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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/28/21)

Who cashes in on a last chance?

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Coverage Raw 2021

Only one spot left on the Raw side of Money in the Bank!

Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles all get one last chance to go to Money in the Bank on behalf of Monday Night Raw, but who makes the most of it?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE 24/7 Championship Matchception: Drew Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Matchception 2, We Must Go Deeper: R-Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Matchception 3, The Top Keeps Spinning: Akira-Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Money in the Bank Last Chance Battle Royal: Matt Riddle wins and takes Randy Orton’s spot in the Triple Threat.
  • Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax & Reginald VS Nikki Cross; Cross wins.
  • Asuka & Naomi VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Eva & Piper win.
  • Ricochet VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Double Count-out Draw.
  • Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Natalya & Tamina; Charlotte, Natalya & Tamina win.
  • Strap Match: Elias VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins.
  • Last Chance Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Drew McIntyre VS VS AJ Styles VS Matt Riddle; McIntyre wins and qualifies for the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Superstars already fill the ring!

But first, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville speak to us backstage. “Randy Orton was scheduled compete tonight as part of a Last Chance Triple Threat Match to determine Raw’s final entrant into the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, Randy can’t compete tonight.” As such, we will open with an over-the-top-rope battle royal! The winner enters the Triple Threat in Orton’s place and is one step closer to being Mr. MITB. But Riddle rolls up on his scooter and has a note from Orton that they need to read. They open it up and read the message supposedly from Randy.

“Aloha. I, the Viper, Randy Orton, of sound body and mind, hereby declare that my best friend, Riddle, hither for take my place in the Last Chance Triple Threat match. Riddle is the coolest, most bodacious bro I could ask for, and I would be honored if he were to fight on my behalf. Aloha, the Legend Killer.” Okay, Riddle, first off, half of those weren’t even real words. And also, it makes no sense. Uh, “aloha” means both hello and good-bye. Well this was clearly written by Riddle, just look at the viper doodle! N-NO…! But it isn’t fair to take Orton’s opportunity! What if Orton was just playing games all night, couldn’t wake up even though his alarm went off, and just missed a flight! It’s just not fair to Randy.

Well, sorry, Riddle, Orton isn’t here. Then what if Riddle competed on his behalf? Riddle’s been feeling really bad for what happened. He can even enter the battle royal! Riddle can win it then the Triple Threat so that Orton can be in the match! RKBRO climbing a ladder together! That’d be money for Money in the Bank. Sonya says it’s unconventional, but she’s inclined to say, “yes.” Really? Riddle is anxious, so Pearce says yes! Riddle scoots his way down the ramp and is ready to represent! Can he win one for the Viper?

Money in the Bank Last Chance Battle Royal!

The Bro jump sin the ring with the Viking Raiders, Angel Garza, Mustafa Ali, Drew Gulak, Akira Tozawa, Mansoor, Humberto Carrillo, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, Damian Priest, Jeff Hardy, Jinder Mahal, and even his good bro, R-Truth! But while Riddle is already in the MITB match, can he get his tag partner in to join him at the PPV?

The bell rings and brawls erupt everywhere! Tozawa ducks to avoid haymakers while Gulak and Ali try to throw Riddle out already! Riddle slides back in and everyone goes after everyone lese! Riddle is after Ali, Truth is after Garza, Mansoor CLUBS Tozawa, and Benjamin almost has Gulak out! Priest tries to throw Ivar over but Ivar hits him away! Gulak loses grip, Benjamin ELIMINATES him! Mahal goes after Benjamin but Benjamin knock shim away to go after Alexander! Alexander clings to ropes, Priest brawls with Carrillo, Mahal throws Benjamin out to ELIMINATE him! Mahal brawls with Garza, Hardy is after Alexander, and Tozawa clings to ropes.

Manzoor dodges Garza, throws him out and over, but Garza keeps his one foot up! Garza hops his way around the ring, gets back in and goes after Mansoor! Mansoor is on the apron but Ali dumps and ELIMINATES Garza! Ali tells Mansoor to be more careful and never turn your back on anyone! But then Ali throws Mansoor out and ELIMINATES him! “What did I just say?!” Meanwhile, Hardy fights off Ivar, Mahal is after Riddle, and Tozawa is digging hits boots into Truth. Ali and Alexander are after Carrillo together while Mahal gets Riddle over the ropes! Riddle clings to the middle rope then traps Mahal’s arm! Mahal gets away to save himself but Riddle is after him.

Hardy fights off Ivar and Ali but Riddle is after him right after! Truth fires off on Mahal, but Mahal dumps Truth up and out to ELIMINATE him! Tozawa runs at Mahal but Mahal TOSSES and ELIMINATES him! Wait, Gulak comes back and rolls Tozawa up! Gulak wins the 24/7 Championship!!

Winner (of the 24/7 Championship): Drew Gulak, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But Truth sees this and gets his own ref over! LIE DETECTOR! Cover, Truth wins the title!

Winner (of the 24/7 Championship): R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

He’s got his baby back for the 53rd time!! But then Tozawa CANNONBALLS! Cover, Tozawa wins the title back!

Winner (of the 24/7 Championship): Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Tozawa finishes the hot potato by hurrying out of the ThunderDome! Gulak and Truth pursue, but things continue in the ring. Ali throws hands on Riddle, but here comes OMOS?! Omos drags Ivar up and over, Erik rushes over, but Omos has him, too! Mahal helps out, they ELIMINATE the Viking Raiders!! The Phenomenal One’s Colossus TOSSES Erik into barriers! And then TOSSES Ivar into the LED apron! Omos roars, having taught the challengers to the Raw Tag Team Championships a lesson! And the rest of the battling continues as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Priest fires hands on Alexander while Mahal still tries to throw Riddle out, and Jeff Hardy is down in an open corner. These are our final five, it seems, and Priest stomps Alexander while Mahal CLUBS and stomps Riddle. Mahal digs his knee into Riddle while Alexander kicks Priest. Priest stomps Alexander again, but then Mahal and Priest stare down as the two tallest left. They talk about how each is going to be Mr. MITB, and then the haymakers start flying! Mahal knees low, throws forearms, but Priest gives them all back! Priest throws Mahal up and over but Mahal holds on! Priest runs in but Mahal ROCKS him! But then Priest SPIN KICKS and ELIMINATES Mahal!

Priest swings on Hardy but Hardy counter punches! Hardy whips, Priest reverses but Hardy knocks Priest down! Riddle runs up but into Hardy’s spin back kick! Hardy atomic drops and leg splitting leg drops Alexander, then adds the basement dropkick! And an elbow drop! Hardy kicks Priest, TWIST OF FATE! Riddle runs back in, but into a TWIST OF FATE! Alexander is up, but he denies the hat trick to throw and ELIMINATE Hardy!! Alexander laughs at Hardy, “I told you I’m better than you at every level, and I just proved it! Go home, to the retirement home!” But then Alexander turns around into a leg sweep and HIT THE LIGHTS!!

Priest drags Alexander up, throws him out, and ELIMINATES him! Now we have just the Archer of infamy and the Bro! They both nod, knowing the strike game the other brings. Priest rushes in, Riddle side steps but can’t shove him out! Priest dodges Riddle now but Riddle keeps from tumbling! They fire off hands, but Priest kicks, kicks and ROLLING ELBOWS! Riddle ducks the haymaker to GERMAN SUPLEX! Priest flounders and Riddle fires up! Riddle runs in and rocks Priest with a forearm! Riddle goes side to side to forearm again! Riddle keeps going, but runs into a WHEEL KICK! Both men are down but the ThunderDome fires up as they rise!

Priest runs in and back elbows! Priest brings Riddle around for a suplex, but Riddle slips to a SLEEPER! Priest flails, reaches, throws Riddle over the ropes, but Riddle holds on! Riddle gets the sleeper again! Priest is being bent against ropes but he has Riddle’s fingers! Riddle climbs up but Priest shifts that to a lawn dart, only for Riddle to slip out! Priest rebounds to LARIAT Riddle down! Riddle is dazed, Priest snarls and gets up! LARIAT into a HANGING TRIANGLE! Riddle drags Priest up and over to join him on the apron! Riddle lets go to get in, and BOOTS Priest! Riddle wants to do this like Orton but Priest avoids the Draping DDT! And the forearm to BELL CLAP!

Priest spins but Riddle blocks the kick! Priest choke grips but Riddle CHOPS! And FINAL FLASH!! Priest falls, Riddle wins!!

Winner: Matt Riddle (will join the Last Chance Triple Threat)

The Bro says his win is Orton’s win, so plays Orton’s music! Orton’s music does play and Riddle does his best Orton pose! The pyro goes off like Orton, will Riddle win again to keep The Viper in the game?

 

Nia Jax finds Shayna Baszler backstage.

The Queen of Spades is shuffling cards, so Nia asks if she’s getting ready for a game or a match? It keeps her head clear, okay? Otherwise, she’s gonna put her fist through a wall. Or someone’s face. Reginald is a bit worried she looked at him with that line. Nia says it’s fine. Just make sure they’re all on the same page for Shayna’s match with Nikki Cross. Reggie defends he didn’t do anything last week. It’s just that- Shut up, Reggie! Yeah, it’s Alexa Bliss. It’s her fault they’re not in the MITB match. But it’ll be Shayna’s fault if they don’t do something about it. So maybe if Shayna can give Nikki a hard dose of reality, Nikki and Alexa will end up with that stupid doll on a permanent time out.

But as Shayna, Nia and Reggie head out, ALEXA BLISS is seen in the back! Surely she heard all that, but what will she do about it?

 

What’s that smacking sound?

It’s Jaxson Ryker, practicing his strap strikes on a road case! The “unhinged” Ryker is working himself up to be ready to do that and more to Elias! Will there be no running and no hiding as the Drifter is strapped in and strapped to his former follower?

 

Backstage interview with AJ Styles & Omos.

Kevin Patrick asks how Styles is preparing for this Triple Threat now that Orton is out and Riddle is in? Well, usually, when you’re supposed to be somewhere and you’re not *cough* Orton */cough*, you automatically lose your opportunity. Tonight’s main event should’ve just turned into McIntyre VS Styles, 1v1! But it’s still a Triple Threat, his chances of winning have “drastically went down.” On top of that, Omos is working overtime to watch his back tonight. Speaking of, Omos went out of his way to affect that battle royal’s outcome by eliminating the Viking Raiders. Styles can tell where Kevin is going with this and doesn’t appreciate it.

