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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (5/29/18)

Published

6 years ago

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SmackDown brings an amazing match free on TV!

SmackDown has one spot left in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, and it comes down to two modern greats! Daniel Bryan always gives it his all, especially when it comes to second chances, but can he keep Samoa Joe from putting him to sleep? Plus, Shinsuke Nakamura looks to tune up for MITB using Tye Dillinger!

 

All images courtsey of the WWE’s official Twitter

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tye Dillinger; Nakamura wins.
  • Six Man Tag: The New Day VS The Miz & The Bar; The New Day wins.
  • Asuka VS Mandy Rose; Asuka wins.
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass VS Samoa Joe; Joe wins and joins the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Samoa Joe heads to the ring!

His match with Daniel Bryan is meant to be the main vent, but the Destroyer does what he wants when he wants. And right now, he takes out a ladder to set it up in the ring!

Joe climbs up to preview what could happen in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match. Joe holds the briefcase and a microphone as Raleigh duels between cheers and jeers. “It is said in biblical text that the ladder represents the connection between the Earth and the Heavens.” Jacob would look to his ladder and see angels offering salvation. However, Joe will give us a different version. “There is NO salvation! There are no smiling angels”, but Joe promises to be smiling like he is right now. Joe vows he will have secured a title opportunity, and will unleash a campaign of fear upon SmackDown!

As for tonight, Joe will prove to Daniel Bryan that “there are things far worse than forced retirement!” Joe warns Bryan that if his sensibilities will allow it, call home to Brie and tell baby Birdie a story that “Daddy will be home for Money in the Bank, but he won’t be the same man.” No, Bryan will be a man “with the eyes of someone who is drenched in regret and failure”. When baby Birdie asks why, it’ll be because a very bad man did it to him, and that man is Samoa Joe. But Bryan appears and responds!

There are lines you do not cross. Bryan has a vision and it goes like this: “You mention my wife and my daughter one more time, and I will break your leg.” Everyone knows where this is going, so why wait? Let’s fight right now! Joe moves the ladder aside while Bryan hits the ring, but Big Cass appears?

The Human Skyscraper walks out in suit and tie with a crutch under his arm. Cass’ leg is hurt again, but his mouth works fine as he tells the “Gentleman, what’re we doing here?” Are they children on a playground? It’s so juvenile, but what else to expect from a shrimp and a whale? Cass says this should be his opportunity, not Bryan’s. This “Second Chance crap” must stop! And it will, because Cass spoke to SmackDown GM Paige, and she said this match will not happen. But why? Because instead, it’ll be Samoa Joe VS Big Cass for that final spot, as originally planned. That is, when Cass is cleared. But when will he be cleared? He already is. ANd he swings on Bryan! Bryan dodges and JOe takes the hit, but Bryan goes after Cass!

Fans chant “YES! YES!” with every kick, but Cass whips Bryan into the ladder! Cass holds up the case and SMACKS Joe with it! Then he SMACKS Bryan with it! Fans boo and jeer but Cass is all smiles as he holds up the briefcase, as if he’s already Mr. MITB. Cass is smiling now, but will he regret getting on the bad sides of the Goat and the Destroyer?

 

Shinsuke Nakamura counts it out.

The King of Strong Style chose a Last Man Standing Match, and so he’s practicing counting to 10. But of course, he also hates 10 because Tye Dillinger called him out. Will the Rockstar drop Tye from 10 to 0 with a #Knee2Face?

 

SmackDown GM Paige springs into action.

After what just happened, she’s got her hands full. That’s when Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville come in. Is the pressure getting to her? Is that why she’s giving people opportunities they don’t deserve? Like Asuka and the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Oh really, Asuka, who was undefeated for two and a half years? Yeah, but what has she done lately? Losing to Charlotte, for starters. There are way more deserving women. Like these two? Yes, they’re deserving, of a first-hand experience against Asuka. The duo formerly known as Absolution is confident, but probably not for the right reasons.

Renee comes by and asks about the main event situation. Is Cass right about the main event changing? Paige is upset that Samoa Joe “hijacked” the show and then Cass speaking for her. No one speaks for Paige, though she liked the passion in all three men. The winner of the MITB contract will change their careers forever. Cass is cleared, that’s true. But Bryan did earn another chance. Therefore, the only fair way to do this is… a TRIPLE THREAT! And with that, the show rolls on.

