Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/11/20)

An UNTOUCHABLE contract signing!

Published

3 years ago

December 11, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The SmackDown Women’s Championship match is set!

Tonight, Sasha Banks and Carmella are going to sign on the dotted line! TLC will see a LEGIT, FABULOUS SmackDown Women’s Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins; Ziggler wins.
Sami Zayn VS Big E; Sami wins.
The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???; The Riott Squad wins.
Chad Gable & Otis VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; Cesaro & Nakamura win.
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Carmella; Carmella wins by disqualification, Sasha retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sasha Banks heads to the ring!

The Boss, the standard, the blueprint and THE SmackDown Women’s Champion is here to handle her business. Before facing the #UNTOUCHABLE at TLC for the title, the contract needs to be signed! Adam Pearce is here to preside over the signing, and notes Sasha was the one who boldly made the challenge. This contract will make that match official. But then Sasha gets upset. Where IS the contract? Is this some kind of set up? Is Mella doing this? Is Pearce working with her? Where is the paperwork?!

Mella laughs from the titantron as she dangles the contract. Doesn’t Sasha know Mella makes the rules? But Mella signed her part. She will have her “messenger boy” take this to her. Sasha should’ve known Mella would’ve pulled this. Isn’t Mella embarrassed to be herself? Nope. She’s proud of herself. That’s why she doesn’t pander to those “internet mouth-breathers” like Sasha does. Did Sasha think Mella was going to get into the ring with her after that ambush like a wild animal? This isn’t the Tiger King, it’s the Queen’s Gambit. And Mella is the “hot chick playing chess with your life,” and is always four moves ahead.

Oh that many moves? If Mella wants to play games, how about this? How far back can Sasha bend Mella’s spine? Or better yet, how fast can she make Mella cry? This is why Mella didn’t go to the ring! Sasha is making threats! Someone stop her before she hurts someone. But Mella gets why Sasha is acting like this. As soon as Sasha signs the contract, her day as champion are numbered. Sasha stamps her signature down on the contract, and Sasha flips the script. If Sasha wants the title, come and get it TONIGHT! “What do you say, blondie?!” Mella doesn’t make rules, Sasha is the boss! Pearce likes that, and makes it the main event tonight!

And before this signing is truly over, Sasha says she’ll give Mella a preview of how wild tonight is. She attacks the assistant! And hits a BACKSTABBER! Then dumps the table over on him! Sasha holds her title up, but will she still be holding onto it by the end of the night?

Backstage interview with The Street Profits!

Kayla Braxton has the SmackDown Tag Team Champions here, and they’re hyped up! Kayla brings up how the self-proclaimed aces of SmackDown, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, were saying the Profits are “too funny to make money.” Do the Profits think this will affect their reputation as competitors?

Funny? Do they look funny? Ford goes up against a former World Heavyweight Champion in Ziggler! Is it funny to do how Ford does in the ring, then make it rain Solo cups? Would it be funny if Roode got involved and Dawkins slapped him so hard, space and time opened up to let a million Roode doppelgangers out and they all say, “Robert! You’re embarrassing us!” NO! Too much cheesy facial hair! One Roode is enough. But bad enough why? Because the Street Profits are up! And #WeWantTheSmoke! That simple. The showdown of Show-Off and #KingTez is next!

Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins!

The #DirtyDawgs got a non-title win on the Profits but are working their way up to THE title match-up they’ve wanted since both teams were on Raw! Will Ziggler score another win as TLC approaches?

SmackDown returns as Ziggler and Roode make their entrance. Ziggler has a mic now and he says he used to LOVE the word, “Profits.” But we just saw the Profits talking about crazy things, like Solo cups raining from the sky, which reminds Ziggler of college. But Ziggler also remembers the Profits saying he is just “a poor man’s HBK.” No, Ziggler is rich as hell. But if they wanna use that bit the right way, then you do it right. The Profits are the poor man’s Desus & Mero. Not an opening hit but it works. Now, the only thing less funny than Ziggler’s comedy is the Profits. And the only thing less funny than them is the fact they’re SmackDown Tag Team Champions!

Roode says the Profits can get one last laugh about the nerdy things they find funny. Because when the “aces” get their shot at the titles, the title reign goes up in smoke. Ford and Dawkins admit that’s a decent line, but now this match begins!

