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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (5/22/18)

Published

6 years ago

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Big Cass is hurt again, so that gives opportunity to Jeff Hardy and Daniel Bryan! The Enigma and The Goat will compete tonight to determine who faces Samoa Joe on next week’s SmackDown, and then the winner of THAT match qualifies for Money in the Bank! Plus, two more “Ravishing” and “IIconic” Women’s MITB qualifiers!

 

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • The Miz VS Big E w/ The New Day; Miz wins.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Lana VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce; Lana wins and qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
  • Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS ???; Almas wins.
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: The Usos VS The Club; The Club wins and face The Bludgeon Brothers for the titles at MITB.
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi VS Sonya Deville; Naomi wins and qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
  • Daniel Bryan VS Jeff Hardy; Bryan wins and will face Samoa Joe in a Men’s MITB Qualifying Match next week.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Miz opens SmackDown with Miz TV!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show is back and has two big exclusives. First, something so huge that people have been talking about “When is it going to happen?!” Miz has a date: July 24th, 2018, Miz & Mrs. debuts on USA! Fans actually like the sound of that. And second, the guests that will reveal what we all want to know. Awwwwww, Worcester~! It’s the New Day!

Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston & Big E come out with Booty O’s and pancakes. They won a tag team match to enter just one of them into the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but haven’t named who. They’re happy to be on Miz TV, but are neutral about Miz & Mrs. Well they don’t know good television. Miz gets to the point: Who is going into the MITB match? Who who who?

Miz walked into that one. Which one? Which which which? Be serious! Sorry, sorry. On the count of three: “It’s gonna be me~!” N Sync? Okay, together they’ve accomplished so much, but Miz says they haven’t reached their full potential. They all hold each other back. Fans disagree. Woods says that’s what’s different between “ya boys” and Miz Hokage. Miz has his show, his movie franchise, his championship accomplishments, and main evented a Wrestlemania! Miz is a living legend. But what people don’t like about him is that throughout his career, life and relationship, he always puts Miz first.

No, the real difference is that Miz has been WWE Champion. What about them? Kofi is every other champion but WWE Champion. Though, he’s been in six and hasn’t won one, so maybe someone else should be given a chance. Big E has size, charisma, and the “It Factor.” Big E shows fire and everything else to be a true champion, but he doesn’t take anything seriously. However, Woods does. Woods has a YouTube Empire, 1.5 MILLION subscribers, and he did that on his own. So imagine Woods streaming Fortline– Er, Fortnite. Whatever. But imagine streaming that with the WWE Championship on his waist! He’d be a real-life superhero! Each man has a chance to be one of the greatest WWE Champions in history with the MITB contract. Miz asks again: “Who is it going to be?”

Woods agrees with Miz, it should be E. But Big E thinks it should be Kofi. But Kofi thinks it should be Woods. No no no! Miz wants the exclusive! He’s had enough of their games, because HE is going to win, because HE can beat any of THEM any day of the week! The New Day huddles up. Miz just made a decision for them. It’s Big E. There it is, the exclusive announcement. Big E enters the Money in– No, Miz, you’re Miz-taken. This isn’t for MITB, no no. This is for tonight. Big E VS Miz, right here and right now? “YES! YES!” Too bad, see you at MITB. But Kofi throws a shame pancake at him. Then Big E, and then Woods. “Shame! Shame!” Miz retreats from the shame, but there won’t be any running from MITB. Who will be entered into that match?

Paige finds Miz backstage.

The SmackDown GM saw what happened out there, and understands. “Not everyone likes pancakes.” Haha, very funny. But Paige also heard Miz’s claim about beating New Day. So prove it, right now. Go. Go! It’s happening, after the break.

 

The Miz VS Big E w/ The New Day!

This match is happening because Miz put his foot in his mouth. Can the former Intercontinental Champion and Mr. MITB win against his possible future opponent here tonight?

