Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: Dominion 2018 Part 3!

Published

6 years ago

July 6, 2018

AXS TV finishes NJPW Dominion with THE match of the entire event: Best 2 out of 3 Falls, Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship #OneMoreTime! Will the Bullet Club’s Cleaner finally take the title from The Rainmaker? Or will Okada’s historic streak reach 13 successful defenses?

Gifs can be found courtesy of http://frentique.tumblr.com

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Rey Mysterio VS The Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Best of Three Falls: Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega; Omega wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS TV review what has led to this amazing main event!

“The history of professional wrestling changed on January 4th, 2017 at the Tokyo Dome”, for one of the greatest feuds in NJPW was born! The Rainmaker had barely begun his fourth reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion when Kenny Omega came for the title. Omega was the first foreigner to win the G1 Climax, and was ready to win on NJPW’s biggest stage. Their 46 minute match astounded the world, and even in defeat, The Cleaner established himself as one of the best.

Five months later, they had a rematch just a year ago at Dominion 2017. This time, it would be a 60 minute DRAW that was the pinnacle of pro-wrestling. However, they were not done. Omega wanted Okada a third time, at the G1 2017! They met in B Block’s final, and the at-the-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion defeated THE champion. However, the strife within Bullet Club sidetracked Omega, and he not only lost the IWGP USHC, but he almost lost his friends forever.

Meanwhile, Okada won again and again to break the historic title defense record. The Rainmaker now stands at 12, but he remembers his time-limit Draw and G1 defeat to Omega. Okada called him out, and Omega accepted. This is the fourth time around, there will be no time limit, and one man must score twice to win the entire match! Who will prove themselves THE BEST in NJPW, if not the entire wrestling world, today?!

Six Man Tag: Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Rey Mysterio VS The Bullet Club’s Cody, Hangman Page & Marty Scurll!

The Ace is joined by two living legends of wrestling to battle the American Nightmare, Problem Solver & Villain for a star-studded showdown! Can Tanahashi, Liger & Mysterio combine and show the younger generation how it’s done?

Tensions run high even before the bell, but the teams keep from breaking out into a brawl. The teams calm down and sort out while we take a quick break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Liger and Scurll start. Scurll trash talks the junior heavyweight legend, but fans are on Liger’s side. Scurll calls out Mysterio? The fans like that idea, so Mysterio tags in! Time for payback from Long Beach. Except Scurll tags out to Hangman. Even Hangman is surprised by that one. Mysterio gets the fans chanting “6 1 9! 6 1 9!” as Hangman comes in. Hangman gets in Mysterio’s face and demands Tanahashi. Mysterio points over to him, and the fans like that, too. Tanahashi tags in, and Hangman stays. They circle, tie up, and Tanahashi gets the wristlock. Hangman reverses the wristlock but Tanahashi reverses back. Hangman reverses back but Tanahashi does it back. Tanahashi gets the hammerlock then the headlock, then back to the hammerlock. Hangman gets his own hammerlock but Tanahashi reverses and gets the headlock again.

Tanahashi grinds Hangman but Hangman powers out, only for Tanahashi to run him over. Tanahashi runs, and Hangman expects him to go over, but Tanahashi drops an elbow! Hangman gets up, angrily floundering to the Bullet Club corner. Cody and Scurll calm Hangman down, and Cody tags in. Fans are mixed over the American Nightmare, but are definitely behind Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Cody circle, but Cody gets some push-ups in. Fans boo as Cody flexes, and Tanahashi himself is not impressed. Cody and Tanahashi circle, but then Tanahashi shows his push-ups off. Tanahashi flexes, and fans like that. They finally tie up, and Cody gets the headlock. Tanahashi powers out but Cody ducks under, only for Tanahashi to throw him with arm-drags.

Cody kicks low, drops for the uppercut, then brings Tanahashi over. Scurll tags in, but Tanahashi gets away to tag Mysterio! Scurll runs but Mysterio dodges, only for Scurll to run Mysterio over with a shoulder. The Villain flaps his wings “Woop woop” before covering, TWO! Scurll goes to put his full weight on him, but Mysterio counters and gets up onto Scurll’s shoulders to then sunset flip. TWO, and Scurll swings, but Mysterio gets under the punch to give a kick. Mysterio whips but Scurll reverses, only for Mysterio to kick him again. Mysterio runs and headscissors Scurll down. Fans fire up as Mysterio tags in Liger. Scurll panics but he’s tossed out by the NJPW legend. Liger builds speed while Tanahashi holds Scurll in place, and Liger hits the baseball slide!

