak going on. Not that streak, because Lesnar conquered it! The new streak are Heyman’s spoilers about Lesnar’s matches all coming true. That’s because they are encouraged and executed by BRRROCK! LESNARRR!
And to make something clear, Lesnar is not going to eek by a win. Lesnar is not going to scratch and claw to a win. No, Lesnar is going to DOMINATE the Royal Rumble! EVISCERATE 29 great superstars! And CONQUER the WWE Universe! Lesnar will prove doubters will be shown false, and everyone will understand Heyman sees the future! But here comes… R-TRUTH!? The WWE 24/7 Champion heads right to the ring and is glad Heyman called him out here. No he didn’t…? Truth says he’s “about to set it off.” Truth saw the Royal Rumble plug. “You may be the favorite to win,” but Truth’s childhood hero JOHN CENA taught Truth to #NeverGiveUp! So therefore, for the first time ever, the 24/7 48/7 7/11 I-95 South and now Lexington, Kentucky European Television Champion is OFFICIALLY declaring for the Royal Rumble!
With that all said, Truth says it isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Lesnar may be a big, big, BIG man, but Truth knows “you will go flying out the ring, Paul Heyman!” Wait, Truth, what? No. Lesnar is laughing so hard. Heyman explains HE isn’t in the Rumble. It’s BROCK LESNAR. Wait wait wait, what? “My bad.” Then in that case, the 24/7 etc etc Champion is officially undeclaring for the Rumble. He didn’t hear him right. Heyman just talks a lot. His mouth has a motor that keeps going and going and going and zzz… Fans agree. But then Heyman gives spoilers. “Truth don’t like spoilers.” And y’know what, Truth doesn’t want to go to Sioux Falls City, either. Suplex City, Truth! SUPLEX. Heyman says NO ONE likes Truth. Fans disagree again.
Lesnar steps to Truth and Truth just asks him one thing: What’s up?! Truth does the splits, and breaks it down, and fans echo “What’s UP?” Lesnar LARIATS Truth! Then brings him up to F5 him down! Lesnar looks at the 24/7 Championship, laughs again, and throws it onto Truth. Lesnar has his title, and a mic to say, “That’s what’s up.” The Beast won’t have to worry about the 24/7 Champion, but will even he be able to conquer 29 other men in one match?
Raw returns as Truth is helped up the ramp.
The University of Kentucky cheers, but then Mojo Rawley attacks! Cover, Rawley wins!!
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
“And I ain’t going anywhere!” If someone wants the title, come get it! Mojo ain’t running from anyone! Mojo taunts Truth as Kentucky chants “You suck!”
Lana and Bobby Lashley arrive.
As the Rocky Mountain Machine and Ravishing Russian arrive, Charly Caruso asks them about the last couple of weeks. Seriously? this is what Lana knew would happen. Lashley asks back if Charly enjoyed the wedding. Yes, but it was hard to believe- Believe what? That Lana looked so lovely? That they are so in love? Or that it all went wrong? Definitely that last one. Lana agrees, everything was ruined! The exes showing up, including LIV MORGAN, and then Rusev out of a cake! So this couple’s New Years Resolution is to accept that everyone else is just jealous of them. And that they will CRUSH RUSEV! Lana calms down and the two head inside. Will Lashley do that to the Bulgarian Brute up next?
Rusev VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lana!
Raw returns as Rusev makes his entrance! Fans are cheering for “Rusev Day!” at the bell. Lashley and Rusev circle but then a brawl ignites! Big haymakers from both men, and Rusev gets the edge. Lashley gets a waistlock but Rusev fights it off with elbows. Lashley shoves but Rusev runs him over! Fans cheer as Rusev runs, Lashley hurdles, and Rusev heel kicks Lashley down! Cover, TWO, but Rusev glares at Lashley. Lashley throat chops and punches Rusev back! Lashley kicks then throws big hands in the corner. The ref counts but Lashley lets up at 4. Rusev gasps for air but Lashley is on him again. Lashley punches Rusev into the other corner and chokes him! Lashley lets up at 4 to throw forearms.
