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Mitchell’s WWE WrestleMania 36 Night 1 Results!

The first night of WrestleMania Weekend!

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WWE WrestleMania 36

WWE truly gives us a WrestleMania Weekend!

The WWE isn’t afraid, they’re giving us a WrestleMania “too big for one night!” What history will be made during such unprecedented days?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Preshow Match – Drew Gulak VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bliss-Cross; Bliss-Cross win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • Elias VS Baron Corbin; Elias wins.
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler; Lynch wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn w/ The Artist Collective VS Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak; Zayn wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Ladder Match: John Morrison VS Kofi Kingston VS Jimmy Uso; Morrison wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
  • Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
  • No Disqualifications: Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Host-ile Takeover: R-Truth VS Mojo Rawley VS Rob Gronkowski; Rawley wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE Universal Championship: Goldberg VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.
  • Boneyard Match: AJ Styles VS The Undertaker; Taker wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the WrestleMania Preshow!

Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg are in the WWE Headquarters! Join them as they discuss, analyze and predict everything that’s going on this WrestleMania that’s “too big for one night.”

 

Preshow Match – Drew Gulak VS Cesaro!

Before The Great Liberator defends his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Daniel Bryan, his Swiss Cyborg goes after Coach Gulak! Will the Philly Stretcher hold his own against the pound-for-pound strongest member of the Artist Collective?

The bell rings and Cesaro goes right at Gulak. Gulak gets Cesaro with the armlock first and drags him down. Cesaro fights up and powers out, but runs into a boot. Gulak runs into a scoop and backbraeker! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Gulak in and wants the Gotch but Gulak powers out! Gulak has the arm again and brings Cesaro down! He almost has a Fujiwara, but Cesaro powers up. Gulak drags Cesaro back down to the mat. Cesaro makes it a cover, TWO and Cesaro dead lifts to POWERBOMB Gulak down! Cesaro shakes out his arm before dragging Gulak up. He reels Gulak back in but Gulak rolls to a takedown! He has a YES LOCK! But Cesaro gets the ROPEBREAK! Gulak lets Cesaro go but then dumps Cesaro out of the ring!

Gulak goes to the apron and leaps for a flying lariat! Direct hit but Gulak keeps on Cesaro. Cesaro blocks being thrown into steel steps and hits Gulak back. Cesaro puts Gulak in, but Gulak hotshots Cesaro’s bad arm! Gulak clotheslines Cesaro back out! Gulak fires up, goes out to the apron again, and LEAPS! But Cesaro catches him! Gulak reverses Cesaro’s scoop into an arm-drag! Gulak throws Cesaro into steel steps, shoulder first! Cesaro gets up but gets thrown into more steel steps! Gulak puts Cesaro in and then climbs up top. Gulak leaps but into a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! And to Gulak’s cover, ONE! Into the FUJIWARA! Cesaro endures as Gulak cranks back!

Cesaro powers up and knees Gulak low. He knees more and then whips Gulak to ropes. Gulak rolls under to sunset flip, TWO! Gulak leaps to get the dragon sleeper! Cesaro powers up to a SLAM! And a BOOT! Cesaro drags Gulak up and in, but the bad arm keeps him from completing the lift! Gulak slips out but Cesaro sends him at the ref! Gulak stops himself, but turns around into a EuroUpper! Cesaro changes plans to a torture rack and an airplane spin! WITH NO HANDS! Cesaro then SLAMS Gulak down and covers, Cesaro wins!

Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall

Incredible! As tough as Gulak was, and as much as he damaged Cesaro’s arm, Cesaro had a back-up plan! Will Cesaro be part of Sami’s plan in the Intercontinental Championship match?

 

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.

The King of the Ring may not have to face Elias after that brutal attack two weeks ago. Corbin shows no remorse for what he did. He does regret he didn’t pile on with road cases. But as a man of tradition, the man who ended Kurt Angle’s career, he’ll accept doing the same to Elias. Corbin even has a song! Corbin plays a harmonica as he basically just brags in rhythm. Well, rhythmic but tone deaf. Will Corbin be able to sing his praises at the end of tonight?

 

The WWE Backstage hosts join the preshow!

Renee Young, Booker T and Mark Henry are here to discuss Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler! It is certainly one of the most anticipated matches on this card. The Raw Women’s Championship is on the line, but in very different circumstances. A crowd of 70 thousand could rattle you, though Shayna is not easily rattled. However, no fans at all, that might affect Becky more. Becky will need to use some “tricks of the trade” to survive, or she’ll lose. Booker and Henry are split on who wins, who will be shocked by what goes down?

 

Stephanie McMahon addresses the WWE Universe.

“Every year, about this time, WWE presents its premier event, WrestleMania.” Each event has its own personality and has been different from before. This year’s will be the most different of all. The current circumstances prevent there being an audience, but there will be the same commitment to provide us all with the diversion, a sense of hope, determination, and of course, entertainment. With that said, the WWE thanks its fans, and welcomes them to WrestleMania!

 

WrestleMania has always had the best of the best be part of the celebration.

But with no live crowd allowed, that also means no live performance of the National Anthem. So instead, WWE presents a montage-medley of all 35 previous performances. Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Ray Charles, Michelle Williams, Boys II Men, Little Richard and so many more amazing voices blend together to sing the anthem of the great United States of America.

 

“A battle for the ages” is on the horizon.

Rise as one, or fall as… CUT! That’s starting at the end. You can’t start at the end. Where is the drama? The rising action? Story-telling 101. Back-up to… There! The raging ocean. “The darkest hour… is just before the dawn.” Movie narration, go! No, wait, that’s very cliche. Okay, yes, this is all cliche because it’s pirate theme with a pedestrian knockoff Jack Sparrow. But it’s also so much more. It’s a story of adventure, bravery, maybe even madness. Wait why are there horses and aliens? Give us the heroic montage! The epic effects! Mythical juxtapositions!

Our heroes, our icons, our legends are all here after hundreds of days and nights around the world. This is their quest for gold, glory and immortality! You may think you’ve heard this story before, but forget what you have learned. For fate has a funny way of surprising you. “Tonight, adventure awaits.” But history waits for no one! Both those things collide in one epic weekend! Who conquers the conquerors? Who raises the greatest treasures imaginable? And who stands tall on the Grandest Stage of Them All?

