Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/18/22)

Lesnar’s out for blood!

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2022

Steven Mitchell

The Beast and Tribal Chief are on a collision course!

With just two weeks left before WrestleMania, BROCK LESNAR wants one more face-to-face with Roman Reigns! Will SmackDown turn into a bloodbath?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs VS Los Lotharios; Nakamura & Boogs win.
Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS Happy Corbin, Jinder Mahal & Shanky w/ Mad Cap Moss; McIntye & The Viking Raiders win.
Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan; No Contest.
Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & Pete Dunne; Ridge wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of “Razor Ramon,” Scott Hall.

Roman Reigns is here!

Charlotte, North Carolina is torn as the Tribal Chief returns, Bloodline right behind him. The belts are raised and the pyro goes off. Then they continue to the ring, fans cheer and jeer, and the belts are held up again for more pyro. Fans chant, “We Want Brock!” but Paul Heyman hands Roman the mic. “Charlotte, North Carolina. ACKNOWLEDGE ME! There’s plenty to be excited about. Tonight is a special night. We’re on the Road to WrestleMania. Tonight’s the first night I get to see Brock Lesnar since I smashed him in Madison Square Garden. Oh, yeah, oh yeah. I smashed him and made him bleed all over New York. And you can bet, once he shows his face, I’ma make him bleed all over Charlotte, North Carolina, as well.”

But Heyman is checking his phone and has something to tell Roman. He apologizes for interrupting but Lesnar has “experienced a weather pattern in Saskatchewan. His plane was grounded four hours ago. Brock Lesnar will not be here this evening.” Fans boo, and Heyman apologizes. Heyman is sure Roman would’ve smashed him for sure, just like in MSG! Roman shrugs but fans chant, “We Want Lesnar!” Roman tells them he understands. He fulfilled his obligations and wants Lesnar to be here, too. Roman was gonna smash him! But think about this. Let’s not blame Brock or the weather or planes. It was a business decision! Lesnar’s scared!

Fans boo as Roman says Lesnar is scared of the Tribal Chief. As he should be, because as the shirt says, Roman’s in GOD MODE! Greatness On a Different Level! No one can touch him. Heyman wants to bring up more but Roman says not to interrupt. Heyman insists, but Roman says enough. Fans paid to see Roman, they wanna hear him. What is there to say? Heyman shows Roman the phone that the plane has landed here! Here?! Didn’t Heyman just say he wasn’t going to be here?! Heyman is freaking out, and Roman says Heyman is gonna wrap this up and take it home. The Bloodline’s bailing out!

Heyman hurries to bring up the rear and Roman is upset that Heyman got things wrong. Will the Tribal Chief run away before The Beast arrives?

The Bloodline reaches the backstage area.

They make it to the parking lot and their car, but HONK HONK! Lesnar drives a forklift! And he smashes through the windows! But then SmackDown goes to break!?

SmackDown returns and we see what happened right after! Lesnar was honking the lift’s horn at the Bloodline, and they bail out the other side! Lesnar then decides to lift the car! And he TIPS it! Then he RAMS it! The Bloodline got into a truck, but Lesnar cased them down! He ripped off a passenger door before they peeled out! Lesnar roars, picks up his cowboy hat, and smirks. He’ll keep the door as a souvenir, and bring it to the ring! Fans fire up as The Beast tips his hat to them. He then slams the door down for his pyro! Lesnar still brings that door along, tosses it into the ring, then stomps away on the door!

Lesnar gets the mic, sits the door up, and says, “Excuse me. I’m a little riled up. Roman Reigns. You done unleashed the Bipolar Beast, son. Y’see, Roman. You can run, you can hide, but in two weeks, at WrestleMania, I’m gonna do more than blow the doors off ya!” He BOOTS the door down, and shouts, “Roman Reigns! I’m comin’ for blood! I’m comin’ for blood, Roman. You best come prepared. See you in two weeks, buddy.” Lesnar leaves, but will he leave with Roman’s title the next time they meet?

Rick Boogs rocks out!

Fans fire up and give the call ‘n’ response. And he’s here to rock with one half of the soon to be SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Shinsuke… NakamurRAAAAAAA! The King of Strong Style makes his entrance and they go to the ring together. But will they still be rocking on their way to WrestleMania after facing the Lethal Lovers?