Scurll hits railing, but Tanahashi feeds him to Liger. Liger grabs the legs and gets the arms, for the full surfboard! Hangman and Cody attack Tanahashi and Mysterio to then attack Liger. Scurll is free but the referee reprimands Cody & Hangman as they stomp Liger out. Scurll drags Liger over, and he copies the surfboard. Liger resists when it comes to the arms, so Scurll just stomps the knees. Scurll kicks Liger in the head, then tags in Cody. Cody stomps on Liger, especially the legs. He throws haymakers and kicks, and has Liger in the Bullet Club corner. Cody cartwheels away to blow a kiss to Mysterio. Tag to Hangman, and Hangman stomps Liger’s leg. Hangman brings Liger up, for a back suplex. Cover, TWO, but Hangman hangs on to that leg.

Tag to Scurll, and Scurll hammerlock stomps! Liger writhes in pain while Scurll taunts Mysterio and Tanahashi. Tag back to Hangman, and they take out Liger’s team again. All three Bullet Club members focus on Liger now with a double whip, drop toehold, basement dropkick and Hangman’s standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Hangman argues with the referee, but fans rally up for the legend. Hangman drags Liger over and tags in Scurll. Scurll kicks Liger while he’s down, then stalks him to a corner. Scurll shouts “He’s no legend to me!” as he whips Liger corner to corner. Liger comse out with a back elbow, but misses the palm strike. Scurll gets Liger with the feint to kick out a leg, then runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker!

Both men are down, but fans are fired up. Liger crawls, hot tag to Mysterio! Mysterio springboards in for the seated senton, then runs to whip Scurll. Scurll sunset flips but Mysterio rolls through to kick Scurll down. Mysterio whips but Scurll reverses, but Mysterio tilt-o-whirl headscissors Scurll away. They speed up, quebrada to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Mysterio has the fans all fired up, and he waistlocks Scurll. Scurll standing switches but Mysterio bucks him off. Mysterio mule kicks Scurll, then springboards again, wheelbarrow throw! Scurll’s on the ropes, but Hangman tags in! Hangman slingshots just as Tanahashi tags in, and Mysterio dodges Buck Shot to feed Hangman to Tanahashi’s elbow. Tanahashi springboards for a crossbody, then dropkicks Cody for good measure. Hangman’s boot is caught into a dragon screw, and Tanahashi fires up.

Tanahashi runs, but into the roaring elbow. Hangman lifts Tanahashi, but Tanahashi denies the Rite to hit the swinging neckbreaker! Tanahashi keeps going, but runs into a cheap shot kick. He makes Scurll pay for it, but Hangman kicks and runs, so Mysterio gives that cheap shot back. Mysterio shoulders in, but Hangman knocks his slingshot down. Hangman and Tanahashi collide with clotheslines, but neither man falls. Tanahashi slaps Hangman, but Hangman discus clothelines Tanahashi down! Both men crawl for their corners as fans rally. Hot tags to Cody and Liger! Liger waistlocks and rolls Cody, TWO, small package! TWO but Liger is on Cody with a waistlock.

Cody elbows out, then runs, but into the SHOTEI! Cover, but Scurll breaks it. Mysterio returns but Scurll gets his fingers! Mysterio breaks free and enziguris Scurll. Scurll crawls to ropes, and Mysterio runs. Hangman returns, intercepts, and prepares a bomb, but Tanahashi kicks Hangman in the stomach. Mysterio headscissors and Hangman ends up beside Scurll. Mysterio runs, for a DOUBLE 619!

