Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/11/21)

Will Rey exact his revenge?

Published

3 years ago

June 11, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Will there be a blood feud on Friday Night SmackDown?

The Mysterios are still SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but only because Roman Reigns rampaged through them! Will Rey Mysterio avenge his son, Dominik?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Big E & Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez; Big E & Kevin win.
Carmella VS Liv Morgan; Morgan wins.
The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy; changed to…
Chad Gable VS Montez Ford; Ford wins, by disqualification.
Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS King Corbin; Nakamura wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns watches the recap package for this week.

The dominance and brutality the Head of the Table showed is strong in every moment. And Jey Uso sits by Roman’s side as the Right Hand Man, but he looks down at the floor. Roman says, “I saved y’all’s ass last week. Y’all owe me. What’s the one thing that I will not stand for?” Jey speaks up, and says, “Never embarrass the family, Uce.” Roman nods and says Jey clearly understands. But does Jimmy? Speaking of which, the Usos’ music plays!

Jimmy Uso heads to the ring!

Jimmy goes by himself while Roman and Jey are still in Roman’s private suite, and gets a mic to say, “Last week, was supposed to be a celebration. Tonight, we supposed to be in here, seven-time WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but no. We got robbed.” Jimmy isn’t making excuses, he’s just spitting facts! First, the ref blew the call. Everyone saw Uce’s shoulder was up, ya boi kicked out! But it was cool cuz they got round two. They were doing what the Usos do but then here he come. Head of the Table sticking his nose in their business! Roman just had to make it about Roman! Couldn’t let the Usos get it and get what was theirs!

If you ask Jimmy, Roman got them disqualified on purpose! Roman is watching and is not happy hearing that. Jimmy asks what the point was. Roman beat up Rey-Rey, choked out Dom, almost knocked Dom’s head off his shoulders. Jimmy knows what it is, he sat back and thought about it and realized that Roman’s jealous! Roman’s jealous of Jimmy and how he’s back! And how he wants his brother with him! And because the Usos want to rep the family with gold, too, just like Roman! Jimmy sees through Roman. All these mind games are to tear brother from brother. Jimmy says HE is his brother’s keeper, NOT Roman!

So tonight, Jimmy wants Roman to hear him: Jimmy promises that he’ll do something that he won’t regret! Instead of Rey coming back for what happened to Dom, is Jimmy coming to get back for what Roman’s done to Jey? Roman looks to Jey and says no one would confuse Roman for his brother. Jey needs to take care of this. Is Jey only going to prove Roman right by doing his dirty work? Is Jey gonna get his own brother?!

Jey confronts Jimmy backstage.

Jey asks what that was all about but Jimmy wants him to calm down. Jimmy asks Jey if he thinks they could’ve won the tag titles. Answer him, Uce! Do you think they were going to win the tag titles? Yes, right? So Jey was mad that they got DQ’d last week! Jimmy says, “Y’know what, Uce? It can’t be like this no more!” It can’t keep going like this. When Jimmy told Jey to go, Jey froze! Jey froze on Jimmy! Jimmy needed Jey! They’re family! They’re brothers! They’re twins! Jey is conflicted, rubbing his head, and Jimmy says if we’re talking about the disgrace of the family, it’s ROMAN that’s disgracing the family!

Then what is Jey supposed to do!? Jimmy has been gone a year! Jey’s loyalty is with the Tribal Chief! Jey’s stuck in the middle with no way out! What does Jimmy want Jey to do? Jimmy pats his brother’s shoulders. If Roman wants to see Jimmy, Jimmy will be in the Usos’ room. Jey is still conflicted, but is Jimmy going to settle this for all of them?

Big E & Kevin Owens VS Sami Zayn & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez!

Both the Powerhouse of Positivity and the Prizefighter have had their grievances with the Prince of Nigeria over the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and the Champion of the People isn’t exactly innocent in all this. Will Big E and KO #ThinkBig and #JustKeepFighting towards the same gold? Or will Sami actually be of help to someone and turn away two of Apollo’s challengers?

SmackDown returns as Apollo and Azeez make their entrance. Sami is already ringside, arguing with his best frenemy, Kevin. The teams sort out, Azeez keeps watch as Apollo sets his belt aside to start against Kevin. Kevin sucker punches Sami then fires off on Apollo! Kevin whips Apollo and runs him over! Then Kevin goes out to get Sami and throw him into barriers! Kevin fires off hands, then throws Sami into more barriers! Kevin returns to the ring but Apollo BOOTS him! Apollo runs but into Kevin’s LARIAT! Kevin drops a senton, then sees Sami getting up! Kevin DECKS Sami, goes out to mug Sami, and throw him into more barriers!

