Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/14/22)

SmackDown gets extreme!

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2022

Steven Mitchell

It’s a big Friday night on the road to the Royal Rumble!

Roman Reigns learned Seth Rollins is his next challenger, and they’re going to meet face to face again tonight on SmackDown! Plus, LITA RETURNS!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Los Lotharios VS Cesaro & Mansoor VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win and will challenge the Usos for the titles.
Aliyah VS Natalya; Aliyah wins.
Sheamus VS Ricochet; Sheamus wins.
Kofi Kingston VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin; Moss wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins speaks.

Or rather, laughs. The Architect is ready for tonight’s face-to-face meeting with The Tribal Chief, but what will he have to say about their coming Universal Championship match?

The Usos head to the ring!

Jimmy & Jey are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions after defeating The New Day and shutting them down in the Street Fight! Xavier Woods tore a calf muscle and is out of action indefinitely, and the Usos are on to new challengers. Jey gets the mic to say, “Yo! Last week, we went to war with the New Day.” Jimmy says, “YEET!” The Usos won. YEET. But they respect the New Day. YEET. Cuz the only team that’s ever pushed the Usos that hard is the New Day. YEET. But then what happened, Uce? The Usos let everyone else know that they run this show, that they are The Bloodline, that they are the best damn tag team in the world, and that #WeTheOnes!

Fans are torn as the Usos hold up their fingers to the sky. But Jey says the grind don’t stop. They should be celebrating, or even helping the Tribal Chief with Seth Freakin’ Rollins, but what’s going on tonight? Management is already linin’ ’em up, and the Usos gonna knock ’em down like this! There is a Fatal 4 Way Tag to name #1 contenders to the titles! Then bring ’em on out! Introducing first, these boys are muy caliente, looking to steal hearts, cars and a victory. It’s LOS LOTHARIOS! Humberto Carrillo & Angel Garza make their way out, but next up is the strongest man from the Swiss Alps, and his friend with the very, very great hair, it’s Cesaro & Mansoor!

The Swiss Superman & the Star of Saudi Arabia make their entrance, reforming their alliance from a few months ago. Then there’s the giant rats of Jinder Mahal & Shanky! The Modern Day Maharaja leads the way for him and his massive sidekick! Then finally, a team as dangerous at raiding the buffet as they are the ring, the Viking Raiders! Erik & Ivar may be last but they don’t plan on being the least! Who punches golden tickets for the tag titles on the Road to WrestleMania? Jimmy says they went over the rules in the back. No eye gouging and no hits below the belts. But the most important rule: #WeTheOnes! Let’s go! But then the Usos SUCKER SUPERKICK Erik and Mansoor!!

The Usos bail out, and a brawl breaks loose! Omaha, Nebraska is going nuts as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Los Lotharios VS Cesaro & Mansoor VS Jinder Mahal & Shanky VS The Viking Raiders!

SmackDown returns and Mansoor gives Humberto an atomic drop! Then he gets around for another! And then whips Humberto to the apron. Humberto shoulders back in, the Usos are on commentary as Humberto flies, into an atomic drop! Tag to Cesaro, tag to Garza, but Garza gets fed to a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Erik tags in off Cesaro, the two stare down, but Garza shoves Erik into Cesaro! Cesaro falls out of the ring, Garza takes off the pants! Shanky tags in off Garza before those pants can go flying. Erik bobs ‘n’ weaves and KICKS away on Shanky, but Shanky shoves him to CHOP him! And LARIAT!

Fans boo as Shanky drags Erik up and tags in Mahal. They mug Erik, Mahal CLUBS Erik then reels him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Mahal kicks Erik, tags Shanky back in, and they mug Erik more. Shanky throws back elbows, tags Mahal back in, and then they mug Erik more. Mahal drags Erik out but Erik ROCKS him! Hot tags to Shanky and Ivar! The War Beard dodges to CLOBBER Los Lotharios, then he fires off hands on Shanky! Ivar whips Shanky, Shanky reverses, Ivar uses that to hit Cesaro and Mansoor! Shanky fires hands on Ivar, whips him corner to corner, but Ivar dodges! Tag to Erik, Ivar SPLASHES Shanky! Erik SHOTGUN KNEES!