Scurll rolls out while Hangman flounders, Tanahashi brings him down with a Slingblade! Hangman rolls out while Mysterio wipes Scurll out again. Tanahashi slingshots out to hit Hangman again, and Liger goes after Cody. Liger brings Cody up to the top rope, then climbs for the SUPER Steiner! He keeps going, but Cody escapes. Cody wants Cross Rhodes, and hits it! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: The Bullet Club, Cody pinning

What a shock! The youthful trio defeats the living legends! Though, what’s not shocking is that Cody attacks Liger after the win. But then Mysterio springboards in, hits Cody with a seated senton, then literally kicks Cody out of the ring. The Bullet Club regroups while Tanahashi and Mysterio check on Liger. The bad guys get the win and get away, but will there be payback down the line?

IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Best of Three Falls: Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega!

The finale of Dominion 2018 has the biggest match yet between the two best in NJPW! History is on the line along with the title, will 13 prove to be The Rainmaker’s unlucky number? Or will The Cleaner finally have the grand prize he’s been seeking?

Omega has his friend in the Golden Lovers, Kota Ibushi, in his corner, while Okada has Gedo as always. Of course, it is odd that it’s only Ibushi in Omega’s corner, given how close Omega is with The Young Bucks. But Bullet Club dysfunction aside, Omega must focus on the history-making champion across from him. Red Shoes presents the belt to Omega, does his check of both men, and the bell rings to begin the first fall!

FIRST FALL

Omega and Okada soak in the moment as fans cheer for them. They start to circle, then slowly approach. They tie up, and Omega gets the waistlock. Okada works against it, and gets the standing switch. Omega pries his way out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls through. Okada reverses but Omega reverses back. Omega gets the headlock takeover, but Okada headscissors. Omega pops out and the two stand off. Fans applaud and duel between these two modern greats. Okada and Omega circle again. Omega lunges in, leg takedown to waistlock to facelock. Okada reverses to his own, then brings Omega up. Okada changes to a cravat, then snapmares for a chinlock. Omega moves and works his way out to a grounded armlock. Omega wrenches that arm, but Okada shifts. It becomes a cover, TWO, but Omega chases Okada to the ropes. Omega honors the ropebreak and backs away.

Okada comes back and fans duel again as they circle. They tie up, Okada rolls to get the wristlock. Okada brings Omega to the mat with the top lock, but Omega kip-up to reverse. Omega toeholds and cartwheels to the facelock. They stand up but Okada gets the leg trip. Okada drops an elbow on Omega’s leg, then makes it a shinlock. Omega grinds his forearms into Okada’s face, but Okada doesn’t let go. Okada wrenches back, but Omega grabs the chin to turn Okada. Omega gets the ropebreak, and Okada lets go. They both stand up and circle again. Another tie up, and Okada powers Omega back to a corner. Okada honors the ropebreak, but then fakes a hit to pat Omega on the shoulder. Omega comes back, looking to strike, but gives back two shoulder pats.

Omega then rushes in but Okada dodges the knee. Okada runs in but Omega goes up and over. Omega comes back but is popped up onto the shoulder. Omega slides off and kicks low, to then whip. Okada reverses but Omega holds ropes to avoid the dropkick. Omega dropkicks Okada in the knee, then runs, leap frog, but Okada slips out to wristlock and swing out! Omega ducks the lariat to shovel Okada onto his shoulders! Okada flails and gets to ropes to bring Omega outside with him! They both hit the floor, but are getting up slowly. Ibushi coaches up Omega, and both men stand up to brawl at ringside. Okada hits, Omega hits, then back again.

They pick up speed in their strikes, but Okada gets an edge. Omega still hits back, then whips Okada at the railing. Okada reverses to send Omega into railing! Okada then boots Omega over, into the gap. He then clears space, gets a running start, and FLIES over the railing, but into a V-Trigger! Okada clutches his arm while Omega gets up. Omega drags Okada up, and then takes a piece of railing like a ramp. He scoop slams Okada onto it and chairs! Then they go back to the ring, and Omega covers. TWO, but Omega keeps focus. Fans rally up and duel again. Omega drops elbows into Okada’s shoulder, then covers again, TWO.

