Coverage
Mitchell’s Monday Night Raw Report! (8/6/18)
Raw gets Rowdy, and a little crazy, as Ronda Rousey makes her television in-ring debut against Alicia Fox! Can Ronda clear out the Goddess’ newest sidekick?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin; Roman wins.
- Bobby Roode VS Mojo Rawley; Roode wins.
- Rezar w/ Akam VS Titus O’Neil w/ Titus Worldwide; Rezar wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; Mahal wins, by disqualification.
- Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins
& Roman Reigns; becomes… - 2v1 Handicap Match: Ziggler & McIntyre VS Rollins; Ziggler & McIntyre win.
- The Revival VS The B-Team; no contest.
- The Riott Squad VS The Boss & Hug Connection; The Riott Squad wins.
- Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss; Ronda wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw reviews the shocking turn of events from last week.
Kurt Angle gave Paul Heyman an ultimatum for both him and his client. Heyman tried his hardest to convince Lesnar to care, but Lesnar just wouldn’t hear him out. Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, in the “interest” of maintaining the Summerslam main event, made sure Angle made sure Roman Reigns was nowhere in the building. The Big Dog was kicked out of the Yard, but not without giving the Lone Wolf a shot in the chops first.
The end of the night came, Heyman told Lesnar what was on the line, and asked as Lesnar’s friend to do this. But Lesnar told Heyman they’re not friends. Lesnar sent Heyman out for him, but that only angered Angle more. Angle called Lesnar the “worst Universal Champion of all time”, and declared both Heyman and Lesnar were fired! But then The Beast would appear! Does management have a problem with Lesnar? Before they could answer, Lesnar gave Angle an F5! And he made Baron Corbin back down with a look. Then he’d grab his Advocate by the jaw! Lesnar made Heyman look at Angle, then almost choked him out. The Conqueror has become The Tyrant, but can anyone hope to dethrone him?
Kurt Angle heads to the ring!
The Olympic Gold Medalist GM has the Constable in tow as he welcomes Jacksonville to the show. Angle reminds us that tonight is Ronda Rousey’s TV wrestling debut! Angle appreciates Ronda likes competing on Raw and with no complaints. Whether Ronda wins or loses at Sumemrslam, she’s a champion in Angle’s eyes. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Lesnar. Constable Corbin warns Angle to watch his words, but Angle has to get this out. Lesnar doesn’t care about the fans, the championship or Angle. Heyman managed to get Lesnar out before Raw went off the air, so Heyman’s job is still secure. But Lesnar and his attack on Angle has– Well first, here comes Roman Reigns!
The Big Dog is back, and he joins Angle & Corbin in the ring. Roman tells Angle that while he has a lot of respect as GM, Angle should’ve known better. If you kick the Dog out, who protects the Yard? It’s how Lesnar was able to rag doll Angle last week. Corbin shouldn’t be smiling, he didn’t do a damn thing! Actually, Corbin ran like “a scared, little old-” Angle knows no one likes what Lesnar did, from top to bottom. Oh really? Is Angle about to say what he’s about to say? Lesnar gets indefinitely suspended to keep the match off? No, far from it. Lesnar will defend his Universal Championship against Roman Reigns. And Angle really wants Roman to kick Lesnar’s ass.
Wow, that’s a sound bite. Corbin says that’s unprofessional, there are no favorites in management. And if Lesnar was here, he’d– He’d what? Look at Corbin to make him run away again? Corbin didn’t run away, he was the bigger man. And Corbin was tired from beating up “little tiny Finn Balor.” Y’know, someone who was already Universal Champion? Corbin does so much, what else could he have done. Acted like a man, for one. Oh and Angle is an example? He comes out acting like this is his show. All he does is make matches. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are in charge, and put Corbin in charge to watch Angle, because Angle can’t be trusted. Angle admits to that, he just makes matches. But here’s a match idea: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin, RIGHT NOW! The only one who hates the idea is Corbin.
Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!
Corbin sucker punches Roman! The referee is slow to appearing, but Corbin waits for Roman to stand again. SUPERMAN PUNCH! Corbin goes down, Roman covers, TWO!! That was almost a quick finish and everyone knows it. Corbin bails out of the ring to clear his head, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Corbin has Roman in a chinlock. Roman stands up and powers out, then things speed up. Roman scoops but Corbin slips off to shove him. Corbin runs, slides out but slides back in to clobber Roman! Cover, TWO! The Big Dog gasps for air while the Lone Wolf works to keep his cool. Corbin grabs Roman by his hair and puts him in a corner. Corbin throws heavy hands, then whips Roman corner to corner hard. Roman hits buckles then the mat, and Corbin mockingly applauds. Fans boo and jeer the cocky Constable while he trash talks Roman. Corbin drags Roman up and Roman fights back with body shots. Roman runs, but into a big back elbow! Cover, TWO! Corbin puts Roman in a half-nelson chinbar. Roman endures the twisting while fans build to a rally. Roman stands up, but Corbin throws him down.
