Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/17/20)

It’s a night of returns!

Published

4 years ago

January 17, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Legit, Glorious Greatness and KAAANE~!

Sasha Banks returns to finally face Lacey Evans! Robert Roode returns to get even with Roman Reigns! John Morrison returns to the ring against Big E! And the Big Red Monster returns to bring back hellfire and brimstone!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Big E w/ Kofi Kingston VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.
The Usos VS The Revival; The Usos win.
Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Lacey Evans; changed to…
Bayley VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
Sonya Deville w/ Mandy Rose & Heavy Machinery VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross; Bliss wins.
Tables Match: Roman Reigns VS Robert Roode; Reigns wins chooses Falls Count Anywhere for Reigns VS Corbin at the Royal Rumble PPV.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of Rocky Johnson.

The Soul Man debuted in 1964, making an instant impact with physique and athleticism. He joined the WWE in 1982, and joined Tony Atlas as the “Soul Patrol” and became the first-ever African-American world tag team champions. Rocky would marry and have a son, Dwayne Johnson. Rocky trained his son and debuted Rocky Maivia as a tribute to both parts of his family’s heritage. And in the end, his sown would be the one to induct Rocky into the WWE Hall of Fame. Rocky proudly paved the way for wrestlers of all colors, and he will be celebrated for generations to come.

KAAANE~ is here!

The Big Red Machine and the Devil’s Favorite Demon is BACK! Kane holds Royal Rumble records so it would seem Royal Rumble season has brought him back to SmackDown. Kane grabs a mic to say that we are just 9 days away from his favorite event. “Thirty lost souls will put their minds, bodies and spirits on the line for the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to compete at WrestleMania! A match where you go through Hell, but the reward is a chance at immortality.” Kane holding the record for most career eliminations, he knows exactly how important this match is. He looks every opponent in the eyes as he throws them out of the ring, and watch hope fade away as their feet hit the ground, “a WrestleMania dream turned into a nightmare, all because of me.” And Kane must admit, it’s a lot of fun.

But wait, Firefly Fun House interrupts?! Bray Wyatt is excited to see Kane back! He hasn’t changed a bit! But it’s never nice to brag or find joy in another person’s misery. Shame, you Big Red Bully. Tell everyone you’re sorry. Time’s up. But Bray is still glad to see Kane. Hopefully the traffic up from H E double hockey sticks wasn’t too bad. But before Kane asks, Bray assures everyone that Ramblin’ Rabbit is alive, well, and recovering. Okay enough of him. Back to Kane. To play “Devil’s Advocate,” winning the Rumble isn’t a good idea. Especially if the winner is fool enough to challenge for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania! Oh wait a second. Kane’s on the Wall of Friends! So then, that means Kane and The Fiend “got it on!” Well of course, “I’ll never forget you, Kane. And neither will he.” The Wyatt Family struck first back in the day. And now, The Fiend strikes here!

The lights go out, then come back on, and there is red light! That’s usually Kane’s thing. As is coming out from under the ring floor! The Fiend slithers up behind Kane, but Kane is ready! “What took you so long?” The Fiend realizes there’s something wrong, and DANIEL BRYAN strikes! Knee Plus and Danielson Stomps! Bryan forces The Fiend to retreat down the hole in the mat! Smoke comes up and forces Bryan to back off, but he pulled some of The Fiend’s hair out! Fans chant “YES! YES!” as Team Hell No gets the better of Bray’s living nightmare. Will Bryan make both sides of the demented Wyatt pay?

Team Hell No still argues like the old days.

Kane and Bryan each insist they were the tag team champions by themselves, but Kayla Braxton comes over for an interview. Bryan has The Fiend on the run. That’s because while everyone thinks Bray is so great at mind games and double talk and victimizing, he’s the best at running away and disappearing. SO how do you beat someone who disappears when they’re in trouble? Bryan has an idea. Not a good one, nor is it smart. But Bryan wants to make their match a STRAP MATCH! They will be bound together by one big strap, and they will fight until one man wins! Bryan knows it is dangerous, that The Fiend will try to rip Bryan to pieces, but Bryan is done with mind games, running away and disappearing acts! “The Fiend, he changed me. And at the Royal Rumble, I’m going to change The Fiend and win the Universal Championship.”

