Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (5/27/19)
Who is the Beast’s new prey?
Brock Lesnar returns to Raw again!
And as promised, The Beast in the Bank will declare which top champion he promises to cash-in on! Will it be Seth Rollins or Kofi Kingston? Plus, who will step up to the Raw Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shane McMahon w/ Drew McIntyre VS Lance Anoa’i; Shane wins.
- Becky Lynch & Nikki Cross VS The IIconics; Lynch & Cross win.
- Ricochet VS Cesaro; Ricochet wins.
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match: The Miz VS Braun Strowman VS Bobby Lashley VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins and moves on to Super Showdown to face Seth Rollins for the title.
- WWE 24/7 Champion: R-Truth retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE and Raw celebrate Memorial Day.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God such men lived.” – George S. Patton.
The United States of America is the land of the free because of the brave who fought, and on this day, we remember and thank those who gave their lives in that fight.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman ARE here on Raw!
The Beast in the Bank and the Advocate leave their dressing room to head for the stage.
But Kofi Kingston is on Raw, too!
The WWE Champion again uses the Wild Card Rule to bring positivity and pancakes to Mondays! He wants to know just exactly who Brock Lesnar is after, because Paul Heyman taunting him with the MITB briefcase is the reason Dolph Ziggler was able to blindside him on last week’s SmackDown! The Show-Off would cite his own bitterness as to why he ambushed and brutalized Kofi, but Kofi kept his promise to walk out of the arena on his own two feet. And now, not even a full week removed, Kofimania is up and walking around in the ring!
Fans cheer for Kofi as he gets himself a mic to speak. “Man, I love y’all, man.” SmackDown took out Big E’s knee last week, and after his match with Sami Zayn, Kofi was attacked by Ziggler. Ziggler tried to end Kofi, but he didn’t finish the job because he’s still standing! And when the time’s right, Kofi will go after Ziggler. But tonight, Kofi is here for Mr. Money in the Bank. Heyman promised tonight, Lesnar chooses his opponent. Kofi considers himself not just a fighting champion, but he wants to become the greatest WWE Champion of all time! And that means beating Brock Lesnar! Kofi wants Lesnar to come out and just cash-in already! But instead of The Beast, it’s the Beastslayer! Seth Rollins and his WWE Universal Championship are here to #BurnItDown!
Rollins joins Kofi in the ring, a flip-side to last week when Kofi hopped in on Rollins. Rollins picks up a mix to tell Kofi that he’s not Lesnar, he’s better. But he likes where Kofi’s head is at. Rollins doesn’t want to wait! He wants to know who Lesnar is after, right now! WWE Champion, Universal Champion, we’re just missing Mr. MITB! Rollins demands Lesnar get out here and give them his decision! And here comes The Beast! With a remix, even. Lesnar is having almost too much fun with his Money in the Bank boombox. But to rub salt in the wound, the boombox starts playing New Day music. Kofi takes that as a green light, but then it changes to Rollins’ music! Heyman rocks out with Lesnar, but Lesnar gets him to calm down and get to business.
Rollins doesn’t care, he just leaves. But Kofi sticks around. Kofi dares Lesnar to cash-in, put his briefcase where his mouth is. Heyman figures Rollins would just pee on the parade. His client, Brock Lesnar, was going to say right here, right now, his choice to cash-in, but then Rollins went and ruined the #BrockParty. And don’t you boo! Don’t blame Lesnar, blame Rollins. And the decision is NOT announced, we’ll have to wait another week. But then Ziggler attacks Kofi AGAIN! Ziggler wants to finish the job after all! Zig-Zag to the ramp! And he gets a chair! Ziggler goes back to Kofi, but Xavier Woods makes the save! Xavier throws hands and Ziggler runs away! Will we see Ziggler get some form of comeuppance at the hand of The New Day?
Raw returns to Kofi being helped to the back.
But Ziggler returns! And he goes after Xavier! Xavier brings the fight to Ziggler and punches him down the ramp! Xavier drags Ziggler to the ring to put him in! The fight continues as Xavier throws hands, but Ziggler yanks Xavier out of the ring. Ziggler rakes Xavier’s face with his fingernails! Fans rally for Xavier but Ziggler throws him into barriers. Ziggler drags Xavier up but Xavier throws more hands! And he dumps Ziggler into the crowd! Then he climbs up, to LEAP for ax handles! Fans cheer as Xavier drags Ziggler back to ringside to dump him out the other side! Xavier headbutts Ziggler and knocks him into a trash can. But Ziggler fights back, only to get shoved into railing.