Omos says he was simply scouting out the competition for his partner, Styles. Yeah! But since Kevin is so quick to jump on a barbarian bandwagon, tell us all about what happened to Styles last wee! They do have the tape queued up. They play it, and shows that the Raiders went after Omos while Styles VS Ricochet was happening. Omos was sent into the timekeeper’s area, and Ricochet turned a Phenomenal Forearm into a phenomenal Recoil. Ricochet is in the MITB ladder match, hence Styles’ spot tonight in the Triple Threat. So what does Kevin have to say about that? A series of unfortunate events? NO! Styles wants an apology for people being hypocrites!

Don’t give Omos grief over doing the exact same thing the Viking Raiders did last week! But fortunately for Styles, Riddle was in tonight’s battle royal and he’s all banged up. McIntyre’s still not 100% from the battle with Bobby Lashley, and so that means Styles has the advantage. When Styles has the advantage, he wins. That’s why he’s Phenomenal! And when he wins the briefcase, he’ll have a full year to plan out his cash-in and become WWE Champion for a third time. All the while, he and Omos will defend the Raw Tag Team Championships against any and all teams, including those “stinky” Viking Raiders. The tag champs head out, but will it be so easy for them?

 

Lucha House Party check in with Nikki Cross.

They like her mask. And they wish her good luck in her match. Thanks! Sarah comes by to talk about her new superhero persona, and Nikki is happy to inspire! She’s almost a superhero, and she found something that was always deep down. She just has the courage now to show it. She isn’t the only one, because everyone out there has this feeling deep down inside, in their hearts, that they can do and be better. That’s what this outfit represents! Wonder Woman spin! So bring out that feeling, and go for it! Just look at what she’s done! Nikki is now in the Women’s MITB match! Imagine Nikki, Ms. MITB! An inspiration to kids everywhere! She could even become Raw Women’s Champion!

Nikki slows herself down and takes a breath. One goal at a time. First, her match with Shayna and becoming “almost” a superhero. WAIT! Nikki #AASH! Almost A Super Hero! But will she definitely come away with a win?

Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax & Reginald VS Nikki Cross!

Raw returns as Shayna and team make their entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Nikki waistlocks but Shayna switches to SLAM Nikki! Shayna floats around, gets a chicken wing to cradle, TWO! Shayna has an arm, Nikki gets up, rolls, handsprings and headlocks. Shayna powers out and runs Nikki over! Shayna runs, things speed up and Nikki CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE! Nikki headlocks again, Shayna powers up to back suplex Nikki down! Shayna rains down rights, then gets Nikki up to scoop and SLAM! Nikki writhes and gets up, but Shayna NORTHERN LIGHTS! Nikki flounders away, Shayna drags her to a cover, TWO!

Shayna gets frustrated and she shoves Nikki down. Nikki gets to ropes but Shayna KICKS her down! Shayna mocks the almost superhero, and then whips her hard into buckles! Nikki flounders, Shayna wants the ref to ask if Nikki gives up. Nikki doesn’t, so Shayna puts her in a corner for stomps! Shayna fireman’s carries but Nikki scrambles around to a sunset flip! Shayna gets Nikki up, puts her in a corner and runs in, but Nikki dodges! Knee hits buckle, Nikki dropkicks Shayna out! Reggie & Nia check on her, but then Alexa Bliss makes her presence known! Alexa smirks as she walks out on stage and Reggie shields his eyes from her hypnosis!

But then Nikki SUPER CROSSBODIES!! Direct hit on all three and Nikki fires up! Nikki gets in the ring and strike a heroic pose as the ring count climbs! Raw goes to break as Nikki keeps that energy high!

Raw returns again and Shayna throws knees on Nikki in the ring. Alexa is watching from the ramp as Shayna mocks the almost superhero more. Shayna CLUBS Nikki, kicks her, but Nikki fires forearms back! Nikki backs Shayna down, whips her to a corner, but Shayna reverses. Nikki goes up and over but Shayna kicks Nikki’s leg out! Then a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Shayna gut wrenches for a SLAM! Nikki flounders to a corner, Shayna runs in and KNEES Nikki again! Shayna gets Nikki up but stares at Alexa. Shayna hoists Nikki up top while asking why Alexa is even here. Nikki throws hands on Shayna then hits a TORNADO DDT!

Both women are down and writhing as the ThunderDome fires up! Alexa strolls around the way, but Nia is there to meet her. Is Nia resisting the hypnosis? No, she’s a puppet again! Reggie snaps Nia free by turning Alexa around! But then he has to be careful of his own mind! Alexa kicks Nia’s leg out then MULE KICK LOW BLOWS Reggie down, all in one swift motion! Alexa smirks as she leaves, and Shayna is in shock! But Nikki rolls Shayna up, TWO!! Shayna CLOBBERS Nikki for it! Shayna drags Nikki up, gut wrenches but Nikki slips out and waistlocks. Shayna bucks free but Nikki dodges to come back, tilt-o-whirl takedown to a LA MAGISTROL! NIKKI WINS!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by pinfall

Almost A Super Hero definitely got the win! Shayna is at a loss for words! Will this keep happening until Shayna can take care of Alexa? Or will that take nothing short of an exorcism?

 

Kofi Kingston heads to the ring!

After Xavier Woods got hurt by the Chief Hurt Officer, the New Day’s high-flyer is here to confront Montel Vontavius Porter on why they went that far! Will things stay civil this close to Money in the Bank? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns and Kofi has the mic. “There are certain moments in our lives that occur and they change us for the better, or for worse. And I’m not sure how last week has affected me yet. Hearing my brother, my tag team partner, my best friend, Xavier, screaming and writhing in pain, locked inside that cell with Bobby and MVP on the inside, me locked on the outside, unable to do anything for him…” Woods had Kofi’s back like always. But when Woods needed him, Kofi couldn’t do anything for him. A lot of people have disrespected Woods for a long time. A lot of people have thought as Woods as “not up to snuff.”

But after last week, Woods showing the world that he could take it to Lashley inside the cell, we saw what kind of competitor he is. Put some respect on ya boi’s name! Now Lashley won the match fair and square, yeah. But what happened after was not okay. MVP locked the door to the cell, dangled the key in Kofi’s face, as Lashley put Woods in the Hurt Lock and grated his face against steel. That image of Woods’ face, his screaming, his pain, Kofi can’t get it out of his head. It’s like a nightmare. But Kofi knows that he will make Lashley pay, when Kofi takes everything from Lashley, when he beats him at MITB, and becomes the NEW WWE World Champion! “It’s gonna be something.”

But now MVP makes his entrance for the promised face-to-face. MVP, and Lashley’s Ladies. MVP apologizes. He thought he heard Kofi say he was going to beat the All Mighty Lashley at the PPV and become champion? Is that what he heard? That is one of the most ridiculous things he’s ever heard Kofi say! And with Booty O’s and pancakes and unicorns, the New Day says some ridiculous things. But the Hurt Business is looking forward to MITB because they’ll be in front of live fans! As for Kofi, they’re looking past him. Kofi’s a feel good, all that good David VS Goliath stuff, but in reality, he’s no threat.

Now, Lashley is enjoying a well-deserved vacation, but he has a message for Kofi: Lashley enjoyed every second with Woods in the cage, and looks forward to embarrassing Kofi. And afterwards, what Lesnar did to Kofi will look like child’s play! Oh, child’s play? All Mighty Lashley, Big Bad Bobby. Kofi isn’t sure Lashley’s that guy anymore. Lashley might be getting a little soft. And that’s coming from a unicorn horn wearing, pancake throwing, hip swiveling guy like Kofi. But let’s look at Lashley’s track record as of late! Hell in a Cell PPV, McIntyre beat Lashley within an inch of his life, and if not for MVP grabbing McIntyre’s leg, Lashley would’ve lost.

Xavier Woods fought with all of his heart, put Lashley through tables and came this close to beating the WWE Champion. And Kofi already beat Lashley once, and knows damn well he can do it again! Lashley is looking more beatable than ever! Each week, a layer of that might is stripped away. Every single week, another layer, to where at MITB, Lashley might be a shell of his former self. He might end up… like MVP! Running around in overpriced suits, hobbling around, desperately grabbing onto some semblance of success. MVP says he does what he does for Lashley because just over a year ago, they started a journey together.

Lashley put in the work, made the sacrifices, and rose to the top, and MVP does the things he does for Lashley because Lashley deserves it! All the respects and accolades! Kofi didn’t deserve it?! He didn’t work hard for his success?! When Kofi was champion for almost six months, he never took a day off! In between shows, Kofi went around the world to show anything is possible! Ghana, West Africa, showing the kids that anything is possible if you believe in yourselves. Then he went back to work to defend the title! MVP has Lashley taking vacations in the middle of his reign? Lashley’s all distracted, he’s got all these ladies, he’s taking his eye off the prize.

And when you do that, you lose and someone else has the prize. And in Fort Worth, that somebody is gonna be Kofi. So to get this right, when Kofi went home as WWE World Champion and basked in the glory of being a hero, feeding his ego, that was hard work? No. MVP makes this clear to Kofi. He respects the optimism. And Kofi’s “court jester” was very optimistic about beating Lashley, too. Not only did that not happen, the extend of Woods’ injuries kept him away from work this week. And the odds of coming back next week are as likely as Kofi leaving MITB as champion. Well, MVP might want to check his odds. Spoilers: Woods WILL be back next week! Woods has heart, is a fighter, unlike MVP, who has been milking a knee injury!

MVP says his knee is legitimately hurt, he is not cleared for combat. If he was, he’d whoop Kofi’s ass! But fortunately for Kofi, MVP isn’t cleared. Kofi rushes out to test that! MVP takes a swing with his cane, but takes the TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Kofi says this is what MVP gets! MVP wasn’t hurt last week, was he? When he went after Woods, he didn’t seem hurt. But NOW, he’s hurt! MVP finally sits up in a daze, but the message has been sent. Is KofiMania 2 returning at MITB? Or will he regret putting the hurt in Hurt Business?

 

Backstage interview with Eva Marie and “Doudrop” Piper Niven.

Kevin asks Eva about the “disagreement” that happened last week. Great question, Kirwan. See, Doudrop made a rookie mistake last week and clearly was overwhelmed by being at the forefront of the #EvaLution. Poor thing. But we all make mistakes, so Eva requested a rematch so that Doudrop could learn a lesson. Eva will win, and the EvaLution will continue. Eva still doesn’t care about anyone but herself, but will she be the one to learn something?

Asuka & Naomi VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

The Empresses of Glowmorrow were more than ready for Eva, but they did have some trouble with Pip- er, “Doudrop.” But will things be different for Eva now that she’s ready?