Kevin returns to the ring again but Apollo stomps him down! Apollo is furious as he gets Kevin up to throw haymakers. Sami wants in so Apollo tags him. Sami fires off hands on Kevin in return for everything, but lets off as the ref counts. Sami stands on Kevin’s head in the corner, then lets off at the count. Tag to Apollo, Kevin fights back but Sami gets a cheap shot in. Apollo CLUBS Kevin down, drags him back up and snap suplexes! Cover, ONE! Apollo gets Kevin up to whip him into the corner. Tag to Sami, Sami throws hands, Kevin hits back! Kevin CHOPS, Sami RAMS him into the corner! Sami digs Kevin in and tags in Apollo.

Apollo mugs Kevin, drags him up and around to whip to ropes. Kevin kicks back, dodges Apollo, and tags in Big E! Big E gets Apollo for an OVERHEAD suplex! Big E DECKS Sami, and OVERHEAD suplexes Apollo again! And then the side Belly2Belly! Big E runs side to side for the BIG SPLASH onto knees! Apollo gets up to whip Big E, but Big E escapes the Olympic Slam to hit the Urenag-E! Cover, TWO! Azeez looks worried and frustrated as Big E watches Apollo. Apollo gets up, Big E scoops him, but Apollo slips out to ENZIGURI! And STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Cover, TWO! Apollo is frustrated, and he gets Big E up again to whip, but Big E reverses!

Apollo is on the apron, Big E runs in but Apollo dodges the spear! Big E hits the ground and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown is back as Apollo stomps Big E in the corner. Tag to Sami and he stomps, then rains down rights and lefts! Sami hammers Big E, tags Apollo back in, and Apollo throws hands on Big E. The ref counts, Apollo lets off to soak up some heat. Apollo rushes back in but Big E hits back! Apollo gets a leg to keep Big E from reaching Kevin! The ref makes sure Sami holds the rope before Apollo makes the tag. The tag counts and Sami drops an elbow on Big E! Sami throws clubbing crossface forearms then wraps on a chinlock. Big E fights up and fights out but Sami drop toeholds to keep him down! Sami has a leg, drags Big E back, and anchors the leg to tag in Apollo!

Apollo stomps Big E, jumps for a big elbow drop, then covers, TWO! Apollo keeps cool, runs in and SPLASHES Big E in the corner! Apollo hops up, but Big E avoids the froggy-body! Both men crawl, hot tags to Sami and Kevin! Kevin tackles Sami and rains down fists! Sami scrambles to ropes but Kevin stomps him in the corner! Sami bails out, Kevin fires up and is on the apron, CANNONBALL! Direct hit then a BACK SENTON adds on! Kevin is red hot as he throws Sami back in the ring. Sami staggers up, Kevin runs in for a BIG corner clothesline! Kevin keeps moving, CORNER CANNONBALL! Kevin goes up top while Sami is down, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Kevin seethes while Sami survives, but Kevin gets him up. Kevin puts Sami in a corner and CHOPS him! Kevin hoists Sami up top, climbs up to join him, but Sami CLUBS Kevin down! Sami adjusts, Kevin runs in under the jump! Tag to Apollo but Kevin SUPERKICKS him! Kevin whips Apollo, for a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, Sami breaks it with a basement dropkick! The ref reprimands, Sami goes back to his corner and reaches for Apollo. Apollo crawls, as does Kevin, but Big E is off the corner. Sami tags in and goes after Kevin, but Kevin fights off the Half ‘n’ Half! Kevin elbows Sami, runs, but Sami reels him in for a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO!!

Sami is furious but he gets Kevin up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, Big E breaks it! Apollo gets in and waistlocks but Big E throws elbows. Big E runs to CLOBBER Apollo and himself out of the ring! Sami runs but Kevin dodges the kick to kick and STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin and Big E win!

