Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (7/23/18)

Published

6 years ago

July 23, 2018

The Raw Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon, returns to make a MAJOR announcement! Plus, Roman Reigns VS Bobby Lashley, winner faces Brock Lesnar at Summerslam!

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Raw Tag Team Championships: The B-Team VS The Deleters of Worlds; The B-Team wins and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Samantha Simon & Karen Lundee; Bayley & Sasha win.
Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya; Mickie wins.
The Authors of Pain VS ???; no contest.
Tyler Breeze VS Mojo Rawley; Mojo wins.
Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre; Finn wins, by disqualification.
Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins & Finn Balor; Rollins & Balor win.
Ember Moon VS Liv Morgan; Ember wins.
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Roman Reigns VS Bobby Lashley; Reigns wins and will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at Summerslam.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Raw Roster is on stage.

Because Vince McMahon is here! He welcomes Cincinnati to the show, and introduces his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie McMahon & Triple H! Yes, the Raw Commissioner and COO join the Chairman in the ring for this major announcement.

Stephanie lets the fans boo before speaking on this historic moment “that some of us will remember for the rest of our lives.” Triple H takes a moment to acknowledge the WWE Superstars. Not just the ones on stage but all the stars across all brands. All the stars from all the branches of WWE are here to fulfill a desire to entertain the world. Nights like this happen because of them. Their passion, sacrifice, blood, sweat & tears make this possible, but not alone. This is a giant team, a bond that is created when you’re a WWE superstar in this ring, putting your trust in someone else’s hands. HHH has never seen that bond stronger than this here today.

With that said, HHH wishes for the women to step forward. Every woman from Sasha Banks to the IIconics to Nikki Cross step forward. The men behind them support all the women, as does the WWE Universe. The fans let the women know that every night, “since day one, through history.” From the first Women’s Ironman to Money in the Bank, Royal Rumble, all of it. And WWE itself has stood in awe watching the women work, some with a tear in their eyes, “as you have stolen the show again and again.” HHH wants them to know that everyone is so proud of them.

Stephanie says that big moments don’t happen just because of opportunity, talent or labels, but because the fans deem it important. They happen because fans deem it worthy as part of something they love. More opportunities were demanded with #GiveDivasAChance. And because of the fans, Divas became SUPERSTARS! Women can do and be anything they want! Thanks to the fans, the WWE can make yet another first-ever announcement. October 28th, 50 women will participate in WWE Evolution, the first-ever ALL WOMEN’S PPV! The Women’s Championships and the finals of the second-ever Mae Young Classic tournament are just some of what happens there, how much more amazing will this event become in the coming weeks?

The Deleters of Worlds speak.

Cincinnati, they’re here!

The B Team meet backstage.

WWE Evolution will be incredible! Axel wants to see Rousey. No, Charlotte! Wait, let’s focus on the title defense. Bo says this run is a dream come true. Ten weeks ago, they could barely win, but now, they’re the champions! They’ve always been a team, but there’s no one that they’d rather team with. B also stands for Brothers! And for BEST! But don’t forget the belts. B Team, GO~!

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter is in Cincinnati, but he is INTERRUPTED~ by the Woken Ying Yang!

Raw Tag Team Championships: The B-Team VS The Deleters of Worlds!

The time has come for Curt Axel & Bo Dallas to defend their titles against the former champions. Will WOKEN Hardy & Bray Wyatt finally DELETE the upstart underdogs unequivocally?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we begin! Hardy starts against Bo and circle before tying up. Hardy gets a headlock and drags Bo over. Bray tags in but Bo gets away. Fans fire up while Axel encourages Bo. Bo circles with Bray, then run. Bray runs Bo over with the body check! He warns Axel before dragging Bo up for an uppercut. Bray uppercuts Bo again, then laughs as he reels Bo in for a lariat. Bray drags Bo up, prepares Abigail but Axel comes in. hardy helps Bray fight both B Team members off, then Brya spider-walks! “DELETE! DELETE!” echoes out while the B Team slip out of the ring for a moment. The Deleters have the mental advantage while we go to break.