Raw returns and Naomi makes her entrance as she joins Asuka. Then Eva and Piper make their entrance, the teams sort out and Piper starts with Naomi. They tie up, Piper powers Naomi to a corner, but she lets off as the ref counts, Naomi boots but Piper catches it to throw it. Naomi rebounds with a k ick! Naomi headlocks, Piper powers out but Naomi sunset flips! Piper stays up to sit down on Naomi! Piper keeps moving, but Naomi avoids the senton! Tag to Asuka and she hurries up top! Asuka leaps to missile dropkick Piper down! Asuka fires up, runs in and HIP ATTACKS Piper! And then reels Piper in for a waistlock! Piper bucks her off, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES!

Asuka runs and lariats but Piper stays up! Piper shoves Asuka, runs in and SPLASHES in the corner! Piper gets Asuka up with a scoop but Asuka slips out for an ASUKA LOCK?! Piper reaches out while staying on her feet, but she powers free to throw Asuka down! Piper crawls over but now Eva leaves Piper! Asuka rolls Piper but Piper rolls through to SENTON! Piper hurries up as Naomi runs in but Piper runs her over! Piper runs to BASEMENT SPLASH Asuka! Cover, PIPER wins!!!

Winners: Piper Niven & Eva Marie, by pinfall

Piper just beat two former women’s champions by herself!! Eva is clearly shocked and upset that her plan to return the favor backfired! Eva gets a mic to say, “The winner of this match is Eva Mariiiie~!” Still taking all the credit… When is Piper going to learn the real lesson and ditch the #EvaLution?

 

The Miz and John Morrison cruise around backstage.

Sarah asks what it would mean to Johnny Drip Drip to become Mr. MITB. The Flood Stud is getting moist just thinking about it! Miz promises that Morrison won’t just win the briefcase, he will successfully cash it in. Miz is a two-time Mr.  MITB and has successfully cashed in twice. Miz may not be the fastest, the biggest or the strongest. But…? But he is the smartest tactician! Morrison was going to say that! Miz sees beyond just a few moves. Whenever the situation is right, Miz knows when to strike! But Ricochet asks if they’re sure about that. When did he switch with Sarah?! Oh he was on the way to the ring for his match with Morrison. Is Miz surprised that he got one over on a master like him?

Y-Yes, he saw him! Another aspect of the strategy is to lure others in with a false sense of security> So he let Ricochet take a Drip Stick? Wait, when did he…? SQUIRT! Miz goes for his but Ricochet holds him at… drips tick point? SQUIRT SQUIRT! Will the Guru of Greatness be all wet after this MITB sampler?

Ricochet VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

Raw returns as the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century make their entrance. The bell rings and Miz parks by commentary as the two circle. Ricochet and Morrison approach, test things with kicks, and Ricochet blocks one to get a half nelson.  Morrison backs Ricochet into a corner to fire off elbows, but Ricochet slips free. Morrison boots, Ricochet jumps and ducks and throws body shots! Ricochet ROCKS Morrison, reels him in and SLAMS him for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Miz is mad and wants Morrison to make Ricochet pay! Morrison RAMS Ricochet into a corner, fires off the elbows again and trips Ricochet up to then double mule kick!

Miz puts Morrison’s ability over as he kicks Ricochet down and covers, TWO! Ricochet sits up but Morrison has a half nelson and shifts to top wristlock. Morrison drags Ricochet from ropes but Ricochet fights up. Morrison knees low, swaggers about, then DECKS Ricochet! Morrison gets Ricochet up but no Moonlight Drive! Ricochet dropkicks Morrison out of the ring! Miz tells Morrison to get up as Ricochet builds speed, and Ricochet slides to WRECK Morrison with the dropkick! Miz says Ricochet needs to leave Morrison alone, and he blocks Ricochet with his wheelchair! Ricochet JUMPS OVER Miz to RANA Morrison! Miz is shocked and goes for the drip stick!

Ricochet snatches it! SQUIRT SQUIRTH! Miz takes more water damage and then ricochet throws the stick away! Miz shouts that Ricochet is lucky he’s in this wheelchair! Ricochet leaves Miz behind and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Morrison kicks Ricochet around. Morrison throws knees, body shots and clubbing forearms in a corner. The ref counts, Morrison stops at 4, but Ricochet fires hands back! Ricochet ROCKS Morrison with an uppercut, but Morrison fakes Ricochet with the screw high kick to sweep low! Miz likes what he sees as Morrison scuffs Ricochet, then scuffs him again! Morrison is feeling good but Ricochet shoves the scuff away, to get a mule kick! Ricochet gets up in a rage and fires off hands! And CHOPS! Ricochet runs, Morrison goes the other way, but Ricochet dodges the Flying Chuck to CROSSBODY!

Ricochet glares at Miz as he fires up. Miz says Morrison will hurt him, but Ricochet fires hands on Morrison first! Morrison knees low, whips Ricochet but Ricochet rallies with forearms! Ricochet blocks a punch, gives body shots then a KNEE! Morrison wobbles into a fireman’s carry and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Ricochet keeps moving to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Morrison is still tough, but Ricochet gets him back up. Ricochet clinches to throw knees but Morrison gets around to Alabama Lift! ROLLING ALABAMA SLAM! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet is showing he’s tough, too! And Miz is shocked by it all!

Morrison drags Ricochet to a drop zone, but Ricochet inside cradles! TWO, and Morrison springboards, FLYING CHUCK! Morrison has Ricochet in a drop zone again, STARSHIP PAIN FLOPS!! Ricochet avoids disaster and gets to a corner. Ricochet gets up as Morrison is on the apron. Morrison goes to Eddy Gordo but Ricochet blocks to TRIANGLE JUMP DROPKICK! Ricochet builds speed but Morrison runs away! Morrison avoids the tope but Ricochet SPIRNGOBARDS?! CROSSBODY OVER THE BARRIERS!!!! NO one can believe what they’ve just seen and Miz panics for Morrison! The ring count is 5 of 10 as Ricochet drags himself up! Then we’re up to 8 as Ricochet flops over! It hits 10!!

Double Count-out Draw

Ricochet got closer, but close only works in horseshoes and hand grenades! After that insane crash landing, what will these two do with ladders involved?

 

Charlotte Flair talks with Natalya & Tamina backstage.

The Queen knows these two haven’t been the most welcoming, but they all have respect. Only these three understand how exhausting it is to uphold family legacies. Only they understand what it takes to lead a division, unlike Rhea, Mandy & Dana. It’s charming that Rhea wants to be just like Charlotte, and Charlotte did try to mentor Dana. And honestly, no one is sure what anyone sees in Mandy. Natty’s already tapped Mandy out once. There’s nothing to be concerned about. Tamina is still upset about the cheap shots last week, so tonight is the receipt. Good! They’re all on the same page! Let’s show that respect isn’t given, it’s earned! Will these three second-generation superstars coexist long enough to take on their rivals?

Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke VS Charlotte Flair, Natalya & Tamina!

Raw returns the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions make their entrance to join Charlotte. Then the #SexyMuscleFriends make their entrance, followed by the Raw Women’s Champion. But the teams don’t sort out, they just brawl! Rhea and Charlotte, Natty and Mandy, and Tamina and Dana, they’re all over the place! Rhea and Charlotte fight on the announce desk! They get back in the ring, keep going, and Rhea tackles Charlotte down for ground ‘n’ pound! Charlotte hits back, Natty gets in to help Charlotte but Mandy gets in to help Rhea! Tamina and Dana join in, they’re brawling all over the ring!

Mandy stomps Charlotte, Rhea throws Natty and Dana shoves Tamina out! The second gen superstars regroup as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns yet again, and the match is happening as Natty has Mandy in a cobra twist. Mandy fights free, arm-drags Natty away, then KNEE- NO! Natty blocks the knee, trips Mandy up and goes for the sharpshooter! Mandy kicks free and hot tags Dana! Dana dodges Natty to handspring and merry-go-round headscissor! Natty staggers up, Dana handspring back elbows in the corner! Dana fires off forearms, then reels Natty in for a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Charlotte tells Natty to get up and Natty ROCKS Dana with rights! Natty whips, Dana reverses but Natty holds ropes and elbows Dana! Tag to Tamina but Dana dropkicks her down! But Charlotte tags in just before!

Dana goes out, dodges Natty and blocks Tamina’s superkick, but Charlotte BLINDSIDES Dana! Charlotte puts Dana in to cover, TWO! Charlotte mocks Dana to go tag her partners but then dribbles her off the mat! Charlotte swipes at Rhea but then drags Dana away. The ref is busy with Rhea as Charlotte throws Dana down and Tamina gets a cheap shot in! Charlotte kicks Dana, tags Tamina in, and stands on Dana so that Tamina can stomp away! Tag to Natty and the tag champs mug Dana. Natty gets Dana up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Natty is annoyed but she tags Tamina back in. They mug Dana more, shove her into the buckles, then tag Charlotte in.

Charlotte takes her time bringing Dana up and around to CHOP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP her! Charlotte puts Dana’s leg on ropes but Dana avoids the knee drop! Dana  ROCKS Charlotte, BOOTS her, but Charlotte KNEES Dana back! Charlotte gets Dana up but Dana escapes the scoop to O’Conner Roll! TWO, hot tag to Rhea! The Nightmare rallies on Charlotte with short arm clotheslines! Rhea ripcords and HEADBUTTS to a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Rhea gets Charlotte up again but Charlotte escapes the suplex and rakes eyes! Tag to Natty, Rhea wants after Charlotte but Natty rolls Rhea up! ONE, and Rhea KICKS Natty down!

Tag to Dana, and Dana tags Mandy. They double snapmare and cartwheel to double BOOT! Cover, but Tamina breaks it! Rhea dropkicks Tamina but Charlotte chop blocks Rhea! Dana gives Charlotte a ROLLING NECKBRAEKER! Natty DISCUS LARIATS Dana! Mandy rolls Natty, ONE!! Natty rushes Mandy and lifts her, but Mandy sunset flips! TWO, and Mandy gets around to O’Conner Roll! TWO and Natty has the legs! Natty steps through, Mandy boots her, and Charlotte tags in! Mandy dodges Natty, KNEE FROM A ROSE! BOOT from Charlotte!! Cover, Charlotte and team win!!

Winners: Charlotte Flair, Natalya & Tamina, by pinfall

But Rhea CHOP BLOCKS Charlotte! And then bails out! The Nightmare gets the last laugh because she got even with The Queen! Will things only get chippier come Money in the Bank?

 

Akira Tozawa’s on the run!

The WWE 24/7 Champion comes across Ryker, who is back to smacking himself with the strap. Ryker doesn’t even care, he lets Tozawa continue on. Truth comes by, sees Ryker, and asks him why he’s doing that. Is Ryker unhappy with himself? Can he… see Truth? Ryker stops and Truth asks if Ryker wants to talk about it. Ryker is preparing for battle. Tonight, he and Elia swill be tied together with this strap. They will be bound together, and there will be nowhere for Elias to retreat. What is Ryker doing, you ask? He is purging himself of weakness and exploring ways to inflict the most pain. Well thanks for sharing, man.

