Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/15/22)

Will Ricochet hinder Jinder?

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2022

Steven Mitchell

Championships are (maybe) on the move!

While SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, are after RKBRO’s Raw Tag Team Championships, Jinder Mahal is after Ricochet’s Intercontinental title! Will the Modern Day Maharaja add another championship to his accolades?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Naomi w/ Sasha Banks VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan; Rhea wins.
Mad Cap Moss VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza; Moss wins.
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ricochet VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky; Ricochet wins and retains the title.
Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton; Riddle wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

RKBRO is here!

The Usos visited Raw, so the Raw Tag Team Champions are returning the favor! Randy Orton & Matt Riddle high five and fist bump the fans here in Worcester before going to the ring. Fans are fired up as the Viper and the Stallion get the mics. Orton hears the fans chant his name, so he goes up onto the corner to revel in it. Riddle says he is so stoked to be back on SmackDown! Especially with his best friend, Randy. But they didn’t come all the way here just to say what’s up. Did Randy know that Worcester is where they got the sauce. But not here in Massachusetts, that’s the Worcester in London! He learned that from a Snapple cap. Best stuff on Earth!

Orton tells Riddle that that isn’t why they’re here, either. They are here because on their show, the Usos came and kicked Orton in the mouth in their ring. And they also challenged Orton & Riddle in a match to unify the tag team championships! Well, here we are in SmackDown’s ring and on the Usos’ show. If the Usos want an answer, then they should come to the ring! Does Riddle have anything to add? No, he’s good. The Usos appear and fans fire up again! Jimmy & Jey are fired up as they go to the ring and join RKBRO. The Usos then get the mics and Jimmy starts with, “Well check this out, Uce! Look who just showed up in Bloodline territory.”

Jey sees ’em! The Raw Tag Team Champions, RKBRO! But y’know what? You know where you are? You’re behind enemy lines, Uce! This is SmackDown Live, where the Bloodline resides! SO here’s the thing. The Usos came to Raw, issued the challenge, and RKBRO shows up on SmackDown. So then, what is the answer? But before they say it, Jey wants them to chill. Randy Orton, the Viper, the Legend Killer, before you say something you regret, the Usos wanna remind you who you’re dealing with. These are two twin brothers, the Usos. Jey has Jimmy’s back, Jimmy has Jey’s, the Usos. Jimmy goes left, Jey goes right, the Usos. Jimmy goes high, Jey goes low, the Usos.

The seven-time tag team champs, the Usos! THE tag team, the Usos! The longest reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions in history, THE UUUUUSOS~! So check it! Leave the belts right here and go back to Raw, cuz this is where you might get popped with the One ‘n’ Done! You the twos, #WeTheOnes! Orton says yeah, he loves their family, respects them all being a boy growing up with the Usos’ daddies, uncles and cousins. But these two, you two are a-holes! They’re just puppies yipping while the Big Dog let them off the leash.

This is their show? FRICK THAT! This ORTON’S show! Longest reign in the history? HAHA! Orton’s been setting records for 20+ years! Or did the Usos forget? Well then, let Orton reintroduce himself and Riddle. They are the three most dangerous, destructive letters in sports entertainment: R K BRO! Fans are all fired up and Orton says he almost forgot! The challenge? THEY ACCEPT! Orton throws down his mic and the champions all hold up their belts. The Usos back down first, and fans boo. Riddle and Orton get up on the corners to pose, but the Usos drag Riddle down! Orton rushes over but the Usos get away! Will Usos be the ones to do anything and everything to get all the gold?

Naomi and Sasha Banks talk backstage.

They’re in matching volt neon yellow, and it’s crazy that the boys are gonna unify the tag titles. Well they just gotta follow the lead of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, because the Boss ‘n’ Glow run both shows. They will prove that against Liv & Rhea, and tonight- Liv & Rhea walk in. Don’t stop on their account, Sasha. They wanna hear what Naomi has to do to beat Rhea tonight. All Naomi has to do is be Naomi. The Glow always outshines the night. That was good! Now let’s go. Well aren’t they feeling wild tonight. Liv says Rhea’s looking good, though. Will Naomi be able to keep the momentum going? Or will she need a nightlight to fight off the Nightmare?

RKBRO goes to Adam Pearce backstage.

