Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (10/23/18)

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2018

We get a rematch from SmackDown 1000 as AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan try to work together again against The Usos! Can champion and challenger redeem themselves?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Kofi Kingston w/ The New Day VS The Big Show w/ The Bar; No Contest.
AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan VS The Usos; The Usos win.
Rusev w/ Lana VS Aiden English; Rusev wins.
Rey Mysterio VS The Miz; Mysterio wins.
Naomi & Asuka VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville; No Contest.
Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Awwww Newark~!

Don’t be sour, clap for your five-time champs, and feel~, the power~! The New Day are here with pancakes a plenty, but without the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. SmackDown 1000 saw The New Day take on The Bar in a stellar match, but the deciding factor was a surprise appearance and betrayal by The Big Show! Show choke slammed Kofi Kingston and Big E ate a Brogue and now Cesaro & Sheamus hold the titles.

Xavier Woods speaks on “ya bois” being cheated and defeated for those tag titles. Kofi adds that they didn’t just set the bar, they lowered the bar. But that’s what they do, taking advantage of the situation. The part Kofi can’t understand is… Big Show?! Big Show?! Yes, Big Show. So then, he’s the Bar Tender? Nice pun. But Show, we thought you were cool! But this fool flips back and forth more than flapjacks! So tonight, Kofi wants payback! Whether it’s Cesaro, Sheamus or Big Show, Kofi don’t give a damn. Tonight, somebody’s getting that work! Speaking of The Bar, The Bar is here! The Swiss Cyborg & Celtic Gladiator wear the newly won SmackDown Tag Team Championships, but they’re also bringing The Giant! Big Show leads the way down to the ring as The New Day keep their eyes straight ahead.

The New Day and The Bar agreed to put up one member each for a singles match up next, and Kofi made it clear he wants this fight. But who from The Bar will meet him? Sheamus looks to take the lead, but then they change their mind and say Cesaro is the one. But then they change their minds again, and say it’ll be The Big Show!

Kofi Kingston w/ The New Day VS The Big Show w/ The Bar!

The bell rings and this is official! Kofi dropkicks Show to a corner but Show turns it around to CHOP Kofi’s chest! Show stalks Kofi to another corner and whips him corner to corner hard. Kofi scrambles but Show is on him again for another chop! Show tosses Kofi across the way while The Bar enjoys the fun. Show drags Kofi up, for the Giant Choke Slam! But he’s not done, he gives Kofi another Choke Slam! And then, a third! The Big Show is merciless, he drags Kofi up again, but now The Bar and New Day run in! A brawl breaks out and the referee throws this match out.

No Contest

Woods and Big E throw The Bar out and go after Show, but The Bar comes back. Cesaro throws Woods and Sheamus knees Big E in the face. Show keeps on Kofi as The Bar stomp out Woods and Big E. Show puts Kofi into a post, and then Big E is fed to a Giant Choke Slam! The Bar go after Woods now, and feed him to Big Show’s knockout right hand! And then a Choke Slam! Giant, Gladiator and Cyborg stand tall, but will there be giant consequences come Crown Jewel?

AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan VS The Usos!

The Phenomenal WWE Champion and the Goat #1 contender didn’t quite mesh last week against former tag team champions in Jimmy & Jey. They want to show they can still be respectful in their rivalry by trying again this week. Can Styles & Bryan redeem themselves? Or will they still end up on #LOCKDOWN in the Uso Penitentiary?

The bell rings and Bryan starts against Jimmy. They circle and tie up, and Bryan gets the headlock. He grinds Jimmy to the mat, but Jimmy comes up and powers out. Things speed up and Bryan runs Jimmy over. Bryan keeps on Jimmy with another headlock, but Jey tags in as Jimmy powers out. Bryan clotheslines Jey out and Styles dropkick Jimmy! Together, Styles and Bryan slingshot plancha onto the Usos! Champion and challenger have a better start this week as we go picture in picture.

