Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/10/21)

WWE returns to Madison Square Garden!

Published

3 years ago

September 10, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, it’s SUPER SmackDown!

WWE returns to Madison Square Garden for the biggest night in a long time! Brock Lesnar is back on SmackDown, how will Paul Heyman handle that?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

10 Man Tag: Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rick Boogs & The Mysterios VS Sami Zayn, Apollo Crews, Chad Gable & The Dirty Dawgs; Big E, Nakamura, Boogs & The Mysterios win.
Edge VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Street Profits; The Street Profits win by disqualification, the Usos retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

We all remember where we were on that fateful Tuesday morning.

“Thousands of American lives were lost in an unspeakable attack on our way of life. And as we mourned as a nation, our resolve was tested. But we persevered, demonstrating that our strength, our courage and our spirit would not waver.” We honored the fallen and used the light of their memory to guide our way forward. So as the 20th anniversary arrives, we remember that freedom is not free, that our resilience is what unites us and serves as a beacon of hope. So on this day, remember that day, and never forget.

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Madison Square Garden is torn on seeing the Head of the Table make his way out, along with Paul Heyman and the Usos. The Bloodline still has the WWE Universal Championship and SmackDown Tag Team Championships and hold those titles high as the pyro goes off. Then they continue down to the ring, hold up the belts again, and have the second round of pyro go off. Heyman fetches a mic for his Tribal Chief as the Usos hold up a finger because #WeTheOnes. “Wiseman.” “Yes, my Tribal Chief.” “When it comes to sports entertainment, WWE runs New York City, right?” “Owns it, my Tribal Chief.” “And who runs the WWE?” “My Tribal Chief, you run WWE.”

That’s right! The Bloodline runs the WWE! Therefore, the Tribal Chief runs NYC! Not everyone is happy with that notion but Roman says HE runs MSG. So therefore, MSG, #AcknowledgeMe. Plenty of fans do but plenty more refuse. The Bloodline soaks it all in, until THE BEAST arrives! Brock Lesnar walks out on stage and stares right at the ring. And then he gets in the ring and gets right in Roman’s face! The Usos step up in front of Roman and fans are losing their minds. Heyman speaks up, trying to reason with Lesnar. “I still, I fail to understand. I have one simple question for you: Of all the championships that we can go after together, why the Universal title?”

Lesnar shuts Heyman up there and has a question for Paul: “Why didn’t you tell Roman I was gonna be at SummerSlam?” OH SNAP! Fans tell Heyman, “You F’d up! You F’d up!” Fox mute censors this as Lesnar simply shrugs and leaves it to Heyman to explain. Heyman defends he didn’t know at all! This is all Lesnar playing mind games. Roman snatches the Universal title from Heyman’s shoulder and leaves! The Usos leave with him and Lesnar has a laugh. Roman’s loyalty is only to those with loyalty to him, and fans chant “SUPLEX CITY!” as Heyman is alone with Lesnar.

Heyman shifts gears to introducing himself, “And for 20 YEARS, I was the Advocate for the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” Lesnar gets the mic back to say that was great stuff, Paul! That was great! Just like old times! Lesnar smiles, but then says that before Roman officially fires Heyman, “accept my challenge, please.” Challenge…? Lesnar’s shot at Roman Reigns for the Universal title! Heyman tries to reason with Lesnar again but Lesnar says he has five seconds. Five. Four. Three. Two. ONE! Fireman’s carry and- Roman returns to SUPERMAN PUNCH Lesnar! But Lesnar gets up!

Roman tries again but gets caught to a fireman’s carry! The Usos return, Jey SUPERKICKS Lesnar! Roman is safe, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Lesnar! The Usos coordinate but Lesnar DOUBLE LARIATS both men! Roman leaves Jimmy to a GERMAN SUPLEX! And then same for Jey, GERMAN SUPLEX! The Garden just became Suplex City and Lesnar dares Roman to do something. Roman instead continues to retreat, the challenge unanswered. Will Roman’s attention be too much on The Beast and make him overlock The Prince at Extreme Rules?