Corbin sneers as he looms over Roman. He stomps on Roman, then drives elbows into Roman’s forehead. Corbin reapplies the half-nelson chinbar and bends Roman back. Fans rally up again and Roman reaches for ropes. Roman stands up, and fights out with haymakers. Corbin shoves Roman but gets a kick for it. They collide with clothelines but Rmoan stays standing. Roman whips but Corbin reverses and ducks the leaping lariat. Roman anticipates Corbin and clotheslines him out! The fans fire up while Roman pursues Corbin. Drive-By! Corbin goes down, but Roman brings him back up and in. Corbin rolls back out, then uppercuts Roman at the ropes! He shoves Roman into a post, and has control while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Corbin has Roman in the half-nelson chinbar again. Fans rally up again and Roman feeds off the energy. Fans duel as Roman stands up and fights back again. Corbin shoves Roman, but Roman holds ropes. Corbin runs into an elbow, but reverses the whip, only to get the leaping lariat! Roman boots Corbin, then shoves him for the Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO! Roman keeps his cool as he stalks Corbin to a corner. He gives the close-range clotheslines, and gets all 10. Roman runs, and boots Corbin down! Fans fire up as Roman locks and loads. Roman runs out, but Corbin blocks the Superman punch. Roman gets out of the Choke Slam, but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious over Roman surviving. He and Roman slowly stand while fans rally up.
Roman gets to a corner, and Corbin runs in for a big clothesline. Corbin gives another, and another, then reels Roman in. Roman fires forearms to stop, then whips Corbin. Corbin slides out, accidentally knocks over a cameraman, then slides back in, for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Roman is shocked, but Corbin still lives. Both men are down but Roman has energy to give. Fans fire up as he gets to a corner. Roman lets out the howl, but Corbin has escaped to the apron. Corbin walks away, not feeling the need to finish this. But here comes Finn Balor! The Extraordinary Man walks down the ramp and Corbin finds himself stuck. Corbin protests, but gets a FLYING Superman Punch! Roman puts Corbin in the ring, lets out the howl, and SPEAR! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
An assist to Finn for keeping Corbin caged in, but Roman wins again! Can Roman finally get it done on The Beast at Summerslam? That’s yet to be seen, but for now, Roman gives Finn the nod and fist bump. Finn gets in the ring, takes off the jacket, and looks to give the Constable some payback. He hits the blasting dropkick! Then he climbs up top, COUP DE GRACE! The double stomp leaves the big bad Lone Wolf wincing. Will these two settle this grudge in the near future?
Kurt Angle meets with Seth Rollins.
The Architect’s focus is on the Intercontinental Champion, but points out how Drew McIntyre always rears his ugly head to help out Dolph Ziggler. And how when Rollins aims for McIntyre, he has to worry about Ziggler. Rollins wants to know how he can take care of both of them. Angle suggests he find a partner to take those two on in a tag team match. Rollins accepts the terms, can he find someone to stand up to the Show-Off & The Scottish Terminator tonight?
Bobby Roode VS Mojo Rawley!
The Glorious One took offense to being called all hype from the former Hype Man. When push came to shove last week, Roode would start a fight with Mojo backstage in the locker room. Can Roode show Mojo which one of them is really just hype? Or will Mojo prove he’s better than Absolutely GLORIOUS?
The bell rings and the two tie up right away. Roode gets a headlock, then spins around to a hammerlock. Mojo elbows out, then headbutts Roode to a corner. Mojo bumps Roode off buckles, then stalks behind him. Roode checks his face, then throws haymakers on Mojo. Roode whips Mojo corner to corner but Mojo reveres, only for Roode to run out with a lariat. Mojo crawls now, but turns around into a kick. Mojo denies the DDT, Roode gets a waistlock but Mojo standing switches. Roode throws Mojo out then dropkicks him down. The Killer Instinct is on the defensive while we go to break.
Raw returns and Mojo has Roode in a rear bearhug. Mojo taunts Roode while squeezing the ribs. Roode endures while he works out of the hold. Roode pries Mojo’s hands apart, but Mojo knees low. Mojo gut wrenches Roode for a throw, then covers, TWO! Mojo keeps his cool while Roode clutches his back. He rams forearms into Roode, then covers, TWO. Mojo puts Roode in another bearhug, but Roode works against it. Fans rally up for Roode, and Roode feeds off it. Roode powers his way up but Mojo squeezes tighter. Roode endures but Mojo keeps taunting him. They stand up, fans rally again, and Roode elbows his way out. Roode runs, but into a sidewalk slam! Mojo watches Roode intently while he’s on the mat. Mojo moderately mocks the Glorious pose, then lifts Roode. Roode sunset flips, TWO!
