Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (8/14/18)

Published

6 years ago

August 14, 2018

The SmackDown before Summerslam will have the FABULOUS Carmella and her challengers, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, face to face in the ring!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville VS Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch; Charlotte & Becky win.
3v2 Handicap: The Triple Threat VS The Bludgeon Brothers; no contest.
Six Man Tag: SAnitY VS The New Day; The New Day wins.
Aiden English VS Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Almas wins.
Jeff Hardy VS Shelton Benjamin; Hardy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

The Queen of Carolina is just one of two challenges going after the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and she’s being joined by the other! It’s Becky Lynch! Not only the challengers, but here comes the FABULOUS Princess and the champion herself, Carmella! The entire SmackDown Women’s title match is in the ring, and all three women have a microphone. Greenville is happy to see them, but Carmella brings up what’s more absurd than facing two women at once at Summerslam is this forced face-to-face-to-face. Carmella is tired of seeing their faces. She’s also tired for being punished over being an amazing champion. But she is champion, so life’s good for Carmella!

To get serious, “Poor Becky Lynch~!” Becky doesn’t stand a chance of winning now! Becky used to be a clown, so maybe she should go back to that. It’s the one thing she does better than Charlotte. Becky gets Carmella wants Becky to say she doesn’t want Charlotte. Charlotte is so great, any match she’s in becomes that much harder. Plus, Becky dreamed of creaming Carmella all by herself. Charlotte came into the picture, so the dream now is beating Carmella and Charlotte. Carmella laughs. That’s a tall task. Carmella beat Charlotte twice, but she’s Fabulous. Charlotte is THE Women’s Champion in WWE and won so many other accomplishments, such as ending Asuka’s streak. But Becky was the inaugural SmackDown Women’s Champion, while Charlotte was on Raw.

Charlotte’s had enough of Carmella. Greenville “WOOS” for Charlotte as she says Carmerlla’s lies, cheating and stealing won’t work anymore. She can’t hang with the others so she uses every trick she can to retain. Carmella had to dig up James Ellsworth to beat Asuka. And she doesn’t understand why the WWE Universe doesn’t respect her? Maybe it’s because Carmella is a Diva living in a Woman’s Era. Becky agrees with a sip of tea. Carmella admits it, she’s a Diva, and proud of it. Because this Diva has what those two never will: beauty, body, charisma, and most importantly, the title. But she’s also alone… Paige comes out before Tea Generation X can start a fight.

“Ladies, my job as General Manager is to create the best competition as possible.” That’s why Charlotte got in for Summerslam. And she wouldn’t have if she didn’t beat Carmella. The WWE Universe owes Carmella for losing. “Thank You, Mella!” Not only that, but Paige knows all three women will steal the show, she does. And as their GM, it’s her duty to create the best competition for SmackDown. So why wait? Carmella, what you do best is talk, so go ahead and join commentary. Charlotte and Becky will do what they do best in a tag team match! Their opponents? Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville!

Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville VS Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch!

It’s the duo formerly known as Absolution going against two thirds of the classic PCB! Paige’s new friends kept complaining she favored her old friends, so now it’s time to see if God’s Greatest Creation and the Gladiator Gal can make the most out of an opportunity.

SmackDown returns as Carmella smugly smirks and the bell rings. Sonya starts with Charlotte, and the Queen dodges the lunge. She does it again, but Sonya gets her on the third. Charlotte reverses and snapmares, but Sonya gets a takedown. Charlotte headscissors, but Sonya jackknifes. TWO, and they spin around. Charlotte goes for a backslide but Sonya pops out and around to a waistlock. Charlotte reverses then goes for the figure four but Sonya gets out. Sonya swings kicks but Charlotte dodges them. Fans “WOO~” as Charlotte styles and profiles. Charlotte chops away on Sonya, then tags in Becky. Becky and Charlotte crisscross and monkey flip SOnya, then Becky adds a leg drop. She twerks, then adds another leg drop. Cover, TWO!

Sonya hits back, then tags Mandy. Absolution mug Becky, and Mandy whips Becky to a corner. Becky goes up and over and gets a waistlock. Many pulls hair and then a leg, but Becky pushes her. Mandy cartwheels to dodge, then she drops Becky. Cover, but Becky slides out to dropkick Mandy back. Tag to Charlotte, double whip to double hip toss. Charlotte covers, ONE, but Charlotte keeps on Mandy with a headlock. Mandy powers out, but Charlotte rolls. She scoops but Mandy slips out to pull hair. Mandy tags Sonya, and Mandy snapmares for Sonya. Sonya runs but Charlotte dodges the sliding kick to come back with an exploder! Sonya rolls out, tag to Becky for a flying forearm! Becky puts Sonya in the ring, covers, TWO.

Tag back to Charlotte, and the hand-off. Charlotte whips but Sonya reverses. Charlotte gets on the apron, fights off Mandy then slingshots to schoolgirl. TWO, and Sonya kicks Charlotte’s leg. Sonya tags in Mandy, and Absolution stomps into Charlotte. Tag back to Sonya and she goes after Charlotte with a waistlock. Standing switch but Mandy tags in. Charlotte rolls Sonya but gets Mandy’s knee! Absolution has control while we go picture in picture. The referee checks on Charlotte but her face is okay. Mandy brings Charlotte over and stomps a mudhole int the corner. Tag to Sonya, and Absolution double suplexes. Sonya keeps on Charlotte in the corner with shoulders. Tag back to Mandy, and Sonya holds Charlotte. Charlotte fights out and boots Mandy down. Charlotte brings Mandy over, tag to Becky.