The fans chant “YES! YES!” with Bryan while The Usos regroup. Styles tags in and waits as the Usos talk strategy. Jey returns, and circles with Styles. Fans rally up as they tie up, and Styles gets a waistlock. Styles snapmares and kicks Jey, then brings him to his corner. Tag to Bryan and Bryan goes up while Styles has the wristlock. Bryan aims and drops double ax handles on Jey’s arm. Bryan keeps on that arm with shoulder breaker and hammerlock. Jey backs Bryan down and Jimmy tags in to mug Bryan in their corner. The referee counts and Jimmy lets up at 4. Jimmy tags Jey back in, and the Usos split the wishbone. Jey stalks Bryan as he writhes in a circle. Jey grabs a leg, tags Jimmy back in, and they split the wishbone again.

Jimmy taunts Styles a bit before stomping Bryan’s hand. Tag to Jey and the Usos mug Bryan with headbutts. Jey gives Bryan a big back suplex, then covers. TWO, but the Usos keep their cool. Jey watches Bryan closely, then tags in Jimmy. Jey stretches Bryan out for Jimmy to stomp. Jimmy wraps Bryan in a chinlock, but Bryan feeds off a fan rally. Bryan gets up and fights back, but runs into Jimmy’s back elbow! Jimmy stalks Bryan to the Uso corner and tags in Jey. The Usos stomp a mudhole into Bryan as we return to single picture. They back off at the ref’s count of 4, but tag back. Jey lifts Bryan and Jimmy climbs, for the backbreaker and ax handles! Cover, TWO! Jimmy keeps on Bryan with a chinlock but fans rally up again.

Bryan endures as Styles coaches him up. Bryan gets up and fights back again, hitting both Usos for good measure. He ducks Jimmy but double crossbodies take both men out! Fans continue to rally and Bryan crawls. Jimmy crawls, too, hot tags to Styles and Jey! Styles rallies with a phenomenal blitz! Then he slingshots to the apron to give Jimmy a sliding knee! He shoulders into Jey then slingshots over to come back with fireman’s carry to Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO! Styles keeps his cool as he drags Jey back up. He wants the Clash, but Jey counters to a fireman’s carry. Styles slips out and catches Jey into the Calf Crusher! Jey is stuck but Jimmy clobbers Styles.

Bryan and Jimmy brawl, Jimmy mule kicks but Bryan slips out of the suplex. Bryan dumps Jimmy out, but Jey staggers up. Phenomenal Forearm almost hits Jey! Jey goes after them both, Styles aims a Pele, but it hits Bryan! SUPERKICK for Styles! Deja vu as Jey tags in Jimmy! Jimmy climbs, Uso Splash! Cover, Usos win again!

Winners: The Usos, Jimmy pinning

Two times in a row, Styles and Bryan fail to work as a tag team! This benefits The Usos greatly, will they make big leaps back towards the tag titles? Will this be what finally makes Styles VS Bryan anything but respectful?

Backstage interview with Styles and Bryan.

Was what just happened an accident? Or on purpose? It was just like last week, at least. Well of course it was an accident, just like last week. Bryan can definitely vouch for his. So is he saying Styles is a liar? Well, it’s hard to be sure, did they hit Styles in the face? Or is his nose growing? Like Pinocchio? Bryan says it was an accident, but he makes a nose growing gesture. But then he gives up a Too Sweet. Isn’t that how it is? Bryan suspects Styles, but will it matter if they respect each other or not when it comes to the WWE Championship?

WWE and SmackDown share Performance Center footage.

Charlotte Flair was speaking to the new prospects of the Women’s Division and assuring them to do their best and make the best of their opportunity. “This business is built on respect.” Respect for yourself and for others. Have pride, but don’t walk all over others. With WWE Evolution this Sunday, Charlotte will do her best not to cry, but she knows it’s happening because of what all of women’s wrestling has built in the ring. She is proud of them to be standing here, and hopes they’ll be with her in the ring one day.

