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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (5/7/18)

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It’s the Raw after Backlash! The Big Dog survived the Destroyer by a narrow margin. Does he now move on to once again challenge The Beast for the WWE Universal Championship? Or will someone else step in his way? And what of the friendship between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn after being demolished by Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley?

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Singles Match: Kevin Owens VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins and joins the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.
  • Six Man Tag: No Way Jose & Titus Worldwide VS Baron Corbin & The Revival; Corbin & The Revival win.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Ember Moon VS Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott; Ember wins and joins the Women’s MITB Ladder match.
  • Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh VS Chad Gable; Mahal wins.
  • Heath Slater & Rhyno VS Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre; Ziggler & McIntyre win.
  • Bobby Roode VS Elias; Roode wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???; Rollins wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
  • Bo Dallas & Curt Axel VS The Deleters of Worlds; win.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Finn Balor VS Sami Zayn VS Roman Reigns; Finn wins and joins the Men’s MITB Ladder match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, is here!

The Olympic Gold Medalist welcomes the fans in Nassau Coliseum to the show, and is proudly part of the WWE family for 20 years. What separates WWE from all others is that they never stop! They’re 52 weeks a year, with no end. From Wrestlemania to the Superstar Shake-Up to the Greatest Royal Rumble and Backlash. Next is Money in the Bank, with two matches: one for the men and one for the women, also co-branded. These matches are going to “kick some real butt.” Angle is excited, because Raw settles it in the ring. Tonight will have two qualifying Triple Threat matches. First is the women with Ember Moon, Ruby Riott and former champion, Sasha Banks. The other is the men, with Roman Reigns, Finn Balor and Sami Zayn. But BRAUN has something to say about that!

The Monster Among Men dominated alongside Bobby Lashley, and against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Strowman storms his way to the ring now and fans chant “Get These Hands!” Strowman brings up the time when he was a kid and the boys of the neighborhood made a tree house. They never asked Strowman for help, and when they got done, they bragged about their secret handshake. Do you know what Strowman did to that tree house? Destroyed it? No, even better. He made sure they were all in it first, then knocked the entire tree down! Angle admits Strowman’s on a roll, from being Raw Tag Team Champion to the Greatest Royal Rumble winner. If anyone deserves a shot, it’s him. But Kevin Owens appears!

The Prizefighter says that he deserves to be in the MITB match! He may not be wanted, but he IS the MVP of Raw. Kevin has fans chanting his name all over the world, but more importantly, he’s a team player. “Unlike Braun Strowman.” The wrong man was pinned last night at Backlash, that’s against the rules. Reverse the decision and make Kevin & Sami the winners and Strowman a loser! Kevin deserves the MITB match, without qualifying, but for everything he’s been through! Strowman deserves to be sent to timeout! Angle says Kevin can’t just be put into the match. He lets Strowman know he has a qualifying match.

Kevin protests, but Strowman threatens Kevin with hands! Kevin wants fair treatment. Angle better make the right decision, given how he needs this job and how Stephanie McMahon is watching. That decision is that the first Raw superstar to enter the MITB match is Kevin. Angle knows Stephanie is watching, but he brings up the qualifying match. Strowman will go up against Kevin, right now! Can Kevin survive to then try his hand at MITB?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Singles Match: Kevin Owens VS Braun Strowman!

The bell rings and Strowman goes right at Kevin. Kevin evades and clubs away, but then Strowman pushes him into the referee. Kevin goes after Strowman but Strowman pushes and runs Kevin over. Strowman glares while Kevin gets out of the ring. Strowman gives chase, and they return to the ring. Kevin clubs away then runs, but into the backhand from Strowman! Strowman stalks Kevin, drags him back up, then clubs him with a big forearm. Strowman roars and fans cheer, then he gives a jumping stomp to Kevin. Kevin begs for mercy but Strowman just whips him corner to corner hard. Strowman watches Kevin writhe in agony, because “This is what you deserve, you coward!”

Kevin chops Strowman to no effect, but Strowman whips Kevin corner to corner again. Strowman stalks Kevin to a corner, then stands him up just to club him again. Kevin wants Strowman to stop but Strowman only runs corner to corner. Kevin gets the boots up, then hops up, only for Strwoman to topple him down with an uppercut. Strowman wants to go out and fetch Kevin, but the referee keeps him back. Strowman slips out the side, runs over but Kevin runs away. Kevin can’t get away fast enough, Strowman grabs him! Strowman drags Kevin up onto the barrier, but Kevin breaks free to hit Strowman with a Tornado DDT!

The Monster Among Men is reeling, but Kevin gets back in the ring. Kevin settles for the ring count. The count reaches 5 before Strowman stands, and Strowman manages to return at 8. Kevin grows desperate, especially with fans chanting “Get These Hands!” Kevin throws punches and kicks to keep Strowman down, then runs, but into the one-handed STO! Strowman and Kevin stand up, Kevin dodges and lets Strowman hit post! Kevin will let the count do his work again while he catches his breath. Strowman stirs at about 4, then pulls himself up at 6. He manages to beat the count at 8 again. Kevin is further frustrated while we go to break.