Roode blocks right hands to give right hands, but Mojo knees low. Mojo whips but Roode kicks him away. Roode ducks, runs and rallies with forearm smashes and lariats. Mojo gets to a corner but Roode gives him a clothesline to neckbreaker! Fans fire up with Roode as he hops up. Roode takes aim, GLORIOUS Blockbuster! His back slows him down but he doesn’t stop. Fans fire up again as he winds it up… GLORIOUS! He kicks, but Mojo powers him to a corner. Mojo rolls out but runs into boots. Roode up again, but jumps to be caught into a fireman’s carry. Mojo pops Roode, GLORIOUS DDT! cover, Roode wins!
Winner: Bobby Roode, by pinfall
A win out of nowhere, that is the ability of Roode’s intellect. Has Roode’s GLORIOUS talent shut Mojo down? Or will Mojo rise again for more?
WWE staff goes over tonight’s details with Elias.
But The Drifter doesn’t want to worry about that, he’s already seen it all in his head. They just need to do their jobs, and it’ll be perfect. What will Elias have to say when he hits the stage?
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
He introduces himself to Jacksonville, plays his guitar, and as always, he asks “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Jacksonville seems into that idea. The album is out, he is changing lives on a daily basis. If you don’t have it yet, you’re one of a very few. Big names in music are afraid, because Elias is on top of all the charts with only four songs! Can he get an amen? Amen! Now, Elias’ document came out on the WWE Network, aka the Walk With Elias Network. They tried but they got it wrong, so Elias has his film crew here to do it the “real” way, Elias’ way. So please silence phones and hold applause until after he finishes.
Actually, move over, cameraman. Get a close up on the fingers, that’s the magic. Elias plays while the crew moves over, but then he gets an idea. Circle him! Like they’re orbiting around the center of the WWE Universe. The crew moves, but a bit slow for his liking. Slow like Bobby Lashley, actually. But wait, hold on, the audience is the problem. Jacksonville takes offense. Can they use CGI or something to blur them all out? Better yet, copy and paste in a better crowd. Fans boo louder now. Elias keeps his camera crew in mind. That nobody, Bobby Lashley, ruined everything last week, that’s not happening this week. Elias plays his guitar while the crew moves together around him. But speaking of Lashley, here he comes!
The Dominator heads to the ring, much to Elias’ chagrin. Lashley likes Elias’ jokes, but once again his name comes out of Elias’ mouth. He heard Elias complain about his documentary. Lashley liked how brilliant that documentary was, what’s he complaining about? Elias admits it had its moments, but it portrayed him as egotistical and out of touch. As opposed to what? Elias gets it now. Lashley is making jokes, too. But keep the camera on Elias. Fans boo, Elias tells them to shut up. Elias knows Lashley is out here to steal the spotlight, but it’s not happening. Lashley has tried to steal the spotlight but it ain’t happening. Lashley’s comeback has been a joke. No, the joke is Elias, from his boot, to guitar, to scarf to documentary to music! The next time Lashley’s name comes out Elias’ mouth, what happens to him won’t be a joke.
Elias has his crew start moving out of the ring. They can film somewhere else, like in the back where they won’t be interrupted. Don’t worry about anyone else. Elias checks the clipboard, but sues it as a decoy on Lashley! He stomps away on Lashley at the ropes, then asks who the joke really is. Elias runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Lashley isn’t smiling, but he does want Elias’ crew to document him. Fans love Lashley as he gives Elias the Vertigo Suplex slam! Is that going to make it into the second Elias documentary? Is Elias going to make it to a second album if he keeps mocking the Alpha Male?
Seth Rollins stretches backstage.
In walks Tyler Breeze. Prince Pretty heard about how he needed a tag team partner, and he’s without a partner of his own. Tyler’s gorgeous while Rollins is… passing. Y’know, if you’re into that #CrossfitJesus thing. So how about it? Crossfit Breezus? Yeah? Let’s do this before Breeze changes his mind. Roman walks in, seeing Breeze do the shield fist. Is this serious? Everyone wants in. Nah, Roman’s got this. The Shield Brothers reunite once again, can they finally shut Ziggler & McIntyre up?
Rezar w/ Akam VS Titus O’Neil w/ Titus Worldwide!
Last week, Apollo Crews proved one half of the Authors of Pain aren’t as dangerous if they’re all alone in a match. Can the Real Deal Titus Brand President prove the same about the other half? Or will the ending be changed this time around?
The bell rings and the two big men tie up. Rezar powers Titus to a corner, then backs up at 4 only to knee Titus low. He stalks Titus to give him more body shots. He trash talks in Albanian before clubbing Titus down to the mat. Rezar trash talks Apollo, too, but Titus throws hands! Titus whips but is reversed into another low knee. Rezar doesn’t let up in trash talk, nor in the attack as he rams his shoulder into Titus in a corner. He backs up at 4, and fans boo and jeer. Rezar grinds his boot into Titus, then backs off at 4 again. Dana and Apollo coach Titus up, even as Rezar shouts at them all. Rezar grinds Titus into the corner, but still lets up at 4. Titus manages to kick back, then throw hands.