Hey, when Ryker is done, can Truth borrow it? He wants to lassoey Tozawa and get his baby back! Ryker doesn’t respond, so Truth takes it as a “Maybe.” Well look at the time! That’s all for this week! Good talk. Truth heads off, and Ryker continues to test himself with the strap. Is Ryker ready to quite literally whip Elias’ ass?

 

Strap Match: Elias VS Jaxson Ryker!

The Drifter goes to the ring, and there will be no running away this time. Will he even be able to walk after Ryker gets his hands, and that strap, on him?

Raw returns and Ryker makes his entrance. The strap is fastened around each man’s left hand and the bell rings. Elias jumps right at Ryker! Elias fires off haymakers and body shots but Ryker gives them back! Elias knees Ryker down in the corner, stomps him down, then gets him up to put him through the bottom rope. Elias goes out after and CHOPS Ryker! Elias sees the steel steps, uses the straps to reel Ryker in and send him into the steel! Ryker hobbles up but Elias has the strap wrapped around the post! Ryker is held up and Elias fires off hands! Elias gathers up some slack to SMACK Ryker in the ribs! And again! Elias runs in but Ryker BOOTS him!

Ryker uses the strap to yank Elias into POST! Ryker gets Elias in the ring, then on the apron, to SMACK him with the strap! Ryker gets in, keeps Elias from going too far, and kicks him low so he can SMACK Elias on the back! And again! Ryker whips Elias up and over, then yanks Elias back in, to CLOBBER him! Ryker has a leather fist and he drops it on Elias’ head! Ryker goes to a corner, climbs up, and uses the strap to stand Elias up. Ryker knees, into a SYMPHO-KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Elias almost had Ryker there! Elias snarls as he paces around, and he gathers up some slack. Elias says there was a time he respected Ryker, but Ryker disrespected Elias!

Elias SMACKS Ryker and mocks his pain! Elias SMACKS Ryker again! Elias sits Ryker up to tell him this is what he gets, but Ryker dodges the next smack to kick low and SMACK Elias back! And again! And he whips Elias to a corner, reels him in to whip to the other corner, and then in for a SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, RYKER WINS!

Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall

Brutal, direct, and quick, Ryker finally gets his vindication! Will he finally be able to walk away from Elias and chart his own path?

 

Matt Riddle prepares backstage.

Damian Priest walks over and tells Riddle, “Just wanna say, congratulations on your victory tonight in the battle royal. And good luck, Riddle.” Riddle says he’s not Riddle, he’s Randy Orton. And what does Priest want? Uh… Okay, “Randy.” Well if you see Riddle, let Riddle know Priest is looking for him. Priest saw that Burger King has those new Ch’King sandwiches, and figured they could grab a couple. But if Riddle’s not here… Riddle puts his hand out. Priest doesn’t get it, so he turns to leave. Riddle says to wait, and says he is Riddle. This was his lock ‘n’ key game with Randy. Riddle just doesn’t want to let Riddle down.

Riddle, relax, Priest knew it was you. But to be fair, Priest thinks what Riddle is doing for Randy is cool. Just to be clear, Orton is the one lucky enough to have Riddle as a friend. Aw… Riddle goes back to getting in the mindset of Orton, but will pretending to be The Viper make him as good as The Viper against Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles?

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!

Kevin asks if McIntyre can beat Styles and Riddle tonight. A valid question, so here is a valid answer. The Battle of Edinburgh, the Scots VS the English VS the Irish. English were first, outnumbering Scotland 2 to 1, but the Scots won easily. A few knuckle sandwiches and Glasgow kisses, boom, the Brits went back to Queenie. But then the Irish showed up, full on fisticuffs, and one ginger lad was throwing Scots left ‘n’ right, coming face to face with McIntyre. McIntyre kicked Sheamus right in his lucky charms, sent him flying, things were nut! And the grand finale of it all… McIntyre saved Christmas! He did? NO! That question was ridiculous, this whole thing is ridiculous!

McIntyre won’t show his hand. But he will slap Riddle around, kick Styles’ head off his shoulders, then go on to win Money in the Bank! The Scottish Warrior’s last last chance is right here, right now, can he do it?!

Last Chance Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Drew McIntyre VS VS AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Matt Riddle!

McIntyre makes his entrance first, with the claymore sword and the pyro, because for him, this is business as usual! But will going about things the same way get him the same result of a crushing defeat? Or can he overcome the Phenomenal One and the Bro roleplaying as The Viper to be one step closer to the briefcase?

Raw returns and the bell rings! Styles hits Riddle, McIntyre hits Styles! McIntyre stomps away on Styles but Riddle fires forearms on McIntyre! McIntyre DECKS Riddle but Styles CHOPS McIntyre! McIntyre gets mad and CHOPS Styles off his feet! McIntyre turns around to whip Riddle in, then runs to ROCK him with forearms! McIntyre stomps Riddle, brings him up to headbutt, then whips him into Styles’ boot! Styles rushes McIntyre but McIntyre clobbers him! McIntyre dead lift suplexes Riddle! Cover, TWO! Styles runs in but McIntyre kicks him and RAMS him into buckles! Styles goes down but Riddle fires off hands on McIntyre! And kicks!

Riddle has McIntyre in a corner, he runs side to side to forearm Styles, then McIntyre! Riddle runs side to side again, but into McIntyre’s clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Riddle! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Styles! McIntyre scowls even though he has control. Styles slowly gets up but McIntyre is on him with haymakers. McIntyre whips Styles to ropes and TOSSES him with the back drop! Cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps eyes on Styles, aims from the ropes, but Styles avoid the Claymore and throws Styles out! Omos is nearby, but he stays back while McIntyre gets up. Styles aims, slingshots, but has to bail out of the plancha as McIntyre moves! McIntyre sweeps the legs!

McIntyre goes to the announce desk and clears it off! McIntyre even stares Omos down a moment before going back for Styles. McIntyre reels Styles in, gets him up, but Styles gets free of the crucifix to KICK the leg! Riddle flies in to forearm McIntyre down! The Bro sees Styles nearby, and sees the desk! What would Randy Orton do? Riddle gets McIntyre up but Styles throws hands! Riddle CHOPS McIntyre and Styles, but McIntyre throws forearms. McIntyre bounces Riddle off steps but Styles kicks McIntyre’s knee! And then POSTS him! Styles goes back to Riddle and kick shim low to bring him to the desk. Riddle blocks the suplex to throw body shots!

Riddle turns things around, Styles blocks the suplex, but Riddle throws more body shots. Styles powers up but still can’t get Riddle up! Riddle turns things around to suplex Styles up and over to the floor! McIntyre gets Riddle, another dead lift suplex, and to the floor! McIntyre gets up but Styles ENZIGURIS him down! Styles gets McIntyre up, scoops, but Riddle has to help out. McIntyre is a big man, but they both SLAM him through the table!! Everyone is down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Riddle fires off kicks on Styles in a corner! Styles blocks one, puts the leg on the rope then kicks the leg! Riddle hobbles, Styles hurries over, Riddle KICKS him down! Riddle runs, Styles avoids the Penalty Kick to roll up, ONE! Styles blocks another kick to DRAGON SCREW! Riddle roars and writhes but Styles gets the leg for a foot DDT! And then drops an elbow on the knee! Styles has a toehold but Riddle fights with a chinbar. Styles wrenches Riddle’s toes! Styles then gets up to stomp the leg, and stalks Riddle to a corner. Styles throws hands, gets the leg again, but Riddle KNEES free with the other! Styles wobbles and the ref checks on him.

Riddle gets up, Styles is still in this, and Styles dodges Riddle to PELE! Cover, TWO! Omos is annoyed but Styles goes out to KICK and stomp McIntyre back down! McIntyre sits up but Styles kicks him, then throws him down on the wreckage of the table! The ref checks on McIntyre, Styles goes back to the ring and fist-bumps Omos. But Riddle is back up and fires off hands on Styles! Riddle has Styles in the corner, but Styles hits a SPINEBUSTER! Styles gets the leg for a toehold again, then shifts Riddle over for a modified ankle lock! Riddle endures, moves around, and gets the ropebreak! Styles doesn’t have to let go but the tap-out won’t count, so Styles changes position!

Styles has a Half Crab now! Riddle kicks with his free leg but Styles stomps him down! Styles paces, gets Riddle up, and snap BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Styles is growing frustrated. Styles goes out as McIntyre stirs again and Styles stomps McIntyre down! Styles goes back to the ring but a KNEE catches him in the ropes! Riddle shouts out to Orton, DRAPING DDT! Riddle hears the voices in his head, or maybe just Orton’s voice in his head, as Styles gets up! Styles ducks the RKO to fireman’s carry, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle still lives and Styles can’t believe it!

Styles gets Riddle up, reels him in, but Riddle fights the Clash! McIntyre is back and he drags Styles out! McIntyre RAMS Styles into barriers, then into apron, then back into barriers! McIntyre goes after Riddle, but Riddle spins him, PELE- NO! McIntyre blocks, gets Riddle up and puts him in the corner! McIntyre fires off windmill haymakers! McIntyre whips Riddle corner to corner then runs in to back elbow! McIntyre gets the legs, brings Riddle out, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! McIntyre watches Riddle slowly stir, and McIntyre aims from the ropes again. Riddle stands, but he avoids the Claymore to send McIntyre out!

Riddle catches his breath in the ring, and Styles aims at McIntyre for a SLIDING FOREARM! Styles goes to the ring, Riddle goes TRIANGLE JUMP FINAL FLASH! Styles flops back down, Riddle goes to the apron and he APRON PENALTY KICKS! McIntyre swipes but Riddle jumps it to PENALTY KCIK! SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO!! Riddle takes out both Styles and McIntyre and fires up! Riddle has his choice, but he KICKS McIntyre against the post! And again! And again! Styles is up and he gets KICKS, too! Riddle goes back to McIntyre, PENALTY KICK! Riddle runs at Styles, but Styles moves and Riddle kicks steel steps!

The ref checks on him but Riddle says he doesn’t want to stop now! But surely a toe or foot could be broken, the ref has medics rush out. They check on Riddle, help him get up slowly and hop towards the back. Riddle feels awful, he can’t let Randy Orton down! Riddle is still taken away as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and McIntyre throws body shots to fight out of Styles’ chinlock. Styles kicks low, runs and kicks McIntyre, but McIntyre CLOBBERS him! McIntyre rallies, whips, and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes again! Styles hobbles up into ANOTHER OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre aims at Styles, runs in but Styles boots him away! Styles runs, McIntyre dodges the clothesline and hits a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up but his bad leg jams a bit. McIntyre gets Styles up, underhooks but Styles fights free to kick. McIntyre blocks that kick to SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!

