Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Report: G1 Climax 28, Part 2!

Published

6 years ago

August 3, 2018

AXS TV continues the coverage of NJPW G1 Climax 28 with a rematch from G1 Climax 27! Will Kenny Omega get back at Testuya Naito for his previous loss?

Gifs can be found on http://frentique.tumblr.com/

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kota Ibushi VS Zack Sabre Jr.; Ibushi wins.
Kenny Omega VS Tetsuya Naito; Omega wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS TV set the scene again!

Every Summer, 20 of the best wrestlers in the world compete in the most prestigious tournament. The winner becomes a part of history while earning a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship!

Now we go to Block B’s beginnings, and with a bang! The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega, has a rematch with the Uncontrollable Charisma, Tetsuya Naito, in a rematch from last year’s finals! Naito won the trophy but it’s Omega who wears the belt. Will history repeat itself with Naito winning a crucial lead in the round robin? Or will the Best Bout Machine show how much he’s grown in the last 12 months?

Plus, there’s another rematch from both last year’s G1 as well as the New Japan Cup quarterfinals as the Golden Star, Kota Ibushi, again faces the Submission Master, Zack Sabre Jr. Can Omega’s best friend and tag partner keep ZSJ from gaining points in the opening round? Or will he #JustTapOut all over again?

AXS TV quickly recaps other matches from Block B.

Fellow Chaos members, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii, battled, and the comedy king fared a lot better than expected. However, Ishii would pull a play out of Yano’s book and get the win. Newly minted IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, Juice Robinson, would go against Firing Squad leader, Tama Tonga, but naturally Tama Loa would get involved. There would be no disqualifications for the Bullet Club splinter cell this time, as Tama Tonga would Gun Stun and win. The perennial NEVER Openweight Champion, Hirooki Goto, took on the Cold Skull of Los Ingobernables de Japon, Sanada. Sanada put all he could into the match, but Goto would conquer again with a GTR. Who will join the winners at two points? Who will join the losers at zero?

Kota Ibushi VS Zack Sabre Jr!

The Golden Star won points off the Submission Master in the early rounds of the 27th G1 Climax, but would fall to the limitless submission arsenal in the New Japan Cup months later. This is a tiebreaker that means more than just a single win. Who will score the first points in B Block?

NJPW on AXS jumps ahead in coverage to ZSJ waiting inside the ring while Ibushi drags himself up. Ibushi returns but ZSJ is right on him with a heel hook. ZSJ stands on Ibushi’s head as he bends that foot and leg all around. ZSJ stomps the leg, then kicks the knee. He toyingly kicks Ibushi in the chest, which only angers Ibushi with each hit. Ibushi hits back with a body shot, and ZSJ falls down. Red Shoes reprimands Ibushi for using a closed fist, but ZSJ makes Ibushi pay with a serious kick. Ibushi rolls back out, but ZSJ catches his breath in the ring. Another 20 count begins but Ibushi is in at 7. ZSJ is on him with a European Uppercut, then a pie-face. Ibushi forearms back, so ZSJ kicks and kicks.

ZSJ swings a roundhouse but gets the leg sweep. He hooks Ibushi’s leg while twisting the other, and he creates a modifed deathlock, into a bridging one. ZSJ digs his elbow and knuckles into Ibushi’s spine before pulling him back into a Bow & Arrow with chinbar! Ibushi endures the bend, so ZSJ shifts to a half headscissors. ZSJ sits on Ibushi as he maintains both the deathlock and the headscissors. He even takes the time to flex. ZSJ releases Ibushi’s head long enough to shift into an STF! Ibushi uses that opening to get a ropebreak. ZSJ lets go, and fans rally for Ibushi. Ibushi slowly stands, and fires off forearms. ZSJ kicks the leg again, but Ibushi avoids the sweep this time to give ZSJ the roundhouse. Ibushi rests his legs while ZSJ crawls around.

They both slowly stand, and Ibushi runs into a back elbow. ZSJ runs at Ibushi but gets double stomps instead! Fans rally up again as Ibushi fires himself up. He hobbles over to ZSJ for a waistlock, but ZSJ pries his way out to then Pele the arm! ZSJ runs but into a dropkick! ZSJ rolls out and Ibushi fires up. Ibushi slingshots and planchas onto ZSJ! Ibushi’s sore legs slow him down but he isn’t done yet. He drags ZSJ up and into the ring. Ibushi takes aim from the apron, springboards but ZSJ gets under. ZSJ grabs a leg and brings Ibushi down into a Half Crab! Ibushi resists but gets his other leg and even an arm trapped. ZSJ goes for a heel hook, but Ibushi gets a ropebreak. ZSJ lets Ibushi go, and Taka Michinoku coaches ZSJ up.