Raw returns, and The B Team has Bray down! Axel snapmares and neck snaps, cover, TWO. Hardy rallies up the fans while The Revival watch backstage. Axel has a headlock but Bray powers his way back. Axel knees low and powers Bray to the corner. Bo tags in and hits a clothesline to fee Bray to Axel’s knee! Cover, TWO! Bo wraps Bray in a chinlock, but fans rally up for The Deleters. Bray feeds off the energy but Bo knees low. Bo runs, but into a clubbing lariat! Both Bray and Bo are down, and the fans fire up. Hot tags to Hardy and Axel! Hardy rallies on Axel, then whips. He runs Axel over with an elbow, then a lariat. Hardy puts Axel in a corner for DELETE buckle bumps, all three levels!

Hardy is fired up and he runs in for the clothesline. He reels Axel in, Side Effect! Cover, TWO! But Hardy keeps going as he climbs up. He aims at Axel for the elbow! Hardy calls for the Twist, and lurks behind Axel. Hardy kicks low, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, but Bo breaks it! Bray hits Bo, but then misses into a corner. He runs into Hardy, Axel rolls Hardy up, B TEAM WINS!!

Winner: The B Team; still Raw Tag Team Champions

A shocking upset for the champions as they retain tonight! Miscommunication and misdirection were the downfall of Hardy & Wyatt, but they stop to say… “Wonderful!” The fans join in the round of applause, but then Hardy & Wyatt give Bo & Axel a Twist of Fate and Sister Abigail! Respect has been DELETED in this rivalry, but will Wyatt & Hardy find their way back to REDEMPTION?

Fnn Balor meets with Chad Gable.

Finn’s happy to see Gable back, but why’s he in his gear? Because he always stays #ReadyWillingAnd– Yeah, okay but what about WWE Evolution? Yeah! Is it current or legends, too? Who knows. But wait, is that Finn’s suitcase? And his jacket? What’s going on here? Constable Corbin is moving Finn to a new locker room. Seriously? Finn follows the staff to the “locker room”. It’s a little playhouse, complete with crayons and stuffed animals.

Corbin walks over and says that after Finn’s win at Extreme Rules, he’s “too big” not to have a private room. And this is perfect for someone of his “stature.” Finn tells Corbin he’s a great constable. Finn’s always wanted a fun house, so thanks! Corbin is annoyed that his jokes aren’t upsetting Finn, so he reminds Finn he’s having a match with Drew McIntyre. Will Finn have fun in the ring against the Scottish Terminator?

Backstage interview with Bayley & Sasha Banks.

With this emotional roller coaster they’ve been on, can they finally work together as a team? Since last week, the two friends talked it out after last week’s confession. They have their differences, but that’s what makes them such strong friends. They’re very different, but very driven. Their dreams get bigger with #WWEEvolution. And it was really nice to finally hear Sasha’s true feelings for the Huggable One. And surely she feels the same about The Boss. Time to take over the world! Can the Odd Couple of the Raw Women’s Division use friendship to find victory?

Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Samantha Simon & Karen Lundee!

Bayley starts against ?? and ties up. She powers ?? to the corner, then snake eyes on the buckle. She hits a back elbow and tags in Sasha. Sasha adds in double knees, then wrenches ??’s arm. ?? throws Sasha down and rams in a shoulder. She tags in !!, who grinds her boot into Sasha. Sasha fights out, and counters a kick with a knee! Sasha tags in Bayley, and the friends work together for the assisted splash. Bayley tags Sasha back, they double cross the arms then whip her into buckles. Sasha snapmares !! and Bayley adds the knee. Bayley takes ouat ?? while Sasha puts on the Bank Statement. !! taps, Sasha & Bayley win!

Winners: Sasha & Bayley, Sasha by submission

Friendship wins, and fast! They hug in victory, ready for WWE Evolution. Will the friendship help them find a spot on the historic PPV?

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

Again. But the Drifter’s debut album is available now! But here comes BRAUN!! The Monster in the Bank goes to the ring, and fans chant “Get These Hands!” The WWE universe is talking about two things: first, WWE Evolution in October. Braun wishes to congratulate all the women in the WWE, especially his Mixed Match Challenge partner, Alexa Bliss. Secondly, the commotion of Roman Reigns VS Bobby Lashley to name a #1 contender. They’re like bulls butting heads in the ring, but only one gets to face Brock Lesnar at Summerslam. But the way Strowman sees it, it won’t matter if it’s Reigns, Lashley or Lesnar, sooner or later, “a Monster is gonna come calling” because he has the briefcase! What does WWE Universe think of Braun as the Universal Champion? Fans like the sound of that! But here comes Kevin Owens!