 

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tye Dillinger!

The Perfect 10 wants to prove himself worthy, but the King of Strong Style only cares about himself and the WWE Championship. Will Nakamura remain on track towards another rematch with AJ Styles?

The bell rings and Nakamura taunts Tye. Tye shoves Nakamura, so Nakamura fires off knees. Nakamura whips Tye but Tye dodges to chop Nakamura back. Tye puts Nakamura in a corner and gives a chop back. Tye climbs up to begin Perfect 10 corner punches. Nakamura slips out before Tye can get all ten, but Tye pursues. Nakamura mule kicks Tye, then kicks and knees him again. They go back into the ring, but Nakamura takes him time, allowing Tye to dropkick him out! Tye builds speed but is intercepted by a knee! Nakamura catches his breath while we go picture in picture.

Nakamura toys with Tye while he crawls around. Tye gets to the announce desk but Nakamura keeps toying with the Perfect 10. Tye mule kicks back, but Nakmaura puts him into barriers. They go back in the ring again, and Nakamura keeps on Tye with a scoop slam. Cover, TWO, again, TWO. Nakamura grows annoyed with Tye, and stalks him back to a corner. He grinds a shoe in Tye’s face, but Tye stands up. Nakamura enziguris him back down, then gives him BAD Vibrations! Nakamura stalks Tye again, before dropping a knee on his face. He toys with Tye more, snapmare to seated cobra clutch. Tye endures and stands up, but Nakamura brings him back down. Tye reaches, then feeds off the fans’ Ten chants. He stands up, fights back, then chops Nakamura again. Tye whips but Nakamura reverses hard, and Tye falls to the mat.

Tye writhes but Nakamura is on him again. Nakamura drags Tye up into the cobra clutch again while we go single picture. Fans duel, but Tye uses a jawbreaker to break free. Nakamura staggers away, and Tye runs, but into the knee! Nakamura wants the referee to count. When the referee doesn’t get it, Nakamura counts instead. He’s treating this like the last man standing match, but Tye gets up at 3. Tye chops Nakamura agani, but Nakamuar throws knees and an ax kick! Nakamura counts again, and gets past 5. Tye stands up at 7, which annoys Nakamura. Nakamura unloads more strikes in the corner, then hoists Tye up to the top rope. Nakamura backs off, to hit the Top Shelf knee! Tye goes down again, and a new count begins. Nakamura reaches 9, but Tye still stands. Tye says “TEN!” for him!

Then Tye dodges Nakamura, and copies the “C’MON!!” Tye dodgse again, then throws haymakers and chops. He whips Nakamura but Nakamura reverses into knees, but Tye hits a lariat! Fans rally as Tye fires up. Tye gives Nakamura a knee of his own, and Nakamura rolls to the apron. Tye pursues, but Nakamura kicks him away. Nakamura climbs up, and hits a FLYING knee! Then Nakamura returns to a corner, and hits KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Nakamura, by pinfall

The King of Strong Style didn’t get to count to 10, but he has delivered more than a message here. In fact, he gives Tye a second KINSAHSA to the back! Nakamura counts all over again, and this time he reaches 10. He wants to take both the title and Styles’ honor, but will he get to count Styles out like he did Tye?

 

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

The Phenomenal One knows what Nakamura just did. Nakamura has confidence in the last man standing match. Styles remembers the #Knee2Face and the mocking 10 count. Somewhere down the line, Nakamura snapped, and there’s probably a reason for it. It makes Nakamura more dangerous than ever, and yes, the match type favors him. But it’s the story of Styles’ life. His opponents underestimate him, but he comes out on top. Styles fights smarter and harder than even the bigger and stronger men. Styles is the last man to leave, and the last man to back down, so when Nakamura comes for everything Styles has built, Styles will be the Last Man Standing.

 

Aiden English gives an introduction.

MC Artiste declares that MITB will have both Rusev Daaaay~, and Lana is the Best~, Lana Number One!

Dance Off: Lana w/ Rusev Day VS Naomi w/ The Usos!