 

Rob Gronkowski welcomes us to WrestleMania 36!

The NFL Super Bowl winner is here as “the host with the most” of this epic weekend! The party is too big for one night, so now we need the entire weekend! Well Gronk is the right man for the job! So sit back, grab a drink, and forget your world to be entertained in this world. Gronk brings out Mojo Rawley and we get hyped! High stakes, no brakes, and it starts NOW!

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bliss-Cross!

Who better to open a pirate themed WrestleMania than the Pirate Princess? Kairi Sane and the Empress of Tomorrow look to keep hold of their treasure! But will the Goddess and loony lass be take their booty and kick some ass?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and teams sort out. Alexa and Asuka start, ready for a rematch from SmackDown. The two approach, Asuka dodges Alexa, and the Kabuki Warriors have a good laugh. Kairi tags in and she now steps to Alexa. Kairi pushes Alexa around but then starts making them harder palm strikes. Alexa falls down and Kairi mocks the ribbons in Alexa’s hair. They’re cute, but then Alexa SLAPS back! Alexa catches Kairi’s retaliation and mocks Kairi’s hair. Alexa then hits the standing STO and then mocks Asuka. The ref keeps Asuka back as Alexa drops knees. Tag to Nikki and Nikki dropkicks Kairi! Cover, ONE, but Nikki waistlocks to hop on for a thrashing sleeper! Kairi puts Nikki on ropes and in the Kabuki corner. Tag to Asuka and Asuka attacks Nikki.

The Kabuki Warriors stomp Nikki down but the ref backs Asuka off. Asuka says she knows the rules. Asuka snapmares Nikki to then buzzsaw kick! She toys with Nikki and pushes her around. She talks trash in Japanese but Nikki hits back with forearms. Nikki gets an edge but Asuka pushes back. Alexa tags in and Nikki throws Asuka out! Nikki trips up Kairi and clubs away with forearms! The ref reprimands Nikki but Alexa wrecks Kairi with a dropkick! Alexa is on the apron, and she CANNONBALLS onto Asuka! The ref starts a ring count but Nikki crossbodies Kairi down! Bliss-Cross are fired up and hug it out as the Kabuki Warriors regroup. Alexa gets Asuka in the ring at 5 and covers, TWO! Alexa drags Asuka up and wrenches. Tag to Nikki and Nikki climbs up. Nikki leaps for double ax handles!

Nikki wrenches but Asuka DECKS her! Tag to Kairi and Kairi ax kicks Nikki down! Kairi whips but Nikki reverses to send Kairi back out. Kairi hurries up but Nikki swings. But Kairi catches the kick to CHOP! And CHOP! Asuka comes over to help but Alexa wrecks her with a dropkick! The women are brawling and Asuka throws Alexa into the post! Nikki throws Kairi at barriers but Kairi goes up to headscissor back! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Nikki down! The Kabuki Warriors talk trash and praise themselves as the ring count climbs. Asuka puts Nikki in at 8 and follows. Asuka stomps Nikki down short of getting to Alexa. She says “Mudi mudi!” aka it’s impossible to beat the Kabuki Warriors! Asuka tags Kairi and they mug Nikki.

The Kabuki whip and kick Nikki! Then ax kick to bulldog to dropkick! Asuka and Kairi are having fun now as Kairi sits for a cover. ONE so Kairi clubs away on Nikki. Kairi drags Nikki up in a facelock and cranks on her neck. Kairi ALabama lifts but Nikki sunset flips! TWO, and Nikki hurries. Kairi grabs at Nikki but Nikki kicks her away, hot tag to Alexa! Alexa rallies with lariats and counter punches to ROCK and DROPKICK! Asuka shouts for Kairi to get up but Alexa runs in. Kairi dodges but Alexa still punches her first. Alexa climbs up but Asuka hurries over. The ref reprimands them but the Kabuki Warriors trip Alexa up! Kairi climbs to WOE STOMP Alexa down!! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives and Kairi argues the count.

Kairi drags Alexa up to grind her boots in. The ref counts but Kairi lets up to kick. Alexa kicks back but Kairi kicks her down! SLIDING D! Cover, TWO! Kairi drags Alexa up and wrenches her hair. Tag to Asuka and the Kabuki mug Alexa on the ropes. Asuka stands on Alexa’s neck at the apron. Kairi thrashes Alexa around while the ref pulls Asuka off. Asuka says she knows the rules, because that’s how they’re getting away with all this. Asuka clamps onto Alexa with an armlock. Alexa endures and fights her way up. Alexa throws hands but Asuka throws Alexa by her hair! Nikki protests but Asuka chokes Alexa on the ropes. Asuka lets up at 4 but Kairi hotshots Alexa down!

Asuka goes after Alexa with forearms, then runs corner to corner for a hip attack! Alexa denies the bulldog but not the pop-up KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Alexa toughs it out but Asuka is still on her. Asuka bumps Alexa off buckles as Nikki rallies for Alexa. Asuka runs in and Alexa knees her away! Alexa runs, ducks the back hand to ROCK Asuka! But Asuka ROUNDHOUSES back! Both women are down and crawling for their corners! Hot tags to Kairi and Nikki! Nikki rallies with big forearms! She runs in at the corner to splash and bulldog! Nikki unzips her vest and climbs up top! FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Nikki drags Kairi up but Kairi rakes the eyes! Tag to Asuka and Kairi runs in at Nikki. Nikki puts Kairi outside but Kairi shoulders in. But into a facelock! Nikki wants her neckbreaker but Asuka clubs her on the back!

Asuka fires off palm strikes but Nikki blocks the back hand! Nikki hits THE PURGE!! But Kairi hits the InSANE Elbow to break the cover!! Everyone is down but Nikki heads for Asuka. Nikki and Asuka are up, Nikki waistlocks but Asuka flails! O’Conner roll but Asuka pops out! ASUKA LOCK!! Nikki flails and rolls but Asuka stays clamped on! Alexa uses TWISTED BLISS to return the favor! But Kairi SPEARS Alexa! Everyone is down again! Asuka returns to her corner but Alexa is nowhere to be found. Kairi tags in and Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Kairi is up top again, but Nikki goes after her! The two fight up top and Kairi clubs away. Nikki clubs back but Asuka tags back in.

