Results
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (1/8/19)
The SmackDown Women’s Champion needs a challenger at the Royal Rumble event, so three former champions battle in a #1 Contender’s Triple Threat!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Daniel Bryan VS R-Truth; Bryan wins.
- Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali VS Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Joe & Almas win.
- The Bar VS The Usos; The Bar wins and denies The Usos a title match.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Becky Lynch VS Carmella; Lynch wins and will face Asuka for the title at the Royal Rumble.
PLAY BY PLAY
Daniel Bryan protests the arena food stands?
The “New” Bryan, that is. And he uses this to get AJ Styles’ attention. This is Bryan “educating” us. The concession stands are only here to destroy our health and wealth. Fans boo Bryan’s protest as he rants on about the junk food that fills a void in our “empty and vacuous” lives. That is why fans cheer AJ Styles! Because fans look up to him and fill the emptiness. Styles is exactly like these fans here! Bryan takes someone’s hot dog! Fans stuff their faces, cheer Styles, but leave empty and just move on to something else! Bryan throws the hot dog back at the fan! And then he takes someone’s slushee drink and plastic cup, and then splashes the fan with it! “Fickle! Fickle!”
Bryan continues his “tour” to the merchandise stand! Can he get a Yes Movement shirt? But wait, those were discontinued. Because the Yes Movement is dead and Bryan killed it! He doesn’t want to fill the Earth with this toxic consumerism. But look! Styles shirts, Styles gloves, all to fill the emptiness of everyone’s lives. “Look at this trash!” Plastic garbage ruining the Earth! Bryan moves his protest to the stands where fans stand to boo and jeer him. “I am out here changing the world. I am out here making the world a better place.” But to create change, Bryan must force the fans to change. Fans are weak, submissive and impotent! “Submissive! Change it! Impotent. Change it!”
Bryan is here to change the world one person at a time. He snatches a fan sign to denounce The House AJ Styles Built! Styles fills a void for a few seconds, but Bryan will fill the void with meaning and value! Something the future generations can be proud of! “Impotent! Change it!” Fans boo as Bryan reaches ringside. But here comes R-Truth!? Truth wants payback on Bryan for the humiliating defeat he suffered on Christmas! The referee backs Truth down, but he’s scheduled to have a match with Bryan anyway! Will Bryan be ready to face the Truth after the break?
Daniel Bryan VS R-Truth!
SmackDown returns as Truth reverses a whip. Bryan kicks but runs into a hip toss! Bryan gets to a corner and Truth throws hands and forearms! Truth whips Bryan corner to corner but Bryan goes up and over. Bryan runs but Truth splits and calf kicks him down! Cover, TWO! Truth keeps his cool but Bryan hits back with body shots. Bryan puts Truth in a corner for No Kicks, then snapmares Truth for a kick to the back. Bryan slaps Truth and says “You’re the problem!” The ref reprimands Bryan and Truth hits back. Bryan rocks Truth with a European Uppercut! Bryan puts Truth in a corner for more No Kicks, then runs corner to corner for the dropkick! He keeps going, and hits another dropkick. Bryan wants a third but gets Truth’s flying elbow instead!
Truth fires up and suplexes Bryan, into a stunner! Cover, TWO! Truth grits his teeth as he gets up and back suplexes Bryan. Bryan slips out and gets to a corner, then dodges Truth’s splash. Knee Plus! Cover, Bryan wins!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall
The New Daniel Bryan keeps on winning, but that doesn’t mean he’s gotten rid of Truth just yet. Truth is the 30th spot in the Royal Rumble match, will he make the most of it and win his way to a Wrestlemania main event?
Bryan leaves Truth alone, but as he goes up the ramp, AJ Styles attacks! Styles knocks Bryan down and throws hands on the stage! Styles headbutts Bryan over and over, but security comes out to drag him away. He fights out to go after Bryan at the LED wall! Bryan crawls for retreat but Styles pursues, with a chair! The chase leads backstage, but Styles threatens to hit security first. Fans fire up for Styles, and Styles is raring for a fight. Will Styles stop The New Bryan in their Royal Rumble world championship match?
Rey Mysterio & Mustafa Ali VS Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
The King of Lucha, the Beacon of Light and the Destroyer all fell short of a title opportunity in the Fatal 5 Way match, but there’s still a path to the title at the Royal Rumble. Mysterio and Ali team up for the first time ever, as are Joe and El Idolo. Which side will win big momentum for the 30 man battle royal here tonight?
SmackDown goes picture in picture as everyone makes their entrances. The teams sort out as we return to single picture, and it will be Ali starting against Joe. The two circle and tie up, and Joe pushes Ali to the ropes. Joe honors the ropebreak, but then gives Ali a shove. Ali and Joe circle again, and tie up. Joe again puts Ali on the ropes but grinds a forearm into Ali’s face. Joe backs off, but Ali ducks the sucker punch. Ali fires forearms then runs, but can’t get Joe off his feet. Ali runs but Joe runs him over! Joe drags Ali up by his hair to CHOP him to a corner. Joe jabs away, then whips Ali corner to corner. Ali dodges and dropkicks Joe back. Ali dropkicks Joe again, but Joe still stays up. So Ali tags in Mysterio, and double dropkicks knock Joe over!
Mysterio and Joe stare down, but Almas tags in. Almas and Mysterio meet again as they tie up. Almas kicks low then wrenches Mysterio to a hammerlock. Mysterio fights back and rebound snapmares Almas down! Mysterio speeds things up and kicks Almas in the leg. Almas lifts Mysterio and spins him, but Mysterio spins through to arm-drag! Mysterio whips but Almas reverses, only for Mysterio to go up and over. Almas knocks Mysterio down and covers, TWO! Almas keeps his cool and drags Mysterio over to his corner. Tag to Joe, and Joe headbutts Mysterio. Joe bumps Mysterio off buckles and jabs away from all sides. The ref counts and Joe backs off at 4 to tag Almas back in. Almas pumps himself up as he drags Mysterio up by his mask.
Fans rally for Mysterio but Almas CHOPS him. Mysterio hits back but Almas shoves. Mysterio comes back to wheelbarrow facebuster Almas down! Fans fire up and both men crawl for their corners. Hot tag to Ali! Ali rallies and speeds things up to headscissor Almas down! Ali bumps and chops Almas, then whips. Almas reverses the whip, but Ali slides to a stop. Ali slips out to the apron to roundhouse Almas back! Ali slingshots and hits the facebuster! Cover, ONE! Ali keeps on Almas with a waistlock, but Almas elbows out. Almas boots but Ali sees the elbow coming and dodges. Joe tags in while Ali runs, Ail gives Almas the flapjack dropkick. Joe and Almas get in each other’s way, and Ali dropkicks them into each other!
Ali aims at Almas and hits the tornado DDT! Almas rolls out, Ali slingshots but into Joe’s arms! Joe throws Ali with a Fall Away Slam onto the announce desk! Fans lose their minds while we go to break!
SmackDown returns, and Almas has Ali in the Tree of Woe. But Ali sits up to throw Almas off! Zelina cannot believe it, but fans rally up for the resilient Heart of SmackDown! Ali pops out of the Tree and drags himself towards his corner. Almas goes after Ali but misses, hot tag to Mysterio! Springboard huricanrana! Mysterio whips but Almas reverses. Mysterio ducks the boot but Almas sunset flips, only for Mysterio to roll through and buzzsaw! But Joe runs in to throw Mysterio to buckles. Mysterio ducks Joe and then sing kicks him away. Mysterio springboards to seated senton Joe down! Almas runs at Mysterio but Mysterio gets around. Mysterio balances Almas on his feet, then jumps up for a destroyer!! Cover, but Joe breaks it!
Joe drags Mysterio up to whip him into a corner. Joe runs in but misses again, and Mysterio baits Joe to ropes. 619!! Then Ali hurries up, 450! Almas gets up and suplexes Ali but Ali slips out., Ali feeds Almas to Mysterio to put on the ropes. Almas gets a shot, to FLY onto Joe! Then Mysterio dials it up, 619! But Almas catches it! Fireman’s carry to gutbuster drop! And then, Hammerlock DDT! Cover, Almas & Joe win!