Raw returns as Strowman fights up and out of a chinlock. Kevin knees low, then clubs Strowman on the back. Kevin runs, but into another STO! Then Strowman deadlifts Kevin for a CHOKE SLAM! Strowman catches his breath then walks over to Kevin. He brings Kevin up, scoops him, but Kevin slips out to kick the legs. Kevin kicks and kicks, then SUPERKICKS Strowman. Strowman stays up, so Kevin kicks and drops the back senton! Cover, ONE, and Kevin is shocked. Kevin argues with the ref, then takes aim from across the way. Kevin runs in corner to corner, but Strowman blocks the cannonball with a shove and a boot!

Strowman runs in corner to corner, but misses again to hit buckles. SUPERKICK again, then Kevin hurries to the corner. Kevin climbs up, FROG SPLASH! TWO, and with such power! Kevin is further shocked, but he still has Strowman on the defensive. He hurries up to his feet and glares at Strowman. Kevin kicks but Strowman blocks it. Strowman swings but misses, SUPERKICK again. Kevin pushes Strowman, but no Pop-Up for the Monster. Strowman clobbers Kevin with a clothesline! Then the corner to corner splash. Kevin rolls out of the ring, but Strowman slips out the side. Strowman builds speed, and runs Kevin over! The fans are thunderous, so Strowman takes a lap, to RUN KEVIN OVER!!

Strowman puts Kevin in the ring, but Kevin slips back out. That’s fine by Strowman, he RUNS KEVIN OVER AGAIN! Strowman puts Kevin back in the ring one more time, then scoops him up, for the MONSTER Slam! Cover, Strowman wins!

Winner: Strowman, by pinfall; qualifies for the Men’s Money in the Bank Match

It doesn’t matter how many other men are going to be in that Ladder Match, this might be the man to win it all. Will Strowman reach new heights and become Mr. MONSTER In The Bank?

 

Backstage interview with Roman Reigns.

The Big Dog “handled his business” at Backlash, but how does he feel about tonight’s Money in the Bank qualifier? That he’s the uncrowned Universal Champion but management disagrees. Roman can’t control backstage politics, but when he’s in the ring, he’s in control. He silences the haters and doubters night after night. Just ask Paul Heyman. Ask Brock Lesnar. Ask Samoa Joe! Sami Zayn and Finn Balor are dealing with a pissed off Roman, who vows to dominate, win, and become Mr. MITB to take what’s rightfully his. “You understand?”

 

Superstars speak on Money in the Bank.

The Huggable One would love to climb up and hug the MITB contract briefcase. The Fashion Police have a case. The MITB briefcase. It has a contract, so they’ll climb up and close this case.

 

Kurt Angle speaks with Goldust.

The Bizarre One quotes Million Dollar Baby, he wants his shot at MITB. “It is my quest! The Ultimate Gold.” But Jinder Mahal also wants in. He thought Raw would be a good move, so why is he not in tonight’s Triple Threat yet Roman is? What makes Mahal think he deserves anything? He hasn’t won on Raw yet. Angle has a match for Mahal, against Chad Gable, the “Mini-Me” who beat him. Maybe if he wins, he’ll get his shot. Maybe. The Maharaja storms back out, while Goldy paraphrases All About Eve, “it’s gonna be a bumpy night.”

 

Six Man Tag: No Way Jose & Titus Worldwide VS Baron Corbin & The Revival!

The Fighting Fiesta has joined up with Titus’ team, and they’ve joined his conga line. Meanwhile, the Lone Wolf teams up with two #TopGuys in tag team wrestling. Can Jose, Titus & Apollo keep the party going? Or will Corbin #SayYeah alongside Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson?

The bell rings and Dash starts against Titus. They circle and Dash throws forearms and chops. TItus puts Dash in a corner to give back a chop. Titus brings Dash over and tags in Apollo to help ram as houlder into Dash. He then scoops and slams Dash for Apollo’s standing moonsault. Apollo brings Dash up but Dash powers him to his corner. Tag to Dawson but Apollo rallies on The Revival. Apollo gives another standing moonsault to Dash, then drags Dawson up for a suplex. Dash saves Dawson, then Dawson tags Corbin for them both to club away on.

Corbin drags Apollo out to throw him into the barriers. Corbin taunts teh fans, then bumps Apollo off the apron. He puts Apollo in the ring to then taunt Titus and Jose. Corbin gives Apollo a stiff right, then tags to Dawson. Dawson kicks Apollo, then puts him in a corner to back suplex him out of it. Dawson drops legs, then covers, TWO. Jose and Titus rally for Apollo, but Dawson pushes and catches Apollo into the abdominal stretch. Fans join in on the rally, but Dawson clubs Apollo before pushing him again. Dawson and Apollo circle each other, going for the abdominal stretch, but Dawson tags to Corbin. Corbin rocks Apollo with a right, then throws Apollo into the corner.