The bell rings and fans cheer “We Want Pancakes!” Miz and Big E tie up while Woods joins commentary. Big E pushes Miz all around the ring, but Miz manages to climb up a corner. Big E honors the break and lets Miz fall on his face. The fans clap with Big E while Miz grimaces. Miz gets around Big E, but Big E swivles those hips. Big E powers Miz up and off, then swivels at Miz more. Miz stands up and stares Big E down. He wants a test of strength with the former power lifter? Big E accepts, but Miz hits low. Miz clubs Big E down, then runs, but things speed up and Big E leap sup and over to then catch Miz into an abdominal stretch.

Big E starts spanking Miz! Big E then shoves Miz and runs him over. Miz rolls to the apron but Big E pursues. Big E stomps Miz, then backs up, for the apron splash!

Miz falls to the floor, flattened like a pancake. Woods helps Kofi be Big E’s corner men for “the round”. Big E refreshes with syrup and Vaseline, but Miz hits him with a sucker punch. Big E chases Miz into the ring, but Miz slips out to trip him up. Miz then throws Big E into barriers! Miz is in control in this first-ever match while we go picture in picture.

The referee motions for them to bring this back in the ring. Miz fetches Big E to put him in, then stalks him before hitting the low boot. Miz runs and hits another boot. He mocks the “New! Day Rocks!” then runs, but Big E catches the boot into a powerbomb lift. Miz slips out, and hits the A-List combo, cover, TWO. Miz wrenches Big E back with a chinlock, but Big E powers his way up. Big E fights out of the hold, then puts Miz in the corner. He whips corner to corner but Miz reverses, to hit his A-List clothesline. Miz climbs up, takes aim, but Big E hits back with a body shot! The New Day coach Big E up and he keeps hitting body shots. He throws hands and whips but Miz reverses again, to then hit Big E with the kitchen sink knee.

Miz stalks Big E as he crawls to a corner. Miz drags him up but he hits back with knees. Big E swings but misses, Miz hops on for a sleeper hold. E endures as Miz uses his full weight to bring him down. E starts to fade, but then gets a second gas as we go single picture. Miz holds on but Big E powers him into buckles. Big E is free and now Kofi joins commentary. Big E crawls to a corner, but Miz runs in. The A-List clothesline is caught! Big E throws Miz over head with belly2belly suplexes! Kofi is fired up with Big E while Woods plays the trombone for the BIG SPLASH! The fans rally, and Miz stands up to run away.

Big E follows him but Miz slips under. The sunset flip doesn’t work, but Miz does kick a knee out for the– Big E powers off the DDT, then SLAMS Miz down! Cover, TWO! Woods keeps Big E focused, even as Miz gets to the apron again. Big E runs, but Miz blocks the dive with a knee. Miz slips under and kicks low again, for the DDT! Cover, TWO! Both men are down, but stirring. Miz sits up first while fans rally for E. Miz goes for the Finale but E throws him off to then scoop him. He slips off the shoulder and they run, double clothesline! Then the Bar jump Woods! Kofi jump in to take out Sheamus! Cesaro saves Sheamus but now it’s a big brawl. BROGUE takes out Kofi, and Cesaro distracts, SKULL-CRUSHING FINALE! Miz wins!

Winner: The Miz, by pinfall

The A-Lister got big assists from the Swiss Cyborg & Celtic Gladiator, but he only cares that he won. If it’s Big E joining the MITB Ladder Match, will Miz be able to do that all over again? Or will he have to worry about Kofi or Woods instead?

 

Big Cass walks the halls.

The Human Skyscraper is hurt from the events of the WWE European Tour and SmackDown London, but is still here despite not being cleared. When is his expected second return?

 

Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan.

His dreams looked to be dashed, but now he has a second chance. How does he feel about facing Jeff Hardy for that second chance? “It means everything.” Bryan treats every single match as his biggest. He showed Cass what happens when you kick a hornet’s nest. Bryan winning against Hardy, for a chance at MITB! That’s insane! Hardy himself is a legend, a revolutionary, and a very very very difficult mountain to climb. But Bryan loves challenges, and vows to tap that legend out. Can he do it?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Lana VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce!