The Ravishing Russian and Mrs. #GlowTime are both in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but before going toe to toe with six other women, they’ll go move for move in Raleigh. The whole family is present, which crew will shine brighter before going for the big money contract?

Lana takes the first turn, showing her pop-lock skills to a techno pop ballad. She even finishes with a Spinarooni. Naomi takes her turn, with a more up-tempo song for her to spin and twerk it out. Naomi tops it off with the splits, then dabs on ’em. Lana asks for a head-to-head duet, and we have round three. They work together for the Kid ‘n’ Play and they go back to back, but Lana hits a neckbreaker!

Rusev pries his wife away, but then Lana SLAPS Jimmy! Naomi smacks Lana back, and now it’s a brawl! Double SUPERKICKS from the Usos to Engilsh & Rusev, then a Rear View for Lana. Naomi & the Usos run off Team Rusev Day, and the fun is over. Will Naomi take the contract? Or will Lana & Rusev become the first ever Mr. & Mrs. MITB?

 

Six Man Tag: The New Day VS The Miz & The Bar!

Awwwww Raleigh~! Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods still need to choose a member to put into the Men’s MITB Ladder Match, but for now, they’ll work together to take on the reunited A-Lister, Celtic Galdiator & Swiss Cyborg. Can the Power of Positivity win to keep all three men strong for the golden opportunity down the road?

The bell rings and Big E starts against The Miz in a rematch from last week. Big E swivels while fans are thunderous for the pancakes. Miz tags out to Cesaro, and Cesaro kicks at Big E. E blocks and then throws Cesaro overhead! Cover, ONE, but Big E tags in Woods. Kofi tags in, Woods slides for the lariat, then Kofi kicks. Woods drops a leg, Kofi rebounds to splash. Cover, TWO, but Kofi keeps on Cesaro with an arm wrench. Cesaro punches back but Kofi fights out of the enemy corner. Sheamus distracts, Miz dumps Kofi out! The New Day protests while we go to break.

SmackDown returns to Miz covering Kofi, TWO. Miz drags Kofi over and tags Sheamus, then holds him for Sheamus’ kick. Sheamus puts Kofi in a seated keylock, going after that arm. Fans rally for Kofi as he endures. Kofi fights his way out with haymakers, but SHeamus lfits him back itno his corner. Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro gives a running European Uppercut. Cover, TWO, tag back to Sheamus. Sheamus hits Woods just because, then tags Cesaro again. The Bar hit the backbreaker elbow drop! Cover, TWO, and both they and The Miz are upset. Cesaro taunts Kofi and the fans as Kofi crawls, then drags him up into a facelock. Cesaro whips Kofi to a corner but Kofi dodges and sends Cesaro tumbling out!

Fans are thunderous as Kofi dodges Miz now. Kofi crawls but Miz distracts Big E. Big E backs him down, but Sheamus takes the haymaker. Cesaro wrecks Big E, then Sheamus and Miz throw him into barriers! Kofi rolls Cesoar, TWO! Cesaro chokes Kofi, and Sheamus gets a cheap shot knee. Cover, TWO! Tag to The Miz, and he stalks Kofi. Kofi stands, Miz goes for the Finale, but Kofi swings out into SOS! Both men are down but Woods is back! Hot tags to Sheamus and Woods! Woods rallies, unleashing on Sheamus. SHeamus whips but WOods dodges to tilt-o-whirl headscissors. Woods catches Miz with an enziguri, then slips out of a suplex to dodge Sheamus. Sheamus goes into buckles, and Woods uses him as a stepping stool to FLY onto Cesaro!

Fans are thunderous again, Woods hits the Get Over Here DDT! Cover, TWO! Woods keeps moving as fans rally. He climbs up high but Miz distracts. Sheamus trips up Woods, and Woods tumbles down while Kofi LEAPS onto Miz! Cesaro runs KOfi over and coordinates with Sheamus. Tag, and they bring Woods up, for the ax handle back suplex! Cover, TWO! The Bar is furious but they keep focus. Cesaro brings Woods up, but Woods body drops. Tag to Big E! Cesaro runs into an elbow, then the Yurinagi Back Stabber! Cover, TWO!! Now Big E is stunned. He targets Cesaro while fans declare “This is Awesome!” Big E starts up the “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” and scoops, but Cesaro slips out. Miz tags, Cesaro goes out, Big E runs into a knee! Then the DDT! Cover, Kofi breaks it!