Apollo fights back, but Corbin knees low. Corbin takes out Titus then taunts Jose, but Apollo gets him with an enziguri! Both men are down, Dana helps rally with the fans. Hot tags to Dawson and Jose! Jose rallies on both Dash & Dawson, then whips Dawson for a boot. He hip toss neckbreakers Dash then shoulders Corbin out. Jose runs at Dawson for the big splash, and fireman’s carry fro a rolling senton. Cover, but Dash breaks it up. Titus throws Dash to a corner but Dash boots him down. Dash staggers but Apollo gets him with the leaping lariat. Apollo kips up and fires up, but Corbin dumps him out of the ring.

Jose is alone with Dawson, but he scares off Corbin. Dawson comes in, Corbin tags, Jose doesn’t see it as he gives Dawson the Fast Ball Special! Corbin gets Jose with End of Days! Corbin & The Revival win!

Winners: Corbin & The Revival (Dash & Dawson), Corbin pinning

The Lone Wolf worked well with Dash & Dawson, and brings the party to a halt for now. Will he continue to have fun ruining other superstars’ fun and head towards a title?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Ember Moon VS Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott!

The Prophecy of Flame is still new but red hot in the Raw Women’s Division. The Legit Boss wants her way back to the top. And the Squad leader has been on quite the roll since coming over through the Superstar Shake-Up. With Raw finally getting in on MITB, who will be the first woman from the Red Brand to join in?

The bell rings and all three women look up at the briefcase. Ruby hits first, going after both Sasha and Ember. She already feels that briefcase is hers, but her double whip backfires. Ember and Sasha double hip toss Ruby, so Ruby regroups with the Squad. Sasha rolls Ember, TWO, and things speed up. Ember lands out of the hip toss to arm drag Sasha, then roll up, TWO. Sasha slaps Ember down, but Ember glares as she sits back up. Sasha goes acrobatic for the arm drag then gets a drop toehold. Ruby trips Sasha up and pulls her out, then mule kicks Ember down. Cover, TWO, but Ruby keeps her cool.

Ruby throws Ember into a corner, then rams in her shoulder. She stomps but Sasha returns to kick and whip. Ruby reverses then stops Sasha from going up and over to kick her out. Now Ruby goes up and hits Deadly Nightshade!

But then Ember dropkicks Ruby and covers, TWO. Ember keeps on Ruby, but Ruby throws her down by her hair. Ember springs back up and mule kicks Ruby down. Now Ember runs, for the sliding shot. Cover, TWO. Ember drags Ruby up in a facelock, then pulls back. Ruby hits back then shoves, and the Squad swipes at Ember. Ember turns around into Ruby’s STO, cover, TWO. Ruby intercepts Sasha with an elbow, then kicks Ember while she’s down. Ruby stalks Ember and pulls her into the cobra clutch. Ember resists but Ruby shifts things to a straitjacket.

Fans rally for the War Goddess, and Ember stands up, only to be yanked back down. Cover, TWO, and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby rams her knee into Ember, then kicks her while she’s down. Ruby drags Ember back up but Ember fights back with body shots. Ember runs but into a back elbow. Cover, Sasha breaks it up. Ruby kicks Sasha, then brings her around and also grabs Ember, inverted DDT and Complete Shot!

Cover on Sasha, TWO. Cover on Ember, TWO. Ruby is furious, and takes it out on Ember and Sasha with hammering rights. Ruby scrapes Sasha out of the ring, then goes back to Ember. Ember revives and rolls Ruby up, TWO, Ruby clotheslines Ember down. Cover, TWO. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan argue with the ref on Ruby’s behalf while Ruby puts Ember in a chinlock.

Fans rally again, and Ember stands up, only for Ruby to drop her again. Cover, TWO, and Ruby is furious as she puts the chinlock back on. Sarah and Liv cheer her on but the fans build for Ember. Ember uses a jawbreaker, then Sasha returns. Sasha rallies on Ruby with lariats, then blocks the kick to give a knee. Ember returns and springboards onto Sasha, TWO. All three women are down, but Ember goes after Ruby with the half-hatch suplex. Ember gets Sasha with one, then kips up again. Ember dropkicks Ruby out, then runs at Sasha. Sasha dodges to give double knees. Sasha runs in but Ember puts her on the apron, so Sasha goes up to take out the Squad! Ruby takes Sasha out with a missile dropkick! Ember DIVES on Ruby!