Orton tells him enough of the back ‘n’ forth, he and Riddle want the match with the Usos. Okay, but the higher ups are deliberating. Pearce is hoping for an answer by tonight. Riddle says he wants to unify the belts more than anything, but dude, he just wants a fight with the Usos. Well, Pearce can do that. Riddle VS Jimmy Usos, tonight! That’s what Riddle’s talking about! It’ll be a nice little warm-up, bro! But with Jimmy & Jey having each other’s backs, will they find a way to solve Riddle tonight?

Naomi w/ Sasha Banks VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan!

Though Team BAD won the tag match a couple weeks ago, the Nightmare managed to get management to give her and Liv a tag title match anyway. Liv went 1-1, but will Rhea be a tiebreaker before the title match?

The bell rings, Rhea and Naomi tie up, and Rhea powers Naomi to a corner. The ref counts, Rhea lets off but then swings on Naomi. Naomi gets around, but Rhea blocks the monkey flip! Rhea smirks and puts Naomi up top to then pat her on the shoulders. Naomi boots back, but Rhea catches her crossbody! Rhea pops Naomi up but Naomi slips out to waistlock and shove. Rhea just runs Naomi over! Naomi goes to a corner, Rhea RAMS her shoulder in! Rhea wrenches and YANKS an arm to put Naomi on the mat! Then again! Rhea grinds her forearm into Naomi’s face but fans rally up. Rhea whips but Naomi slides under the boot!

Naomi headscissors Rhea out of the ring! Fans fire up and Naomi eggs Rhea on! Rhea gets in but Naomi KICKS her first! Rhea blocks buckle bump to throw Naomi down! Rhea then goes up the corner, but Naomi GAMANGIRIS first! Rhea tumbles down and Naomi builds speed to slide. Rhea dodges to LARIAT Naomi down! Fans fire up and Sasha coaches Naomi as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Rhea has Naomi down with a grounded cobra twist. Naomi endures as Rhea digs knuckles into the ribs. Fans rally and Naomi fight sup to JAWBREAKER! Naomi mule kicks then runs, to SCISSOR KICK! Booker would be proud and fans fire up! Naomi headlocks to BUCKLE BULLDOG! Rhea falls back and Naomi goes up top! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Rhea is still in this but Sasha coaches Naomi more. Rhea kicks from below! Naomi staggers, comes back and dropkicks Rhea’s leg out! And then headscissors to SPIKE Rhea! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives but Naomi stays focused.

Naomi sits Rhea up with a full nelson, but Rhea fights free to HEADBUTT! Rhea then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Rhea is beside herself! Rhea gets to a corner and fans rally up. Rhea slaps herself to fire up but Naomi ROCKS her first! Naomi goes up to CLUB away on Rhea’s back. Rhea hits back with body shots then HEADBUTTS Naomi again! Rhea pump handles but Naomi fights with knees! Naomi gets free but Rhea BOOTS her! Rhea goes up to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives and Rhea can’t believe it! Rhea staggers to her feet and drags Naomi up.

Rhea reels Naomi in but Naomi turns it to a cradle, TWO! Naomi ducks the clothesline to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! Both women are down, Naomi hobbles up to get the full nelson! BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor cradle, TWO! Rhea has the pump handle! But Naomi elbows at her! Only for Rhea to make that part of the RIPTIDE! High stack cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Liv and Rhea celebrate, and they stare Sasha down! Will #Liv4Brutality be taking those titles away this Monday?

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Kayla Braxton wants to get a comment from them first. The unification match is on the table, and Jimmy is going to face… The Usos don’t care, they go into Roman Reigns’ locker room. What will the Tribal Chief have to say about the road to the tag title unification?

Backstage interview with Happy Corbin.

He’s no longer friends with Mad Cap Moss, and even calling him that puts him on the same level as him. Moss was a hanger-on, a minion, a gopher. A lackey! Corbin kept Moss around a long time because he was funny to laugh at. But Moss soon became an anchor around Corbin’s neck, dragging him down. Corbin would still be undefeated at WrestleMania if not for Moss. So Corbin dropped the deadweight and is reaching peak levels of happiness. Moss is on his own, trying to make a name for himself, and Corbin says good luck. If you think he’s happy now, just wait until Corbin sees Moss falls flat on his face and becomes the laughing stock of SmackDown.

Drew Gulak interviews Moss backstage.

