Coverage

Andrew’s IMPACT x NJPW Multiverse United Results & Match Ratings: 3.30.2023

Late start times, card changes and special opponents! WrestleMania weekend blesses wrestling with some weird stuff. Multiverse United NJPWxIMPACT!

Published

1 year ago

March 31, 2023

Andrew Balaz

So the IMPACT! episode was just the pre-show plus some talking and never televised matches, thus not really worth discussing. I really don’t love the show starting at 11pm est on a Thursday, but yeah I know, ‘first world problems’ OR ‘now you know how EU feels’. I never said it was worse, I don’t want you to put it in perspective, I just wanted to complain.

Either way, I’m not really invested in most of these matches except KENTA vs Suzuki and Tanahashi vs Bailey. I can only hope some of these matches add to a few stories since injuries mixed up a lot of IMPACTs plans; and of course I hope a few of them are good enough to justify being up so late.

Now let’s just get to the show!

.@JodyThreat is on her way to @IMPACTWRESTLING!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/G4jiL6d7ek

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 31, 2023

Ratings:

X Division Championship: 6 Man Scramble: Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel (c) vs Kevin Knight vs Frankie Kazarian vs Clark Connors vs Rocky Romero: Trey retains via Pinfall – *
8 Man Tag: Eddie Edwards, Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos & Joe Hendry vs Callihan, Fred Rosser, Alex Coughlin & PCO: PCO wins via PCO-Sault – ** 1/2
Jeff Cobb vs Moose: Cobb wins via Tour of the Islands – *** 1/4
Knockouts #1 Contender 4 Way: Gisele Shaw vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich vs Miyu Yamashita: Deonna wins via Queen’s Gambit – ***
IMPACT Tag Team Championships: Bullet Club (Ace & Bey) (c) vs Motor City Machine Guns vs Aussie Open vs TMDK: Bullet Club retain via ABC 1-2-Sweet – *** 1/2
Lio Rush vs Kushida: Kushida wins via Hoverboard Lock – *** 3/4
NJPW Strong Open Weight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Minoru Suzuki: KENTA retains via Cradle w/Feet on Ropes – *** 1/4
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Speedball Mike Bailey: Tanahashi wins via High Fly Flow – ****

Results:

X Division Championship: 6 Man Scramble: Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel (c) vs Kevin Knight vs Frankie Kazarian vs Clark Connors vs Rocky Romero

Trey kicks things off by just verbally berating everyone, so they dog pile on the dipshit. Then we get a Human Centipede of Headlocks, which is a little dumb but it was the opening goofball spot; and then we get the stupid simultaneous 5 way Dropkick, ugh. After the leg pick, Trey comes in, drops everyone, gets cocky and then gets dropped. Rocky Lariats Kaz out of the ring and then Knight and Swann double team Connors.

We’re just going through a few greatest hits spots. Each guy is going to get moments of doing something cool, then there’s a pinfall scramble on Kaz after Knight catches him mid Leg Drop. This definitely is just spots and a little comedy, so its a weird combination of a Japanese Rumble and stupid Indy show. Oh look a Tower of Doom spot, I’m so shocked, no one has ever done that before *glances at Indy Garbage Multi-Man Bingo Card* – Yeah that’s a Bingo.

Oh Forever Lariats start Rocky’s time in charge but its cut short by Connors just Spearing everyone into tomorrow. Knight tries to dodge the Spear and keep Connors in the corner, but when he tries to jump up and pluck him off the perch, Connors hits an Avalanche Spear. Trey runs in, pushes Connors out of the ring and steals the pinfall.

Shit match, spots for spots sake, at least the finish was a little clever.

8 Man Tag: Eddie Edwards, Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos & Joe Hendry vs Callihan, Fred Rosser, Alex Coughlin & PCO

Well these teams make no damn sense. So it should be interesting who eats the pin (I’m assuming Coughlin), and if this goes anywhere.