Big E w/ Kofi Kingston VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

The Guru of Greatness defended his good friend in the Hollywood A-Lister, but offended The New Day when he assaulted Big E during a match Miz and Kofi Kingston were having. Will Morrison’s in-ring return to the WWE be as great as his parkour skills?

The bell rings and Big E circles with Morrison. Morrison and Big E tie up, Morrison throws big forearms but Big E blocks the whip. Morrison knees low then whips but Big E reverses and bumps Morrison down! Big E swivels his hips at Morrison before the two circle again. Morrison kicks low then heel kicks, spin kicks and ROUNDHOUSES! Big E is rocked and Morrison rains down rights! Morrison bails out to drag Big E to the apron to club away on! And then sit him up for another kick, and a draping neckbreaker! Big E is down as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Morrison grinds Big E down in a chinlock. Kofi and fans rally with “New! Day Rocks!” and Big E fights his way up. Big E powers Morrison up and throws him off! Big E runs but Morrison follows to calf kick him down! Fans are divided as Morrison stands over Big E, for the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO and Big E holds Morrison in his arms! Big E rolls back and brings Morrison up, but Morrison slips out. Morrison gets to the apron, slides under Big E then goes around to roundhouse! Big E wobbles, Morrison springboards, but Big E gets clear! Morrison rolls through, but into a belly2belly! And then another! Big E is fired up, but Morrison pokes eyes! Morrison runs but into a back drop!

Big E runs to BIG SPLASH! Fans fire up with Big E as he claps. Morrison slowly stands, Big E goes at him but Morrison standing switches and clobbers Big E! Morrison kicks low, MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Cover, TWO!! Big E survives and Miz protests. Kofi goes over to yank Miz off the apron! Morrison climbs, Kofi shoves Miz into steel steps! Morrison decides to LEAP onto Kofi! The same somersault cannonball takes Kofi out like he did Big E last week! Morrison grins as he takes his time returning to the ring, but Big E builds speed! Miz gets Morrison to safety, and then Morrison KICKS Big E down! Big E wobbles, SHINING WIZARD! And then Morrison climbs, for STARSHIP PAIN! Cover, Morrison wins!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

The Miz is pumped up as he celebrates his friend’s victorious return! Both Miz and Morrison have a win over the SmackDown Tag Team Champions individually, but will they get a win on them as a team?

BREAKING NEWS!

The stakes are raised on tonight’s Table Match between Roman Reigns and Robert Roode! If The Big Dog wins, he chooses the stipulation for his match with Baron Corbin on Royal Rumble night. But on the flip side, if Roode wins, that means Corbin chooses the stipulation! Who wins the latest of grudge matches in this war for SmackDown supremacy?

The Usos speak with Roman.

“Big match, big night.” The winner chooses the stipulation for Roman VS Corbin. What’s it going to be? Loser Eats Dog Ish? Roman keeps it a secret. We’ll all learn at the same time. Roman wants to make sure the Usos are ready. Of course they’re ready! It’s #LOCKDOWN! Revival, welcome back to the Uso Penitentiary! Jimmy & Jey settle scores of their own, will they put the #TopGuys away again?

The Usos VS The Revival!

Jimmy & Jey have had history with Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder, and that all starts again in the New Year! Will history repeat itself or will a new story play out?