Erik lifts Ivar, HIP ATTACK SPINEBUSTER! Fans are thunderous as Erik tags Ivar back in! Ivar goes up, but Mahal throws Erik out and ROCKS Ivar! Mahal throws more haymakers, Shanky bails out. Mahal goes up top, Ivar throws body shots in return. Cesaro joins in and CLUBS Ivar! Cesaro and Mahal get Ivar up together, but Erik joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Double powerbombs and a double superplex has Omaha electric as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Mansoor throws Humberto away! Humberto stops Garza from reaching Cesaro, throws him back, but Mansoor ducks and hot tags Cesaro! Cesaro rallies on Humberto, BOOTS Shanky, EuroUppers Humberto and fires off body shots! Cesaro climbs up to rain down fists, then he CLUBS Garza! Cesaro fireman’s carries Humberto for the SAMOAN DROP! Usos appreciate the shout-out, but Ivar tags in off Cesaro. Cesaro hits a DISCUS on Humberto, but he dodges Ivar’s clothesline to EuroUpper then trip Ivar up! Cesaro has the legs, time for a SUPERSIZED SWISS SWING! But Mahal CLUBS Cesaro, to hit the KALLAS!!

Mansoor boots and ENZIGURIS Mahal! Shanky TOSSES Mansoor! Erik SHOTGUN KNEES Shanky! Los Lotharios DOUBLE SUPERKICK Erik! Usos like that, too, as Los Lotharios DOUBLE DIVE onto Cesaro and Erik! But Ivar gets up! Ivar builds speed, but runs into DOUBLE DROPKICKS! The cousins are fired up, Garza runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar cartwheels around Humberto, THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall (NEW #1 contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships)

The Usos are hyped to see it! The Viking Raiders have a successful raid! History says Vikings raided and pillaged and steal, but y’all ain’t never had a war! You think you can war with the Usos? If you did, it’d be one and done! UCE! OHHH!! Will Erik & Ivar be the ones that finally stop Jimmy & Jey?

Naomi visits Sonya Deville in her office.

“It’s cold in here. Just like your heart, Cruella.” And she won’t even hear Sonya talk. Anything she says, especially when it comes to Naomi, is a lie. Sonya toying with Naomi is one thing, but messing with her title opportunities won’t slide. Naomi has not gotten one single reason for the hate. But Naomi can give her one right now. Um, no, she’s not. For the millionth time, when Sonya wears a suit, she’s the boss. So Naomi better keep hands off. And if she wants to know why Sonya’s so annoyed with Naomi, it’s because Naomi comes waltzing into the office with her main character vibe, when everyone knows she’s just an extra.

So keep your hands off, unless you want to get fined, or removed from the Royal Rumble. Maybe even fired. Choice is Naomi’s, though. Naomi storms off, Adam Pearce walks in and says it is also cold in here. But what was that about? Sonya says it’s nothing. She also tried the thermometer, doesn’t seem to be working. But will this grudge only heat up between Naomi and Sonya?

Sami Zayn heads to the ring!

The “elder statesman” of SmackDown vows that tonight, he’ll have something that’ll put Johnny Knoxville’s entire Jackass franchise to shame. Will the world become fans of #InZayn overnight? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Sami claims the conspiracy against him has gone on too long! It all started when he was robbed of the Intercontinental Championship! Now, after all this time., Sami is finally #1 contender and is finally poised to get back what is rightfully his! But they have to talk about last week. “A new actor” in the conspiracy made his way into Sami’s life, and he is of course talking about Johnny Knoxville. Put that up on screen! Put it up! Put the thing up! You know what Sami’s talking about. The recap plays of Sami telling Knoxville wasn’t qualified for the Royal Rumble, and then dared Knoxville to show Sami “something.”