Rusev grabs Lashley and puts him in the corner! Rusev fires off furious right hands and fans fire up! The ref backs Rusev off and Lana protests. Rusev whips, Lashley reverses but Rusev LARIATS back! Rusev glares even harder as he runs and corner splashes Lashley! Then Rusev brings Lashley up for a suplex! Rusev has Lashley on the ropes for more big haymakers, then gives him a strong KICK to the back! Rusev brings Lashley up for forearms to the back and then rams shoulders in the corner. Rusev brings Lashley out and fans cheer as he suplexes again! Lana is worried for Lashley as Rusev stomps him into a corner. Rusev toys with “Bob” now, wanting him to put up a fight. The ref backs Rusev off and Lana protests.
Rusev goes back to Lashley with big hands then whips corner to corner. Lashley boots back out of desperation, but Rusev CANNONBALLS in! Cover, TWO! Lashley bails out and Lana shouts for him to get it together. Lashley catches his breath as he walks around the way, but Rusev grabs him at the apron. Lashley thumbs Rusev in the eye! Lana likes that as Lashley clotheslines Rusev out of the ring! The ref starts a ring count but Lashley won’t wait. The ref keeps Lashley back, so Lashley just goes out the other way. Lashley goes around the way to SPEAR Rusev to the ground! Both men are down from that human car wreck, but Lana is excited as we go to break.
Raw returns as Lashley grinds Rusev down with a chinlock. Lana breathes a bit easier now, but fans rally up. Rusev fights his way up but Lashley scoop slams him fast! Lana smiles as Lashley looms over Rusev. Lashley stands on Rusev’s head but Rusev grabs the foot for an Ankle Lock! Lashley gets a ropebreak then he clobbers Rusev! Lashley drags Rusev up, bumps him off buckles, then brings him around to the post. Lashley has the legs, and swings them into the post! Lana smiles brighter as Lashley stalks Rusev. Lashley stomps Rusev but Rusev hits back! Lashley throws big hands on Rusev then dares Rusev to do something. Lashley brings Rusev up to scoop again, but Rusev slips out! Rusev boots Lashley back!
Fans rally as Rusev dodges Lashley and sends him into a post! Lana is shocked as Rusev fires up! Lashley staggers out into Rusev’s haymakers! Rusev reels Lashley in for a LARIAT! And another! And then scoops for a Samoan Drop! Lana is really worried now as Rusev aims from a corner. Rusev glares at Lashley as Lashley slowly stands up. Rusev runs corner to corner for a splash, then a belly2belly overhead suplex! Rusev fires up more as he stomps the mat! Lashley dodges the kick to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Rusev is right up!? MACHKA KICK! Rusev gets the fans even more fired up but Lana is even more worried. Rusev says “CRUSH!” and he stomps Lashley’s back! Lana hops up on the apron to distract, Lashley chop blocks Rusev!
Lashley runs but Rusev is ready, double clotheslines take both men out! The referee checks on Rusev and Lashley, but here comes Liv Morgan! Liv has much of a grudge with Lana as anyone, and Lana stares her down. Liv eggs Lana on, but Lana does not want to fight. Lana grabs a drink to SPLASH Liv! And then throw Liv into the barriers! “NEVER AGAIN!!” Lashley SPEARS Rusev! Lashley WINS!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
The Rocky Mountain Machine and the Ravishing Russian come out on top! Lana threw a drink in Liv’s face, and now she and Lashley can rub this victory in everyone’s faces. Will this end things or only escalate them?
BREAKING NEWS!
Or, it would be until Lashley and Lana storm over. There’s a problem bigger than Rusev. Did anyone see “that stalker” Liv Morgan go after Lana? No one does that! Lana is thankful Lashley won against Rusev, but the problem is Liv. This is a challenge! Next week, Mixed Tag Match! Lana & Lashley VS Liv & Rusev! Lashley is shocked by this, because they didn’t talk it over. He just beat Rusev and now he’ll have to do it again while worrying about Lana?! Lana says no one intimidates them! She is a fashionista and celebrity! NO ONE messes with Lana. But will this just be a mess?
The Viking Raiders VS ???
Erik & Ivar are issuing an open challenge right from the start! They already beat the Street Profits and the Best Tag Team in the World, but will they continue to dominate when they don’t even know who they’re up against?