Red Shoes checks on Ibushi, but ZSJ is on him again. ZSJ goes for a full nelson but Ibushi breaks free, only to run into a boot. Ibushi runs into more boots, but then ducks to PELE, but into an Ankle Lock! He rolls to throw ZSJ, but ZSJ comes back with a EuroUpper! Ibushi comes back with a clobbering clothesline! Both men are down but the fans are still fired up. They rally for Ibushi while Taka coaches ZSJ. Ibushi sits up first, but ZSJ follows. Ibushi brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ counters by grabbing and arm and becoming deadweight. He brings Ibushi to the mat and traps that arm to then go after the legs again! ZSJ jams the knee into the mat over and over, then pulls back for an Achilles lock. He uses his legs to nelson Ibushi’s arms, leaving Ibushi nowhere to go.

ZSJ shifts to a deep Half Crab, but this brings Ibushi to ropes for a break by default. He lets Ibushi go, and Ibushi gets to a corner. ZSJ runs in and hits a EuroUpper, then runs corner to corner. Ibushi goes up and over to powerslam ZSJ, then moonsault! ZSJ avoids that, to Penalty Kick! Cover, ONE, so ZSJ gives another PK! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up all over again while both men are down, catching their breath. ZSJ stands up, then kicks Ibushi’s leg. He kicks it again as Ibushi hobbles. He dares Ibushi to kick his leg, so Ibushi does. ZSJ staggers now, but still dares Ibushi to give him more. Ibushi does, and almost makes ZSJ fall. Ibushi kicks again and again and again, but ZSJ eggs him on. ZSJ blocks the next kick to an Ankle Lock, and German Suplex!

But Ibushi lands on his feet! Ibushi blocks ZSJ’s kick to then chop him down! Both men are on the mat while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and fans rally as Ibushi and ZSJ stir. Ibushi is up first but ZSJ follows. They head for each other and Ibushi throws a forearm. ZSJ slaps Ibushi, but Ibushi’s glare dares him to do more. ZSJ slaps him more, but it doesn’t back Ibushi down. They stand up, and ZSJ slaps and chops Ibushi, but Ibushi rocks him with one slap. They slap and chop each other to a corner, but ZSJ gives many EuroUppers. Ibushi counters one and goes for a backslide. ZSJ saves himself, but gets a roundhouse to the back! Ibushi drags ZSJ out for a German Suplex with a bridge! TWO, but Ibushi still has more. Ibushi drags ZSJ up with wristlocks, but ZSJ blocks the Kamigoye by going knee to knee. ZSJ blocks it again, then drags Ibushi into a cover, TWO!

Ibushi goes for a high stack but ZSJ blocks with a headscissor. Ibushi turns that into a deadlift, and sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi is shocked by how close that was. Fans are thunderous as Ibushi gets his leg working. Ibushi kicks but misses, ZSJ scrambles on to an octopus hold! ZSJ shifts to put his full weight on Ibushi as he completes The Inexorable March of Progress. Ibushi pries his way out, and tilt-o-whirl, but the momentum ends up toppling them both over to the ropes. ZSJ drags Ibushi into a dragon sleeper, but the ropebreak means he has to let go. ZSJ stalks Ibushi, drags him up, and goes to a standing abdominal stretch. Ibushi reaches, but ZSJ shifts to a scoop, Ibushi slips out, GERMAN SUPLEX! No bridge this time, but Ibushi keeps on ZSJ with a buzzsaw kick!

Ibushi moves his knee pad down, and calls for the knee. He sits ZSJ up, misses, ZSJ gets him into the European Clutch! TWO, and Ibushi has a waistlock. ZSJ rolls to a kneebar, Ibushi powers out to waistlock, but ZSJ fights back. Ibushi grabs the wrists but ZSJ slips down and under to then throw Ibushi over. Ibushi turns control back to his, Straitjacket Suplex! Bridging pin, TWO, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; Ibushi earns 2 points, ZSJ earns 0

The Golden Star gets the win, breaks the tie and earns the points! Will his fellow Golden Lover join him in the win-column? Will ZSJ snap back in the next round to get on the board?

Kenny Omega VS Tetsuya Naito!

The 28th G1 Climax opens its B Block round robin with the 27th’s final showdown! Omega has the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and should he win the entire thing, he chooses who earns the Wrestle Kingdom main event contract. However, history shows that the reigning champion rarely ever wins, let alone makes it to the finals. Is this rematch therefore also a preview of the far future?

Naito takes off his elaborate and fancy ring gear, but Omega gets impatient. The change is complete, the bell rings, and we begin!