Charlotte allows the prospects to ask questions. What is the main difference between NXT and main roster? It’s about reintroducing yourself to the audiences, because every city is different. But she’s sure they’ll all be fine. What about the Last Woman Standing Match? Charlotte is honored. But Becky interrupts. These ladies should be listening to the real champ. Don’t listen to Charlotte, because not everyone makes it. Don’t make friends because they’ll hold you back. Do what Becky does and strike first. Watch Evolution to see what Becky does to Charlotte. Nothing will prepare Charlotte for what’s coming. And Becky also means right now!

They fight and scrap, and the prospects do their best to stop it, but neither woman backs down. Becky puts Charlotte into the steel steps, “That’s retribution! You’re never getting the title back!” Charlotte shouts “Who are you!?” but Becky says “I’m the Women’s Champion!”

Charlotte speaks.

“Becky, after all of the attacks, after all of the insults, what you did at the Performance Center was unforgivable!” She “disrespected the foundation that got us to where we are today.” That attack proved this isn’t just about titles or friendships, it’s proved Becky has changed. Becky keeps crossing lines and there’s no going back. Charlotte vows not to just stand over a defeated opponent, she’ll be standing over a friend who lost her way. This feud has gotten as personal as possible, who will be THE Last Woman Standing?

Rusev w/ Lana VS Aiden English!

The Bulgarian Brute wants revenge on the Drama King for acting like there was something between him and the Ravishing Russian. English wants Rusev to admit Lana was the problem, but English made things worse by screwing Rusev out of the WWE World Cup. Now English sings that “instead of a short Rusev Day, you could’ve had a hot, long Aiden Niiiight~!”

The bell rings and Rusev chases English around the ring! Lana blocks English’s path and Rusev clobbers him! Rusev throws English into the barriers then back into the ring. Newark is on Rusev’s side as he enters, but English kicks him and hits a swinging neckbreaker. English stomps a mudhole into Rusev, then seethes as he stares at Lana. He still blames her for everything, but then Lana throws a shoe at him! MACHKA KICK! Rusev roars and vows to CRUSH! He stomps English and put shim in the Accolade! English taps, Rusev wins!

Winner: Rusev, by submission

Rusev Day triumphs over Aiden Night, and now both Mr. & Mrs. Machka can move on from their former friend. Can Rusev find his way back to a title opportunity?

It’s time for Miz TV!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show is actually Truth TV, but Miz ignores that to start his show. SmackDown 1000 was just a week ago, and some of the most memorable moments in recent memories were made. Becky Lynch cut down Edge on his own show, and the team known as Evolution reunited. Oh and Miz defeated Rusev in record time to qualify for the WWE World Cup to determine the best in the world today. And of course, a future hall of fame wrestler returned and defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to also join the World Cup. Miz’s guest tonight is Rey Mysterio!

The King of Lucha joins Miz in the ring and Miz can’t help but be a bit curious as to why Mysterio is back. Mysterio says that first, it feels great to be back home. But the reason why– That wasn’t a question, Miz knows why. Miz knows Mysterio wants to show the world that the “little engine can climb up that hill” and all dreams can come true at Crown Jewel! How ’90s of him. But Mysterio has been gone for awhile. Fans aren’t into the underdog, they want larger than life stars like Miz. Fans boo as they disagree.

But Miz continues to say that while Mysterio was away, Miz became the most must-see superstar of all time. Miz has beaten big men, middle men and little men, he is the multi-talent of the WWE! In 10 days, Miz will advance out of the SmackDown bracket to the finals and face whoever Raw has. He’ll beat them and then prove to the world that he is the Best in the World! Fans boo because they doubt that. But Miz apologizes to Mysterio. Yes, Mysterio is disappointed. He thought he was going to be on Truth TV. Truth TV? Really? Is that a joke? Does Mysterio want a dance break? Newark does. But Truth was full of jokes and then Miz beat him to cancel Truth TV. Last week’s Truth TV was an illegal broadcast. Miz will easily cancel Mysterio’s appearance.