“New week, same story. ANYONE that challenges us gets put down.” The Viking Raiders have proven their dominance throughout the entire Raw Tag Team Division. They dare any team to try and stop them. “Let the raid begin!” Who answers the call? The Singh Brothers!? Samir & Sunil film their entrance themselves, but is this going to go from Bollywood Blockbuster to a straight-to-DVD clearance bin?
The Bollywood dancing gets on the nerves of the Raw Tag Team Champions. They grab Samir and Sunil and toss them into each other! Erik throws Sunil into the ring then grabs Samir for himself. The bell rings, Ivar scoops and slams Sunil! Samir is put in, Erik tags in, and Ivar slam Samir onto Sunil! Then Erik slams Ivar onto the Singhs! But to top it off, Sunil gets THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, Erik pinning
The newest sequel in a long line of dominant matches may not be better than the previous ones, but it was just as dominant in the Bollywood box office. Will there ever be worthy opponents for the raid?
Rusev and Liv regroup and address the Mixed Tag Challenge.
“You waste of breath!” Lashley and Lana deserve each other, because they’re wastes of time! But if they want a fight, then fine! Rusev would take them on alone, but he’ll still fight them. Liv doesn’t make promises she doesn’t keep. So here’s a promise right now: “I am the Living Embodiment of Karma!” And Karma isn’t just some goddess, she’s an honest to God B*TCH. Will the Ravishing couple regret everything they’ve done after this match?
Jerry “The King” Lawler is in the ring!
He is to preside over the Raw Women’s Championship contract signing! The highly anticipated rematch from last year between Becky Lynch and Asuka is coming! And first out is The Man, Becky herself! Becky joins Lawler in the ring and is given her chance to speak. Becky chooses not to and takes her seat. Then here comes the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka! Accompanied by her fellow Kabuki Warrior, Kairi Sane, Asuka heads down the ramp and to the ring to join Becky and Lawler.
Asuka grabs a mic to talk trash to the “BAKA BAKA BAKA” Becky! Then she tells Lawler to shut up when he tries to keep things calm. Asuka takes her seat and Becky gets up as Kairi comes over. Kairi starts poking fun quite literally with that umbrella, but then Becky takes it from her. Becky warns Kairi and Kairi gets out of the ring so that she won’t bother Becky anymore. Becky returns to the table and Lawler ask they simply get to business. Asuka takes the contract first and signs it. Becky takes the pen and is very nervous as she looks at the contract. Becky signs and it’s official! Becky finally speaks to say, “May the best woman win.” Then Asuka SPITS MIST!
Asuka talks trash as she runs around the ring, then takes her leave with Kairi. Becky is cursing as referees and medics help to wash out her eyes. But even with the stinging pain in her eyes, Becky demands a “freakin’ microphone” to speak! “When they give you money, when they give you praise, the awards, the acclaim, it’s always poison for somebody that fights for a living.” And right now, Becky is full of poison. Asuka is hungry, angry and Becky has been content. Asuka is truly the most dangerous opponent she’s had, and Becky has been trying to find the anger to fight back with. When someone puts their hands on her, Becky fires up. She won’t care if they’ve tried to erase Asuka or hide her from Becky. Becky doesn’t care if she goes down, she’s at least going to take Asuka with her! Will Becky see clearly when it’s time to face Asuka again? Or will she be blind with rage when the Rumble comes around?
BREAKING NEWS!
Next week will see yet another rematch between Andrade Almas and Rey Mysterio for the WWE United States Championship, in a LADDER MATCH!
Backstage interview with Andrade and Zelina Vega.
Zelina refuses to be asked any questions. People don’t see the huge difference between Andrade and the “disgraced legend,” Rey Mysterio. El Idolo is a hero to the Latino community. Almas was man enough to beat Mysterio in Madison Square Garden and to retain the title in their rematch. And it was Almas who was man enough to rip off Mysterio’s mask! But what did Mysterio did? “That lowlife little criminal” attacked Almas backstage to snatch the belt away! There was no other option but to file criminal charges. Mysterio is the disgrace to the Latino community, and is a horrible example to his children. Almas says he is disgusted to call Mysterio a Latino and a luchador. The ladder match will see Almas retain his title once again and END the career of Mysterio!