The Ravishing Russian has Aiden English sing for her as he does for Rusev! MC Artiste says that Lana is the best~, Lana Number One! But can she be better than one half of the IIconic Duo to join Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch as one of SmackDown’s MITB entrants?

“Wow…! Aiden that was really nice.” But this moment calls for a duet! The IIconics tune up and test the acoustics. Fans chant “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” and the IIconics take that as rude. “Lana~ is a… Loser~!” Because when they win MITB, SmackDown will be truly #IIconic. Anyway, Billie finally enters the ring and the match begins. English has a sign for LANA Day!

It’s the second holiday on Rusev Day calendar. Peyton storms over and even Billie protests. They SLAP English, so Lana SLAPS them! Lana puts Peyton into barriers, but Billie gets Lana with a punch. Billie brings Lana back into the ring, but Lana catches her with a roundhouse! Lana gives Billie the Machka buster! Cover, LANA WINS!

Winner: Lana wins, by pinfall; qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match

The MITB match just got RAVISHING! And now it’s LANA DAY!

 

Zelina Vega speaks.

Andrade “Cien” Almas has traveled the world, and has always been treated as a VIP. But what did El Idolo get last week? The Land of Opportunity gave him NOTHING. Almas is the future of SmackDown, so if he doesn’t get what he deserves, then he’ll just take it. Who will be the target of El Idolo next?

 

Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS ???

The original Los Ingobernable wants to be the best, but he again gets a simple local wrestler. The bell rings, and Almas goes right after his opponent with kicks and punches. Almas whips him to a corner then clobbers him with a clothesline. He unleashes stomps then drags his opponent back for more. Almas drags his opponent up but he fights back with body shots and a back elbow. That only pisses Almas off, and he takes him out with a back elbow of his own! He sits his opponent in a corner, then runs for CIEN KNEES! But that won’t be the end of it, as Almas fumes while watching his opponent sit up. CIEN KNEES to the back! Then, Hammerlock DDT! Cover, Almas wins!

Winner: Almas, by pinfall

El Idolo is victorious again for an easy 2-0, but this is only the beginning. How long will it take for Almas to climb up to the top of SmackDown?

 

Carmella mocks Asuka in her backstage interview.

The SmackDown Women’s Champion knows Asuka is coming for her title. There’s an expiration date on her reign. NOT! The haters expect Carmella to slip up. Carmella is not afraid of Asuka, because Charlotte beat Asuka and then Carmella beat Charlotte! It’s math! Carmella is twice as good as Asuka. Asuka can use all the tricks she wants, but Asuka should be the one afraid of Carmella. Carmella vows to moonwalk all over her and prove #MellaIsMoney. Are Carmella’s calculations correct that she’ll continue her reign? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow use her as the first piece of her second win streak?

 

Renee Young introduces AJ Styles.

The Phenomenal One still has his WWE Championship after three high-caliber matches with The King of Strong Style, but none of them have ended in a way to settle their feud. Renee also introduces Shinsuke Nakamura, who won a match last week to give him the right to choose the stipulation for their fourth Dream (Re)Match. Nakamura and Styles glare at each other, but now it’s time to name that stipulation.

Styles doesn’t want any more games, he wants Nakamura to outright say it. “What ‘stipulation’?” Relax and remember why Nakamura gets to choose. By that, Nakamura means the fact he won. Nakamura replays the footage of him faking being hit by a low blow to then hit Styles with his own signature moves. Styles knows that happened. But enjoy that while it last, because it’ll never– Be quiet! And listen very, very carefully. Nakamura vows not just to beat Styles, but dishonor Styles so that he’ll never require. That title will be Nakamura’s, and SmackDown will be Nakamura’s House. Then tell us all what the stipulation is. Nakamura says that their MITB match will be a… Pillow fight! Is he serious? Fans seem halfway interested in that. Styles knew Nakamura was the King of Soft Style.