McIntyre is frustrated but he keeps his focus as he and Styles slowly rise. McIntyre gets Styles up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. McIntyre ROCKS Styles with a right, climbs up and gets Styles up, but Styles slips out to trip McIntyre up! Styles fireman’s carries for an USSHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Styles is too tired to be upset! Styles gets back up, he brings McIntyre up and reels him in, but McIntyre powers out of the Clash! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but swings into a scoop, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and McIntyre is beside himself!

Both men go to opposite corners, and McIntyre runs in, but into a chop block! Styles hurries to get a leg, McIntyre fights to his feet but Styles rolls him! CALF CRUSHER!! McIntyre endures as Styles pulls back as hard as he can! But wait, is that Riddle hobbling back out? His foot is heavily wrapped but he’s somehow making it here! McIntyre dribbles Styles, Riddle gets him for a BROMISSION! Styles fights free, going after the bad thighs! Riddle still kicks, rolls Styles, BROMISSION! McIntyre stomps the hold apart, gets Riddle up nd throws hands. Riddle spins McIntyre to PELE! McIntyre tumbles out, Riddle is up but Styles springboards, PHENOMNEAL- FINAL FLASH!

RIDDLE HITS AN RKO!?!? Cover, Omos drags Styles out! Omos saves Styles from taking the loss! Riddle turns around into a CLAYMORE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (qualifies for the Men’s MITB Ladder Match)

Styles survives thanks to his massive insurance policy, but he and the Bro still lose as the Scottish Warrior snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Will McIntyre add that briefcase to his list of accolades?


My Thoughts:

Wow, Raw was surprisingly great again this week. There were still more recaps than needed, but we got a lot of good stuff even with that. For one, a great promo segment with Kofi and MVP, though I will note Kofi might’ve been too hyped because he had stammered a little here and there. But Kofi pointing out things like Lashley taking it easy, having MVP help him, all good points. Kofi knocking MVP down with the Trouble in Paradise was great, too. Things are really ramping up, but it feels like Lashley is still winning at MITB, even if KofiMania 2 happening would be a great way to get fans to react.

Speaking of MITB, everything going into tonight’s Triple Threat was interesting but all around exciting stuff. Whatever reason Orton couldn’t actually be here, using it to further things on various fronts was great. The battle royal got a lot of action and story going at once, such as Mansoor being tricked by Mustafa Ali, all the 24/7 Championship chaos on the outside, and Omos screwing over the Viking Raiders. Riddle being in that match and then winning it for Orton was great stuff. Riddle made the Triple Threat an awesome match, though it was going to be that with Orton, too.

But Riddle taking the loss makes sense. Styles had Omos so he wasn’t going to lose, but he also wasn’t going to win because of the coming Raw Tag Team Championship match. The story of RKBRO is going to circle back to the tag titles, too. Priest’s promo with Riddle backstage was good, and I hope this cues Orton to try and appreciate what Riddle was doing for him. Orton was going to lose his opportunity by default without him, Riddle at least tried to get it, there’s no shame in losing here. And I suppose by default, McIntyre was going to win, but also because why wouldn’t Raw choose McIntyre? I don’t think McIntyre wins the MITB match because of all the other great choices, but him trying is also a great bit of the story.

Ricochet, Morrison and Miz had a great promo segment together, and then Ricochet VS Morrison was an awesome match. And the way they got to Double Count-out was awesome, I’ve never seen a move like that to the outside. Those guys are going to be the highlights of the ladder match because of what they can do. Elias VS Ryker as a strap match was so quick, it was like filler. Ryker was of course going to win and get past Elias, but it just doesn’t feel like a blow-off if it happens so fast. Also, Ryker wearing yellow and red, I hope this isn’t a sign Vince is going to try and make Ryker the new “I’m a real American~” Hogan. Not that I’m not patriotic, it’s just that it doesn’t need to be done with an Easter Egg to Hulkamania.

We got pretty good stuff out of Shayna, Nia, Nikki and Alexa. Nikki coming up with her nickname and catchphrase was great, she had a good match with Shayna, but of course Alexa gets involved with the puppetry. Her taking out two with one leg was great, though. Nikki wins to build momentum towards the MITB match, but no idea who is winning this with SmackDown still determining their spots. The limited roster didn’t really do Asuka or Naomi any favors. I get Eva is to get Heel Heat while fans rally behind “Doudrop” Piper Niven, but Piper ditched her last week. Why are they teaming again? Why isn’t Piper getting in Eva’s face about her name? This is bad pacing along with exposing WWE not caring for their RawDown Women’s Division like NXT does for theirs.

The Six Woman Tag was a much better segment with the promos and the brawling before the match, as well as the match itself. Charlotte, Natty & Tamina win to get momentum, but it is interesting that Rhea gets the cheap shot on Charlotte. I feel like Rhea, Dana & Mandy might win their matches, because who else is there to defend the titles against for Natty & Tamina? SmackDown has almost no one, but Asuka and Naomi can stick together to challenge whoever after MITB. Of course, the WWE Draft is coming, there’s at least two women’s tag teams going from NXT to RawDown to salvage the main roster tag division, which is sad because these belts should’ve been on all the shows outside of when Bayley & Sasha Banks had them.

My Score: 8.4/10


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Coverage

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

Prepare for Backlash!

Published

on

Did you know that challenger in French is still “challenger?”

In a WrestleMania rematch, AJ Styles takes on LA Knight in a #1 contender’s match, to challenge WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight; Styles wins and will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Backlash.
  • SmackDown/WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma; The Profits win and will challenge A-Town Down Under for the titles.
  • Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez; Santos wins.
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi; Bayley wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s match: AJ Styles VS LA Knight!

After fighting their way through Triple Threats, the Phenomenal One and the Mega Star meet again, YEAH! It’s a WrestleMania Rematch, the winner moving on to Backlash, YEAH! Will AJ Styles avenge his loss at the biggest WrestleMania ever? Or will everyone from here to France know whose game it is?

The bell rings and the two step to each other. The fans in Pittsburgh “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” and Knight lets Styles know it. Styles snarls, they tie up, and they go around. Knight puts Styles in a corner, the ref counts, but Knight lets off slowly. Styles kicks low! The fans boo but Styles headlocks. Knight pulls hair, throws body shots, then headlocks in return. Styles pushes Knight to ropes, powers up and out, then hurdles, drops and DROP- NO, Knight avoids the dropkick to BOOT, and LARIAT! Knight then TOSSES Styles out of the ring, storms out after him, and brings him to commentary. Knight SMACKS Styles off the desk! And again! And again!

The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every SMACK, then Knight tops it off with one last SMACK! Knight drags Styles up and into the ring, storms in, but Styles KICKS Knight in the ropes! Styles reels Knight in, but Knight back drops Styles up and out! Styles flounders on the floor, Knight runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Styles hits desk again and Steel City is loving “L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Styles soaks up the heat as he taunts Knight. Styles brings Knight up, but Knight fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight backs Styles down, whips, but Styles ducks ‘n dodges! Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down and the fans fire up. Both men slowly sit up, crawl around, and then stand. Styles fires a shot, but Knight gives it back! The haymakers go back and forth, “YEAH! BOO! YEAH!” Styles staggers but he still ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Styles again and again, but Styles throat chops! Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but Knight ducks the lariat!

Knight JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Styles! Knight stomps a mudhole in at the corner, “YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner to KNEE Styles down! The fans fire up, Knight puts Styles up, and Knight ROCKS Styles. Knight climbs, but Styles ROCKS him back! Knight staggers away, but returns to spring right up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives that crash but both men are down again. The fans rally as Knight rises, and he brings Styles around. Knight reels Styles in, suplexes, but Styles slips free! Styles goes to a corner, ELBOWS Knight away, then goes up to QUEBRADA DDT! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up as Knight stays in this and Styles starts losing his cool. The fans rally for Knight but Styles looms over him. Styles brings Knight up and in, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight then scoops Styles, but Styles slips free to roll up, TWO!! Knight escapes, swings, but Styles dodges to PELE! Knight ends up in a corner, Styles runs in, but Knight puts Styles on the apron! Styles ROCKS Knight, springboards, but Knight gets under! Styles comes back, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Then JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up with with Knight as he storms around. Styles rises, Knight winds up, B F- NO, Styles bails out!

The fans boo but Knight storms over. Knight drags Styles up but Styles HOTSHOTS him! And pokes him in the eyes! Then ROCKS him! And springboards, to PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship)

Styles bent the rules, but a win is a win! He will get his shot at the American Nightmare in Lyon, France, will this year’s Backlash be phenomenal?

 

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

The car pulls up, Solo Sikoa steps out in a suit, and Paul Heyman is there to greet him. Nice threads, Solo. Tama Tonga walks over and Solo says meet the newest member of The Bloodline, Solo’s MFT. The Wise Man is stunned. But Solo cuts him off to ask if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman hesitates and Solo asks again, is Kevin here? If he is, he’s probably already in the locker room. Then take them to him. Heyman obeys and leads on. There have already been changes to the chain of command, is there about to be a change to the landscape of SmackDown, too?

 

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

In a familiar scene to Monday Night Raw, there is a podium with something under a satin sheet. The SmackDown General Manager welcomes to Pittsburgh the Chief Content Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque! The fans fire up as The Game makes his way to the ring! HHH joins Aldis in the ring, gets a mic, looks around at the crowd as he revels in the cheers, then says, “On the heels of the biggest, most epic, history making, record breaking, epic, unbelievable WrestleMania of all time, we are here tonight, sold out, 15 thousand strong, Pittsburgh, PA! So let me say, welcome to SmackDown!” The fans cheer that!

HHH wants to take a moment to say that he thinks Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are both doing great jobs at leading their respective brands into the future. Thank you to both of them. And when we talk about the future, we have to talk about the history made coming into the future. So when history is made, HHH wants it to be represented here befitting of those that make it. So Aldis, if we could, let us bring the… champions out here. Aldis says without further ado, the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The fans boo as A-Town Down Under make their way, blue belts in hand.