Winners: Big E & Kevin Owens, by pinfall

It wasn’t a pin on the champ but it was good enough for Kevin! Azeez grabs a mic and the belt to give to Apollo and Apollo responds! “Stop, stop! Stop the music! Why are you celebrating, huh?! You did not beat me! It’s clear that the only reason you guys won the match is because I was burdened with this idiot, Sami Zayn!” If they think they can beat Apollo, how about we do this again next week? Big E & Kevin Owens VS Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez! Kevin and Big E figured it’d go that way, and dare them to do this NOW!

But then Sami fires up and gets mad at being called an idiot. Apollo is a fraud and a liar who set Sami up! Is Apollo in on this with Kevin? This is all to keep Sami away from HIS Intercontinental Championship! Apollo owes Sami an apology! He doesn’t get an apology, he gets a NIGERIAN NAIL! Apollo says Sami will never, EVER have the title again! Will Sami ever be able to speak again? And as for Kevin and Big E, will they ruin Azeez’s in-ring debut?

Rey Mysterio talks with Adam Pearce backstage.

The King of Lucha is furious over what happened last week, that much is clear. But what will Scrap Iron do for Rey to get back at Roman?

The Street Profits talk backstage.

But again, Chad Gable interrupts. Gable is here to apologize for Otis. Otis thought Gable wanted an apology, and Gable says that wasn’t the case at all. Otis just gets overprotective, that’s all. And that gets hard to control. But as a grand gesture, Gable got their tag match canceled. What? Why does Gable keep doing them favors they don’t want? The Profits know Gable can’t control Otis, but they can. So if Otis ever steps to them again, they’ll slap him back to the Jurassic period! T-Rex arms and everything! The Profits don’t know when to stop, do they? This is their problem! They never know when to shut their mouths!

So now they’ve gone and done it. They’ve talked themselves back into the match tonight! Who will it be? 1v1 with Gable, who is bringin’ the smoke? Dawks will get this. Ford says he’s got this. Nah nah nah, fam, Dawks insists. They gotta teach him a lesson. Ford says Gable is his. Then how about as a favor, Gable won’t even have Otis ringside. But that’s only if Dawkins stays back, too. That raises the stakes. You’ve got your match, G. Then there’s the match. And by the way, Otis is still angry. Is that a veiled threat that Otis won’t stay back?

Jey goes to Roman.

Roman stands up and wonders where Jimmy went. Jey explains that Jimmy is out there, mad and stuff. Jey isn’t sure what Jimmy’s talking about. But where is he? Jimmy said if Roman wants to see him, Roman’s got to go to the Usos’ locker room. Roman laughs. Their locker room? Yeah, the Usos have one. Wow, they have one. Roman doesn’t know why Jimmy is doing this to Jey. Why is Jimmy putting Jey in the middle, making Roman out to be the bad guy? Their locker room, huh? You sure that ain’t “Roman’s Cousin’s Locker room?” The Usos’ locker room, huh? Roman tells Jey to go tell Jimmy, that he’s coming… On his time.

Carmella VS Liv Morgan!

The (self-proclaimed) Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE swaggers about, having already beaten Liv once before. Will Liv make sure Carmella has to change that self-given title after this rematch?

SmackDown returns as Liv makes her entrance. The bell rings and Liv ROCKS Mella with a right hand then dribbles her off buckles! Liv stomps a mudhole in then lets off to climb up and stomp from above! Liv lets off again, but Mella again dodges ObLIVion! Mella drags Liv outside the ring, RAMS her into the apron then TOSSES Her into barriers! Mella tells commentary to tell the world how beautiful she is! Michael Cole adds “self-proclaimed” and Mella gets upset. Mella puts Liv in and puts Liv in the corner to choke her! Mella lets off to throw elbow after elbow! Mella ROCKS Liv, then struts around to soak up the heat.

Mella comes back, but Liv throws body shots! Mella CLUBS Liv down and is upset now. Mella rains down lefts and rights, then covers, TWO! Liv is still in this and Mella is frustrated. Mella drags Liv up, whips her to a corner, and then runs in, but Liv gets around for a WING SNAPPER and BOOT into buckles! Liv runs in, but into a BOOT from Mella! Mella grins as Liv sputters and gasps. Mella takes her time getting Liv up but Liv hits back! Mella hammers away and mocks Liv. Mella pie faces Liv against ropes and pisses Liv off! Liv blocks the Fabulous Kick to put Mella on ropes! OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv wins!!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall

Liv evens things up with Mella, blows a kiss then takes her leave. Mella is upset and tells Greg Hamilton to announce her as “still the Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE.” She always has to have the last word. But will her ego cost her down the line?