That something was Knoxville sneaking up on Sami to dump him out of the ring. And then Knoxville was officially allowed into the Rumble! Sami says that’s great! Knoxville in the Rumble, Sami loves it! And why? Because Sami has officially entered the Rumble, and he can’t wait. Knoxville thinks he can do what Sami does, but he can’t. However, Sami can do anything Knoxville can! We see a skateboard ramp set up by the ring as Sami says, “When it comes to being a Jackass, there’s no one better than Sami Zayn!” Well, okay. But everyone knows that franchise. Get ready for the “most spectacular stunt show to ever show up on television.” This is the premiere of INZAYN!

Sami’s knockoff of Jackass even has a knockoff theme song. Sami goes backstage, then comes back inside a shopping cart with a helmet. Welcome to InZayn! He’s Sami and he’s gonna jump the wrestling ring in a shopping cart! Just like they rehearsed, guys. Is this the same cart? Feels a bit snug. Alright, no problem. There’s also a crash pad on the other side, but Sami wants the guys to wait for his count. This is dangerous, y’know. Like, pretty dangerous. Just give Sami a sec. That ramp’s small, and the ring is bigger than he remembered. Well no backing out now! On three. One. Two. THRE- WAIT! No, on “go,” after three.

Fans boo as Sami is clearly stalling. Sami calms himself down, counts it out, fires himself up, THREE, GOOO!! They go but he has them stop the cart! Sami bails out, he wants everyone to shut up, and he double checks things. He’s making sure this is safe! No one wants to see him get hurt, do they? Fans sound like they want to see that. Sami says he’s tougher than Knoxville, but he won’t get hurt for nothing. Rick Boogs has appeared! Sami’s glad Boogs is here, actually. Tell Nakamura- He’s behind Sami! Sami turns around into a KINSHASA! The helmet doesn’t help when you get hit in the face! Boogs then lifts Sami, and aims for the X! Boogs THROWS Sami, and he hits the mark!

Sami may not have gone #InZayn, but he’ll surely be furious once he gets back up. Will Nakamura prove to be an even more dangerous challenge once he and Sami go 1v1 for the Intercontinental Championship?

Backstage interview with Aliyah.

Megan asks Aliyah about making her singles debut against the Best of All Time. Any nerves? Aliyah says she’s all nerves. She’s dreamed of stepping into the ring ever since she was a little girl, and she goes up against Natalya, a WWE Triple Crown winner! Aliyah just hopes she puts on a good showing and try not to embarrass herself. Natty walks in and smiles. She thanks Aliyah for the compliment and says Aliyah will do great. There’s no shame in losing to Natty in your first single’s match. After all, Natty is the winningest woman in WWE history, and that is just one of her three Guinness World Records. Wow, really? That’s still a thing?

Natty gets mad, but the music hits and gives Aliyah an excuse to leave. Will Aliyah leave Omaha a winner? Or will she be sunk by the BOAT?

Aliyah VS Natalya!

SmackDown returns and the Queen of Harts has an interview of her own. She tells Megan that the Guinness Book of World Records is still very much a thing! It acknowledges her three records that symbolize the blood, sweat and tears Natty has shed over 14 years in the WWE. That is why Natty is a favorite to win this year’s Rumble. Natty has the most matches, the most PPV matches, and the most wins of any woman in WWE history. So tonight, she sets a fourth record: beating the record of fastest match win of any woman in WWE history! Natty makes her entrance, holds up the record book, and is still all smiles.

Natty goes right at Aliyah the second she’s in the ring! The ref backs Natty off, but Natty goes right back after Aliyah to dribble her off the mat! Natty then bumps Aliyah off buckles, stomps away, then throws Aliyah into ropes! The ref tries to stop Natty but Natty just keeps after Aliyah! The ref gets Natty to back off and asks if Aliyah can continue. Aliyah drags herself up the ropes, the ref says Aliyah can’t compete. But then Aliyah says no! She wants to compete here tonight! The ring announcer makes the announcement, but Aliyah insists to change that. The ref says they will have this match, and fans fire up!

Aliyah staggers up, the bell rings, Aliyah rolls Natty up! ALIYAH WINS!

Winner: Aliyah, by pinfall

Natty is shocked! What was the time on that?! Did Aliyah set the record? SHE DID!! Natty wanted that win, but in 3.17 seconds, Aliyah has immortalized herself! Is this just the start of a historic career for the young star?

Sonya and Pearce are both shocked.