Rey Mysterio responds!
After what Almas and Zelina just said, being accused of being a criminal and a bad example to the Latino community, Mysterio says he fights with all his heart for the Latino community! After what he did to Humberto Carrillo, Almas thinks eh can do whatever he wants. Zeilna thinks Mysterio is a joke of a father to his children. This is no joke. But Mysterio does love this ladder match. He’ll sacrifice years off his career and his life for this match. Mysterio knows all the dangers and consequences, and accepts them all. And he promises Almas that he won’t just take the title back, he will more importantly take it from Almas.
Buddy Murphy VS Aleister Black!
The Aussie Juggernaut started all this by simply knocking on the door. And now, this rivalry is knocking on the door of greatness! The Embodiment of the End is 2-0 in the series, but will it end here with a threepeat? Or will Murphy’s Law of anything that can happen, will happen, be proven tonight when Murphy wins?
Raw returns as Murphy makes his entrance. The bell rings and both men stand up from their corners. Aleister and Murphy approach until they’re face to face in the middle of the ring. Murphy talks trash, Aleister ROCKS him with an elbow! And then throws haymakers! The ref backs Aleister off, Murphy BOOTS back! Murphy clubs and whips but Aleister holds ropes to stop himself. Then BOOTS and kicks Murphy over and over! Aleister whips, Murphy hold ropes to avoid a Black Mass! Aleister wrecks Murphy with a dropkick and things spill to the outside. Aleister keeps after Murphy with big forearms but Murphy kicks back. Aleister KICKS Murphy against the barriers! Aleister puts Murphy in, follows after, and stalks him.
Murphy kicks Aleister off his legs then bails out again. Aleister pursues and Murphy comes back, to get a BOOT! Aleister stalks Murphy up the ramp as a ring count climbs. Murphy ROCKS Aleister with an elbow, then throws him down on the ramp! Murphy drags Aleister up to throw into barriers before getting int he ring. Murphy refreshes the count to go after Aleister more. Murphy ROCKS Aleister with a right then shoves him into the timekeeper’s area. This is familiar territory, and Aleister ELBOWS back. Murphy BOOTS again, then climbs up the barriers. Aleister sweeps the legs and Murphy crashes down! Fans cheer as the ref tells Aleister to get things in the ring. Aleister puts Murphy in, covers, ONE.
Aleister keeps on Murphy with an armlock but Murphy fights up. Murphy arm-drags free but Aleister counters his shoulder with a kick! Aleister climbs up as Murphy is down, but Aleister has to leap over. Murphy slips out and dropkicks Aleister into the post! Aleister is stuck, Murphy drags him up in a suplex to the floor! Both men are down and out as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Murphy sunset flips over Aleister from the apron! Aleister resists the powerbomb and Murphy falls, for Aleister to DOUBLE STOMP! Murphy writhes and hobbles away, only for Aleister to BOOT him into the timekeeper’s area! Then runs to KNEE-TRIGGER into Murphy! Aleister himself ends up in the front row! Fans get an up-close experience as Aleister climbs back over the barrier. Aleister drags Murphy back to the ring and puts him in, and “This is Awesome!” as Aleister bobs ‘n’ weaves and sweeps the legs. KNEE THRUST! Fans fire up as Aleister kips up to QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Murphy lives but Aleister keeps his cool. Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” at this point.
But Aleister lifts Murphy up with his foot, wanting to end this. Murphy knows this too well! He pushes Aleister, pump handles, but Aleister counters with a victory roll! Murphy sits on it to make it his cover, but hand full of tights! The ref stops the count so Murphy throws Aleister out. Murphy builds up speed, to run into a KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Murphy still lives and now Aleister is surprised. Murphy rolls to ropes but Aleister stalks behind him. Aleister drags Murphy up on the apron, but Murphy elbows back. Murphy goes to bump Aleister on buckles but Aleister blocks to bump Murphy. Aleister drags Murphy up top but Murphy enziguris him down! Aleister is dazed and Murphy climbs the rest of the way, but Aleister is right up! Only to get a SUPER GOURD BUSTER!