Ember puts Ruby in to cover, TWO. All the women are down but the fans are thunderous. Ember climbs up but has to fight off Liv, only for Sarah to yank her down. Ruby and Sasha are up, and Ruby tries to suplex Sasha in. Sasha hits back then climbs up, for her own bit of Nightshade. Sasha climbs up again, but Ruby rocks her with a right. Ruby climbs up, but Sasha fights back, they brawl up top. Ruby gets the edge with headbutts, then gives Sasah a SUPER Stainer, that Sasha rolls through! The SQUAD break the cover! No DQ’s allows this, and they just mug Sasha on the outside. But it’s Bayley to the rescue!

Bayley fights off the Squad, but that just gets her beat down, too. The Squad keep her and Sasha down, but Bayley comes around from the side. Ruby is ready for Sasha, but still gets rolled up, TWO. She spins Ruby around, Ruby bucks her off. Ruby mule kicks Sasha, then wrenches the arm, but Sasha rocks her with a right. ECLISPE!! Ember covers Ruby, Ember wins!

Winner: Ember, by pinfall; qualifies for the Women’s MITB

The #Shenom came outta nowhere to take the match! She didn’t need numbers nor friends to do it, she did it all alone. Will she #EclipseTheCompetition once the field is filled?

 

 

Backstage interview with Ember Moon.

How does she feel about her “underdog” victory here tonight? She’s “over the moon.” Ember’s been an underdog before, and people always try to limit her. She seized the opportunity and proved she embodies Skill, Honor & Heart. Ember Moon will rise to every opportunity, including the MITB contract.

 

WWE and Raw take a look at Bobby Lashley.

A stand out in collegiate wrestling with a military pedigree and training, Lashley won both silver and gold medals in international wrestling tournaments. Lashley would be injured before joining the Olympics, but he met Kurt Angle and found himself in professional wrestling. Lashley dominated in his first run, and one of the fastest champions in history. After all this success, he moved to MMA to go 15-2. Lashley returns now after 10 years and has even higher aspirations.

Exclusive interview with Bobby Lashley.

He’s finally back in the WWE. We know about him as a superstar, but what about him as a person? Lashley had a great family, and family is what he’s about. He’s very close with his three older sisters, though it didn’t feel that way as a kid. His oldest sister would chase him around with a broom, so he teased her as a witch. His other sister had a security towel as opposed to a blanket, but it got dingy and dirty and stinky. One day, that towel was bruoght to school and a bully took it, so Bobby stepped in and made that bully eat that towel. The youngest sister, “Daddy’s little girl”, loved carrying their father’s Army helmet around. Lashley once hid that helmet, but he’s got the scar to prove never to prank his sister again.

Lashley now has the WWE Universe as his family, and hopes to have a lot of fun with them, too. But before Lashley signs off, he lets his sisters know he loves them. With family at the heart of this Alpha Male, is there anything he can’t do in the WWE this second time around?

 

Sami Zayn talks with Kevin Owens backstage.

Sami feels a cloud of conspiracy raining on their parade. Kevin knows that, he just went up against Strowman! If anyone is a victim here, it’s him. Sami doesn’t want Kevin to let the others turn them against each other. Kevin brings up how Sami slapped him. That was yesterday, this is today. Sami and Kevin need to seize positions of power, and that means becoming Universal Champion, which means wining the MITB contract. Sami apologizes, but they’ll both be sorry if they lose. Triple threats mean no disqualifications, so does Kevin have Sami’s back? Yes, he has Sami’s back. “Don’t you mean Yep?” No, he means yes. Will Kevin really come through for his “best friend” tonight?

 

Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh VS Chad Gable!

The Moderan Day Maharaja insulted the Olympic medalist by comparing him to Mini-Me of Austin Powers, but still lost to him all the same. Can Mahal even the score with this rematch and also earn a chance for Money in the Bank?

The bell rings and Gable evades Mahal to rock him with the rolling kick. Gable unloads European Uppercuts, then whips Mahal. Mahal reverses but Gable goes up and over. Gable keeps moving, slides under Mahal and gets the waistlock for a slam. Gable holds on and rolls Mahal, ONE, but Gable just shifts to a facelock. Mahal stands up and powers Gable to the apron, but Gable rocks him with a forearm. Mahal rams a shoulder and sends Gable flying off the apron! He then stalks Gable on the outside, puts him on the apron, and rams his chest into the edge. He does it again, then covers, TWO. Mahal looms over Gable and brings him up for a bearhug.

Gable endures, then pries his way out of the hold to give more EuroUppers. Gable whips but Mahal reverses again and sends Gable into buckles hard. Mahal drags Gable up for the abdominal stretch. Gable endures while fans build to a rally. Gable arm-drags out but Mahal runs back in, only to get a back elbow. Mahal goes to shove Gable but Gable traps him in a hanging armbar! Gable lets go at 4, then climbs up fora MOONSAULT!