Natty brought that on herself there. Wait, now things are too hot. Pearce tries to turn it down, but maybe they’ll have to bring some snow in from outside.

Michael Cole is in the ring.

For the first time in 20 years, SmackDown sees this game-changing, glass ceiling shattering, four-time WWE Women’s Champion and a WWE Hall of Famer, LITA! Fans go wild as Lita heads out to the ring and she gets the mic as Michael Cole welcomes her back. She says she’s home! Fans chant her name and she gets goosebumps. Cole is sure that Lita gave the fans chills when she performed every week. Talking to superstars today, like Bayley and Liv Morgan and even Becky Lynch, say she inspired them. So why is she back for the Royal Rumble? Well it’s been a wild ride. She has more career highlights than she can count.

Lita was one of the first women to main-event a Monday Night Raw, alongside her now bestie, Trish Stratus. Lita was the first woman in TLC matches, steel cage matches, and then getting into the WWE Hall of Fame. Most days, she is fully satisfied with her career. Until more recently. She didn’t have the opportunity to be in a Royal Rumble match. The women didn’t have one then. But now they do, and she thinks she’s got one last run in her! Fans like the sound of that! So Lita has a plan. She’ll enter the Rumble, mow through 29 other women and win the Rumble to main event WrestleMania! But here comes the SmackDown Women’s Champion!

Charlotte Flair struts down the ramp, has her pyro, then goes into the ring. Charlotte gets a mic and says she’ll interview Lita now. Cole returns to commentary and Charlotte asks Lita how she is. It doesn’t matter. But Charlotte didn’t know this was flashback Friday. This is so extreme~! That’s what Lita used to say, right? So fun reminiscing. But Charlotte is entering the Rumble as champion. And when Charlotte wins, she chooses who main events WrestleMania. So when she throws Lita out, that fun little return will be over. So the real question that everyone is dying to know the answer to is, how is Lita going to handle the humiliation when Charlotte ends the dream?

Oh, Lita heard about this version of Charlotte. A real Tonya Harding, y’know? Continuing with the flashbacks and all. But how is Charlotte gonna throw anyone out with that giant head of hers? How does she not tip over? Fans taunt, “Giant Head!” Yep, huge, giant head. Charlotte pretends she can’t hear them. But here’s another question, Lita. Funny you bring up Trish, because in 2019, when Trish got bored of being a mom and wanted to be relevant, she begged Charlotte for a match. Of course Charlotte said yes, and of course Trish lost. Charlotte broke Trish. Trish was so broken, she officially retired. And that is exactly what Charlotte will do to Lita.

Lita shows punch and Charlotte covers up! Gottee! But then Lita kicks low, and hits a TWIST OF FATE! Fans fire up as Lita takes down the champ, but will she pull off the huge comeback she’s after? Or will the Queen do everything in her power to end the comeback before it begins?

Backstage interview with Sheamus

He’s going to take on Ricochet, and has Megan save her breath. He has a question for her: What’s missing from this picture? His protégé, Ridge Holland, should be here. But instead, he’s home with a notepad, and a nose sticking out the back of his head. And who’s responsible? Ricochet, the human pinball machine! But Sheamus will set it right. This will be the hurtin’ of Ricochet’s life. And we’ll finally see how Ricochet likes it when he’s the one leaving with a broken nose. The Fella heads out, will Fight Night leave the King of Flight grounded?

Sheamus VS Ricochet!

SmackDown returns as the One and Only makes his entrance to a new theme song. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sheamus headlocks and throws Ricochet, then he grins. Ricochet gets up, waistlocks, headlocks, throws punches, and holds on tight as Sheamus tires to power out. Sheamus powers up again, Ricochet hits a takeover. Sheamus fights up, powers up again, but Ricochet hits another takeover! Sheamus fights up, powers out, then runs Ricochet over! Sheamus CLUBS Ricochet on the back, stomps a hand, then drags Ricochet up to EuroUpper. Sheamus reels Ricochet in, gets him up, but Ricochet RANAS free!