But Aleister comes back to KICK Murphy down! Murphy hits barriers! Both men are down and out but fans are fired up! Murphy and Aleister slowly stir as the ring count climbs. The count reaches 5 before Aleister stands. Aleister gets in the ring at 7, with Murphy in at 8! The two men stare down and fans cheer this amazing match. The two stand, throw hands and we have another brawl! Murphy strike fests! Aleister dodges to give a strike fest of his own! But Murphy dodges the knee, takes a boot and a ROUNDHOUSE! Aleister springboards, INTO A KICK! Pump handle, MURPHY’S LAW!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Aleister survives and Murphy can’t believe it!
Murphy grits his teeth as he drags Aleister up and around. Murphy tries another pump handle, but Aleister is just dead weight. So Murphy decides to borrow Aleister’s move, foot lift and BLACK MASS FROM ALEISTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Murphy just gets one shoulder up! Aleister sits Murphy up, to BASEMENT BLACK MASS! Cover, now Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
That’s 3-0 in the series! Aleister made Murphy #FadeToBlack, but is this really the end of the rivalry? What must Murphy do to change the score?
Erick Rowan VS ???
Big Red makes his way to the ring, but Murphy is still sitting by the barriers? Well while Murphy deals with his crisis of confidence, in no mood to talk, Rowan deals with the man in the ring, tossing him out HARD! Rowan drags the man up and drags him over to his cage! The man resists so Rowan CLOBBERS him, and throws him into barriers! “I wanted to show you!” Rowan pulls back the tarp to reveal the cage, and then reaches in to check on his pet. The pet bites him! Rowan scolds the creature while giving the cage a shake. Rowan goes after the man for a corner splash! Then a bloody IRON CLAW SLAM! “BAD!!” Rowan covers and wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Rowan’s pet needs to learn not to bite the hand that feeds. But will Rowan make everyone eat defeat in the Royal Rumble?
Six Man Tag Fist Fight: Seth Rollins & The Authors of Pain VS Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe & The Big Show!
For Akam & Rezar, war is their peace. And tonight, war may be Raw’s salvation! This is a massive 3v3 brawl with no disqualifications, no count-outs and no way to win but to completely incapacitate the other side! Who will be the last team standing?!
But as Big Show makes his entrance, the Architects of Pain ATTACK! They jump on Show like a pack of hyena,s but here come Joe and Kevin, with kendo sticks! And they SMACK away on the AOP! Show gets into the ring in the meantime, but Joe also brings out more things. Rollins goes after Show, the bell rings, and Joe has a TABLE! Show has the kendo stick to SMACK Rollins! AOP goes after KO and Joe, but Show breaks the stick on his knee. Show has the table and sets it up while Rollins bails out. Show puts the table in a corner while Joe, KO and the AOP brawl on stage! And off the stage! They throw fists, per the match type name, but there are also knees in there. Rezar DECKS Kevin, then goes help Akam with Joe.
Back at ringside, Show CHOPS Rollins! But Rollins rams Show into a post! Back on stage, Kevin uses the quarter pipe to get some air for his CANNONBALL! Kevin wipes out the AOP! Joe drags Akam up and puts him on a spare table. “This is Awesome!” as Joe goes to the stage, to SENTON THROUGH THE TABLE!! JOe, KO and the AOP have all wiped out, so now it’s just Show and Rollins in the ring. Rollins leaps but gets a HEADBUTT! Rollins sees Murphy is still there, and tries to snap him out of his funk. “Help us!” Show grabs Rollins and throws him back into the ring! Show grabs Rollins and CHOKE SLAMS him! Fans fire up as Show balls up a fist, but Murphy LOW BLOWS SHOW!! Murphy is on Rollins’ side!?
Rollins and Murphy throw Show through the table! Fans boo but Rollins is still trying to register that his plea actually got through. Meanwhile, the AOP recover, as do Joe and Kevin. They brawl on stage, the AOP double team Joe to put him on the announce desk! Kevin comes over but has to face 2v1 now. AOP have Kevin, and DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM Kevin onto Joe and THROUGH THE TABLE!! Rollins’ team is in control as Rollins aims at Show from a corner. But Show dodges the stomp to throw Rollins! And then throws Murphy! Show back bumps Rollins in the corner! Show climbs up top, but the AOP return to attack! DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Murphy returns and Rollins slowly stands back up, and they completely surround Show.
