Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: 46th Anniversary Show part 2!

Published

6 years ago

April 13, 2018

This review of NJPW: 46th Anniversary Show will be as broadcast by AXS TV.
Therefore, all images are courtesy of AXS TV.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Tetsuya Naito VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe; Naito wins.
Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

AXS TV and NJPW review what led to tonight’s matches.

The IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, has successfully defended his title ten times, and closes in on the record set by Hiroshi Tanahashi. However, knowing his ally, Will Ospreay, wants to show the power of Junior Heavyweights, he has accepted this Champion VS Champion challenge! Will the leader of Chaos humble the Aerial Assassin?

Meanwhile, Suzuki-Gun’s Taichi takes aim at the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon, Tetsuya Naito. The World’s Sliest Wrestler wants after the Uncontrollable Charisma over the goading to enter the Heavyweight Division. Naito might eat his words now that Taichi is coming for him, but will he still be Tranquilo through it all?

Tetsuya Naito VS Taichi w/ Miho Abe!

Accompanied by his manager, Suzuki-Gun’s sly performer prepares to make El Ingobernable pay for provoking him. Will Taichi be singing his own praises after tonight? Or will he fall flat during his performance?

But Taichi doesn’t wait for the bell, he blindsides Naito with his microphone stand!

However, the referee didn’t see a thing because he was busy with Miho and other Suzuki-Gun members on the apron. Taichi tosses his mic away to then pursue Naito on the outside. He brings Naito up the walkway, and he rakes the eyes before throwing Naito into guard rails. The bell finally rings, and Taichi brings Naito back to the red corner ramp, going for a powerbomb. Naito blocks so Taichi gives him knees to the head, and then completes the powerbomb!

Taichi leaves Naito for dead on the ramp, and the referee checks on Naito while Taichi returns to the ring. Naito stirs as the 20 count begins. Taichi mocks the Tranquilo while Naito crawls. The count gets halfway before Naito starts getting up on his feet and hurrying to the ring. It gets past 15, Naito manages to beat it at 19! Taichi grins as he rolls over to Naito to further mock his mannerisms. Taichi stands and laughs, then takes his time bringing Naito over for a cocky cover. TWO, but Taichi still laughs. He toys with Naito, then pulls off his hoodie to hit him with it. Taichi taunts Naito, Naito throws a chop, but it doesn’t do a thing. Naito keeps trying, but Taichi is still unaffected. Taichi hits Naito with a spinning back kick, then grins as Naito staggers.

Taichi again rakes the eyes, then takes his time to brush off his shoulders. He takes aim at Naito from across the way as Naito crawls to a corner. Taichi runs in, but into Naito’s boots! Naito boots Taichi away again, then runs out, and gets Taichi into the dragon sleeper and neckbreaker. Naito keeps moving and dropkicks Taichi in the back of the head. Taichi rolls out of the ring while Naito still recovers from the powerbomb. Fans cheer for Naito, but Miho comes over to check on Taichi. Naito rolls out of the ring and fetches Taichi, to then whip him hard into rails. Naito keeps going, throwing Taichi into more rails. Taichi writhes but Naito keeps going, and gets a third whip into the rails! The camera crew moves aside as Naito brings Taichi up in to the ring.

Naito stomps Taichi, then drags him up to put him in a corner. He stomps away more, then spits on Taichi before stomping him again. Naito drags Taichi up and whips him corner to corner, then runs in. He catches Taichi’s boots, and spins him sideways, for a draping dragon sleeper neckbreaker! Naito rolls Taichi over for his own cocky cover, TWO. El Ingobernable is back in the fight while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns to see Naito still stomp Taichi. Naito brings Taichi up and gives him a hard back elbow. Taichi ends up in a corner, Naito runs in from the side for the jump kick. Naito lands on the apron, but Taichi immediately swing kicks him down! Naito hits the apron edge then tumbles to the floor. The referee checks on Naito and sees he’s okay to continue. Taichi takes a moment before going out to fetch Naito. He brings Naito up and whips him into railings in return for earlier. He puts Naito back in the ring, then gives him a killer buzzsaw kick. Taichi uses another cocky cover, TWO! Taichi rips off his pants! Now he’s serious. Naito stirs, and Taichi prepares another kick. Naito blocks it, atomic drop, and then runs the ropes for a tornado DDT!