Xavier dumps the trash on Ziggler! Then he drags Ziggler back to ringside to throw him back over the barriers. Fans fire up as Xavier hops over, but Ziggler kicks out Xavier’s leg! Ziggler drags Xavier up to bump him off steel steps! Referees appear to get Ziggler to back off, but he just gets another chair. Ziggler aims at Xavier and SMACKS him on the back! And again! Xavier is reeling from that chair shot, but Ziggler grins as he rakes Xavier’s eyes again. He puts Xavier in the ring and brings the chair along. Ziggler laughs as he SMACKS Xavier on the back again! Then he chokes Xavier with the edge of that chair, before opening it up. Ziggler puts it around Xavier’s head like he did to Kofi last week!
But Kofi returns, with his own chair! Kofi runs Ziggler off for good this time, and we go back to break again. Is this the last we’ve seen of Ziggler tonight on Raw?
Raw returns again, with Kofi and Xavier both in the ring.
The New Day stands tall, but Ziggler is on stage! He speaks into a mic and says he thought he knew Kofi better. But Kofi just wastes his time on Lesnar’s cash-in, when he should be worrying about Ziggler. In 11 days, WWE Super Showdown, that world title is on the line against Ziggler. Ziggler only asks for one thing going into that match: celebrate like you’ve never celebrated before! Show the world what Kofi accomplished as the best champion in recent memory! But every time Ziggler sees the title with Kofi, he can’t help but think that it should’ve been him.
Ziggler admires Kofi, really he does. But for so long, Kofi has had friends watch his back every step of the way. Some people said Kofi was nothing more than a B+ Player, but Ziggler defended him! Ziggler knows how damn good Kofi is for the world title! But what happens when he doesn’t have that title anymore? What happens when Ziggler takes the title from him?! The millions of fans that have looked up to him, what happens to them when Ziggler takes that title from him? It took longer than Ziggler wanted, because Wrestlemania should’ve been his. But at Super Showdown, it will be Ziggler! Will Ziggler back up his bitter words when WWE goes overseas?
The rest of the Raw roster celebrates Memorial Day with a barbecue!
Superstars from Titus O’Neil to the Usos are eating their fill and having a ball! They even have a DJ! Jimmy grabs a mic and has everyone wish happy birthday to Natalya! And also, thanks for coming out to hang out with the Usos! Even the Revival? HELL NAW! But time to turn up! The Uso Block Party is on!
Backstage interview with Shane McMahon!
The Best int he World is competing tonight? Yes, he needs a warm-up for Roman Reigns at Super Showdown. He’ll beat The Big Dog down just like he is tonight’s opponent. And he heads to the ring with Drew McIntyre as his back-up. Is McIntyre feeling good? Shane’s feeling good. But who is getting the #BestintheWorld beating tonight?
Shane McMahon w/ Drew McIntyre VS ???
Raw returns as Shane is finally done with his warm-ups. Shane speaks about the parallels between teh mcMahon Family and the Samoan Dynasty. These two pillars of WWE and their feud all come down to one thing: respect. It was grilled into Shane but not into Roman Reigns. How else could you explain Roman punching down the “patriarch of the WWE,” the benevolent Vince McMahon. What kind of man can hit another man’s father? Shane is again hypocritical, but Shane talks about “the high chief, Peter Maviah,” grandfather of The Rock. Yokozuna, the Head Shrinkers, the Usos, and on and on. But the most feared were the Wild Samoans, Afa and Sika.
Shane grew up knowing Afa and Sika, and perhaps knows them better than Roman does, given his front row seat to their matches, and their mistakes. Shane won’t disparage them, because that’s not in him. It’s not part of his DNA. Vince was always there to clean up Afa’s and Sika’s mistakes. But who from the Samoan Dynasty will appear to face Shane tonight? Because they’re going to lose to the Best in the World. Who will answer this Open Samoan Challenge?
Raw returns again and Shane’s opponent is Lance Anoa’i, a distant cousin to Roman. But McIntyre drags Lance out to ram him into barriers then the apron and back again! And then steel steps! Shane says that’s enough. But McIntyre doesn’t stop, he rams Lance into a post and tosses him overhead! Shane insists McIntyre stop but McIntyre rips Lance’s shirt off to CHOP! Oh that’s gonna leave a mark. Put Lance in here. McIntyre will be reprimanded later, but might as well ring the bell. The match actually starts now, and Lance manages to stand, only to get knees and punches.
Shane puts Lance in a corner for body shots. He backs off at the ref’s count of 4, then kicks Lance down. Shane keeps hitting Lance but Lance hits back! Shane body shots and clubs Lance then throws more hands. He toys with Lance but fans say “This is Awful!” But then Lance fights back! Lance CHOPS and dropkicks Shane down! Lance dares Shane to stand, and then goes for a superkick, only to get an elbow! Shane grounds ‘n’ pounds Lance over and over, then drags him into a triangle hold. Lance taps, Shane wins!