Ziggler and Ford circle, show off the knee steps, then tie up. Ziggler gets a leg, Ford gets ropes, and the ref counts. Ziggler lets off clean, but then he kicks low! That’s not clean! Ziggler scrapes Ford’s face with the laces, then he digs Ford’s face into the ropes! The ref reprimands, Ziggler lets off and then dropkicks Ford down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grins as he keeps close. Ziggler wraps on a chinlock to then get an arm and pulls it back. Ziggler traps the arm, but Ford fights up, powers up, only for Ziggler to knee low! Ziggler turns Ford to a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps his focus and he talks trash. He scrapes laces on Ford’s face again, then swivels his hips at him.

Ford gets up, Ziggler runs at him, but Ford catches the drop kick to a catapult! Ziggler hits buckles hard, and then Ford dropkicks Ziggler down! Ford runs, dodges and BLOCKBUSTERS Ziggler down! Ziggler flounders out, Roode slithers in but Dawkins is there to stop him! Roode gets Ziggler out, Ford and Dawkins break it down, and the SOLO CUPS RAIN!! One “prophecy” came true, will we see GLORIOUS doppelgangers after the break?!

SmackDown returns, no doppelgangers but Ziggler does have Ford down in a sleeper hold and body scissor combo! Ford endures, fights, and pries free. Dawkins coaches Ford up but Ziggler throws him by his hair! Ziggler drops an elbow, then another, then another, and another, and another! And even more! Ziggler just doesn’t stop, but then he spins around, to drop one more! Cover, TWO! Roode is frustrated for Ziggler but Ziggler wraps Ford back up in a sleeper and body scissors. Ford endures all over again and fans rally up on their screens. Ford fights back up, even as Ziggler cranks back on the hold, and Ford throws body shots! Ford is free, but Ziggler kicks the leg out! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Ziggler wraps Ford up again, Dawkins and Roode talk trash to each other, and Ford endures. Ziggler rakes Ford’s eyes but the ref reprimands. Ford fights out of the body scissors but Ziggler shifts on the sleeper. Ford still fights up, pries the hold, but Ziggler turns him again. Ford shoves Ziggler away and rallies with clotheslines! Ford whips, Ziggler reverses but Ford leaps over and comes back for a LEAPING LARIAT! Ford fires up as Ziggler rises, mule kick and front kick to an enziguri, but Ziggler ducks! Ziggler back suplexes but Ford slips out to back supelx Ziggler! Ford kips up and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Ford is all fired up as he shakes the ropes!

Ziggler slowly rises, Ford blocks their kick, spins them but Ziggler kicks the legs out! Ziggler leaps but the Famouser is turned into a lift, but Ziggler sunset flips! TWO, Ford bucks the Zigzag off, to ENZIGURI! Ford goes up top, but Roode attacks Dawkins! Roode throws Dawkins into steps, Ford is distracted and Ziggler trips him up! Ford tumbles down, Ziggler SUPERKICKS! Cover, Ziggler wins!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

Give a GLORIOUS assist to Roode! Are the aces going to ride high into a title match?

BREAKING NEWS!

Next week, SmackDown will be on FS1! While Fox has the NCAA Football Pac-12 championship, Fox Sports 1 will be ready for a good time!

Sami Zayn is complaining backstage!

The WWE Intercontinental Champion wants to understand why he doesn’t have merchandise! But Big E comes by with his new shirt, and there are more where that came from. But merchandise should be the last thing on Sami’s mind right now. Worry about the meat inside the shirt. And Big E has Sami! Apollo helps show off the new Sami Zayn shirt! It’s a stick figure man! Sami tries to rip the shirt, but his hand isn’t strong enough. He’ll show them all! Big E is pretty sure he won’t. But Big E will show Sami all the things, in their match! That match is after the break!

Sami Zayn VS Big E!

The “Champion of the People” does not feel respected by anyone on SmackDown, but respect is a two-way street. Sami is in the ring as he rants and raves! What champion doesn’t have even one piece of merchandise? Not that Sami wants to support toxic consumerism, but he just wants fans to be able to show their support and respect for him! And all that time last week honoring Pat Patterson, the original Intercontinental Champion, they don’t even do anything for this Intercontinental Champion? Big E’s entrance interrupts and this match begins!