Fans rally for Naito as he slowly stands up. Naito goes over to Taichi in a corner, and hoists him to the top rope. He climbs up to join Taichi, and hits the SUPER Steiner! Cover, TWO! Naito calls for the end, and drags Taichi back up. He wrenches the arm but Taichi counters with a big back suplex! Taichi gets up and waits for Naito. Naito stands on wobbly legs, Taichi clubs him from behind with a clothesline. Naito staggers and rebounds off the ropes, Taichi runs him over with an ax bomber! Cover, TWO, but Taichi keeps going, bringing Naito up for the Taichi-shiki Last Ride!

High stack cover, TWO! Fans are thunderous for Naito, but Taichi is up first. He drags Naito up, and goes to shovel him up onto his shoulders, but Naito hops off the back end to hit Taichi with the Reverse-Rana! Both men are down, and the referee checks on them. They’re both okay to continue, so Miho and Taka Michinoku work to coach Taichi back into things. Naito stirs first, followed by Taichi, and Taichi dropkicks Naito’s legs out. Taichi goes for his Taichi Clutch but Naito slips out the back end. Naito goes for the German Suplex but Taichi blocks and counters with an enziguri! Taichi brings Naito up but Naito suddenly springs the German Suplex on him! Naito brings Taichi back up, for Gloria, the hammerlock sit-out slam!

Cover, TWO! But Naito just fires up, and brings Taichi up a third time. He arm wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, but Taichi throws him off. Taichi blocks Naito’s kick, and shoves the referee aside so he won’t see the low blow kick! Taichi Clutch cover, TWO!! He can’t believe it, and even Gedo, who created the move under his name, seems a bit surprised. Fans rally for both men as they slowly stand. Taichi prepares his kick again, but Naito evades to hit a rolling kick! Both men go down again, but Taichi gets to his blue corner, and his mic stand. Naito slowly stands up, and Taka covers for Taichi again, but Naito sees the mic stand attack coming! He dodges it, to then enziguri Taichi!

Naito takes the mic stand, but now the referee sees. The referee won’t let Naito use the item, so Naito shoves the referee into Taka! Taka goes down hard, and Naito prepares to use the mic stand, but Taichi catches him with another enziguri! Taichi runs in, but Naito pops him up for a low blow in return! Naito picks up the mic stand again, and takes aim, to WHAP Taichi in the head with it!

The microphone breaks off the stand, and then Naito breaks the stand. The referee comes to while Naito brings Taichi up, for Destino!

Cover, Naito wins!

Winner: Naito, by pinfall

Though he is victorious, Naito is not respectful, as he spits on the downed Taichi. Now that he’s in the Heavyweight Division, will the World’s Sliest Wrestler be able to keep up with the world’s most Tranquilo wrestler?

Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!

It’s Chaos VS Chaos and Champion VS Champion as the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions fight to see who is both the best within their faction, and best within all of NJPW! Will the Aerial Assassin come through on his word and do what others haven’t? Or will the Rainmaker continue to overcome all who step to him in the ring?

To Ospreay’s surprise, fans sing, “Ospreay~, Ospreay Ospreay Ospreay~! Ospreay~! Ospreay~!” Okada is actually rather amused by it. That aside, both men finish preparations and shake hands, and the match begins.

Okada and Ospreay rush forward but then stop, already having a stand-off. They stare down, then circle and tie up. Okada gets the waistlock but Ospreay the standing switch. Ospreay gets the waistlock takedown and floats over to the facelock. Okada rolls but Ospreay keeps the hold, so Okada rolls again to slip out and get the hammerlock. Okada snaps back to tweak Ospreay’s arm, then they both stand up. Ospreay works his way out of the hold and reverses it onto Okada. Okada works to do the same, with a roll and handspring to the wristlock. Ospreay brings Okada to a knee to reverse the wristlock back, and fans applaud. Okada rolls, gets the ankle pick, then goes after Ospreay’s leg. Ospreay pushes back with a forearm, but Okada still wrenches the knee and ankle.