Theory & Waller join Aldis and HHH in the ring, mics already in hand, and they soak up the heat from Steel City. Waller says this is huge. Monday, we saw the second place champions get new belts. And now A-Town Down Under will be presented new titles! Theory says speaking of truth, didn’t Truth think HHH was a magician? Well, who knows what magic trick HHH has to make these guys look better than they already do, but hey, give it a try. HHH says congratulations on becoming tag team champions, so he will show them what they will wear going forward. From now on, they will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Reveal! In the style of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era belts, the solid gold shines. HHH offers a handshake, but Waller leaves him hanging to shake Theory’s hand! Aldis makes it clear to them. They ever pop off and disrespect HHH like that, here’s a real magic trick: A-Clown Down Under will disappear, permanently! The fans like the sound of that! Aldis snatches the blue belts away since they won’t need them, and speaking of disappearing, there’s a chance one of the following four teams will make their title reign disappear. That #1 contenders match starts right now! The fans fire up, but which team defies the odds to get some golden tickets to France?

 

Backstage interview with Naomi.

Kayla Braxton is with The Glow and says last week, she beat Tiffany Stratton to get this title opportunity tonight. Will the friendship with Bayley get in the way of this match? Naomi says no, of course not. Bayley’s her sister, and she needed help against Damage CTRL, so Naomi was more than happy to help. But in no way will friendship get in the way of this opportunity. It has been over two YEARS since Naomi’s last WWE singles championship match, and there is nothing that will get in the way of making the most of this moment. Now last week, Tiffy Time felt the glow, so that same energy keeps going tonight.

Naomi is also looking forward to next week’s WWE Draft, where she will walk in the NEW WWE Women’s Champion. Naomi is ready, but will she be able to best Bayley in Bayley’s first title defense?

 

WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The Street Profits VS New Catch Republic VS The Authors of Pain VS Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns as Legado makes their entrance, followed by Akam & Rezar with the Final Testament. Waller & Theory are on commentary, Waller admitting he wants any team but AOP, and Theory saying these teams are fortunate to have real superstars leading their division. In this form of Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are active, so the Big Strong Boi, Tyler Bate, starts against Montez Ford. They circle, tie up, and Ford headlocks. Bate powers up to pry at the hold but Ford clamps on tighter. Bate powers up and out, drops, but Ford leaps over! The fans cheer, things keep moving, Bate feints high to drop low!

Bate shows knuckle lock, Ford obliges, but Bate wrenches, baits and double pump handles to FLIP Ford! Cover, TWO! Ford gets up to sweep and cover, TWO! Bate steps over, La Magistrol, TWO! Ford gets up, dropkicks cancel out, and both men kip up! The fans fire up and the two reset. But then Humberto Carrillo sneaks a tag, before he DECKS Bate with a sucker punch! Ford dodges Humberto but Angel Garza holds the ropes open! Ford tumbles out,  Garza tags in, and Humberto sits Ford up. Garza runs in to KNEE Ford down! The fans boo, Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza back suplexes, Ford lands out!

Ford tags Dawkins and he dodges Garza to FLYING ELBOW! Garza tags out to Akam, but then the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne, tags in off Dawkins! Rezar tags, Dunne runs up but Akam LARIATS him down! Rezar DECKS Dawkins, then the AOP start clearing the corners! But Ford goes up to leap, but into an URENAGE! The fans boo but the AOP roar and soak up the heat. Waller’s worst case scenario might end up reality, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Ford endures a facelock. Ford fights up, pries at the hold, but Rezar shoves him to ELBOW him down! Rezar talks trash, Waller taunts the Steelers players sitting in the front row that they don’t really know what championships are, and then Rezar sucker punches Dawkins down! Rezar stands Ford up, Canadian Racks and bends him! Ford endures, the fans rally, but Rezar thrashes Ford around! Ford kicks and flails, he gets free, hot tag to Dunne! Bate sneaks a tag, Dunne GAMANGIRIS Akam and then NCR fire off on Rezar! The fans fire up, Humberto runs in, but Dunne dodges to SNAP GERMAN!

Bate & Dunne STOMP Humberto’s hands! Then BASEMENT DROPKICK! Garza runs up, but into the REBOUNDER GERMAN COMBO!! The fans fire up with NCR, but Rezar runs up! He grabs Dunne, but Bate says Bop up, BANG! Bate fireman’s carries Rezar?! But Rezar ELBOWS right free! Dunne GAMANGIRIS, Ford SUPERKICKS, and Dawkins ENZIGIRIS! Rezar wobbles, and everyone helps Bate gets Rezar up! BIG STRONG AIRPLANE SPINE! But then Legado CLOBBER Bate and Rezar! They BOOT Dunne, whip the Profits but the Profits reverse to TOSS Legado out! Ellering coaches Rezar while the Profits regroup.

Bate gets up, Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins brings Bate to the very top, but Dunne CLUBS Dawkins! NCR mug Dawkins but Ford joins in! They brawl, but AOP add on! Humberto finds Rezar to tag in, before the DOUBLE TOWER OF DOOM!! Bate’s the only one left up top, so Legado mug him! They double trophy lift Bate, to DOUBLE ROCKET LAUNCH him onto everyone!! Humberto then finds Bate, sunset flips and rewinds, Garza jumps, MISSILE DROPKICK DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! “This is Awesome!” as all eight men are down around ringside, and Waller says this is gonna be easy pickings for A-Town Down Under now.

Dunne grabs Garza, Bate has Humberto, STEREO ANKLE LOCKS!! Grapevine for Garza! But Humberto BOOTS Bate onto Dunne! Legado is free, Ellering has AOP regroup, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Rezar CLUBS Dawkins down. Rezar soaks up heat, taunts the other teams, then CLUBS Dawkins again. Rezar brings Dawkins up again, but Dawkins fires off body shots! Rezar KNEES low, reels Dawkins in, talks more trash, and lifts Dawkins up, to POWERBOMB! But then Dunne runs up to ROCK Rezar! Akam gets in to scoop Dunne and SLAM him on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Rezar looks to Ellering and he coaches AOP. Rezar HAMMERS Dawkins, Akam tags, and AOP get NCR up! The fans boo but NCR RANA free to send AOP into each other! Ford jumps in, as does Garza.

All the teams realize, they gotta do something about AOP. So they all mug AOP! The fans fire up as AOP tumble out, but now who strikes first? Dunne runs up but Garza SUPERKICKS him first! Bate waistlocks Garza and Ford winds up, but Garza ducks so the BACKHAND hits Bate! Garza SUPERKICKS Ford, but Dawkins DECKS Garza! Humberto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO!! Theory says if A-Town Down Under were in this match, he’d knock everyone out and Waller could just sneak in to cover. Humberto and Dawkins rise and go to corners. Humberto runs up, but Dawkins POUNCES him away!

Dawkins gets Humberto up, Ford returns and tags in! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts Humberto and Ford climbs! The stars are out for the BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, DUNNE BREAKS IT! Another save from the Bruiserweight and Ford is frustrated. Dunne drags Dawkins up to CHOP, but Dawkins ROCKS him! Dawkins whips Dunne out of the ring, but Dunne grabs the arm! And he pulls off the glove so he can SNAP fingers! The fans fire up, but Ford ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Ford brings Humberto up, Humberto JAWBREAKERS! Bate tags in off Ford, BOOTS Garza, then runs up, but into a POP-UP! But Bate RANAS Humberto!!

Bate then DUMPS Garza out, goes to the apron, and Dunne lines up targets. Bate and Dunne climb, Ford runs in, NCR DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT while Ford FLIES over the corner post!! Down goes Legado and AOP!! The fans are losing their minds as Bate hurries to get Humberto up. Bate puts Humberto in, reels him in, underhooks, but Humberto fights it! Humberto back drops but Bate lands on his feet! Humberto cradles, TWO! Humberto LARIATS Bate, tag to Garza! Legado gets Bate up, feed to the POP-UP KICK!! #FTY! Humberto then DIVES to take out Dunne! Garza goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT!!

But Ford flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! The fans are thunderous as everyone is down again! Bate flounders, Dawkins tags in! Dawkins whips Legado, Ford joins in, THE REVELATION!! Cover, PROFITS WIN!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Waller & Theory are relieved it isn’t AOP, but they still look a bit annoyed that it is Ford & Dawkins. The Profits are Triple Crown Tag Team Champions from Raw to SmackDown to NXT, but will they soon add the WWE Tag Team Championships to make it a grand slam?

 

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton is with The Role Model, and brings up the emotional moment from Monday Night Raw where Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her title. But let us focus on Bayley’s title, as she defends it for the first time against Naomi. Where is her head at ahead of the main event? Bayley says after seeing Rhea vacate the Women’s World Championship on Raw, Bayley appreciates her reign more. She is focused, and she has realized she’s THE Women’s Champion in WWE right now, something she does not take for granted. Because we all know that with the WWE Draft, things are bound to change.

And as excited as Bayley is to face her friend, Naomi, one thing that won’t change is her as THE WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley is just as confident at Naomi, so something’s gotta give! Will The Role Model #FeelTheGlow? Or will she still be shining with gold after tonight?

 

Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa.

The Wise Man apologizes that they haven’t found Kevin Owens, but he has to be here somewhere. Just look at the time. They will find him, somewhere. Solo stops listening and heads to gorilla. Heyman follows after, but Solo gives him a look. Heyman says he isn’t trying to upset Solo. Please believe him. The last person on this planet Heyman wants to piss off is Solo. But respectfully, Solo is making decisions that are not his to make, yet. One day, these will all be Solo’s decisions. But not now, not here! These are decisions that can only be made by one man. Solo asks Heyman if he’s done talking. Heyman asks if MFT is coming with Solo.

Solo just gives a thumbs up, with that taped thumb. The music hits and Solo makes his entrance, Heyman still following all the way into the ring. What does the Enforcer have planned? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his usual introduction. And he doesn’t know if there is a list of the most brilliant backstage maneuvering politicians int he history of the WWE, but if there were, Heyman would have to think that he personally is in the top… Well, permit Heyman, with Solo’s permission, to explain what’s going on right now within The Bloodline, “the premier act in the history of WWE.” The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” but Solo shrugs that off. Heyman assures us that as The Wise Man for… Heyman gets emotional, so Solo just snatches the mic! The fans boo but Solo paces.

Solo tries to talk but the fans boo. Solo says last week, he had to lose a brother! He had to! It was in order for him to find a new one! His MFT, Tama Tonga! And with that, a bloodied Kevin Owens is tossed out, by the Good Bad Guy! Tama shoves Kevin down the ramp, stalks behind him, and referees rush out to stop him from doing anything further! Kevin can’t even sit up, but Tama steps over him to go to the ring. The fans boo as Tama joins Solo in the ring while the refs help Kevin to his feet and to the back. Tama raises his finger to the sky, because he acknowledges Solo! Heyman has no choice but to go along, but wait! Kevin is heading back down the ramp!?