Asuka adds on and the Kabuki have Nikki 2v1! Asuka sunset flips and Kairi adjusts, KABUKI DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Nikki survives and the Kabuki Warriors cannot believe it! Kairi tags back in and Asuka drags Nikki up. Kairi DECKS ALexa and then runs. But Nikki dodges! The Kabuki avoid colliding, but then Nikki POSTS Asuka! Kairi clubs Nikki but Nikki ducks the back hand. THE PURGE hits again! Tag to Alexa, for another TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, Bliss-Cross wins!!

Winners: Bliss-Cross, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Amazing! The best friends are back on top! Will they reach new heights together?

 

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Sami and his Artist Collective are feeling good, but now Sami must defend his title against Daniel Bryan. Is it inevitable, though? The “inevitable” was Braun Strowman beating these three to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Yet it is Sami, “The Great Liberator,” holding the title! Everyone wants to see Bryan shut Sami’s mouth, but that’s not inevitable. Having this match doesn’t mean Bryan gets at Sami. The Artist Collective always has a plan. But one thing that is inevitable is that Sami will do what very few have ever done. He will walk in as Intercontinental Champion, and then walk out still Intercontinental Champion. Which inevitability will become reality?

 

Elias VS Baron Corbin!

The Drifter has said the Lone Wolf King is delusional, but Corbin’s attack was very real. Has Elias recovered enough to exact revenge on Corbin? Or is he the one who will #DriftAway?

Corbin grabs a mic to say, “The King has arrived at WrestleMania!” But Elias is nowhere to be found. Corbin replays the footage of his attack to make sure we all remember how it happened. “That felt good to send Elias flying off that balcony. And what’s going to feel even better is getting my second win at WrestleMania in a row.” So Elias should be counted out and Corbin’s hand should be raised in victory! But wait! The guitar strum signals that Elias IS here! Corbin rushes Elias but Elias kicks and guitar SMASHES Corbin back! This match isn’t official because Corbin didn’t wait for the bell! Elias throws Corbin into barriers and into the post! He CHOPS Corbin down then bumps him off the apron!

Elias puts Corbin in the ring but the ref keeps Elias back. Corbin flounders to a corner and drags himself to his feet. The bell rings and Elias goes after Corbin on the record! Elias CHOPS and clubs Corbin then whips him to ropes. Elias runs Corbin over with an elbow and covers, TWO! Corbin can’t get away before Elias is on him with another CHOP! Elias throws big forearms and springboard stomps Corbin down. The ref backs Elias off but Elias drags Corbin up. Elias reels Corbin in for a swinging neckbreaker! Cover, ONE! Elias drags Corbin back up to CHOP again! But Corbin flapjacks Elias up and out of the ring! Corbin demands the ref count Elias out, and the count begins. Elias is up at 3 and in at 4, but Corbin throws him into a POST. Corbin covers, TWO!

Corbin stomps Elias down then puts him in a corner. He throws big body shots and haymakers then whips Elias corner to corner. Elias hits buckles hard, but dodges Corbin. Corbin slides out then in then LARIATS Elias down! Cover, TWO! Corbin grows frustrated but he goes after Elias again. “How’s your arm, huh?!” Corbin drags Elias up with a chinbar to drive elbows into the bad shoulder! Then Corbin shouts at commentary to praise him. Elias body shots Corbin back! Corbin knees low then POSTS Elias again! Corbin grins as Elias falls back and clutches his arms. Cover, TWO! The Wolf King is frustrated again, and he argues with the ref. Corbin goes after Elias on the ropes and drives more elbows into the bad shoulder. Elias flops against the ropes but Corbin brings him back up.

Corbin whips Elias corner to corner, but Elias reverses and POSTS Corbin! Now Corbin clutches a bad shoulder. Elias goes to the opposite corner and runs in to LARIAT Corbin down! Elias whips but Corbin reverses. Corbin catches Elias as he goes up, but Elias still mule kicks Corbin away. Elias stomps Corbin and throws fast hands! The ref backs Elias off but Elias is furious! Elias stomps Corbin more and more but backs off again. Just to come back for more! Elias drags Corbin up, dragon sleepers, swinging facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Elias keeps his cool and drags Corbin to a drop zone. Elias climbs up top, leaps, but has to bail out as Corbin moves. Corbin gets Elias for DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Elias survives and both men back off to opposite corners.

Corbin sits up first but Elias slowly follows. Elias flounders on ropes but he gets to another corner. Corbin runs in but Elias dodges again. Corbin slides out then in but Elias dodges the lariat this time! Elias KNEES Corbin down! Cover, TWO! Elias drags Corbin around to stomp away on. He puts Corbin back in a drop zone but Corbin rolls away. Elias pursues but Corbin grabs the ropes. Elias tries to get Corbin up but Corbin throat chops! Corbin covers, using the ropes! The ref spots that and stops the count. Corbin argues but Elias rolls Corbin up! WITH TIGHTS! Elias wins!!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall

The King tried to cheat but he gets cheated right back! Will Elias have a song to tell the tale of this victory?

 

Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Shayna Baszler!

The Man has been on a roll for a year now, but she may have run into an obstacle she can’t overcome. The Queen of Spades eliminated every other woman in the Elimination Chamber, and looks to destroy one more target. Will Shayna extinguish the Straight Fire once and for all? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this grudge match finally happens!

Becky circles with Shayna and then they start throwing hands! It is fast and furious to say the least! Shayna kicks Becky’s leg, then gets around her for the Kirafuda! But Becky escapes before Shayna can clamp on tighter. Shayna pursues and kicks away on Bekcy’s leg. Becky hits back but Shayna CLUBS her down! Shayna bumps Becky off the apron then refreshes the count. Shayna stalks Becky, then dead lifts her! But Becky huricanranas free! Becky staggers over to bring Shayna up. She throws Shayna into the desk! Becky refreshes the count now to then throw Shayna into steel steps! Shayna writhes but Becky drags her back up. Becky puts Shayna in at 4 then climbs up top. Becky leaps to missile dropkick Shayna down!