Becky rolls Mandy, TWO, but she backslides. TWO, and the two stand up. Mandy swings but misses, Becky gets bucked off. She side-steps and dropkicks Mandy down. Cover, TWO! Sonya distracts, but that gets Charlotte to come in. The referee has to put Charlotte in the corner, but that allows Sonya to kick Becky down! Mandy covers, TWO! Absolution is shocked, but Mandy keeps on Becky at the ropes. Sonya gets a cheap shot in, then Mandy mocks the styling and profiling. Mandy puts Becky in a chinlock and thrashes around. Becky gets up as fans rally, and she fights back with body shots. Mandy clubs her down, then tags in Sonya. Sonya mugs Becky, then throws big knees. She snapmares Becky, and hits the sliding knee! Cover, TWO! Sonya gets frustrated, but she keeps on Becky with another snapmare, into body scissors.

Becky endures the squeeze while Charlotte rallies the fans. Becky fights her way up to a cover as we go single picture, TWO! Sonya powers Becky to a corner and rams in her shoulder. She throws Becky around, then tags Mandy. Mandy chokes Becky at the ropes again. She whips Becky to a corner, but then Becky dodges to jump kick! Becky wants the exploder bu Mandy pulls hair. Mandy scoops and slams Becky, then tags in Sonya. Sonya brings Becky back into the body scissors, but fans rally up again. Becky pops out and reaches for Charlotte, but is powered back. Enziguri! Both women are down, but crawling for their corners. Hot tag to Mandy, and she swings on Charlotte. She misses, but Becky pushes her away to then clothesline her down! Becky fires up, rallies with strikes, then hits the Becksploder!

Mandy gets to a corner, but gets a Straight Firearm! Becky has to kick Sonya out, then kick her down. She goes back to Mandy, but small package! TWO, DISARM-HER! Mandy taps, Becky & Charlotte win!

Winners: Becky Lynch & Charlotte, Becky by submission

Carmella insists that things will be different when it’s every woman for herself. But if Becky burns it up like she did here, and Charlotte is great as always, will she still lose to at least one of them this Sunday?

Miz & Maryse share exciting news.

The Most Must-See Superstar Couple have enjoyed their show, it’s awesome! It’s so must-see that they announce something big and exciting! The USA Network has already picked up a second season! The fastest pick-up in the history of television! They thank all their fans for supporting them, but just get ready for more, because it’ll be AWESOME!

Charlotte & Becky celebrate.

Charlotte is surprised Becky did all that by herself at the end. Well last chance to get ready for Summerslam. That’s true. Charlotte wishes Becky luck, but she knows they don’t need luck. They’re both that good. May the best woman win. She will.

3v2 Handicap: The Triple Threat VS The Bludgeon Brothers!

South Carolina’s own trio are just the newest sacrifices to Harper & Rowan! And forget the bell, Harper & Rowan just run over three of the two! Then they give the third guy the double crucifix bomb! Rowan runs one of the others over, then feeds him to Harper’s boot. Harper is whipped at the other for a back elbow, then he feeds that guy to Rowan’s body check. They smash the two together, then scoop slam them on top of each other. Harper is again the human weapon senton! This destruction isn’t over, they throw the first guy onto the third guy at the apron! Then they drag the third guy up, for the Doomsday Bomb!! This wasn’t a match, this was a bludgeoning. Who of the New Day will be chosen to step up to Harper & Rowan? Who of the New Day will survive?

No Contest

The 1000th Episode is coming!

Washington, DC, get ready for October 16th!

The Miz VS Daniel Bryan, Eight Years in the Making, Part 1!

It all started with the original inception of WWE’s NXT. Miz was adamant that he was the Pro, Bryan was the rookie. Miz would humiliate Bryan time and again, but it would come to blows soon enough. “I feel like we’ve been doing this forever.” It’s already been eight years. Bryan explains how different NXT was back then compared to now. Eight men would compete in various challenges, as well as the ring, to see who was the most deserving of a contract. Bryan was already a veteran of the indies and other promotions, and was given The Miz as a “mentor.” Miz was a five year veteran, and both United States and undisputed Tag Team Champion. Miz knew ratings, but Bryan knew wrestling. That was the real reason for the clash.

Miz thought and still thinks he knows better, no matter what. He wants respect, but he doesn’t give it. But Miz couldn’t see that as he grilled Bryan time and again. Bryan just needed to “shut up and listen”, but all Miz did was try to make Bryan another Miz. In the end, Bryan would be eliminated with an 0-10 wrestling record. Miz rubs it in that “the great” Daniel Bryan never won during that time. But Bryan points out that he got to have his first match back against Miz, and won. Bryan realized he didn’t need the Miz, but Miz needed him. This is just part one, what more will be shown and said in the next two parts?

Six Man Tag: SAnitY VS The New Day!

Awwww~ Greenville~! Chaos won a Tables Match at Extreme Rules, but Positivity won in the Tag Title Contenders Tournament. Just days before facing the Bludgeon Brothers in Brooklyn, can Xavier, Big E and birthday boy Kofi survive the anarchy?

The bell rings as Big E starts against Eric Young. They circle as fans chant, “Happy Birthday!” for Kofi. Eric gets a waistlock but Big E throws him off. E swivels those hips, but Eric kick slow and drives his elbow into Big E’s neck. Eric runs, but into a belly2belly! Cover, TWO! Tag to Kofi, and he gets a boost from Big E for a back senton! Cover, TWO! Kofi brings Eric up and whips, but Eric holds ropes. Eric elbows back, then Wolfe tags. Kofi goes after Eric, whips, but Eric reverses and Wolfe holds the rope down! Kofi hits the table, then Wolfe drops him onto the apron. Wolfe puts Kofi in, covers, TWO. He keeps on Kofi as Killian Dain tags in. We go picture in picture as Big Damo stomps Kofi. Damo wrenches Kofi’s neck, Kofi stands, but Damo throws him back down.