The former Cruiserweight Champion talks with the NEW Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner, and Gulak asks Moss’ response to Corbin saying he’s better without Moss. No, Moss feels sorry for Corbin. Imagine being so terrible, that people liked him better as a bum. But Moss does give Corbin credit. Corbin brought Moss to SmackDown, bought him some great pairs of suspenders, and did teach him how to tell jokes. That’s why those jokes were so bad. Rule one of communication is, “Know your audience.” And Moss’ audience was a large, bald, rather simple man who loved puns. Moss is glad he can move on.

Speaking of, he is taking on Humberto Carrillo of Los Lotharios. Moss knows Carrillo is tough, talented and has Angel Garza watching his back. But if they think they’ll make Moss the laughing stock, they can take that kiss cam and put it right to Moss’ behind. Pucker up! Will Moss be laughing all the way to the bank now that he’s a solo act?

Mad Cap Moss VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza!

SmackDown returns as the Lethal Lovers make their entrance. “And now, the Los Lotharios Kiss Cam.” Humberto & Angel look at their options, and they again find a young lady in the front row. They give her kisses on the cheeks, then she blows a kiss back. Humberto gets in the ring but Moss again offers them a chance at his cheeks. But the bell rings and Moss circles with Carrillo. Garza slides in but slips out as Moss rushes over. Carrillo goes right after Moss with hands and stomps in the corner! The ref counts, Carrillo lets off but then CLUBS Moss down. Carrillo digs his boots into Moss in the corner but lets off at 4.

Carrillo soaks up heat and distracts the ref, Garza gets his shots in! Carrillo tells Moss to kiss his ass, but Moss throws body shots! Carrillo CLUBS and uppercuts, and Moss staggers to another corner. Garza is all fired up, Carrillo hits a headlock takeover and throws down hands. Moss fights free but Carrillo KICKS him in the corner. Carrillo snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Moss fights up, throws more body shots, but Carrillo CLUBS him again. Carrillo whips, Moss ducks and dodges and builds speed to CLOBBER Carrillo! Moss starts to rally, he whips Carrillo to CLOBBER him again! Carrillo flounders and Moss puts him in a corner.

Carrillo elbows back, goes up and crossbodies, but Moss catches him! Fans fire up to see that, and then the FALL AWAY SLAM! Moss fires up again and he has Worcester giving thumbs up! But Garza saves Carrillo from the corner tackle, only to get himself hit! Moss grins at Garza, but Carrillo rolls Moss up! TWO! Moss runs in and he RAMS Carrillo after all! Moss reels Carrillo in, thumbs up, PUNCHLINE! Cover, Moss wins!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall

Moss wins and that ain’t no joke! Will Moss be having some real fun now that he doesn’t have Corbin holding him back?

Adam Pearce is visited by Charlotte Flair.

She wants to know who accepted that request for the I Quit match! She wants to know but Gulak walks in to ask Pearce how he did in his interview. Gulak feels he has a knack for hard-hitting journalism. But Charlotte asks him, “You think you can just barge in on a conversation to ask for an evaluation for your new job as an interviewer?” How about this? Maybe he should interview her, a real star, in the ring. She tells him not to be nervous. Is this Gulak’s chance to shine?

BREAKING NEWS!

It is official! The Usos and RKBRO will be going #WinnersTakeAll tag title unification at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8th! Who will be both Raw & SmackDown Tag Team Champions for the first time in history?

SmackDown returns with Gulak in the ring.

Gulak says it is his great privilege to interview someone truly special. A living legend, a thirteen time champion and perhaps the most dominant woman in all of the WWE, the SmackDown Women’s Champion, CHARLOTTE FLAIR! Charlotte makes her way out, spins for her pyro, and then continues to the ring. Gulak helps her through the ropes, and then he welcomes her. Gulak asks if he’s ready for this hard-hitting interview. She tells him to just do it. Then last week on SmackDown, she declined the challenge for an I Quit match, but management made it official. Is she concerned about Ronda Rousey’s submission game?

“Number one, I didn’t refuse the I Quit match. And number two, I was trying to protect Ronda. I was trying to do Ronda a favor by telling her to go to the end of the line. I mean, we all know how fragile Ronda’s ego is.” But no, Ronda had to whine, moan and cry and go to management to get the match that she wanted. And that makes Charlotte nervous. We saw how devastated Ronda was after WrestleMania. So just imagine the humiliation after the I Quit match! Well, Gulak did watch WrestleMania, and it looked like Ronda made Charlotte tap out. Fans rally behind that but Charlotte says that is ridiculous.