Ospreay uses his free leg to pry Okada off and goes for the cross armbreaker, but Okada sits up to slip into a waistlock. Okada shifts to a leg, and puts Ospreay’s legs in the figure four knot. He grabs Ospreay’s arms, and flips over into Cattle Mutilation!

Ospreay endures and rolls, but Okada holds on to his arms. They stand up, Ospreay reverses the arm wrench, then hammerlock to headlock. Okada powers out, shoving Ospreay to a corner, but Ospreay comes back. Ospreay goes for an ankle pick takedown but Okada sits on it to cover, ONE into Ospreay’s sunset cover, ONE into Okada’s jackknife attempt but Ospreay turns that back into a sunset! TWO, Okada cradles Ospreay, TWO into Ospreay’s crucifix, TWO! Both men stand up and keep going while fans applaud, Okada wants another jackknife cover. TWO into a bridge out and spin around for the backslide, TWO! Fans really fire up now as Okada slips out of the ring. Ospreay grins at how close he was, and fans are chanting for him now. Okada catches his breath before returning, and fans build to a rally.

They circle in the ring again, tie up, and push each other with shoulders. Okada uses that to roll Ospreay into the double finger grip. Ospreay tries to use power but Okada brings him back in. Ospreay tries one more time, and gets around, but Okada just uses that to spin all the way through to return to the grip. Okada wrenches the hands harder, but Ospreay wants it one more time. They turn, Ospreay flips Okada but Okada lands on his feet and pushes Ospreay down. Ospreay bridges to deny a cover, so Okada sweeps the leg. ONE, but Ospreay goes back to bridging. Okada tries again, ONE but Ospreay is right back up. Okada uses his weight to bring Ospreay down, but TWO and Ospreay gets the bridge back. Ospreay sees Okada wanting to try again, and uses that to monkey flip Okada up and over.

Both men are down and covering each other, TWO as they both get shoulders up. They relax but that returns to the double cover, TWO as they go the other direction. They relax to a third double cover, TWO as they both bridge!

Fans applaud this great exchange. The two roll to their feet. Okada shovels Ospreay over with a double wrist body drop, but Ospreay lands on his feet. Ospreay runs but ducks Okada’s attack to swing a kick, Okada ducks that and goes for the wristlock swing out! Ospreay ducks again, then springboards back, but Okada gets clear. It’s another stand off, and the fans applaud again while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and the fans cheer as the two champions circle again. They tie up, Okada pushes Ospreay to ropes, and the break is clean, but Ospreay dares Okada to hit him. Okada reels back and Ospreay braces for it, but Okada just pats Ospreay’s shoulders, so Ospreay immediately slaps Okada! Ospreay kicks but Okada blocks, so Ospreay hits a forearm then stomps Okada’s foot. Ospreay shoves Okada down, then runs. Okada gets up, things speed up and Ospreay front flips over Okada. Ospreay turns around but Okada side-steps, Ospreay hits a headscissors on the rebound! Okada rolls out of the ring and Ospreay builds speed, but Ospreay handsprings when he sees Okada move. Okada slips in as Ospreay hits the superhero landing, to then dropkick him out of it! Ospreay ends up all the way in the corner while fans applaud.

Ospreay is down so Okada takes his time to catch his breath. Okada walks over and goes to the outside. He brings Ospreay out to join him, to then scoop slam him on the ground! Okada walks around the corner while Ospreay drags himself up to his feet. But then Okada rockets in from around the other side, and boots Ospreay off his feet!

Referee Red Shoes comes out to check on Ospreay while ordering they bring this back in the ring. Okada slips into the ring to leave Ospreay to the mercy of the 20 count. Ospreay doesn’t stir until 10, and is slow to getting up. The count reaches 16, he beats it at 17. Okada goes over to Ospreay and stands on him. Ospreay keeps pushing him away while fans chant for “Ospreay! Ospreay!” He stands up and hits Okada back with body shots then forearms. Okada kicks low, DDT drives Ospreay down! Cover, TWO, but Okada keeps his cool. Okada has Red Shoes check on Ospreay and his neck. Ospreay is still okay to continue, so Okada brings him up for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO, but Okada keeps on him with a straitjacket stretch.