Backstage interview with The Bloodline.

Kayla wants words from Roman and the Usos after what happened, but they storm past. She asks Heyman about the challenge, will Roman answer it? Oh, she hard Brock’s challenge? And how he accused Heyman of knowing what was going to happen at SummerSlam? The Tribal Chief and his cousins have to get ready for the Street Profits, but here Kayla is like a “Jersey girl” ambushing them with inappropriate questions at absolutely the wrong time. Roman will answer the challenge when he finds it appropriate to answer Brock Lesnar.

10 Man Tag: Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rick Boogs & The Mysterios VS Sami Zayn, Apollo Crews, Otis & The Dirty Dawgs!

Just as the King of Strong Style and his rockin’ bard make their entrance, Sami has to get on the mic and interrupt it all. Before this match gets started, Sami wants to say he LOVES New York! He does! That is why as the master strategist, Sami has a very special guest for their corner! It is someone who knows how to win here in MSG, so give a big NYC welcome to… The Atlanta Hawks’ TRAE YOUNG!! And it is legitimately Trae Young, and he is soaking up all the heat! Sami is of course reveling in this as Young stands with Gable and Azeez ringside. The teams sort out and Nakamura starts with Ziggler.

Ziggler waistlock sand shoves Nakamura to then egg him on. Nakamura fires off a strike fest and an AX KICK! Roode runs in, he ducks a kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Otis tags in and he CLUBS Nakamura down! Otis whips Nakamura out of the ring, but Nakamura ENZIGURIS Gable! Azeez steps, Nakamura dares him to do something, but then Otis BLASTS Nakamura off the apron! Gable says that’s what you get from HIS number one guy! Big E and the others storm over but Sami makes sure Trae is safe. Nakamura gets in the ring but Otis stands on him! Otis gets Nakamura up, whips him to a corner, then runs corner to corner to SPLASH!

Otis eggs on Nakamura’s team but the ref keeps the peace. Trae is loving the teamwork from Sami’s group as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nakamura fights Sami’s headlock. Sami knees low, suplexes but Nakamura slips out to ROUNDHOUSE Sami down! Hot tag to Rey and he SEATED SENTONS Sami! Rey BLASTS Apollo and the Dirty Dawgs, then dodges Sami to run and mule kick. Rey rebounds to hop up, DESTROYER! Cover but Apollo breaks it! Dominik gets in but Apollo ENZIGURIS! Boogs gets Apollo for an EXPLODER, but Otis runs in to CLOBBER Boogs with a back elbow! Nakamura DYNAMIC DROPKICKS Otis out! Ziggler returns to SUPERKICK! Big E gets in to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Roode gets in to hit a SPINEBUSTER on Big E!

Rey dodges Roode to tilt-o-whirl him to ropes! Fans fire up as Rey dials it up, but Sami trips him up! Sami soaks up the heat, chokes him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Trae Young gets his shots in! The ref sees that, Trae lets off, but the ref EJECTS him! The Hawk has to go back to the locker room for that flagrant foul! Trae says he doesn’t have to, he’s not a superstar. But other refs come out and escort Trae away. Sami complains but Dom HOTSHOTS him! Rey headscissors Sami to the ropes, Dom tags in then he tags Big E! Father and son give Sami DOUBLE 619’s! And Sami staggers into Big E’s scoop for a BIG ENDING!! Cover, Big E’s team wins!

Winner: Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rick Boogs & The Mysterios, by pinfall

Mr. Mon-E in the Bank and company take the win here in the Garden, and Kayla interviews them in congratulations. Big E says they had one heck of a team, much like this year’s Knicks! But since he is Mr. MITB, Big E can cash in on any champion at any time. So what’s next? Oh you already know! Big E says this might not be the last time you see him out here tonight. Because whether it’s the All Mighty Bobby Lashley or the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, “If you have what I need, I’m coming for ya neck! And it might be next Monday when I show up on Raw, or it could be any night. But know, if you have what I need, ooooh, you gon’ feel MAH POWAH~!” The top titles are on notice, but who does Big E pull the trigger on first?