Damo drags Kofi around, then brings him up to the top rope. He climbs up but Kofi resists the superplex. Kofi knocks Damo back as we go single picture. Kofi leaps over, but Damo’s dropkick blasts him away from the New Day! Damo looms over Kofi, and soaks in the heat. He drags Kofi over and gives clubbing crossface forearms. He stalks Kofi to the corner but fans rally up. Damo brings Kofi up but Kofi fights back, only to get Fisherman suplex’d all the same. Damo tags Wolfe, and Wolfe climbs up, for flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! SAnitY still has control while we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Kofi is isolated in SAnitY’s corner. Damo waits for him to stand, then swings. Kofi slips out and DDT’s Damo down! Fans fire up, as does Woods on the New Day’s corner. Kofi and Damo crawl, hot tags to Wolfe and Woods! Woods rallies with a SUPERKICK to Eric, then a boot to Wolfe. Wolfe reverses the whip but Woods comes back with forearms! Woods keeps going, mule kick to a toss tot eh ropes. he builds sped for a big dropkick tot he back. Woods runs corner to corner but is put on the apron. He still kicks Wolf back, then hits the step-in tornado DDT! Cover, but Eric breaks it with the elbow drop! Damo runs at Big E and Kofi, then Wolfe tags to Eric. Eric brings woods up, for a Death Valley onto Wolfe’s knees! Cover, TWO!

Eric tags to Damo, and he holds Woods for Damo to stomp. Damo drags Woods up, back suplexes but Wood slips out. Woods chops away on Damo, but is whipped back to SAnitY’s corner. Woods blasts Wolfe & Eric, but runs into the Divide! Cover, but Big E Breaks it! He throws Eric, but gets a boot from Wolfe. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise, but Damo throws him out. Kofi gets on the top rope, and FLIES onto Eric & Wolfe! Damo runs into a boot, Big E tags in! Scoop and MIDNIGHT HOUR!! Cover, New Day wins!!

Winners: The New Day, Big E pinning

Positivity prevails! All three are ready for Summerslam, but will only two of them be ready for Harper & Rowan?

The Miz VS Daniel Bryan, Eight Years in the Making, Part 2!

After NXT, both men would find title success time and again, if at different times in their careers. “I start a new life, a life where I am no longer a wrestler.” Bryan had accomplished so much, but it had taken a toll on his body. With a heavy heart and utmost sadness, Bryan had to retire. Bryan had done so much, but giving that speech was the toughest thing to do. Miz says that’s what happens when you fight pros like you’re a rookie. If he took less risks, he’d be better off. Bryan knew he could tone it down, but he didn’t want to be soft like Miz. But then a new opportunity came along, and Bryan became SmackDown’s new GM! He did a great job, but not in Miz’s eyes.

Miz was barely on TV, and he ripped into Bryan on the August 23rd, 2016 edition of Talking Smack. Miz called Bryan the real coward. He hasn’t been injured once in his career, and honestly expected Bryan to hit him, but Bryan walked out. Bryan said he had no choice, or else he would’ve hit Miz. Miz hit a nerve, but Bryan made a vow to stick around. Bryan took a high road, but Miz claims that was Bryan hiding. Bryan being fired for manning up? As if.

But Bryan could tell Miz made a calculated move. Then Miz would parody everything Bryan did in the ring. Bryan swallowed his pride, but it kept him up at night. That made Bryan more motivated than ever to get back. Miz claims Bryan is haunted by the truth. Miz knows Bryan better than Bryan does. “The truth is, and it always will be,” is that Miz is Bryan’s Pro, and his superior.

Paige checks on Samoa Joe.

The Destroyer isn’t in the mood to talk to his GM, but he still opens the door. She knows he knows AJ Styles is coming out to the ring again tonight. He could’ve responded but didn’t. He’s shy. Well Paige doesn’t want Joe to suddenly be an extrovert. She needs him to be professional. But when she told him he was the #1 contender, she liked his killer instinct and unpredictability. He can’t be that if he tells everyone what he’s doing. Joe makes a promise to continue to do what he wants and when he wants. Everyone just has to wait and deal with the consequences. Or maybe Joe can just sit, relax and enjoy all Paige’s hard work. He goes back into his locker room, but will he really stay there?

Aiden English introduces… himself.

MC Artiste has had a rough time making things up to Rusev & Lana. He always means well, but somehow, someway, it makes things worse. English has a hard time starting, but sings “all bad things come to an end,” so tonight he makes amends for when he let down his friends and causing a break. English will make Andrade pay, because tonight he fights for… RUSEV DAAAAY~!

Aiden English VS Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

The Drama King vows to win, but will he be able to do so against El Idolo?

We go picture in picture as Almas hits the ring. La Muneca takes care of his golden robe while the bell rings. They tie up quick but English runs Almas over. Cover, ONE, so he tries again, ONE. English rolls Almas, ONE. Almas bails out to slow things down. Vega coaches Almas up to be focused, but Engilsh comes around and chases Almas into the ring. Almas slingshots out, but into a boot! English bumps Almas off the apron, then into the ring. Vega distracts Engilsh and Almas pounces at the ropes. Almas drags English out for the draping backbreaker to elbow. Cover, ONE, but Almas keeps on English with an armlock. English endures while Vega coaches Almas to keep going. English gets up but Almas brings him back down. Fans rally and English feeds off it as we go single picture.