Mysterio wants Miz to stay calm. He isn’t here to be on dusty talk shows. He’s here to compete. So if Miz has nothig more to say, then shut up and throw down! Mysterio wants to fight, but Miz assures him that Newark doesn’t want to see them fight. No, Newark does want to see them fight! Miz wants them to understand, he’s a changed man. But then he sucker punches Mysterio! Miz hasn’t changed at all! He drags Mysterio up, but Mysterio enziguris Miz to the rope! Then Mysterio runs, only for Miz to run away. No 619 here, but what about the match?

Rey Mysterio VS The Miz!

SmackDown returns as the bell rings. Miz rushes Mysterio but Mysterio ducks him to kick back. Miz shoves but Mysterio slides under, only to get a kick. Mysterio kicks Miz after the whip then headscissors him out. Fans fire up as Mysterio takes aim, but Miz grabs at his legs. Mysterio shoves Mysterio away, then hits the sliding low-pe splash! He puts Miz in the ring, then springboards for a crossbody! TWO, but Mysterio keeps on Miz with shoulders and punches in the corner. Mysterio gets all 10, then adds double ax handles. He backs off to run back in but Miz dodges the splash! Mysterio bounces off buckles, and Miz stomps away. Miz chokes Mysterio on the ropes, then runs to hit his straddle attack.

Fans boo and jeer Miz as he stalks Mysterio. Mysterio blocks Miz’s punches but Miz whips Mysterio into the kitchen sink knee. Miz drags Mysterio up for a knee to the back and a chinlock around the neck. Fans rally up and Mysterio fights out. Miz knees low then whips again, but runs into a boot. Mysterio wheelbarrows but Miz snake eyes him on the buckles. Mysterio arm-drags out of the Finale, but then Miz wristlocks. Rey kicks away then springboard headscissors Miz into place! He dials it up, but Miz dodges the 619! Kick, DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz can’t believe it, but this match continues as we go picture in picture.

Both men slowly stir but Miz sits up first. Mysterio bails out but Miz pursues. Miz brings Mysterio around to ram him into the apron, then puts him back in the ring. He stalks Mysterio into a chinlock clutch. Mysterio endures as fans rally up. Mysterio gets up and fights out, giving forearm sand chops. He runs but Miz slides him out to the floor! Miz catches his breath and soaks up the heat while Mysterio is prey to the ring count. Mysterio staggers over at 6 and manages to get in at 8. Miz looms over him, toying with him as we return to single picture. Miz gives Mysterio to the “It Kicks” but fans say “No! No!” He prepares the buzzsaw, but Mysterio rolls him up! Miz rolls through to boot Mysterio down, cover, TWO!

Miz keeps his cool while stalking Mysterio again. He shoves Mysterio into buckles, then climbs up. Fans chant “619!” as Miz brings Mysterio up. Miz wants the full nelson, but Mysterio resists the Finale to give a Victory Roll Bomb! Mysterio doesn’t cover, but he gets himself to the apron. He aims, springboards and hits the seated senton! He keeps moving, but Miz sunset flips. Mysterio rolls through to kick Miz in the head! Miz gets to a corner but he puts Mysterio on the apron. Mysterio shoulders and kicks in, but springboards into the A-List combination! Cover, TWO! Now Miz grows frustrated, and he whips Mysterio again. Mysterio goes up and over, but runs into another boot! Cover, TWO! Miz is furious, but two is a two.

Mysterio crawls and Miz stalks him again. Miz reels Mysterio in but Mysterio fights off the full nelson. Miz lifts Mysterio but gets another headscissors! 619!! Then springboard splash! Cover, Mysterio wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

The King of Lucha is rolling in his return! But don’t call it an upset, he’s been here for years, and is one of the best in the world. Will he win the WWE World Cup to prove he is THE best?

Naomi & Asuka VS Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville!

WWE Evolution is coming, and it’s going to #FeelTheGlow! However, this first-time-ever match between The Empress & The Glow and the duo formerly known as Absolution will determine who rolls into the #1 Contender’s Battle Royal with momentum! Who comes away with an advantage before being part of history?