Omega runs, for another elbow drop. He stalks Okada as he rolls away. Omega sits Okada up to kick him across the back. Omega toys with Okada a little, then kicks him in the back again. Gedo coaches Okada up, and Okada dares Omega to kick him again. So Omega does, as he kicks Okada’s back twice, then runs for the dropkick to the head! Cover, TWO, but Omega still keeps his cool. He brings Okada up and bump him off a buckle. Omega chops Okada in the corner, then again. He lifts Okada, for a running backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Okada writhes while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and fans rally up again for both men. Omega brings Okada up into a half camel clutch. Okada endures as he works his way out. Okada crawls for ropes, but Omega pulls back on him more. Omega gets both arms for a full camel clutch, and rocks back and forth to pull on the spine. Gedo shouts for Okada to fight, and Okada pops out to get the ropebreak. Omega lets go, but he kicks his heel into Okada’s back. Fans rally up again, and Omega brings Okada up. Okada hits Omega with a haymaker, but Omega gives him a blunt chop. Okada hits Omega again, but Omega chops Okada again. Omega even chops Okada’s back as he leans against the ropes. Omega turns Okada around to chop the front, as well. He runs, but Okada catches him in the flapjack!

Both men are down, and fans rally up again. Omega stands first, then drags Okada up. Okada hits with a forearm to the body, then a forearm to the head. Omega swings but misses, and Okada fires off more shots. Okada whips but Omega reverses, but things speed up and Okada runs Omega over with the back elbow. Omega gets to a corner, and Okada whips him corner to corner. Okada back elbows in the corner, then hits a DDT! Cover, TWO, but Okada keeps his cool. Okada grabs Omega for a seated cobra clutch. Omega flails, stands up, and throws Okada off. Okada ends up outside, but he dodges the slingshot. Okada slingshots and hits Omega! Both men go down, but Okada is up first. Okada brings Omega up and into the ring, then climbs up top.

Omega sees him and gets under the jump. Omega runs out, but his kick is blocked nito Okada’s kick. Okada runs, but into the huricanrana! Okada goes back out, but Omega sees him. Omega baseball slides and hits Okada in the back! Okada tumbles over the blue railing and to the floor. Omega gets up as fans drum for the Terminator. Omega aims, springboards, and LEAPS! He wipes Okada out with that insane crossbody! Omega stands first, and brings Okada up. They go back over the blue railing and to the ring. Omega runs, leap frog bulldog! Cover, TWO!

That was so close, but Omega keeps going as he brings Okada up. Omega lifts Okada in the cross-leg fisherman, to brainbuster! Fans rally and Omega powers up. He aims, BANG, and runs, but misses the V-Trigger! Okada gets Omega with a German Suplex on the rebound, but Omega lands on his feet! Omega thrusts, Okada manages to block the knee, but Omega comes back to hit another! Omega goes for but Okada denies the Reverse-Rana by holding ropes.

Okada reels Omega in and hits the German Suplex with bridge! TWO, but barely as Omega simply rolls sideways. Okada holds on, prepares the wristlock, but Omega backs him down to a corner. Omega throws back elbow after back elbow, then hoists Okada up top. He chops Okada for good measure before climbing up. Omega prepares something but Okada resists. Even so, Omega keeps trying. They fight with body shots, but Okada sends Omega down. Omega comes back with a big forearm and rocks Okada to his knees. Omega drags Okada up, and puts Okada up top backwards now. He climbs up and wants the half nelson. Okada resists as Omega tries the full nelson. Okada elbows Omega off, then hops down to the apron. He gets Omega in Tombstone position! APRON TOMBSTONE!! Okada rolls away while Omega writhes.

Fans rally and duel again. Okada rolls away while Omega stands up. Okada blasts Omega off the apron with a dropkick! Omega hits railings ribs first! Red Shoes checks on Omega, but Omega refuses to let this end. Okada comes out to fetch Omega, giving a forearm to that bad spot in the ribs. Fans rally as they go back into the ring. Okada climbs up again, and hits a powerful missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!? Omega refuses to let Okada score even this first fall, that’s how much the title means to him. Okada has Red Shoes check on Omega, but again, Omega refuses to end this. Okada brings Omega up again, scoop slam, then he climbs up top again. He drops the elbow from up top! Okada calls for his namesake more, but Omega catches him with a Snap Dragon Suplex! Okada rolls away while Omega fires himself up.