Fans are already thunderous as they duel between two big name favorites. Omega seems to mock Tranquilo with those deep breaths. He and Naito slowly circle the ring, then approach. They tie up and fight for position. Omega gets a headlock, but Naito powers out. Omega runs Naito over, then runs again. He walks on Naito’s back, and mocks the LIJ fist. Naito ignores it, but Omega offers a handshake. Naito takes it, and Omega applauds, only to SPIT on Naito! That does it! Naito fires off furious haymakers and stomps! He whips but Omega reverses. Now Naito walks on Omega, to mock the finger gun! Omega runs but is thrown outside. Naito builds speed, to Tranquilo fake, to fake out again. He spits back at Omega! Then Naito goes Tranquilo!

Omega rushes in but gets clubbing forearms for it. Naito rakes Omega’s eyes, then whips. Omega reverses, and gives Naito a kitchen sink knee. He brings Naito up, big back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel while Omega mocks the Naito eye. Omega drags Naito up to kick him in the back. Omega toys with Naito before giving another kick. He drags Naito up and to a corner for a buckle bump. Omega grinds his boot into Naito’s chin, but stops at 4. He whips Naito corner to corner and hard. Naito hits the mat, but rolls away. Omega stomps away, then brings Naito up for a running backbreaker! Cover, TWO, but Omega keeps on Naito with a chinlock clutch. He pulls back on Naito, then gets a half camel clutch with that one arm trapped.

Omega grinds and thrashes Naito, but Naito drags himself backwards. Naito reaches for ropes but Omega gives an eye rake. Naito gets the ropebreak, so Omega lets him go. Omega brings Naito back up to throw him at the ropes. He forearms Naito on the rebound. Omega drags Naito up for another shove, then another forearm to the back. He adds an elbow to Naito’s head, then covers, ONE. Fans applaud Naito’s toughness, but Omega grows annoyed. Omega clubs away, then chops Naito on the chest. Naito staggers about, Omega pushes him towards ropes again, but Naito comes back with a forearm of his own! Naito throws more but Omega kicks low. Omega wants a bomb but Naito resists. Omega palm strikes and drags Naito up but Naito chops !

Naito chops and chops, then clubs Omega. He whips, but Omega kicks him back. Omega prepares the bomb, but Naito resists again. Omega clubs Naito more, then lifts, but Naito slips out. Naito’s kick is blocked and Omega chops him. Omega runs, but into a hip toss! Naito dropkicks Omega in the back of the head! They’re both down while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Naito sits up. Fans continue to duel as Naito stands and Omega follows. Omega swings but Naito dodges to spit! Omega rakes Naito’s eyes, then grinds him into ropes. Red Shoes counts and Omega lets up, to fireman’s carry. “You Can’t Escape!” But Naito does, and shoves Omega to a corner. He deflects the boots to hit a draping neckbreaker to standing neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito stands again, and elbows Omega’s neck. He whips Omega corne to corner, jump kicks and sweeps a leg, but Omega catches him to “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton to moonsault! Cover, TWO! Naito rolls out but Omega fires up. Omega pursues and back suplexes Naito on the apron! Naito writhes while Omega clears space.

Omega pulls up the floor pads to expose the floor. But Naito attacks, dropkicking through the pad to hit Omega! Naito drags Omega up and in, then whips him corner to corner. He jump kicks, sweeps the legs, and swings in for the dropkick! He even takes time to pose. Omega gets up but Naito is on him. Naito hammerlocks and half nelsons, but Omega fights out with elbows. Naito clubs him in the back, then runs, but into the huricanrana! He ends up outside again, and here come the Terminator drums. Omega builds speed, but Naito intercepts. Naiot uses ropes for the tornado DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans duel again while Omega flounders. Naito stands to mean-mug the Omega fans. Omega yanks Naito out and dropkicks him into the crowd!

Young Lions clear the area while Omega takes aim. Omega springboards for a HUGE crossbody! He wipes Naito out but pays for it a bit himself. Red Shoes checks on them both, but they’re somehow okay to continue. Omega stands and fans rally up as he drags a limp Naito up and over the railing. Omega slumps over the railing himself as the 20 count begins. He puts Naito in at 10, then fires the fans up. Omega climbs up top as Naito stands. Naito trips Omega up! Naito grins as he positions Omega, then climbs up to join him. Omega counters with snake eyes! Naito is dazed but somehow holding onto the rope. Omega comes back with the full nelson, Snap Dragon Suplex! Then a gutwrench into the Dr. Wily sit-out powerbomb! TWO!

Fans are thunderous as they duel again, but Omega has one more idea. He loads up, BANG, and runs. Naito dodges to German Suplex, but Omega lands on his feet. Omega’s knee is blocked but he ducks the enziguri to V-Trigger Naito in the back of the head! But Omega isn’t done there, as he drags Naito up again. He hoists Naito up on his shoulders, but Naito Reverse-Ranas! Both men are down and the fans are at a fever pitch. Naito sits up first, followed by Omega. They go to a corner, and Naito puts Omega on the top rope. He climbs up to throw hands, then SUPER STEINERS! Omega sits up, so Naito pumphandles into GLORIA! Cover, TWO!!