SmackDown returns as Rose & Deville make their entrance. The teams sort out, but the IIconics appear! Peyton & Billie are so excited. About Newark? No, no, not this place. She meant WWE Evolution! That’s where the IIconics will make history by winning the Battle Royal to then make the PPV IIconic! But wait, Lana appears? Well, the Ravishing Russian is part of that battle royal, but then she’s interrupted by the FABULOUS Carmella! The birthday girl apologizes, but no one here wants to see talking. What Newark wants is… a DANCE BREAK!

The ladies break it down, but then Zelina Vega comes out of nowhere to throw Carmella into the ring! And then Mandy and Sonya go after her! It’s a massive brawl among the women! Carmella gets Asuka with a FABULOUS Kick, but then Naomi roundhouses Carmella. Sonya tackles Naomi but Billie gives her the Kay Kick! Lana gives Billie a Ravishign Facebuster but Peyton gives her the IIconic heel kick! Mandy gives Peyton her golden knee, but then Vega throws Mandy out! Vega aims at Lana, for CIEN KNEES! La Muneca stands tall, but wait, Asuka’s back! And she gives Vega her Empress heel kick! Asuka stands tall, despite no tag team match happening. When it’s every woman for herself, will any woman be ready for Asuka?!

Shane McMahon is back again!

The Commissioner of SmackDown returned last week for episode 1000, but now he’s here for 1001, too! Shane O’Mac hits the ring to say “What’s up, Newark?” There are a lot of firsts happening right now, including the All Women’s PPV, Evolution. It is a momentous occasion, and for all the women of the past and present, he congratulates them, “well deserved.” And another first will be Crown Jewel’s inaugural WWE World Cup to determine the best in the world today. One superstar will be able to say they are the best in WWE. But who? Newark mentions a certain someone from the past, but he’s not in the tournament.

Shane knows there is such an immense amount of talent in the WWE and even just in the World Cup. He is confident one of the Blue Brand stars will be it. Will it be Jeff Hardy? The Miz? The returning Rey Mysterio? Or will it be Randy Orton? We’ll find out who at Crown Jewel. That’s later, this is now! Are you ready for the main event? Well here it is!

Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton!

The Charismatic Enigma and The Viper went to hell and back at Hell in a Cell, and Orton got the better of Hardy then. Hardy is back, and they’re both in the WWE World Cup, but there’s no guarantee they’ll meet again at Crown Jewel. Therefore, they give us the revival of their rivalry right here! Will Hardy get even? Or will Orton get even more vicious to finally finish Hardy off?

SmackDown returns once more, and the bell rings. Hardy and Orton circle as the fans rally up. They tie p and Hardy gets a headlock. Orton powers out but Hardy rums him over. Hardy says “DELETE! DELETE!” but Orton kicks low. Hardy comes back with a jawbreaker and the spinning back kick. He runs corner to corner but misses the splash. Orton gives “Brother Nero!” European Uppercuts. Hardy rolls out and Orton pursues. Orton bumps Hardy off the steel, then against the side of the steps. And again! And again! Orton backs off at 4, but comes back to drag Hardy up and into the ring. He covers, TWO, but he keeps his cool. Orton stomps Hardy limb after limb, then drags him up to scrape his laces on Hardy’s face. He covers again, TWO, but Orton keeps Hardy down with the chinlock.

Hardy endures as fans build to a rally. Hardy feeds off the energy and fights out, but then Orton yanks him down by his hair! Orton takes his time bringing Hardy up and around for a dropkick! Cover, TWO, but he keeps on Hardy with a chinlock. Fans rally again and Hardy stands. Hardy fights back with elbows but Orton clubs him down. Orton whips Hardy to a corner but runs into an elbow. Hardy climbs but Orton trips him up! Orton puts Hardy in a Tree of Woe to stomp a mudhole into his ribs. Orton stops at 4, but rolls out to pull Hardy’s ear gauge hole! He stops at 4, but he then drags Hardy all the way out to bounce him off the announce desk. Orton then tosses Hardy with the back suplex onto the desk! Fans duel as some in Newark appreciate the violence.