Sami takes a moment to tell commentary to tell us that this is non-title, because Big E hasn’t earned his opportunity. But the ring count is past 5! Sami complains that the ref wasn’t being understanding. Sami gets in, ties up with Big E, and Big E shoves Sami down! Sami scrambles out of the ring and Big E lounges while doing splits in the corner. Sami gets back in, Big E is ready. They circle, tie up, and Big E headlocks. Big E grinds Sami down but Sami throws body shots. Sami slips out to headlock back, but Big E powers out. Sami kicks Big E, Sami runs but Big E drops, hurdles then catches Sami for the cobra twist!

Big E puts some stank on the spank, but Sami gets free! Sami kicks and punches, but his bad hand hurts! Sami runs, and gets run over! Big E says that’s the meat he meant, Sami! Big E digs his boot into Sami’s head on the apron, then drags Sami out. Big E clubs away on Sami’s chest, then lets off to go to the apron. Big E aims and runs, to APRON SPLASH! Sami flops down after being flattened, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Sami chokes Big E on ropes with both knees! The ref counts but Sami bounces to add pressure. Sami lets off at 4, Big E gets to a corner, and Sami throws elbows into Big E’s head. Sami climbs up to rain down furious fists and then he goes to snapmare. Big E blocks it, only for Sami to KNEE Big E down! Cover, ONE!! Sami is right on Big E with a chinlock, but Big E fights up. Sami shifts to a facelock but Big E throws him off! Sami runs in but Big E puts him on the apron, only for Sami to hotshot him away! Sami hops up the corner and leaps, to elbow Big E down! Big E stirs but Sami swivels his hips to mock him! Sami runs and runs to run into the OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Big E gets Sami for ANOTHER! And then the Belly2Belly!

Big E stands over Sami and he swivels his hips! Big E runs, runs and SPLASHES! Now Big E claps it up, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Sami bails out but Big E dares him to get back in. Sami dares Big E to go out, and Big E fakes Sami out! Sami is in and Big E LARIATS him! Big E runs but Sami rolls him up! TWO! Sami elbows Big E away, hops back up and kicks, then leaps! Big E catches the crossbody! Big E pops Sami up to the- No, Sami rakes eyes! Sami runs at the corner, HELLUVA- URENAGE!! Sami claims his hand is broken! The ref checks the brace but keeps Big E back. Big E says this is Sami’s trickery, but the ref keeps him back. Sami SLAPS Big E! Big mistake.

Sami runs away and Big E gives chase! Sami goes around commentary but Big E keeps trying! The ring count climbs, Sami goes under the ring?! Big E follows, the count continues, and then Sami emerges at 6! Big E has him, tries to drag him back down, but the count is 9! Sami gets free and gets in, Sami wins by count-out!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by count out

The “master strategist” managed to outsmart Big E! Big E is furious, but losing is losing! Has Big E just lost his chance at the Intercontinental Championship?

Bayley speaks backstage.

“Now I hear we’ve got a huge championship match tonight, so I want to send my well-wishes to… Carmella!” Because Sasha might still be champion, but Bayley still runs the division! And if no one else will say it, Bayley will. “Ding dong, hello? Sasha is the most overpaid, overrated superstar in SmackDown history!” That is, if you’re not counting Bianca Belair. Bayley doesn’t! Who does Bianca think she is coming up on Bayley’s show and- Coming up behind her… Captain Bayley says EST needs to be G O N E!

Girl, uh-uh. Bayley talking about Bianca again? Bayley needs to worry about herself. She’s not that cute, her hair looks dumb and her outfit is dusty. So let’s check the “receipts.” The one who beat #BOAT Natalya? Bianca. Who beat SmackDown to the end of Survivor Series? Bianca. Who is the strongest, roughest, toughest, etc? Bianca! Bayley storms off, and Bianca says she can email her the rest.

Backstage interview with Carmella.

Mella is impatient as she finishes suiting up, and says she’s been itching for this match forever. Sasha thinks she’s the boss, but Mella made her relevant again. Tonight will be like Mariah Carey to J. Lo. “I don’t know her.” This is what the champion looks like. And Mella will beat the disrespect out of Sasha while looking sexy. She has her assistant get the champagne ready so she can toast watching Sasha’s tears fall to the crown.

Roman Reigns watches a replay of last week.