Winner: Shane McMahon, by submission
Apparently the Best in the World isn’t satisfied with this. He tells McIntyre to sit Lance up for him to punch back down! Then Shane puts him back in the triangle. Shane trash talks Sika, he’d be doing this to Sika, too! Shane won’t let Lance go. The biggest mistake Sika ever made was having Roman Reigns! But speaking of, here comes Roman!! The Big Dog doesn’t care if he’s a Wild Card or not, he’s storming to the ring! SUPERMAN PUNCH for McIntyre! Shane sees Roman snarling at him. And runs away! Roman runs after and gets him at the barriers! Roman clubs away but Shane throws an elbow. Only to get a FLYING SUPERMAN PUNCH!
Roman puts Shane in the ring, and takes aim from a corner. He lets out the battle cry, but McIntyre drags Shane out to save him. Roman will have to wait for Super Showdown to get his revenge. Will Shane learn to shut his mouth once and for all?
Speaking of, Shane and McIntyre hurry to the parking lot to get out of here. Will Shane also learn to stay away once and for all?
Brock Lesnar comes back out!
The Beast in the Bank is going to try again now that he’s cheered up. And there’s a ref in the ring? Heyman takes up a mic to introduce himself and Mr. MITB 2019. And Heyman has the contract in his hands as he says they are going to inform the world which champion Lesnar wants. And now Rollins returns! Lesnar laughs as Rollins storms his way back into the ring. Rollins explains something to Lesnar. This belt here is Rollins’ life. And he sees the “boombox” so shut up! Rollins works for this every single day! But Lesnar comes out and makes a mockery out of it! Lesnar makes jokes, because he IS a joke! Rollins stomped Lesnar out at Mania, and he’ll do it again here!
Lesnar used to be the most feared man in fight sports, but now he’s a coward! A shell of his former self! If Lesnar wants to prove him wrong? Cash in tonight!! Heyman shows the referee the contract. The contract itself says Lesnar chooses when and where, and which title to challenge. The contract lasts for a full year from MITB 2019 to MITB 2020! But Lesnar is done with the legalese. He realizes he has a YEAR to cash in, and slaps Heyman around. Rollins tosses his shirt, but Lesnar says he has a YEAR to use this. “Rollins, screw you.” Lesnar takes his leave, because he’ll do what he wants to who he wants, when he wants! But when, where and who will that be?
Wait, the 24/7 Champion runs in! R-Truth runs away from Robert Roode, Cedric Alexander, and EC3! Eric Young rolls R-Truth up! But EC3 breaks it! Alexander springboard crossbodies EC3 and Young down! But Drake Maverick leaps at Truth! Truth dodges him, Luke Gallows AND Karl Anderson! Carmella gets him to the crowd, and he carries her to the back! Will Truth make it to the end of Raw with that belt?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One is hurt, the only reason he’s not in tonight’s Fatal 4 Way match. Baron Corbin takes Styles’ place, but what happened? Styles hurt himself in that Money in the Bank PPV match. He could say he’s ready to go but that’s not the truth. Styles wanted to face Lashley, Miz and Strowman if it meant getting back to a title match. Not tonight, at least. How long will he be out for? More tests have to be run, and according to doctors- Baron Corbin sucker punches Styles! Corbin grins because he has Styles’ spot. Will he use it to the best of his ability to go after Rollins at Super Showdown?
Becky Lynch & Nikki Cross VS The IIconics!
The Man isn’t #BeckyTwoBelts but she will hold onto her Raw Women’s Championship with everything she has. Can she and crazy Nikki Cross defeat Peyton Royce & Billie Kay just like they did last week?
Raw returns as the IIconics make their entrance. Nikki is already beside Becky as teams sort out. Billie starts with Nikki as the bell rings. Nikki and Billie tie up and go around. Billie puts Nikki in the corner and Peyton tags in. Nikki dodges the besties and dares them to bring the fight. Peyton circles with Nikki and tie up. Nikki arm-drags Peyton but Peyton holds on to throw Nikki. Peyton and Nikki keep locked up as they go to ropes. The ref calls for a break but they don’t, and Nikki waistlocks. Peyton works against the hold and wrenches Nikki to a wristlock. She brings Nikki to a knee and hammerlocks the arm. Nikki endures and works her way up as fans rally. Nikki rolls Peyton, TWO!
Peyton knees low and headlocks Nikki. Nikki endures the squeeze and pries her way out. Nikki headlocks Peyton but Peyton slips out to another wristlock. Billie coaches Peyton but Nikki rolls and handsprings, only to get thrown down. Peyton taunts Becky, and drags Nikki up. Nikki fights out to arm-drag Peyton down! Nikki has Peyton down and reaches for Becky. Peyton knees low and drags Nikki back. Tag to Billie and Billie grins as she grabs Nikki. But Nikki grabs Billie for a headlock takeover! Nikki has Billie down but Billie stands up and lifts Nikki. Nikki headlock takeovers again! Fans rally as they stand up again. Nikki trips Billie and stomps her down. Billie gets mad and runs in, but is thrown out.
Nikki wrecks Billie with a dropkick, and Peyton hurries to her BFF. Nikki LEAPS to crossbody them both! The Loony Lass is fired up as we go to break!