Omega goes Terminator, takes aim, and builds speed, to FLY! That senton was double edged given Omega’s bad ribs, but he doesn’t care. Omega gets up and brings Okada up. They go back into the ring, and now Omega climbs up top. Omega aims at Okada, for a missile dropkick to the back! Cover, TWO! There’s still no first fall, but Omega looks to change that. Omega has the full nelson, but Okada fights free with back elbows. Okada runs but Omega reels him in for a chop to the back. Omega shovels Okada up, wants the Angel, but Okada hops off. Okada wants the lariat, but Omega kicks it away. Omega V-Trigger, then another shovel. Okada fights it, so Omega pops Okada into a German Suplex! Bridge cover, TWO?! That wasn’t the first fall!? Omega can’t believe it, but that’s how much this means to Okada.

Fans are thunderous as Okada crawls. Omega says BANG, then runs, for the V-Trigger! Then, the shovel, but Okada pops out and dropkicks Omega in the back. Omega’s against ropes, and Okada whips him across the way for the dropkick. Okada fires up, and he brings Omega up again. Wristlock and swing out, but Omega ducks. Omega wristlock and swings Okada out for a V-Trigger! Cover, high stack, TWO!! That was as close to three as could be! Omega drags Okada up while Gedo pounds as hard as he can. Omega has Okada up in double underhook. He lifts, but a headscissor counter throws Omega! Omega comes back, but Okada scoops him into position, Tombstone! Okada won’t cover, he wants his move. He drags Omega up, swing out, but Omega tilt-o-whirls around Okada. Omega tries a sunset, but Okada sits on it! Okada gets the first fall!!

FIRST FALL: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall

It took over 28 minutes to do it, but Okada scores the first point! Omega is now behind the 8-ball if he wants to win this match and the title. Both men are allowed a brief break to regroup, and we go to a television break.

NJPW on AXS returns and both men have returned to their corners. Okada grins, confident in his 1-0 lead. Both men are ready to go, and the bell rings on the second fall!

SECOND FALL

Omega rushes Okada immediately, but runs into a kick. Okada puts Omega in a corner and throws a forearm, but Omega fires off many more in return. Omega clubs away on Okada’s back, but Okada puts Omega back in the corner and onto the top rope. Okada dropkicks Omega down, and Omega tumbles to the floor. Omega staggers while Okada catches his breath in the ring. Okada waits while Omega crawls. Okada goes out to thread Omega through the railings and pull back on his head! Omega can only endure the pain. Red Shoes comes out to get Okada to stop. Okada brings Omega around and clubs that neck. Okada hits the bad ribs, too, then wrenches Omega’s arm before whipping him at railing. Omega stops himself, then mule kicks Okada. Omega uses the rails as a springboard, but Okada shoves him to the front row!

The railings save the fans, but not Omega. Okada catches his breath while Omega writhes. Omega sits up, but Okada is upon him from across the rails. Okada drags Omega out, for a draping DDT to the floor! Both men are down, but Okada from exhaustion while Omega from the damage done. Red Shoes gets Okada to go back into the ring. Okada waits while Omega stands up. The 20 count begins, but Omega returns at 8. Fans applaud the heart of the challenger. Omega hits Okada, but his punches are too weak. Omega chops, and those have a bit more sting. Okada backs down, Omega runs, but into Okada’s boot! Okada backs off to a corner to recover from those chops. Omega sits up, but Okada is on him. Omega swings but ends up in the cobra clutch!

Okada brings Omega to the mat, but Omega won’t quit. Fans rally as Okada wrenches on Omega’s neck. Omega moves around, reaching for ropes. Okada keeps him back, and he wants Omega to quit. Omega refuses, and he gets a second wind. Omega jawbreakers out, then chops Okada again. He runs, but into the headlock, which he counters with a back suplex! Both men are down again, and fans rally up again. Omega follows Okada out of the ring, and back suplexes him on the apron! Okada slumps down while Omega makes his way back up. Omega “borrows” a table from the timekeeper’s area, and throws it on top of Okada. He gets onto the apron, and leaps for a double stomp onto Okada and table!