Bayley gets ready backstage.

She’s preparing for the big return of her talk show, but none of the cards her assistant hands her are good enough. Will the Role Model be ready for the Architect?

SmackDown presents an all new DING DONG, HELLO~!

Bayley walks in through her door, and she welcomes us back to “the hottest talk show on TV today.” Look, she upgraded the set! She brought her Hall of Bayley pics to help us fans feel better. But enough about her, on to her guest! This is a WWE Grand Slam Champion, just like Bayley, and he is “THE Drip God,” Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Rollins makes his entrance and is in a mix ‘n’ match suit of mauve and sky blue. Rollins even uses the door! Bayley is willing to let Rollins have the big fancy arm chair. Rollins thanks her and loves what she’s done with her set. Bayley says if Rollins needs anything to drink, just tell Michael Cole. HAH!

Bayley also thanks Rollins for using the door like a professional. Well of course! That’s what the door is for! Rollins thanks Bayley for having her on a proper show for a proper interview. And Rollins also adds that he’s a huge fan of Bayley. Aw stop! No, really! And as of late, Bayley has been on fire! Next level! What Bayley has done with Bianca Belair, putting her in her place time and time again! And what is it with kids these days? The lack of respect! They don’t care that Bayley is a top-tier, elite athlete. Bianca is that, too, but she still needs respect. And Rollins has no doubt that Bayley will mop the floor with “Belanca!”

But in all seriousness, he has to know. Last week, there was a moment that was a masterclass in mind games. Rollins cues up the clips and will have Bayley give him the secrets after. What Rollins is talking about is Bayley taking over the ThunderDome screams so that there were HUNDREDS of laughing Bayley faces! Bayley and Rollins both laugh in the present at how Bayley had the last laugh last week. That’s a knee slapping good time! Her face was everywhere! Where she at? EVERYWHERE~! Rollins catches his breath and might take Michael up on that drink. It feels good to laugh, though. Laughter is the best medicine! But if he thought that was good, and it was, wait until he sees this!

Bayley shows footage of Rollins attacking Cesaro three weeks ago! The multiple Curb Stomps to the point where Cesaro needed a stretcher! Rollins looks very serious and Bayley feels awkward. But then they both laugh! They laugh at Cesaro’s bad arm and how he never saw this coming. Wait, someone rings the bell/ Did someone order food? Did someone get them a surprise? Well this is Bayley’s show, she’s already done so much for him, Rollins will be a gentleman and get that for her. He answers the door and… IT’S CESARO! Cesaro DECKS Rollins then fires off hands! His arm is good, too, so he’s using both to THROW Rollins into Bayley’s pictures!

Cesaro RAMS Rollins into the door, tears up the suit, and Bayley can’t watch as Cesaro RAMS Rollins back through the door! The door falls, so Rollins gets thrown into the stool! Cesaro throws pieces of the set and now Rollins runs away! Bayley is stunned, Rollins’ suit is ruined, but the Swiss Superman is feeling great! Will Bayley need an even bigger upgrade to her set after tonight? Wait, wait, wait! Here comes BIANCA BELAIR! The EST has a mic and an outfit that is quite literally fire! Bianca tells Bayley, “HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” The tables have been turned, but who will get THE last laugh at Hell in a Cell?

Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.

Rey says Dominik is hurt, and Roman Reigns viciously hurt him like he’s just some prey. It doesn’t matter how big and bad you are, you go after his son, Rey goes after you. Rey’s seen Dom in so much pain, and it is torture for Rey. Rey vowed on the day Dom was born that he would take care and protect his son. Last week, Rey failed that vow. Rey says Dom’s injuries aren’t an accident. They were caused by a man who claims to be all about family, yet won’t even think twice about destroying his own! Roman can do whatever he wants to his own family, but now you’re messing with the Mysterios! That is Rey’s son, his reason for being!

Rey says later tonight, he will be out in the ring. And he’s calling Roman out! If Roman dares to come out, Rey will show him what family looks like! Will vengeance be Rey’s to take? Or will he suffer even worse than what happened to Dominik?

Chad Gable VS Montez Ford!

This may seem like a downgrade from the huge tag team match The Street Profits wanted, but things could still get out of control! Will the Alpha Academy’s top (and only) teacher teach #KingTez a thing or two? Or will Ford use this to show Otis why he should drop out of the program?