Raw returns and Billie has Nikki down in a chinbar. Nikki fights her way up as fans rally. Nikki throws forearms but Billie knees low. Billie then hits Becky down! The IIconics laugh at Becky but Nikki rolls Billie! The ref doesn’t see it and Billie gets free. Billie facelocks Nikki and powers her back, but Nikki powers Billie back the other way! Nikki reaches but Billie headlocks and kicks at Becky. Billie whips Nikki to a corner, but misses! Nikki crawls while Billie tags Peyton. Hot tag to BeckY! Becky rallies on Peyton, leaping forearms from the second rope! Becky hits Billie, too! Boot and kicks to Peyton, then Becksploder suplex! Fans fire up as Becky runs in for the Straight Firearm! And stomps!
The ref stops Becky at the count of 4 but Becky snapmares Peyton. Becky hops up and hits the leg drop! Cover, but Billie drags her off. Billie hits Becky into buckles then BOOTS Nikki down! Peyton bulldogs Becky onto Billie’s knee! Cover, TWO!! The IIconics are furious, but Becky gets Peyton’s arm! Nikki drags Billie down and tackles her! Peyton rolls Becky, TWO! Becky gives Peyton a urenage! Cover, Becky & Nikki wins!
Winners: Becky Lynch & Nikki Cross
But before The Man can celebrate, the Sassy Southern Belle struts out here. Lacey Evans just wants to taunt Becky, and then leaves. Becky reminds Lacey she’s still Raw Women’s Champion, but will Lacey’s Woman’s Right change that?
The Uso Block Party continues!
Tamina returns! But family is family, so all is forgiven. But the #TopGuys, Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson, are here to say they appreciate the class shown from the Usos in inviting them here. First off, no one invited them! But Naomi says this is a party, so there won’t be any brawling. The four need to squash the beef. Dash does, literally. But figuratively, this party should be about being friends. Yes, let’s party. But they spill the chips. Have hot dogs and cool off.
Ricochet VS Cesaro!
The One and Only lost to the Swiss Cyborg last week, but he won’t let that slow him down. He’s 100% now, will it be a different story this week?
The bell rings and Ricochet runs right at Cesaro. He’s put on the buckles but he comes back with headscissors! Cesaro boots but into a roll up, TWO! Cesaro knees and uppercuts Ricochet, but runs into a dropkick-flip and another dropkick! Ricochet aims at Cesaro on the outside, and FLIES! The King of Flight is rolling as we go to break!
Raw returns and Cesaro clubs away on Ricochet’s back. Cesaro is seeing just how healed up Ricochet is as he pulls him backward sin the modified abdominal stretch. Ricochet endures and pops out, then rams his shoulder into Cesaro. Cesaro shakes off the haymakers and shoves, but Ricochet sunset flips. Cesaro stays up and yanks Ricochet up for a deadlift overhead suplex! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drops double stomps! Cover, TWO! Cesaro clubs and chinlocks Ricochet again. Ricochet knees out but gets an elbow drop. Cover, TWO! Cesaro grows frustrated but Ricochet crawls to ropes. Ricochet slowly stands but Cesaro is on him with body shots to the back.
Cesaro shoves but gets an uppercut from Ricochet! Ricochet boots but is blocked! Cesaro yanks Ricochet up but he lands on his feet! Cesaro backslides but Ricochet slips out to SUPERKICK! Ricochet gets up as fans rally behind him. He runs in for a shoulder tackle, then goes to the apron to springboard clothesline! Cover, TWO! Standing Shooting Star! Cover, TWO! Ricochet catches his breath as he works on what to do next. He drags Cesaro around to a drop zone, then climbs up top. But Cesaro intercepts with an uppercut! Cesaro uppercuts Ricochet again, then climbs up top. He lifts but Ricochet fights out! Ricochet somehow lands on the apron to sweep and knee Cesaro back. Cesaro falls, and Ricochet heads back up! Ricochet 630!! Roll through, EUROUPPER!! Cover, TWO!!
Cesaro can’t believe Ricochet survives! He drags Ricochet up to a torture rack, and flips him, but Ricochet looks to huricanrana! Cesaro blocks, but gets a DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!? Ricochet drags himself to ropes, as does Cesaro. Cesaro runs and blasts Ricochet out. But Ricochet handsprings, climbs up to an Electric Chair, and hits a Huricanrana Driver! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The One and Only evens the score with Cesaro! With such innovation, is Ricochet going to find his way to a title?
Samoa Joe appears!
The Samoan Submission Machine comes near the commentary table to tell them and everyone that he knows Rey Mysterio promises to “do the right thing” next week, by relinquishing the WWE United States Championship. Joe will be there, too, to take back what is rightfully his. Will next week’s Raw be the night Mysterio gives up the title?
Raw returns to Corn Holing!