English fights back with forearms but Almas knees low. Almas tries a suplex but English small packages. TWO, and English runs into a hip toss that sends him into buckles! Vega calls for it, Almas runs, but English intercepts with a clothesline! English hurries up top, flies, for a big splash! TWO! English grows frustrated, but he goes after Almas on the apron. ALmas hotshots him back, then hits the boot feint and elbow! Vega shouts for it, Almas gives English CIEN KNEES! But he’s not done there, Hammerlock DDT! Cover, Almas wins!

Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall

El Idolo celebrates with La Muneca as they keep English down in the dumps. Vega speaks. “You guys like catchy phrases and useless holidays?” Then mark your calendars, because 8/19/18 will mark the END of Rusev and Lana Day! Vega will expose Lana for the dead weight she is that drags down her husband. But then Mr. & Mrs. Machka appear! Rusev & Lana respond by saying “Look at you two, acting like you just won the Power Ball.” Almas’ luck runs out, and Zelina will learn why Lana is the Best, Lana Number One! Lana vows that together, she and Rusev will CRUSH Almas & Vega, because Summerslam is on what day? Rusev Daaaay~!

AJ Styles talks with Paige.

She gives him a fair warning. Things are intense between AJ and Joe, but they need to keep the main event intact. Paige tried to keep Joe from doing something, but she hopes Styles will hold back. Styles made a promise to his wife that he intends on keeping. Does that mean he will or he won’t!?

The Miz VS Daniel Bryan, Eight Years in the Making, Part 3!

In the conclusion to this three-part series, we look at Bryan’s new start in the ring. After two years, “I never thought the day would come”, but Bryan saw specialist after specialist, and they all said the same thing: “You are cleared.” Bryan was back in the ring! The greatest day of his career would then lead to the greatest return, at Wrestlemania! But The Miz didn’t care. Miz had his own run as the Heart & Soul of Raw. Bryan stepped down as GM, but not until after putting Miz back on SmackDown! He could’ve let things end without ever settling it, but what’s the fun in that?

Miz felt done with Bryan, and sees this as Bryan holding a grudge. It’s too late for Bryan to prove himself to anyone, so Miz won’t be his stepping stone back to the top. Miz vows that the end of this nightmare will be Bryan admitting Miz is better. Bryan admits, Miz has family, friends and fame, but “do you honestly think that’s why I came back?” Bryan isn’t back out of jealousy, isn’t back out of making a name for himself, it’s because this is his passion and his life! After all the talk and stunts and “crap between you and me”, there’s only one thing left to do. They’re going to get in the ring one more time against each other, “to finally shut you up!” This story comes full circle at Summerslam, but who will have the storybook ending?

Jeff Hardy VS Shelton Benjamin!

Two of Carolina’s own battle it out days before Brooklyn as the Charismatic Engima looks to snap back from The Viper’s bite. Can Hardy best the Gold Standard to then go after the King of Strong Style and the United States Championship?

SmackDown returns as Benjamin puts Hardy back in the ring, after having SUPERKICK’D Hardy down. Benjamin wraps Hardy in a chinlock, but fans rally up. Hardy fights back but Benjamin knees low. Benjamin rolls Hardy to a cover, TWO. Benjamin stalks Hardy to put on another chinlock. Fans rally for “Brother Nero!” as he endures another squeeze. Hardy stands up while we go picture in picture. They go around and Hardy fights back. Benjamin wrangles him back down to the mat, squeezing even tighter. Hardy works his way around but Benjamin just adjusts to a deeper chinlock. Hardy gets up and fights out as fans rally again. Jawbreaker! Benjamin staggers while Hardy gets to a corner. Hardy dodges Benjamin’s splash, then hits Whisper in the Wind! We go single picture as Hardy covers, TWO!

Hardy counters Benjmain’s punches then whips. Benjamin reverses but Hardy holds ropes to run him over. Hardy hits the atomic drop then leg-splitting leg drop. He dropkicks and covers, TWO! Hardy gets up and calls to DELETE! Benjamin denies the twist but misses his Dragon Whip. Hardy gets his spinning back kick, then the Hardyac Arrest is caught. Hardy slips out and hits a neckbreaker! He takes off the shirt and climbs up top. Hardy takes aim, but Benjamin stops him with a step-up knee! Benjamin climbs up, and SUPERPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Benjamin keeps his cool as he stands back up. He stalks Hardy, but Hardy sees him coming, Slingblade! Hardy kicks, hits the Twist of Fate! Then a splash cover, Hardy wins!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

The Enigma is back, but here comes Shinsuke Nakamura. The Rockstar shows off that title belt, and Hardy expects Orton out of nowhere. Benjamin stands up and Hardy blasts him, but Nakamura gives Hardy a backstabber! Nakamura takes aim from the corner, fires himself up and… Hardy reverses into Twist of Fate! Hardy hurries up top, takes aim himself and… SWANTON BOMB! Nakamura failed to get one over on Hardy, but will Hardy be able to do that at Summerslam? At the same time, The Viper is lying in wait from around the end of the stage. Even if Hardy wins, will Orton simply strike him down all over again?

AJ Styles heads to the ring!

The Pheonomenal One promised to give further rebuttal to Samoa Joe’s personal insults, but he also told Paige he promised Mrs. Styles something. What is it the WWE Champion promises to promise?

Greenville gives Styles a standing ovation before he speaks. He says he is blessed because “for almost 20 years”, he’s competed around the world against the best. Styles has learned a lot, but nothing more important than what he leanred after winning the WWE Championship. “There’s a reason why this championship is so hard to hold. It’s because of the pressure” the champ is put under. Samoa Joe hit Styles’ pressure points, he’s a mastermind. It started with that blindside attack during the contract signing three weeks ago. Joe would strike and choke Styles out to then put his name on the contract and establish he was the #1 contender.