SmackDown returns and Gable is already in the ring. Gable complains why Ford’s music was playing again but the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and go around. Gable arm-drags Ford and shouts, “For the Academy!” Ford keeps cool and resets with Gable. They tie up again, go around, and Ford arm-drags Gable! Ford mockingly shots, “The Academy~!” Gable keeps cool and they reset again. Gable shoots in to get a waistlock and then trips Ford to float for a facelock. Ford fights up, Gable gets to a waistlock again but Ford switches. Gable switches, Ford switches, repeat, and Gable wrenches but Ford wrenches back.

Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings, and spins through to headlock, hammerlock then drop toehold! Gable floats to get the armlock and grinds Ford down. Dawkins watches closely backstage but Gable steps over to wrench the arm. Ford fights up, powers through to wrench Gable back for a headlock and takeover! Gable headscissors but Ford kips free. Roles reverses as Gable headlocks and takes over, only for Ford to headscissor. Gable kips free to arm-drag, but Ford arm-drags back! Ford has the armlock, Gable endures and goes for a leg. Ford grinds the arm, Gable fights up and powers Ford to ropes. The ref counts the break, Gable throws a body shot!

Gable puts Ford in a corner for stomps and haymakers, but lets off as the ref counts. Gable whips Ford corner to corner, Ford goes up and over and then arm-drags Gable back to the armlock! Gable gets up, whips free but Ford sees the drop down. Ford body scissors to a cradle, TWO! Gable facelocks, whips Ford, but Ford reverses. Things speed up and Gable catches Ford out of the air for an ANKLE LOCK! Ford flails but Gable grapevines! Ford fights up to bridge! TWO, and Gable gets away! Gable runs back in but is put out! Gable trips Ford to drag him out, but Ford boots him away! Ford leaps over Gable and LEAPS to CANNONBALL! Direct hit and both men are down as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Gable hits a BIG back suplex! Ford writhes and gets to the apron while Gable grins. Gable gets Ford up on the apron but Ford shoulders into him! Ford slingshots but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gable gets Ford up and brings him around for another back suplex, but Ford lands on his feet! Ford tries to run but Gable clips him with a knee! Gable whips but Ford ducks and dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES take both men down! Dawks rallies backstage but OTIS attacks him! The Dozer RAMS Dawks into a road case, and then RAMS him into another! The ringside deal didn’t include backstage!

Ford and Gable slowly rise, and Gable reels Ford in. Ford hits back with a haymaker, but Gable gives it back! Ford hits, Gable hits, and Ford gets the edge! Ford CLUBS away, whips Gable but Gable ducks, only to run into a SPINEBUSTER! Ford kips up and hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ford hurries to a corner, climbs up top, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, TWO!!! Gable survives, and then OTIS attacks!

Winner: Montez Ford, by disqualification

Otis throws Ford out of the ring! And hauls him up to TOSS him over the announce desk! Michael and McAfee clear out as Otis drags Ford back up, to RAM him into steel steps! The Dozer is like a terminator as he puts Ford back in the ring! Otis scoops Ford for the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! But he’s not done there! Otis climbs for a DOZER SPLASH!! Gable smiles, proud of his demolition machine demolishing the Profits! Dawkins hurries to help Ford but Otis easily throws him back out. Otis pushes Ford back to a drop zone, and Gable says they have to make him feel it! VADER BOMB!! Dawkins hurries back in and Gable has Otis stand down.

Referees and officials have the Alpha Academy leave, and SmackDown goes to break! What state will Ford be in when we return?

Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS King Corbin!

SmackDown returns with the King of Strong Style and Wolf King already in the ring, ready to fight again! Will this be what settles the score once and for all?

The bell rings and Boogs shreds and Nakamura BOOTS Corbin down! Nakamura gives Corbin Bad Vibrations while air guitaring with Boogs’ real guitar! Corbin fights up, but Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Nakamura hurries up the corner as Corbin crawls, and he hits a FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura aims from the corner, “YAO~!” But Corbin catches him for DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Michael and McAfee admire the crown as Corbin POSTS Nakamura, then clubs away on him! The ref counts, Corbin lets off and he drags Nakamura out for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Corbin sits Nakamura up to DECK him, then gets him up to scoop.