Murphy drags Show up with a facelock as fans rally up behind the giant. Rollins runs to CURB STOMP Show down! The referee rules this the knockout!
Winners: Seth Rollins & The AOP
Give a huge assist to the Juggernaut! He is now a new “disciple” behind the Monday Night Messiah! Murphy may have betrayed the fans, but Rollins welcomes him with open arms. Is this just a sign that the destiny Rollins envisions for Raw is coming true?
My Thoughts:
Well this was an interesting episode. I really liked how it opened, with Orton VS Styles adding McIntyre for a great Triple Threat. A lot of good stuff, like Orton stealing the Styles Clash. It was also a smart move to extend things for Orton VS Styles as McIntyre wins this match by taking advantage. I would love for McIntyre to go full Face by eliminating Lesnar, especially with a Claymore kick! Even if McIntyre doesn’t win the Rumble, it would mean so much if he had part in getting rid of The Beast. Speaking of, Heyman had a great promo, and then R-Truth brought things to a hilariously great level with his “misunderstanding” of who was in the Rumble. It works in kayfabe that Lesnar doesn’t care about the 24/7 Championship, he has his prize. And then while a scramble to go after Truth would’ve been better, Mojo Rawley going it alone after losing to Ricochet, that’s pretty good for Mojo. I’m thinking Mojo is slowing getting a push with all the screen time he’s getting, so that’s cool for Mojo.
Charlotte VS Logan was pretty good after the brawl we got last week, and at least Logan is getting screen time. I hope this means bigger things for Logan as we go. To be honest, Liv Morgan should be the one in a program against Charlotte for sake of something Vince seems to not know the meaning of: CONTINUITY. Charlotte beat Liv the last time we saw her, so Liv should be obsessed with Charlotte, not Lana. But as I had predicted, Liv & Rusev VS Lashley & Lana will happen next week and hopefully, finally, mercifully end this story. The Singh Brothers answering that open challenge was dumb, because of course they’re going to get crushed. What would’ve been clever is if no one answered the call, and the Viking Raiders are annoyed and they talk trash to the rest of the roster. But that’s more of a Heel thing, though. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing the Raiders as Heels since it’s not like they’d fight any different.
The contract signing between Becky and Asuka was really great, because it was a very different take from the normal formula. Having Kairi be a bit of an instigator was fun. Asuka doing most of the talking before signing while Becky wanted to keep it simple was good. And while it should’ve been obvious, Asuka using the mist here really caught me off guard, and Becky did a great sell. Though, maybe it isn’t so much a sell as a worked shoot because I’m pretty sure that stuff really does sting like hell. Becky still getting her promo after was a great touch, and what a great promo it was. Becky makes such a good point with that notion of feeling content after making it to the top and being praised, because that is a great underlying point they’ve put in this story for her. This has to be Becky’s win at the Rumble now, just because she’ll bring back that fire and determination.
Aleister VS Murphy III was incredible! Best match of the night, and I feel like Heyman was watching TakeOver: Blackpool II and Bate VS Devlin. I am only a tiny bit disappointed Murphy didn’t win, but it was just such a good match. Aleister has to be facing Almas for the US title after this, right? Almas VS Mysterio in a ladder match for next week’s go-home is going to be great, but I can’t see Almas losing this belt. Aleister VS Almas to revisit their NXT days is going to be great! On the exact opposite end, Rowan getting a squash in before the main event wasn’t needed. While the bit with the creature biting Rowan was clever, leave this for next week so the time used can go to the main event. Because as frantic and fun this first-ever “Fist Fight” match was, it needed to be longer. It was just so much happening at once, it was hard to really keep track of anything. But then Murphy still being ringside, it all plays into the match.
Murphy joining the Monday Night Messiah, this makes the faction complete with top guy, midcarder and tag team. I could see AOP going after Viking Raiders to take those titles, Murphy going after Aleister to not only get that win he’s wanted but also the US Championship, and then Rollins beating whoever it is that beats Lesnar for the world title, assuming that happens at all. Well, the only one that might not get a title is Rollins, because of Lesnar, and it could feed into story to make the “inevitable” seem like improbable.
My Score: 8.3/10
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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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