Charlotte tells the fans that she was fixing her bra! She was fixing her bra! None of the fans would understand. Gulak say she didn’t mean to impose. Then don’t! But Gulak saw the ref could’ve been in position, and if so, Ronda would’ve become champion. Charlotte says that is out of line. Charlotte is champion, and she didn’t tap out. Fans keep taunting her with, “You Tapped Out!” but she gives them “What? What?” Charlotte decides to ask Gulak a question! Did Gulak quit being a competitor so he could stand here with a mic and ask stupid questions? No, because people like Gulak are used to quitting!

The fans are all quitters, right? Seriously! She bets they’ve all quit the gym! Or a job! Hell, they probably quit relationships! But not Charlotte, she is not a quitter, it is not in her DNA. But y’know what IS in her DNA? WINNING~! Charlotte is a submission MASTER! She has been submitting competition for over a decade! Actually, Gulak doesn’t deserve to interview her anymore, so get out of her ring. NOW! Gulak turns to leave and Charlotte taunts him with “Nana na na.” But then she CHOP BLOCKS him, and trips him up! FIGURE FOUR! And FIGURE EIGHT!! Gulak taps, Charlotte sits him up to SLAP him around!

“Say you quit! Just like Ronda will!” Gulak says, “I QUIT!” but she wants it louder! Then she puts the Figure Eight back on! Referees rush out and tell Charlotte to stop! She lets Gulak go and dusts her hands off. She forces a ref to bring her the title, and then she holds it up. Charlotte says she isn’t a quitter, but will the Baddest Woman on the Planet give her no choice but to say those two dreaded words?

Imperium speaks.

Ludwig Kaiser stands with Der Ring General, GUNTHER, and says, “To us, the mat is sacred. Gunther protects the honor of this great sport. He is the epitome of elegant destruction, doling out punishment to the weak.” Kaiser says it again in German, and adds that Gunther is perfection. Gunther himself says you will all obey the Ring General! Will anyone on SmackDown be brave enough to say NEIN to this man?

Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!

This match happened last week all because the Scottish Warrior walked out of the locker room and made the Great Liberator put his foot in his mouth. But then Sami made sure McIntyre didn’t put his foot in Sami’s mouth and ran away! Management isn’t going to let Sami back out of his own bet, so here we are again! Will McIntyre finally get to Claymore Sami’s head in? Or will the Master Strategist have a new plan to avoid all that?

SmackDown returns and Sami makes his entrance. He has a mic to say that something needs to be addressed. “For awhile now, and especially after WrestleMania, my reputation has taken a major, major hit. And it’s been made even worse by the fact that now, people are under the misconception that I ‘ran away’ from my match with Drew McIntyre. Let me explain something: I wasn’t running away, I am not afraid of Drew McIntyre. I am not afraid of anything or anyone! I am the MASTER! STRATEGIST!” Everything Sami does is calculated, part of a master plan. Not that the fans would understand.

Sami wants McIntyre to hear this in a way even he understands: Sami will not run or hide, but he will beat McIntyre in this ring and gain the respect that the people OWE him! Fans boo so that’s clearly not working. The bell rings, but then Sami bails out. McIntyre goes out after him and RAMS him into the apron! And then barrier! And then barrier, and back again! Sami flounders, McIntyre puts him in the ring and dusts off his hands. Fans cheer but Sami bails out again. McIntyre pursues, Sami crawls over the announce desk!? And throws chairs at McIntyre! McIntyre throws those chairs aside, but Sami hides behind McAfee!

McIntyre holds back his haymaker until McAfee gets free, and then McIntyre ROCKS Sami! McIntyre and McAfee high-five, and then McIntyre puts Sami in the ring. Sami just bails out again, only for McIntyre to grab Sami by the hair! The ref tries to get McIntyre to back off, and Sami CLAWS McIntyre’s eyes! Sami fires off with furious hands, and shouts, “I’m not scared of you!” Fans boo, McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And then OVERHEAD suplexes! Sami ends up across the ring, and McIntyre has the fans rallying behind him. Sami CHOPS, but it doesn’t do a thing! GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!