The Usos and The Revival play the game of beanbags. Dash scores big for the #TopGuys! But Jimmy… ties it up! Will this game end on friendly terms?
The Miz speaks.
“There was a time in my life when I would tell all of you that I should be Universal Champion.” Miz thought he just deserved it, but things have changed in his family. He’s closer to his dad than ever before, and the second Miz Baby is going to be another girl. And now it’s time to earn the right to be champion, and it will be AWESOME!
Braun Strowman speaks.
“In just a few moments, you’re going to witness what happens when three superstars willingly get in the ring with the Monster Among Men.” Lashley will #GetTheseHands, Miz gets a congrats on his new baby girl, and Strowman will NOTÂ let Corbin get a title shot. And that match, is next!
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match: The Miz VS Braun Strowman VS Bobby Lashley VS Baron Corbin!
Only one man will go to Saudi Arabia to challenge the Architect! Will the Monster Among Men end up pulling double duty at Super Showdown? Will the Rocky Mountain Machine be doing a double header instead? Or will the A-Lister have a golden opportunity? “Kansas City’s Favorite Son” might also have a say in this.
Raw returns with the bell, and Corbin and Lashley both rush Strowman. Miz picks his spot to go after Lashley. Strowman brawls with Corbin while Miz gets caught in Lashley’s complete shot. Strowman uppercuts Corbin then clotheslines him out of the ring. Lashley throws Miz out, and now he’s alone with Strowman. A preview of Super Showdown as they two tie up! Lashley headlocks but Strowman powers out. They collide but neither falls. Lashley bumps Strowman then hurdles, but gets caught in Strowman’s hand! He manages to power out, but not for long! Corbin clobbers Strowman to throw hands. He bumps Strowman off the buckles then Lashley joins in to stomp and mug Strowman in the corner.
Corbin and Lashley throw Strowman into the post! But then Miz returns to club away. Miz gives Corbin the backbreaker, and boots Lashley to finish the A-List combination! Fans rally behind Miz as he aims at both men. Miz unleashes the It Kicks! He kicks Corbin, then Lashley, and repeat! Miz prepares the buzzsaw, but misses Corbin! Lashley kicks Miz and Corbin gives Miz a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Lashley and Corbin work together again to mug Miz. Miz grits his teeth as Lashley stands him up for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! Corbin drags Miz up and puts him in a corner. Lashley keeps on Strowman, ramming him into barriers. Corbin hoists Miz up top and throws hands, but Miz fights back.
Miz headbutts Corbin down but Lashley throws hands on Miz. Lashley hops up and Corbin goes after Strowman. Corbin dumps Strowman into the front row but Miz fights Lashley off! Lashley clubs Miz but Miz stays up top. Corbin joins in and they both go up to get Miz. But Strowman joins in, TOWER OF DOOM! He powerbombs and pins Lashley, TWO! Strowman gets up, getting his arms to work. Corbin and Lashley stand but they get a double shotgun from Strowman! Strowman roars and clubs Corbin! Everyone is on the outside, so Strowman starts taking laps! But it’s Lashley who POUNCES Strowman!
Miz kicks Lashley but Corbin clubs Miz. Corbin and Lashley both whip Miz into barriers! They high-five their teamwork as they go back to Strowman. Fans boo as these two mug Strowman. They double suplex him onto the ramp!! The Monster Among Men is down and out while we go to break.
Raw returns and Miz endures more mugging from Corbin and Lashley. Corbin puts Miz in a corner and Corbin throws hands. Miz counter punches! Miz fires off haymakers from both sides! Corbin ducks and rams Miz into buckles! Lashley keeps Strowman down with haymakers while Corbin back suplexes. Miz slips out and rolls Corbin up! TWO, but Miz dumps Corbin out. Lashley runs in and clobbers Miz from behind. Lashley lifts Miz up for the Vertigo Suplex! Cover, TWO! Miz still lives and Lashley is frustrated. Lashley drags Miz up to choke him on the ropes. Lashley holds for as long as he wants, there are no disqualifications. He drags Miz up but Miz hotshots him back. Miz slides under but Lashley drags him up again. Lashley suplexes but Miz slips out, to boot him back.
Lashley runs into counter punches! Miz throws more haymakers from the left and right, then It Kicks in the corner! Miz runs corner to corner, double knees! And again! And then the A-list Lariat! Lashley staggers but Corbin intercepts Miz. Miz hits Corbin, springboards but misses, DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Miz still lives and Corbin is furious! Fans rally as Strowman returns! Strowman rallies on Corbin and Lashley with big hands! And bigger corner splashes! Strowman hits Corbin twice, then Lashley twice! Fans fire up as Strowman takes that lap! Strowman scoops Miz to slam him on the apron, then runs Corbin over! Strowman blasts Corbin into the timekeeper’s area! Lashley dodges and leaps onto Strowman!