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs VS Los Lotharios!

SmackDown returns and the cousins, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo, make their entrance. And that means a Los Lotharios Kiss Cam! They find a young lady up front and give her kisses on the cheek. The teams sort out and Carrillo starts with Nakamura. They circle, approach, but Carrillo dodges. Carrillo blows a kiss but Nakamura intercepts it to stomp on it! And then he says, “C’MON!” Carrillo runs into a knee, Nakamura snapmares to knee drop! Nakamura drags Carrillo to a corner for GOOD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off at 4, then drags Carrillo up to put him on the top rope!

Nakamura rolls back, runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Then he shoves Carrillo down to cover, TWO! Nakamura headlocks, Carrillo pulls hair to get free and put a headlock on Nakamura. Carrillo grinds, Nakamura throws body shots, but Garza tags in before the power out. Nakamura knees Carrillo but Garza CLOBBERS him! Garza whips Nakamura to Carrillo for a pop-up, and KNEE! OFF COME THE PANTS! Tag to Carrillo, they mug Nakamura, and then coordinate for a LEAP FROG ATTACK! Snapmare and double basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Carrillo wraps Nakamura up in a chinlock but fans rally up.

Nakamura fights up, pries at the hold and knees and KICKS and KICKS! Carrillo blocks, ducks the enziguri and then drops an elbow! Tag to Garza, they mug Nakamura again, focusing on Nakamura’s arm. Garza fires off crossface forearms and rains down fists. Garza then grins and soaks up the heat. Garza taunts Nakamura, then KICKS him in the side! Garza drags Nakamura up, whips him into the corner, then SPLASH and tag! Carrillo whips, for Garza to whip him to dropkick Boogs! SPLASH and clothesline to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!

Los Lotharios is annoyed but Carrillo drags Nakamura into a cobra twist, Nakamura hip tosses free! Hot tag to Boogs! Boogs rallies and CLUBS Garza, then CLOBBERS him! Carrillo gets in, Boogs dodges and trophy lifts! Boogs pumps some iron, then he drops Carrillo on Garza! Garza gets up, Boogs runs in but he blocks the slap! Pump handle and some bicep curls! Then the BOOGS CRUISE! Cover, Boogs & Nakamura win!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs, by pinfall

The King of Strong Style and his rockin’ bard are ready! And with the Usos so worried about Roman and Lesnar, will we truly see new SmackDown Tag Team Champions at WrestleMania?

Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS Happy Corbin, Jinder Mahal & Shanky w/ Mad Cap Moss!

Let’s try this again, shall we? Erik & Ivar were jumped backstage by the Happy Folks and Modern Day Maharaja, but now they’ll get their chance at revenge! Will they and the Scottish Warrior run right through these clowns? Or will Corbin have a way out of taking a Claymore to the head?

SmackDown returns and Megan Morant interviews Corbin and his team. It seemed last week their ambush backfired. Uh, did they not see Corbin run the Vikings over? Corbin loves taking down an egomaniac down a notch. So at WrestleMania, that’ll be the greatest weekend of his life! Nothing will bring Corbin down. Moss has a joke: what do you call an episode of Happy Talk that puts everyone to sleep? Nappy Talk! Corbin doesn’t like that one cuz it makes fun of him. With that, Corbin leads the way. The teams sort out, and Erik starts against Shanky. The bell rings and Erik rushes Shanky with a forearm!

Erik fires off hands, Shanky shoves him to a corner, but Erik dodges to fire off more hands! Shanky throws knees, shoves Erik again, then CLOBBERS him! Tag to Jinder, he throws hands but Erik ROCKS Jinder! Erik SPINEBUSTERS and rains down fists on Mahal! Tag to Ivar, Ivar whips Erik in to SPLASH! Then feed to a LARIAT! Ivar fires up the fans and he brings Jinder up. Jinder knees low, CLUBS Ivar, then tags Corbin. They mug Ivar, Moss is fired up, but Corbin rams Ivar only for Ivar to ram him outta the ring! Corbin gets in but Ivar fires off haymakers! Ivar whips, Corbin reverses and SPINEBUSTERS!