Dawson and Jimmy start and tie up, and Dawson puts Jimmy in a corner. The ref counts and Dawson backs off to dare Jimmy to bring it. Jimmy grins and ties up with Dawson again, but Dawson gets a headlock. jimmy powers out but Dawson runs him over. Things speed up, Jimmy hurdles and CHOPS Dawson down! Jimmy whips Dawson but Dawson reverses. Jimmy slides to a stop to uppercut Dawson down! Tag to Jey and the Usos have Dawson in the corner. Jey hits a big forearm smash then snapmares to a cover, ONE. Jey wrenches Dawson’s arm but Dawson pulls hair. Dash tags in and Dawson whips, but Jey wrecks Dash. Dawson suplexes Jey down, Dash slingshots to splash! Cover, TWO!

Dash stomps Jey around then brings him up to bump off buckles. Dash chops then tags, and The Revival mug Jey in the corner! Dawson stalks Jey as fans boo and jeer. Dawson drags Jey up by his beard and then jams an elbow in. Dawson drops a leg, and elbow and a headbutt! Cover, TWO! Dawson keeps hold of Jey by an ear, then pulls on the beard. The ref counts, Dawson lets up to wrap on a chinlock. Jey endures as Dawson leans on him. Fans rally up and Jey fights his way up. Jey reaches but Dawson keeps him away from Jimmy. Jey throws Dawson off, Dawson kicks low and suplexes, but Jey slips out. Jey kicks but Dawson blocks, to spin Jey for the Dragon Whip! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Dawson and Jey crawl, hot tags to Dash and Jimmy!

Jimmy rallies on The Revival! Big uppercuts and mule kicks, then break it down for another uppercut! Samoan Drop! Jimmy fires up with the fans as he runs corner to corner, but Dash puts him on the apron. Jimmy ROCKS Dash then climbs up top. Flying crossbody! Cover, TWO! Dash flounders and Jimmy keeps his focus, but Dash deflects the superkick! Jimmy standing switches with Dash but Dawson helps Dash buck Jimmy off. Jimmy runs in but Dawson blocks the kick and Dash rolls Jimmy! TWO, and Dash kicks low. Tornado denied, tag to Jey! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Dawson runs in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Fans fire up again as Jey tags back to jimmy. Jimmy climbs up, Jey DIVES out onto Dawson! Jimmy USO SPLASH! Cover, Usos win!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall

The Uso Penitentiary is officially back, and the #TopGuys just keep falling down. Will Dash & Dawson be able to turn things around? Are the Usos on the way to a lucky number 7 tag title reign?

Backstage interview with The Revival.

They must be frustrated, but that doesn’t even cover it. If the WWE doesn’t want to make a change, then they will! This company cares about them about as much as it cares about tag team wrestling. But before they can say more, there’s a brawl between Lacey Evans and Bayley! It seems Lacey already took Sasha Banks down and so now Lacey is after the champ! Referees and security get Lacey away, but what does this mean for their match tonight?

Mandy Rose is excited for Sonya VS Alexa.

Plus, Sonya was so right, this is going to be the year of Fire & Desire. That’s the spirit. But speaking of this year, do you think Otis would want to be ringside with them? Yeah but Mandy is. Sonya wasn’t sure about this “Otis thing,” but seeing him show up to support Mandy, Sonya “got it.” Otis thing? What Otis thing? Why Mandy is being nice to him. Well, he’s sweet, but- It doesn’t matter to Sonya, but she just wants Mandy to ask Otis to be ringside. Mandy will ask, but he might not say yes. If Mandy asks, he will. Is Sonya trying to help a friend out?

Bayley and Sasha Banks are furious!

“GI Jane” had the nerve to attack them backstage! Bayley will make Lacey a Stay-at-home Mom! Sasha is fine, but Lacey doesn’t deserve this match. Sasha has been working hard to raise her stock. Mom, Marine, it doesn’t matter, because Bayley will break Lacey’s legs! When Adam Pearce walks over, he brings up that Sasha hasn’t had her match with Lacey. It’s not her fault! It doesn’t matter. The match is happening, but with Bayley instead! Bayley just talked about wanting payback, so here’s her chance. It will be non-title, but it is happening, and next. Bayley and Sasha both complain, but will they feel even worse when Lacey wins?