That brings Mahal down, TWO. Gable waistlocks but Mahal elbows out to then run Gable over with a knee. Mahal drags Gable up, scoops him, then tosses him up, but Gable rolls him up! TWO, and Gable can’t believe it. Mahal slips out to the apron, then hot shots Gable back. Mahal boots Gable down, then fires himself up. He grabs Gable in the cobra clutch, KALLAS. Cover, Mahal wins!

Winner: Mahal, by pinfall

The Maharaja does get even, and gets his first win since joining Raw. Sunil rubs it in on Gable, but Gable shoves him away, so Mahal kicks Gable in the ribs. Mahal brings Gable up, for the shoulder rack to ram him into a corner. Mahal drags Gable up again for knees to the ribs over and over, then hangs him up on the ropes with a suplex. The fans boo and jeer but Mahal just boots Gable out of the ring. Mahal wants to know if Angle was watching that. Mahal may have won the match, but will he earn a MITB opportunity with this behavior?

 

More superstars speak on MITB.

Alexa Bliss says bullies won’t keep her from accomplishing her dreams. She vows to be a true role model to fans. The Ascension vow to rise to the top, win MITB, and turn Monday Night Raw into the Wasteland.

 

Kurt Angle meets with Zack Ryder.

This is his hometown! What would be better than the hometown hero qualifying for the MITB match? Angle likes Ryder, but Mahal interrupts. Mahal brags about what he did to Gable. Roman is undeserving, but he can stay in the match so long as Mahal joins tonight’s main event. A Fatal 4 Way, huh? Woo Woo Woo, NO, bro. Ryder chuckles while Mahal storms out again. Angle fists bumps Ryder, can Ryder find himself a chance at that golden opportunity?

 

Heath Slater & Rhyno VS Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre!

The One Man Band and Man Beast wnat to climb the tag team ladder, but now they’re up against the Show-Off and the Scottish Stud. Will the newest duo in Raw’s Tag Team Division prove why they are the show?

Fans chant ECW for Rhyno as he starts against Ziggler. Ziggler gets around then chops Rhyno, then gets around again. Rhyno reverses and runs Ziggler over with a clothesline, then brings Ziggler over. Tag to Slater, and Slater climbs up to drop the ax handle. Slater runs and runs Ziggler over, Rhyno and the fans chant “He’s got Kids!” Slater tries the suplex but Ziggler slips out. Ziggler tags to McIntyre, and fans remember “3MB! 3MB!” Slater welcomes McIntyre back before throwing hands. He backs McIntyre down and whips him, but McIntyre reverses.

Slater goes up and over, only for McIntyre to kick him down! McIntyre slithers around to take aim at Slater. Rhyno and the fans rally for Slater, bu t McIntyre rips off that shirt to throw it at Rhyno. McIntyre chops Slater, then blocks the boot to drag Slater upside-down. Ziggler tags in to SUPERKICK the hanging Slater, into the inverted Alabama Slam. McIntyre rocks Rhyno for good measure, then Ziggler tags him back in. Ziggler brings Slater up, and McIntyre runs, Claymore Zig Zag! McIntyre covers, eh and Ziggler win!

Winners: Ziggler & McIntyre, McIntyre pinning

This team is on a roll with their mix of speed and aggression. Is it only a matter of time before they’re challenging for the Raw Tag Team Championships?

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”

The Drifter is in Long Island, and as always, he asks “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Sounds like Long Island does. Elias knows so many truths, and no truth is more apparent than that WWE means “Walk With Elias!” Long Island knows it, too! Elias is on another planet, but he was interrupted by pancakes, conga lines, and that fraud known as Bobby Roode. He’s surprised Long Island doesn’t like Bobby Roode, as this is the home of Billy Joel, a “talent-less, boring hack.” Maybe Roode forgot what Elias did to him last week, but if Roode does it again, Elias will rip his vocal chords out. Elias then vows to go on to Money in the Bank and win it. Fans prefer “Rusev Day!” Rusev Day has nothing on Elias!

Elias begins playing, “Bobby thinks he’s Gloruios, he doesn’t have a clue. Truth is, he’s dead inside, just like all of you.” If you disagree, then you’re out of luck. The Islanders could come back but Long Island would still suck. Pardon the GLORIOUS Interruption, but…

Elias VS Bobby Roode!

The Drifter moves from playing guitar to wrestling the former United States Champion in a rematch from a couple weeks ago. Elias is 2-0, can he make it a clean sweep?

The bell rings and the two go right at each other. Roode fights Elias off, but Elias trips him up. Roode turns it around to hammer away on Elias, then throws hands while they stand. He whips but Elias reverses, only for Roode to run him over. Fans cheer while Roode climbs up to the top rope. Elias stands and Roode takes him down with a flying clothesline. Roode winds it up, GLORIOUS Pose! He kicks but Elias blocks, so it’s an enziguri that sends Elias flying! Roode has control while we take a break.