Lashley takes aim at Strowman and run, into a scoop! But Lashley escapes, to run back in, only for Strowman to toss him into the crowd! And Strowman pursues! They fight in front of the fans but what about the match? Lashley kicks Strowman but Strowman uppercuts back. Strowman shoves Lashley to the back, leaving Miz all alone. Corbin walks over but gets caught to a cradle! TWO, choke slam to sunset flip! High stack, TWO! Miz fires off kicks fast and furious! Then runs for the double knees! And again! And the A-List, END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!?
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall; will face Seth Rollins for the title at Super Showdown
The Monster and the All Mighty eliminated themselves by disappearing, so now the Lone Wolf will be taking on The Architect! But can Corbin take the title from Rollins before The Beast in the Bank does?
Heyman and Lesnar are still backstage on Raw.
What is the point of The Beast hanging out if he decided to take the whole year to decide? Or will he perhaps change his mind before Raw goes off the air?
The Raw Uso Block Party continues!
And just as Jimmy tosses the beanbag, Dawson swats it! That’s illegal corn holing defense, man! The Usos and Revival argue, but Truth runs in! He ain’t here, though, so just- Kalisto rolls Truth! ONE, and Anderson tries! Gallows breaks it !Maverick runs in but is pushed away. EC3 and Eric Young run in, and the party becomes a brawl! Titus wants his second reign, but Truth gets away! The chase continues, but will Truth be caught?
Raw presents a new episode of Firefly Fun House!
Yay~! Bray Wyatt wears a “mask” as he welcomes us to the show. did you enjoy his secret? YES~! He knew he would. That’s “The Fiend.” But don’t worry, he’s a friend! People say and do all sorts of horrible things. It’s hard to find your confidence. It’s hard for Bray to be brave. Especially when he’s alone. But when he puts on the mask, he can be anything he wants to be. Sister Abigail doesn’t get it. He’s just trying to hide that he’s a sicko. He’s not a sicko, Abby. You know that. Is Bray a doctor now? Hmm… Why yes! Dr. Bray says the diagnosis is as he suspected: Abby’s a bully! Boo~! Abby just wants to rest. Never! Abby doesn’t want to be in limbo anymore. Yowie Wowie! Did someone say limbo~?
Fiesta time~! Kids hold up a limbo pole for Bray. He will always light the way. All we have to do is let him in. Bray spider walks to clear the limbo pole. Will you let Bray in?
Raw presents the premiere of Corey Graves’s new talk show!
Nothing is going to be off limits in… The Electric Chair! Sami Zayn heads out to be the first ever guest! Who will get their questions answered, after the break?
Raw returns and Corey Graves joins Sami in the ring. There is no bigger challenge than the truth. And sitting in the Electric Chair, the superstars must answer the questions. The WWE Universe will get to ask Sami whatever they want! Charly Caruso finds a fans to ask a question. Eric of Kansas asks Sami something quite simple: When will he retire? Sami answers with his own question: Are his parents related? This is Kansas City, right? Charly finds Izzy, and asks if Sami misses the Ginger Snaps from Mixed Match Challenge? You mean, teaming with Becky Lynch? Izzy says, “Duh~!” Where are her parents? They did a terrible job. And he’s not joking. She has no manners. Corey wants to move on, but Sami wants to know if Izzy means Becky, or Seth.
Moving on, Mike asks, “How does it feel when Strowman destroys you?” Sami would rather get out of this chair, go over the rail and punch Mike in the face. Mike doesn’t scare Sami, but the only reason Smai doesn’t do this is because we’re in America. If Sami obliterated Mike, Mike wouldn’t fight back, he’d just use litigation because it’s what Americans do. Sami also wont’ do it, because Mike would be in crippling debt from poor healthcare. Sami is disappointed. Fans could ask all these other personal questions, like his love life. He’s a very tender lover, by the way.
Moving on, Thomas asks Sami about his plans for the Universal Champion. Sami hopes fans step the questions up. Sami could go after the title, but he’s not interested. He’d rather hold fans accountable for their crap. They could be asking him anything, like about A E W!! GASP~! Okay, Sami did mention Rollins before, so hypothetically speaking, if Sami had that match, how does that go? Well here comes Seth Rollins! Rollins gets in the ring but Sami gets right out. Rollins takes the electric chair and chucks it! He dares Sami to make a move, but they’ll be having a match after the break!
Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn!
Raw returns and the bell rings on this impromptu match. Sami runs away from Rollins to focus himself. We check backstage, and yes, Lesnar is still here. Rollins wants Sami to get back in the ring, but will he still have to worry about the Beast in the Bank?