Bayley VS Lacey Evans!

The bell rings, and Bayley bails out! Lacey pursues and Bayley eggs her on. They go back into the ring and Bayley stomps Lacey down! The ref backs Bayley off but for only a moment, and Bayley throws big forearms. Bayley whips but Lacey comes back with a lariat! And then builds speed to tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Bayley bails out again, but Lacey wrecks her with a dropkick! Lacey drags Bayley up to bump her off the apron, and then again. Lacey puts Bayley in but Bayley shoulders out, only to get a knee. Lacey slingshots up and over to roll Bayley, ONE! Lacey cradle counters, ONE! Bayley trips Lacey and high stacks, but feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and the count doesn’t count.

Lacey goes at Bayley but gets drop toehold’d onto ropes! Bayley clobbers Lacey back down, then again. Bayley is seething as she throws big forearms against the ropes. Bayley bumps Lacey off buckles then shouts at Lacey fans to shut up. Bayley pulls Lacey back against ropes using her hair, then lets go at 4 to throw Lacey down. Cover, ONE, but Bayley keeps close. Bayley armlocks and grinds Lacey down, but fans rally up. Lacey gets up, throws hands, then runs, only for Bayley to elbow her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley stalks up behind Lacey to knock her down. Fans rally for Lacey but Bayley knocks her down again. Bayley mocks the fans but Lacey rolls her up! TOW, and Bayley throws big knees into Lacey’s ribs. Bayley throws Lacey tot he apron then mocks the fans again, but Lacey shoves her away. Lacey blocks a punch to give a punch! And then bump Bayley off buckles!

Lacey kicks Bayley hard, then slingshots in to rally with clotheslines! Lacey wrings Bayley’s arm out, then whips her to a corner. Bayley reverses but Lacey goes up and over, to then hip toss Bayley away! Big kick puts Bayley in the corner! Fans fire up as Lacey runs and swings, for the bronco buster! Lacey positions Bayley in a drop zone, then climbs up. Lacey fixes her hair and salutes, for the Sassiest Moonsault EVER onto boots! Lacey flops out of the ring and Bayley goes out after her. Bayley glares as she lines up a shot, to KNEE Lacey into barriers! Bad Bad Bayley is back in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Bayley drags Lacey up and stomps a mudhole into her. The ref backs Bayley off but Bayley goes back for more by ramming her shoulder in. Bayley backs off again, to somersault and wacky waving mock, only for Lacey to send Bayley into buckles! Lacey swings again but Bayley sees that coming. Bayley gets out, grabs at feet but Lacey kicks Bayley away. Lacey puts Bayley back in but Bayley gets her with the hotshot! Cover, TWO! Bayley rains down angry rights on Lacey and then throws hands from all sides! Bayley gets up and drags Lacey to her feet, SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Lacey lives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley drags Lacey up to put her back in a corner and ram her shoulder in again. Then the somersault to the back elbow! Bayley pushes Lacey down and hops up, to leap for a flying uppercut! Cover, TWO!

Bayley glares as she loom over Lacey. Fans rally up but Bayley knees Lacey down hard! Bayley climbs, crossbody FLOPS! Lacey runs corner to corner but Bayley flapjacks her onto buckles! Bayley runs but into the WOMAN’S RIGHT! Cover, Lacey wins!!

Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall

She pins the SmackDown Women’s Champion! The Sassy Southern Belle has a shortcut to the title! Will Lacey become champion on the Road to WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Chad Gable!

New correspondent Alyse Ashton asks Shorty G about Sheamus’ surprising and unprovoked attack. Why is Sheamus after Gable? Well Sheamus is projecting his insecurities. But he won’t get into Gable’s head with that spooky light and blindside attacks. Over the past few months, Gable learned that accepting yourself is already the hardest battle. Gable will teach Sheamus this personally. Sheamus is one of the most decorated athletes, and Sheamus comes by pulling the old “Where is the short guy” routine. Sheamus heard the squeaking but couldn’t see Gable until he was up close. “There’s an old Irish saying that goes, ‘Keep your breath to cool your porridge.'” Otherwise, Sheamus will Brogue kick Gable’s head off again. “Alright, lil’ fella?” That’s it! Gable tackles Sheamus right there!