Right when Styles thinks he knows Joe, Joe stabs him in the back, and in the heart. By that, Styles means Joe saying Styles puts the title above all else, “even if it means you’re a failure as a father.” Joe said that while the WWE Universe will cheer Styles on, the Styles family will be cheering Joe on. After Joe puts Styles down, Styles’ family will have their daddy back while Joe will be WWE Champion. Styles says Joe got him right where he wants him. If Joe wants Styles to get mad, he’s mad. Styles got personal about his family, and felt that “as a man, as a father, as a husband”, he had to defend himself. Styles went to a dark place where he wanted to rip Joe’s head off.

But then Styles returned home and his wife told him not to lose his cool. The family supports and appreciates all the work he does, but he has to keep his focus. But now Samoa Joe appears! Joe is on the ramp, as unpredictable as he told Paige he would be. Joe heads down the ramp, but pulls out a paper from his pocket. Styles gave us a wonderful tale, but they both know Styles is lying. Joe wants Styles to keep that promise to keep his cool. Joe has a letter from a fan, and wants Styles to hear it. “Dear Joe, two weeks ago, I heard the things that you said about AJ Styles and his family. Your remarks are disgusting and made me physically ill. Not because they were wrong, but because they were true.”

This fan used to love AJ Styles, but now it’s clear Styles never wanted children. Or a wife, either. Which is why AJ Styles is such a great champion: he’ll do anything to stay away from his family. At Summerslam, this fan prays Joe wins so that Styles can know how it feels to lose what he loves most, because this fan lost Styles long ago. “My sincerest gratitude, Wendy Styles.” Joe gets under Styles’ skin all over again, but will it come back to haunt him in Brooklyn?

My Thoughts:

A fairly interesting SmackDown, but still pretty good for a go-home. The opening segment was great for the meta that Carmella brought up. She is the last remaining “Diva” but she doesn’t care about the stigma so long as she’s champion. Naturally the opening segment leads to a match, but Charlotte & Becky VS Mandy & Sonya was pretty good. It was a good touch for Becky to finish things up on her own, she wants to show she can defeat two superstars at once. The tension between her and Charlotte is building, but as I’ve said, Tea Generation X needs to make it to WWE Evolution and that Women’s Tag Team Championship. But it’s good that SmackDown is doing it at all, so that it’ll be perfect when Becky snaps at Survivor Series.

It was actually a good move for the Bludgeon Brothers to destroy those jobbers outside of a match. Harper & Rowan are at the point where squashing doesn’t even do enough, so just brutalizing mortal men is what’s needed. The New Day & SAnitY do great in their Six-Man, fans ate it up, especially celebrating Kofi’s birthday as part of the match. I still feel the right move is for New Day to find a way to overcome and win, and then we can freshen things up for the Fall. Then that trio of video packages was so great, Bryan & Miz are gonna tear it up. I still can’t say who wins, but either way, with all this Miz & Mrs. success, I would love to see Miz try one more Face run because he’s that good on the mic and is perfectly comfortable in his style to make it in the ring.

I really liked how English looked good during his match with Almas, though obviously he was going to lose. English probably did endear himself to Rusev & Lana, so I’m hoping that win or lose, Rusev forgives English and Team Rusev Day is stronger than ever. The last two things in the episode were good but also odd to end on. Hardy VS Benjamin was solid for how quick it was, and it was great for Hardy to stand tall after Nakamura tries to attack. But with that and Orton lurking slightly off to the side, Hardy won’t be winning the title at Summerslam. Then ending with Styles responding to Joe’s accusations, only for Joe to counter them savagely, was a great moment for them, but again, odd to end on. Usually things like this end in a fight, but I give credit to SmackDown for ending with a speechless Styles.

My Score: 7.9/10

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

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

.@TheSamiCallihan debuts the first episode of #DMTV! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/OWrTeBtRZ6

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

Ratings:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat.

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff.

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

Trent The Seventh and Ball Of Speed, alongside Broken Matt Hardy, are geared up to render The System obsolete tomorrow night at #TNAUnderSiege! pic.twitter.com/laEOlXayIc

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

"Can you please get fired?"

.@joehendry's live apology transformed into a new hit about @AJFrancis410! The "apology" song took things HIGHER than ever! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/6P7pDFbK3p

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon make their intentions clear: they're walking into #TNAUnderSiege ready to take down @SteveMaclin and @FrankieKazarian! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/idI78rvsYJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 3, 2024

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/2/24)

The Queen is chasing the crown!

Published

14 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the One and Only become the #1 contender?

Queen Aminata wants after Athena and the ROH Women’s World Championship, but she will still earn her way to a shot, starting with a match tonight!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Infantry VS The Outrunners; The Infantry wins.
Nyla Rose VS Camron Branae; Nyla wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown; The Kingdom wins and denies The Qrown a title match.
Toa Liona VS Jimmy Wild; Liona wins.
Six Man Tag: The Dark Order VS Adam Priest, Zicky Dice & Sean Maluta; The Dark Order wins.
Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz; Solo wins.
Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade; Aminata wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Infantry VS The Outrunners!

Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo have had it with Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum! It’s one thing to use the same finishing move and rename it, but then The Outrunners’ new gear is camouflage, and they start using the Infantry’s catchphrases! Will Turbo & Truth get sent to Boot Camp? Or will Dean & Bravo be sent into Miami Overdrive?