Nakamura slips out, kicks but Corbin ducks to throw Nakamura down by his hair! But Nakamura rolls Corbin to a prawn hold! NAKAMURA WINS!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

But Corbin CLOBBERS Nakamura! Corbin and Boogs stare down, and they both rush for the crown! Corbin catches Boogs to SMACK him off the desk! Corbin picks the crown up, holds it high, but Nakamura snatches it! And Boogs TOSSES Corbin over the desk! Nakamura still has the crown and Boogs still rocks! Will Corbin ever get back his crown? Or will he just have to move on and return to being a Baron?

Roman sits with Jey in his suite.

Is Roman ready to talk with Jimmy? Yeah. “Let’s go to your locker room.” Roman gets up, Jey and Paul Heyman follow, but will things be civil in the Usos’ room?

Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville have an update on Montez Ford.

It is doesn’t look good. But then Corbin storms in and asks how much longer they’re going to allow such disrespect to happen! Corbin is ordering Pearce to order Nakamura to return the crown! Well, the crown looks better on Nakamura. Is this a joke to them?! No, this is serious business. How about this? Instead of giving the crown back, Nakamura will put it on the line in a match. Yes, that works, because they’re even at 2-2. Pearce suggests the match settle it, #BattlefortheCrown! Corbin glares at Pearce, but that isn’t a no. Will we once and for all know who is the one true king of Friday Night SmackDown?

Jimmy paces in the Usos’ room.

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy is in here, as Jey won it. Roman arrives and says it’s “quaint.” Heyman hands Roman the belt and Roman has Heyman excuse himself so the family can talk. “You see this? Do you understand-” NO! Jimmy doesn’t understand anything about the Universal Championship, nor does he care to! Jimmy doesn’t care what Roman wears, he cares about what is inside them! Jimmy cares about Jey AND Roman, but the truth is, Uce, Roman’s been doing this since they were kids. Roman has been working the system, using and abusing them. Jimmy’s watched as Roman’s been doing that a whole year, like it was nothing!

Jimmy says he was hurt deep to his soul. He doesn’t want to take Roman’s place. Jimmy knows Roman is a future hall of famer! But he isn’t going to be inducted as Roman Reigns. He’ll be inducted as the spoiled BITCH! Roman says this is what he was talking about. This is how Jey is being put in the middle. Jimmy says no one is doing that. This is Jey doing what Jey’s always been doing. Jimmy and Roman argue more and more, and Jey shouts for them both to chill out! Enough of this! Jey is tired of Jimmy AND Roman telling him what to do! Jey is out! Jimmy calls after Jey, but then says this is Roman’s fault! Now what are they going to do? Does Roman want to throw down?

Jimmy doesn’t care anymore! They can throw down! Let’s go, Uce! Roman doesn’t get what Jimmy is going on about. Jimmy wants to fight Roman? For what? What has Roman done? They aren’t little kids anymore! This isn’t about all that, this is about family! Jimmy should be with them! This is how they represent the family. Why would Jimmy do this to Jey? They’re twins, but who came out first? So Jimmy is older? Yeah? Then he should be looking out for Jey! Roman shouldn’t have to depend on Jey to reel Jimmy in! Jimmy should be the one Roman depends on! This isn’t about any one of them, but about ALL OF THEM!

And the only way to do that is to be them and be the best ever! That is all Roman knows, and all Roman’s ever known! So why would Jimmy do this to Jey? Why would he do that? How could he do that? Since day one? And Jimmy let Jey go? Jey busts his ass for a whole year now, and Jimmy just lets him go? For what? They’re brothers! And yet Jimmy does this to him. Make this right, Jimmy. For him, and for them. This is their family. Jimmy starts to see what Roman means, and heads out to find Jey. What elaborate chess game is Roman playing with his own flesh and blood?

Rey Mysterio heads to the ring!

Speaking of his own flesh and blood, the King of Lucha Libre is going through with calling the Tribal Chief out! Will Roman respond? Will Rey avenge what happened to Dominik?

SmackDown returns once more, and Rey says he is right here, waiting on Roman. Roman disrespected Rey’s family, so he’s waiting for Roman to respond. Rey frowns as nothing happens, and shouts for Roman to get out here. Roman’s music plays, and Roman appears, Paul Heyman following. Heyman hands Roman the Universal Championship to hold up for the pyro. Roman then hands the belt back to Heyman for him to hold up like a banner to show who Roman is as they go to ringside. Roman doesn’t seem to be taking Rey seriously despite entertaining this demand. Heyman again hands the belt over for the second round of pyro.