But as it finishes, Jey Uso walks over and asks if they’re good. Roman’s good. Hell, he’s great. Is Jey alright? Yeah. He should be. Because he’s with Roman. But before they can go to the ring, someone else beat him to it! Kevin Owens heads to the ring! Now Roman and Jey watch this, and Jey asks to go after Kevin. Well he knows where he is, so go get him. Kevin is setting a table up in the ring, then chairs, then a ladder, to signify the coming TLC match at TLC the PPV! Kevin sets the chairs up, then the table, and lastly the ladder. Roman still watches as Kevin gets a mic to say, “Roman, I know you’re watching, but I need you to listen to me carefully.”

Roman wants people to fear him? Bad news. Even after what Roman did last week, even knowing that right now, Roman is better than he has ever been, Kevin does NOT fear him. Because Roman says he fights for his family. If there’s something Kevin can relate to, it’s that. But the problem is, as good as Roman is, regardless of what Roman says, the reality of what’s happening is that Roman’s family is doing the fighting for him! Roman is using Jey to fight his battles! And TLC is the most important match in Kevin’s career. Kevin knows that the Roman we see today, with all this momentum, could probably beat anyone in WWE. Kevin is going to need all the help he can get.

Kevin fights for his family, too. But his family is not part of the industry. His family supports his dream by watching at home. So Kevin doesn’t have his family, but he has some friends! Kevin introduces Roman to his chairs! Chairs are cold, unforgiving, and at TLC, chairs are going to pay Roman back for all those chair shots last week. Chairs will bruise Roman up or break a bone or two! But they will make sure Roman has a hard time sitting at the head of the table. And speaking of, Kevin’s other friend IS a table! Table here is hard, tough to break, but once you do, “she’s so welcoming.” Table is looking forward to receiving him at TLC.

And lastly is Ladder. This is the most difficult friend. It is rough, unpredictable, but also Kevin’s favorite. Not only will Ladder help hurt Roman, but help Kevin get back up to where he belongs. Kevin says Roman can keep the head of the table, because Kevin will give everything to get back to the top of the ladder and again be Universal Champion! And if Roman wants to talk about Kevin’s family- Jey SMACKS Kevin with a chair! And the leg! And the arm! Jey rains down fists as Roman smiles. Jey gives Kevin another chair shot to the leg! Jey then drags Kevin up, throws haymakers and puts Kevin on the table! “It’s over!”

Jey goes up top, but Kevin gets up to SMACK Jey with the chair! And SMACKS him on the back! And again! Kevin rains down rights, then throws Jey into the ladder! And then Kevin brings Jey around to pop-up POWERBOMB Jey through the table!! But now Roman goes to the ring! Kevin has the chair and dares Roman to get in the ring with all the wreckage! But Paul Heyman advises Roman not to do things on Kevin’s time. Roman calls the shots as the Tribal Chief. It is still Roman’s call, but as the shot caller, “this is your island. That’s your ring. We do things on your time.” Roman accepts that, and reconsiders storming down after Kevin.

Kevin wants Roman to show his family who he is, but Roman leaves. Perhaps that is who Roman is. Kevin still has his chair and he hobbles after Roman! “You’re done running!” SmackDown goes to break, will Kevin look to break Roman even before TLC?

SmackDown returns and Kevin is still hunting Roman!

“Where are ya, tough guy!?” Kevin thought Roman was head of the table! Kayla asks for an interview but Kevin asks where Roman is! Kevin didn’t want to do that to Jey but that’s what you get for talking about Kevin’s family that way! Roman AMBUSHES Kevin with a chair shot! And then throws Kevin into spare cage fencing! And road cases! Roman rains down rights and then talks trash! “Who do you think supports your family?!” Roman rains down more rights and talks more trash!

Roman looks at the camera and “formally introduces” himself to Kevin’s family watching at home. “I’m your Tribal Chief. I’m the guy who put that roof over your head. I’m the guy who put the food on your table.” And if you don’t talk some sense into “Daddy” Kevin, Roman will be the guy that takes all of that away. Kevin gets up but Roman BOOTS him back down!! Roman says good-night to the Owens family, then leaves. Will this be the scene at the end of TLC’s TLC match?

The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???

Ruby and Liv bring back some classic ring gear for this special showdown! Billie tried to barge in on their Talking Smack segment, but was challenged to a tag match to see if Billie could actually give them “pointers” on tag team wrestling. Who did Billie manage to recruit as her tag partner? It’s the #BOAT, Best of All Time, Natalya! Will Natty and Billie be able to get an iconic win?