Nakamura says he jokes because he has the upper hand. Styles jokes because he’s afraid. Nakamura sees Styles’ eyes and just wants to put a knee through his face! “KNEE! TO! FACE!” Styles gets it! But it doesn’t matter what the match is, Nakamura can’t win when it matters. It’s why Nakamura uses cheap shots. Nakamura is no longer the Nakamura we wanted. Pick whatever you want, it still won’t make him as good as Styles. Styles will just see Nakamura at MITB. Nakamura tries a sucker punch but Styles blocks and retaliates. They fight on the outside, Styles putting Nakamura into the timekeeper’s area! Styles clears the announce desk, but Nakamura attacks with a chair! He misses, and Styles hits back to throw him into the crowd. Styles pursues, and they brawl in front of the fans.

Styles puts Nakamura into barriers, then back over to ringside. Fans are fired up as Styles takes aim, and uses the barrier to springboard, but into a chair shot! Nakamura mocks Styles, and counts? He’s counting to 10! Styles stands, and Nakamura stops to ram a knee into Styles, and then slam him on the announce desk! Fans boo and jeer while Nakamura fires up. Nakamura takes aim, and hits a KINSHASA! Nakamura stands up and counts all over again. Fans rabidly chant for Styles but he isn’t getting up. Nakamura reaches 10, and we know what he’s making their match. “LAST! MAN! STANDING!!” The match is made, will Styles survive Nakamura when he’s completely unleashed?!

 

SmackDown Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match: The Usos VS The Club!

Twin brothers take on two Good Brothers to see who take on the fearsome Bludgeon Brothers at MITB. Will Harper & Rowan find themselves facing the Uso Penitentiary again? Or will they take on a duo that’s #TooSweet?

Before the match, Anderson asks “What up, Uce?” Gallows says they respect Jimmy & Jey, but respectfully, they blew their shot at the titles. At MITB, it won’t be Bludgeon Brothers VS Blew It Brothers, but the Good Brothers taking their rightful spot atop the division. But Jey snatches the mic to ask if they know where they are. “This ain’t Japan, Uce. This ain’t Monday Night Raw.” SmackDown Live is where the Usos reside. So welcome to the Uso Penitentiary! Penitentiary? They don’t look like wardens. Just a couple… “Uhh…” NERDS! But now it’s a fight! They spill outside the ring and brawl all over, back and forth, and then Jey puts Gallows in the ring to get rocked by an uppercut. The bell rings and we officially begin.

Gallows keeps throwing hands but Jey clotheslines him out. Anderson returns but Jimmy catches him, then Jey FLIES!

Usos take control while we go picture in picture. The Usos put Gallows into a post, then in the ring. Jey tags Jimmy while throwing hands on Gallows. Jimmy runs in for the forearm smash, then loom over Gallows as he tags Jey. The Usos work together again to split the wishbone on Gallows, then Jey tags Jimmy back in. The Usos mug Gallows, then Jimmy headbutts Gallows. Jimmy wraps on a chinlock, then shifts to a headlock. Gallows powers out with a back suplex! Both men are down and Anderson returns to the corner. Gallows and Jimmy head for their corners, and hot tag to Jey and Anderson! The Machine Gun rallies on Jey while we go back to single picture. Jey reverses a whip but Anderson knocks him down. Anderson takes out Jimmy then dodges Jey for the jump kick!

Fans rally while Anderson hops up, for a flying neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Anderson keeps focus, and fires himself up as he runs corner to corner, into an enziguri! Jey climbs up, but Anderson stops him with another jump kick. Anderson climbs up to join Jey, but Jey headbutts him down. Jey jumps over Anderson, then kicks, for the dragon whip. Gallows tags in, and stalks Jey. He runs in, but misses as Jimmy tags in. The Usos double kick him, then Jimmy SUPERKICKS. Tag to Jey, SUPERKICK to USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! The Usos can’t believe it, but Jey tags Jimmy and they go to opposite ends. They climb up, but Anderson stops Jey! Gallows catches Jimmy, into a choke– No, SUPERKICK! YAKUZA KICK! Tag to Anderson, MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, The Club wins!

Winners: The Club (Gallows & Anderson), Anderson pinning; will face the Bludgeon Brothers at MITB

The Good Brothers did it! They’re one match away from being back on top. But can Gallows & Anderson dethrone the duo straight out of Doomsday?