Sami finally does return to the ring, and he circles with Rollins. They go around but Sami ducks back out. Rollins doesn’t wait this time, he chases Sami around the ring. They go back inside and Sami headlocks. Rollins powers out and things speed up. Rollins elbows Sami down! He keeps on Sami with CHOPS in the corner! Rollins throws Sami back out, and Sami bumps barriers. Rollins CHOPS Sami again! He pushes Sami around and bumps him off more barriers. Rollins puts Sami in the ring but Sami flounders right back out. Rollins goes out and runs him over! Fans cheer Rollins as the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Sami back in and Sami calls for a timeout. Rollins doesn’t give Sami that, and goes after the fingers!
Sami endures as Rollins twists and pulls and brings Sami to the mat. Sami avoids the cover as Rollins tortures his wrist. Rollins has Sami in a corner and he stomps away. The ref backs Rollins off but Rollins goes back for more. The ref again pulls Rollins off, and Sami sucker punches Rollins! Sami throws more hands and has Rollins reeling. He clubs away but now the ref backs Sami off at 4. Rollins gets to a corner, and Sami brings him out for haymakers. Sami knees low then knocks Rollins down. He puts Rollins right in a thrashing chinlock. Fans rally for Rollins and Rollins fights his way up. But Sami wrangles Rollins down by pulling hair and tights. Sami keeps on Rollins but fans rally again. Rollins fights his way up but Sami body shots and whips. Sami clotheslines then covers, TWO!
Sami keeps his cool as he looms over Rollins. He brings Rollins up for many kicks to the face! Sami grins as fans boo and jeer, and he drags Rollins back up. He throws more hands but Rollins CHOPS back! Sami kicks and punches Rollins to the ropes then whips, to clothesline Rollins down! Cover, ONE! Sami keeps on Rollins, kicking him while he’s down. Fans rally again as Sami toys with Rollins. Rollins grits his teeth as Sami CHOPS him to ropes. Sami whips but Rollins dodges and clotheslines Sami down! Rollins kicks Sami out of the ring, then goes after him on the outside. But Sami shove shim into a post! The Architect is down while we go to break!
Raw returns once more as Sami drives elbows into Rollins’ face. Sami pulls hair but stops at 4. Fans rally up for Rollins as Sami stalks him. Sami punches away but Rollins punches back. They punch back and forth but Sami kicks low and snap suplexes. Cover, TWO! Rollins grits his teeth as Sami brings him back up. Sami suplexes but Rollins slips out to a waistlock. Sami standing switches but so does Rollins. They keep going back and forth, Sami elbows out but gets a SUPERKICK! Both men are down, but Rollins stirs. Fans fire up as Rollins gets to his feet. Rollins throws hands on Sami, then CHOPS. He CHOPS and forearms then whips. Sami reverses but Rollins dodges to Slingblade! Rollins boots Sami from the corner then hops up, for a BLOCKBUSTER!
But Sami rolls out! Rollins misses his chance to cover, but he takes aim… to DIVE! Direct hit takes Sami down! But Rollins won’t stop there, he DIVES to hit Sami again! Rollins gets up and hobbles a little. But he’s still good to continue, and he drags Sami into the ring. Rollins kicks and is on one leg as he powerbomb lifts. But the leg gives out! Sami DDT’s Rollins down! Cover, TWO!! Rollins lives and Sami is growing frustrated. Rollins drags himself to ropes and fans check on the leg. But Sami goes after it! Rollins kicks him away, then buckle shots Sami down! Fans fire up as Rollins mule kicks Sami! Rollins gets back up, gets that leg moving, and goes for the stomp! Sami dodges and trips Rollins up, Figure Four!!
Rollins endures leg pain but works against the hold. Sami cranks back but Rollins refuses to quit. Rollins works to turn the hold over! Sami resists, but Rollins gets it over! Sami endures and gets the ropebreak! Rollins and Sami untangle but the damage has been done to both men. Sami stands first and drags Rollins from the ropes. Rollins lands on his feet, but the bad leg slows him down! Sami wants Blue Thunder but Rollins fights out, PELE! Ripcord but the knee misses, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sami is beside himself over Rollins’ resilience. Sami stalks Rollins and drags him up to SLAP away! He then hoists Rollins up top and climbs. Fans rally as Rollins resists! Rollins headbutts Sami down!
Rollins adjusts, and on one leg, FROG SPLASH! Onto knees! Sami covers Rollins, TWO!! Sami is at his wit’s end, despite Rollins still suffering leg pain. Fans rally as Sami toys and slaps Rollins. Sami haymakers, but Rollins haymakers back! They hit harder and faster! Rollins gets the edge, but Sami gets the leg! Sami trips Rollins but Rollins shoves him out. Rollins sees Sami come back, CURB STOMP!! But he can’t make the cover! Rollins grits his teeth, he aims at Sami. He shouts, “This is my life!!” He gets to a corner, takes aim again, CURB STOMP AGAIN! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Beastslayer is still going, but that leg could be a new target in itself. Will Rollins make it to Super Showdown to face Baron Corbin? Or will Lesnar use next Raw to strike?