Corbin SLAPS McIntyre! McIntyre gets in but the ref has to keep him back! This allows the Happy Folks to get a shot in on Ivar, and then SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Corbin RAMS Ivar in a corner! Tag to Jinder, they mug Ivar, and Jinder BOOTS Ivar down! Cover, TWO! Jinder gets an arm for a half nelson and even has a chinbar. Fans rally, Ivar fights up, and Ivar pries free, only for Jinder to shove him into the corner. Ivar fights out, then SEATED SENTONS Jinder! Corbin tags in and puts Ivar in a corner to SPLASH! Corbin DECKS Erik with a cheap shot, then Jinder trips McIntyre! But he gets a GLASGOW KISS for his troubles! McIntyre glares at Corbin, then smirks. McIntyre goes back to the corner and stares Corbin down.

Corbin swings on Ivar, Ivar dodges and tags in McIntyre! Corbin tags out to Shanky! McIntyre CLOBBERS Shanky! And then again! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly for Mahal, then clothesline sends him out! McIntyre scoops Shanky, MICHINOKU DRIVER! McIntyre kips up, fans fire up! McIntyre says Corbin needs to watch this one. The countdown begins! THREE! TWO! ONE! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre and team win!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

The warriors stand tall as the Happy Folks run away! Will McIntyre take Corbin’s head off and take away his smile at WrestleMania?

Sami Zayn speaks.

“I should be standing here with my Intercontinental Championship, but I’m not. Because of one person only, and that is Johnny Knoxville. That glorified Hollywood crash test dummy has ruined my life. He’s gotten in my head, gotten under my skin, and all with juvenile pranks and stunts.” Knoxville seems so intent on bringing his world to Sami, so Sami is going to show everyone what it means to step into Sami’s world! If Knoxville has the balls, then their match should be ANYTHING GOES! Sami wants to throw out the rule book, will Knoxville step up or step away?

Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan!

Contenders take on contenders ahead of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Triple Threat! Will it be #BossTime when the Nightmare & Living Embodiment #FeelTheGlow? Or will Rhea & Liv make SmackDown feel a little Raw?

SmackDown returns and Zelina Vega & Carmella have appeared ringside to sit by commentary. Liv makes her entrance, followed by Rhea. The teams sort out and Sasha starts against Liv. They circle, tie up, and go around. Sasha wrenches to a wristlock, tags Naomi, and Naomi takes the handoff to ram Liv down. Tag back to Sasha, she brings Liv around to WRING her out! Sasha pushes Liv and says WrestleMania is where SHE gets the tag titles. Liv gets up, gets around, waistlocks, but Sasha switches it. Liv trips Sasha, runs, but Sasha hurdles and hip tosses, but Liv handsprings through!

Liv shoves Sasha and says SHE is winning the titles. Sasha SLAPS Liv, knuckle locks and goes up, up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Sasha stares down the champs, runs in but Liv goes Matrix to roll Sasha up. TWO, Sasha rolls Liv up, TWO! Sasha swings, Liv dodges, double dropkicks cancel out but Liv kips up! Fans fire up and Sasha nods as the two stare down. Sasha offers a handshake, Liv takes it, but Sasha reels her into a headlock! Tag to Naomi, whip into the TWERK ATTACK! Then Naomi shoves Liv down, to run and SPLIT LEG LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Naomi drags Liv up, but Liv JAWBREAKERS back!

Liv snapmares Naomi, tags Rhea, and Rhea runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Naomi up to CLUB her down! Rhea brings Naomi up to scoop, but Naomi fights free and headlocks back. Rhea fights the takeover to lift Naomi up! Naomi resists the slam, Rhea wrenches and whips, but Naomi goes up, only to get caught! Sasha tags in and Naomi slips free to shove Rhea. Rhea swings, misses, Naomi slides out and Sasha KNEES Rhea back! Sasha steps in, tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rhea ends up in a corner, Sasha storms over and shows off some Latino Heat! Snap- NO, Rhea blocks!