Despite that crash off a cage and through a table at Extreme Rules, the Prizefighter slowly and sorely walks out on stage to address Strowman. “I can’t believe it.” After what he did to Kevin, Strowman thinks he can act like nothing happened? That he can just move on to the Universal Championship? No, no, NO!! When Kevin wanted to be friends, that was genuine kindness. And because of Kevin’s 10 year old son wanting to be a champion beside Strowman like Nicholas once was. But Strowman crushed that dream the same time he crushed Kevin. Kevin’s kids thought he was indestructible, but now they’re afraid to see Kevin just walking around. Kevin has a family, but Strowman tried to take away how he takes care of them. But now, Kevin will take everything from Strowman! Hobble your ass down here and try!

Strowman would like that, but Kevin won’t give Strowamn what he wants. Kevin won, but Strowman’s problems are only just beginning. Because Baron Corbin appears! The Constable reminds us that the Commissioner is here, and she gave Corbin the authority to handle this situation. At Extreme Rules, Strowman throwing Kevin down was legal, but “morally reprehensible.” Constable Corbin has done what he can to support growth. He even tried to help Finn grow, but he can only grow so much. As for Braun, Corbin knows there’s someone who can teach Strowman how to control that temper. Here comes Jinder Mahal!

The Modern Day Maharaja and Man of Peace heads to the ring, Sunil Singh in tow. They come in peace, and sense “a storm of anger” brewing inside Strowman. Help Mahal help you to find that calm, that nirvana. Strowman has done far too much damage in the WWE. Stephanie and Corbin have personally appointed Mahal as Strowman’s guidance counselor to help him find inner peace. Strowman may be skeptical, but simply close yoru eyes, take in a deep breath, and repeat: “Shanti…!” Strowman speaks up, this already isn’t working. He admits he has a temper, but he already has a mantra. C’mere, little man. Yes, you, Sunil. Strowman’s not gonna bite, just hold the mic. Strowman wants Sunil to close his eyes, and Mahal, too. WWE Universe, close your eyes and breathe deep. Repeat after Strowman: “Get. These. Hands. Get. These. Hands. Get These Hands!”

The fans repeat the mantra, and Strowman boots Mahal! Sunil fails to run away, and he gets thrown into Mahal! Then Strowman picks Sunil back up, for the Monster Slam! Strowman has his inner peace, it’s just more than anyone else can handle. Will whoever is Universal Champion after Summerslam #GetTheseHands?

Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya!

The Women’s Division gets to shine as two veterans strut their stuff. Will the six-time Women’s Champion or the Queen of Harts gain momentum towards WWE Evolution?

The bell rings and Natty gets a waistlock. She slams Mickie down, then brings her back up. Mickie elbows out, but Natty clubs her again. Natty snapmares Mickie then walks all over her. Alexa gets no the apron but Natty goes after her. Mickie attacks Natty from behind, then kicks her while she’s down. Mickie bounces Natty off the mat, then locks on a chinlock. She makes it a Last Chancery, but Natty rolls through it. Mickie holds on, then wrenches Natty’s neck. They stands up, but Mickie knees low. Natty throws an elbow, but Mickie throws her down by her hair. Mickie covers, TWO, but she keeps on Natty with the half-nelson. Alexa shouts at Natty to give up while fans rally up. Natty stands and arm-drags her way out of the hold. Mickie throws Natty at buckles but Natty turns it around.

Natty boots Mickie away, then gets the Russian Leg Sweep. Natty slaps Mickie, then snap suplexes. She rams Mickie into the corner then rams her shoulders in. She shouts at Alexa to shut up, but then runs into headscissors. Natty turns it into an Electric Chair Drop! Both women are down, but Alexa coaches Mickie up. The fans rally, and both women stir. Mickie sits up but Natty runs all over her to basement dropkick. Cover, TWO! Natty goes for the legs but gets pushed all the way out. Mickie runs into a shoulder, but Alexa gets away with a trip. Natty retaliates with a discus lariat! But then she runs into the MICK KICK! Cover, Mickie wins!