Sheamus stands, Ricochet PENALTY KCIKS him down! Ricochet builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes the Celtic Warrior! Ricochet gets Sheamus back up and in the ring, goes to the apron, but Sheamus bails out the far side. Ricochet hurries after, but Sheamus gets the leg. Ricochet CLUBS Sheamus away, but then Sheamus trips him! Ricochet hits apron on the way down! Sheamus pulls the apron skirt up, drags Ricochet around, and GUILLOTINE CATAPULTS Ricochet into the steel frame! Fans boo but Sheamus just soaks it all up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sheamus has Ricochet down in a motorcycle stretch. Ricochet endures, fights up, but Sheamus cranks the arms, so Ricochet kangaroo kicks free! Ricochet then hits a JAWBREAKER, but Sheamus reels him in to back suplex! Ricochet lands on his feet, dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Ricochet KICKS and KICKS and forearms and CHOPS! Ricochet keeps going, whips, but Sheamus reverses. Ricochet KICKS back, then runs, into a scoop! Ricochet slips free, Sheamus runs in but Ricochet dodges! Sheamus gets caught up on ropes, but he gets to the apron.

Sheamus ROCKS Ricochet, but Ricochet KICKS him in the ropes! GUILLOTINE LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps cool, fans rally up, and Ricochet goes up top. SHOOTING STAR but he has to bail out as Sheamus moves! Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Sheamus seethes as Ricochet crawls to the apron. Sheamus drags Ricochet up by his face, CLUBS him in the back, then stretches him out for Beats of the Bodhrain! The fans count, but so does the ref! Sheamus gets 9 before the ref says 4, then he goes out to clotheslines Ricochet back into the ring! Sheamus then gets in, fireman’s carries, and he goes up the corner!

Fans fire up as Ricochet fights! Ricochet HOTSHOTS Sheamus, then KICKS him, and KICKS him, and SMACKS him off the post! Ricochet goes up, springboards and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives but Ricochet keeps his focus. Ricochet waits on Sheamus to get up, and then Ricochet fireman’s carries! Sheamus elbows out, whips to a corner, but Ricochet goes up. Sheamus catches him, Ricochet sunset flips through, TWO! Ricochet ducks and dodges, handsprings, into a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

Sheamus found an opening and he literally kicked Ricochet out of the air! Ridge Holland is surely celebrating at home, will he and Sheamus be celebrating a Rumble win in two weeks?

Sonya and Pearce are still talking Aliyah’s record setting win.

The irony of Natty wanting that record so much being her downfall, it’s crazy. But as Sonya was saying, she had to explain the rules of the Royal Rumble match to someone. It’s kinda obvious, though. But wow, they’re sweating. The thermostat broke, Pearce will go check with maintenance. Sonya throws off her jacket, Naomi returns, and Sonya did say while the jacket was off… No, that wasn’t literal! Pearce returns to stop this, and Sonya hurries to get her jacket back. Naomi says the beat down is long overdue. Sonya just abuses her power, and no one stops her. Naomi almost had Charlotte, if not for Sonya changing things on the fly.

Pearce agrees with Naomi. Naomi deserves another chance. Next week, Naomi VS Charlotte one more time. Naomi tells Cruella to stay in her cage. Will Pearce make sure things stay fair and square between Naomi and Flair?

Kofi Kingston VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin!

Sir Kofi is here on his own without King Xavier, but he will still do his sworn duty to protect the Kingdom of New Days on SmackDown! But will the court jesters have the last laugh here tonight?

SmackDown returns and Kofi has a mic to say, “Dearly beloved members of the WWE Royal Universe! Gather ’round for a proclamation from your king.” It is with great regret that King Xavier, first of his name, bringer of new days, clotter of bloodlines, has fallen victim to a calf injury sustained whilst carrying the SmackDown Tag Division on his strapping back. As a result, Your Majesty will indeed miss the Royal Rumble. However, on a positive note, His Majesty declares that the Royal Rumble cannot be royal without proper representation. So therefore, the Hand of the King, Kofi Kingston, shall enter the Royal Rumble match, BAAAAABYYYYY~!