 

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi VS Sonya Deville!

It’s #GlowTime for the last spot on SmackDown’s half of the Women’s MITB Ladder Match. Can Naomi overcome the Gladiator Gal to then climb a ladder to success?

The bell rings and the two circle. Sonya gets the waistlock and throws Naomi around, then rolls to a cover. ONE, but Sonya holds on. She rolls Naomi again, ONE. Naomi stands up and wheelbarrows to the roll up, ONE. They back off, and Becky Lynch watches from backstage. Sonya and Naomi swing kicks to dodge kicks, but Sonya catches on to sit Naomi down. Naomi does the splits, then rolls Sonya, ONE. Naomi jumps over but Sonya tackles her to a cover, TOW. Charlotte also watches backstage while Sonya drags Naomi up. Sonya gives body shots, then fires off in a corner. She snapmares Naomi, then hits a sliding knee. Cover, TWO, but Sonya keeps her cool.

Mandy coaches Sonya on, and Sonya puts Naomi in a bodyscissor. Sonya gets a partial chinlock but Naomi resists. Fans rally and Naomi powers her way up with Sonya on her back. Naomi rams Sonya into buckles, then throws her off. Naomi runs but into Sonya’s spinebuster! Cover, TWO, and Sonya grows a bit frustrated. Sonya toys with Naomi, and puts her in a corner. Sonya kicks away on Naomi, then backs off at 4. She runs back in but Naomi boots Sonya away. Naomi throws a forearm, so Sonya throws a kick. Naomi kicks back, Sonya kicks back, and back again. They keep trading kicks, and they kick and kick and kick and kick! Naomi and Sonya hit double enziguris! Many herself is shocked, and ushers for Sonya to get up. Sonya brings Naomi up for knee strikes, then runs, but into a backwards wheelbarrow, Naomi wins!

Winner: Naomi, by pinfall; qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match

Naomi continues her roll! She won the inaugural Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal, and now she moves on to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match. Will she make it #GlowInTheBank as the second ever Ms. MITB?

 

Backstage interview with Jeff Hardy.

How excited is he for the main event? His synapses fired up and he was thinking about nothing but ladders. Hardy knows how to use ladders to captivate yet incapacitate. He has to take the first step facing Bryan tonight. They’re going to “scorch your cerebrum”, and Hardy apologizes to Bryan, but he’s taking flight!

 

Samoa Joe heads to the ring.

The Destroyer wants to see this match for himself, as he faces the winner next week.

 

Daniel Bryan VS Jeff Hardy!

It’s a second chance towards the last spot of the Men’s MITB Ladder Match. The Goat lost to Rusev while The Enigma lost to The Miz, but whoever wins here will still have to face Samoa Joe. Will Samoa Joe be facing a former world champion or the current United Stats Champion next Tuesday?

The bell rings and the two shake hands to show respect. They tie up, Bryan gets the waistlock but Hardy the standing switch. Bryan reverses to the wristlock, but Hardy reverses back. Bryan whips but Hardy runs him over. Hardy waits as Bryan backs off to a corner. They circle and tie up again with a test of strength. Bryan gets the wristlock and brings Hardy to the mat. Hardy endures, but Bryan wrenches it back to a hammerlock. Hardy gets up and powers out, but things speed up and Bryan runs Hardy over! Cover, TWO, but Bryan keeps his cool.

Bryan goes after the arm again, and wrenches. Hardy reverses but Bryan back, and back again. Hardy whips Bryan corner to corner but Bryan goes up and over then builds speed, only to run into the atomic drop and leg-splitting leg drops. Dropkick added, but Bryan bails out while we go to break.

SmackDown returns and Bryan wrenches Hardy’s arm more. He whips Hardy but Hardy dodges to then collide with double crossbodies! Joe likes what he sees as both men slowly stir. Bryan gets up first, then goes to Hardy with a Europan Uppercut. Hardy hits back, so Bryan gives another EuroUpper. Bryan kicks and kicks, but Hardy blocks, so Bryan hits an enziguri. Hardy falls out of the ring and Bryan builds speed, to wreck Hardy with a dropkick. Bryan goes to the apron and takes aim, for a flying- No, Hardy gets clear, then comes back with a LEAPING LARIAT from the apron!