Winner: Mickie James, by pinfall

The Ms. Marvel of WWE wins with some help from The Goddess, but the Goddess got the worst of it. Will Alexa be ready for Rowdy Ronda Rousey at Summerslam? Or has this suspension only made Ronda stronger?

Backstage interview with Roman Reigns!

The Big Dog has a rematch with The Dominator from Extreme Rules, a match where he lost. What makes tonight different? Tonight’s the night of firsts, because Roman will beat Lashley for the first time. Roman has that L on his record, but he has no one to make excuses. But these last 5 years, Roman is a workhorse and the most decorated superstar in the WWE. Roman adds another thing to his record with a win over Lashley. Fans can boo it and hate it, complain that Roman’s being “crammed down our throats”, but you either accept it or shut up. Roman doesn’t care who says what, he’s going to Summerslam, taking the Universal Championship, and whooping Lesnar’s ass. Is the next step to that happening here tonight?

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

Third time’s the charm, right? The Drifter reminds us his debut album, Walk With Elias, is available now on iTunes, Spotify and other music sources. But here come the Authors of Pain!

The Authors of Pain VS ???

“We won’t wait forever.” They have an open challenge for anyone but Titus Worldwide, who have already lost plenty of times. But Titus & Apollo still come out? They bring Dana Brooke with them to tell Akam & Rezar that “there’s no questions that you two are legit.” These two are two of the strongest today, but also the youngest. Akam & Rezar have a lot to learn. What can these two “learn” them? They’re just trying to help. With what? How to trip and fall? Well there’s no problem with falling down. Titus fell at the Greatest Royal Rumble, but he got back up.

Apollo explains that learning from Titus, he learned how great Titus really is. Titus showed Apollo what it means to be an asset to the community. Akam & Rezar need to show respect. Titus has been a WWE superstar a long time, and seen a lot of great “talent” come and go. Titus knows something, and it’s a lot more than Akam & Rezar combined know. And to be straight up, if either of them had half the class Titus has, they’d be champions and championship quality people. Akam thinks he and Rezar spoke too soon. Titus can do something for them: retire. Sometimes in life, in order to teach people a lesson, they gotta get beat. And a fight breaks out!

They pair off and Apollo gets Rezar out of the ring. He and Titus hit Akam together and send him out! Titus Worldwide stands tall, but AoP are still standing. Will this lesson of respect sink in for Akam & Rezar? Or will Akam & Rezar simply sink their teeth into Titus Worldwide?

Kurt Angle talks with Stephanie backstage.

Angle was worried, but after that news, nothing makes him prouder to be her GM. She thanks him, but then Corbin and Kevin come in. Corbin wants to see how they’re to address the Strowman situation. Is Kevin okay? That fall… no, he’s not well. The medical team has been great, but this monstrous vendetta is too much. It’s a vendetta Angle has let run wild. Kevin was thrown over 20 feet down, it was dangerous and life-threatening. Strowman tried to take everything from Kevin, so maybe Kevin can take everything from Strowman. He wants a rematch, but only if it’s for the MITB contract! And it doesn’t matter how, pin, submission, DQ, count out, either way, Kevin gets the contract. That’s absurd! But Stephanie thinks it’s a good idea. Kevin has his match, but will he #GetTheseHands instead of getting the prize?

Tyler Breeze VS Mojo Rawley!

Prince Pretty got the rematch he wanted, but will he regret wanting a second round with the #KillerInstinct?

The bell rings, and Breeze dropkicks Mojo! Mojo hits back, then throws Breeze out tot he apron. Breeze holds on to shoulder back in. Breeze slingshots up and over, but Mojo POUNCES! Mojo trash talks Breeze as he stands over him. He drags Breeze up for an aggressive half nelson. Bobby Roode calls in from backstage to respond to how Mojo has looked down on him. Roode is comfortable being himself. Mojo can troll all he wants, but that won’t hurt Roode’s feelings.

Back in the ring, Mojo drags Breeze up for a back suplex. Breeze lands on his feet to enziguri Mojo to a corner. Breeze runs in, but into a catapult! He hits buckles, Mojo runs in but misses! Breeze rolls Mojo up, TWO! Mojo misses again, but then catches Breeze to drive him into buckles. Then it’s the Alabama Slam sit-out! Cover, Mojo wins!

Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall

He’s no longer all hype, Mojo is all aggression. Mojo keeps winning, but will he start heading towards a title?

Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre speak.

The Intercontinental Champion Show-Off and the Scottish Terminator have a plan to take over all of Raw. This plan is sophisticated and complex, and it’s working. Seth Rollins tried to ruin their plans, but lost to the real Ironman of Raw. McIntyre was going to be a possible contender for the Universal Championship but he’s not there. He didn’t lose, Finn did. But McIntyre will take advantage and wipe Finn’s smile off his face, “permanently”! And that match is next!

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

He is over with being interrupted! He– Finn Balor appears!

Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre!

The Extraordinary Man says Balor Club is for everyone, but he can’t help but exclude The Drifter. Will Finn find a way to win against the Scottish Terminator to make all of Raw into Finn’s Fun House? Or is there only a Claymore in his future?

The bell rings, and McIntyre kneels, daring Finn to do something. Finn approaches, but then McIntyre stands up to loom over him. Finn throws forearms and body shots and kicks, but McIntyre clubs back and floors him. McIntyre drags Finn up for a swift chop, then another. Finn is stinging but McIntyre keeps on him, only for McIntyre to run into a dropkick! McIntyre ends up outside, and Finn builds speed, TO FLY! Finn flexes while we go to break.

Raw returns as McIntyre wrenches Finn’s arm in the ring. Finn stands up, fights back, but is whipped hard into a corner. McIntyre looms over him while fans chant for Finn. Finn slowly stands but McIntyre kicks and deadlift suplexes Finn down! Cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps on Finn with that armlock and a chinbar. Finn endures the wrenching while fans rally up again. Finn fights but is whipped into a corner again. he boots back, then hits McIntyre with a forearm. McIntyre merely staggers, so Finn hits him again. McIntyre still stands, but Finn runs, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!

Finn is shocked, but he’s not out of ideas. He goes corner to corner to chop McIntyre on the run. He chops McIntyre again, then whips. McIntyre reverses but Finn goes up and over, only to be caught. He manages to escape and kick back! McIntyre’s down, Finn goes up! Finn bails out of the Coup de Grace but hits the Slingblade! Then the blasting dropkick! Finn goes up again, but Ziggler trips him!

Winner; Finn Balor, by disqualification

Finn gets the win, but not the way he wanted. Ziggler doesn’t care, he just stomps Finn out. McIntyre slowly stands back up, but here comes Seth Rollins! The Architect rushes the ring, dumps McIntyre out, then fires hands on Ziggler! He whips Ziggler but Ziggler bails out. The Show-Off and the Scotsman regroup to retreat. Rollins helps Finn up, and here comes Angle! The Raw GM isn’t letting this happen, because it’s going to be a tag team match, right now!

Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins & Finn Balor!

The bell rings, and both Architect & Extraordinary Man rush the champ and the cheat! They hit them on the ramp, then bring them back to the ring. Rollins and McIntyre brawl, then so do Finn and Ziggler. Finn clotheslines Ziggler out, then helps Rollins against McIntyre. They double clothesline him out, and are ready to #BurnItDown! Ziggler & McIntyre regroup, and it’s Ziggler who starts officially with Rollins. They brawl then Ziggler gets a headlock. Rollins powers out and things speed up, BIG hip toss. Cover, TWO, and Ziggler rolls away. Rollins wants after Ziggler, but McIntyre keeps Ziggler safe. Ziggler circles with Rollins again, but Ziggler kicks low and throws hands in a corner. Rollins hits back while fans are fired up for him. Rollins throws Ziggler out, then slingshots out for the plancha! The former IC Champion has the current champ on the defensive while we go to break.

Raw returns and Rollisn runs Ziggler over. Cover, TWO, but Rollisn brings Ziggler over. Finn tags in and kicks the champ to then chop the champ. Finn whips ZIggler corner to corner but runs into an elbow. Ziggler catches his breath, then brings Finn up. He whips but Finn reverses. Ziggler sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick! Cover, TWO, so Finn hits McINtyre. Ziggler powers Finn back and McIntyre tags in. McIntyre throws hands on Finn, then stomps. McIntyre drags Finn up to snapmare into an armlock camel clutch. He even grinds his forearm into Finn’s face. Fans rally up for Finn, and Finn powers out of the hold. Finn reaches for Rollins, but has to fight McIntyre off first. Mcintyre whips Finn into his corner hard, then runs to dropkick Finn out of the ring.