Titus powers back, then whips Rezar into a corner. Now Titus gives shoulders and chops to Rezar. He whips but Rezar revesres. Titus goes up and over, to boot Rezar down! The Gator fires up, as does Jacksonville. Titus barks, runs in, and hits a big corner splash. He keeps moving, but now Akam talks trash to distract. Rezar boots Titus down! Rezar glares as he picks Titus up, SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Rezar wins!
Winner: Rezar, by pinfall
The AoP tie things up in 1v1 competition, with some indirect teamwork. Will they continue to write a story of dominance in the Raw Tag Team Division? Or are they setting themselves up for a bad ending?
Kevin Owens talks with Jinder Mahal & Sunil Singh backstage.
The Prizefighter and Modern Day Maharaja seem to be going over flashcard notes. The Kevin Owens Show returns, next!
It’s the Kevin Owens Show!
Yes, it’s back after a long hiatus, and now it’s set up on the stage instead of in the ring. Kevin welcomes everyone to this return edition, and asks we help welcome “a man who has been instrumental” in helping Kevin handle all the stress caused by Braun Strowman. Welcome Kevin’s personal guru, Jinder Mahal! Mahal comes out, with Sunil behind him. They take their seats, and Kevin thanks Mahal. Kevin was skeptical about the methods, the breathing and chanting and “crap”, but Kevin has felt so much better. At Extreme Rules, Kevin was thrown off the steel cage onto the announce table, and he thought he would live his life in pain. But now, he’s pain free! He can play with his kids without feeling his spine shifting.
Kevin has Mahal out here for that, but also because they share something special. They’ve both accomplished something rare in the WWE. When someone sees Braun Strowman, they usually see a monster. Speaking of, fans would like to see Strowman themselves. Strowman is seemingly impossible to defeat, but Kevin has achieved the impossible! Kevin defeated Strowman! And so did Mahal! Granted, Kevin did it in a “grueling steel cage match” while Mahal got a count-out, but wins are wins. In fact, if Kevin wins at Summerslam, he’ll get that Money in the Bank contract. Strowman tried to take everything from Kevin, but Kevin will do so in return. And when Kevin wins, he’ll be #KOInTheBank! A guaranteed title shot whenever and wherever, which guarantees Kevin will finally reclaim the Universal Championship!
But the truth is, Kevin has never been the same since losing that title. Kevin feels it within his grasp, all thanks to Mahal helping him be clear-headed. Kevin has an idea for what needs to happen tonight. They need to have Mahal VS Strowman one more time! It’ll be fine. Mahal did it once, he can do it again, and will do it again. Bring out The Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman! Kevin tries again. Oh but see? The Monster is afraid of them. Wait, what? What made the stage move? What’s tipping the stage?! It’s BRAUN!! The Monster gets another one over on the conniving Kevin, but is also here for that match Kevin promised!
Braun Strowman VS Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The Monster Among Men wants revenge on the Modern Day Maharaja for that count-out-with-an-assist defeat last week. Now that Strowman knows what to expect, will he make back his win before defending his briefcase against Kevin?
Kevin coaches Mahal up for this, but Mahal is still reeling from the stage-tipping. Mahal still gets in the ring as Kevin shouts “Shanti!” at him. The bell rings, and Mahal asks Strowman be peaceful about this. They circle but fans chant “Get These Hands!” Strowman fires up with the Monster’s Mantra, then dares Mahal to bring the fight. Mahal refuses, but Kevin sneaks away with the briefcase. Or tries to, because Strowman sees him again. And gives chase, again! Kevin dumps the case down, but Strowman still chases him off. Then he gets in at 8! Mahal panics, he doesn’t know what to do without Kevin’s help.
Kevin sheepishly comes back while Mahal just tries to avoid Strowman. Strowman corners him and throws him! Kevin sneaks up, gets the case, and runs away! Strowman chases him down and runs him over at the stage! Mahal comes back but Strowman hits him with the briefcase! That’s a disqualification!
Winner: Jinder Mahal, by disqualification
Another example of how Strowman could still lose his briefcase to Kevin at Summerslam! Mahal gets another win, but that only angers Strowman all over again. Strowman storms down and catches Mahal at the timekeeper’s area! Sunil Singh snags the briefcase to save Mahal, but instantly regrets it. Sunil tosses the briefcase back to Strowman, but Strowman still boots Sunil down! Mahal has escaped to safety by now, but Strowman dares someone to fight! Kevin has brains, but will it be enough to outsmart Strowman’s brawn in Brooklyn?
Baron Corbin talks with Stephanie McMahon on the phone.