Hardy wipes Bryan out but both men are down on the outside. The ten count begins, but Hardy gets Bryan in the ring. Hardy climbs up, but Bryan trips him up. Bryan turns him around and pulls him back into the Tree of Woe for Yes Kicks! Bryan runs side to side, BIG dropkick! He sits Hardy back up, then climbs up, but Hardy resists. Hardy fights Bryan off, and Bryan goes down. Hardy adjusts, for Whisper in the Wind! Cover, TWO.

Hardy keeps his cool as he stands up. His knee slows him down but he waits for Bryan. Fans duel as Hardy goes for the Twist, but Bryan denies it. Bryan dropkicks out the bad knee! Bryan wants Hardy to sit up, and fans duel as he hits more Yes Kicks! “YES! YES!” But Hardy dodges the buzzsaw to hit the Twist of Fate! Hardy then climbs up, takes aim, Swanton Bomb onto knees! Buzzsaw kick! Cover, TWO! Bryan keeps his cool and takes aim from a corner. “YES! YES!” but Hardy dodges the knee to roll Bryan, TWO, roll up again, TWO. EuroUppers from Bryan over and over, but Hardy catches one for a backslide. Bryan blocks the Twist and and spins, dragon screw with authority! Then Bryan shifts into the Heel Hook!

Hardy endures, reaches, but taps! Bryan wins!

Winner: Bryan, by submission; will face Samoa Joe next week

“Daniel…! Daniel~…!” Joe has a warning for you as he steps into the ring. “I fail to see what we’re celebrating out here, because next week, you face me.”

Backstage interview with Samoa Joe.

Why is he so confident? Why is it that he always tells the truth? Next week, Bryan goes to sleep, “Yes, Yes, Yes.” Joe said his piece, but will he have the last word when he and Bryan face off?

 

 

My Thoughts:

What a great episode of SmackDown! Certainly better than Raw. Everything tonight matters, and yes, even Almas versus the unnamed jobber. Zelina Vega was upset last week that Almas only had a jobber to face, and while she was happy Almas won again, she must still be upset it was against only another jobber. I hope the next thing we get is Vega complaining to Paige about the level of competition Almas is given, and that ends up putting Almas up against someone like AJ Styles or Jeff Hardy. Meanwhile, Miz tries but fails to tear The New Day apart, but he apparently has The Bar back on his side a la TLC when they went up against The Shield. Next week we get the Six Man Tag, and that could go either way.

Lana winning was such a great surprise. As was English single-handedly creating “Lana Day”. The IIconics will be okay, even if WWE doesn’t green light the Women’s Tag Team Division just yet. Naomi and Sonya have really good match, and Naomi winning was great for her. Again, the duo formerly known as Absolution will be fine, with or without the Women’s Tag Division. I can’t be sure if Lana or Naomi win, but they can have good showings in the match. Same goes for The Club. Gallows & Anderson VS Usos was a real good tag match, and I’m happy for The Club that they went over, but Harper & Rowan have been on a truly monstrous roll since returning so I can’t be sure The Club wins.

Nakamura choosing Last Man Standing was all but obvious after the finish to their Backlash match, but Nakamura was very creative in how he presented the idea. At the same time, it is a No Disqualification type match, so that leaves many openings for shenanigans, such as the new Mr. MITB pulling the same move Seth Rollins did to change the match and steal the win from both men. At the same time, that match type could exhaust Styles and Nakamura so that even if Styles wins, Mr. MITB still cashes in successfully. Bryan VS Hardy was a great match, and Bryan VS Joe will be an amazing match. Cass is probably not injured in reality, so he could easily cost Bryan next week to keep their feud going, or he waits until MITB to do the same.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

15 hours ago

on

April 26, 2024

By

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!

Published

1 day ago

on

April 25, 2024

By

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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