Raw returns and Roode chops Elias into a corner. Roode whips but Elias reverses, then throws Roode with a back body drop. Roode writhes while Elias catches his breath. Elias stalks Roode, then throws body shots and clubbing forearms on him. Elias scoops Roode up and tosses him, then covers, TWO. The Drifter grows frustrated but he keeps on Roode with an elbow drop. Roode shouts in pain, and Elias puts him in a crossface to pull back on the bad back. Roode endures while fans rally. Elias elbows Roode down then puts the crossface back on. Roode endures and fans rally again. Roode rolls to a cover, TWO, and Elias knees low. Elias whips Roode but Roode kicks him away.

Roode fires back with haymakers, dodging Elias’. Roode backs Elias down with chops, then whips him corner to corner. Elias reverses and Roode hits buckles hard. Elias drags Roode up and scoops him, but Roode slips out. Roode hits the GLORIOUS Spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Fans duel while both men slowly stir. Elias gets to a corner while Roode fires himself up. Roode runs in at Elias for a bit clothesline, but Elias denies the bulldog with a backbreaker. Cover, TWO, and Elias grows frustrated. Elias stomps away on Roode, then brings him up for a powerbomb. High stack cover, TWO, but Elias tries another, TWO.

Elias grows further furious while Roode crawls to ropes. Elias stalks Roode, and has an idea. He undoes the cross bar on the post, then drags Roode up on the apron. Elias aims for a repeat, but Roode elbows hima way. Roode fights Elias off but Elias kicks him on reentry. Elias clubs away but Roode fights back, it’s a brawl now. Elias kicks low but Roode powers Elias up, only for Elias to slip out and knock Roode down. He stalks Roode again, drags him up, and talks trash. ROode GLORIOUS DDT outta nowhere! Cover, Roode wins!

Winner: Roode, by pinfall

The GLORIOUS One guts it out and finally gets on the board against Elias. Will this comeback victory help Roode impress Angle enough for a Money in the Bank opportunity?

In-ring interview with Roode.

This victory feels more than “great.” Roode knows things will get better, because Angle has been giving out MITB qualifiers. After that, Roode hopes he’s next in line. Because beating Elias was great, but winning MITB would be… “Absolutely GLORIOUS!”

 

Seth Rollins is here!

The Architect retained his Intercontinental Championship at Backlash against the Hollywood A-Lister, The Miz. Now the Grand Slam Kingslayer is here to tell Long Island that he’s feeling pretty good about it. He admits The Miz took him to the limit in their match, but in the end, Rollins stomped out Miz’s dream to tie the record of title reigns. Fans let Rollins know, “You Deserve It!” Rollins also admits that there’s one thing we can learn from The Miz: what kind of champion to NOT be. Rollins wants to be a full-time fighting champion. And Rollins knows we’re on the road to Money in the Bank, and he knows a thing or two about that. He knows how winning the contract can change your life. But his focus isn’t MITB, his focus is making the IC Title THE title on Raw.

Therefore, Rollins will give someone else an opportunity. In other words, Rollins is issuing an Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge, right here and now!

WWE Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???

Who accepts this golden opportunity? Mojo Rawley!

The man with Killer Instinct walks out and says this is the debut he deserves. When opportunity knocks, Mojo knocks people down. Which is what he’ll do to Rollins right now. Long Island would rather have Ryder, but Mojo knocked Ryder down before, too. Mojo promises to take the title away, then still qualify for the MITB Ladder Match, win it, and go after The Beast. This isn’t Monday Night Rollins, this is going to be Monday Night Rawley! Rollins accepts, and tells Mojo to come in and get his ass kicked!

Mojo enters the ring, the introductions are made and we have our match. Rollins and Mojo circle, tie up, and Mojo gets a headlock. Rollins endures while fans still want Ryder, “Woo Woo Woo!” The champ powers out and dropkicks the challenger down, then chops him before going for a suplex. Mojo blocks and counters but Rollins lands on his feet, then sends Mojo out. Rollins dropkicks then slingshots, but lands on his feet, only fro Mojo to clobber him from behind. Rollins staggers, Mojo runs in, and blasts Rollins into the barriers! The #KillerInstinct is in control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Mojo has Rollins in a chinlock in the ring. Rollins stands up and fights back with body shots. He chops Mojo, then runs, but into Mojo’s grip. Mojo powers Rollins to a corner and rams him against buckles again and again. Mojo throws Rollins down with an STO, covers, TWO. The Maryland Mean Machine toys with Rollins. He taunts the fans for liking Rollins, then drags Rollins up. Rollins chops and chops again, but Mojo kicks low. Mojo throws Rollins to a corner, but runs into the buckle shot! Mojo crawls away but runs back in, to Rollins’ elbow. Rollins hops up, jumps over Mojo, then ducks under to enziguri!