Callihan and Eddie start off, no baseball bats in sight, but they start with a Hockey Fight. Callihan with a T-Bone Suplex, tags in PCO and Eddie retreats and tags in Lawlor. Lawlor wants Rosser though, and PCO obliges. Rosser drops Lawlor early, but Lawlor gets the advantage and tags in Hendry. Tags are quick, Rosser does some moronic short hammers that Hendry absorbs and just looks stupid as hell. Coughlin gets tagged in, tries to fight Hendry with power, fails and Kratos comes in.

Kratos is winning early until Kratos tries a Corner Splash, and Coughlin literally catches him and then a Overhead Belly to Belly, flinging Kratos across the ring. Alex tags in PCO and now we get a monster fight. PCO hits the Avalanche Frankensteiner and then the match breaks down. Everybody in, throwing hands and Callihan/Lawlor decide to stick in the ring. Car crash spots with Planchas, Suplexes onto the apron, PCO tosses Eddie over, wants to Dive, but Kratos cuts him off with a Pounce. Kratos looks outside, decides to fly himself. PCO comes back to life, PCO Sault onto the pile of people on the outside.

Somehow we boil back down to PCO and Kratos, who were actually the legal wrestlers. Rosser and Eddie decide to pick up the pace a bit in the ring. A weird corner combination and successive Hip Attacks into a Northern Lights Suplex Hold for 2. Rosser tries for a submission, Shining Wizard from Lawlor to break it up, Coughling comes in and suplexes both of men at the same time. Hendry is in, scoops Rosser and Coughlin, stacked up Sack of Shit, but then Callihan pops in, throwing hands but the Lawlor team gets the best of things for now.

JR Kratos gets tagged in, looks to try and put away Rosser but Rosser gets out of it and tags in PCO. Stare down of the big boys and then strike exchange. Scorpion Death Drop from PCO, into PCO-Sault and that’s the match!

Jeff Cobb vs Moose

All I will say is, my boots.

They go for the classic big guy thing of Shoulder Tackle trades, then he Leap Frog’s Cobb, and connects with the Okada Dropkick. Cobb does take Moose off his feet, and Moose powders. He gets back in, they tie up and then start trading chops in the corner until Cobb finally cuts off Moose with a Dropkick of his own, following up with the Gachimuchi Sault for 2.

Cobb mocks Moose as he’s face down and Cobb does the Moose chant while standing on him like a surf board. Moose reverses the offense, throws him into the corner follows with a Dropkick and then a Hesitation Dropkick. Moose charges, Cobb gets the foot up, climbs the ropes, GO TO HELL – for 2. Moose sets up for Lights Out, Cobb dodges and Moose goes shoulder first into the turnbuckle.

Climbing the corner, Cobb collects Moose and goes for the Outside-In Avalanche Vertical Suplex. After a 2 count, they both are slow to get up and throw stumbling and haggard punches. Moose tries to punctuate things with the Rolling Forearm, Cobb sneaks him tries for his own Rolling Elbow but Moose catches him. They mirror one another’s offense, Lariats, Kip Ups and then a big crash in the middle that sends both falling out of opposite sides of the ring.

Once they get in, they both start throwing hands again. Cobb tries to scoop him up, Moose slips it, pushes him into the corner, goes up top. Cobb pushes him back, Moose leaps to the top and finally pays back the Superplex from earlier. Moose tries for Lights Out, Cobb moves but Moose stops himself this time. Cobb tries to hit the ropes, Moose with the Pump Kick, into the Escalera Backflip for 2, as Cobb rolls through and lifts up Moose from the mat. Moose is getting manhandled a bit but manages to slip away at first, Rolling Forearm…but he’s caught by Cobb and Cobb turns it into a Tour of the Islands for 3!

Knockouts #1 Contender 4 Way: Gisele Shaw vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich vs Miyu Yamashita

The crowd cheers on Masha, Miyu and Deonna, but Boos Gisele.

Gisele powders before the tie up, Masha gets thrown out at first and then its Deonna and Miyu. They actually shake hands and there’s some respect. Miyu tries the power with the Shoulder Tackles but Deonna doesn’t budge. Miyu gets frustrated, throws a kick, Deonna ducks and takes Miyu off her feet. Gisele picks the leg on Deonna and drops her to have a little bit of a kick battle with Miyu. Miyu gets the best of that, Deonna hits them both with a Baseball Slide, Masha with a middle rope Crossbody. Gisele climbs the corner and a Corkscrew Splash into the pile on the outside.