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who is this accompanying The Outrunners? Lazer Linda? So now they’re copying Infantry in having a female team member? Trish Adora steps into the ring to get a good look at Linda. Linda flexes on Adora, so Adora gives her a LARIAT TUBMAN! The Outrunners are upset but then Dean & Bravo storm up to throw hands! The ref reprimands but The Infantry keep throwing hands. Dean whips Truth and Bravo whips Turbo, but the Outrunners both reverse that. Dean and Bravo both dodge, then they both fake the Outrunners out! Those dropkicks get nothing, and then The Infantry DROPKICK The Outrunners!

The Outrunners bail out, The Infantry fire up and Daily’s Place fires up with them! The ref says they finally need to sort out, so Bravo falls back. Truth flounders in, the bell finally sounds, and Dean arm-drags Turbo around! Dean keeps Turbo from Truth, tags Bravo in, and then Dean wrenches while Bravo hops up. Bravo AX HANDLES Turbo’s arm, then brings him around to wrench. Tag to Dean, he goes up and AX HANDLES! Then the Infantry double whip, and double atomic drop, for a double HIP TOSS! The Infantry now mock The Outrunners, before the double FIST DROP! Turbo flounders away and tags in Truth!

Truth runs up, but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Then another DOUBLE FIST DROP! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Dean storms up on him. Turbo distracts the ref, Truth pokes Dean in the eye! Truth blames it on the sunset, then bumps Dean off buckles. Tag to Turbo and the Outrunners mug Dean. Tag back to Truth, he goes up, BACKBREAKER, and then Truth winds up! But Bravo sneaks behind enemy lines to get Dean outta there, Truth’s knee drop turns into an accidental atomic drop! The Infantry then get in and TOSS Turbo! Bravo aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Turbo and the fans fire up again!

Dean brings Truth up, throws hands, then tags in Bravo. Dean scoops Truth, Bravo goes up, and they hit the BACKBREAKER and “Grenade” KNEE DROP! The fans fire up more and Bravo brings Truth up. Truth throws a shot but Bravo hits back. Bravo whips, Truth reverses, but Bravo gets around! Turbo tags in before the O’Conner Roll! Turbo runs up but Bravo dodges him to SUPERKICK! Turbo ends up on ropes, and Bravo ROCKS Truth! Bravo whips, Truth reverses and Turbo BODY SHOTS! Turbo BLASTS Dean, gets Bravo, and sends him into Truth’s BOOTS! Bravo staggers, Turbo CLAWS him on the back!

Tag to Truth and the Outrunners mug Turbo. The fans are torn, but Truth CHOPS Bravo in a corner! Truth spins around while the fans “WOO~!” Truth then storms back up, whips corner to corner, but Bravo reverses. Bravo runs up, but slides under as Truth goes up! Bravo then trips Truth, and asks if he should. The fans say yes, so Bravo YANKS Truth backwards into the POST! Bravo high-fives fans, but then Turbo FLYING AX HANDLES off the apron! Dean protests but there’s nothing he can do as Turbo puts Bravo back in. Truth drags Bravo over, tags Turbo, and Turbo drops an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Turbo drags Bravo up, tags Truth back in, and they mug Bravo with a big kick! Bravo sputters while the Outrunners flex. Truth whips, Bravo sunset flips, but Truth flails! Truth reaches for the literal sunset but Bravo finishes the flip, TWO! Bravo reaches for Dean but Truth trips him up! Tag to Turbo, and he drops down into a CROSSFACE! Bravo endures, fights up, but Turbo tags Truth. The Infantry get Bravo up, but Bravo BOOTS Turbo away! Bravo ELBOWS Truth, then ROCKS Turbo! And repeat! And repeat! Bravo runs, but into the DOUBLE HIP TOSS! The Outrunners shake hands and flex, DOUBLE ELBOW DROP!

Turbo BLASTS Dean, Truth covers, but Dean gets back in to kick it! Truth is upset but he stomps Bravo. Truth whips Bravo to the corner, then he BLASTS Dean again! Truth runs at Bravo but Bravo slips out to the apron! Truth hits buckles, Turbo storms up but Bravo dodges by going back inside! Bravo then slips out the other side, and Truth runs into Turbo! Bravo slingshots in for a STUNNER! The fans fire up as Bravo crawls for his corner, but Turbo grabs a foot! Turbo drags Bravo up, back suplexes, but Bravo lands out! Bravo avoids both Outrunners to hot tag Dean! The fans fire up as The Captain rallies on The Outrunners!

Dean fires haymakers and LARIATS! Then a back drop for Truth! The fans fire up as Dean runs in to give Turbo a FLYING BACK ELBOW! Dean goes corner to corner, blocks Truth’s boots, and puts him in ropes for an ENZIGIRI! Truth flops down, Turbo takes a swing, but Dean slips around to DDT! Dean kips up, the fans fire up, and they join Dean in an “OORAH!” JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, Truth breaks it! Truth TOSSES Dean out, but Bravo runs up! CARLIE CROSSOVER! Down goes Truth, but Turbo CLUBS Bravo! BIG back suplex! But Dean’s up top! FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Truth runs in, but Dean moves! The AX HANDLE hits Turbo!

Truth panics and apologizes, but then sees Dean! Truth wants mercy, but then he goes to poke eyes! Dean blocks those, bends those fingers, but Turbo CLUBS Dean down! The Outrunners shift into gear, MIAMI OVER- NO, Dean slips around and the BOOT hits Truth! Tag to Bravo and they get Turbo, for BOOT CAMP! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

Often imitated, never duplicated! The one, true Russian Leg Sweep Boot combo shines through, and that’s no cap! Dean & Bravo finally settle things with Turbo & Truth, will they march forward to settle things with The Undisputed Kingdom next?

Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker speak.