Referees rush to break them up and Sheamus flounders to his feet. Sheamus vows vengeance on the “vermin” and flips a table. Will Sheamus exterminate Gable for that little scrap?

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman!

The Monster Among Men is excited for the Royal Rumble. It’s no surprise that he’s declaring for the match. But that’s in a week. He wants the Intercontinental Championship, and Shinsuke Nakamura’s “sidekick,” Sami Zayn, is keeping Braun from that title match. To be real, Braun has pinned Nakamura twice, so what else does he have to do? Whether it’s tonight, next week or at the Royal Rumble PPV, Braun wants his shot! Will Sami have no choice but to grant this request?

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter returns and he needs to be honest. “Over the last year, I learned a lot about myself.” While he realized he is the embodiment of the WWE, he realized he can’t do it alone. Elias admits, he needs us. For Elias to reach where he has to go, there needs to be a truth that rings out from every voice across the world. And surely Greensboro knows it. WWE stands for, “WALK WITH ELIAS!” Elias is fired up and wrote a song for Greensboro. Please, clap along. The fans oblige and Elias plays his guitar.

“I was walkin’ in Greensboro. You’ll never guess what I saw.” Well we won’t get to know, because Shinsuke Nakamura makes his entrance, along with Sami and Cesaro! And Sami has a mic to say, “Please, please. Elias, I’m sorry to interrupt your little sing-song, but the Great Liberator” has something more important. So everyone wanting to sing along need to shut up! There is serious business, because Braun says he wants a shot at the Intercontinental Championship! Sami will tell us something about Shinsuke Nakamura. “This great man does not back down from a fight. Not from anyone, anytime, any place!” So Strowman won’t need to wait. The answer is, “Absolutely NOT!” Fans boo but Sami tells the “stupid oaf” that he is in no position to demand anything! Sami calls the shots for his team! Which means his team dictate the terms! And nothing is happening, certainly not with the Royal Rumble coming.

Because another thing, the Royal Rumble match itself, Shinsuke won the Rumble match. So this is a message to Strowman and everyone on the WWE roster! They are all on notice! Sami made his point, Elias can go back to whatever thing he does. Elias has something to say to Sami, actually. While Sami spat a bunch of nonsense, Elias was multitasking, and while he listened to Sami, he composed a new song. It’s called, “Sami Zayn Needs to Shut His Damn Mouth.” Everyone, if you want to sing the chorus, it’s “Shinsuke Sucks!” Elias plays his guitar and the fans clap but Sami interrupts with his shouting and protesting. Fans boo as Sami shouts, “How dare you!” They think this is funny, huh?! Cesaro, go show Elias what happens to funny guys. The Swiss Cyborg rushes the ring and brawls with Elias!

Elias holds his own so here comes Shinsuke! But Elias throws hands on him, too! Sami adds on and finally gets Elias down! But BRAUN appears for the save! Sami again runs away so Strowman just runs Cesaro and Shinsuke over! Strowman clotheslines Cesaro out then corner splashes Shinsuke, to throw him out! The Monster Among Men stands tall again, but will he #GetTheseHands on the title?

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

Well it seems the Golden Goddess couldn’t convince Dozer to hang out ringside. But she’ll still support the Gladiator Gal to take on the sassy Goddess, who has her crazy best friend by her side. With the Women’s Rumble coming, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions still looking for contenders, will this go a long way towards momentum in both?