Sheamus throws Kofi out, but Woods rocks Sheamus. Woods slingshots but The Bar catches him to long dart him at the barriers. Kofi returns, and FLIES onto The Bar! Big E and Miz are left in the ring while Miz freaks out. Scoop, BIG ENDING!! Cover, The New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, Big E pinning

The New Day wins to even the score from last week. The historic tag trio rolls on towards the MITB Ladder Match, but they still need to choose one of them to enter. Who will it be? Who who who?

 

Backstage interview with The Club.

Gallows & Anderson are the #1 contenders to The Bludgeon Brothers’ SmackDown Tag Team Championships. How are they preparing? Just look at them. Karl Anderson puts the abs in Absolutely Shredded. BAM. Anderson’s hot Asian wife loves them. But these two are hungry and will do what it takes to be the champions. They’ve buried the hatchet with The Usos, and asks about their battles with Harper & Rowan. Those two are beastly, but the Good Brothers are going to beat them like a couple of… But wait, a message from Harper & Rowan: “The depraved will infect the decent. Minds obliterated. Souls corrupted. Bodies liquefied. Prepare yourselves for… THE BLUDGEON BROTHERS!” Doom awaits us at MITB, will The Club be able to survive?

 

Carmella heads to commentary.

The SmackDown Women’s Champion wants to watch this match up close and personal, since it relates to her title defense at the coming MITB.

Asuka VS Mandy Rose!

The Empress of Tomorrow challenges the FABULOUS Princess, but the duo formerly known as Absolution feels Asuka is unworthy. Will God’s Greatest Creation become only the second woman ever to defeat Asuka in singles competition? Or will she be a golden brick in the foundation of Asuka’s second streak? But Sonya attacks Asuka from behind!

The Gladiator Gal puts things in Mandy’s favor now that Asuka is hobbling. However, Asuka is also furious, and she wants this match to happen. The bell rings, Mandy goes right at Asuka in a corner! Mandy throws forearms but backs off at 4, to then mudhole stomp. Mandy backs off again but Asuka fires up. Asuka misses but then comes back with kicks. Mandy blocks a kick for the gutwrench throw! Cover, TWO, but she tries again. TWO, but Mandy keeps her cool. She drags Asuka up and brings her around into a straitjacket hold. Carmella calls Corey out for being a bandwagon fan while Mandy whips Asuka to a corner. Mandy dropkicks Asuka then hits her with the knee! Cover, TWO! Mandy has control while we go picture in picture.

Asuka crawls while Mandy soaks it all in. Mandy toys with Asuka but Asuka fights back. Mandy clubs Asuka back down, then drags Asuka up for a standing chinbar. Asuka endures, and fights her way out. Asuka blocks to grab Mandy in a backslide, TWO. She tries a wheelbarrow but Mandy turns it into a facebuster. Cover, TOW, and Mandy is frustrated. Mandy drags Asuka up and over, with double underhook, but Asuka resists. Asuka slips out, dodges the knee and roundhouses Mandy down! Both women are down from all the damage done while we go single picture. Fans duel while the women brawl. Asuka gets the edge and fires off roundhouses into Mandy’s chest. She pops Mandy up for a knee and a big haymakers. Asuka runs, for the sliding kick!

Mandy flounders to a corner, but Asuka hits the hip attack. Asuka pushes Mandy out then climbs up, for the missile dropkick. She hurries to a cover, TWO. Mandy gets to ropes while Asuka gets to her feet. Asuka runs into a back elbow, then misses her hip attack. Mandy whips and reels Asuka into a lariat. Mandy deadlifts but Asuka victory rolls, TWO! Into the chicken wing! Mandy pushes back, TWO, so Asuka rolls Mandy into the ASUKA LOCK! Mandy taps, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by submission

The Empress wins, but the Princess is not impressed. Carmella walks up and into the ring, and she’s apparently not afraid, either. She raises her belt up while Asuka grins. Will Carmella still be this brave when she actually has to fight Asuka?

 

Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair see this backstage.