As Gisele is trying to work over Deonna in the ring, Masha comes out of nowhere with a Waterwheel Kick to drop Gisele. Deonna turns the tide with a Headscissors and Moonsault from Deonna. Miyu tries the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Masha ducks. So Miyu starts running between all three just looking for something to connect. Big kicks from all four women end up dropping all of them at some point. All four women do different rope run cut off spots.

Deonna hits another Headscissors and looks for the Fujiwara on Masha. Masha rolls to try and turn it into a pinfall but over rotates. So the lack of needing to break the pin threw off Miyu and Deonna’s timing. So the Triangle Kick spot is a little weird looking. Gisele drops Miyu, Masha hits an Avalanche Russian Destroyer on Gisele but Deonna goes after Masha.

Skull Kick from Miyu, Denouement from Gisele, Powerbomb into Queen’s Gambit, Deonna wins!

Sloppy towards the end, but generally decent and entertaining with logical spots.

IMPACT Tag Team Championships: Bullet Club (Ace & Bey) (c) vs Motor City Machine Guns vs Aussie Open vs TMDK

Shane Haste and Alex Shelley start off the match. Haste feigns a lock up and tries a quick kick, as Tito sneak attacks, so the Guns and TMDK start exchanging. Aussies try to get cute but MCMG deposits them with TMDK. Bullet Club try a cut off but MCMG dump them on the other side. Quick Dive on the stacked side as MCMG try for Skull and Bones on Shane, but he gets out of it, Tito also makes sure to help out a bit, Shane hits a huge corner Cannonball as he tags in Tito. Tito Slingshot Senton and Shelley is getting worked over.

Quirky offense from Shane is weird but effective. He tags in Tito, who looks like he’s gonna do an avalanche move but hops down and just punches Alex. Tito drops Sabin, goes to the top, misses his Splash as Alex looks around, sees no Sabin but Chris Bey offers his hand and Alex begrudgingly takes it. Fluid offense from Bey, Code Red really gives him momentum until Aussies blind tag Tito and start clearing the ring. Fletcher does the pass off Stalling Suplex to Davis after the tag and a cocky tag from Davis is only 2. Bey is trying to fight through the tandem work from Aussie Open, manages to tag in Ace and he opens with the Triangle Kick that Fletcher ducks but he connects with Davis. Ace with his okey doke on the apron as he dodges all of TMDK, ABC 1-2-Sweet attempt but Sabin breaks with a tag. MCMG with some classic tandem offense on Aussie Open. 5 Hole Dive from the Guns, then Bey with a Tope con Hilo after a blind tag. Davis stops the tandem attempt by just Avalanche Powerbombing them both, Pendulum on Bey for 2.

Corealis attempt, but Ace stops it, signature spam time! High Speed Dirt from MCMG, Davis stops the tandem attempt with a Double Lariat, Bullet Club also tries but Davis won’t be stopped. Shane Haste makes a valiant effort but it looks like Haste is about to get finished until Tito sends Fletcher flying off the tope rope. Tito tries to take out Bullet Club but ABC 1-2-Sweet retains!

Lio Rush vs Kushida

I mean, Kushida can’t lose this when he’s got a title shot at Rebellion. No one wants to see Lio Rush make the title match a Triple Threat.

Kushida goes to the ground doing the Inoki taunt. Kushida wants to try and neutralize the high flying stuff. Lio plays a little keep away and then slides through Kushida’s legs and does the Full Guard Inoki kind of smarmy taunt. Back and forth, Tanaka Punch from Kushida but Lio with a Matrix dodge and they keep exchanging strikes. Lio tries to keep things quick but the Handspring Heel Kick sends Rush to the floor, little Liger style Muscle Pose and Rotate before Lio turns things around a little once Kushida follows him to the outside.