Orton puts Hardy back in the ring, covers, TWO! Hardy survives but that just means Orton gets to torture him more. Orton stalks Hardy, and goes after the ear! Hardy fights him off with furious haymakers. Hardy whips but Orton reverses, only for Hardy to rally! He gets the atomic drop and leg-splitting leg drop! Dropkick on top, cover, TWO! Hardy keeps his cool while he and Orton slowly stand Hardy says “DELETE! DELETE!” and kicks low. Orton denies the Twist of Fate, but runs into boots. hardy up, Whisper in the Wind! Cover, TWO! Orton survives but Hardy still says “DELETE! DELETE!” He stalks Orton, kicks low, Twist of Fate! Off comes the shirt as Hardy climbs up. Hardy aims, but Orton bails out. Hardy won’t let him get away, he hurries to the apron. SWANTON FLOP! Orton moves, Hardy hits floor!

Both men are down and the referee checks on them. Orton sits up and goes over to Hardy. A ring count begins but Orton doesn’t hurry to put Hardy in. They do return, but Orton won’t cover. Instead, he hears the voices in his head! Hardy slowly stands and Orton aims. Orton wants it but is denied into a backslide! TWO, Twist– RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Viper strikes with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment, and rolls on towards the World Cup! Will Orton and Hardy meet again in the SmackDown bracket? Or will one rise while the other falls?

My Thoughts:

This SmackDown was only okay. It was just barely a go-home for Evolution and just managed to build for Crown Jewel. I did like that The New Day didn’t even care what Big Show’s reasons for turning were, they just wanted to fight it out. The only reason Kofi didn’t lose is because that fight broke out, but it seems that Big Show, in his homestretch towards retirement, is getting to be the dominant giant again. I wonder if Big Show and The Bar will Freebird those titles, or Big Show is just insurance so that The Bar have a long(er) reign. And as I was thinking, Styles and Bryan are losing that respectful part of their rivalry and I’m betting this gets really physical really quickly with the go-home for Crown Jewel next week.

I liked seeing the Performance Center “incident” in full, and then Charlotte’s ultimatum after. That Last Woman Standing match is going to be great, probably going to be 20 minutes minimum, but if Charlotte is the last one to speak, I’m thinking Becky is the winner. Becky’s still been on fire as far as fans still cheering her, there’s no reason to stop her now. Then what was meant to be a singles match was suddenly made a tag match without little notice, but that’s okay because it just became a brawl of all the SmackDown women not in the title scene. Asuka stands tall at the end, though she did let everyone else take each other out first. As I said on the Raw article, I hope Asuka wins to turn herself around towards the title.

Miz TV was alright, Mysterio got to the fighting right away. I’m thinking between Mysterio VS Miz and Hardy VS Orton here, we’re not getting those match-ups at Crown Jewel. It’ll likely be Mysterio VS Orton and Hardy VS Miz, but I’m thinking we don’t get Orton VS Hardy again so Mysterio VS Miz rematch as the SmackDown block finals makes sense to me. Tonight’s matches of Mysterio VS Miz and Hardy VS Orton were good here, and it made sense for Mysterio to win against The Miz to keep his roll going. Orton winning was just a default decision it seems, because Hardy could’ve won and it’d still be a moot point given we’ve still got one more SmackDown before Crown Jewel.

My Score: 8/10

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

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/27/24)

It’s a slam dunk!

Published

39 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Guns up for all the Jacksonville Gold Members!

Another three hour block of All Elite Wrestling starts with a Collision! But will the Bang Bang Gang still be the best three man unit ever? Or will Top Flight go from the coldest to the goldest trio in the game?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Acclaimed VS Grizzled Young Veterans; win.
Toni Storm w/ Mariah May & Luther VS Anna Jay; wins.
Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships: Bullet Club Gold VS Top Flight; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

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

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

1 day 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.