Fans fire up as McIntyre aims from the corner! The countdown begins, but Sami runs away again! McIntyre keep shim form hopping the barriers this time! McIntyre puts Sami in, Sami runs, but McIntyre dodges! Sami bails out before the Claymore fires! And he’s out in the crowd again! Sami manages to get up the steps as the ring count climbs, and Sami is counted out again!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by count-out

But while Sami says he ain’t afraid, McIntyre say she ain’t done! McIntyre chases Sami up those stairs! Sami slips away into the back, but will he have nowhere to run and hide with the Scottish Warrior coming for him?

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Join them to restore hope on World Wish Day, 4/29/2022.

Sami is still on the run!

He looks all around him, wary of McIntyre, and he bumps into Pearce! Pearce says Sami can’t keep doing this! Sami tries to say it won’t happen again, and Pearce says that’s right. They’ll have another rematch next week, and there won’t be running. It’ll be in a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Sami is about to lose his mind, but will he lose to McIntyre again, and in the ring?

Backstage interview with Ricochet.

Kayla says the One and Only will have to be flawless as he is going to defend his WWE Intercontinental Champion against a former WWE United States and World Champion in Jinder Mahal. Ricochet agrees, just look at Jinder’s physique and aggression. But Ricochet sees another man who cannot match what Ricochet can do in that ring. Ricochet sees another tree trunk that he’s gonna chop down. The reason Ricochet is “flawless” is not because he’s perfect, he just makes it all look perfect. But the bottom line is, this beautiful title isn’t going anywhere. Just watch!

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ricochet VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky!

SmackDown returns as Jinder & Shanky make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Modern Day Maharaja can ground the King of Flight!

Jinder and Ricochet tie up, Jinder scoops and SLAMS quickly! Jinder wraps on a chinlock and grinds Ricochet down. Ricochet fights up, but Jinder CLUBS him with crossface forearms! Jinder then springboards for knee drop after knee drop! And then he YANKS Ricochet into the air for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jinder stays on Ricochet with more of those clubbing crossface forearms! Then he wraps on a half nelson chinbar to thrash Ricochet around! Fans rally as Ricochet endures, but Jinder RAMS Ricochet to a corner. Jinder fires off with big forearms and stomps, but the ref counts. Jinder lets off at 4 while fans boo.

Ricochet ENZIGURIS from the corner! And SHOTGUNS Jinder to then kip up and shoulder in! Ricochet goes to the apron, springboard CROSSBODY! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Ricochet aims from a corner, but Jinder avoids Recoil to KA- NO! Victory roll, but Jinder sits on the cover! TWO, and RECOIL! Ricochet gets Jinder this time and he goes up top! Shanky is freaking out, so he drags Jinder out of the ring! Fans boo, but Ricochet just turns and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Fans are all fired up and Ricochet puts Jinder in the ring. Ricochet climbs back up, for a SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Now that was flawless! Will Ricochet continue to make it look picture perfect as Intercontinental Champion?

Backstage interview with Sheamus, Ridge Holland & “Butch” Pete Dunne.

The Fight Night Boys are back, and Megan says there was a bit of dissention last week. A recap video shows Xavier Woods getting Dunne with “The Back Woods” inside cradle, and then Dunne started butch slapping his friends! Dunne clearly has a temper problem, but Sheamus laughs that off. They’ve had bigger fights over the remote control. That’s just a civilized discussion there. But for the matter at hand, they talked it out, and they all agreed that Dunne needs to harness his aggression. Dunne has also come to a conclusion that Sheamus & Ridge aren’t the enemies. Their enemies is who? Who who who?

Dunne shoves Sheamus as he shouts, “NEW DAY!” Well see that? There’s no trouble in their paradise. And all anyone has to do- Ridge keeps poking Sheamus and says they’ve lost Butch! What?! How? He’s not bleedin’ car keys! But if Butch has gone rogue, what’s stopping him from going wild again?

The New Day is signing merchandise.

Kofi Kingston says, “We don’t talk. We do what we do.” Woods says that Butch’s aunt was looking real good in that G.I. Jane remake. But speaking of, Dunne JUMPS the table to get at Woods! Kofi grabs at Dunne, but then Sheamus and Ridge come busting in! It’s a 3v2 brawl but referees and producers hurry to stop this! Pearce appears and shouts at the refs to get Dunne back! The Bruiserweight instigated this, what consequences will he face for this?