But here come the hyenas. Corbin and Moss have mics and Corbin apologizes for interrupting, but he just feels really good. He’s happy cuz he’s rich, handsome and made so much money on NFT’s, he bought himself a brand new, $50 THOUSAND watch. The only thing that could make Corbin happier is throwing Kofi out of the ring, into the front row and out of the Royal Rumble. Moss says that would be great. Corbin says he and Moss haven’t been this happy since they destroyed Drew McIntyre’s neck! Footage replays to remind us all that the backstage ambush was how Corbin and Moss set McIntyre up for a chair vice to the neck.

Moss and Corbin laugh it up, and if you think that was funny, “What do you call the New Day when it’s just Sir Kofi in the ring alone, so scared to face me in a match, that he loses control of his bowels? POO DAY!” These two laugh it up again, and Kofi fakes a laugh that makes the other two stop. That’s really funny, Moss, because of “poo.” But actually, Kofi had every intention of dropping a royal deuce on Moss’ forehead! Corbin gets out of the ring, the bell rings and we finally have this match. Kofi dodges Moss, fires off kicks, but Moss powers up to lift Kofi and head for the ropes! But Kofi throws Moss out with a body scissors!

Kofi then rums to FLY! Direct hit takes out Moss and Corbin! Kofi’s all fired up and having a real laugh as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Moss has Kofi down with a chinlock. Kofi fights up, throws body shots, then whips Moss to ropes. Moss reveres, Kofi leaps, but Moss catches him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Corbin is fired up but he’s the only one as Moss stomps away on Kofi in a corner. The ref counts, Moss lets off, then he stomps Kofi more. The ref backs Moss off, but Kofi hits back with forearms and haymakers! Moss kicks low, whips Kofi to a corner, but Kofi goes up to missile dropkick! Kofi rallies with elbows then a dropkick! Kofi dodges, and hits a LEAPING LARIAT! Fans fire up, Kofi twerks but Moss rolls him up! TWO, Kofi PENALTY KICKS Moss down!

Kofi runs, for the NEW~ DAY~ BOOM DROP! Fans fire up and Kofi claps in the corner. “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Corbin gets up, Kofi chases him off. Kofi spins, Moss dodges, then Moss comes back to ROCK Kofi! Moss runs again, Kofi slips out to SWING KICK Moss away! Kofi goes up top, CROSSBODY! Moss rolls through! But Kofi slips out of the slam to waistlock. Moss bucks, but runs into the clinch! Moss claws eyes to stop the SOS! PUNCHLINE!! Cover, Moss wins!

Winner: “Mad Cap” Moss, by pinfall

Corbin is fired up as his buddy just beat a WWE Grand Slam Champion! But will the happy-go-lucky Moss and Corbin run out of luck come the Rumble?

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

From 10 years ago when The Shield debuted, to a few years later when the Architect threw the Shield away, to WrestleMania 31 when he pulled off The Heist of the Century, there is a storied history between the challenger and the WWE Universal Championship. These two will meet face to face after the break, will all hell break loose this close to the Royal Rumble?

SmackDown returns and Roman Reigns makes his entrance. He raises the title and the pyro goes off. Then he goes to the ring, raises the belt again, and the second round of pyro goes off. Rollins stays put as Roman gets a mic. Rollins has a mic of his own, and Roman grins as the fans chant his name. Roman tells Rollins, “Before you say anything… Omaha! Acknowledge me!” Rollins says alright, let’s acknowledge the fact that this is quite the moment. Fans chant for Rollins now, and Rollins says for old time’s sake: fist bump. Roman knows he wants to. Roman says that’s beneath him now.

Ouch. Alright, then let’s acknowledge the look on Roman’s face when Rollins showed up last week. Seems he’s the last person on Earth Roman wanted to see. And why would he? Their track record in singles matches for titles is pretty one-sided. Rollins won them all, so he gets why Roman doesn’t want to see him. Roman says Rollins is out here talking about the past. Rollins must be sleeping under a rock or something. He doesn’t know what’s going oni here. Roman’s in GOD MODE now. Tribal Chief, Head of the Table, provider for the WWE, the greatest of this generation, no questions asked. He’s the greatest Universal Champion of all time. That makes him the greatest to ever do this.