They both agree Asuka is going to be the new SmackDown Women’s Champion. However, Charlotte assumes she becomes Ms. MITB to set up a ‘Mania Rematch. Becky only sees a wall. Because off to the side there, that’s where Becky is, being the actual Ms. MITB. They are both friends, but they need to remember it’s every woman for herself. Becky won’t let anything stop her from winning, not even Charlotte. Charlotte agrees, but Charlotte needs that contract. Charlotte’s in the match, Charlotte’s going to win. Paige likes what she sees. This is the spirit they need to keep the contract on SmackDown. Like the old PCB days. Oh, that gives Paige an idea! Tea Time. Well, nostalgia aside, will Paige’s hopes come true that the MITB winner is from her brand? Or will their competing only open the way for Raw?

 

Andrade Almas meets Sin Cara backstage.

El Idolo and the man with no face used to be friends, but Zelina Vega isn’t about Almas’ past. Almas is the future of SmackDown, but Sin Cara is a nobody. Seriously? Almas explains to Sin Cara that yes, that is how it is. Has success changed Almas far more than even his friends expected?

 

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Triple Threat: Daniel Bryan VS Big Cass VS Samoa Joe!

What was to be the Skyscraper VS the Destroyer changed to another amazing Dream (Re)Match, but then Cass returned to throw a 7 foot tall monkey wrench into everyone’s plans. Now that the odds are one-in-three, who will make it into the 8 Man ladder match?

The bell rings, and Bryan goes right at Cass again! Joe moves him aside to go after Cass himself, so now they work together on the bigger man. They stomp and stomp and stomp, then grind Cass into the corner with hands and feet. Bryan and Joe double whip Cass for double elbows, then Joe turns on Bryan with a swift chop! Joe snapmares and kicks Bryan, then jabs away on him. Joe jabs and jabs Bryan into a corner, then drags Bryan up for a headbutt. the referee reprimands Joe, but Joe just chops Bryan again. And again, and again. Joe whips Bryan but Bryan goes up and over. Joe hits buckles, Bryan wrecks Cass, but Joe wrecks Bryan. Then Joe runs and DIVES on Cass! The Destroyer glares at the tumbling Skyscraper, but Bryan climbs up to JUMP! Bryan wipes them all out while we go to break.

SmackDown returns once again, and Joe brawls with Cass. Cass throws haymakers on Joe then whips, but Joe dodgse and Cass hits buckles. Joe runs in to back elbow and Pele! Cass tumbles, Joe drags him up into the sleeper! Bryan runs in, but Joe sees him and gets the atomic drop and boot. Joe adds the back senton, cover, Cass breaks it just in time. Cass tumbles out of the ring but he and Bryan are stirring. Joe stands and sees Cass, so he gives Cass headbutts and strikes. Joe puts Cass in a corner for more jabs, but Cass turns it around to give uppercuts. Fans boo but Bryan fires off on Cass, which gets fans to cheer. Fans chant “YES! YES!” with every kick but Cass clubs Bryan right down.

Bryan is dazed but he gets up, only for Cass to toss him out. Cass pursues, to THROW Bryan over the announce desk! Fans jeer while Cass keeps his eyes on Joe while he throws hands on Bryan. Cass returns to the ring and throws hands on Joe. He whips Joe corner to corner, but Joe boots him away. Joe climbs up, but Bryan dropkicks outta nowhere! Cass runs in, drop toehold into buckles. Bryan kicks the ropes and it hurts them both. Bryan then fires off on Joe, and wrecks Cass with a dropkick. He goes back to Joe, climbs up, and throws punches before throwing Joe with a SUPER Steiner!

Fans fire up with Bryan as he targets Joe. Bryan runs in for another dropkick, then another, then… Cass clobbers Bryan! Cover, TWO! Cass is furious, but he takes it out on Bryan with a rain of rights. He towers over Bryan, then drops an elbow. Cass throws more right hands, then grinds a foot into Bryan’s chin. He backs off at the ref’s count, but brings Bryan up. Fans duel between Bryan and Joe, but Bryan fires off strikes on Cass, only to run into Cass’ knee. Cass has control while we take one more break.