Cool Hand Ange tells Daddy Magic that things have been rather weird lately, to say the least. Not too long ago, Parker was on Rampage, going to make an announcement he told no one about, and the truth is, he was ready to retire. He felt he didn’t have anything left to fight for. Then he got the biggest news of his entire life, he found out he’s gonna be a dad! And if that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, then what does? So now, Ruby Soho is going to be at home, being a mom to their child, and Parker had to think, “What’s next?” Then he realized, there is a hell of a lot to fight for now, isn’t there?

Menard says how ’bout it? Ruby’s at home, nesting. Cool Hand Ange has priorities in order and Menard loves it! And tell ya right now, Menard has a problem with The Undisputed Kingdom. The ROH World Tag Team Champions, right? So how about this? They get the van, they pack it up, and they start taking a road trip! Van, train, airplane, who cares?! They’re heading to a certain place called The Promised Land! So get ready, boys! No doubt! Ever-Rise, 2Point0, X-JAS, will the next titles Menard & Parker go by be ROH World Tag Team Champions?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Grounds: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Qrown!

Speaking of, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett are here to defend those titles! Or at least, make teams earn their way to a shot at the titles. Will The Kingdom check another team off the list? Or will Leonis & Maximus Khan be one step away from the crown?

The teams sort out, Bennett starts against Leonis, and the Code of Honor is kept. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and the two circle. They tie up, and the bigger Leonis powers Bennett to the corner. The ref counts, Leonis lets off, but Bennett kicks low! Bennett CHOPS, then brings Leonis around to ROCK him! Bennett stomps and CHOPS Leonis, then tags Taven. The Kingdom double whip, dropkick the legs out then Taven ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Taven throws down hands, stomps Leonis over and over, even at the ropes! Taven CHOKES Leonis, lets off, and the fans cheer as Taven tags Bennett.

Taven CHOPS Leonis, Bennett stomps and CHOPS, then ROCKS him again! And stomps, and ROCKS! Bennett ROCKS Leonis again, talks trash, then tags Taven. Taven CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taven then reels Leonis in, but Leonis throws body shots! Taven CLUBS Leonis down, tags Bennett, and they bring Leonis in. But Leonis powers out, ROCKS Taven, then ROCKS Bennett! Leonis throws haymakers, then an UPPERCUT for Bennett! Then Leonis catches Taven to OVERHEAD SUPLEX him away! Maximus reaches out but Bennett whips Leonis into a BOOT! Bennett FOREARMS, Taven LARIATS! Bennett covers, TWO!

The fans rally and Bennett stomps Leonis. Bennett CHOPS Leonis, tells him to get up, then brings him to a neutral corner. Bennett ROCKS Leonis, brings him over, and tags Taven. Taven fires up Daily’s Place before he swings, but Leonis dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! Taven knees low, tags Bennett, and The Kingdom double whip. Leonis holds ropes, KICKS Bennett, then TOSSES Taven! Bennett kicks Leonis first, then reels him in, but Leonis back drops free! Hot tag to Maximus! Maximus rallies on The Kingdom with big LARIATS! Bennett runs up, Maximus dodges then URENAGES! The fans fire up with Maximus and he brings Bennett up.

But Taven springboards, KICK OF THE KING! Bennett BLASTS Leonis, Taven goes up! HAIL MARY PILEDRIVER!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Qrown a title opportunity)

Taven & Bennett just showed The Qrown aren’t #NeckStrong enough, and now The Kingdom is moving on. But will they soon cross paths with Menard & Parker?

JD Drake speaks.

“You ever been lost? Lord knows I have. I’ve been lost for the last month. In light of recent events, my brain’s been foggy, I haven’t been able to articulate words, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. It’s showing up in my in-ring work, it’s showing up in my personal life at home. Hell, it’s showing in my bowling game at home, too. The other night during league, I asked myself, ‘Hey, where do I go from here?'” JD asked the lady cashier for change on $5, he only got back four bills. Three ones, and a $2! Yeah, a real $2, those still exists.

JD says his grandfather recently passed away, February of this year, God rest his soul, would put a $2 in every grandchild’s picture frame. JD once asked why he did that, he said it’s because they’re gonna need to talk to him one day, and this $2 was gonna be the message. Granddad would also say, when times get tough, you’ve got two choices: quit, or tighten your bootstraps up and get back to work. So while the Workhorsmen may not be a thing for the foreseeable future, time for JD to be a workhorse man. The Blue Collar Badass is gonna punch in, knockout, and give ROH a $2 ass kicking. Scrap Metal is ready to scrap, will he turn that $2 into championship gold?

The Iron Savages speak.

Bulk Bronson says, “Underappreciated. Underutilized. Undervalued. We, the Iron Savages, have been parading around like a circus act for an entire year, winning over the hearts of the ROH fans and keeping them all entertained.” Jacked Jameson asks, “Are we in any tournaments?” Bronson & Boulder both say, “No.” Are they on any PPVs? No. And y’know what? No more goofy savages, no more popping the crowd! Boulder says the adoration is not bringing them success. Time for the Iron Savages, yes, the Iron Savages, to live up to their potential! Jameson says frankly, fat morons and skinny idiots don’t deserve their entertainment.

They aren’t changing their game plan, it just means they’re done winning over “Low T losers!” They’re just gonna win. They’re sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and EVERYBODY is going to #TiddyCity! Will these three start tearing their way through the ROH Tag & Trios Divisions until they’re sinking their teeth into titles?

Aaron Solo VS Jon Cruz!

Aaron is tired of riding solo and going nowhere, so in order to get back in the good graces of Johnny TV, he’s gotta get that W back! Or in this case, he just has to get wins period! Will he be able to do that here at Daily’s Place where he became All Elite? Or will Serpentico’s human friend get his own great homecoming win?