Shayna flounders to the far corner but Becky runs in. Becky hits the forearm then stomps away! The ref counts but Becky won’t let up. The ref backs Becky off but she goes after SHayna with an uppercut and a back kick! Becky brings Shayna up but Shayna fights off the suplex. Becky elbows Shayna then jumps, but her kick is blocked! Shayna KNEES Becky down! Shayna stalks up behind Becky to bring her up in a butterfly. She gut wrenches but Becky slips out! Becky wants the arm, but Shayna clamps onto a shoulder. Becky sits down out of the clutch to victory roll, TWO! Shayna SPINE BUSTERS Becky down! Shayna drags Becky back up, butterfly to CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives but Shayna isn’t done with her. Shayna waits for Becky to rise, and then runs in.

Becky dodges to clamp onto the arm! Shayna whips Becky to the apron. Becky KICKS Shayna back then drags her out to join her. The two start brawling on the apron’s edge! Becky says this is HER title, no one else’s! Shayna fires off hands and knees! Becky wobbles, but she catches Shayna for a SLAM onto the apron!! Becky pushes Shayna in to cover, TWO!! Shayna survives and Becky is at a loss for words. Becky thinks on what to do next, and she drags Shayna over to a corner. Becky climbs up top, but SHayna springs up to enziguri! Shayna THROWS Becky off the top! Shayna clamps on, butterfly to an ARMBAR! Becky flails, endures, and manages a grip. Becky moves to make it a cover, TWO! Shayna STEALS the Disarm-Her!!

Becky endures her own move, and rolls around to get up. But Shayna trips Becky to KNEE her point-blank! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Shayna grows frustrated. Becky goes to the apron but Shayna pursues. Shayna brings Becky up but Becky hotshots her away. Becky climbs up, DISARM-HER on the ropes! But Shayna shoves Becky up, KIRAFUDA in the ropes!! The ref counts, Shayna lets go at 4 and Becky flops to the floor! Becky crawls but Shayna is in pursuit again. Shayna kicks Becky down then grabs the legs. Shayna dead lifts and SWINGS Becky into the desk! She drops Becky to refresh the count, and now grins. Shayna drags Becky up and says, “Some hero.” She puts Becky in the ring but takes her time returning.

Shayna looms over Becky, but Becky grabs the arm! Becky tries to bring Shayna down but Shayna back suplexes her off. Becky lands on her feet, but Shayna spins her around, for the KIRAFUDA! Shayna keeps Becky from ropes and leans on her. Becky rolls back to a cover, and WINS!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)

Becky finds a way to survive Shayna! The savage Queen of Spades was perhaps outsmarted at the last moment. Will Shayna survive being shocked by Straight Fire?

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn w/ The Artist Collective VS Daniel Bryan w/ Drew Gulak!

Gulak helped the Yes Movement get this match, but he lost his own against Cesaro. Will Bryan make good on Gulak’s help by taking this title off “The Great Liberator?”

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this showdown begins!

Well, it would begin but Sami takes his time talking things over with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Sami finally leaves his corner to circle with Bryan. Sami backs away into the corner again, then hops out of the ring. He says Bryan is crowding him but Bryan gives Sami plenty of space. Sami gets in and the two circle. But then Sami bails back out, just to annoy Bryan. Bryan keeps his cool but Sami lets the ring count climb. Sami slowly gets in at 8, but then jumps right back out! Bryan pursues and chases Sami, but Cesaro stands in the way. Sami gets back in the ring and Bryan heads that way, but again Sami bails out. Now Shinsuke stands in Bryan’s way. Sami slides back in with a cocky grin, but Bryan slides in. Bryan slowly approaches, Sami stumbles and Bryan almost gets him!

But now both Cesaro and Shinsuke stand in the way. So Gulak LEAPS Onto them both! Gulak and Cesaro brawl, and Gulak throws Cesaro over barriers! Gulak dodges Nakamura to clothesline him over, too! Sami sneaks up on Gulak but Gulak sees him coming. Bryan says Gulak can stand down, and let Sami go. Sami wants a count out, so just let him. So are they coming to their senses? Sami says this is Bryan’s best decision. But then Bryan goes out and TACKLES Sami at the ramp! Bryan punches Sami then puts him in the ring! Bryan has Sami all alone but Sami begs for forgiveness. No go as Bryan gets the legs! Sami keeps pleading but Bryan punches and clubs Sami over and over. Bryan keeps Sami down with knee after knee!

Sami flounders up but Bryan drags him from the ropes. Bryan has the leg and just toys with Sami now. Bryan kicks Sami hard in the leg, and the back, and then grounds ‘n’ pounds more. Sami gets away again but Bryan builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends both men into barriers! Bryan is up to kick Sami over and over! Bryan puts Sami in then climbs up top. Sami stands but Bryan leaps to missile dropkick him down! Bryan kips up and he has Sami’s legs again. Bryan laces the legs and pulls on Sami’s nose! The ref reprimands but Bryan crossface forearms Sami over and over and over! Bryan bumps Sami off buckles then SLAPS him! That’s for thinking Gulak’s a nobody! The kicks are because Sami hasn’t earned the title! Bryan hits a corner to corner dropkick!

Sami flounders about but Bryan brings him back up. Bryan knees Sami over and over! Sami tries to run away again but Bryan is after him. Sami elbows Bryan back and unloads haymakers of his own! He whips and LARIATS Bryan down! Sami is still stinging from everything Bryan did, but now he laughs because he’s in control. Sami SLAPS Bryan now! But Bryan just gets stronger! Sami CHOPS Bryan, and CHOPS! Bryan fires up as Sami whips, and he comes back with a LEAPING LARIAT! Bryan gives Sami YES and NO Kicks! Kicks from all sides hit Sami over and over! And the BUZZSAW! Sami is in a daze but Bryan isn’t done with him. Bryan has the arms and DANIELSON STOMPS! He stomps and stomps and stomps!