WWE honors three charity organizations.

These groups help and support the victims, their families, and the first-responders affected by the tragedy of 9/11. The Feel Good Foundation, 9/11 Day and Tuesday’s Children are all honored as #CommunityChampions in New York.

Bianca Belair heads to the ring!

The EST has a contract to sign! But will she and the WWE get The Man to sit down and accept that? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Bianca is in the ring with Sonya Deville & Adam Pearce. Pearce says that with Bianca’s signature, they will make the rematch at Extreme Rules official. Bianca takes the contract in hand and says, “Wow. Imagine me coming all this way, standing in Madison Square Garden!” Fans chant “E S T!” but Bianca remembers back to SummerSlam. She was so excited because we all know how great Becky Lynch is. Bianca has the utmost respect for Becky since she is a competitor and a new mom. But what Bianca respected most was that no matter what, The Man would never run from a fight.

“But my, how things changed…” Becky got Bianca at SummerSlam, but she keeps bringing up the 26 seconds is because if they really went toe-to-toe is that the outcome would be different. So Bianca doesn’t respect Becky as much. But Becky can win back some of that respect, while Bianca wins back her title! Bianca signs on the dotted line, and now Becky makes her entrance. Becky has big sunglasses, a bigger jacket, and holds up the SmackDown Women’s Championship as she goes to the ring. Becky takes her seat at the table now, she sees Bianca’s signature, and says “The original WrestleMania main-eventer has arrived.”

Bianca laughs that one off but Becky asks “Esther” how she knew she had her number. The music hit and Bianca was star struck to be facing #BigTimeBecks. So then, that’s just it. “You can be a fan or you can be The Man. Ain’t no shame in buying a ticket and being out there with the regular people.” No, look! Becky said she’d give Bianca the match when Becky was ready. That could’ve been tonight! Maybe. Maybe Becky would win in the Garden in 20 seconds. But now we won’t know. So uh… What if Becky didn’t sign the contract? What does she mean if she doesn’t- Maybe she doesn’t want to. Girl, uh-uh. SIGN THE DAMN CONTRACT. Everyone wants her to sign it so SIGN IT.

MSG chants “SIGN IT! SIGN IT!” and Becky gets defensive. They really want that? Becky was at home, listening to the fans chanting, “We Want Becky!” She came back last minute, no notice, saved everyone’s asses and won in 26 seconds, and this is how they treat her? She left her baby girl at home for these people and they favor the flash in the pan? Becky frowns but the fans are on Bianca’s side here. Bianca and Sonya ask Becky to sign. “Fine! If you can’t join ’em, beat ’em!” Becky will give Bianca the match but it’ll end the same way! Signed, sealed and tossed at Bianca, but she catches it with ease! Becky storms off and fans boo, but is there going to be big time payback at the PPV?

Paul Heyman is trying to explain something on the phone.

He is still defending that he had no idea Lesnar would show up at SummerSlam. But Tegan Nox & Shotzi Blackheart offer him a ride on the TCB Tank MK. III. He doesn’t answer in time so they figure that’s a no and head out. Then Heyman turns around to see Kayla again! She just wants an update on Roman and the challenge given by Lesnar. All Kayla does is nag nag nag, poke poke poke, until she gets something. Here’s an update: The Tribal Chief will witness his cousins defending the tag titles against the Street Profits, and then live, in Madison Square Garden, the Tribal Chief will answer the challenge of Brock Lesnar. Now whether it’s a yes or a no… Don’t you just love a good cliffhanger?

But then Heyman turns around into Big E! And Big E smiles and holds up the MITB briefcase. “Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah…!” Roman may be playing mind games but Big E’s strategy is crystal clear. Will the Beast and the Prince need to factor in Mr. MITB?