Oh wait! Heavy Machinery does head to ringside! Tucky and Otis are here to watch as the bell rings. Mandy rubs that in Alexa’s face but then gets away, and Sonya ROUNDHOUSES Alexa down! Sonya drags Alexa up to throw knees then runs to sliding knee Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Alexa with a thrashing chinlock. Alexa endures, fans rally up, and Alexa fights her way up. Alexa throws elbows and arm-drags Sonya away, but Sonya comes back, only to get a drop toehold! Sonya gets up and grabs Alexa’s hair. Alexa throws hands and SLAPS Sonya to then ROCK her with a right! And a dropkick!

Alexa stomps a mudhole into Sonya but backs off to kick and facelock. Mandy climbs up but Nikki knocks her down! Otis catches Mandy! Sonya is a bit shocked, but then Alexa rolls her up! Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Well that didn’t go the way Sonya hoped. She wanted Otis to be a distraction for her benefit, not Alexa’s! Otis feels a bit bad about that, but will he be able to make it up to Mandy?

Baron Corbin checks on Robert Roode.

The GLORIOUS “Knight in shining armor” came through for the King last week. Roman never saw that coming. And Roman putting Roode out for those six weeks, this revenge will be sweet! Roode puts Roman through a table and Corbin chooses the stipulation! Imagine the possibilities. Corbin wants a match to humiliate Roman and take him completely out of the Rumble! This will be a match where Roman will bow down. But that only happens if Roode wrecks Roman through a table. Then it will be absolutely… GLORIOUS.

BREAKING NEWS!

Bryan’s request has been granted! He and The Fiend won’t be able to run and hide, their Universal Championship match is now a STRAP MATCH! Plus, Shorty G will have his grudge match with Sheamus, and Lacey Evans will have her title shot at Bayley! What history will be made on top of the 2020 Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches?

Tables Match: Roman Reigns VS Robert Roode!

The Big Dog is keeping his plans secret while the Wolf King is so excited by the possibilities, he hasn’t even made a decision yet. But who will get their way at the Rumble by breaking wood with their opponent’s body?

But before Roman even reaches the ring, Roode attacks from behind! The bell rings and Roode stomps Roman against the apron! Roode is seething as he drags Roman up to throw him in the ring. Roode throws hands but Roman counter punches! And uppercuts! Roman whips, Roode reverses but Roman leaping lariats! Roman drags Roode up but Roode throws him out of the ring. Roode grabs Roman’s hair but Roman uppercuts Roode down! Roode flops to the apron and then the ground, and fans fire up as Roman eyes one of the tables nearby. Roman brings it around and sets it up, but Roode attacks from behind! Roode bumps Roman off steel steps, then brings him around. Roman stops the next bump to bump Roode off the steel steps!

Roman decides that any table counts as a table, so he clears off the announce desk! Roman drags Roode up but Roode rakes the eyes! Roode whips Roman into the steel steps! Roode huffs and puffs as he pulls out a table from under the ring. Roode puts that in the ring, but Roman hits a Drive-By dropkick! Roman watches Roode go to the timekeeper’s area, and fans rally as Roman lets out the wary cry! Roman gains speed going around the ring, and comes around to SPEAR and miss! Roman wrecks himself through barriers!! And here comes King Corbin! Corbin rides his palanquin out to watch Roman flounder in the wreckage while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more and Roode has Roman up top. Roode climbs up with a table set up nearby. Corbin shouts at Roode to finish this, but Roman resists the superplex! Roman fights back with headbutts! Roode and Roman wobble but Roman headbutts again. Roman slips under and lifts Roode, but Roode fights out of the bomb. Roode kicks low then drags Roman over, but Roman blocks the suplex to fireman’s carry! Roode fights out and pushes his table over for his own safety. But Roman throws Roode into the post! Fans rally for Roman as Roode flops to the floor. Roman clears some space and brings the one table back up. Roman puts that table in a corner, and fans rally up. Roman goes out to fetch Roode, and he leaps off the steel steps to SUPERMAN PUNCH!