Gulak says Bryan can finish Sami now by going up top. But Cesaro and Nakamura go after Gulak and throw him into steps! Bryan DIVES and takes them both out! Bryan hurries to do as Gulak said, and goes up top. Sami BOOTS Bryan out of the air! Cover, Sami wins!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

The Artist Collective saves their Great Liberator! Sami wasn’t untouchable, but he did deny the inevitable. Is it undeniable that this trio will keep this title no matter who they’re up against?

 

SmackDown Tag Team Championships Triple Threat Ladder Match: John Morrison VS Kofi Kingston VS Jimmy Uso!

This was meant to be a tag team triple threat, but The Miz is not able to compete tonight. But as the show must go one, the WWE felt it was fairer to the champions to bring this down to a normal Triple Threat. Will #JohnnyDripDrip still hold onto the belts for him and the A-Lister? Or will a new reign begin for another great tag team of the 21st century?

The bell rings and each man watches the other two closely. Jimmy aims at Morrison but Morrison dodges the superkick. Morrison kicks but Jimmy dodges that. Jimmy waistlocks but both men avoid Kofi’s double stomps. Jimmy flips Kofi but he lands on his feet. Kofi flips Morrison but he lands on his feet. The three stand off and start again. Jimmy bails out but Kofi and Morrison follow. They each get a ladder and bring it into the ring. All three men stand up ladders, with Morrison having drawn the short straw. Jimmy and Kofi go up their much taller ladders and go after Morrison. Kofi reaches for the belts but Jimmy CHOPS him Jimmy CHOPS Morrison but Kofi and Morrison hit back. Morrison kicks Jimmy’s ladder over! Jimmy falls down hard and Morrison goes after Kofi.

Kofi fights Morrison off and Jimmy returns. Jimmy drags Morrison off his ladder, but then Kofi LEAPS onto Jimmy! Morrison gets up and goes up the taller ladder, only for Kofi to pursue. Kofi drags Morrison down and the two brawl. Morrison snapmares Kofi and runs to Shining Wizard! Jimmy adjusts a ladder but Morrison pushes it over. Morrison mule kicks and clubs Jimmy down. Morrison positions ladders around but Kofi goes after him with clubbing forearms. The two brawl and Morrison cranks the neck. Kofi sips out but no SOS or Trouble in Paradise. Kofi ducks the Flying Chuck but Jimmy climbs! Jimmy is up top but Kofi gets up to stop him!

Kofi clubs and headbutts Jimmy down! But Morrison hurries to stop Kofi! Morrison has an arm and ROCKS Kofi with a right. Morrison punches Kofi down, then pogo-sticks the ladder over. He reaches for the belts but Jimmy grabs at Morrison. Jimmy forces Morrison to come down, and ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy gets the ladder in position but Morrison ROCKS Jimmy back. Question mark kick to mule kick! Jimmy CHOPS, and Kofi springboards! Kofi uses the ladder like a swing, but his huricanrana is blocked! Morrison and Jimmy both throw Kofi out! Jimmy kicks Morrison low then CHOPS him again. Jimmy goes back to the ladder but Morrison clubs him back. Morrison whips, Jimmy reverses, but Morrison slides under the bars!

Jimmy pushes the ladder over, but Morrison is safe in the gap! Morrison pokes Jimmy in the eyes! Morrison pushes the ladder and it SMASHES into Jimmy! With both opponents down, Morrison takes some time to prepare. Morrison puts one ladder in a corner, then grabs another to SMASH Jimmy’s legs! Jimmy writhes while Morrison moves ladders aside. Jimmy gets up to CHOP again! He ROCKS Morrison with an uppercut, then puts Morrison on the ropes. Jimmy bounces Morrison’s head off the ladder Morrison himself set up. Jimmy climbs up to join Morrison, but has to be careful on the ladder. Morrison hits him back and trips him up! Jimmy is stuck on the ladder, and Morrison stands on the post, for a PARKOUR CORKSCREW! Morrison wrecks Jimmy with that ladder!

Morrison stomps Jimmy out of the ring then goes to a ladder. The Guru of Greatness stands the ladder up right under the belts. Morrison climbs up, careful of the wobbling. Kofi SPRINGBOARDS and SUPER STEINERS Morrison down!! Morrison falls out of the ring but Jimmy slowly gets up. Kofi hobbles to the ladder and stands it up again. Kofi climbs but Jimmy hurries in. Jimmy gets a mule kick but gives an uppercut. Kofi whips Jimmy out and throws a big haymaker! Kofi sees Morrison and FLIES! They wipe out with the ladders! All three men are down but Kofi is up first. Kofi gets a ladder but Jimmy walks on the barriers. Kofi THROWS the ladder at Jimmy!! Jimmy goes down in a heap with the ladder but Kofi keeps on him.

Kofi kicks Jimmy down then drags a ladder up. Kofi makes a ladder bridge between barrier and ring. “I know you got fight, Uce.” He clubs Jimmy then brings him up. He bounces Jimmy off the ladder, then hoists him onto it. Kofi clubs away on Jimmy until Jimmy stays put. But Morrison is up top! Kofi hurries to trip Morrison up and club him down. Kofi gets space, climbs up top, but Morrison is also up again. Morrison tightrope walks all the way to Kofi! And then uses a SUPER SPANISH FLY to wreck Kofi in the ring! But Jimmy USO SPLASHES down on Morrison!! All three men are down but those titles are still above their heads! Jimmy forces himself to bring a ladder up. He positions it under the belts and wills himself up the rungs.

Kofi crawls over and anchors Jimmy, but Jimmy kicks him away. Jimmy climbs but Kofi pursues. Kofi climbs over Jimmy and grabs at his hair. Jimmy punches Kofi back and Kofi flops to the floor. Jimmy climbs back up, but Kofi comes up from under! Kofi kicks and punches from the inside of the ladder, and then smashes Jimmy’s head on a rung! Jimmy falls down and Kofi moves around to the outside of the ladder. Kofi grabs at the belts but Morrison is there! Morrison punches Kofi but Kofi hits back. Kofi headbutts Morrison down and heads back up! But Morrison comes back around to grab his feet. Kofi leaps for DOUBLE STOMPS!! Everyone is down again, and the ladder tips over!