Edge VS Seth Rollins!

It would seem SummerSlam was not the end of anything but just a turning point! The Rated R Superstar is excited and grateful to be back in MSG, but will The Architect look to #BurnItDown? Or will copying the Hall of Famer only get Rollins beaten by the Hall of Famer again?

SmackDown returns to the ring and Seth Rollins makes his entrance. The bell rings and MSG is fired up to see SummerSlam revisited. Rollins grins as fans chant “EDGE! EDGE!” The two circle, tie up, and Edge wrenches to get a wristlock. Rollins tries to fight it off but Edge powers through. Rollins rolls, handsprings and wrenches back to YANK the arm. Edge backs off and Rollins laughs and smiles. The two circle again, tie up, and Edge gets a headlock. Edge hits the takeover but Rollins keeps his shoulders up. Rollins headscissors, Edge kips out and headlocks. Rollins powers out, things speed up and Rollins dropkicks a leg out!

Edge backs off and seems to wonder what chess game Rollins is after. The two circle again, approach, Rollins is after the leg but Edge steps over to then schoolboy. TWO, Edge counter punches Rollins! Edge puts Rollins in a corner, whips him corner to corner and runs in. Rollins catches Edge but Edge stops the buckle shot in time! And then Edge crouches and aims, but Rollins knows about the Spear! Rollins runs in but Edge gives him a BUCKLE SHOT! Edge then POSTS Rollins and lets Rollins flop to the apron! Fans fire up as Rollins writhes and gets back in. Edge is after the arm but Rollins scrambles to get away. Rollins trips Edge, drags him out and RAMS him into barriers!

Rollins gets Edge back up, puts him in the ring, but Edge hotshots Rollins back! Edge brings Rollins in through the ropes and KNEES away on Rollins’ face! Edge runs but into a KNEE from Rollins! Fans rally and duel as Rollins climbs a corner. Edge gets up but is far away, so Rollins hops down to run and KNEES Edge out of the ring! Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rollins grins as he’s in control! Fans boo as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Rollins THROWS Edge into barriers! And then stands him up to talk trash! “You think you’re better than me!” Rollins ROCKS Edge with a forearm but he hears the ring count hit 5 of 10. Rollins puts Edge in, aims from the apron and springboards in, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Rollins seethes but he goes back to Edge and stomps away on the arms! Rollins bends Edge’s arm back with a top wristlock but Edge endures. Fans duel as Rollins pulls harder on the elbow and shoulder. Edge fights up but Rollins throws body shots! Rollins gets a leg to DRAGON SCREW! Fans boo Rollins but he scowls and stalks Edge.

Rollins gets the bad leg, stomps away on it, and shouts “It’s MY time! MY TIME!” Rollins tells Edge this is his time, and then stands Edge up. Rollins gets the leg but Edge throws hands! Edge enziguris but Rollins ducks to chicken wing for a GLAM SLAM!! Rollins steals Beth Phoenix’s move and asks Edge how it tastes! Rollins chicken wings again, gets Edge back up, and hits another GLAM SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives but Rollins smirks. Fans rally as Edge stands but Rollins kicks low and reels him in! IMP- NO! Edge fights out to kick and reel Rollins in! But Rollins denies Edge the DDT to kick and underhook!

No Pedigree as Edge back drops free! Rollins sunset flips, Edge rolls through and Edge goes after legs! Rollins scrambles away to get the ropes, but Edge yanks him up! Rollins lands on his feet but into a PEDIGREE from Edge!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and he slowly rolls out of the ring. Fans tell Edge, “You Still Got It!” and he’s climbing up top! FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Direct hit on Rollins but both men are down and MSG is thunderous as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Edge avoids a superkick but Rollins denies an Edge-o-Matic with an arm-drag! Only for Rollins to run into a FULL NELSON SLAM! High stack, TWO!! Rollins narrowly escapes but both men are down again. Edge gets to a corner, climbs up but Rollins springs right up to the top! Edge fights the superplex to SUPER GOURD BUSTER! Edge catches his breath, adjusts position, and leaps, but blocks boots to step through! EDGECUTION! Rollins crawls, reaches, and rolls to throw Edge into buckles! Rollins wants an arm but Edge rolls and high stacks, TWO! CROSSFACE!! Edge has Rollins and rolls him from ropes!