Lacey Evans speaks.

After Lacey’s mother took the kids and ran, it wasn’t long until Lacey’s father caught up to them in Texas. The anger and sadness only grew. Her father wanted to teach them values that he thought were important, but he taught them in ways that scarred them for life. Lacey was cleaning up job sites and shoveling shingles in middle school. If their pig pens weren’t cleaned out right, they’d be forced to sit in them for hours. If his food wasn’t hot enough, or not what he’d wanted, he’d just flip the tables. Then he’d go to his room, slam the door, and leave them all covered in food and cleaning up broken glass.

Lacey takes a breath and says eventually, her father’s mental health and addiction made him a wanted man with assault charges. Once again, the Evans were on the run. But this time, they were living in tents and jumping state to state. Lacey learned about fighting, hiding and using both to her advantage. Child Protective Services got involved and just as much as law enforcement. The problem was neither could save her or her family. Lacey relied on herself because no one else would save her. She kept her head up and kept fighting no matter what. And she’s neve been handed anything in her life.

Lacey’s ability to still find positives in all the negative made her who she is today. You gotta keep your head up and work hard. Unlike everyone else, Lacey is comfortable at rock bottom. No one can faze her. Because of what she’s been through in her life, Lacey is a motivated, confident, caring and careful daughter, mother, wife, sister, US Marine, and WWE superstar. That doesn’t make her any better than the others, but that doesn’t make them better than her.

Natalya and Shayna Baszler don’t seem to care.

Natty even goes so far as to say, “Cry me a river.” We’ve all had tough lives! What even happened to this place? The Land of Opportunity is just the Island of Misfit Toys! From Lacey to Liv to Rhea to Aliyah, there is no respect for legends like Natty & Shayna. And then this new girl who has all her stuff all over the place! Their sanctuary has become her personal playground! The future is bleak. But that very person Natty means is Raquel Rodriguez! They shake hands and Natty puts on a fake smile. Natty decides they should go. Will the Hart & Spades have to learn respect is a two way street against Big Mami Cool and the Model Soldier?

Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton!

The Winners Take All, Tag Title Unification match is official, so consider this an appetizer! Who comes out of this with momentum going towards WrestleMania Backlash?

SmackDown returns and the Usos make their entrance again. The bell rings and Riddle circles with Jimmy. They tie up, Riddle waistlocks and SLAMS Jimmy, then has a facelock. Jimmy gets up but Riddle KNEES, KICKS, but Jimmy denies the RKO! Jimmy slips out to regroup with Jey, and Jey says they saw what Riddle’s up to, “chess moves.” Riddle rushes out after Jimmy but Jimmy gets back in to CLOBBER him! Orton coaches Riddle but Jimmy rains down right hands. Jimmy lets off to drag Riddle up and CHOP him to a corner. Jimmy whips corner to corner hard, and Riddle bounces off buckles!

Jimmy paces around Riddle, wraps on a chinlock and grinds him down. Fans rally up with “BRO! BRO! BRO!” and Riddle fights up. Riddle throws body shots, but Jimmy shoves him and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Jimmy stalks Riddle to a corner, stands him up and CHOPS him again. Jimmy says that was for Orton. Jimmy whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over and KICKS Jimmy down! Riddle then gut wrench suplexes! Jimmy bails out but Riddle goes to the apron, only for Jimmy to block the kick and trip Riddle! Riddle hits apron, then Jimmy whips him into steel steps!

Jimmy drags Riddle up to whip him into barriers! Orton can only watch as Jimmy SUPERKICKS Riddle over barriers! Riddle is down in the timekeeper’s area as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Riddle fires off hands! Jimmy shoves him away, kicks, but Riddle blocks, only to get the DRAGON WHIP! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this but Jey coaches Jimmy up. Orton coaches Riddle as he gets up, but Jimmy brings him up for a back suplex. Riddle lands on his feet, BOOTS, then spins Jimmy for a PELE! Riddle kips up and runs in at the corner, forearm smash! He goes side to side, another forearm! BROSPLODER! Jimmy sits up but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Jimmy also avoids the standing moonsault, but not the BROTON! Riddle runs to PENALTY KICK after all!