Kofi hurries to get the ladder back up, but Jimmy is bringing another ladder in. Kofi kicks Morrison out but Jimmy pushes the ladder in! It ends up another bridge as Kofi fights with Morrison. Kofi knocks Jimmy off the apron and then climbs. Kofi jumps off the bridge but into Jimmy’s kick! Jimmy SMASHES Kofi into ladder! Jimmy talks trash but Morrison is lurking. Morrison goes over and Jimmy goes under! Morrison goes up again but Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Jimmy has Morrison on the ladder bridge, and then brings a third ladder into play. Jimmy stands the ladder up in a corner as he climbs. He is at the very top, but Morrison gets up! Morrison pushes this ladder over and Jimmy FALLS TO THE FLOOR!!

Morrison has an opening and he tosses ladders out of the way. He heads up the rungs and grabs at the belts, but Kofi is back! Kofi climbs up as Morrison fiddles with the hook. Kofi CLUBS Morrison and then headbutts him. Morrison kicks and ROCKS Kofi, but Jimmy returns?! Jimmy has another ladder side by side with the main one. He climbs as the other two brawl. Jimmy CHOPS and headbutts! Kofi gives them back! Morrison uses both ladders for balance, and all three men are grabbing at the belts! They all unhook it, but now it’s about who keeps hold! They keep brawling, and a DOUBLE HEADBUTT sends Morrison down! BUT WITH THE BELTS!!! The belts came off the hanger, Morrison wins!!!

Winner: John Morrison (Miz & Morrison are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)

A unique 1v1v1 match for tag titles, and an incredibly unique way of winning! If Morrison can win even in this situation, will he and The Miz ever stop being THE Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century?

 

Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens!

The Monday Night Messiah vows to bring Raw and all of the WWE into the future, but under his leadership and vision. But the Prizefighter will not let Rollins mistake his obnoxious tirades as greatness. Will Rollins end Kevin and the Resistance? Or will Kevin finally have a WrestleMania Moment to be proud of?

The bell rings and Rollins gives Kevin a chance to end this peacefully. Kevin refuses and rushes Rollins, but Rollins goes to the ropes for defense. The ref brings Kevin back and Rollins sucker punches! Rollins throws more hands but Kevin hits back. Rollins runs away, but Kevin pursues. They brawl outside the ring and Kevin backs Rollins down. Kevin throws Rollins into barriers but Rollins uses Kevin’s shirt to bring him into a knee. Rollins goes to the ring but Kevin avoids getting a Curb Stomp! Kevin knocks Rollins down then CHOPS him to a corner. Kevin throws more hands but the ref backs Kevin off. Rollins gets up but Kevin whips him. Rollins kicks Kevin but Kevin LARIATS back! And drops a senton! Kevin taunts Rollins, “How did that feel?” Then he gives Rollins another senton!

Rollins is in a corner but bails out before the cannonball. Kevin pursues again and CHOPS Rollins more! Kevin brings Rollins over to throw into barriers! He drags Rollins up to throw into more barriers around the way! Kevin refreshes the count to go after Rollins again. Kevin stomps Rollins then puts him in the ring. Rollins rolls out but Kevin meets him around the way. Kevin drags Rollins up and around, but Rollins resists the lift. Rollins back drops Kevin onto the apron! Kevin writhes but Rollins seethes. Rollins drags Kevin up, for an APRON FALCON ARROW! Kevin falls to the floor and sputters for air. Rollins taunts Kevin now as Kevin slowly stands. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends Kevin into barriers! Rollins asks if Kevin sees the mistake he made. “I become a GOD!”

Kevin stands again, but Rollins DIVES again! Another direct hit! Rollins is laughing now because “You’re making this too easy, Kevin.” Rollins goes back into the ring, taunting Kevin that he’s a disappointment to his kids. Kevin stands, Rollins runs, but Kevin ROCKS Rollins first! But Rollins returns with a SLINGBLADE! Rollins rains down fists from all sides then kicks Kevin all around. Rollins taunts Kevin with his own words about being the one to #BurnItDown. Kevin stands, Rollins back kicks and runs. But no stomp as Kevin dodges! Kevin rolls Rollins, dodges another stomp, and hits a SPIKING DDT! Both men are down now but going to opposite corners. Rollins spots Kevin and runs in, but Kevin dodges! And SUPERKICKS back! Kevin hits the CANNONBALL! Kevin heads up top fast, for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Rollins survives but is still in bad shape. Kevin stands and keeps Rollins from leaving. Kevin throws haymakers and whips, but Rollins slips out of the pop-up! Rollins kicks, Kevin duck sand rolls him. Rollins slips out and tries again, but Kevin kicks back! No Stunner, Rollins hits a PELE! But Kevin rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down again but stirring. Kevin is up first but Rollins goes to the apron. Kevin grabs Rollins and brings him up at the corner. They go up to the top rope, but Rollins fights back Kevin clubs Rollins but Rollins resists the superplex. Rollins claws Kevin’s eyes! And then sunset flips! For the BUCKLE BOMB! Rollins SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Rollins runs, into a POP-UP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Rollins survives and Kevin can’t believe it! Kevin drags himself up on the ropes while Rollins crawls to the apron. Kevin heads over but Rollins runs! Rollins makes it to the timekeeper’s area but Kevin catches him! Rollins elbows Kevin away and then uses the RING BELL!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification

The irony is that the bell couldn’t ring until Rollins gave it back. Kevin wins the battle because Rollins is focused on the war. “That’s your WrestleMania Moment, huh?” It isn’t a failure, but it isn’t what Kevin wants. Kevin grabs a mic to shout at Rollins before he leaves. “You don’t get to end this this way.” Kevin thought Rollins said he was a wrestling god. But that was the act of a wrestling BI*CH! If Rollins is a man, then prove it! They need to finish this! NO DISQUALIFICATIONS! Rollins accepts the challenge! Will Kevin redeem himself in this instant rematch?

No Disqualifications: Seth Rollins VS Kevin Owens!