Rhea suplexes Sasha instead, and holds her up! Fans fire up as Rhea keeps Sasha for 10 before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Rhea tags Liv, they have Sasha in the corner, and Rhea whips Liv in for a back body block! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps on Sasha but Sasha JAWBREAKERS! Tag to Naomi and she RUNNING JAWBREAKERS! Liv ends up on ropes, but she throws Sasha out! And then Naomi! Tag to Rhea, and she lines it up, CANNONBALL! Down go both Sasha & Naomi, fans fire up for #Liv4Brutality as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Rhea covers Naomi, TWO! Naomi crawls but into enemy territory. Rhea looks to the WrestleMania sign, then she brings Naomi up. Rhea reels Naomi in, suplexes, and she holds Naomi up, but Naomi kicks against it. Rhea knees low, whips, but Naomi goes up to springboard FLYING ROUNDHOUSE! Both women are down and fans fire up! Naomi crawls past Rhea, Rhea crawls past Naomi, hot tags to Liv and Sasha! Sasha dodges, blocks a kick and KNEES Liv back! Liv is in a corner, Sasha runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Then she goes up top, METEORA! Cover, TWO!

Sasha is surprised, but she drags Liv up to reel her in. Liv breaks free to ENZIGURI! Tag to Rhea and Rhea goes up! BIG missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Sasha is still in this but Rhea hurries to get her up! Pump handle and RIP- NO! Sasha slips out to BACKSTABBER! Sasha puts Rhea in the drop zone, tags in Naomi, then goes up, VADER BOMB! Naomi goes up to SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Liv breaks it! Sasha and Naomi throw Liv out hard, then Naomi tags Sasha back in. “This is Awesome!” as Naomi and Sasha put Rhea up top. They both climb, but Rhea resists and Liv gets in! TOWER OF DOOM!!

Vega & Mella are in shock as all four other women are down! But now Natalya & Shayna Baszler attack!!

No Contest

The Queen of Spades & Queen of Harts go after everyone! KNEE for Rhea! Then they POST her! Liv fights back but Natty gives her a GERMAN SUPLEX! Sasha goes after Natty, and now the champs get in on it! They help Natty & Shayna, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Sasha & Naomi! The champions have the belts, but then they realize the Queens aren’t on their side… Shayna & Natty let them know that there’s yet another team aiming for those titles. Will this Triple Threat turn into a Fatal 4 Way?

Johnny Knoxville speaks.

“Sami, Sami, Sami. I have made a career out of disregarding my common sense. I have been in a ring with an angry bull many times. I got knocked out by Butterbean, with a lucky punch, and I’ve strapped myself to the back of a red rocket. Smart? No. But I’m still standing.” Sami’s great, awful to look at, terrible personality, but a great competitor. So on WrestleMania Sunday, he’ll take whatever Sami can dish out. If he wants Anything Goes, then Knoxville accepts! Knoxville says Sami’s toast while laughing it up! Will Knoxville be laughing to the very end in Dallas?

Pat McAfee is being called to Vince McMahon’s office.

This is all because of what happened between him and Austin Theory, but seeing as how Theory is Vince’s new golden boy, McAfee is the one in trouble. What will Mr. McMahon make McAfee do to make amends?

Natty & Shayna talk backstage.

Sonya Deville finds them, and tells them, “I saw what the two of you did out there. And I love it! It was great!” Some of those women deserved it more than others, of course, and these two are quite the force. So she is now adding them to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match. It is officially a FATAL 4 WAY!!

Pat McAfee finishes his meeting with Mr. McMahon.

He’s heading back out, but what was he told? Is his match with Austin Theory still on? Is he still a commentator for SmackDown? Wait, McAfee goes down the ramp and to the ring. He gets himself a mic to say, “On some random Monday, when I was 11 years old, I happened upon a no-name network, the USA Network, and I saw something that immediately changed my life. When I saw professional wrestling for the first time, my life changed immediately. I saw something that inspired me. I saw something that was magical. I saw something that would shape me forever.” And on that Monday night, when all hell was breaking loose, McAfee found the thing he though the was put on Earth to do!

Other professions got in the way, but finally, after retiring, he got a call from the greatest of all time, Michael Cole, and he said, “Pat, do you wanna come to work on Friday night?” Pat said oh hell yeah! Pat told Cole that he’d been dreaming of being in the WWE! Of going to cities like Charlotte, North Carolina! Of getting in front of- Austin Theory shows up. Theory goes to the ring, and Pat says he was just “suggested” by Mr. McMahon that he should apologize to Theory or lose his dream. Then he better apologize! Commentators don’t do that. Pat tells Theory he is… Oh, c’mon, Pat. Let’s do this.