Rey takes a moment before he tells Roman, “This is what you wanted to hear. I acknowledge you, Roman.” WHAT?! “I acknowledge you… for the rat bastard that you are!” AHA! Rey says he also acknowledge Roman as the rat who put his hands on Rey’s son! Rey acknowledges Roman as a man he is willing to fight, even if he knows he’ll lose. And Rey also acknowledges Roman as the man that he wants to fight inside Hell in a Cell! Roman looks almost amused, but Rey says that now it’s Roman’s turn to acknowledge the challenge. Rey tosses the mic down at Roman’s feet, but Heyman hands Roman his personal mic.

“I acknowledge you. I acknowledge you as a father-” Rey has a KENDO STICK! And he smacks away on Roman! Roman blocks a shot to HEADBUTT Rey down! Roman is stinging but where did Rey even get that stick? Rey gets up, but Roman drags him up! Rey has the stick again and SMACKS away on Roman! And again! Roman gets up to TOSS Rey out of the ring! Roman is seething, he runs and SUPERMAN PUNCHES Rey back down! Roman clears the ring of the kendo stick and he paces around in a fury. Roman aims from a corner as Rey rises, “OOOAH~!” But DOMINIK SMACKS Roman with kendo stick!

Roman kicks Dom, reels him in, and gets him up! Roman POWERBOMBS Dominik OUT OF THE RING!! “I TOLD YOUUUU!!” Dominik writhes on the ramp but Rey SMACKS Roman again! Rey has Roman heading for the ramp, and then checks on Dom. Roman comes back to BOOT Rey down! Roman wants to do even worse but referees and officials stop him! Heyman also says it is best they leave it at this, and Roman accepts his Special Counsel’s advice. But what about Rey’s challenge for Hell in a Cell? Will Roman accept after all? And will he make Rey suffer for this act of defiance?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, but I still feel there was a lot left to be desired. There’s been quite a bit of copy and pasting here as there has been on Raw, such as with the Nakamura and Corbin story. I do like that we’re finally getting a match for the crown, but I feel like we could’ve gotten this a bit sooner. And them saying it’s just a regular match isn’t as fun, either. It should be something where Ricky Boogs won’t be a factor. Nakamura needs to prove he can still win on his own, using the Strong Style we all know he is king of. Then Liv VS Mella again so soon is a mixed back, but naturally Liv ties up the series. I feel like they’re going to keep going for a bit while the SmackDown Women’s title is busy.

Speaking of which, we got a great talk show segment with Bayley, Rollins, Cesaro and Bianca. Bayley and Rollins are really good at laughing, because I’m pretty sure all of that was forced. Cesaro had a great return and I love how dejected Bayley felt after her set was ruined. Bianca also has a good laugh, and I wonder if hers was real. We got a great tag match with the Intercontinental Championship scene, and it makes sense for Sami to take the loss. Azeez is finally getting in the ring for a match, he and Apollo will have a great match with Kevin and Big E, but I can’t be sure who wins. The winner on the Face team could be seen as the frontrunner for a title match, but again we see the shame in Aleister Black being released at this point.

I feel like it’s also a shame they downgraded the tag match to a singles match, but it was pretty clear Gable was going to divide and conquer the Profits when he gave that little line about Otis still being mad. Shaven Otis was quite the shock, and he got to just demolish the Profits. The tag match is still on the horizon, I can feel it, and that is going to be awesome. The Roman Reigns story was again the backbone of the show, and we got quite the character arc. Roman passive aggressively getting at Jey, Jimmy and Jey arguing, and then Jey actually standing up to both sides, followed by Roman turning things around on Jimmy, this is not quite the direction I expected for this, but I’m liking it.

I also liked Rey and Dom taking the fight to Roman, and of course Roman was going to beat the hell out of them in return. Though there were obviously edits and camera angles to hide how Dom didn’t get truly demolished from that powerbomb to outside the ring, that was just a great spot in general, something still only possible thanks to the ThunderDome. Roman VS Rey being in the Cell, title optional, is going to be big, but I was still hoping for something with Roman, Jimmy and Jey. Maybe with PPV’s moved around, we’ll get an actual one year anniversary moment in October with Extreme Rules, Roman VS Jimmy, or maybe even Roman VS Jimmy VS Jey should Jey not want to join either side.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

4 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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