Winners: Samoa Joe & Andrade “Cien” Almas, Almas pinning
El Idolo shocks the King of Lucha and wins big! Will this mean even bigger things for Almas, and by proxy Zelina Vega, at Wrestlemania?
Carmella speaks.
“You don’t think I hear people talking?” No one thinks she’ll win tonight’s Triple Threat. Why is that? Because she’s good looking? Because she has style and likes to have fun? Or is it because Charlotte Flair knows how to use kendo sticks, or that Becky Lynch finally found a personality. Carmella was SmackDown Women’s Champion for 130 days. And during that time she beat Charlotte twice and beat Asuka twice. All Carmella has ever needed is an opportunity. And she’ll use tonight’s opportunity to prove that #MellaIsMoney. Will Mella put her money were her mouth is? Will Asuka be ready for the FABULOUS Princess at the Rumble?
The Usos speak.
All they have to do tonight is beat The Bar to get a title shot at The Bar? They can get that. Step up or get stepped on! The true tag team steps up. Jimmy and Jey welcome the Bar back to the Uso Penitentiary! But will they get this next title shot #OnLock?
The Miz visits Shane McMahon in his office.
“Tell me you didn’t have anything to do with that.” With what? The Usos getting another chance at the titles, before Miz & Shane! Surely a different McMahon approved this. Because no one is more deserving then The Best Tag Team in the World! Shane says they’re far from that. But that doesn’t’ matter, Shane’s a McMahon. He can just give the team that match. Miz likes taking shortcuts, and Shane is excited for this match, but he’s not going to abuse power. They have to train, scout and be confident enough to win. They have to challenge themselves as well as their competition. Are they in agreement? Yes. Okay then. But speaking of, what about the outfits? Miz likes the white leather. Yes, the white leather, yes… Shane again excuses himself, and Miz decides on red.
Rusev is in the ring!
But the Bulgarian Brute is not his usual jovial self. Last week, Lana helped Rusev against Shinsuke Nakamura’s attack, but ended up being a casualty of the fight. She got hurt because of the selfish actions of the King of Strong Style. Rusev knows Lana is home safe and resting, but he stands here not as United States Champion. Rusev is here not as the Bulgarian Brute, “with the body of a thousand Hemsworth brothers.” He is here as a husband. Fans sing “Lana is the Best~! Lana Number One!” in support of Rusev. Rusev says Shinsuke can do whatever he wants to Rusev. “But once you mess with my wife, you cross a line!” Rusev calls Shinsuke out and promises to break every bone in that body, and CRUSH!
Shinsuke’s response is from the production truck in the back. “Hey, Rusev. You want people to believe it’s my fault”, but Rusev is trying to get sympathy. Shinsuke is in the truck to prove to everyone that it’s not his fault. This is Rusev’s fault. “See for yourself.” Roll footage. It is footage of Shinsuke’s attack, and Lana’s retaliation. But Shinsuke makes sure to focus on the moment the Machka Kick hits. The footage keeps rolling to show the Kinshasa that hits Rusev back, but Nakamura then brings us back to live. “Rusev, you crushed Lana.” Rusev doesn’t care to see things Nakamura’s way. And since Shinsuke didn’t come to him, he’ll go to Shinsuke! Rusev hurries backstage, but will he find Shinsuke in the truck?
The crew direct Rusev to the truck, but Nakamura attacks him with a trunk! The King of Strong Style set a trap for Rusev, and tops it off with a roundhouse and stomps! Security pull Nakamura off but Nakamura says he is the true United States Champion! Rusev manages to sit up, but gets a KINSHASA! Nakamura leaves Rusev down and out, but will this end with the United States of Nakamerica rising again?
Becky Lynch speaks.
“So tonight, I have to jump through hoops to get back to the championship that nobody beat me to have.” Becky made that title the talk of the wrestling world, and woke up the entire industry. But that’s fine, because now Becky can do what she wants. Charlotte and Carmella are formalities, and Asuka will have to do more than climb a ladder. The Empress is on borrowed time, because The Man’s coming around to settle a score. Will the Lass Kicker kick enough lass to go after Asuka’s throne?
SmackDown shares the “Mean” Gene Okerlund tribute from Raw.
Hulk Hogan returned to WWE Television to share his own heartfelt feelings over the loss of perhaps THE greatest interviewer and pure entertainer of all pro-wrestling. RIP “Mean” Gene, you will forever be missed but never forgotten.
The Bar VS The Usos!
Jimmy & Jey know that if they want another shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, they have to win in this non-title match with the Celtic Gladiator and Swiss Cyborg! Can the Usos put the champs on #LOCKDOWN once more? Or will Cesaro & Sheamus make one last jailbreak to deny The Usos once and for all?
SmackDown returns as The Usos make their entrance. Fans are strongly behind the Usos as the bell rings. Sheamus starts against Jey and the two circle. They tie up and Sheamus gets a headlock takeover. Jey headscissors and Sheamus pops out. They circle again and tie up. Jey gets the arm and wrenches. Sheamus forearms out then drags Jey up to whip. Jey kicks Sheamus away then things speed up. Jey clotheslines Sheamus out, and then dropkicks Sheamus on the return! Cover, ONE, and Sheamus tags to Cesaro. Jey tags Jimmy and Jimmy circles with Cesaro. They tie up and Cesaro gets a headlock. Jimmy powers out but Cesaro runs him over. Cesaro runs and things speed up, but Cesaro catches Jimmy! Jimmy slips out and things sped up again, huricanrana throws Cesaro!
Jimmy runs corner to corner but Sheamus saves Cesaro from the hip attack. The Usos grin and laugh but then give chase. Cesaro leads Jimmy back into the ring, but Jimmy blocks the boot to uppercut! Jimmy powers Cesaro tot he Uso corner, tag to Jey. Jey hits a forearm smash, then wrenches Cesaro’s arm. Cesaro knees low and tags Sheamus. The Bar mug Jey and Sheamus puts Jey in a corner with EuroUppers. Jey hits back but Sheamus hits another EuroUpper. Sheamus whips Jey corner to corner but Jey comes back with an uppercut and chops! Jey backs Sheamus down but Sheamus puts on a headlock. Jey powers out and clobbers Sheamus with a clothesline! Cover, TWO!
Jey keeps on Sheamus but Sheamus powers him to ropes. Sheamus lets up but Cesaro hotshots Jey! Sheamus then clobbers Jey back! The Bar has control while we go to break.
SmackDown returns as Jey endures Sheamus’ chinlock. Fans rally and Jey fights out. Sheamus shoves Jey but Jey fights out of The Bar’s corner. Jey runs but Sheamus scoops him to a fireman’s carry, and rolling senton! Tag to Cesaro for a Macho Elbow! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps on Jey to tag Sheamus. The Bar mug Jey but fans cheer “Uce! Oh!” Sheamus chokes Jey on the ropes but stops at 4. He drags Jey up into a keylock, but Jey endures and arm-drags Sheamus out of the ring. Sheamus grabs Jey for Beats of the Bodhrain! And more than ten! Sheamus drags Jey up for another go but Jey enziguris out! Jey crawls again, but Cesaro coaches Sheamus on. Sheamus gets in and grabs Jey’s legs, but Jey shoves him away. Hot tags to Jimmy and Cesaro!
Jimmy rallies on Cesaro with kicks and uppercuts, then the dragon whip kick! Things speed up, Samoan Drop! Jimmy fires up with the fans as Cesaro crawls to a corner. Jimmy takes aim, runs in, and hits the hip attack! Cover, TWO! Cesaro survives and Jimmy is shocked. Jimmy takes aim as Cesaro rolls away. Jey intercepts Sheamus with a mule kick, then the Usos both dump Sheamus out onto Cesaro. Jey builds speed and FLIES onto Sheamus! Jimmy DIVES onto Cesaro! Cesaro ends up in the front row! Everyone is down, but Jimmy drags Cesaro back to the ring. Jimmy climbs and leaps, the crossbody hits! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy is again shocked, and both men are down again. Sheamus slowly returns to his corner, and Cesaro rocks Jimmy with EuroUppers!