He then passes her on to Angle. Angle talks with the Raw Commissioner now, and understands her orders. He tries to reason with her, but Stephanie’s orders are clear. He’ll “take care of it”, but what does that mean?
Raw shares footage of Corey Graves conducting a retrospective interview with Roman Reigns.
There’s no surprise Brock Lesnar refused to be part of this, but that’s par for the course as The Beast goes. How does Roman Reigns feel about going one more time against Lesnar after all the times he’s fallen short? This rivalry of main event proportions dates all the way back to Wrestlemania 31 in 2015. They battled for the WWEÂ World Championship in the main event. It went back and forth, until The Architect cashed-in to snag the title away from both men. That wasn’t a defeat for Roman, but it wasn’t a victory. Fast-forward to Wrestlemania 33 just this past April. They again battled back and forth, for the Universal Championship, and Lesnar truly defeated The Big Dog. Roman vowed to simply get up and keep going.
It was only a couple weeks later that they would have their third go, inside a Steel Cage! Roman hit a Spear so strong, both men went through a cage wall! But because of a referee’s hasty decision in calling it, The Beast would remain champion. The controversy would upset Roman, because he felt like the real winner that night. But then, what is his reaction to Lesnar out and saying he doesn’t care about the WWE Universe? Lesnar went so far as to assault the GMÂ and his own manager. “You have no leader when you have a champion like Brock Lesnar.” Roman is sick of Lesnar disrespecting this lifestyle, this business that is his family’s legacy.
Lesnar still vowed to “kick Roman Reigns’ ass”, but Roman vows to do what Lesnar doesn’t. Roman is going to actually show up, earn the belt, and set a standard. Lesnar’s the Beast, but he hasn’t conquered Roman. Roman is in a scenario where losing is not an option. Will he make good on this fourth and possibly final time against Lesnar?
Kurt Angle & Baron Corbin intercept The Shield.
Corbin has Angle tell them the bad news. Angle can’t, so Corbin speaks up. It’s admirable that Roman wants to help his “brother”, but Stephanie McMahon can’t have them jeopardizing the main event of Summerslam. Roman already competed in a grueling match, so he can’t be Rollins’ partner. Well good thing Roman doesn’t care what Stephanie thinks. Stephanie knew he’d say that, so if he defies her orders, he loses his shot at Lesnar. Rollins calms Roman down and says he can handle this for the sake of the bigger picture. Well, it’s going to be a handicap match now. Does Rollins stand a chance? By the way, Roman, how’re those ribs? Roman body shots Corbin! Get the trainer, that had to hurt.
2v1 Handicap: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins!
The Show-Off & The Stud have an even better chance of winning now that it’s just The Kingslayer. Can Rollins survive being the one caught up in the conspiracy crossfire?
Rollins has no choice but to start against Drew McIntyre. Fans want Dean Ambrose, but he’s sadly far from returning given that elbow injury. Rollins daringly SLAPS McIntyre, then leads him on a cat ‘n’ mouse chase. Rollins dropkicks McINtyre, then grabs Ziggler. He goes after the Show-Off with stomps, then dodges McIntyre to roll him. SUPERKIKC for McINtyre, then a clothesline for Ziggler. Rollins hurries up top, but Ziggler goes after him. He kicks Ziggler away, but flies into a catch! McIntyre spins around from the momentum and dumps Rollins on his side, but then deadlifts him back up for a backbreaker! Rollins writhes but McIntyre rains right hands. McIntyre glares as he drags Rollins back up. He puts Rollins in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Rollins tumbles up and down, then Ziggler tags in.
Ziggler taunts Rollins while fans rally up for him. Rollins hits Ziggler with haymakers, but Ziggler kicks low. ZIggler puts Rollins in the corner and McIntyre tags back in. McIntyre gives body shots and swift chops. Fans keep trying, but Rollins is put in the seated abdominal stretch. Rollins endures while they continue to rally, but Ziggler likes the control he sees. McIntyre grinds and stretches Rollins more, but fans rally up. Rollins gives a jawbreaker, but McIntyre deadlift throws Rollins down. Tag to Ziggler, and Ziggler continues to rope-a-dope with Rollins. Ziggler taunts Rollins, that when Rollins is all alone, he loses. Rollins fights back with body shots, but Ziggler stops him with a haymaker. Ziggler bumps Rollins off buckles, then runs in. The splash misses! Rollins can’t tag out, he can only recover on the mat.