The teams sort out, Billie and Ruby tie up and Billie headlocks. Ruby powers out, Billie handsprings over but Ruby tags Liv, and then a chop block to a basement dropkick drops Billie! Liv whips Billie to the corner, runs in and back body blocks! Tag to Ruby, and they work together to wheelbarrow victory roll TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Tag back to liv and she drags Billie back up. Liv whips., Billie reverses and Natty is there! Liv stops herself but SHADES OF KAY hits! Natty tags in, rains down rights, and she drags Liv up to put her in the corner. Tag to Billie, they stomp away on Liv together, and then let up to tag Natty back in.

Billie and Natty mug Liv, SLAP her, and then Natty snapmares Liv to a chinlock. Liv endures, Natty holds a hand out to Ruby mockingly, but Liv fights up and arm-drags free! Liv runs but into Natty’s arms! Natty runs Liv all the way to the corner! Natty rains down rights, the ref counts, and Billie mocks Liv’s pain. Natty drags Liv back up and whips, to then send Liv in, but Liv tries to elbow back! Natty hits the rebound sit-down and Billie tags in! Natty wasn’t ready for that and Billie drags Liv around, but Liv shoves Billie into Natty! Hot tag to Ruby! Ruby wrenches Billie, LIV BREAKER to RIOTT KICK!! Natty is out of the way, Ruby covers Billie, Riott Squad wins!

Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall

Well, Billie did do one thing: she taught the Squad what not to do when tagging with someone. Will Billie learn that she should stay out of other people’s business?

Otis Dozovic attends Chad Gable’s Alpha Academy!

“We’ve gotta work on your blindside.” Otis wears a blindfold, and Gable has Otis be ready with his other senses. The dodgeballs fly in and keep hitting him. Then a SMACK with a pad! After several hours of this, Otis is like Daredevil Dozer! Except when it comes to high-fives. But Gable says Otis is an alpha now.

And now in the present, Kayla interviews Gable and Otis. They have their first match as a team against former tag team champions, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro. What was it that brought these two together? Gable says life has knocked Otis down time and time again, but he always gets up. Otis has grit and tenacity! Exactly someone Gable wants as a student and teammate. And thanks to the Alpha Academy teachings, as cultivated through Gable’s experiences as an Olympian, Gable will mold the “raw lump of clay, no offense” to that of Michelangelo’s David. If Gable got into Olympic games in his “smaller stature, no offense,” imagine what’s possible with the Grade A prime beef!

But now Cesaro and Nakamura walk by. Gable got into the Olympics for what? Building toys in Santa’s Workshop? Or maybe the limbo! More short jokes, huh? Otis is riled up but Gable tells him a true alpha never gets rattled. Just breathe, and save it for the match. That comes up, after the break!

Chad Gable & Otis VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!

The Alpha Academy steps into the ring for the first time, but they’re up against the Swiss Cyborg and the King of Strong Style! Will Gable and Otis pass the test that is the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions?

The teams sort out and Gable tie right up with Cesaro. Cesaro throws Gable down and taunts Gable to use his game plan. Gable and Otis talk strategy before the tag, and Otis ties up with Cesaro now. Otis throws Cesaro down, and then tags back to Gable. Cesaro rushes Gable but Gable gets a takedown! Gable floats to a waistlock, holds on as Cesaro moves around, and he dead lift GERMANS! Then an Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Otis tags back in and he gets Cesaro for a mat slam! Otis fires up and tags Gable back in, keeipng Cesaro off balance. But then Cesaro DECKS Gable with a EuroUpper!

Nakamura tags in and he kicks Gable around. Nakamura kicks and kicks and kicks, and then gives Gable some Bad Vibrations! The ref counts, Nakamura stomps more, and Cesaro even gets a shot in. Nakamura back suplexes but Gable lands on his feet, ducks both kicks and ROLLING LIGER KICKS Nakamura down! Both men crawl, hot tags to Otis and Cesaro! The Dozer rallies on Cesaro and Nakamura! FLAPJACK for Cesaro, and then Otis whips to DISCUS! Gable is fired up for Otis as Otis runs in and corner SPLASHES Cesaro!