Pat tells Theory that he a… Theory says this isn’t a joke. Apologize! Pat is sorry, for beating Theory’s ass last week! Pat is sorry Theory’s parents raised a douche! Pat is sorry he made Theory’s filtered face relevant! Pat apologizes that Theory is a punk bitch!! Theory grins, and takes a selfie. Then he shoves Pat! Theory runs off before Pat can do anything more, but will their match only get more personal?

It’s the finale of the Toyota Tundra road trip!

Shinsuke & Boogs rock out while off-roading! They splash, rumble, splash some more, then stop to go mountain biking. They push it to the max, Nakamura taught Boogs some things, and they had a cook out. Boogs is going to miss the truck. Nakamura says all good things must come to an end. You sure? Doesn’t sound right. Boogs will keep the keys. Truer words have never been spoken.

Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & Pete Dunne!

No Xavier Woods, no Big E, Kofi finds himself as the last New Day man standing. But will Kofi be able to avenge Big E against the Northern Grit who hurt him?

SmackDown returns and Ridge makes his entrance, along with the Celtic Warrior and “Butch.” The bell rings, and Kofi dropkicks Ridge! Kofi fires off fast hands, the ref counts and Ridge kicks back. Ridge headlocks, hits a takeover, but Kofi fights back up. Kofi fires body shots, powers out, and things speed up. Kofi hurdles, hurdles and back elbows! Ridge staggers, Kofi runs in at the corner, but Ridge SLAMS him down! Ridge shakes it off, drags Kofi up and throws him out, then goes after him on the apron. Kofi hits back, then dumps Ridge out! Kofi aims, and PENALTY KICKS! Then AX HANDLES!

As McAfee points out, Ridge’s “big ass” dislodges the announce table! Kofi gets back in the ring while Sheamus and Dunne are livid, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Kofi throws hands on Ridge! Fans rally, but Kofi runs into a back elbow! Ridge clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Kofi down. Kofi endures, fans rally, and Kofi fights up. Kofi JAWBREAKERS free! Ridge EuroUppers then throws again, but Kofi dodges and Ridge hits ropes! Kofi mule kicks, fires off more kicks, then DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And dropkicks! Ridge swings, Kofi dodges and LEAPING LARIATS! Fans fire up with Kofi and he runs for the “NEW~ DAY~” Boom Drop! Kofi fires up and fans clap along, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi spins, into Ridge’s arms!

Ridge puts Kofi in a corner, but Kofi slips out to SWING KICK! Sheamus gets on the apron, and Dunne SHOVES Kofi down! The ref senses something fishy, and he EJECTS Sheamus & Dunne! Ridge is furious, and so is Dunne, but Sheamus keeps Dunne back. Kofi rolls Ridge, TWO!! Ridge scoops, Kofi slips out, JUMPING STOMPS!! Kofi hurries to get Sheamus’ club, and he CHUCKS it at the stage! Dunne rushes back to ringside! Sheamus drags Dunne away, Ridge CLOBBERS Kofi! Scoop and NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

And now Dunne gets back in! The suspenders are practically flying off but Sheamus still keeps Dunne from getting at Kofi. Will Kofi ever be able to get revenge when he’s outnumbered 3v1?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

The SmackDown Women’s Champion is here in her namesake city, and she supposedly has a challenge for Ronda Rousey! What will it be? And will Ronda accept it to then beat Charlotte at it?

SmackDown returns and Charlotte has the mic. “When you’re Charlotte Flair, you always have a plan. Last week, I showed that one trick pony, Ronda Rousey, whey I am the most dominant , most vicious and most decorated woman in Sports Entertainment history. No one has caused Ronda Rousey more pain than me! Who knew you could dent the side of a car by smashing someone’s head into it?” Charlotte replays last week over and over, the sounds of that screaming pony, Ronda. She was seconds from tapping, but then refs and security rescued Ronda from Charlotte. That is just a taste of what’s to come at WrestleMania!