Tag to Sheamus, but Jimmy ducks the Brogue! Sheamus puts Jimmy on the apron but Jey tags in! Double swing kicks, then SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus lives, and this match continues as we go picture in picture! Sheamus and Jey crawl for corners, and Jey aims at Sheamus. Jey climbs up top, but Cesaro returns. Jey kicks him down, but his Uso Splash gets knees! Cesaro covers, but Jimmy breaks it! Everyone is down again, and they regroup as teams. Jimmy runs but into Cesaro’s flapjack EuroUpper! Cesaro tags in and runs at Jey in the other corner for a running EuroUpper! Cover, TWO! Cesaro tells Sheamus to get in, and The Bar work together for the double urenage! Cover, TWO! The Bar is furious, but they aren’t through.
Sheamus tags Cesaro back in, and then feeds Jey to Cesaro’s swing! We return to single picture as Jey goes around and around, and then Cesaro puts on the Sharpshooter! Jey endures the legendary leg lock, but fans give him the power to make it to the ropes! Cesaro chokes Jey, then Sheamus gets a cheap shot knee! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus shouts “I don’t believe it!” Cesaro tags Sheamus and Sheamus loom over Jey. Sheamus drags Jey up by the chin, but Jey fights back! Jey headbutts away on Sheamus! Jey grits his teeth as he climbs up, but Sheamus hits him with a big knee! Sheamus steadies himself before hauling Jey out on a fireman’s carry. Sheamus climbs up now, but Jey slips out! SUPERKICK sends Sheamus down! But Cesaro tagged in! Cesaro leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Jimmy recovers and fans fire up!
Jey crawls, but Cesaro pursues. But wait, is that Mandy Rose in just a towel?! The Golden Goddess flirts all the way from the stage. She needs Jimmy’s help. Did she leave her tiny gold shorts in his hotel room? Jimmy doesn’t get what she’s up to, but Sheamus blasts him off the apron! Cesaro hits a Neutralizer! Cover, The Bar win!
Winners: The Bar, Cesaro pinning; The Usos are denied a title shot
Mandy costs The Usos, all to get back at Naomi. Will Naomi make Mandy feel more than just The Glow? As for The Bar, The Miz comes out to address the tag team champions. “Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for your SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Sheamus & Cesaro, The Baaaar!!” Miz congratulates them on behalf of himself and Shane. The Bar have cleared out all the teams on SmackDown, except one. Miz grants these two an opportunity of a lifetime: putting the titles on the line at the Royal Rumble against the one team they have yet to dominate, #TheBestTagTeamintheWorld!
Cesaro snatches the mic to tell Miz that if they want The Bar, the team that has destroyed everyone on both Raw and SmackDown, to face a team that is “untested, uncoordinated, dysfunctional” and full of daddy issues, here’s their answer: a Brogue Kick!! Sheamus & Cesaro accept this challenge, but they don’t seem intimidated. Will Miz and Shane make The Bar pay for this disrespect? Or will Shane talk some sense into his Hollywood A-Lister partner?
Mandy Rose meets up with Sonya Deville.
Mandy takes off her towel, and surprise! She was wearing her gear all along! The two share a laugh, but the laughing stops when Naomi attacks! Naomi hits both Mandy and Sonya, and then throws Mandy into trunks. Sonya comes back for more, but Naomi is fine taking them both on. At least, until Sonya roundhouses Naomi in the stomach. Jimmy runs in and saves his wife, but this fight is far from over. Will Naomi make Mandy pay via the Women’s Royal Rumble match?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“Tonight’s Triple Threat match: Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Carmella.” Wait, Carmella? Last year’s hottest thing? And Becky, this year’s hottest thin? But Charlotte Flair, the hottest thing on the entire main roster the last four years running. Charlotte is the combined seven time Women’s Champion, has main evented both Raw and SmackDown and several Pay-Per-View events. But Charlotte no longer needs to prove herself to anyone. She’s here for herself, and for her women’s champion. She focuses on Becky and Carmella tonight, then on Asuka at Rumble. Prepare to be humbled by The Queen! That Triple Threat is next!
Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan.
Bryan is on his way out, but he’s having a bad night because of the mustard stain some “fat, ignorant, impotent man” spilled on his shirt. Actually he’s also having a bad night because AJ Styles attacked from behind. Why? Because Bryan is trying to change the world for the better? Because Bryan fills that empty void in the fans’ heart better than Styles ever could? Or is it because Bryan is the WWE Champion and Styles isn’t?
“I do not care why AJ Styles attacked me.” If we all thought what Styles did was vicious, that’s not half as vicious as the New Daniel Bryan! People have not seen how vicious Bryan can be, but Styles will see at the Royal Rumble! Styles will never take the title from Bryan, because Bryan fights for a cause bigger than anything Styles has ever fought for in his life! What level of violence does Bryan plan on giving Styles in their title rematch?
Shane finds The Miz backstage.
The Bar accepted the challenge, and the match is coming! Shane’s plan worked. That wasn’t Shane’s plan. But Shane said he needed to challenge their competitors, so Miz made the challenge. That wasn’t how Shane meant it! They needed a plan, be on the same page, all that. But they also need the confidence to win. Miz is ready, and he believes in this team! IF they are not testing themselves, then what are they doing?! Miz told Shane how personal this is. They wouldn’t be who they are if they let others pass them by. Well it’s just not how Shane wanted things to go. Miz thinks they can win? He knows they can win. Then Royal Rumble it is! Can The Best Tag Team in the World become champions their first time out?
SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Charlotte Flair VS Becky Lynch VS Carmella!
The Queen, The Man, and The FABULOUS Princess of Staten Island. These three former champions all want that belt back, but they’ll have to get past the other two to do it! Who will prove themselves the better former champion to then take on the current champion at the Rumble?
The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Becky! Becky makes sure Charlotte and Carmella hear it, Charlotte gets her own fans going with “WOO~!” Becky and Charlotte hit each other, and Carmella takes advantage by throwing Becky down! Charlotte scoops Carmella but Carmella slips out to throw Charlotte into Becky! Carmella then rolls Charlotte up, ONE! Charlotte hits Carmella but Becky returns with EuroUppers for everyone. Becky mule kicks Carmella out then mule kicks Charlotte down. She scrapes Charlotte out of the ring before hitting Carmella with a leaping forearm. Becky runs Charlotte over with a clothesline, then declares “This is MY show!” Becky’s show will return after the break.
SmackDown returns once more, and Becky has Carmella down. Fans fire up as Becky runs into the corner. Carmella dodges but runs into Becky’s boot. Charlotte shoulders in and hotshots Becky back. Charlotte climbs up top, but Becky stops her with forearms. Becky throws Charlotte onto Carmella! Then she drop-sentons them both! Cover on Carmella, but Charlotte yanks Becky off. Charlotte and Becky glare down as they circle. The friends turned enemies are having flashbacks to Summerslam as they brawl with forearms and chops! Charlotte eggs Becky on and the brawling continues. Becky hits, Charlotte chops and back again! Charlotte gets an edge with those knife edge chops! Charlotte runs, but into Becky’s Thesz Press! The two scrap and roll around, but Carmella’s FABULOUS Kick rocks Charlotte!
Becky grabs Carmella but Carmella fights out to hit a complete shot! Carmella goes after Charlotte but Charlotte trips her to get the Figure Four. Carmella resists, Charlotte jackknifes but into the Code of Silence! Charlotte endures, then powers her way up to her feet. Carmella rolls through, TWO! Charlotte knees low, but Becky leaps in! The missile dropkick hits Carmella! Charlotte throws Becky with an exploder! Charlotte baits Carmella in, backbreaker but Carmella slips out, only to get a boot! Fans “WOO~” for the Mad Queen as she drags Carmella around. Charlotte tells the Becky fans to “Shut up and sit down!” before placing Becky in the drop zone.