Fans cheer Ospreay on but Okada drives his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay uses his legs to get the ropebreak, and Okada backs off. Okada stands over Ospreay, wanting him to get up. Ospreay gets up and headbutts Okada’s stomach, then throws forearms to back him down. Ospreay whips and ducks under Okada’s running chop, but Okada blocks the kick to spin Ospreay around into a boot. Okada whips but Ospreay handsprings, and enziguris! Both men are down but fans are fired up. Okada and Ospreay slowly stand up, Ospreay blocks, kicks and jawbreakers, then roundhouses Okada in the chest. Ospreay runs into the corner for a European Uppercut, then sits Okada down before running out and in for the hesitation dropkick! Okada rolls out of the corner while fans chant for Ospreay. Ospreay goes to the apron, springboards, and clotheslines Okada down.

Ospreay realizes he has an opening, so he poses a moment, then grabs Okada in the dragon sleeper. He lifts Okada but Okada knees out. Okada whips but Ospreay holds ropes to deny Okada’s dropkick, then hit back with one of his own. Standing shooting star, TWO! Fans keep cheering while Ospreay stands up. Okada stirs, but Ospreay takes aim. Okada dodges the Robinson Special, then boots Ospreay out of a corner. Ospreay mule kicks back, then runs, but into the flapjack! Both men are down again, but fans are rallying. Ospreay gets to a corner, Okada comes over and puts him on the top, but Ospreay kicks him away. Ospreay climbs down and runs out, but Okada picks him up and puts him back on the top rope. Okada dropkicks Ospreay down!

Ospreay tumbles to the floor while Okada rests in the ring. Okada exits the ring to fetch Ospreay, then whips him at railings. He runs in and boots Ospreay over the railings! Okada rallies the fans as he gets space. He runs back at Ospreay, but Ospreay uses the railings to launch for a flying forearm!

Ospreay gets back in the ring, builds speed and FLIES!

He takes out Okada with the Sasuke Special! Fans fire up while Ospreay gets Okada up and into the ring. Ospreay fires himself up and brings Okada up in the dragon sleeper. He lifts Okada up for the Bloody Sunday! Cover, TWO, and a close one. Ospreay grits his teeth while getting to a corner. Okada slowly stands, Ospreay takes aim, Robinson Special! He calls for it, springboards, but the OsCutter is blocked into a cobra clutch! Ospreay fades, but then gets a second wind to arm-drag Okada. Okada ends up in a corner, Ospreay runs in, but Okada pops him up into Alabama Slam position, to hit the reverse neckbreaker! But Okada is too tired to make a cover, so he instead gets up and gets back to a corner. Ospreay sits up, Okada knocks him back down with a running EuroUpper! Cover, TWO!

Fans are thunderous but Okada keeps his cool. He brings Ospreay back up but Ospreay unleashes a strike fest! Ospreay then chops away Okada’s clothesline and hook kicks him in the head! Ospreay runs, but into Okada’s dropkick! Okada is in control while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Okada gets to a corner. Okada climbs up and jumps for a big elbow drop! He then hits his Rainmaker pose, calling for his namesake move. Okada drags Ospreay up but Ospreay fights it off, so Okada rocks him with a right forearm. Ospreay staggers, Okada rocks him again. Okada gives Ospreay a third and Ospreay falls to the mat. Red Shoes checks on Ospreay, Ospreay is okay to continue, and fans continue to cheer for him. Okada takes his time catching his breath, and even toys with Ospreay. Ospreay fires up from the taunting kicks, but Okada keeps them up. Ospreay gets up and gives Okada a forearm, so Okada gives one back. They throw more forearms back and forth and even speed up until they’re hitting each other at the same time.

Okada gets the edge, Ospreay staggers, but then Ospreay slips around to the full nelson. Ospreay goes to heel kick but Okada ducks and retaliates with a EuroUpper. Okada runs but into Ospreay’s flip kick and enziguri! Okada staggers but boots Ospreay again. He runs again, but into Ospreay’s Spanish Fly!