Fans fire up more as Roman puts Roode back in the ring. Roman has his shot lined up, Roode slowly rises, and Roman lets out another war cry. Corbin distracts, Ziggler SUPERKICKS! The King’s Court beats down Roman as fans boo. Corbin drags Roman up, Ziggler finishes clearing the desk. They drag Roman out and over to the desk, and Roode goes up top. But here come the USOS! Roode leaps at them, into SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICKS for Ziggler and Corbin! Then the Usos double DIVE! They take out King and court, and hurry to help Roman! Roman gets in the ring, Ziggler is on the desk, and the Usos climb the barriers! They tightrope over to each other, to DOUBLE UCE on Ziggler through the announce table!!

Roman roars, aims at Roode, and SPEARS Roode through the table! Roman wins!!

Winner: Roman Reigns

The King’s Court could not conquer the Bloodline! Roman gets to choose his stipulation! “The Royal Rumble is in a baseball stadium, and that thing is huge.” Roman will whoop ass all over it! Because it will be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Corbin takes his anger out on an innocent table, but will it be a home run in Houston for the Big Dog?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good episode with some good progress towards the Royal Rumble. Morrison VS Big E made for a great opener, and Morrison’s leap onto Kofi was a pretty crazy spot. Obviously there was no rust on Morrison as he’d been wrestling all over, from Lucha Underground to Impact Wrestling. And of course he wins, so that he and Miz can more than likely get a SmackDown Tag Team Championship for the Royal Rumble, if not Elimination Chamber. Usos VS Revival was a good match, too, but I’m wondering if their promo about WWE needing to take tag team wrestling serious will spur something for Elimination Chamber. Just on the four teams of New Day, Usos, Revival and Miz-Morrison, that’s a great tag title match right there.

I’m a little confused as to why we’re not getting Lacey VS Sasha as a 1v1 match. Is Sasha actually hurt so they had to quickly write that into kayfabe? Or are they saving it for after the Rumble? The story is going mostly how I expected, though, as Lacey is getting her SmackDown Women’s Championship match. I could see Sasha finally having her match with Lacey for the title, and then winning to become the second Grand Slam Champion in WWE history. But Lacey beating Bayley twice would be quite a big deal for Lacey. Lacey’s already been in programs involving each of the Four Horsewomen, her beating one for the title would be huge. Meanwhile, the story of Mandy and Otis is taking interesting turns. Apparently Sonya thinks Mandy is just using Otis, but Mandy is doing her best to defend that she might actually like Otis. I say again that with Valentine’s Day being a Friday, that has to be where this moves into another phase.

I really liked the scrap between Gable and Sheamus, where Gable gets the better of Sheamus. It’s a bit soon to make their first match part of a PPV, but perhaps there’s bigger things planned for the go-home SmackDown next week. And I really liked that Kane’s return wasn’t even for him, but to set up The Fiend for Bryan’s sake. I could hear some fans booing when Bryan ran Bray off, and I can understand them not wanting the Fiend to look weak, but this is actually going to be better for both guys. That Strap Match is going to be a lot of fun, but I feel like The Fiend will still win, assuming a SmackDown superstar wins the Rumble match. Strowman and Elias both had good segments with Team Sami, and it’d make Royal Rumble Weekend so much bigger if Strowman and Shinsuke have an amazing match on next week’s go-home, or even as part of the PPV.

The Table match having stakes behind it was actually a pretty good move. I was fearing that when the Usos teased an “Eat Dog Crap/Food” match, Corbin was going to steal that idea and make that the match. But in a really great and chaotic match, Roman wins and chooses the much better Falls Count Anywhere option. A match like that in a huge baseball stadium really will be a great match, but I’m not sure what is the better outcome: Roman wins that, then has a really great showing in Rumble; or Corbin wins, beating Roman up real bad, but Roman still shows up to have a great showing in the Rumble. Either one makes Roman look like he’s back to those “Super Roman Wins LOL” days but I feel like the general audience reaction won’t be negative anymore. Maybe.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

8 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.