Cesaro wobbles and flops over, and Otis pumps up! But Gable wants in because it’s part of the plan! Otis tags, Gable goes up, and he leaps, into the SWISS SWING!! This wasn’t part of the plan! The swing goes to 20 and Cesaro lets go! Tag to Nakamura and Gable flounders, into a KINSHASA!! Cover, Cesaro and Nakamura win!

Winners: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The Alpha Academy didn’t expect to lose like that, but they were up against a very experienced duo. Will Gable and Otis go back to square one and start from scratch?

Gable and Otis talk backstage.

Gable says that loss was a great learning lesson for them. He asked Otis to tag in, but he didn’t want Otis to. Otis had the match won! He should’ve just finished the job. Tonight was a test. Otis failed, but that’s okay! This is just part of the Alpha Mentality. Gable is teaching Otis what to do by showing him what not to do. Does he get it? Don’t worry, he will. Just rehydrate and they’ll talk later. Otis is confused, but perhaps there’s a method to the madness?

Backstage interview with King Corbin and his new pages.

The Wolf King got a win over Buddy Murphy and payback on the Mysterio family by introducing us to his new associates. What can we expect from them? The Night King had his Daywalkers, Darth Vader had Stormtroopers, so Corbin is bringing back some old school attitude. Cutler and Blake are the Knights of the Lone Wolf. There is no family drama or love story going on, these two have pledged “ruthless, cold-blooded loyalty to this king.” If Rey wants to step up, fine! He can bring his dopey son and red-headed stepchild, but the consequences will be much more severe than even losing an eye!

BREAKING NEWS!

When SmackDown goes to FS1, there will be a championship showdown there, too! The Street Profits will defend their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Roode & Ziggler! Plus, Bianca Belair and Bayley battle to prove who is the best on the brand today! Will Dawkins, Ford and Belair sweep the night to keep the Profits up?

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Carmella!

Who needs TLC when any given Friday is good enough! The Boss wants to prove no one, not even the Princess of Staten Island, is #UNTOUCHABLE. Will the champion still be #LEGIT after tonight? Or will the champagne ringside be used to toast to the new SmackDown Women’s Champion?

SmackDown returns once more and the introductions are made, the belt is raised, and TLC come early happens now!

Mella and Sasha tie up, go around and Sasha puts Mella in the corner. The ref calls for the break but Sasha lets off at 4. Mella pushes, then dodges Sasha’s punch to throw her down by her hair! Mella feeds Sasha to her boot in the corner, and then talks trash, “I’m the best, not you!” Mella puts Sasha through ropes to choke her! The ref counts, Mella stops and then SLAPS Sasha down! Mella tosses her hair to soak up the heat from the ThunderDome thumbs-downs. Mella whips, Sasha reveres, but the Mella-Go-Round throws Sasha, then Mella dropkicks and drop toeholds! Mella wants the necklock but Sasha slips out! Mella resists the backstabber and they end up in a corner. Mella climbs up to choke Sasha again!

Mella stops choking, but throws back elbows! Mella lets off but then throws more and more! The ref counts, Mella stops at 4, and then brings Sasha up to throw into another corner. Mella talks trash, runs in, but is put on the apron! Sasha KNEES Mella back, and then swings in to METEORA Mella into the post! Mella gets up, kicks but Sasha blocks. Mella blocks the knee to FACEBUSTER Sasha off the apron!! Mella gets Sasha back in as the ring count is at 7, but SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns once again, and now Sasha has Mella down on the apron. Sasha goes to one side of the corner, drags Mella up the other side, but the only direct that suplex goes is out! Mella resists for that reason, throws body shots, and then SMACKS Sasha off the post! And RAMS her into the post! Sasha tumbles down, Mella goes after her and throws her into barriers! The ref counts but Mella puts Sasha in at 5 of 10, covers, TWO! Mella grows annoyed and she talks more trash. “I’m untouchable!” Mella rains down fists and then covers, TWO! Mella drags Sasha up and bumps her off her boot again. Mella stomps Sasha, snapmares her down and wraps on a chinlock.