The fans fire up as Kevin shows his grit and defiance! He drags Tama out to fire off hands!! The fans cheer but then Solo whips Kevin into steel steps! Solo drags Kevin back up, puts him in the ring, but now security rushes in! Tama storms in after Kevin but Kevin TACKLES Tama! The security gets Kevin away from Tama, but Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Kevin down!! The fans boo but then Tama SPLASHES Kevin! Tama rains down fists on that bloody wound, then he DECKS guard after guard! Producers try but Tama is a madman! Tama shoves everyone away so he can slip out of the ring, to grab a chair!!

The fans boo as Tama storms back in, but now Aldis steps up! Aldis warns The Bloodline here, and Solo has Tama stand down. Solo takes the chair from Tama to show they’re done here. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but the damage is done. Solo & Tama are a dangerous duo, will nothing and no one stop them from taking over SmackDown?

 

Heyman goes to the parking lot.

He’s in shock, but Aldis finds him and pulls him along. Was Heyman aware of this? Aldis shows Heyman the aftermath of one car T-boning another! And in case Heyman can’t guess, the struck car was Kevin’s. The attacking car was Tama’s! Heyman says this wasn’t authorized! No, Heyman, Aldis is speaking now. He gets this is a conflict within The Bloodline, but on his show, things are settle din the ring. Next week is the Draft, a lot of eyeballs on it, and a lot top brass are gonna be here. So Aldis will not tolerate this behavior. So make sure The Bloodline understands. Because, Heyman, if you don’t, the repercussions will be equally savage.

Aldis brings Heyman in close to tell him losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences. Will the Wise Man be able to rein in such an unruly force as Solo and Tama?

 

Carlito w/ Zelina Vega VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!

The LWO still doesn’t believe Legado’s claims that they had nothing to do with Dragon Lee going down before WrestleMania, so they’re going to get to the bottom of this one themselves! Will Caribbean Cool make the Emperor of Lucha confess his crimes? Or will Santos prove he was right all along?

The bell rings and the two talk trash. Then they start throwing hands! Carlito backs Santos down but Santos gets around to whisper something in Carlito’s ear. Carlito ELBOWS Santos away, runs up and hits a THESZ PRESS! Carlito then bumps Santos off buckles, fires hands, then has him in another corner. Carlito whips corner to corner, runs up, but Santos BOOTS him! Santos runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Vega coaches Carlito to stay on Santos and he brings Santos up. Carlito ROCKS Santos, whips, but Santos KICKS him! Santos runs, but into a DROPKICK! Carlito kips up and the fans fire up!

Santos is on the outside, the ref won’t let Carlito go after him, but then Carlito WRECKS Santos with a dropkick! Carlito loads up to PLANCHA! Direct hit on Santos and Carlito hoists Vega up to celebrate! The fans cheer the LWO on as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Santos whips Carlito hard into buckles. Carlito falls over, Santos soaks up the heat, then Santos HEADBUTTS Carlito to a corner. Santos then CHOPS, gets space and runs in, to DOUBLE KNEE! Carlito slumps in the corner but Santos puts him up top! Santos GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Carlito flounders, Santos pushes him to a cover, TWO! Vega is relieved but Santos huffs and puffs. Santos rains down fists on Carlito, then clamps on a top wristlock. Carlito endures and Vega coaches him while the fans rally. Carlito rises, throws body shots, then LARIATS!

The fans rally as Carlito starts to rally with more clotheslines, and an ELBOW! Carlito kicks, runs, and KNEE LIFTS! Santos wobbles, Carlito LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Santos is tougher than that but Carlito says he’s going up! Carlito climbs, but then Lopez gets on the apron! Vega storms right over to YANK her down! The fans fire up as Vega goes up, and RANAS, only for Lopez to block! Lopez SWINGS Vega into barriers! Carlito ROCKS Santos, steps in, but the ref is reprimanding Lopez so he misses Santos KICK ropes to jam Carlito low! Santos reels Carlito in to POST him, then brings him back for the fireman’s carry! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Santos wins!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall

La Madrina helps The Emperor steal this victory, them taking down the Caribbean Cool and La Muneca! Whether or not Legado beat down Dragon Lee, will nothing stop them from conquering SmackDown?

 

VIP Skybox interview with Damage CTRL!

Kayla is with Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane & Asuka as they sit way up in the back. What made the former WWE Women’s Champion and crew want a special view of this main event? Dakota takes offense for Iyo with the use of “former” there. Is Kayla trying to disrespect them? Iyo will take that title back when they’re good and ready. But for now, they’re here to watch two people they can’t stand tear each other apart! Does Dakota need to remind everyone here that DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the WWE!? The fans boo but Dakota says the Kabuki Warriors are STILL the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and that will not change-

WAID! Jade Cargill is here! She makes her entrance from the other skybox, with Bianca Belair alongside her! The strongEST duo argues with DMG CTRL, their own title intentions clear. But for now, it’s time for the main event! Who shines with gold here in the Steel City? We find out, after the break!

 

Cody Rhodes speaks.

The American Nightmare is in the UK as part of Raw’s tour, but he still took time to say, “What is the task? Run up the score, leave no doubt, right? Formerly, the task was ‘win the big belt, in the big place.’ We’ve done that. Now, it’s a whole new frontier for us, undiscovered country.” There’s an old expression: the title can make the man, or the man makes the title. Which will it be for Cody? He’s in London tonight, the O2, 16 THOUSAND, then it’s on to Belfast, Ireland. Cody is keeping his promise to bring this title all around the world. Back home, AJ Styles has emerged the #1 contender to this championship.

So then, it will be two Georgia boys duking it out in Lyon, France. The first time ever, at that. Styles has an unprecedented reputation in pro-wrestling. The modern day Excellence of Execution, if you will. Styles rarely misses. But the same goes for Cody. So Backlash in France, Cody looks forward to it. The contract signing is next week, even as the WWE Draft is going on! Will things be explosive when American Nightmare and Phenomenal One meet face to face?

 

WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Naomi!

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and either we shine or we glow!

The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. The two tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Naomi powers up but Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Naomi slips through, rolls Bayley up, ONE!! The fans rally as the two go again. Naomi waistlocks, Bayley headlocks to hit a takeover, and she makes it a cover, TWO! Naomi fights up to her feet, powers up but Bayley wrenches gain. Naomi waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Both women get up, Naomi ducks the boot but Bayley arm-drags her around! Bayley has the cording hold, the fans rally up, and Naomi fights to her feet. Naomi whips Bayley away, but Bayley runs her over!

The fans cheer and Bayley tells DMG CTRL she’s watching them, too. Things speed up, Naomi does the splits to duck under, then she comes back to kick from below! She drags Bayley into a cradle, ONE!! Bayley hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! ONE!! Naomi and Bayley get up, Naomi trips Bayley to jackknife, ONE!! Ghost pin, TWO! Both women hurry up, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans rally while both women are down, evenly matched in this chess game so far. Both women rise, and Naomi SHOTGUNS first! Then she runs up, uses the ropes to slingshot and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Naomi is frustrated but keeps her focus.

Naomi drags Bayley up, Bayley shoves her away. Naomi dodges the lariat to hit REAR VIEW! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Naomi lets her know it was that close, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Bayley whips Naomi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bayley gets up, Naomi runs up, JAWBREAKER! Bayley ends up in a corner now, Naomi runs in, and she forearm SMASHES! Naomi then runs Bayley corner to corner for a BUCKLE BULLDOG! Naomi slips out to the apron while Bayley flounders, and Naomi climbs. The fans duel as Naomi CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Bayley is tougher than that but Naomi knows that. Naomi keeps her focus while DMG CTRL, Bianca & Jade all focus on them. Naomi ROCKS Bayley, tries the ropes again, but Bayley stops the bulldog to SMACK Naomi off buckles!

Bayley then reels Naomi in, SAIDO! High stack, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Bayley remembers Naomi’s tougher than that, too. Bayley drags Naomi into a drop zone, then goes up the corner! Bayley aims, to MACHO ELBOW onto knees! Bayley writhes, Naomi goes to the apron. Bayley stands, runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Naomi slingshots, for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Naomi is stunned! Naomi refocuses, goes to the corner, and goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT onto knees! Bayley returns the favor and both women are down. Bayley shakes out the leg, stands and runs, to KNEE Naomi down!

Bayley hurries to put Naomi back in a drop zone, and then hobbles her way to a corner. Bayley climbs, to MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time and Bayley covers, TWO!! Naomi survives and Bayley is frustrated. Bayley hobbles on the bad leg, leans on ropes while she catches her breath, and the fans duel even more. Bayley stalks Naomi, hooks her up, but Naomi PELES free! Naomi hurries to a corner, Bayley runs up, but Naomi goes up to sunset flip! TWO!! But into the BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Bayley endures, reaches out with her legs, but then she tucks to a cover, TWO!! Naomi gets up, both women throw forearms!

They both wobble, storm up, and Bayley eggs Naomi on. Naomi wants this, right? So hit her! Naomi fires a forearm, Bayley hits back! Naomi winds up to forearm, Bayley comes back with another! The fans fire up as the forearms go harder and faster! Bayley gets the edge, but Naomi SWATS one, to SCORPION KICK, and then JUMP KNEE! Bayley tumbles out of the ring, Naomi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and a hard one, both women are down on the floor! The ring count starts, Naomi stirs at 3 of 10. Naomi brings Bayley up, but BAYLEY2BELLY onto the desk!! The count is 7! Naomi flounders on the desk, but then TIFFANY ATTACKS BAYLEY!!!

Winner: Bayley, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Tiffany makes herself the center of attention as always as she ruins this main event! She dribbles Naomi off the desk, then RAMS Bayley into steel steps! Then she drags Naomi off the desk to POST her! Tiff storms back over to Bayley, puts her in the ring, then adds Naomi in, too. Tiff says sorry not sorry, but it’s Tiffy Time! Tiffy goes to the corner, for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Tiff flexes over both champion and challenger, having upset Bianca & Jade but having entertained DMG CTRL. But will Wrestling Barbie pay for pissing off the Role Model?


My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown that also acted as a WWE Draft go-home. Great match from Styles and Knight to open the night but also follow-up their WrestleMania match. Naturally, Styles wins because then he and Knight are 1-1 in 1v1 matches, and also natural Face VS Heel right there. Good promo from Cody Rhodes, that title match is going to be awesome. Awesome new looks for the WWE Tag Team Championships, though maybe too much gold. Nothing really pops when it’s all the same color, so they should’ve had silver on the WWE logo and the words, “Tag Team Champions,” but it’s still a great redesign.