Fans rally up again and Rollins denies a tag with chops and haymakers. he whips Ziggler, but Ziggler dodges. Ziggler holds on and throws Rollins out. Rollins trips McIntyre! Then he baits McIntyre to run into a post! Rollins has an opening as he rushes Ziggler. Slingblade! Rollins forearm smashes, then runs for a clothesline to send Ziggler out. Fans fire up while Rollins takes aim. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit, and Rollins puts Ziggler in the ring. Rollins springboards, flying clothesline! Rollins and Jacksonville fire up as he mule kicks, but Ziggler dodges the stomp. Ziggler kicks, but runs into a Buckle Bomb! McIntyre tags in! And clobbers Rollins! McIntyre glares again, then tags Ziggler. They bring Rollins up to finish this. McIntyre runs, but into a knee! School boy on Ziggler, but McIntyre breaks it. SUPERKICK from Ziggler, cover, Ziggler & McIntyre win!
Winner(s): Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre, Ziggler pinning
It was fast, furious and chaotic. There may have been controversy, but it doesn’t really matter now. Rollins lost against both Show-Off and Stud tonight, but can he find a way to not lose again at Summerslam?
The Revival VS The B-Team!
The #TopGuys want to prove Bo Dallas & Curt Axel are anything but the “best” team. With a win here tonight, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder can enter the Raw Tag Team Championship discussion. Will they #SayYeah to a title shot in the near future? Or will the “undefeated” champions keep their streak alive?
The bell rings and Axel starts against Dawson. They tie up and Dawson brings Axel to the Revival’s corner. Dash tags in but Axel gets away. Axel and Dash tie up and Axel gets an arm wrench. Dash fights out and gives European Uppercuts. He whips Axel corner to corner to give corner clothesline and more uppercuts. Axel comes back with his own clothesline, then tags in Bo. B-Team holds Dash in place and Bo hits a corner elbow. He fires off on Dash, then feeds him to Axel’s knee. Cover, TWO, and Dash powers Bo to a corner. Tag to Dawson and the Revival mug Bo. Dash kicks Bo for a loop, then Dawson drags Bo up to bump him off buckles.
Dawson chops Bo, then gives him a EuroUpper. He reels Bo in for a lariat, then covers. TWO, but Dawson tries again. TWO, so Dawson grabs a handful of hair. He wraps Bo in a cobra clutch and thrashes Bo around. Bo endures and fights his way up. He reaches for Axel, but Dawson denies a tag. Bo fights out and trades blows with Dawson. Dawson shoves Bo, but they collide on the rebound! Both men go down, both partners reach out. They crawl for their corners, but THE DELETERS APPEAR! They’ve replaced Axel and Dash! When?! But that doesn’t matter, the attack begins!
No Contest
Dawson gets a Twist of Fate while Bo gets Sister Abigail’s Kiss! The former champions will show no mercy until they reacquire the titles! Who will be DELETED and DEFEATED when this war on there fronts is all over?
Renee Young has a sit-down interview with Paul Heyman.
Last week, it was clear Brock Lesnar no longer considers The Advocate his advocate. Lesnar has completely cut all ties with Heyman, they have not spoken these last seven days. Heyman wants to, but Lesnar doesn’t. Heyman knows Lesnar won’t like him saying this, but they must continue the interview. Renee wants to bring up last week, but Heyman doesn’t like where this is going. Is Lesnar still a friend? Strangely enough, yes. Heyman’s family was friends with Lesnar’s family. This is not how Heyman envisioned this story ending. They were going to ride off into the sunset, Lesnar holding two championship belts while Heyman shouted “reigning, defending, undisputed” and all that.
At this point in Lesnar’s career, does he still need Heyman? Heyman holds back the tears, and tells Renee to keep going. They’ve spent a lot of time in the WWE. Does Heyman have any potential new clients in mind? That question would’ve been better a week ago. This entire situation is inconceivable. How could Heyman just replace Lesnar? Then about Summerslam, as the last question of the night. Who will be Universal Champion? Heyman has been with Lesnar for 16 years, the highs and the lows. Yet Heyman has never seen this Lesnar. This more driven, focused and more violent Lesnar. Against this Lesnar, “Roman Reigns doesn’t stand a chance.” The Advocate is a broken man, but will the Beast leave Roman the same after Brooklyn?
The Riott Squad VS The Boss & Hug Connection!
The Juvenile Delinquent and Country Viking want another try against the #LegitHuggable duo after last week’s defeat. Can Liv & Sarah get even with Bayley & Banks while Ruby Riott is still on the sidelines? Or will it be 2-0 for the reunited best friends?
The bell rings, the gear is put away, and it’ll be Sasha starting against Liv first. THey tie up and go around the ring. Liv pulls hair but teh referee separates them. They tie up again but Sasha gets away. Liv rocks her with a right, then stomps away in a corner. She screams at the ref for counting, but then runs into buckles. Sasha bumps her off more buckles, then gives Liv some nightshade. Bayley tags in, Sasha tackles Liv and Bayley covers. TWO, but Bayley brings Liv up. Liv kicks back, then tags Sarah. Sarah runs into a hip toss, then Bayley adds a sliding lariat and elbow drop. Cover, ONE, but Bayley is on Sarah with an armlock. Sarah endures so Bayley drags her around to a mounted position. Bayley wrenches the arm but Sarah forearms out.