Rollins clotheslines Mojo out of the ring, then builds speed to DIVE! He wipes out Mojo then gets back in the ring, to DIVE again! Rollins is all fired up as he puts Mojo back in. Mojo runs into a boot, then Rollins hops up for the blockbuster. Cover, TWO. Rollins keeps his cool while Mojo gets to a corner. Rollins stands up and runs at Mojo for the forearm smash. He keeps going, but Mojo puts him on the apron. Rollins springboards but Mojo gets under to then spinebuster Rollins down! Cover, TWO, and Mojo grows frustrated. Mojo stands up and waits for Rollins.

Rollins slowly stands, Mojo lifts him up in the fireman’s carry, but Rollins fights out. Roll up, TWO, mule kick! Cover, TWO, and Rollins is a bit surprised. But he also nods, respecting Mojo’s resiliency. Rollins stands, and stomps for “Burn It Down!” Rollins takes aim, mule kicks again, but Mojo blocks the stomp into a fireman’s drop! Cover, TWO, and Mojo is enraged! He argues with the referee, he thought that was three. Mojo calms down, then stalks Rollins again. He drags Rollins up, throws him, and hits the Pounce! Rollins ends up in a corner, Mojo speeds up, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Revolution Knee, mule kick, and CURB STOMP!

Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Architect keeps his title, and keeps things #MondayNightRollins. This fighting champion continues to grow the prestige of the IC title, will he truly make it THE title in WWE?

 

Finn Balor speaks.

Why is he smiling? Most people wouldn’t be if they had a triple threat match tonight, but not Finn. Finn earns his opportunities, and he thrives on pressure. When Finn wins tonight and then wins the MITB, that victory will be #TooSweet.

 

Bo Dallas & Curt Axel VS The Deleters of Worlds!

The duo formerly known as The Miztourage are now “leading men”, and they’re second generation superstars to boot. Can they use their genetics against the Raw Tag Team Champions to win tonight? Or will they simply be… DELETED?! #StayTuned and fine out.

Bray Wyatt and Bo start, and Bray even gives Bo a free shot. Bo tags Axel, Axel runs into the turn-around lariat! Bray tags Matt, they hit Axel with a combination body check and Russian leg sweep. Cover, TWO, but Matt simply says DELETE! Axel refuses the Twist, then clubs away on Matt. Bo tags in, and he clotheslines Matt to then feed Matt to Axel’s DDT. Bo covers, TWO, so he drops knee after knee on Matt. Cover, TWO, so Bo wraps on a chinlock. Matt endures while fans rally, and Matt fights back with body shots. Matt ducks Bo’s punch to hit the Side Effect! Bray and the fans rally, hot tags to Bray and Axel! Bray rallies with palm strikes, then runs to get the body check!

Matt feels it coming, the WONDERFUL Spider-Walk. Bo comes in but gets a boot, then Bray runs at Axel. Axel boots Bray away, then jumps up, but flies into the yurinagi. Fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” Matt tags in, he and Bray combine for a Kiss of DELETION! Cover, Matt & Bray win!

Winners: The Deleters of World (Hardy & Wyatt), Matt pinning

The champions are on a roll as they win their first match back on this mortal plane. Will their Yin-Yang of WOKEN Wisdom continue to rule over all of the Raw Tag Team Division?

 

More superstars speak on MITB.

The Queen of Harts vows to solidify her legacy as the Best There Is, the Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be in the Women’s Division. Baron Corbin feels sorry for everyone else in the MITB Match. Not really, but he was Mr. MITB last year, so he wants to repeat.

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Finn Balor VS Sami Zayn VS Roman Reigns!

It is a golden opportunity for the Extraordinary Man, the Underdog from the Underground and The Big Dog. Finn was the inaugural Universal Champion, Roman claims to be the “uncrowned” Universal Champion, while Sami is still hungry for his first. Who will win tonight to join the #MonsterInTheBank?

The bell rings and Sami trash talks both Roman and Finn that this match is already his. Roman uppercuts Sami down then pushes him out of the ring, so that he and Finn can be 1v1. They’ve met before, and tie up now, and Roman drives in a knee. Roman headbutts Finn, then whips him, but Finn reverses. Roman sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick Roman back. Finn follows Roman to a corner and throws hands, then whips but Roman reverses now. Roman runs in but misses, Finn swings but Roman connects. Sami returns but Roman gets him, too. The Big Dog stands alone in His Yard while we go to one last break.

Raw returns and Finn drops Roman with a dropkick! Finn gives springboard stomps to the Big Dog, but Sami returns to roll Finn up. TWO, and Sami rocks Finn with a right. Roman rallies with lariats, then shoves Finn to a corner. Roman gives Finn the close-range clotheslines, but has to fight Sami off. He runs and boots Sami in the face, then gives Finn a Samoan Drop. Finn and Sami get out of the ring, but see they have Roman flanked. They decide to work together, and Roman welcomes it. Fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” as Roman finds himself 2v1! Finn and Sami fire off and the fans love it. Finn and Sami hear them chant, and then stomp some more! Roman stands up, but they double clothesline him out!