Sasha endures, fights up and backs Mella into buckles. Sasha returns those elbows from earlier, then rolls to come back, METEORA! Sasha goes up, swinging METEORA! Cover, TWO! Mella survives and gets up but Sasha is on her. Mella fights off the backstabber, Sasha runs but into a BOOT! Sasha flounders, Mella reels her in and goes up top, to put on a DRAPING NECKLOCK! The ref counts, Mella lets go at 4! Sasha staggers and sputters, Mella goes up, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Mella mule kicks then reels Sasha in, but Sasha trips Mella to a jackknife! TWO, CODE OF SILENCE! Sasha endures, moves around, but Mella sweeps the arms out!

Mella reaches back but Sasha pops out to get the BANK STATEMENT! The assistant puts a bottle of champagne in the ring?! The ref gets that out, but then the assistant drags Sasha out! Sasha glares at him, he is very afraid and he runs into the ring! Sasha chases him, Mella whips Sasha but Sasha reverses and fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Sasha doesn’t get, she gets disqualified!!

Winner: Carmella, by disqualification; Sasha retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship

The assistant comes back but Sasha DECKS him! And hits a BACKSTABBER! To the BANK STATEMENT!! Mella lets the assistant suffer before hitting the FABULOUS KICK! Mella fires off on Sasha now, and shouts, “What is wrong with you?!” FABULOUS KICK! Sasha tumbles out and Mella says Sasha threw the match! Mella grabs her champagne bucket and shoves Sasha’s face into it! Mella is the one furious now and asks if everyone thinks this is enough. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. But the CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE to Sasha’s back is more than enough!!

Mella pours herself a drink from one of the other bottles and has a toast to herself. Mella sprays champagne everywhere and stands over Sasha. “Who’s on whose level now?!” Mella won the match, but not the title. Will Mella prove Sasha can’t stop her from taking the title?

My Thoughts:

A pretty good SmackDown, but I feel like they’re doing the same thing with the SmackDown Women’s Championship a little too much. I feel like there have been multiple occasions in the year Fox has had SmackDown put the women’s title on the line, the match has a wonky finish, and then we get the rematch at the PPV. To be fair, this week’s iteration was pretty good because it was a surprise, but with the champagne ringside, as well as the assistant, something was going to happen. I would’ve preferred if Mella wasn’t again bailed out by a sidekick, and there was just a mishap with the champagne and Sasha losing her cool. But maybe Sasha will use this against Mella next week, saying something like “You may have changed how you look but not how you do things,” and then the rematch at TLC, maybe with a special stipulation, happens.

The Profits had a good prematch promo, and Ford had a good match with Ziggler, with Roode of course finding a way to assist Ziggler. Their tag title match will be good, but since they’re also not saving things for TLC, I have a bad feeling they’ll just do the same thing here: screwy finish, big rematch at the PPV. The Alpha Academy losing to Cesaro and Nakamura was given. I feel like Gable is being a bit two-faced with Otis here. Gable wants Otis to get better, just so it’ll hurt more when Gable keeps being the reason he loses, adding onto his woes from 2020.

We got great stuff from Sami and Big E, and their match was pretty good. Sami again finds a way to win without having to finish off his opponent, and maybe we get a match at TLC, maybe we don’t. I feel like whatever title match Sami has, it needs to be something he can’t use Champion’s Advantage in, and is hard to sneak out of. I want a Tables Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships since that is the story of Lana the last three months, but Big E and Sami could try a Chairs match, or even just a Falls Count Anywhere given Sami’s story of count outs and using the ring itself.

Bayley and Bianca had a decent promo segment together, but I’m glad to see their match is happening next week. I’d still expect Natty on commentary to return the favor from the last two times, but I’m surprised we saw her team with Billie Kay. I thought it was going to be Tamina but Tamina was basically being a Face in the segment with Sami and Big E backstage. Obviously Billie’s team loses because it wasn’t a true team like Riott Squad. I hope some team from SmackDown finally gets involved with the women’s tag titles, regardless of what happens at TLC. Corbin had a good promo to basically name his new sidekicks his “knights,” and maybe next week things start up again with him and the Mysterios-plus-Murphy.

But again, the star attraction is the story of Roman Reigns. Kevin had a pretty good promo detailing the three elements of a TLC match, Jey and Kevin had a good brawl with the items, and then Roman talking trash while beating Kevin’s ass backstage was a good way to top that off. Roman talking to the “Owens family” through the camera was great, too. That TLC match was already going to be something but now it’s personal! The story adds to the action, that being the last PPV match for WWE’s 2020 is going to be great stuff.

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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Coverage

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!

Published

8 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

12 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.