Sarah whips Bayley to a corner but runs into boots. Bayley goes up, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Sarah keeps on Bayley, going after her arm in return. Sarah whips but Bayley reverses only to be reversed back, and Bayley hits buckles hard! Liv tags in to add leaping stomps! Cover, but Bayley gets out and away. The Squad has control while we go to break.
Raw returns to see Sarah grinding Bayley into the mat with a cobra clutch. Fans rally up and Bayley feeds off it. Bayley stands but Sarah wrangles her back down. Liv and Sarah both shot that Bayley isn’t going anywhere as Sarah thrashes Bayley around. Sasha rallies the fans and Bayley powers up again. Bayley jawbreakers out, then crawls. Sarah keeps wrist control and reels Bayley back into the hold! Sarah gives Bayley a backbreaker then slams Bayley to the mat, all while maintaining the clutch. Bayley powers up again and arm-drags Sarha off! She crawls for Sasha, but Sarah yanks Sasha off! Sarah drags Bayley all the way over, and both Squad members stomp away. Liv tags in and climbs up, and Sarah feeds Bayley’s face to Liv’s knees. Liv then gives Bayley a facebuster, cover, TWO!
The Squad is furious, but Liv keep son Bayley. She whips Bayley but Bayley goes up and over. Bayley can’t get to Sasha before Liv throws her into the corner again. Liv runs in, but into snake eyes! Sasha and the fans are red hot, and gets teh hot tag! Sarah tags in, too, but it’s The Boss who rallies! Sasha dropkicks Sarah, then blocks a kick to give a knee. Sarah is reeling, but she puts Sasha on the apron. Sasha knees back in, then hoists Sarah up top. Bayley tags in and takes Sasha’s place up top. Sasha tags back in for Bayley’s SUPER STEINER, then hits METEORA! Cover, but Liv breaks it up!
Bayley throws Liv out hard, then takes aim from the apron. But someone saves Liv? Enziguri for Bayley! It’s RUBY! She’s back!! The Squad is at full power as Sarah rolls Sasha up. The Riott Squad wins!
W inner: The Riott Squad, Sarah Logan pinning
The gang’s all here as the squad leader makes a surprise return! With Ruby back at the helm, can she lead her team to bigger things in the near future?
Raw quickly reviews Rowdy Rousey joining the WWE.
From a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble to a mixed tag match victory at Wrestlemania, Ronda has taken pro-wrestling by storm. She and Nia Jax went toe to toe, strength for toughness, at Money in the Bank. But what would’ve been a crowning achievement for Ronda became the golden opportunity for the Five Foot Fury. The Goddess reigns once again, but that only pissed Ronda off. Perhaps too much, as Ronda beat down tiny Alexa Bliss and put her through a table! The only problem was she also hit Kurt Angle in her rage, so she was suspended 30 days. But those 30 days have come and gone, and in return for good behavior, Ronda has a title shot at Summerslam!
Of course, Alexa always makes sure she has someone by her side to do her bidding. Ronda is done with that, which brings us to tonight’s main event! Ronda makes her Raw in-ring debut, with the Queen of Harts by her side. Can Ronda remove Ms. Crazy Like a Fox to have a clear shot at Alexa Bliss?
Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya VS Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss!
Chary Caruso quickly interviews Alicia & Alexa in the ring before the match. Alexa is “so excited” to have people talking about Ronda. Charly’s had all night to think of questions to ask, and she asks about Ronda? They’re in the presence of a trailblazer and former champion! Don’t be rude, Jacksonville. Charly, this is where you use that journalism degree to use and ask a good question.
In that case, how did Alicia prepare for The Baddest Woman on the Planet? Ronda’s “great”, but banged up. That’s points for Alicia. Even if they sit and talk about Ronda’s achievements, like UFC Hall of Fame and Olympic medals, was she the captain of the Raw Survivor Series team? No, but enough of Charly. Alexa dismisses her, and to be serious, WWE Evolution wouldn’t be possible without women like Alicia. And before the biggest match of her career, Alexa thanks Alicia for her contributions. That’s from all of the women of WWEÂ except Ronda. Ronda isn’t grateful for anything, nor does she deserve a title shot! But Alexa will pick up the pieces in Brooklyn. Has Alicia spent the last decade sacrificing just so an overrated rookie can steal the thunder? NO! But here comes Ronda!
Ronda enters the ring and we finally begin. The bell rings, but Alicia keeps her distance in a corner. Alicia tells Ronda that this ring is her house, not Ronda’s. She is honored to be Ronda’s first, but it’s not gonna last. Alicia’s right, it won’t last. Alicia swings on Ronda, but gets taken down! Foxy runs for it, and Ronda scares Alexa back from the apron. The two regroup and Alicia returns to the ring. Only to duck out again. Alexa distracts again, but Natty trips her up! The Queen shows the Goddess what’s up, but then Alexa shoves her into a post! Alicia tries to take advantage, but Alexa does! Alexa trips Ronda, Alicia pounces. The referee backs Alicia off, but she comes back for a mudhole stomp. This only angers Ronda.