Rush is trying to stay under the bottom rope but Kushida isn’t really giving much space. He continues to step on and twist the different arms and the referee is letting it play a little. Kushida twists both Rush’s wrists and then tried to turn it into a Cradle before Kushida drops down basically with a Figure Four on the arms. Kushida is putting huge and almost vicious focus on the arms. What happen to our happy little Time Splitter?

Lio connects with Kushida, tries to hit the ropes with a Handspring but Kushida just PKs either his face or one of the arms, just simple, violent and effective. Rush starts just using his body as a weapon and throws himself into Kushida to try and find some space. Rush tries to go to the top, Kushida meets him, hunts for the Hoverboard but Rush fights him off twice. Frog Splash but Kushida moves, Rolling Elbow from Kushida, responded by a Pele Kick, they start swinging and as they’re falling to their knees big swings clock both at the same time.

Kushida starts absorbing Lio’s attacks, as he sells the arm damage, Rush goes for a Naciente, but Kushida stop the momentum and goes for the Hoverboard. Lio gets out of it, Back to the Future attempt countered into a Cradle for 2. A few strike attempts, swings and missed, Lio connects with a kick. Goes to try and collect Kushida but he finally hits Back to the Future…for 2! Arm Breaker, PK to the arm attempt, but Lio moves, Poison Rana, Springboard Low Rope Stunner (a little sloppy) but still gets a 2. Lio goes for a Frog Splash, Kushida catches him coming down and sinks in the Hoverboard Lock for the win!

I’m not a fan of Lio, but that was much better than I expected.

NJPW Strong Open Weight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Minoru Suzuki

KENTA toys with Suzuki a little early, not really committing fully to a lock up, rubs his head and then retreats into the ropes pretending to stretch. Suzuki finally gets frustrated with the rope break play and kicks KENTA in the ass, literally. Hanging Arm Bar from Suzuki as he has to break because its illegal, and then Suzuki starts exploring the outside of the ring with KENTA’s face. KENTA turns around the Whip, and then rolls Suzuki in for a second to break the count as he then pulls him back out to throw strikes.

Strikes, Eye Rakes, just rough tactics from both men. KENTA stomps down on Suzuki as he starts coming back in, turns his back on Suzuki and Suzuki kicks him. KENTA paintbrushes him a few times disrespectfully, as Suzuki starts staring him down. Eye Gouge, Rude Awakening, and now PK’s to his back and Suzuki is just getting agitated. Suzuki stands up, and KENTA tells him to hit him. So they trade a little and then the Eye attacks continue, which is great story since KENTA is annoyed when Suzuki went after his face a few weeks ago. So its turnabout being fair play…to a degree.

Snap Mare from KENTA, stomps to the face, KENTA lowers the knee pad, feigns the Knee Drop but stops and wipes his boots on Suzuki’s face. Again, pissing off Suzuki. KENTA connects with about a dozen kicks as Suzuki rises and gets more annoyed. Punishes KENTA in the corner with big Elbows, chokes him a little with the boot, Knee Lift, Irish Whip, Yakuza Kick into Snap Mare and a PK of his own. Suzuki went for short Hamstring Kicks to drop KENTA and sink in a Heel Hook. KENTA rolls to the ropes and gets the submission break.

Murder Grandpa is now in control, not quite Garvin Stomps but KENTA is being stepped on. Jawbreaker from KENTA into an old school Jake Roberts style DDT. Avalanche Lariat for 2. KENTA speeds up a little and Figure Four! Suzuki gets to the ropes, KENTA tries to German Suplex, but Suzuki blocks. *looks at watch* OH it’s Fighting Spirit O’Clock. Suzuki wins the strike exchange, takes a little bit to take in the crowd reaction, as they now trade Big Boots. KENTA cuts off Suzuki’s Boot with his own, hits a second one and Suzuki retreats to the corner. Busaiku Knee in the corner, Hesitation Dropkick, Double Footstomp…for 2! KENTA calls for Go 2 Sleep, Suzuki fights out causing KENTA to crumble down and Suzuki sinks into a Sleeper Hold. Rope runs, end around, Sleeper almost, and again, but KENTA throws the referee, Low Blow on Suzuki, Cradle with feet on the ropes for the win!