Fans fire up and Riddle drags Jimmy to a fireman’s carry. BRO TO SLEEP, to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Jimmy is still in this but Jey looks worried. Orton rallies the fans and Riddle gets Jimmy to a drop zone. Riddle goes up and fans fire up, FLOATING BRO onto knees! Jimmy gets up to pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Riddle is still in this but Jimmy’s too tired to be upset. Jey is again worried but Orton coaches Riddle. Worcester rallies up, but Jey gets in Orton’s face. This distracts Orton and Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Jimmy turns around into a FINAL FLASH KNEE!

Riddle gets himself to a corner, but while Orton is complaining to the ref, Jey trips Riddle up! Riddle flounders to his feet, Jimmy SUPERKICKS him back down! Jimmy hurries to a corner now, but Orton brawls with Jey! BACK SUPLEX to the desk! Jimmy gets distracted by that, USO SPLASH but Riddle dodges! Jimmy pops Riddle up, RKO!! Cover, Riddle wins!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Orton is all fired up and even Riddle is shocked! The Raw Tag Team Champions strike back for what happened Monday, but will they be able to pull this all off again at Backlash? Or will Jimmy & Jey join Roman Reigns in being undisputed champions?

My Thoughts:

A pretty great SmackDown after last week only being okay. Naturally, RKBRO shows up to respond to everything the Usos did on Monday, and naturally we get that undisputed, unified tag title match for Backlash. Good promos, and a very good main event out of Riddle VS Jimmy. Riddle winning here puts RKBRO up but there’s still time before Backlash so don’t count RKBRO out just yet. I would love if RKBRO won instead of Usos, at least to start this undisputed tag title era. Usos can “disappoint” Roman and chase the undisputed titles all the way to SummerSlam where they have another awesome match and then the Usos win, right as Roman possibly loses his title(s).

Pretty good stuff out of the women’s tag title story, both with Rhea VS Naomi actually lasting longer than a commercial break, and with Naomi and Sasha coordinating their outfits in highlighter yellow. Rhea gets the win here to get momentum back for her team, but there’s a very good chance Rhea & Liv lose then break up while these titles stay with SmackDown. Lacey gives another powerful promo to share her true life story, and wow, Natty is really being booked as cold-blooded. She doesn’t care for Cora’s story or Lacey’s, it’s like she’s heartless. Awful pun aside, I did like that she’s intimidated by Raquel. The irony, Raquel and Cora were a team in NXT but they’ll both be feuding with Natty on different shows.

Imperium has a fairly good promo, it definitely brings everything they’ve said in NXT to SmackDown for those unfamiliar with them. I wonder when “Ludwig” gets his first match on SmackDown. Corbin had a good promo to try and put everything on Moss, and then Moss had a very good promo before facing Carrillo. That was a good match, and of course Moss wins. Corbin’s gonna get frustrated watching Moss get a win streak, so he’ll surely go after Moss himself and we’ll get a Backlash match out of them. And if Moss wins there, Corbin needs to enter a new phase, like Angry Corbin, where he can’t calm down because he’s so upset he lost.

Of course Sami runs away from McIntyre again. I was hoping Pearce would say Falls Count Anywhere, but instead they go with Lumberjack so I guess it’ll give more people screen time without having to add matches to the card. Ricochet VS Jinder was a really good title match, but I don’t get where this “flawless” thing for Ricochet is coming from. I mean, obviously I know, it’s Vince and his team. But whatever, as long as it means Ricochet gets to have great matches and a great title run, and being called flawless is still good. At least he’s not “Butch” being impulsively violent. I will say, that leap over the table was great, though. I hope all this adds up to Dunne separating from Sheamus’ trio because even Sheamus can’t tolerate Dunne’s behavior.

Drew Gulak is definitely a professional. He has stuck with WWE, or rather the WWE sees value in Gulak. “Transitioning” to interviewer is keeping him around, and could be a way to find him an in-ring story down the line. With Ronda not making an appearance tonight, using Gulak to build Charlotte’s heat was an interesting choice, but Gulak can definitely talk the talk to confront her on her Heel behavior. And as a wrestler, he can take the bumps and the holds so that Charlotte can beat someone up without worrying about hurting them. She would not have been able to do all that to Kayla Braxton or Kevin Patrick.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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Coverage

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

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

Published

20 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

1 day 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.