The table stays solid as it squashes Okada! Omega then sets that table up, as it has more left to do. Omega drags Okada up and over, but Okada throws Omega into a post. Okada and Omega both go back inside the ring, but slowly after all the damage done. Fans rally up with Gedo as Okada scoop slams Omega. Okada goes for a back senton, but Omega puts his knees up! Omega drags Okada up, fireman’s carry, and “You Can’t Escape!” But Okada slips off before the rolling senton, then fireman’s carry for the Heavy Rain! Both men slowly stand, but Okada blasts Omega into a corner with a dropkick! The second fall continues after the break.

NJPW on AXS returns and both men are slowly stirring. Okada goes after Omega and drags him over to the center of the ring. Okada climbs up again, but slowly. Omega gets up and throws hands on Okada. Omega chops Okada again, then climbs up to join him. They stand up, and Omega uses the cross-leg fisherman for the SUPERPLEX! The crash landing hurts them both, but Omega feeds off the fans’ rally. He stands up and dares Okada to stand. Okada slowly stirs, and Omega is upon him with forearms. Omega whips but Okada reverses, only for Omega to reel him into the fireman’s carry. “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton, then the moonsault, but onto knees! Okada hits the running European Uppercut! Now Okada stands first, and he stares at that table Omega set up. He calls his shot as he brings Omega up.

Okada whips and goes to back drop, but Omega flails and lands on his feet. Omega runs, dodges, and hits a running DDT! Okada ends up on the apron, and Omega calls the shot for the table. Omega joins Okada on the apron, and ignores Red Shoes as he begs Omega not to do this. Omega brings Okada up with a waistlock, but needs the Young Lions to pull the railing back. Okada holds onto ropes for dear life as Omega pulls for the German Suplex. Omega keeps trying but Okada keeps holding on. Omega clubs Okada’s back, then tries for the full nelson! Okada resists, but Omega clubs him until he gets the hands free. Okada elbows back, and Omega hops down, but then tries the electric chair! Omega wants the Angel but Okada slips out to wristlock swing! Omega ducks under again, to Reverse-Rana Okada on the floor!

Both men are down again, but Omega gets up to get in the ring. Red Shoes checks on Okada. Okada is still moving, and the 20 count begins. Gedo shouts for Okada to move, but the count passes 10 before Okada crawls. Okada turns himself around and flounders to the ring. He beats the count at 19, but Omega hits a V-Trigger! Then, electric chair, but Okada reverses! Jumping Tombstone! Okada wants to keep going, wristlock and swing, but Omega counters with a yurinagi! Fans are fired up all over again as both men slowly stir. Omega sits up first, then crawls over to Okada. Okada slowly sits up, and the two glare as they stand up. Omega hits first with a forearm, but Okada comes back with his own. Omega hits again, but Okada still comes back with another.

Now Omega chops Okada, and it echoes out. Okada forearms, and they go back and forth, faster and faster. Omega ducks, gets around, Snap Dragon! But Okada springs up to dropkick Omega back! Omega staggers, and Okada whips. Omega reverses to dropkick Okada! They both get up, get running, and Omega counters Okada’s dropkick into a sit-out powerbomb! Omega rolls Okada over, not for a cover, but for another V-Trigger! Then he hauls Okada up, double underhook, but Okada back drops out of it! Omega sunset flips but Okada sits on it, TWO!!

Okada EuroUppers, then runs, but into another V-Trigger! Omega grabs Okada, double underhook, piledriver! Cover, TWO!? Okada will not allow Omega to tie this up, no matter what. But Omega takes aim again, BANG! He runs, V-Trigger! Then, the electric chair, One-Winged Angel! Cover, Omega scores the second fall!!

SECOND FALL: Kenny Omega, by pinfall

After 19 minutes, The Cleaner ties it up at 1-1! We go to break while both men regroup for the third and final fall!