Charlotte climbs, but Becky springs up! Becky grabs at Charlotte but Charlotte kicks her away. Charlotte adjusts, two for one Moonsault! Cover on Becky, TWO! Cover on Carmella, TWO!! The Queen grows further frustrated, but we go to one more break.
SmackDown returns again, and Becky climbs up after Charlotte on the top rope. The two fight up top and Charlotte saves herself from falling off. The brawling continues, and Becky gets the better of Charlotte. Becky pulls but Charlotte resists the superplex. Carmella comes in to yank Becky down! Carmella hits Charlotte, and then hits the FABULOUS- No, Charlotte counters the steiner into a lift. But Carmella fights through to hit the FABULOUS Steiner! Cover, TWO!! Carmella shouts in frustration, but refocuses. She kicks Charlotte out, then kicks Becky back down. Carmella takes a risk as she builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Becky! Carmella drags Becky up, but Charlotte leaps for a SUPER MOONSAULT! Only for both Becky and Carmella to get clear! Charlotte manages to roll through the landing, only for Carmella to kick her down!
Becky gets Carmella with a Becksploder! All three women are down on the outside, but Becky stands up first. She goes over to Carmella and drags her up. Becky throws haymakers, then throws Carmella into barriers! Fans cheer as Becky drags Carmella up and into the ring. Becky and Charlotte both enter, and Charlotte boots Becky down! Carmella rolls Charlotte up, TWO! Charlotte wants the Figure Four but Carmella denies her again. Becky grabs Carmella’s arm but Carmella resists. Charlotte hits Becky with a SUPER Natural Selection! Shades of Summerslam yet again! But FABULOUS Kick hits Charlotte! Carmella covers, but Charlotte breaks it in time! Charlotte covers Becky, TWO! All three women are down from exhaustion, but fans fire up.
Carmella is furious. She SLAPS Charlotte, and again, and again! She hammers away on Charlotte from all sides, but Charlotte slaps he back! Charlotte goes for the Figure Four, and puts it on! She bridges, Figure Eight! But Beck drops a leg on Charlotte!! Cover, TWO!? But right into the Disarm-Her!! FABULOUS Kick!! Carmella tells Becky “You Suck!” before throwing Charlotte out of the ring. Carmella goes to Becky as fans say “This is Awesome!” Becky resists the suplex, but gets a SPEAR from Charlotte! Another FABULOUS Kick! Carmella goes back to Becky, but into the Disarm-Her!! Carmella taps, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission; will face Asuka for the title at the Royal Rumble
The Man gets the better of The Queen and The Princess this time, and now moves on to challenge The Empress! And speaking of, here comes Asuka! Champion and challenger stand in the ring together, and the champion raises her belt. The two stare down and talk trash, but this fight is still a few weeks away. Will Becky be too Relent-Lass for even Asuka? Or will even The Man find out that not even she is ready for Asuka?
My Thoughts:
What a stellar SmackDown! They took what worked from last night’s Raw and even improved on it a little. The surprise promo from Bryan in front of all the Jacksonville fans was pretty good, though because of that, it was harder to hear Bryan. “The New Bryan” is doing pretty great as what is essentially evil Captain Planet, and this story has really benefited R-Truth! Truth gets to show some fire of his own, and for being a short match, he and Bryan had a fun opening match. Styles attacking Bryan was also a good move for the story. Bryan’s interview about being vicious makes me how this rematch of theirs is at least No Disqualification. In order to cap off the story, I feel the winner needs to really go above and beyond in their win, and violence is definitely the way to go.
Mysterio & Ali VS Joe & Almas was great, and I was really surprised to see the Heels win. At the same time, Almas and Joe were due a win, both of them have had more losses than wins as of late. They’re all in the Rumble, but Joe and Mysterio have the better chances of winning. And even then, I can’t be sure this is the year for Joe or Mysterio to main event Mania. On the way to Mania, I would love to see any mix of these four in singles competition feuds. I feel like Joe VS Ali would be a great test of Ali on the main roster. Ali’s time on 205 Live has proven Ali knows how to do promos, and he’s already proven his ring skills on SmackDown, so it’d be a great feud for him, even though he’d surely lose.
The Bar VS The Usos was yet another instant classic, but I had a strange sense that Mandy Rose would get involved. The Usos don’t get another title match, but the “Fresh Start” calls for new match-ups, so we don’t need another round of this feud. Miz jumps the gun but it made sense to move Miz’s story with Shane along these lines. If they win, we can see them try to handle being a real team and maybe they break up to set up Shane VS Miz at Mania. If they lose, it’s the same but the break-up happens that much faster. As for Mandy and Naomi, I believe I said this before, but they’ll have an encounter in the Rumble, and then their blow-off is likely on a SmackDown after.
That was an amazing Triple Threat! It was on par with the Summerslam edition, maybe even better. I was glad to see they referenced the finishing spot from Summerslam, and then again with switched roles. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Becky winning over Charlotte. Two NXT Horsewomen getting title shots at the same PPV, that’s pretty great. But at the same time, this brings into question: how are we supposed to get Ronda VS Becky this way? Will Becky dare Ronda to fight her just because? Maybe both titles will be on the line and we’ll have the first ever Undisputed Women’s Champion. Though at the same time, the woman who wins the Women’s Rumble could be inserted for yet another Triple Threat. Or maybe Becky doesn’t win at all and she moves over to Raw to get at Ronda. All the options sound good to me.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Will the numbers spell disaster for The Dime Piece?
Being a fighting champion, Aaron Rourke is putting his WWE Evolve Championship on the line against Harlem Lewis AND Braxton Cole in a Triple Threat!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kali Armstrong VS Tyra Mae Steele; Kali wins.
- Romeo Moreno VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall; No Contest.
- Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs VS Anya Rune & Gianna Capri; Masyn & Layla win.
- WWE Evolve Championship Triple Threat: Aaron Rourke VS Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole; Rourke wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Harlem Lewis speaks.
“I’ve waited months for this. I returned from LFG with one goal in my mind, and that was becoming the WWE Evolve Champion. Jackson Drake and Aaron Rourke, they took their sweet time in calling my name as their opponent, but the opportunity to claim a title has finally arrived. And it didn’t come how I wanted to, one-on-one with the champ. But nothing will stop me from dropping Aaron and dropping Country Club Braxton Cole in my path to reaching the mountaintop. Tonight is my moment.
“And how poetic. On a night where the first-ever Women’s Champion, Kali Armstrong, a woman who cemented a division, a woman who built a brand, exits… I enter, and I pick up that mantel of being a dominant and destructive champion. Kali carved her path to NXT, and tonight, I take the next step in mine.” The Long Island Jackhammer is ready to break through, but will he strike gold?
Kali Armstrong VS Tyra Mae Steele!
This may not be for a title, but this is still The Difference Maker’s Final Evolution! Win, lose, or draw, she goes full-time on NXT after tonight. So will there be one last Kali Connection in the purple brand? Or will Evolve now belong to Miss America?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans cheer as they feel things out, then tie up. Tyra avoids Kali’s wrench and the two reset. They tie up again, and then Kali avoids the wrench. They go again, Tyra blocks the takedown to waistlock, but Kali avoids the bridging cover. They switch back and forth, again and again, then Tyra flips Kali over for a cover, TWO! The fans cheer this technical exchange between rivals. They tie up, Kali wrenches but Tyra chinbars. Tyra slips through to have the headlock, but Kali wrenches free to headlock back. Tyra powers up and out but Kali RUNS her over! Kali gets her groove on, then runs the ropes.
Tyra drops down, hurdles over, but Kali blocks hip toss to HIP TOSS! The fans fire up as Kali then DROPKICKS! Kali headlocks for the takeover! Tyra fights around, chibars Kali into the headscissors, and the fans rally up. Kali kips free, but Tyra reels her right back in! The fans cheer as Kali kips free again, only for Tyra to reel her right back in! Kali kips free and then turns to headlock Tyra. The fans rally as Tyra fights around. Kali grinds the headlock but Tyra still stands up. Tyra RAMS Kali into a corner, then whips, but Kali reverses. Tyra goes up and HIP ATTACKS Kali down! The fans cheer as Tyra then waistlocks and SLAMS Kali!