Alicia sees the glare, and gets the fists! Ronda whips and reels Alicia in for a SWIFT takedown, then another. Ronda gives Alicia a third, and Alicia has no choice but to get out now. Jacksonville is fired up as Ronda fetches Alicia, to put her into the barriers! They go back in the ring, so Alexa tries once more to distract Ronda. Ronda sees Alicia coming, though, and throws her! Alicia might be regretting her choice to side with Alexa. Ronda grabs the arm, and shows Alexa what waits for her in Brooklyn. ARMBAR! Alicia taps, Ronda wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission
The Baddest Woman on the Planet has put fear in the eyes of the Raw Women’s Champion. Natty celebrates with Ronda while Alexa regroups with Alicia. Charly returns to interview Ronda on her first Raw TV victory. Ronda thanks everyone for supporting her, and she feels great for being able to focus on Sumermslam. Alexa tries an ambush, but it doesn’t work! Ronda throws her right off! It doesn’t matter how tightly Alexa holds onto the belt now, because it’ll be Ronda’s soon enough! Ronda doesn’t just drop the mic, she bashes it. Will Alexa be down a belt and one arm after Brooklyn?
My Thoughts:
This was a rather lackluster Raw that had one of the more fun and energetic endings as of late. The opening was standard Raw formula: someone in the authority talks; Roman comes out; something something “impromptu match”. But given it was Roman VS Corbin, in Roman’s home state, Roman was “over” by default. He and Corbin have a decent match, but hey, Finn Balor made sure it wasn’t a count-out win and a pinfall for Roman. This gives us Finn VS Corbin at Summerslam, even though I was personally hoping this ended with Extreme Rules. Maybe now Finn can win to get to a true title program. Then comes a wave of filler as Roode beats Mojo, Rezar beats Titus, and Mahal “defeats” Strowman. I really hope that all this trickery from Kevin Owens means Strowman keeps that briefcase to keep our hopes alive.
I’m also not liking the development with Roman that’s happening. I get Roman wants to help Rollins, but now it’s just ridiculous that Stephanie is keeping him out of things because it’s #BestForBusiness. There was talk WWE (aka Vince McMahon) wanted to make Roman some sort of Daniel Bryan meets Stone Cold in his “fight against authority”, but it’s not working at all. Though, him giving Corbin the swift shots he deserves is fun. However, as fans were sensing, the rest of the segment has to be leading to Ambrose making a surprise return to help Rollins out against McIntyre-Ziggler. Changing The B-Team’s theme to something generic was insult to injury tonight, but at least we’re getting that triple threat tag title match out of the way now rather than at Summerslam. The AoP will likely defeat Titus Worldwide once more and finally get at those titles.
Paul Heyman did amazing again, but now as the depressed and confused confidant of Lesnar rather than the usual boastful blowhard he’s been. His eyes were so red, and the tears were coming down, he was perfect. He even managed to put Lesnar over one more time. It’ll all still go to putting Roman that much higher when he finally wins, but that’s not something Heyman can help. The newest rematch of Riott Squad VS Bayley-Banks was a good match, but I really did like the surprise return of Ruby herself. The Women’s Tag Division is clearly coming with them pushing that mouthful of a name for Sasha & Bayley, but I wonder if the Riott Squad will try to Freebird the titles like The New Day does.
And Ronda was the best part of the night, by miles. While Vince is trying to make Roman Reigns some sort of Stone Cold meets Daniel Bryan with the blatant “look, The Authority is picking on him!” so we’ll like him, Ronda Rousey is the female and GENUINE fusion of those characters, which is why we LOVE her. She will no doubt win that title at Summerslam to then take it on through Hell in a Cell and to WWE Evolution, because she is that popular, she is that good, and is only improving. She may have thrown Alicia around a bit too hard, but Alicia definitely earned some time off on her own end.
My Score: 7.8/10
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And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…
The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
- Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?
Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?
SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.
Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?
Corey Graves is in the ring.
Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.
Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.
Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.
And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.
“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.
That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?
Triple H is here!
Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.
HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!
The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?
Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?
The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!
The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!
Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.
Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?
The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?
Nick Aldis heads out.
And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.
And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?
Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!
One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!
Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!
The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?
Kayla Braxton is on stage.
SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.
For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!
WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!
Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?
Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?
The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!
Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!
Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!
No Contest
The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?
B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.
Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.
SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!
Teddy Long and JBL are here!
The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!
Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.
Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?
There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!
Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!
Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!
Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?
Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.
Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.
Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.
Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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!
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.Â
.@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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
#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.
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