Rollins reaches, gets free but Edge pulls his hair to dribble Rollins’ face off the mat! Rollins gets the ropebreak and Edge has to let go! Edge has wild eyes and drags Rollins up and in. IMPALER!! But Edge doesn’t end it here, he aims from a corner! Edge runs in, but into a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Rollins aims now, runs in, but Edge pops him up for a SIT-OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins escapes by the seat of his pants and no one can believe it! Edge gets up first, fireman’s carries Rollins onto the top rope and then climbs up to join him. Rollins falls back so Edge CLUBS him in the chest! Edge sits Rollins up, but Rollins slips under and runs to BUCKLE BOMB!!

Edge flops to the mat and is in a daze. Rollins laughs and grins as he has Edge where he wants him! Fans rally and duel, Rollins runs but Edge SPEARS him outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!?!? Rollins survives again but Edge is too tired to be upset. MSG fires up as both men slowly sit up. Edge crawls after Rollins and throws hands as they’re still on the mat. Edge then wants the arm but Rollins rolls around. Rollins pulls hair to KNEE Edge then ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins turns Edge again but no neckbreaker as Edge powers through. Rollins tries to get away and they end up cornering the ref! The ref slips away but misses the LOW BLOW!!

Edge staggers, Rollins mule kicks the leg out! Then mule kicks Edge in the face! Edge gets up, into a SUPERKICK! Edge drops back to his knees and Rollins sees the glazed look in his eyes! ANOTHER SUPERKICK! Edge falls over and Rollins seems to be staring into space. Rollins sees Edge sit back up, “WHY! WON’T! YOU! DIE?!” A THIRD SUPERKICK! Edge crawls, into a CURB STOMP!! Rollins revels in the moment before he covers, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Rollins himself seems stunned that he actually did all of that to Edge! The ref checks on Edge and calls for help. Paramedics hurry out with a stretcher and board, knowing Edge’s bad neck could be the issue. Even management hurries out to check, and Rollins seems at a complete loss for words. Has Rollins come through on his promise to end the Rated R Superstar without even meaning to?

SmackDown returns and Edge is taken to an ambulance.

Rey Mysterio is by Edge’s side as his long time friend, but this could already be the end of Edge’s comeback. Sonya and Pearce then look at Rollins and an interviewer asks Rollins if he realizes what he just did. Rollins is again at a loss for words. “I don’t really know.” His arm hurts, but he isn’t sure how he feels about what happened tonight. Or how he’s supposed to feel. How does everyone else feel? Rollins doesn’t feel anything at all. He leaves, but what does all of this mean for the Architect?

Roman paces as he waits.

The Usos walk in and Roman says, “We the ones, right? We the ones. The Bloodline. That means they want what we have. They want to take it from us.” Roman says they run New York, the Garden and the WWE. So they aren’t going to let anyone have it. The Usos are up next, they promise to get this and make the family proud. #WeTheOnes. But will they be the ones to lose their gold?

As for Roman, he wants Heyman to understand that he saved Heyman from Lesnar. Heyman acknowledges that. But then Roman asks why Heyman didn’t tell him about Lesnar at SummerSlam. Heyman is for once the one at a loss for words, and Roman isn’t sure how to handle that. Is the Tribal Chief starting to feel… worried about his reign?

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS The Street Profits!

In a way, Jimmy & Jey let Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford get this opportunity when the Usos got disqualified in their previous match-up. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll let the Profits take their gold. That’s just fine by Dawkins & Ford, though, because they’re ready to take these titles back and become repeat SmackDown Tag Team Champions! With Roman watching, will the Bloodline do the family proud? Or is comeback season a go for the Profits?