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Speedball Mike Bailey

Tanahashi has an amazing ability to help create matches around his limitations; he also does well in clash of styles matches. This could be surprisingly really good.

Bailey offers the handshake, Tanahashi is suspect at first but eventually concedes to do it and its clean from both of them. Tana starts with the Top Wristlock, Bailey does the back and forth rolls, takes down Tana and manages to wrestle him into the corner. Tana turns things around in the corner, Bailey tries to look for a clean break but Tanahashi takes a small liberty with a body shot. Tanahashi then sends him into the corner and hits his Twisting Crossbody nicely. Bailey with his Naomi Kicks (if you will), punctuated with an Enzuigiri to send Tanahashi to the outside. Bailey stays on top of the living legend, a few strikes and a Running Kick as he sends Tanahashi back in.

After missing a High Risk move, Tanahashi slides in with a Low Dropkick, and he starts working on Bailey’s left leg. Stomps, Punches, playing air guitar on Bailey’s leg and then going back to working on the knee. Bailey tries to fight back from the corner but Tana responds with a big ole bitch slap. Bailey gets a head of steam, drops Tanahashi, Sole Butt, Sweep, Standing Shooting Star Press for 2. Bailey fights through the left leg pain to try a Buzzsaw Kick, but misses as Tanahashi comes off the ropes with the Flying Forearm. Big shots, Scoop Slam, Avalanche Senton for 2. High Fly – no – Bailey cuts him off, Gamengiri and pulls Tana down. Bailey tries to charge at him while he’s on the apron, but Tanahashi catches his foot, Dragon Screw through the ropes and the same when he tries to reenter the ring.

Bailey jumps over the Baseball Slide and spring right into the HUUGE Asai Moonsault which barely misses the guardrail and catches enough of Tanahashi as we get to 19 with the 20 count. Crawling up into the kneeling position, Forearm Strikes ensue. A few kicks from Bailey, then Tana catches him and wants to Dragon Screw, but Bailey twists into a Double Leg Cradle but Tana kicks out. Standing Double Knees into a heavily hampered well sold Buzzsaw Kick…again only 2.

Tornado Alley…but Tanahashi charges and counters with a Slingblade! Tana goes to the top for High Fly Flow but Bailey pops up as fast as he can so Tana waits. They start fighting on the top turnbuckle, Tana clocks him and Bailey’s upper half drops to the mat, but he starts pulling himself up before Tana can do anything. Avalanche Frankensteiner, a few powered through Side Kicks, Torando Alley connects! Ultima Weapon – MISSES! Knees into canvas, Bailey has no knees left at this point. Tanahashi charges with the clothesline, Backslide counter, 2.9 – Cradle attempt but Twist and Shout triplicate counters. Sling Blade off the ropes, High Fly Flow attempt again, connects for 3!

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Well aside from the X Division pancake flipping marathon of trash; the card was pretty solid. Yes the outcomes were basically “LOL NJPW wins” (I swear if anyone tries to say Deonna was a win, don’t be dumb. Miyu is from TJP, which is owned by CyberFight the people that own NOAH and DDT, so NJPW had no stakes in that) – but at least the last half of the show pretty much delivered. Much like a Japanese card, the less interesting matches got out of the way early. I would’ve loved to see Miyu in the Rebellion title match, but between any AEW commitments she may still have and TJP, maybe she just couldn’t do an extended run with IMPACT.

Kushida starting to develop and edge is nice given who he’ll be facing in 2 weeks, KENTA and Suzuki probably still has fuel for Strong episodes, Bailey got a dream match and Ace & Bey are standing to put a stamp on their title reign. So all in all, for a little crossover event, they did fairly well adding a few wrinkles into matches and storylines, as well as, potentially setting up new ones. Like the first one to come to mind for me is: What are they going to do with Moose? Arrogance has been his gimmick for the last 4 or 5 years, but he keeps choking in big opportunities. So is he gonna spiral out but stay heel; or are they trying to break down his arrogance for a potential face run?

So, not a bad show with at the very least, Tanahashi vs Bailey being the match to watch.

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; wins and will challenge Bayley for the title at Backlash: France.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

23 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!