THIRD FALL

NJPW on AXS returns with the bell, and Omega immediately V-Triggers Okada in the head! Omega hurries to haul Okada up for another, but Okada slips out! Okada gets Omega with the wristlock and swing, RAINMAKER! The lariat connects, but Okada falls away from Omega. He can’t make the cover, he’s missing his chance. Fans are thunderous as Okada crawls over to try, TWO! Okada and Omega stir as fans rally up again. Okada sits up, but Omega follows. They get to their feet, but Okada is on Omega first. Okada tries but Omega blocks the gutwrench scoop. Okada tries but Omega counters into his own gutwrench. Both men fight for control, but neither will make it easy for the other.

Okada clubs Omega with double ax handles. Omega swings a hand, but Okada blocks to give a EuroUpper. Omega manages to slap Okada, but Okada gives another EuroUpper. Okada brings Omega up for another EuroUpper, and Omega staggers to ropes. Okada whips, but Omega’s stumble saves him from Okada’s dropkick. Omega gets up and fans are rallying behind him. Omega drags Okada up, lifts, but Okada resists. Okada holds on against whatever Omega has planned. Omega clubs away with forearms and palm strikes. Okada goes limp enough for Omega to try again. Omega lifts, but Okada fights out of the powerbomb. Okada goes to huricanrana, but Omega blocks it with strength! Omega improvises, and takes a page from a former Bullet Club leader, STYLES CLASH!! A truly phenomenal idea as Omega rolls Okada over for the cover. TWO!?!

Okada survives, grabbing the rope for good measure. Fans chant “AJ Styles!”, remembering who that move represents. Omega gets to a corner while Okada crawls the other way. Omega takes aim at Okada, runs corner to corner, V-TRIGGER! But he’s not done, as he goes for another electric chair. But Omega’s legs and back give out, he collapses while Okada falls into buckles. Okada rests against the buckles while Omega fires himself up. Omega uses the corner for help in shoveling Okada up. Fans are thunderous once more as he has Okada up. But Okada slips down, prepared for the Tombstone! But then Omega slips around and lifts Okada for the same! Wait, he changes it up, cradle piledriver!! Cover, TWO!!?

Even Ibushi is shocked at how close that was! But again, this is all for pride, history and the title. Any one of those is reason enough not to quit. Ibushi coaches Omega up and to keep focus. Omega gets up again and positions Okada before climbing up top. Phoenix Splash, FLOPS! Okada comes back with a dropkick to the back. Okada drags Omega up again, gutwrench scoop, but Omega slips out again. V-Trigger knocks Okada down! Omega drags Okada back up, for another V-Trigger. Then another! Omega backs up, but Okada blocks the third one, and counters with a dropkick! Okada gutwrenches but his back won’t let him, so he dropkicks Omega again. He drags Omega up, wristlock and RAINMAKER– But there’s no power behind it…! Okada and Omega slump to the mat, running on fumes.

Fans have not stopped, they are still thunderous for both men. Red Shoes begins a count, and the two men begin to stir. The count stops at 7 as both men crawl over to each other. Okada weakly clubs Omega, and Omega weakly forearms Okada. Okada throws Omega’s face to the mat, but Omega forearms Okada back. Omega hits, Okada hits. Omega slaps, Okada slaps! Now Omega headbutts, and it’s almost double-edged. Omega stands up and drags Okada up with him. Okada RAINMAKER outta nowhere! It wasn’t the full form, but that was still good enough to clobber Omega. Okada has the wrist as he drags Omega up again, for another RAINMAKER! Omega is down, but Okada can’t make the cover from exhaustion. Okada comes back around too late, but he grits his teeth as he drags Omega up one more time.

Omega is dazed as Okada swings him out, but then GERMAN SUPLEX! They fall sideways, no bridge to cover. But Omega holds on to the waistlock as fans rally up again. Omega drags Okada up, for another German! But Omega doesn’t try for the bridge there, he wants more. He drags Okada up again, but Okada standing switch to GERMAN Omega! But the bridge is lopsided, no cover. Okada doesn’t care, he returns to his wristlock control. He drags Omega up, swings out, but Omega dodges! SNAP German! Omega tries again but Okada elbows out. Reverse-Rana! Omega uses all he has left just to stand while Okada rests against ropes. Red Shoes comes over, and Omega uses him. BANG, but into a dropkick!