The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and it’s a golden main event once again in the Garden!

Ford starts with Jimmy and dropkicks him down right at the bell! Cover, ONE, but Ford gets Jimmy in a corner to throw heavy hands! Ford backs up to run in but Jimmy puts him outside. Ford counter punches and ROCKS Jimmy, but Jey runs over. Ford BOOTS Jey down but Jimmy BLASTS Ford off the apron! Jimmy builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit into the barriers and Jimmy says, “You don’t want no smoke!” The Usos regroup as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Ford tags in Dawkins. They whip Jimmy and Dawkins runs him over! Then the Profits combine, back suplex SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps on Jimmy but Jimmy ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy RAMS shoulders into Ford, tags in Jey and Jey hits a BIG forearm smash! Jey pushes Dawkins to a cover, TWO! Jey scowls and whips but Dawkins dodges and hurdles to whip and dropkick Jey down! Dawkins gets Jey up with an arm wrench and YANKS the arm. Dawkins wrenches again, YANKS the arm again then whips. Jey reverses and CLOBBERS Dawkins with an elbow! Dawkins goes to a corner but Jey tags in Jimmy.

The Usos drag Dawkins out to split the wishbone! Jimmy covers, TWO! Jimmy CLUBS Dawkins in the chest, tags to Jey, and they mug Dawkins. Jey brings Dawkins around, talks trash on Ford, but then misses the leg drop! Dawkins gets up to clothesline Jey out! Jimmy runs in but into Ford’s GAMANGIRI! Dawkins clotheslines Jimmy out, tag to Ford and he FLIES! Ford takes down both Usos and is fired up! But here comes Roman and Heyman! The Tribal Chief is not satisfied watching this backstage, and he’s surely not happy with how things are going. He and Heyman still make their way down the ramp as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Roman watches from the ramp and Jey shoves Dawkins. Dawkins rebounds off ropes, Jey fireman’s carries, but Dawkins gets free to hit the ANARCHY! Both men are down, crawl for their corners, hot tags to Jimmy and Ford! Ford goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Ford DECKS Jey, CLOBBERS Jimmy, but Jey returns to back suplex! Ford lands on his feet to kick, kick and ENZIGURI! Ford hits Jey so hard, Ford’s own shoe comes off! Ford tosses it to the crowd for a free souvenir, but Jimmy whips Ford to a corner! Ford goes up and over and Jimmy hits buckles! Ford handsprings on one shoe and dropkicks! Ford keeps moving, BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Jimmy survives but Roman is stoic. Fans chant, “ONE SHOE! ONE SHOE!” for Ford as he gets Jimmy up. Jimmy ROCKS Ford with a right but Ford ROCKS Jimmy back! Ford blocks the kick, ducks the dragon whip and tags Dawkins! Dawkins gets Jimmy up while Ford climbs, DOOMSDAY BLOCKBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Jimmy survives and Dawkins is shocked! Roman is moving from stoic to annoyed but Dawkins drags Jimmy back up. Dawkins underhooks again but Jimmy fights out to HEADBUTT! Jey tags in, Dawkins dodges Jimmy to DECK Jey!

Dawkins runs, dodges Jimmy and hurdles, into a SUPERKICK from Jey! Cover, TWO!! The Usos are frustrated and Roman certainly isn’t any happier. Jimmy wants in, Jey tags him. The Usos wait for Dawkins but Ford drags Jey out! Jey whips Ford into barriers but Dawkins rolls Jimmy, TWO! Jey SUPERKICKS from the floor, Jimmy SUPERKICKS again! Tag to Jey and he goes up top, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roman himself is stunned, he was raising his fist in victory for his cousins! Roman’s eyes are darting around the ring but fans say “This is Awesome!” as it continues! Jey fires himself up and gets Dawkins up by his shirt.