Fans chant, “You Tapped Out!” at Charlotte but she claims she can’t hear them. So they get louder! But Charlotte tells Charlotte, she’ll say this again. SHE is the mountain Ronda has to climb to make a legacy here. Ronda tried but Charlotte kicked her ass and will do it time and time again. Charlotte’s legacy is bigger than Ronda’s! And when Ronda loses at Mania, she’ll cut ‘n’ round and pop out another baby. Not Charlotte. She’ll be here week after week because Ronda doesn’t have the spine to do this, the love, the passion, the grace to become the THIRTEEN TIME Women’s Champion!

Charlotte says she doesn’t wanna wait until Mania to eviscerate Ronda, so why doesn’t she come out tonight so Charlotte can embarrass her in her hometown? WOO~! This is the Queen City, after all. Ronda moves on and Kayla asks her if she’s aware this is another trap. Ronda doesn’t respond, she just goes out there! Fans fire up as Ronda storms right up to the ring. Charlotte throws the mic and belt down, and grabs a kendo stick! Ronda dodges the stick to KICK Charlotte down! They fire off hands, Charlotte knees, Ronda shoves her away to jump up and take her down! Ronda wants the arm!

Charlotte gets out of the ring, Ronda pursues, but Charlotte trips Ronda hard! Ronda gets up but Charlotte whips, only for Ronda to reverse! Charlotte gets POSTED! And then POSTED again! Ronda brings Charlotte up, Charlotte hits back, but the boot is blocked! ANKLE LOCK!! Charlotte grabs another kendo stick! She SMACKS Ronda, then chokes her with it! Ronda drops to her knees, Charlotte bends Ronda back! Charlotte lets off on Ronda, but she’s not done with her! Charlotte drags Ronda up and reels her in, POWERBOMB through the desk!!

Charlotte looms over the Baddest Woman on the Planet, but she did have some help from her bamboo friends. Will Charlotte be able to do the same when it’s finally time?

My Thoughts:

A really good episode of SmackDown, especially after what happened last week with Big E. In which case, why couldn’t Vince let Kofi win this one for Big E? It was good when Dunne & Sheamus were being distractions for Ridge, but did they have to double up on that to turn it back around? And I will never not grimace hearing them call Dunne “Butch.” Anyway, the opening with Bloodline and Lesnar was pretty good stuff. It was a little much having Heyman suddenly find out Lesnar wasn’t stranded in Canada, but the rest was good. Wrecking a car was very Stone Cold and The Rock, but also just a good pro-wrestling trope.

Boogs & Nakamura VS Los Lotharios was a good match, and naturally the #1 contenders, Boogs & Nakamura, win. They also wrapped their Toyota ad campaign, no idea if Boogs & Nakamura win at WrestleMania, but maybe they wear the Usos out enough that they can’t help Roman against Lesnar. We got a good Six Man out of what we were “supposed” to get last week. McIntyre’s team wins, but chances are something happens on the go-home to put things in Corbin’s favor again. Because either way, I would think McIntyre wins at Mania. Sami and Knoxville ramping things up to Anything Goes (No Holds Barred) is great, can give Knoxville a chance at winning while also covering for him not being that technical, smart move for this story.

To use the Gordon Ramsey meme, finally! Some good freakin’ women’s tag wrestling. Sasha & Naomi VS Rhea & Liv had a match as long as all the other matches with Vega & Mella combined, and a much higher quality. But then Natty & Shayna attacking, of course we’re going to a Fatal 4. I hope this just solidifies that Mella & Vega are losing the titles. Any other team would be great to put these belts on, especially if they’re allowed to go between Raw and SmackDown to bring things up for both shows in the Spring and Summer. Then Mella can focus on being a singles wrestler again with Graves as her guy on commentary or even in her corner.

Pat had a great segment, from his “meeting” with McMahon to his backhanded apology to Theory. Pat and Theory are going to have a real good match, I bet fans will get behind Pat, and then give Theory some real good Heel heat when he wins. And then we got a good segment out of Charlotte and Ronda, since it was mostly Charlotte on the mic and then them brawling at ringside. Charlotte gets good Heel heat and has the momentum right now, but the go-home will say a lot. It still feels 50-50, though, because maybe Ronda wants to stick around again.

My Thoughts: 8.4/10

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

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

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

Published

8 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.