Cruz gets the fans fired up as he offers The Code of Honor. Solo takes it, the bell rings, and then Solo kicks low! Solo DECKS Cruz, has him in a corner, and bumps him off buckles. Solo stomps a mudhole in, digs his boots in and laughs, but lets off as the ref counts. Solo brings Cruz up, snap suplexes, then smiles as he soaks up the heat. Cruz flounders, the fans rally, but Solo throws hands. Solo whips, Cruz ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Solo flounders, Cruz keeps moving and he LARIATS! The fans fire up with Cruz and he brings Solo around. Cruz scoops to POWERSLAM, then fires up as he shakes the ropes!

The fans cheer as Cruz points to a corner. Cruz goes up, aims, and then FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Solo moves! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cruz springs up but Solo gives him the DREAMCAST KICK! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Aaron Solo, by pinfall

Solo makes sure Johnny TV saw that! There’s the first win, will he get more and more until he proves he’s TV Ready like Johnny & Taya?

Queen Aminata VS Robyn Renegade!

The One and Only African Woman Wrestler is an uncrowned queen here in ROH, but she is going to fight her way back up to her revenge! Will she be unstoppable as she chases down Athena and Billie Starkz? Or will this Renegade defy Aminata’s authority?

The Code of Honor is kept, the bell rings, and the fans rally for Aminata with “YES, QUEEN!” The two tie up, Aminata headlocks and she grinds Renegade. Renegade brings Aminata down, pops out the back and headlocks in return. Aminata endures, brings Renegade to her knee, and pops out the back to wrench, step over, and twerk attack! The fans cheer but Renegade is frustrated. Aminata hammerlocks, headlocks and hits the takeover. Renegade moves around, fights up, and powers up, only for Aminata to hold on tight. Aminata wrenches, Robyn breaks free and ENZIGIRIS! Then BACKSTABBER!

Aminata crawls, Robyn soaks up the heat and she kicks rocks before she runs up. Aminata puts Renegade on the apron, shoulders in but gets a DOUBLE STOMP for it! Renegade talks trash, kicks Aminata to the floor, then brings her back up to put her in the ring. Renegade brings Aminata up, reels her in, but Aminata turns things into a cradle! TWO, and Aminata runs up to LARIAT! Renegade gets up, Aminata LARIATS again! Renegade swings, but into a spin, snapmare, and PENALTY KICK! Back of the onion bag with that one! Aminata fires the fans up, runs side to side, and she DROPKICKS Renegade through ropes!

Aminata reminds us, she’s the one and only! But then we see Athena & Billie watching this backstage! Athena whispers something to Billie, perhaps some opening or weakness in Aminata’s game. Billie seems to concur while Aminata scuffs Renegade. Cover, TWO! Renegade holds on but Aminata brings her up. Alabama Lift, but Renegade sunset flips and high stacks! TWO, and Renegade swings, but into a wrench and facelock, snap suplex! Emphasis on the snap as Renegade flounders to a corner. The fans fire up and Aminata runs corner to corner, but Renegade ELBOWS back! Renegade runs in, gets around, half nelson FACEBUSTER!

Renegade sits Aminata up, runs and SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Aminata is tougher than that but Renegade snarls. The fans taunt Renegade, “ROBYN SUCKS!” Renegade drags Aminata up, fireman’s carries, and swing into the DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Aminata stays in this but clutches her neck and back. Robyn is frustrated, but she drags Aminata up. Robyn DOUBLE CHOPS! Aminata is annoyed, but Robyn pushes her around. Robyn winds up, Aminata BOOTS the lariat, then DOUBLE CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! And waistlocks, to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Robyn ends up in the corner again, and Aminata runs up, SWEET HIP MUSIC! But Aminata goes side to side to add the BOOT WASH!! Aminata says it is done now! She drags Robyn back up to HEADBUTT, Alabama Lift, and AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall

Athena & Billie are not happy with that result, they storm off. Aminata is not just ready, she is looking better than ever! Will not even The Fallen Goddess be able to deny The Queen her crown?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, mostly because it was under an hour. Yes, I still skipped things but c’mon, it was obvious Nyla was going to win, as were Liona and The Dark Order. Great opener from Infantry VS Outrunners to settle their feud, and I love that the Outrunners went as far as to get a female member of the team to parody Adora, just as I was thinking they would. Great win for Infantry, they’ll definitely get back in the ROH Tag title conversation in time for the next ROH PPV. And very good Proving Ground match, good showing for The Qrown in their first ROH match. But even so, of course The Kingdom was winning.

As such, we got a really good promo from Menard & Parker. I really hope they get a strong showing here in ROH now that they’re teaming together again. And there’s still Maria wanting Griff & Karter going after the titles, there’s needs to be something big in the works for the ROH Tag Division. And really good promo from JD Drake. Granted, this is another case where Tony Khan does something in his booking/running of the company that kinda forces his talent into these worked shoot promos, what with Anthony Henry being released while he’s injured. But JD did a great job referencing that without having to say it, and I hope he gets going in the singles division.

Good promo from The Iron Savages to officially go Heel, but given the unified AEW & ROH Trios champs are also Heels, we aren’t seeing Bronson, Boulder & Jameson holding gold any time soon. Good match from Solo, but I was hoping he’d have to struggle a little longer before he could win and do what Johnny TV dared him to do. And then very good match from Aminata VS Robyn, especially with the detail of Athena & Billie watching. Aminata of course wins, and I would think she skips revenge on Billie to go right to the head of the snake. Aminata VS Athena will be a great match, and really should be the moment Athena passes on the torch as far as being ROH Women’s World Champion.