Jey talks trash but Dawkins ROCKS him! Ford tags in and Dawkins ROCKS Jey again! Jimmy tags in, Dawkins blocks a kick but gets the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy is up top, USO SPLASH onto knees! Jimmy is down, Ford comes in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Roman slides into the ring! Roman gets Ford for a GUILLOTINE!!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by disqualification; The Usos retain the titles

Roman squeezes the air out of Ford and the fans boo hard as ever! Ford fades out, the Usos throw Dawkins into barriers! The Profits are down because #WeTheOnes who impose their will. Roman gets a mic to say he ducks no man! If Lesnar wants this, he’ll get this! Roman will smash Lesnar once he’s smashed Finn Balor! But wait, the lights go out! That heartbeat…! It’s getting faster as the smoke is swirling…! A deep breath and it’s DEMON BALOR!! For the first time in years, and certainly the first time in Madison Square Garden, Finn unleashes his dark side! And that dark side goes right to the ring to stand in front of the Bloodline! Will the Demon be the one to exorcise Roman’s reign of terror at Extreme Rules?

My Thoughts:

What a great episode, and with only three matches! That 10 Man Tag was very much a WWE move, getting a lot of people in on it, and also bringing in another guest star fans would love to hate on. Trae Young did well enough, making sure to hold onto Rey and then get caught by the ref. The Faces winning made a lot of sense with Big E on the team. Big E had a great promo here to put even Raw’s Bobby Lashley on notice, but also another great moment with Heyman backstage. Raw might’ve even changed their plans just to keep us wondering if Big E will cash in on Lashley, since the WWE World Championship is on the line when I was pretty sure the Raw Tag titles were supposed to be first…

The contract signing for Becky and Bianca was pretty good, with Becky of course playing up that she has to be the Heel in this. It’s still rather forced as far as timing but Becky herself is saying her lines smoothly because she’s still that good. Maybe winning at Extreme Rules and moving on to a different opponent helps Becky go back to Face to face a Heel like Carmella or Zelina Vega. We got a great rematch of Edge VS Rollins with perhaps a somewhat out of nowhere but still very impactful finish. Rollins wins with brutality but also perhaps some fear towards what he himself was capable of, in a bit of a reference back to last year when it was Extreme Rules time. Rollins going into this colder, emotionless state is an intriguing next step for his character arc.

Then of course, the main story of Heyman being caught in the middle of Roman and Lesnar was great stuff. A lot of good intrigue on if Lesnar was just messing with everyone about Heyman knowing or if he was serious and Heyman is trying to cover his own ass. Lesnar being one of the few men in WWE who can take the fight to just about everyone, he gets a great Face moment beating up the Usos and scaring off Roman like that. The Usos VS Profits was an awesome tag team match but of course Roman ruins that so the Bloodline saves face. And of course, you gotta love that Balor brings back the Demon.

Now, WWE could really get some excitement back if a lot of wild stuff happens at Extreme Rules. Whether it’s Demon Balor being what defeats Roman or Big E cashing in, or even both, those could be things that get buzz going for the WWE again. But because it’s Vince and his team, I’m thinking none of that happens and Roman wins so he and Lesnar can fight for the title in, of all places, Saudi Arabia with the Crown Jewel event making a return this October. I do have a fantasy booking plan that has Heyman just wash his hands of both Roman and Lesnar to go with Big E so that he can pounce on whoever comes out of Roman VS Lesnar the winner as sweet revenge on them both.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

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Published

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April 19, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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: 4.18.2024

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!

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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.

Part Three: Acceptance @TheJonGresham #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/NE9FPzCCz2

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

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.

.@XiaBrookside and @Ashamae_Sebera face off NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/Q0S3wSRpeu

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

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.

.@TheEricYoung channels "The Sickness" as he prepares for FULL METAL MAYHEM with @FrankieKazarian at #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/tm1TqxZBLo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

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.

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