McIntyre fetches Finn to dump him on the barrier! He shows no mercy as he drags Finn up by his ears. He puts Finn in the ring, then tags in Ziggler. Ziggler embraces the heat but Finn hits back. Finn throws forearms but Ziggler keeps him away from Rollins. Ziggler whips Finn into a forearm, but gets the PELE! Both men are down, and fans rally up. Hot tag to McINtyre, who stops Finn from getting his. McINtyre throws Finn into a corner but misses, hot tag to Rollisn! Rollisn clothseliens McIntyre out, then DIVES! he gets both McINtyre & Ziggler! Rollins puts McNItyre in, then throws Ziggler into barriers! Rollins climbs up and hits McINtyre again, to springboard clothesline him down! Fans fire up as Rollins hits the forearm smash. He keeps moving, and boots McIntyre first. Rollins hops up, blockbuster! Cover, TWO!

Rollins keeps his focus while catching his breath. Fans already chant it, but Rollins stomps for “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims, to mule kick, but Ziggler stands up. Rollins knocks him away, rolls McIntyre, TWO, SUPERKICK! Cover again, but Ziggler breaks it in time. Finn returns and aims at Ziggler. Slingblade! But Finn runs into a SUPERKICK! Rollins mule kicks Ziggler, but runs into McIntyre’s elbow. McIntyre lifts Rollins, inverted Alabama slam! Cover, TWO! McIntyre is shocked, but fans are rallying for Rollins. Ziggler wants the tag, so McIntyre gives it to him. They work together, electric chair lift while Ziggler climbs up. Rollins trips Ziggler and throws hands on McIntyre! Huricanrana throws McIntyre out, CURB STOMP on Ziggler! Cover, Rollins & Finn win!

Winners: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor, Rollins pinning

The Architect may not be the Ironman, but he shows he and Finn can survive Iron Dolph and the menacing McIntyre. Will one or both of these men find themselves in a title hunt on the road to Summerslam?

Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.

The Dominator prepares for a rematch with The Big Dog, to see who challenges The Beast. What’s going through his mind? This is why Lashley came back! When the lights are the brightest, Lashley does his best. Lashley’s already won a Wrestlemania main event, but Roman has only failed time and again. Roman will fail again, and then Lesnar will appear next week. Lashley will walk up to Lesnar and introduce himself. The Beast better be rested, because there’s no sleep ’til Brooklyn for Bobby. Will he stomp the Yard again and prove he’s the true alpha male?

Ember Moon VS Liv Morgan!

It’s another rematch between the Prophecy of Flame and the Juvenile Delinquent! However, with Ruby Riott still recovering from injury and Sarah Logan banned from ringside by GM Angle, Liv has to go it alone. Can Liv finally get herself on the board by herself? Or will Ember continue to Eclipse the smaller third of the Riott Squad?

The bell rings and Ember dropkicks Liv quick. She hits a back elbow in the corner, then lifts Liv for a fall away slam. Ember is fired up already, then runs in for the handspring forearm smash! She keeps on Liv but Liv runs away. Liv catches her breath, then avoids Ember’s dive. Ember knew she would, and comes back into the ring. Ember counters the clothesline to kick and knee. Liv shoves Ember, then whips her. Liv avoids the springboard crossbody to enziguri Ember while she’s down. Cover, TWO! She tries again, TWO. Liv keeps her cool, then throws Ember down by her hair. Liv stalks Ember to the ropes, then stretches her back against them with the backpack sleeper! She lets go at 4, then throws Ember down again. Cover, TWO, but Liv drags Ember into another sleeper.

Liv shrieks as she thrashes Ember around. Ember endures both the squeeze and the screams, to fight out with a jawbreaker. Liv crawls away, then runs into a roll up, TWO. Ember counters but misses, to then tilt-o-whirl into a facebuster. Cover, TWO! Ember crawls to a corner, then begins her climb. Liv stands, to trip Ember up again. Liv kicks Ember, then climbs up to join her. She prepares but Ember denies the superplex. Liv clubs away but Ember holds on. Ember clubs back, then throws Liv down for a super gordbuster! Ember adjusts, shrieks her own shriek, ECLIPSE! Cover, Ember wins!

Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall

It’s a perfect 3-0 for Ember over Liv! The War Goddess will not stop on her own warpath towards the title. Will she get her chance at Evolution to evolve her career?

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

From the smile on his face, his talk with Kurt Angle went well. Of course, Rollins is happy for everything happening tonight, from the all women’s PPV to his win over Ziggler. Rollins has a match for Summerslam, but what is it? Rollins VS Ziggler, for the Intercontinental Championship, one more time. Time to #BurnItDown in Brooklyn! Will The Architect walk out of Summerslam the new IC Champion one more time?

“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”

The Drifter waits to see if anyone will interrupt. After a few moments, he begins. Only for Kurt Angle to return! Angle tells Elias this isn’t on purpose. Elias has been interrupted all night, but Angle wants him to know, this time is all for him now. The people want to hear a song from his debut album. Cincinnati confirms, and Elias thanks Angle. Angle’s actually okay in his book. Elias begins again, saying his album will change your life in an instant. Buy two, one for yourself, and one for who you become after listening the first time.

Elias gives a quick shout out to O.A.R. in the front row. They thank him, even as Elias says they’ve looked up to him. They wanted to be on that album so badly, but Elias is the biggest act in the world. He’s just too busy to collaborate. But O.A.R. knows that WWE really stands for the title of his album, “Walk With Elias”! Elias finally plays his guitar and begins a song. “Hey hey~ hey~~!” Elias is in a world of madness, and trying to escape. He thinks to himself, what’s it gonna take? Elias has sharks swimming in the sea and alligators as his feet, but everyone’s walking now, “so walk with me.”

Wait, Elias isn’t feeling the vibe here. Where are they? Cincinnati? That makes sense, because he’s nauseated. Elias tried, he really did, but he is not able to tolerate “the grossest collection of human beings” he’s ever seen. This pause in the performance allows Lashley to make his entrance!

WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Roman Reigns VS Bobby Lashley!

The Dominator surprised many at Extreme Rules by winning over The Big Dog cleanly. But now, they do it all over again for a major opportunity! Who conquers the other tonight to then try to conquer The Conqueror, Brock Lesnar?

The bell rings and it begins! Roman and Lashley circle then tie up. Lashley powers Roman to a corner but Roman turns it around. They end up in another corner, then another corner. Roman backs off while fans duel on whether or not “Roman Sucks!” Roman uppercuts Lashley, then whips. Lashley reverses but Roman hits the leaping lariat! Cover, ONE, but Roman clotheslines Lashley out of the ring. Roman pursues Lashley, then bumps him off barriers. They go back in the ring, but Lashley mule kicks and runs. Lashley clubs Roman down, then again. Lashley runs and clotheslines Roman out. Roman catches his breath, as does Lashley. Lashley exits but gets another uppercut. Roman aims at Lashley, comes running in, but is caught! Lashley throws Roman overhead! Both big men are down while we go to break.

Raw returns once more to find the two men slugging it out. Roman runs, but into a spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Lashley tries again, TWO. Lashley keeps his cool as grabs Roman’s arms. He pulls on them while digging in a knee. Roman endures, but Lashley puts more of his weight on that knee. He powers one arm out, but Lashley keeps on the other. Roman works his way up to his feet, then out of the hold. He headbutts Lashley, then throws haymakers. Lashley shoves Roman, but double clotheslines take them both down. The referee begins a count, and Lashley stands first. Roman follows, and they start throwing hands fast and furious! Roman uppercuts, then runs, but Lashley leaps over to clothesline Roman down. He throws Roman with another overhead suplex, then hits a big clothesline. Lashley keeps going, for a big shoulder tackle.

Lashley drags Roman out, but Roman fireman’s carry! Roman can’t keep Lashley, so he dumps Lashley out. Lashley lands on the apron this time but gets an uppercut for it. Roman runs, but into a big clothesline! Roman crawls away, but Lashley takes aim. Lashley runs, but is tossed out! Roman takes aim, and gets a guillotine leg drop! Cover, TWO! Both men are sore, but Roman fires himself back up. Fans boo and jeer as Roman locks and loads. He aims, but Lashley blocks the Superman Punch into a full nelson! Lashley bends Roman, and Roman begins to fade. Roman gets a second wind, and backs Lashley into a corner. He throws big elbows on Lashley, then runs back in, but into a complete shot! Lashley rolls Roman over for an Anaconda Vice!