My Thoughts:
I’ll just say it here to start: Raw was a disappointment. While WWE doesn’t have to acknowledge things outside of WWE, the entire wrestling community knows a big event just happened over the weekend. And yet, this is the Raw Vince thought he should respond with? Even if AEW Double or Nothing didn’t happen, this is not the Raw to continue with on the way to anything, regardless of your feelings toward WWE Super Showdown being another Saudi Arabia show. This was as if Vince literally stretched a two hour show into a three hour one! We started strong with Kofi and Rollins demanding Lesnar choose, but him joking around and Rollins being upset, and even Ziggler attacking here tonight. But that went almost immediately downhill when we had segment, commercial, repeat!
Raw could’ve trimmed the fat and had one big brawl where Kofi gets attacked, Xavier fights Ziggler, Ziggler gets the upperhand but Kofi returns. Then have Ziggler give his promo as he retreats to the stage. Done, move on to a match. Which, the first match was as the fans said: awful. Shane fighting a jobber was gonna be obvious, but I’m not even sure Lance Anoa’i is a real Anoa’i. But obviously it was all to make this personal with Roman, the same as when Vince was “holding Roman down” and bringing up Roman’s family. Pretty sure this means Roman wins at Super Showdown, but I fear we’ll be getting three more segments of them between now and then. And things weren’t made much better when Lesnar returned, only to “realize” there was no rush, thereby swerving us all again.
At least the real matches we got were good. Lynch & Cross VS IIconics was good, and apparently Becky has three finishers: Disarm-Her, Straight Fire Legdrop, and the “Man-Handled” urenage slam. I suppose that’s a sign she’s truly a star in Vince’s eyes. If John Cena has the AA and the STF, Becky can at least have a submission and standing finisher for her moveset. Lacey is obviously up for another Raw Women’s title shot again, by the virtue of her showing up to annoy Becky. Meanwhile, it doesn’t sound like Raw has a single women’s tag team to challenge the IIconics with at this point. Unless Naomi and Tamina are reuniting, given that Usos Block Party moment. Ricochet VS Cesaro was amazing, I really hope the third time around has something at stake, it’s really worthy of that to me.
The Block Party segments were alright, keeps this Revival VS Usos rivalry going without a match. But obviously the best part was that R-Truth crashes the party with his 24/7 Championship and the superstars chasing him. Truth is still great as champion just on his comedy skills, but I’m not sure how much longer it can go before it gets stale. He might have to drop it just so he can do a string of gags as the hunter and not the hunted. The Raw Tag Team Division really needs something, too. Like, oh I dunno, Vince getting out of the way. But until then, it seems like Hawkins & Ryder can just extend the length of their reign without even working.
I don’t get the point of saying the Fatal 4 Way was an Elimination Match if it wasn’t even going to go the distance. Strowman VS Lashley was apparently going to happen either way, too, so Vince really just got himself all turned around. Corbin winning is fine, because he’ll get his shot we all thought was at Extreme Rules out of the way now at Super Showdown, which is really just WWE Filler the PPV anyway. But Vince is already overusing the tease of Lesnar being a threat. Lesnar said he’d use the whole year to decide, why have him backstage still? The Firefly Fun House helped give some understanding to Bray’s new persona, but I just want to see him and “The Fiend” in action already.
I have no idea what to make of “The Electric Chair.” Is this really going to be a talk show segment for the third hour? I did appreciate some of the questions in this segment, because it seemed like it was all shoot. Sami got to show some Heel improv skills, and as I alluded to, they didn’t have to mention AEW, but maybe that’s just Vince weirdly saying he’s not concerned. Which might be a bad thing, because this is the Raw we got because of it. Obviously Sami was meant to find a way to steer things towards Rollins so they could have a match. The match was great, though Lesnar cashing in here would’ve probably salvaged a lot of the crap we waded through to get to the end. But Rollins wins, even with a bad leg that is hopefully more of an exaggeration from good selling.
My Score: 7/10
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And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…
The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
- Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
- Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?
Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?
SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.
Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?
Corey Graves is in the ring.
Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.
Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.
Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.
And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.
“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.
That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?
Triple H is here!
Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.
HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!
The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”
The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?
Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?
Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!
The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?
The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!
The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!
Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.
Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?
The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?
Nick Aldis heads out.
And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.
And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?
Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!
One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!
Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!
The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?
Kayla Braxton is on stage.
SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.
For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!
WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!
Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?
Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?
The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!
Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!
Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!
No Contest
The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?
B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.
Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.
SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?
The Final Testament speaks.
Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!
Teddy Long and JBL are here!
The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!
Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.
Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?
There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!
The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!
Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!
Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!
Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?
Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.
Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.
Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.
Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.
Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.
.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Ratings:
- Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
- #1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
- ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
- Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
- Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4
Results:
Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.Â
.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz
Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.Â
Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.
Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.
OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.Â
Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.Â
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander
Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.
Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!
Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.
Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside
Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.
Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.
Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands
So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.
.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024
Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth
A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.
Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!
Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!
Overall Score: 6/10
A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.
But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.
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