We also got an awesome Fatal 4 Way tag match, with Theory & Waller decent on commentary. And pieces are falling into place for what I was thinking: Profits win the right to face Theory & Waller, we’ll surely get Lashley wanting the US Championship, we’ll get a good faction feud there as we approach those title matches. Also good continuation of the LWO VS Legado feud with Carlito VS Santos, and distractions of course helped Santos win. There’s gotta come a point where Carlito reveals it was him, Dragon Lee, it was him all along! Now, that would make like the third turn since the start of this rivalry (Santos to Heel, Andrade to Face and Carlito to Heel) but hey, the drama is heightened each time, and maybe Dragon Lee will actually get a win in this feud.

Great stuff in Bayley VS Naomi, as well as all the promos. DMG CTRL watching from the skybox, same as Bianca & Jade, was good stuff. The tag title match is definitely coming for Backlash, that will be great stuff. But I should’ve figured Tiffany would “ruin” the main event so that there won’t really be a choice between Bayley and Naomi. The Draft is coming, hopefully they think to keep all three on the same brand, and probably here on SmackDown, so that those three can have it out. I don’t know the chances of a Triple Threat for Backlash but it still feels possible. Though  at the same time, I don’t think they’d take the title off Bayley after only a month, so she’d probably use Tiffany against Naomi to retain.

And what wild stuff with this new, more vicious Bloodline. Solo is in a suit because he certainly thinks he is Tribal Chief already, given Roman Reigns did give him the nod as “Tribal Heir” a few months ago. And while Tama is the MFT, which everyone is already wondering what that even means, it’s clear he’s also the right hand man and a loose cannon at that. Without the Draft, it’d be pretty wild for Jimmy to come back and help Kevin against this new Bloodline. With the Draft, we could get Jey back on the same brand as his family and then he and Jimmy stand against Solo and Tama. But either way, it’ll be a wild ride in this new chapter and I’m all for it.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2024

Motor City Machine Guns either go out on their backs, or head to Rebellion as champs! Lets see how they finish their current run in TNA!

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No burying the lead here! The Main Event is The System versus Motor City Machine Guns, and it’s the Go Home episode before Rebellion! So we’re guaranteed a damn good tag match, and we should get either new wrinkles, or ways to keep the storylines cooking going into the Pay-per-View.

With all the rumors and innuendo about the Guns being on their way out, I think we all assume that MCMG is losing, but my inner fanboy is still excited.

Ratings:

  • Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – SQUASH
  • LSG vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – SQUASH
  • Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno: Ali wins via 450 Splash – ** 3/4
  • Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Rosemary wins via Spear – ***
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards: System wins via Roster Cut + Knee Party – *** 1/4

 

Results:

So we kick off the match with Josh coming out to commentary again to watch Hammerstone’s match. They really need a new way to try and keep heat without reusing the same tired gimmick of “ring side seat” to a Squash match.

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

Guido tries to shoot the half, but Hammerstone shrugs him off, lifts him like a child and runs him into a corner, few short shots and then just tosses him across the ring. Hammer gets a little distracted talking smack to Josh and eats a foot, but then tosses Guido with the ole Sack of Shit move and keeps working over Guido.

Hammer shoves Clayton, and provokes him to push him back right in front of the referee. She ejects them, Guido tries to take advantage but when he goes for the pinfall Hammer kicks out immediately and presses Guido out of thing through the ropes. Continues to dog walk Guido, puts the head gear on the ECW Original and then Torture Racks him while staring directly at Josh, and of course picks up the submission victory.

LSG vs Joe Hendry

Hendry cuts a little promo, mentioning the Fat Uncle Phil joke…something about shopping at the TOP Dollar Store. Solid mic work.

LSG is a damn good local talent, he’s been seen in ROH and AEW in the past (perhaps others, but that’s what comes to mind immediately for me), but we all know this is an enhancement match. A few nice chain wrestling spots early, but Hendry uses his power to stop the smaller wrestler, Sack of Shit into Standing Ovation and the match is over quickly.

Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno

Well okay, having Deaner ask the crowd if they wanted a 3v2 or their third member…RHYNO…is pretty much a no brainer in Philly. But at least the gimmick isn’t quite as cringe as I expected.

Jake starts with Zack Gibson and throws him around. Jake goes for the tag and Deaner asks the crowd who Jake should tag, and the crowd picks Rhyno. Rhyno Whips Gibson into a corner, Drake actually softens the impact, allowing Gibson to fire back, tag out, but Rhyno levels both GYV members and then even knocks Ali off the apron. Rhyno tries to call to the crowd to tag in Deaner and that goes over like a fart in church. He tags him in anyway, and the crowd is kinda dead and doing whatever it wants after the obvious ECW chants when Rhyno tagged in.

GYV take a couple lumps but they of course start to work over Deaner and capture some momentum. Solid tandem work from GYV, they cut off Deaner from making a tag and goad Jake a little to cause the ref to block off the babyfaces so the heels can take a few shortcuts. Cody eventually makes the tag to Rhyno, hot tag, he tries to set up the Gore but the GYV manage to stop him in his tracks and hit an Enzuigiri to daze the Man Beast, he falls to his corner and Jake tags himself in. Jake literally runs them all over, tags in Cody and Launches him from the Top Rope into Zack Gibson. Ali makes the save and Jake tries to get his hands on Ali, but the GYV keep throwing themselves at him, literally. The triple team finally gets the best of Jake, they hit 3 Dives and then post Jake, so they gather around Cody like hyenas.

They forgot about Rhyno, he’s set up for a Gore, he Gores Drake, Gibson and Ali take out Rhyno, but then Cody starts to fight back. Ali stops Deaner’s offense with an Avalanche Sunset Bomb, then hits his 450 Splash. Jake barely misses being able to break up the pin.

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

Jody tries to start quickly with Shoulder Tackles, Lariats and Scoop Slams, and it does seem somewhat effective. Rosemary is having trouble finding offense against the intensity, but she keeps kicking out. Shotgun Dropkick finally gives Rosemary an opening, she goes into full mount and rains down strikes. Rosemary shoves Jody into a corner and Bites her in the corner. Jody tries to fight out, they go across and Rosemary catches her with the legs and puts her in the Upside Down. Splash in the corner from Rosemary, Exploder Suplex and Jody is eating a lot of offense.

Rosemary looks like she’s caught after she gets tripped up into the ropes and Jody goes for her Rope Knee into the German, but Rosemary dodges. Rosemary hits her own suplex and pulls out a beautiful Last Chancery! I haven’t seen her do that in a long time. Jody manages to fight to the ropes, Rosemary is a little slow to capitalize and eats a Pump Kick. Rosemary goes flying into the ropes, Jody hits the Double Knees into the German this time for 2, and they trade a few haymakers after that. Jody folds Rosemary with a low Lariat, Zombie rise spot a few times, Jody goes for a pinfall and Rosemary kicks out.

Havok jumps up on the apron, Dani meets her and they decide to step down, but the distraction was enough. Jody turns around and eats a Spear. Rosemary wins!

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards

Eddie and Shelley start off, and its a very simple slow start. Mostly an early stalemate, the typical Japanese style the TNA seem to love to employ. Starters tag out, but then Shelley with the blind tag, Sabin Baseball Slides out, picks Eddie’s ankle and sends his face bouncing off the apron, while Shelley sneaks up being Myers and they hit a tandem move before we cut to commercial. Off of the commercial it looks like Eddie and Myers regained control. But a nice Jawbreaker from Shelley sends Eddie falling back into the MCMG corner. Dragon Screws to both legs from Sabin and Shelley, and we get the Dragon Screw dissection spot for the Guns.

Myers gets sick of things, tries to get involved, but Simultaneous Figure Fours from the MCMG makes The System look silly. Alisha does the classic “push the rope forward” gimmick to assist Eddie in breaking the hold. She keeps chirping at Shelley until she finally grabs his foot. Shelley doesn’t take kindly, tries to grab her by the hair but she gets away, Shelley eats a strike and falls back to the ropes so Lish can just throttle him with the rope, Sabin walks over and acts like he’s going to PK her and the look of disgust on her face is hilarious, like “how dare he threaten to kick her”. Would I be mad is Masha decides to team with Lish and they win the Knockouts Tag titles? No, because the Knockouts Tags are trash. But I still prefer Lish as valet/manager.

Shelley starts fighting back after another commercial break, Eddie tries to cut him off, but Sabin clocks Eddie and Shelley manages to make the tag and Sabin comes in. Lights up both System members, Kick off Tornado DDT, into a Running Gamengiri. Eddie tries to counter but Shelley assists, tandem strikes, Double Baseball Slide into the classic MCMG spot 5 Hole Dive! Keeping up with the classics Shelley stacks the System members on each other and hit the Missile Dropkick/Flatliner spot. As the Guns are rolling, Sabin accidentally catches Sabin with his foot and The System take control! They hit their pieces of the System Overload spot, but Sabin kicks out. Roster Cut attempt from Myers, but Shelley is back. High Speed Dirt, Machine Gun Sandwich, but Lish grabs Shelley’s foot when they’re setting up Skull and Bones. Shelley gets dropped on the turnbuckle and thrown out, Sabin eats the Roster Cut followed up with Boston Knee Party and System retains!

Its a little weird to have had the two commercial cuts and the fact there’s still Nic Nemeth to follow. So it feels a little flat, I hope this wasn’t their swan song match, because it was nice to see some classic spots, but it was entirely too abbreviated. 

Nemeth comes out, goes into the crowd and finds a kid with a kendo stick and borrows a beer from someone, so he does a bit of a Sandman tribute. Moose cuts off his promo basically immediately. He throws out the “can’t beat the system” line again, and Nic rolls with the punches well. Moose uses a few cute analogies about Nic having a failure laden past, but Nemeth bites back and its really damn good. He says he can see it in Moose’s eyes that he thinks he’s getting in the ring with Dolph Ziggler, but no, there is no more old Dolph Ziggler, just the new Nic Nemeth. And Moose’s cool seems to be slightly shaken after those words. Good promo.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

So this was okay, if it didn’t end as strongly as it did, I would’ve rated this much lower. Two squash matches in the beginning, reusing the Josh comes out to the announce table to watch trope is boring, hell even Clayton’s shove to Hammerstone was super lame looking. The Deaner match was luke warm at best, but things picked up around the Rosemary match.

Lets also not overlook the segments with ASH & Xia, Jonathan Gresham’s whole deal and EY having to return to the violence/sickness/world class maniac, whatever you want to call it, were all great building blocks. This definitely wasn’t what I would call a strong Go Home, but it didn’t hurt things for Rebellion. The whole injury of Cardona was addressed, which honestly sounded weird since Jordynne basically said she was expecting them to have a backup plan so she has a backup plan. I don’t really like how that video package came across.

But who knows, all I know is, this wasn’t an awful episode, it just wasn’t really strong either.  Here’s to hoping Rebellion Saturday is still strong.


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