Roman is stuck but reaching. Fans duel while Lashley traps that arm. Roman works to use his other arm, and all his power. Cover, TWO! The two separate, but then turn back around. Lashley runs but misses, hitting post instead! Roman is down from exhaustion while Lashley pulls himself out of the corner. Roman stands up again, and unleashes the close-range clotheslines. He gets all 10, then catches his breath to run. Lashley powerslams him! Cover, TWO!! Lashley grows frustrated, but he has his ace still to play. He takes aim at the downed Big Dog. Roman slowly stirs while fans continue to duel. Roman stands, and Lashley runs in, but into a LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Now Roman is shocked, but he has the same move to play.

Roman fires himself up, and the fans are divided. He drags Lashley up, but Lashley hits back. SUPERMAN PUNCH on the return! Cover, TWO!! But Roman still has that move. He goes to the corner, and fans reach fever pitches on both sides. Lashley knows it’s coming, so he bails out of the ring. Lashley staggers while the referee keeps Roman back. Roman slips out the back, then comes around the side, using the steps for a– another catch! Roman fights out, then runs back in, but he gets tossed into the ring! The landing was rough, and Lashley comes in for the SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!? HOW!? Whether the fans like it or not, no one can believe it.

Lashley regains focus, and prepares another go. He aims at Roman, teeth bared. Lashley runs in, but gets a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Roman fires up, lets out the howl, but runs into a boot! But he still SPEARS! Cover, Roman wins!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall

Not only does Roman make up for his Extreme Rules loss, but he punches his ticket to Brooklyn! However, both roman and Lashley have earned each other’s respect, as shown by their handshake after. The Big Dog gets one more chance at The Beast, will he finally make this one an undeniable victory? Or will his track record continue as he falls short of dethroning the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion?

My Thoughts:

What a great opportunity for Raw and WWE, that mostly stalled out and then went into a ditch at the end. The official announcement of the all women’s PPV is of course amazing, and we already got the beginning of a great match card. Raw Women’s Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, apparently the NXT Women’s Championship, and then the finals of the second Mae Young Classic tournament. That alone is great, but I’m still hoping that we hear about the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships very soon. That possibility continues to be supported by Bayley and Sasha being put in a filler tag team match for an easy win. And since WWE Evolution comes after Summerslam, I still foresee a WWE Four Horsewomen match for those titles with Becky & Charlotte coming from SmackDown.

The Women’s Division also got a lot of play tonight with Mickie beating Natty and Ember again beating Liv Morgan. For the same reason as Bayley & Sasha can make their way to the Women’s Tag titles, Natty can team with Nia while the Squad works together to also battle Alexa & Mickie as part of a huge build to that title match. That way, there’re plenty of teams to justify a Women’s Tag Division of sorts. As for Ember, she’ll surely move up to the singles title, even if Rousey wins. I am again surprised The B Team is still winning, and also surprised to see The Deleters basically going Heel. The Revival continues to lurk backstage while AoP and Titus Worldwide continue their own feud, so I hope Raw has something big for their tag titles at Summerslam.

Roode talks while Mojo beats Breeze, that feud is continuing. Then Finn still has issues with Corbin, while keeping himself going in the rest of the midcard with that great “impromptu” tag match with Rollins, McIntyre and Ziggler. While Rollins has his match with Ziggler, I am hoping we get a bigger match that throws all the others in. Unfortunately, one match WWE is throwing in is Kevin VS Strowman for the MITB briefcase. This is already a bad sign in combination with Roman actually winning tonight. Roman winning to challenge Lesnar again, and there’s a chance that Strowman won’t get to cash in because he won’t even have the briefcase. Kevin could easily have someone attack him to DQ Strowman and then whether Lesnar retains, Roman wins or Kevin cashes in, fans will riot. And in Brooklyn, that could be a REAL threat! (JK Brooklyn readers.)

My Score: 8/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

15 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!