Tyra rolls to a bridging cover, ONE! Tyra holds onto Kali for another SLAM, and another roll to the cover, ONE! Kali pries at the waistlock but Tyra drags her up again. Kali fires elbows, then whips, but Tyra reverses. Now Kali goes up an dover, and she JABS! JABS! And JABS! Kali breaks it down, then winds it up, for the HAYMAKER! Kali storms up on the corner, whips corner to corner, but Tyra goes up. Kali stops the hips this time, and THROWS Tyra out to the floor! The fans fire up as Kali then builds speed, but Tyra blocks the baseball slide! Tyra HOTSHOTS Kali with the bottom rope, then KNEE DROPS Kali’s legs!
Tyra bends Kali’s foot against the apron’s edge! Kali endures, but Tyra SLAMS the leg as she lets off. Tyra mocks the pain while Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns and Kali fires body shots on Tyra as she fights up. Kali hobbles but she still throws hands. Kali whips, but Tyra reverses and GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Tyra then GUT WRENCH PLEXES again! Kali writhes but Tyra stalks her to the ropes. Tyra snapmares Kali into the ropes, jamming up the bad leg! The fans are torn, and so could Kali’s knee! The ref checks Kali and she insists she can continue, so Tyra grabs that leg to KNEE DROP it! Tyra digs her knee into the leg, then DROPS a knee on it! The fans rally for Kali but Tyra keeps on the leg with a toehold. Kali endures, kicks and flails, and the fans cheer her on!
Kali kicks at Tyra, but Tyra steps over, only for Kali to BOOT her out of the ring! The fans rally as Kali rises, but Tyra is right back to GUT WRENCH PLEX! But Kali lands out! Kali CLOBBERS Tyra again and again, then drop steps to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Tyra survives but the fans rally behind Kali. Tyra and Kali go to corners, Kali runs up and RAMS into Tyra! Kali hobbles but she scoops, only for Tyra to slips free! Tyra waistlocks, Kali fights the lift, and Kali ELBOWS free! Kali whips, scoops, but Tyra makes it a cradle! TWO!! Kali escapes, but Tyra has the ANKLE LOCK!! The fans rally as hard as they can as Kali reaches out!
Kali turns over, kicks free, but Tyra BACKDROPS, only for Kali to sunset flip! TWO!! ANKLE LOCK!! Tyra keeps on that bad leg, but Kali fights her way forward, only for Tyra to drag her back! Kali turns over, victory roll, TWO! Tyra reels Kali in, OLYMPIC- NO, Kali slips free, pushes Tyra, and POWERSLAMS! Kali fires up, fights through the pain, and she builds up the speed! KALI CONNECTION!! Cover, Kali wins!
Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall
Even with a bad leg, Kali runs her race and crosses the finish line! Kali gets a mic, and while the fans chant, “Thank You, Kali!” she shouts, “OH YEAH~!” Kali says it’s been real. Kali Armstrong was born in Evolve. She showed everybody that The Difference Maker ain’t one to play with. She carried this brand on her back all this time, even when the division was trying to figure out who was gonna step up and be the next stop star. Kali made history! Kali will forever go down as the inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion! Ain’t nobody can take that from Kali! Kali built Evolve! But now, she has to let others live in it.
Kali is on her way to NXT to make history up there! The fans cheer that! Kali wants us to know, all gas, no brakes ’til she gets hers! #StraightLikeThat! The fans cheer Kali as she graduates from Wednesdays to Tuesdays. Will Kali soon get gold on the silver ‘n’ black just like she did here on the silver ‘n’ purple?
It’s Gal speaks.
“Everyone always says, ‘Hey, It’s Gal!’ But no one ever says, ‘Hey, It’s Gal, how are you?‘ They think I’m just a mint condition, ferocious, big red machine, but this machine has feelings, too. Since day one in Evolve, It’s Gal has stood out. It’s hard not to with bowling ball delts and a luminous tan brighter than the sun. But standing out is a lonely game. Sometimes, It’s Gal just wants to fit in. It’s Gal has lost pump partners, been laughed at by Team PC, ignored by Team ID, got beat up by 2.0, disrespected, disregarded, disobeyed. Even the new boss doesn’t understand It’s Gal. Are they the dummies? Or is It’s Gal the dummy?
“It’s Gal’s emotion muscle is hurting. It’s Gal would rather turn vegan than keep feeling feelings. Where does It’s Gal go from here? I mean, c’mon, It’s Gal! It’s time to peak like no stud has peaked before! Let’s find a way.” To think, underneath all that muscle and bravado, there’s a heart. But will It’s Gal have what it takes to walk down that long road of self-improvement?
Romeo Moreno VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall!
The Modern Artist is looking to create masterpieces both in and out of the ring, but he’s got a long road ahead of him before he is the maestro of Evolve. Will this canvas still become a work of art? Or will Starboy shine as he rebounds from his title match loss?
But wait, Max Abrams makes his way out here? Main Main Energy isn’t alone, either, as “WWE ID 2.0” follows him. The fans boo as Max leads Santi Rivera, Jacari Ball & CJ Valor to ringside, and then into the ring. Max says, “Hey, Star Man! We respect your game. Some might even say, he mogs a little bit, right? Sunglasses off, why don’t you make the best decision of your life and you join the ID 2.0 squad?” The fans boo, but Max hands the mic to Chazz. Chazz says alright, listen, he’s real proud to be part of the new WWE ID crew here, but uh… He’s not feeling this, sorry. The fans cheer that!
Santi takes the mic from Chazz to say hey, are you saying no to rolling with us?! Max asks what “NO” is in Spanish, and Santi says it’s just no. Romeo takes the mic from Santi to tell Max that he and Starboy are gonna have their match. He knows they’re all very jacked, but he’ll say it slow so even they can understand: Adios, aka goodbye. But then Jacari CLOBBERS Romeo! The fans boo as 2.0 mugs Romeo 4v1! Starboy gets them out of the way, tells them to respect the card, but then he gets mugged 4v1! The fans boo even more, but Max says Starboy will regret this! Feed to CJ Valor’s SPINEBUSTER! More refs rush out here but clearly there won’t be a match now!
Max Abrams and his new crew sure think they run Evolve now. But what will Foreman Timothy Thatcher have to say about their bad attitudes?
Timothy Thatcher speaks.
Well, speaking of The Foreman, he is about to break a pencil with his bare hands before he spots the camera. “Oh, hello! Whadda we got on the docket for Evolve today? Let’s see, lots to do, lots to do, lobster stew. First up, Kali Armstrong’s been promoted to NXT. Congratulations! She’ll always be in the very first Evolve match, and she will always be known as the very first Evolve Women’s Champion. It’s very nice to see her grow on Tubi, much like the other prospects. Which brings me to… tonight’s main event for the Evolve title. But I have to wait on that because… what I have to address is the new WWE ID talents earlier today.”
But then a knock on the door, and in step two new faces. They shake Thatcher’s hand, and they know that he is the Foreman, a man who appreciates hard work, and nobody works harder than these two. When you talk about Evolve being about opportunities, then these two don’t just want it, they deserve it! Well, “deserve” has nothing to do with it, but he appreciates the passion! He’s seen them in training, they’re doing pretty good. But all this is about is the time, place, and need. And what Thatcher needs is security. That’s the job he’s got because he can’t have Max Abrams and these new ID prospects running wild and causing chaos. So these two can be the ones to sort them out.
Well, whatever it takes. They shake hands with Thatcher, he says good man. Thanks, fellows. Pen, hard hats, let’s get to work! Then will these two young studs be ready to lay down the law on behalf of The Foreman?
Tristan Angels speaks.
“To be the face of Evolve is to be the face of the future here in WWE. And when you hold that Evolve Championship, you control the future, and that is something that everybody wants to do: control the uncontrollable. But who here has shoulders broad enough to carry that weight? To handle that pressure? Well, the answer is simple, because there is only one. A man with a face carved out of stone, and a body forged on the cold hills of Dorset, England. A man with no holes in his game, and at the young age of 22, a man more fitting than anybody else on the Evolve roster. That man has a name, and it’s Mr. England, Tristan Angels.”
Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs VS Anya Rune & Gianna Capri!
As the roster is filling up with a new crop of prospects, the day one “Evolvers” need to be on their toes! Will Masyn & Layla be able to stay afloat facing this new wave? Or will the Main Character and The Sauce be a winning combination?
The teams sort out and Layla starts against Gianna. The bell rings, but Gianna decides to tag Anya. Anya shrugs and circles with Layla. They tie up, Anya pulls hair to headlock, then she hits the takeover. Layla rolls to a cover, ONE, and Anya grinds the headlock. The fans rally for Layla as she powers up. Masyn tags in as Layla powers out, then Layla drops down so Masyn can DROPKICK! Cover, ONE! Anya ROCK Masyn, tags Gianna, and Gianna runs up, only for Masyn to HIP TOSS! Masyn wrenches and whips Gianna to the corner, then runs up to BACK BODY BLOCK! Tag to Layla, she handsprings to RAM Gianna!
Tag to Masyn before a snapmare, then Masyn runs to SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Masyn headlocks, Gianna powers up and out, but Masyn hurdles. Anya says STOP, and then Gianna ROCKS Masyn! Gianna bumps Masyn off buckles, fires KNEE after KNEE, then does the splits as she digs in her boot! The ref counts but the fans cheer, and Gianna stops at 4. Gianna stomps Masyn down, covers, TWO! Gianna drags Masyn up, pie faces her, and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Anya while the fans duel. Anya runs up and UPPERCUTS! Then ROUNDHOUSE! Masyn falls, Anya winds up, basement UPPERCUT!
Anya drags Masyn back, tags Gianna, and Gianna clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Masyn endures and fights around. Masyn rises up, fires body shots, but Gianna pulls hair. Masyn JAWBREAKERS, and both women stagger, tags to Anya and Layla! The fans rally as Layla rallies on Anya & Gianna! ELBOW after ELBOW, then a LEG LARIAT for Gianna! SOBAT and KICK and ENZIGIRI all for Anya! The fans fire up with Layla, and she scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Layla kips up with a little bit of style, too! Anya runs up, but Layla handsprings to PELE! Cover, but Gianna breaks it! The fans cheer as Masyn fires off on Gianna!
Masyn THROWS Gianna out, but Gianna drags Masyn out! Gianna bumps Masyn off buckles, but Layla kicks Anya! Layla runs for the SCISSOR KICK! Cover, Layla & Masyn win!
Winners: Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs, by pinfall
After all the grinding, working, and reworking, these two finally get back in the win column! Will things finally look up for these Renaissance Women? Meanwhile, Gianna is upset with Anya ruining this for Gianna, will these two have to do to even get started in Evolve?
Sit-down interview with Wendy Choo and Laynie Luck.
Chuey Martinez is with the WWE Evolve Women’s Champion and WWE ID Women’s Champion to discuss next week’s title match. They didn’t get to finish their conversation last week because Nikkita Lyons and Sloane Jacobs jumped them, so he’ll give them the chance to right here and now. Laynie, what would you like to tell Wendy? Laynie says this really is the biggest opportunity of her career, and she isn’t taking this lightly. Just like luck, the people in this business can turn on you in a business. Look at Lyons wanting what Wendy’s got. And then Sloane is going after Laynie for whatever reason.
To be real, Laynie isn’t sure what version of Wendy she’s getting, so while she is grateful, she’s not letting her guard down. Wendy, your response? She knows her past has been all over the place. Crazy? Absolutely. Questionable? Guilty as charged. But she is finally her real self, and she is not changing any time soon, especially since it brought her the title. And she meant what she said when she wanted her first challenger to be someone who walked a similar path. But to put it straight, Laynie is getting her title shot, not the title. Wendy is not going down without a fight. She’s excited to face Laynie, but the Era of Champ Choo has only just begun.
Chuey is excited for this one, too, and can’t wait for next week! Will Wednesdays still belong to Wendy? Or will Laynie not just be lucky, but hit the jackpot in Evolve?
Cappuccino Jones checks on Romeo Moreno and Chazz Hall.
He feels bad about what happened to them out there, we were all excited for their match. They alright, though? Romeo says no, hermano, he was feeling it tonight, he was gonna freestyle! Starboy says if they had it out, Romeo would’ve ended up starstruck. Romeo says okay, sure, and Jones says no doubt their match would’ve gone crazy. But for real, he’s already so sick of everyone thinking they can just do what they want around here. They already went through that with Vanity Project and Team PC, but they got them out of here. And now these new clowns think they are the cream of the crop? Jones has been here since day one!
Starboy says he doesn’t know that whatever Max’s problem is, they’re making all the new guys look bad. Jones says don’t worry, he knows Starboy and Romeo are cool. But here’s what they should do: get one up on Max’s crew before they get one up on them. Let’s see what we can do about a Six Man Tagski! They down? Romeo’s down, that’s speaking his language! Three words: Si Se Puedes! Starboy says oh Hall yeah! They three man handshake and Jones says he’ll talk with Foreman Thatcher to make it official. Hope to see you boys next week. Jones heads out, will it be a triple shot of espresso that gets our hearts pumping? Or will Main Man Energy start to take over?
WWE Evolve Championship Triple Threat: Aaron Rourke VS Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole!
They say all men are created equal, but The Dime Piece is facing a bigger man in the Long Island Jackhammer, and a more privileged man in the Silver Spoon. But will none of that put an end to Rourke’s reign? Or will the odds say we get a new champion tonight?
We already see Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins are in the VIP Lounge, cheering on their fellow Team PC alum. Before making his entrance, Rourke says, “Some people might be afraid of this environment, this atmosphere, but not me. Like a diamond, I’m built from pressure, and I thrive in it. When that lights are on and that camera is on, all eyes are on me, Aaron Rourke. In fact, I think it’s time I go steal the spotlight. Just like that.” Rourke snaps his fingers and says this is #ChampBusiness before he makes his way to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and so are the stakes for this young reign!
The bell rings and everyone talks some trash, until Braxton DECKS Harlem! Rourke kicks low, Braxton body blows, then Braxton scoops and SLAMS Rourke! The fans rally as Rourke dodges Braxton, and Harlem scoop SLAMS! Rourke DROPKICKS and Braxton bails out! Rourke and Harlem stare down, then Rourke talks trash. Rourke dodges Harlem, cartwheels, but Harlem says no to Sole Food! Back suplex, but Rourke lands out! Rourke tries to fireman’s carry but Harlem fights free. Harlem shoves Rourke to ropes, Rourke tilt-o-whirls on return, then makes it a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Rourke handsprings to KICK Braxton down!
The fans cheer as Rourke runs, SENTON onto knees! Harlem hauls Rourke up, torture racks, and RACK DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rourke is tougher than that but that still hurt. Harlem whips Rourke to a corner hard, then runs up, but has to block boots! Harlem throws Rourke but Rourke FLYING CHUCKS! Harlem falls, Rourke watches Braxton while he climbs up. But even so, Braxton SHOVES Rourke down! Rourke hotshots on his way down, but Harlem runs up! Braxton DUMPS Harlem out, then grins as he soaks up the heat while Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Harlem is down on the outside while Braxton ROCKS Rourke against the ropes. The fans boo as Braxton whips and ELBOWS Rourke down. Braxton drags Rourke back up, suplexes, and X-PLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Rourke toughs it out, but Braxton sits him up for a neck wrench. Harlem returns but Braxton BLASTS him off the apron! Braxton goes back to Rourke but Rourke fires body shots! Braxton KNEES low, cravats, and he puts on the pressure! Rourke fires more body shots, but Braxton fires more KNEES! Braxton snapmares Rourke, stomps him, then tells the fans to shut up.