Okada still has something left as he drags Omega back up. He wristlocks, swings out, but is reeled into a sudden One-Winged Angel!! But Omega can’t cover, even as Okada groggily crawls to ropes. Okada is out of it, but Omega still gets up. Fans are thunderous as Omega gets running again… V-TRIGGER!! Then, electric chair, ONE-WINGED ANGEL!! Cover, Omega WINS!!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion

He has done it!! Omega wins in an amazing comeback from behind, and has ended Okada’s historic reign! This war for the ages was a total of 65 minutes, the most memorable 65 minutes anywhere in wrestling, and it ends with Omega becoming the 66th heavyweight champion! We go to break while both men recover before the championship presentation.

NJPW on AXS returns…

Okada is still dazed, and Omega can barely move much himself. Ibushi helps Omega sit up, but on the ramp are Omega’s other friends, the newly crowned IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks! Matt & Nick Jackson slowly make their way down the ramps as Omega checks on Okada. Fans cheer this show of respect, as well as this incredible accomplishment. Ibushi helps Omega stand so that the announcement can officially be made. The Bucks enter the ring as Omega is presented with the belt. They bring it in for hugs! The Bucks are so proud of their friend for finally achieving this accolade. Even Ibushi joins in!

Okada is helped away by Gedo and a Young Lion, having left it all in the ring. Meanwhile, Red Shoes hands Omega the title belt, so that he may truly celebrate this moment. With Ibushi and the Bucks by his side, Omega puts on the belt to truly feel like he’s champion.

Omega gets a microphone, and speaks to the crowd in Osaka. “I guess I’ll do my best to speak a little Japanese.” Omega says these past ten years, he’s done so much. His ultimate goal was always this IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Omega thought that if he ever got the belt, he’d leave Japan. But now, in the middle of this match, he saw pro-wrestling’s future. Wrestling has truly evolved. And because of that, as the leader, the champion of NJPW, he will take the next step and move forward. He is champion, the Young Bucks are champions, and “Bu-san” Ibushi is the “strongest and handsomest tag team partner”. They can do anything, so let’s all go together!

But of course, this is a worldwide promotion, so Omega speaks some English. Today was a miracle. So many people tell Omega he’s not the best, he’s a waste of time, he should fit in or take a payday, should stay calm and Tranquilo. But that’s not Omega’s way. Omega’s way is to make his own rules and live the way he wants. With everyone beside him, especially his best friends, “we can truly do anything.” “But alas”, after that hour-plus long main event, Omega is tired and almost died, so this is where he bids us adieu. “Thank you so very much. Good bye, mwah, and good night! BANG!” The confetti fires and rains down on this #GoldenElite.

But then, Cody reappears? The Bullet Club dysfunction is still happening on the side, and clearly Cody looks annoyed. Cody leaves without a word or a gesture of respect. Will he be aiming for the Cleaner again in the near future? That is something to worry about when the time comes. For now, Omega’s friends hoist him up onto their shoulders to celebrate!

Backstage interviews.

Omega says he defeated the greatest wrestler on modern Earth. Okada is the “total, complete package”, the man who carried NJPW to this point. But this is as far as Okada can go with it. Omega sees NJPW’s future, its evolution and the evolution of all pro-wrestling with it. He has so much more to do now that he is IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Omega will do his best to fill Okada’s shoes as he writes a new chapter, a new legacy, for NJPW. Even after putting his body through Hell, Omega wants more. Where will NJPW go and what heights will they reach with Omega at the helm?

My Thoughts:

I’m practically speechless after that main event, but I’ll do my best to form words. Dominion 2018 raises the bar on not just the other wrestling promotions around the world, but on NJPW itself, to where I’m not sure how they’re going to outdo this. Okada VS Omega Part 4 alone puts everyone else on notice for what a Match of the YEAR candidate really looks like. And thinking about it, Dominion was a great event for Bullet Club as a whole, with the trio of Cody, Scurll & Hangman defeating Liger, Mysterio & Tanahashi, then the Young Bucks checking off the Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and of course, Omega winning THE Heavyweight Championship. The only thing missing is an end to the civil war. Perhaps one more time for Cody & Omega will do it, but it’d have to be something truly decisive, and no less than for the title.

My Score: 9.6/10

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

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

13 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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