Naito knows he’s close, so he vows to finish it. Omega slaps the cobwebs out of his head but Naito is on him. Naito wrenches the arm, but Omega elbows away. Enziguri! Naito whips but Omega reverses, then dodges. Naito dodges, V-TRIGGER! Omega grabs Naito, cross-fisherman, but Naito slips out to a DDT! Then, wrench and DEST– No, Omega makes it an electric chair. Omega pops Naito up, Naito tries to victory roll, but Omega blocks that into a sitting driver! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns again as Red Shoes checks on both men. They’re somehow okay to continue, and the fans haven’t stopped chanting. Omega drags Naito up in full nelson position. Naito resists, pries his way out and fights back with elbows. Omega wheel kicks Naito in the neck! Naito’s in a corner, and Omega takes aim from across the way. Omega runs in, V-TRIGGER! Omega grits his teeth as he drags Naito up to the top rope. He climbs up there to join Naito, pulls Naito into the full nelson again, but Naito holds on for dear life. Naito fights out again, and Omega staggers down. Omega jumps up to chop Naito’s back, then hoists Naito for an Electric Chair! Naito turns around, SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMB! Omega flounders while Naito takes aim. Fans are fired up as Naito runs in, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO! Cover, TWO!?

Naito is shocked, but he just keeps going. He drags Omega up, wrenches, and tilt-o-whirls, but Omega tosses him off. Omega turns around, into Naito’s uranage slam! Naito drags Omega back up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl, but Omega pops him off again. Omega thrusts, but Naito blocks and SLAPS Omega in return! Rolling kick! Then, DESTIN– TOMBSTONE! Omega flounders to a cover, but it’s barely one, TWO! Omega springs on Naito with a double underhook, JAY DRILLER! High stack cover, TWO!! This is looking a lot like their G1 Climax finals match last year. Omega drags Naito up again while fans duel. BANG, and V-Trigger! Omega’s not done, Electric Chair, to One Winged Angel! Cover, Omega wins!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall; Omega earns 2 points, Naito earns 0

The Cleaner gets back at Naito for last year’s defeat in the finals! Both Golden Lovers are in the B Block win-column while Naito joins Sanada in the loss-column. Will Omega be the fifth IWGP Heavyweight Champion to make it to the finals? Will he be the third champion to win it all? Or will Naito rebound and make his way to the finals for the second year in a row?

Kenny Omega speaks.

In Japanese, he credits Naito for “an incredible match”, and says he’ll be sure to close out in just Japanese. He apologizes to Naito that he didn’t say this in person last year, but congratulations on winning the G1 Climax 27. Too bad he didn’t get the belt. Or that he hasn’t changed since then. But there’s always next year. In fact, Naito might be able to become “number three in the company.” He says third because Omega and “Ibu-tan” will be first and second. Omega admits he’s still not the best in Japanese, but he likes talking like this. He’d like to do it again. So to conclude, and in English, “Good bye, MWAH, and Good Night, BANG!” Omega boldly bashes Naito verbally, but will he be feeling so bold after the round robin completes?

Backstage interview.

Omega shares a secret with the NJPW fans: “Every match today in the B Block was exciting.” Every match was great, because NJPW has such variety. Omega doesn’t care if your favorite match was someone else’s, everyone’s doing a great job. But he knows most everyone thinks he’s the Best Bout Machine, that he’s the reason fans stick around until the end, because they want to see Omega lift both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt, and “that ugly-ass trophy” to be a two-time gaijin G1 champion and personally choose his opponent. Everyone already knows who that’ll be, but until then, Good-bye & Good Night, Ba-ba-bang!

My Thoughts:

A great selection for the opening B Block action. It’s a shame we didn’t get all of Ibushi VS ZSJ, but the latter portion was more than enough to show how great both men are. I like that Ibushi won this time, but the round robin format works out that ZSJ could end ahead of Ibushi. Omega VS Naito was on par with their finals match in last year’s G1 and that’s a good thing. Omega wins and he has a great veiled-insult promo on Naito. Again, champions don’t usually make it to the finals, but if anyone can, it’ll be Omega. Just about any choice in Block A is a great match-up to Omega to make for a great finals for this year. Also, while he was vague about it, I’m pretty sure Omega’s choice for Wrestle Kingdom will be either Ibushi or Okada.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

Related Topics:AXS TV Coverage Featured Featured Big Featured Coverage G1 Climax 28 NJPW

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

7 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!