Braxton stomps Rourke’s legs, then his arms. The fans boo but Braxton soaks up that heat. Braxton runs, but Harlem returns to HARLEY RACE KNEE! Rourke victory rolls Harlem, TWO! Harlem kicks, Rourke blocks, and Rourke KNEES in return! The fans rally as Rourke runs up, kicks off Braxton, but Harlem stops the DDT! Harlem suplexes and hangs Rourke out to dry! Rourke falls back to the apron but Harlem drags him up, just to YANK him into the POST! Rourke falls, but Braxton SHOVES Harlem into buckles! NECKBREAKER! Braxton rains down shots on Harlem, then snatches the bandanna away.
Braxton CHOKES Harlem on the ropes but Harlem fights back. Braxton KNEE DROPS Harlem on the back! Braxton drags Harlem up, whips him hard into a corner, then scoops to SLAM! Cover, TWO! Harlem is tougher than that but Braxton pushes him around. LEG DROP! Braxton brings Harlem up again, whips him to a corner hard, but Harlem comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Harlem rises, and he dodges Braxton to shove him into a corner! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And then a basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! Braxton survives but Harlem reels him in! Only for Rourke to DISCUS BOOT Harlem into giving Braxton a DDT!
The fans fire up as Rourke LARIATS, but Harlem stays up! Harlem swings, Rourke dodges, and he DROPKICKS the legs out! Rourke runs to BOOT Harlem down! The fans fire up again as Rourke roars! Rourke runs up to UPPERCUT Harlem, then DOUBLE KNEE Braxton! Rourke runs Around the World for a BOOT on Harlem! Braxton runs up, Rourke dodges, so the SPLASH hits Harlem! Rourke BACKSTABBERS Braxton! The fans fire up again and Rourke runs, but into an ELBOW from Harlem! Harlem goes up, but Rourke gives him some STRATUSFACTION! Harlem flounders, Braxton staggers, Rourke hits a FLYING CODE BREAKER! High stack, TWO!!
The fans are stunned as Braxton survives, but they cheer Rourke on as he rises again. Rourke goes to a corner, climbs up top, and has his pick! Wait, is that Brooks Jensen in the crowd shaking his head? Harlem hurries up after Rourke, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him up. Rourke fights the lift, but Harlem CLUBS him! Braxton CLUBS Harlem, then adds himself to this! TOWER OF DOOM!! All three men are down and the fans fire up again! The Lost Cause isn’t impressed, but Braxton hurries to get Rourke up. Braxton fireman’s carries, and spins, but Rourke cradle counters! TWO!! HEEL KICK! Braxton falls, but also falls out of the ring!
Rourke was so close, but now he turns his attention to Harlem. They both rise up, shouting this is their title! The fans fire up as Rourke fires hands with Harlem! SOBAT! Harlem throat chops, then UPPERCUTS! Harlem runs and BOOTS Rourke! Harlem runs again, but Rourke ROCKS him!! Rourke roars, the fans cheer, and Rourke kicks, but Harlem blocks! Harlem FLIPS Rourke, then deadlifts for the BOOM SLANG!!! Cover, BRAXTON DRAGS HARLEM OUT! Braxton THROWS Harlem into railing, then gives him a RAILING ATOMIC DROP!! Harlem falls over after landing on his Long Island, but Rourke DIVES!
The fans fire up as Rourke puts Braxton in, goes up top, and takes aim! MOLLY-GO-ROUND!! Cover, Rourke wins!!
Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)
Harlem may be strong and Braxton may have the Ivy League education, but it was the heart and determination of The Dime Piece that carries him through! Jensen points to Rourke, claiming his stake, but Kam & Harley are the ones creeping up! The fans boo but Rourke spots them first. Rourke is ready to fight, even after all he just did. But if the walls are closing in already, will Rourke’s reign last much longer?
My Thoughts:
A very good Evolve here, though there’s some irony to Kali Armstrong’s last match on Evolve also being Tyra Mae Steele’s last match in WWE because of the budget cuts. Tyra being let go is among the most foolish in this batch, because she is obviously a solid wrestler and was finally getting going with her on screen charisma and mic skills. Romeo VS Starboy not happening to give this “WWE ID 2.0” team some Heel heat was an interesting move, but I like the Six Man Tag we’re getting for next week. And even then, I think we’ll get an 8 Man Tag because they gotta add It’s Gal to this. It’s Gal had a brilliant vignette, that guy is going places.
Very good tag match, and I did not think Masyn & Layla were winning that just because of how they have just not been getting much. This is probably good, though, they have been needing something to stay afloat. We also probably get Anya Rune VS Gianna Capri through this because Gianna was so upset with Anya in the loss. Good promo from Wendy and Laynie to hype up their match, but I would think Wendy wins her first defense. Good promo from Thatcher, but I wish they’d given us the names of these two new guys who will be “security” for the time being. And great Triple Threat, and it was classic for the champ to retain because the challengers got in each other’s way.
But then, why give us that cliffhanger where Jensen, Kam, and Harley were closing in? WWE is in control of their own run times for Evolve, so why not give us one more minute where we at least end with the brawl/beatdown?
My Score: 8.7/10
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Results
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.30.2026
Lei Ying Lee has the people’s sympathy, Allie has returned from the dead and Ali has an open challenge!
Coming off of what was a TNA match of the year candidate, in last week’s main event…and a generally really good episode, I may be getting my hopes up. I tend to like to go into most things expecting the worst, so it’s hard to be disappointed. But TNA is starting to put competent shows together again after a few weeks of dog water.
Let’s find out if things stay interesting or if drink myself into a coma tonight.
.@MeanGiaMiller catches up with @FrankieKazarian ahead of TONIGHT’S first-ever Walk With @_Iam_Elijah_ Guitar Strap Match! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/iucrqgqHgJ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Ratings:
- Jeff Hardy vs Vincent: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – ** 3/4
- TNA International Championship: Adam Brooks vs Mustafa Ali (c) w/Order 4: Ali retains via 450 – ***
- Mara Sade, Rosemary & Allie vs Diamond Collective (Tessa Blanchard, Mila Moore, Victoria Crawford): Allie wins via Codebreaker – ***
- Home Town Man vs Mr. Elegance w/Elegance Brand: Mr. E wins via Excusez Moi – t(-_-)o
- Walk With Elijah Match: Elijah vs Frankie Kazarian: Elijah wins via 4 Corners – *** 1/4
Results:
Jeff Hardy vs Vincent
Oh no awful talking segment to open the show, we go straight into the entrances. That’s nice to see.
Jeff tosses his shirt or whatever and instantly bull rushes Vincent. A few quick strikes, a Snapmare and Jeff wants a quick Swanton, but Vinny powders. Jeff splashes Vinny, rolls him back in, and looks to continue. Jeff wants a Whisper in the Wind, but Vinny blocks that and eats the signature Jeff Hardy Mule Kick. Jeff tries for the Swanton again, but Vinny pulls him down, crotches him on the top rope and starts to dissect Jeff. A few deliberate strikes to the back, a backbreaker that Vinny holds. Jeff fights up out of it, they exchange a little, both hit the ropes and simultaneous Cross Bodies see both guys slow to stand.
Jeff is up first, Lariat, Back Elbow, Manhattan Drop, Low Dropkick. Jeff wants the Twist but his back spasms, Vinny tries a Shiranui, but Jeff stops it and finally hits the Twist of Fate, but only a near fall. Russian Leg Sweep to follow up from Jeff into that Seated Prawn Hold he likes to do, but another two count. Jeff is pulling out different things from his arsenal, including a Sit Out DDT, he’s favoring the back, so he’s not going to the Swanton. Vinny peppers in some Forearms to Jeff’s back and hits a Side Effect for two! Vinny goes to the top, implies a Swanton, but the lights go out and Matt is back in the ring in full Broken regalia. He gives the Delete, the lights go out and Jeff is on the top with a downed Vincent. Swanton Bomb from Jeff, and the crowd is hype, even if it’s pure chicanery.