Cover, TWO! But Ospreay grabs the arm, and drags Okada up. With wild eyes glaring a hole in Okada, Ospreay clubs him with a clothesline, a bit like a Rainmaker! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay can’t believe it, but he keeps focus as he climbs up top. He stands up and focuses, for the inverted 450!

It hits, Ospreay covers, TWO! And again, Ospreay can’t believe it. Fans chant for Ospreay as he grits his teeth and glares at Okada again. Ospreay rallies the fans, prepares his elbow, Off with His Head! He drags Okada up, runs and springboards, but Okada again denies the OsCutter to lift Ospreay up into a Tombstone piledriver!

But Okada won’t end it there. He drags Ospreay up, swings him out, Rainmake– No, Ospreay flips through into a sit-out powerbomb!

Cover, TWO!? Ospreay is red hot with frustration, but he gets to a corner to take aim again. Okada slowly stirs, Ospreay unloads kicks and springboards for the OsCutter, but Okada dropkicks it out of the sky! Okada pulls Ospreay up, German Suplex and bridge! TWO! Both men are down from exhaustion, but fans are still rallying for Ospreay. Okada stands first, and brings Ospreay up again. He clotheslines Ospreay once, then brings him up again, for another. Okada isn’t done there, he brings Ospreay up, swings him out, but Ospreay dodges to handspring again! Only to get caught for the spinning Tombstone! Okada brings Ospreay up, for THE Rainmaker!

Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Okada, by pinfall

Two of the best in NJPW, but it is still the IWGP Heavyweight Champion who stands tall. Fans still chant for Ospreay, and though it takes everything he has right now, Ospreay stands up. Okada offers Ospreay a handshake, but Ospreay goes in for the hug.

There is much adoration and respect between Chaos’ top champions as Ospreay also bows to his leader. Ospreay heads to the back while Red Shoes hands Okada his championship belt. With the great showing the Aerial Assassin gave against the Rainmaker, will he one day face him again for the title?

Meanwhile, Okada speaks. “I wanna say three things.” First, Ospreay really is amazing. He loves Ospreay as a wrestler, and also like a little brother. Second, he thanks the fans for supporting NJPW for 46 years. “Year 47 starts tomorrow.” He brings up Tanahashi, but no. Naito? No, not him either. Kenny Omega? No, done that already. But you can count on Okada! Third, there isn’t a third. Gedo isn’t in the ring right now, but today, on this 46th Anniversary, Okada wishes to end their partnership. Huh!? “Of course I’m joking, dumbass!” Gedo is relieved as Okada vows they’ll be together for the 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th, and so on! Gedo & Okada will still make it rain! For the 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th and forever!! While he vows to make it rain forever, will Okada be the IWGP Heavyweight Champion forever?

Backstage interviews.

Ospreay assures everyone this match wasn’t about him showing disrespect to Okada. He just wanted to prove a point that a Junior Heavyweight can still hang with the Heavyweights. He knows he came so close, but that in itself an accomplishment. Ospreay thanks Okada for the lesson. As for Okada, he still feels Ospreay is an incredible wrestler. It’s why he’s the IWGP Jr. Champion. Appearing in the Anniversary Show is a rare privilege, and “competing against each other on such a big stage” will be a great memory for them both. It will definitely be a match fans remember for quite some time. How long will it be before we see Okada VS Ospreay II?

My Thoughts:

A great bit of NJPW action right here. Taichi VS Naito was a solid opener, and showed that while Taichi had people ringside to cheat for him, Naito was confident enough to do it alone. Naito wins because he’s been on a great roll as of late, and Taichi still has plenty of Heavyweight Division matches to make a good record for himself. At the same time, this feud can continue given how Suzuki-Gun and Los Ingobernables de Japon are in a bit of a faction war over various titles. I was surprised there were no post-match interviews for them, but perhaps Naito’s spit spoke for itself. The main event was a spectacular showing of two great champions, and Ospreay definitely shows that a Junior can hang with a Heavyweight. Okada wins because he’s Okada, and will roll right into the next title defense to challenge Tanahashi’s historic streak.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

Up Next

AJPW Champion Carnival A Block Results & Review: Part 2

Don't Miss

AJPW Champion Carnival B Block Ratings & Results: Part 2

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

24 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; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody 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.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

2 days 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!