Rollins says he didn’t come out here to rain on the parade. Rollins is here to… “acknowledge” Roman. He is acknowledging the success, the championships, the main event matches, all of that. But Rollins has one question for Roman: Can Roman look himself in the mirror at night and say he’s done that all by himself? That’s the difference here! Without Roman, Rollins is just fine. Rollins climbed the ladder while Roman rode the pine in the CFL. Rollins was holding Roman’s hand left and right back in The Shield days. And when Rollins sent Roman to the back with the chairshot heard ’round the world, Roman still couldn’t do it on his own. He needed the Bloodline to hold it all up.

So does Roman understand who is really the greatest here? Let’s not forget: Rollins created Roman, and he can destroy Roman. Rollins laughs it up, but Roman twitches. Roman manages to smile it off and says Rollins is a waste of his time. Just look at him! He looks like a clown, sounds like a clown, and he IS a clown. Rollins doesn’t have the star power Roman has, will never reach the level Roman’s reached, and if Roman was looking for a mega star, he wouldn’t have chosen Rollins from Raw. Rollins wouldn’t have even been the one Roman chose from his own household. If Roman was gonna main event with a mega star, he would’ve gone with Becky.

But then the Usos rush in! Rollins gets away from them and gets to the announce desk. The Usos pursue, Rollins jumps over Jey, sends Jimmy into steel steps, then gets back in to stare Roman down. But the Usos regroup and Rollins bails out! “Is that all you got?! I’m in your head, living rent free, Roman!” The Visionary says he created The Tribal Chief and will destroy him at the Rumble. Will another of Roman’s reigns end at the hands of Seth Freakin’ Rollins?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of SmackDown, though not necessarily from the matches. Four matches is rather scarce for a SmackDown, and the best one was the Fatal 4 tag to start. The Usos had a good promo to set it up, and I figured The Viking Raiders would win here. Erik & Ivar haven’t had a lot lately but this build to the Rumble with The Usos is going to be really good. I can’t say the Viking Raiders win, but I’m sure they’ll give the Usos a great match. As for Sami Zayn, his “InZayn” stunt not happening was a given. Sami of course makes it very hilarious, but I really hope he and Nakamura are having their title match for the go-home. Something needs to happen here, that title is just sitting there doing nothing.

I really wish we’d gotten more of a match out of Aliyah VS Natty, but then Natty set things up for a fast match with the whole talk of world records. It’s great for Aliyah that she gets this honor, but hopefully we get a rematch of these two that really helps Aliyah show some in-ring skills. Lita and Charlotte had a good segment together, and I do like that the target on Charlotte’s back is growing. As I said before, everyone else in the Women’s Rumble should work together to throw Charlotte out the moment she’s in the match. Naomi had a good couple of promo segments with Sonya, and I do appreciate Pearce is setting up a rematch. I’m sure Sonya will still try to stop Naomi from becoming a contender, but maybe it backfires.

Sheamus VS Ricochet was a really good match, and a logical one given it was Ricochet’s foot that broke Holland’s nose. Cesaro may have teamed up with Mansoor tonight, but maybe there will be a rematch of Cesaro & Ricochet VS Sheamus & Holland after Holland’s nose is healed up for a proper blow-off to this. A shame about Woods’ calf, but he’ll surely be back before WrestleMania. Naturally, Kofi keeps things going, and it seems the New Day is now going to duel with Moss & Corbin. Moss winning was a bit of a surprise but obviously that’s to signal this feud actually starting. I hope at some point, it’s pointed out that Moss is doing all the work, getting all the wins, and he should ditch Corbin. Or, perhaps instead, Moss & Corbin end up feuding for the tag titles.

And we got a pretty good segment out of Roman and Rollins tonight. They had video packages recapping their history but I wish they’d done a bit more of it themselves in the promos. Rollins avoiding the Usos’ ambush was good stuff, it shows Rollins knows Roman’s tricks and is ready for them. This is going to be a really great build towards the Rumble, their match is going to be a great one, and I feel like this could nudge things towards End of the Brand Split 2022.

My Score: 8.2/10

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! (4/19/24)

Prepare for Backlash!

Published

16 hours ago

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

2 days 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!