Sami and Finn keep on Roman against the barriers, and into the crowd! No count outs or disqualifications in a Triple Threat, so they keep up the attack on Roman as they move past the WWE Universe. Roman takes rights and lefts from both men back and forth, but then fights back with rights of his own. Roman punches Sami more, but Finn returns to ram Roman into a wall. He throws Finn off but a HELLUVA KICK esends Roman into the tech area! Finn sees Roman is down, so he climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!!

That leaves Roman down for good, so Sami sucker punches Finn! Sami drags Finn up and throws him back to ringside. Fans sing for Sami while he puts Finn in the ring. He whips Finn and runs him over again, then covers, TWO. Sami keeps his cool while fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” Finn stirs, but Sam is on him with a waistlock. Finn fights out of the suplex with elbows, but Sami reels him in for the Blue Thunder Bomb! TWO, and Sami grows frustrated. Sami stands up and gives Finn straight right hands. Finn stands up and gives some back, and they brawl. Finn chops, Sami forearms, Finn hits the PELE! Both men are down but stirring, with fans rallying for them both.

Finn stands up first, but Sami follows. Sami throws punches but Finn counters then whips. Sami reverses but Finn runs him over! Finn runs and chops Sami in a corner, then whips corner to corner for another chop. He tries again but Sami reverses, but Finn reverses back for the elbow drop DDT. Cover, TWO! Finn stands up and Sami begs for mercy. Sami tries another sucker punch but Finn hits back, so Sami yanks and throws Finn all the way out of the ring. Finn clutches his leg from that crash landing. Sami slides out and takes aim, but runs into a Slingblade! Finn flexes and fires up, to run into a HELLUVA Kick! Sami keeps on Finn with rights, then stomps, but Roman returns with a leaping tackle!

Roman hammers away on Sami, then throws him into the post. Sami staggers, but Roman takes aim, Drive-By Dropkick! Roman puts Sami in the ring, but Finn blindsides him into the steel steps! Finn hurries up, swing kicks Sami down, then climbs up! He takes aim, but Sami gets under, to then exploder Finn into the buckles! Sami goes to the other end, takes aim, and runs back over, but SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman returns, lets out the howl, but Finn slingblades the Spear down. Blasting dropkick, then Finn climbs up. Finn takes aim, COUP DE– No, Roman dodged, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman is all fired up again, lets out another howl, but Jinder Mahal trips him up! HELLUVA KICK! But blasting dropkick! Finn goes up again, COUP DE GRACE! Cover, FINN WINS!

Winner: Finn by pinfall; qualifies for the Men’s MITB 

The Maharaja screws out The Big Dog, and it’s the Balor Club leader who cashes in! The Extraordinary Man takes one step closer to his golden ticket back to the top. Who else will join him and Braun Strowman in the Men’s 8 Man Ladder Match?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Raw does great in making up for the disappointing Backlash while building for Money in the Bank. Almost all the matches meant something and established new status quos. Strowman continues on a truly monstrous roll, and he loves sending Kevin flying with those shoulder tackles. Corbin & The Revival get even with Jose & Titus Worldwide, and Corbin wants his own chance at MITB, but who knows if he gets that chance. Ember hasn’t been on Raw long, or often, but it’s great that she shoots up to this match already. As with Backlash, it is established that Bayley and Sasha can have their program without the title. Meanwhile, Riott Squad stays in the running with Sarah and Liv available to qualify later.

Mahal gets even with Gable in a good match, but clearly he has targeted Roman. Those two can have their program separate from titles, as well, but most fans probably won’t care, as both Mahal and Roman have been seen as undeserving in their pushes. Roode gets even with Elias, and there’s time for one or both of them to qualify. McIntyre & Ziggler win a filler, but it does keep them looking strong in the tag team division. The same goes for Wyatt & Hardy, and the match-up of Show-Off & Stud VS Deleters of Worlds could be what we see up next. Rollins and Rawley was a great match, Rollins brings the best out of Mojo in this match, and I hope the IC title being the open challenge belt continues.

The main event triple threat was really great, even with Roman in it. Roman can do good work, so long as that’s how he’s directed. Granted, he would’ve won if Mahal hadn’t interfered, so obviously Roman doesn’t “look weak” thanks to that. But another question is why Kevin didn’t interfere on Sami’s behalf, either. I hope they aren’t going to break up already, they’ve barely been back on the friends setting compared to how long they were enemies. But all of this benefits Finn, who gave up the Universal Championship because of injury, and never even got a rematch for it when he returned. This could be a great way for Finn to get the title back, taking advantage of an exhausted Lesnar with the cash-in. Of course, that’s if Finn gets past Strowman, let alone the other six men that will join them.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

on

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


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

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

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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.

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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.


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