The bell rings again and Rollins KNEES Kevin down! Rollins slaps Kevin around as he shouts, “When are you going to figure it out?!” Rollins drags Kevin up to throw him out of the ring. He goes out to throw Kevin into barriers! He keeps on Kevin with furious fists and kicks against the barriers! Rollins throws Kevin into barriers at the timekeeper’s area! “I can do whatever I want!” So Rollins grabs steel steps. Rollins aims at Kevin, and RAMS him down! Rollins taunts Kevin and kicks him all around. He takes the timekeeper’s chair and stalks Kevin. Kevin rises but Rollins SMACKS him on the back! And then on the arm! And on the back again! Rollins tells this is why Kevin should just shut his mouth.

The ref tells Rollins to finish this in the ring but Rollins says he can do whatever he wants. Rollins clears off the announce desk and brings Kevin up. But now Kevin uses the ring bell!! And AGAIN! Kevin has Rollins on the announce desk and hurries around… Behind the set? Kevin climbs the WrestleMania sign!! Kevin aims at Rollins on the desk, for a SUPER SENTON THROUGH THE TABLE!!! Both men writhe and referees hurry out to check. Rollins moans and gasps in pain but somehow Kevin stands up! Kevin won’t let it end here, he drags Rollins up out of the wreckage. He puts Rollins in the ring, then drags him up by his hair. Rollins begs for mercy, but he gets a STUNNER instead! Cover, Kevin wins!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

Now THAT is a WrestleMania Moment to be proud of! Kevin risked his own body to take down the ego-maniacal Rollins! Will this end the war for Raw’s soul?

 

R-Truth joins Gronk and Mojo on the balcony.

The “WWE 24/7 48-7 7/11 I-95 South North European Television Champion” introduces himself. This title is bittersweet. He can’t go to picnics, church or cook outs. He got the baby back but he doesn’t want to lose it. Can Gronk and Mojo help? Gronk DECKS and covers Truth but Mojo drags him off it! Mojo covers Truth, and wins!!

Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Get hype again as The One True Champion is back on top! Mojo heads out and dares his buddy, Gronk, to come for it.

 

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Well, Heyman introduces himself and it spooks Charly Caruso. But the one that should be afraid is Drew McIntyre. We are 24 hours away from seeing that McIntyre is just a poser. Heyman said it on Raw, and knows that with all the marketing exaggerations, it seems he has failed to tell the world how unique Lesnar is. Lesnar isn’t just one amongst us, he is a unique being. McIntyre learns in 24 hours that there is nothing he can do other than dream, and crawl out of the ring a victim. Conquered not by a man, a mere mortal, but by a being unlike any other. The reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World… Brock. Lesnar.

 

WWE Universal Championship: Goldberg VS Braun Strowman!

The Big Dog could not compete so now The Monster Among Men steps to the living legend! Will Strowman finally #GetTheseHands on a world championship? Or is he just #WhosNext to lose to GOLD~BERG~?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this new yet equally epic encounter begins!

Goldberg and Strowman circle, then stare down. Strowman says Goldberg doesn’t have what it takes to stop him. Goldberg kicks low and whips Strowman to a corner. Strowman dodges and Goldberg avoids buckles. Strowman scoops but Goldberg slips out to SPEAR!! But Strowman is right up! So Goldberg SPEARS him again! Strowman is up again, but gets a THIRD SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!? Strowman survives three, but will he survive more? Goldberg takes aim and runs in, for a FOURTH SPEAR!! Goldberg is fired up but he needs to keep on Strowman. He wants to suplex but Strowman counters with a MONSTER SLAM! And another MONSTER SLAM! And then a THIRD MONSTER SLAM!! Now the tables have turned, and Strowman dares Goldberg to get up. Strowman brings Goldberg up, scoops, and hits the FOURTH MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, STROWMAN WINS!!!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (NEW WWE Universal Champion)

The Triple Crown Monster is born!! Strowman is finally a world champion after surviving and conquering the Hall of Famer! What does this mean for the WWE now?

 

Boneyard Match: AJ Styles VS The Undertaker!

The Phenomenal One couldn’t stand that the Phenom made sure he didn’t win accolades unfairly. But then he made it personal by badmouthing Taker’s legacy, and Taker’s wife, Michelle McCool. Styles wants the Dead Man of old so that he can be the one to finally end him. Will this first-ever Boneyard Match be what does it?

Cameras take us to a cemetery in an undisclosed location. A hearse pulls up as Taker’s theme plays. Hooded figures bring a casket out of the back. The casket opens, but it isn’t Taker, but AJ Styles! Styles laughs as he hops out and looks around. “This don’t look scary at all!” Styles dares Taker to show himself. “I’m ready!” And pulling up on a motorcycle with Metallica blaring, it’s Big Evil! The American Badass drives into the Boneyard! Styles is surprised Taker came. Does Michelle know he’s up this late? A grave has been dug for Taker, but he says that’s for Styles. Taker steps to Styles, but Styles grabs a brick! Taker DECKS Styles first and dares Styles to get back up. Styles wanted this, now he’s going to get it! Taker decks Styles again then brings him to the grave.

Styles gets away but Taker pursues. Taker turns “Allen” around to DECK him again! Taker throws Styles into the casket lid! “It’s all fun, right?” He bounces Styles off the lid! And again! Styles crawls but Taker grabs a big spike! Taker goes after Styles but Styles moves! The hearse’s window smashes and cuts Taker’s arm. Taker isn’t scared, he’s just upset. Taker keeps Styles from crawling away but Styles kicks back! The two brawl and Taker throws Styles over the hood ONTO the windshield! The glass cracks and Taker wonders if Styles still wants some. Styles crawls up and over the top so Taker pursues. Taker brings Styles up but Styles punches back! Taker DECKS Styles again! He grounds ‘n’ pounds Styles over and over on the roof of the car. Taker tells Styles to never talk bad about his wife again!