SmackDown returns one more time, and Joe chops away on Cass. Cass clubs back on Joe, then gives body shots. He clubs Joe more, but Joe only powers up to chop and jab Cass again. Joe runs, but into a spinebuster! Cass backs up, drops the elbow, cover, but Bryan breaks it. Fans rally for Bryan as he kicks away on Cass again. Cass whips but Bryan ducks to jump, but Cass catches him for the East River Crossing! Joe breaks the cover! All three men are sore and tired, and Cass slips out of the ring for a breather. Cass returns and throws hands on Joe. Bryan comes in and gives a EuroUpper, then goes after the leg with a dragon screw! Bryan does the same to Joe! Fans fire up again as Bryan gives YES Kicks back and forth!

YES for Cass, YES for Joe, then the buzzsaws! Cover on Cass, TWO. Bryan brings Cass up for more strikes, then another dragon screw. Bryan wants the heel hook but Joe grabs Bryan in the sleeper! He brings Bryan down but Bryan makes it a cover, TWO. Bryan dumps Joe out, but Cass takes aim. Cass swings that boot but Bryan ducks it. Bryan goes to wrangle Cass down by that arm, and manages the YES Lock! Joe grabs Bryan and drags him away. Bryan shoves Joe and hits him with a flying knee! Everyone is down again, but Bryan gets to his feet first. He climbs up the corner, aiming for Cass. Cass stands, and Bryan drops him with the missile dropkick! Bryan fires up again, and kips up while Cass crawls to a corner.

Bryan and fans “YES! YES!” together, KNEE PLUS!! Cover, but Joe drags Bryan off into the Coquina Clutch!! Bryan is trapped, flailing, clawing, but also fading. Joe has put him to sleep, Joe wins!

Winner: Joe, by submission; joins the Men’s MITB Ladder Match

The Destroyer wins the final spot and keeps his threatening promise to Bryan. Joe will go to MITB while Bryan will go home, but will Joe follow through? Will Joe take the contract and use it to aim at the WWE Champion?

Meanwhile, Cass targets Bryan again. Bryan slowly stands, and Cass BOOTS Bryan down. Fans boo and jeer, but Cass doesn’t care, he just wants to ruin Bryan’s life. Will the Skyscraper pay for adding insult to injury?

 

 

My Thoughts:

SmackDown did much better than Raw with this week’s episode. Everything had something to do with the coming PPV, even the Dance Off between Lana and Naomi. Naomi and Lana are both skilled dancers, so maybe going with this rather than a match was a way around Lana still needing to catch up in wrestling. We are getting a mixed tag next week, and I’m both surprised and worried by the fact it’ll be Aiden English teaming with Lana and not Rusev. I hope the rumors of the Rusev Day break-up are false, because this might mean some kind of love triangle being the reason why. Rusev Day makes for a strong and very popular trio so hopefully they stay together. In fact, this could even lead to an Usos VS Rusev Day feud across both tag and women’s divisions.

Tye Dillinger’s return to TV is actually better than I expected, since he was up against Nakamura. He didn’t job to Nakamura, but gave a decent showing. Of course, Tye also made the perfect person to use for the Last Man Standing 10-count concept, and it really fed into the story. Tye just needs more chances. Same for Sin Cara, who makes a smaller return to WWE TV with Almas & Vega. I hope this becomes Almas’ first true feud so that both men get a good showing on SmackDown. Paige also keeps her old teammates in check by feeding Mandy to Asuka. Clever of Mandy to have Sonya attack Asuka for her, but it also makes Asuka that much stronger when she still wins. Then Paige adds on to things with her older teammates, Charlotte VS Becky is going to be a great sampler match next week.

The Six Man Tag was great, which is natural considering who was in it. New Day keeps on rolling, and the decision of who goes into MITB is definitely one we all want to know. At the same time, ladder matches are No Disqualification, so what would stop them from having all three men present anyway? Then the main event story has been great. Cass is the True Heel, getting all that heat from the fans as he “ruins” things with Joe and Bryan. The triple threat was great, even if there were more commercials than I’d like. Logically Joe wins, because now Cass and Bryan can focus on their story in a great rematch from Backlash. I’d expect Bryan to win the rematch, but in an even more decisive fashion so that this doesn’t extend all the way to Extreme Rules.

My Score: 8.5/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

14 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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