TNA International Championship: Adam Brooks vs Mustafa Ali (c) w/Order 4
Simple tie up and Shoulder Tackle spot, Ali then runs Adam ragged with the rope run into a Frankensteiner for the arrogant gloating. Another cocky Back Heel Kick from Ali before Brooks hits a Big Boot, into a Cappo Kick, and a Back Body Drop sends Ali to powder. Adam tries to throw Ali back in but Ali slides across to the outside, Adam follows but gets caught and DDT’d onto the floor. Rolling Neckbreaker from Ali, and only a near fall. Adam tries a Standing Switch, but they trade switches until Ali just snaps off a DDT. Ali tries to control Adam but he gets out of it, Pele Kick. Ali uses the Bell Clap to disorient Adam, but Adam catches Ali’s next move. Some back and forth, Ali tries something, but Adam stuffs him, Cheeky Nandos, Last Ride Powerbomb into an Ushigoroshi. Adam charges the corner but Ali gets out of the way and Adam crashes in with his head bouncing off the turnbuckle. 450 from Ali, and he retains.
Mara Sade, Rosemary & Allie vs Diamond Collective (Tessa Blanchard, Mila Moore, Victoria Crawford)
Well time to see what Allie looks like after only have 2 matches in the last 3 years.
Rosemary and Vix start, Vix takes cheapshots at Mara and Allie first, Rosemary hammers her with Forearms, Exploder Suplex, and as Vix stumbles, Allie bites her! The Diamond Collective is trying to collect themselves, but Mara hits a Crossbody into the three heels. Vix finally tags out after things normalize, so Rosemary tags out to Mara. Mila and Mara go back and forth, Mara hits a sexy body wave to taunt Mila. Mila eats consecutive Dropkicks, then Mara tries a PK but Mila trips her on the apron.
Mila tags in Vix, but Mara turns it around instantly and then tags Rosemary back in. Interesting that Allie and Tessa are the ones coming in last. Vix hits her patented Northern Lights Suplex to take control and finally get Tessa in. Snapmare and Dropkick to the back of the spine from Tessa, before she tags Mila back in. Quick tags in the heel corner are keeping Rosemary in the masochist position. As the heels keep control, we slip to commercial.
We come back in time to see a Triplicate Knee Strike to Rosemary in the heel corner. Mila tags back in, but Rosemary tries to turn things around but now it’s a struggle to slow her. Allie and Tessa get the simultaneous tags and Allie comes in hot. Big Knee Lift, Running Spicolli Driver, Rosemary and Allie pull off a tandem Upside Down, Mila tries to help by tagging out Tessa while she’s in the submission, but Mara levels Mila, Rosemary Spear Mila, Allie hits the Codebreaker on Mila…and our Living Dead Girls win!
Santino sends a video message about him getting unsuspended and trying to fix some of the scummy stuff Daria did last few weeks. Indi comes out to reaffirm that she’s unsuspended too and lay claim to her eyes being on the Knockout’s Title.
Home Town Man vs Mr. Elegance w/Elegance Brand
I again find myself rooting for Home Town Man. Yikes.
Mr E wants to pose but HTM grabs an arm and hits a few Arm Wringers. Mr E is spending more time getting away from something and posing before HTM throws him into the corner and starts stomping his chest. HTM with a long spin TKO and Mr E crawls to the ropes for safety. HTM just does 10 Count punches in the ropes. The Elegance Brand are shrieking, the crowd is behind HTM but with the 45 extra bodies, Mr E catches HTM with a Spine Buster, Shoulder Tackle, Sliding…stupid looking Splash thing, and just connects on some knees while HTM is down.
HTM hulks up, does the point, and Flip, Flop and Fly on Mr E. High Fly Home Town Flow, for only a two count! ASH starts trying to be Maria Kanellis and seduce HTM, he has her make out with his mask instead, Mr E lands his Lightning Spiral finish with a ridiculously awful pin. I…hated everything about this.
.@THETOMMYDREAMER tries to help @TheLeiYingLee recover following @XiaBrookside’s betrayal ahead of her TNA Knockouts Championship match next week on #TNAiMPACT!@MeanGiaMiller pic.twitter.com/xJ0m86qh2L
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Leon Slater comes out, and I’m falling into a coma. This dude can’t talk, he has zero aura, he’s trash. All he has is flips. I need Cedric to beat the brakes off this boy. Thank GOD Cedric comes out to make this segment interesting. Cedric tells him that he might not make it to their match on the 14th, The System come out of the crowd and beat down Leon. Moose comes out for the save. Moose cleans house, Leon and Moose threaten to take out Lish too, but Eddie pulls her out in time. Weird for babyfaces to be okay with attacking the valet.
.@ryrynemnem confides in @AJFrancis410 about his issues with his big brother. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/bZZS8HeuHH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Walk With Elijah Match: Elijah vs Frankie Kazarian
So it’s a 4 Corners Strap Match. That’s it, the winner hits the buckles in succession. I haven’t seen a 4 corners match in a while.
The match starts in the back, Kaz takes his sweet time before tying on the strap, Kaz uses a short cut with the Hand Sanitizer to the eyes and slams Elijah’s Shoulder into a door. Elijah finally turns things around with crotching Kaz on junk in the back and drops a ladder on him. Elijah puts Kaz on a manual forklift and sends him into the pile of junk. Elijah continues to bounce Kaz off the bay doors. Elijah scoops up Kaz and walks him to the ramp and kicks him down it. So now the match is closer to the finish.
Kaz tries to get away, but Elijah keeps pulling him back by the strap and into Knife Edge Chops. Elijah bounces Kaz off the ropes, Back Drop! Elijah touches two corners, but Kaz interrupts the count. A Dropkick stops Elijah and now Kaz gets to two before Elijah levels Kaz. Kaz gets thrown out, fishes under the ring and finds a guitar! While Elijah stops the guitar, Kaz uses Elijah’s over shirt to choke him. Some back and forth before Elijah bounces Kaz’s head off a turnbuckle and Kaz powders.
Elijah follows and gets the best of Kaz until Elijah is looking for a weapon but can’t find it, so Kaz starts getting in a few shots before Kaz tries to leave through the crowd. Elijah pulls him back into the barricade and lights up his chest. Kaz gets battered with a few Flying Shoulder Tackles, Walk with Elijah rope walk, into a Sunset Bomb. Corner 1, 2, 3 – but Kaz uses the strap to whip Elijah and stop him from touching the 4th buckle. A few more strap shots, Kaz throws Elijah out of the ring, but Elijah brings him with! Then he ties the strap in the post and starts lighting up Kaz’s torso with strap strikes. Kaz turns things around, but they’re trading pulling one another into the post. It’s like Tug of War, but both are losing. Back in the ring, Kaz with the Up and Over, tries the Chicken Wing, but Elijah is walking with Kaz on his back. He tags 3 corners, reaches for the fourth, but succumbs to the submission. Kaz now takes the opportunity to start his corners but Elijah starts moving so Kaz decides he’s gonna rope walk.
Kaz jumps off the ropes and Elijah connects with the Knee Lift! A few more big strap shots from both, Kaz hits a Backstabber, and tries the corners, gets to three, Elijah flips Kaz inside out and the Strap breaks! Strap choke, Highway Man’s Farewell from Elijah and at the fourth, Kaz tries to pull him, but Elijah grabs the guitar, El Kabong’s Kaz and touches the fourth corner for the win.
Overall Score: 6/10
While not a bad episode, the main event was super campy and an old school gimmick, not done very well. The comedy match was even bad on comedy standards, and that dragged down the rhythm of the show. Lei Ying Lee being a very believable betrayed babyface may actually have her win next week, she’s so sweet and seemingly upset, the whole Chinese Ricky Morton comparison, I still stand by. Santino and Indi being back works fine, Indi saying she wants Arianna with or without the title, is the only reason I think Lei has a real shot at winning. Indi going to her phone after the talk with Daria is 99% Dexter Lumis/Sam Shaw. Ryan being jealous of KC and Nic is good comedy, Ali and Brooks’ match was short but effective. Also Allie’s in-ring TNA return after 7 years, was really good. Allie seems to have given Rosemary a spark again and Mara being added to mix works better than expected.
So yeah, the show wasn’t bad, it just didn’t stick the landing so it made the show feel like a bigger slog than it should have. Here’s to hoping the next two weeks are exciting with the matches we know of.

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