Styles flops off the side of the car and Taker asks if he wants more. Taker stalks Styles but Styles hits back! Styles has Taker wobbling and he LOW BLOWS him! No Disqualifications in the Boneyard! Styles drags Taker over to the grave. Styles punches Taker over and over but Taker stays up. “Just fall already.” But Taker ROCKS Styles back! Taker hauls Styles up to punch him into the grave! “How does that feel down there?” But here come the Good Brothers! The OC says this is just getting started. Taker heads over, but then lights turn on. And from the light, hooded figures emerge and surround Taker! Taker watches them closely, and a huge brawl breaks out!

Taker fights off the mysterious minions but then Gallows and Anderson attack! They beat Taker down on the ground and stomp him around. Gallows drags Taker up and Anderson has a shovel stick. Taker fights free and boots Anderson down! He decks Gallows, then Anderson. Taker takes the shovel stick to CLOBBER Anderson! And then CLUB Gallows! But Styles returns and SMASHES Taker with a cinder block! “You ain’t got what it takes, old man!” Styles clubs Taker back down and talks more trash about Michelle. He rains down hands but ends up jamming his own fingers. Styles fixes his hand and blames Taker for that. Taker gasps and sputters as Styles tells him to stay down. Taker refuses and sits up. Styles tells him to quit and retire already, or he’s going to bury him. Taker stands and Styles RAMS him THROUGH THE FENCE!

Styles crawls from the wreckage while Taker continues to gasp. “You just don’t have it anymore, old man.” Taker slowly gets up but Styles is standing. Taker flips Styles off and eggs him on! So Styles throws down more fists! Styles says the “American Badass” just looks like some “broken down old bi*ch.” Styles grabs a shovel with a head on it, and says he is doing the WWE Universe a favor. Taker crawls and Styles BREAKS the shovel across his back! Taker falls into the grave! Styles sprinkles dirt as he says, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” Styles goes to the tractor and starts it up. But wait! Is that…?! Taker magically appears behind him!! Taker punches Styles again and again! Styles flounders off the tractor and Taker kicks him around.

Styles heads for a ladder. Taker pursues Styles as he’s on the roof. Styles backs away, but PILLARS OF FIRE keep him from running! Taker BOOTS Styles down! Then he punches the OC away! Taker throws Gallows off the roof! And he scoops Anderson for a TOMBSTONE! That’s a tin roof, too! Now it’s just Taker and Styles. Styles doesn’t understand how Taker is doing this. Styles throws hands but Taker just eggs him on. Taker then choke grips Styles, for a CHOKE SLAM OFF THE ROOF!! Taker climbs down the ladder and stalks over to Styles. Styles stirs in the wreckage of the fence. Taker asks if Styles remembers his wife’s name. Taker wants Styles to stay awake, because they’ve still got plenty to do. He drags Styles from the wood wreckage and scoops him.

Taker carries Styles over to the grave and drops him just outside. Styles apologizes but Taker wants him to be specific. Taker drags Styles up and says he put up a hell of a fight. Styles doesn’t want to be buried, but Taker says he isn’t going to do that. They hug it out and Taker commends Styles for bringing the fight. Taker pats Styles on the head, then BOOTS him into the grave! Taker goes to the tractor, starts it up again, and DUMPS DIRT INTO THE GRAVE! And in the end, the head stone reads… AJ STYLES! Styles is left behind in a shallow grave as Taker gets back on his motorcycle. And with a raise of his fist, fire shoots from the barn! Taker’s symbol glows in the sky as he heads out into the night, for this is not his last ride.

Winner: The Undertaker

 


 

My Thoughts:

Wow, I must say, I really liked a lot of what WWE did tonight. I wasn’t really sure the point of a kickoff match but Cesaro and Gulak gave us really good stuff. And WWE actually changed the way the math usually works. I thought Cesaro winning meant Gulak would help Bryan win, but nope. The Artist Collective worked together and Sami Zayn is still champion. If anything, that’s the better outcome so the trio can be taken seriously. There’s concern of Daniel Bryan’s contract, but I hope this loss doesn’t mean he’s leaving. Likewise, I hope the Kabuki Warriors losing does NOT mean Kairi Sane is leaving. It felt like the Kabuki Warriors finally got going before this pandemic. Hopefully Kairi is given reason to stay so that she and Asuka can be even greater once the pandemic is over.

Elias VS Corbin was alright, but barely better than what you’d expect from a TV match. It might just be the limitations of both guys as exciting performers. But at least Elias won. I was surprised by the Raw Women’s Championship in how Becky one with the roll up counter. Shayna going through crisis of confidence might be an interesting move, as she’s always been succeeding. I’m sure she’ll get a second shot because who else is there for Becky to face? The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Ladder Match was still amazing, even with having to cut the numbers in half. That ending was brilliant, too. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a ladder match won by a miraculous move like that. I’m really intrigued to see where those titles go next.

The complete Rollins VS Kevin segment was great stuff. Rollins ending the first match with a DQ was a very TV move in the moment, but I am so glad we got that No DQ match right after. And I’m not sure if we would’ve gotten that super senton spot the same way if this was in the Tampa Bay arena. Maybe it would’ve been off the pirate ship stage set we all expected, but it was still amazing this way. And Kevin technically beat Rollins twice in one night, so that could add to the story. And then, what’s not to love about the last three matches? Getting the 24/7 Championship in on this was great, and I hope we get the rematch tomorrow. I am SO pumped that they gave Strowman the win, he finally gets a world title like he deserved a year or more ago.

And then, the Boneyard match. That was perfectly done with such great cinematic presentation. Taker being more American Badass was pretty good, even though he still has his powers to teleport and summon fire. I almost thought Styles was going to win, with Taker buried but with the shovel head so he could dig himself out. But in the end, it’s very fitting that Taker wins. Taker’s own WWE Network special airs tomorrow after Night 2, and they titled it “The Last Ride,” but if he were to do more cinematic matches, maybe he could last another couple years. I’m sure there will also be some kind of video where The OC dig Styles out so that he isn’t buried alive or anything, but this should do something to affect Styles’ confidence for a little bit.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

on

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
  • Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
  • WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
  • Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

 

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

 

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

 

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

 

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

 

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

 

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

 

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

 

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

 

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

 

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

 

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

 

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

 

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

 

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

 

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

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

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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.

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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.


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