Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (5/14/19)

SmackDown London goes BIG before Money in the Bank!

Published

5 years ago

May 14, 2019

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown returns to London!

SmackDown matches Raw by having their own Fatal 4 Way! Will Finn Balor, Mustafa Ali, Randy Orton or Andrade Almas gain major momentum for Money in the Bank?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Fatal 4 Way: Finn Balor VS Mustafa Ali VS Randy Orton VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Almas wins.
4v3 Handicap Match: Shane, Elias, Daniel Bryan & Rowan VS Roman Reigns & The Usos; Shane, Elias, Bryan & Rowan win.
Fire & Desire VS Kairi Sane & Asuka w/ Paige; Kairi & Asuka win.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Big Dog opens SmackDown!

Roman Reigns is on his show and makes London his Yard once again! He was on last night’s Raw per the Wild Card Rule and ended up siding with The Miz against Shane McMahon’s new pals, Elias and Bobby Lashley. Shane let Roman and Miz win the match by interfering, but then Roman and Miz stood tall together thanks to chair shots and Superman Punches. So the O2 gets a double dose and seems happy to have it. Roman speaks, saying there’s still some unfinished business from last night’s Raw. He doesn’t want to wait for MITB, he wants to settle it right now. Elias is a problem but Roman is gonna solve it with some help from… The Miz!

The Wild Card Rule allows the Hollywood A-Lister to be back on the Blue Brand and again stand side-by-side with Roman in the ring. London cheers as Miz changes up the mic flag. Miz thanks Roman for the invite to be back. Today could be the day that Roman and Miz beat Elias through-and-through. Okay, Miz isn’t a very good singer, but neither is Elias. But in just five days, Shane can’t run or hide from Miz. Miz beat Shane all over the stadium at Wrestlemania, but now Miz will have Shane locked inside a steel cage! But speaking of Shane, here Shane comes! And Miz has Elias with him again. Fans boo Shane as he says just because Miz was invited by The Big Dog, that doesn’t make him a Wild Card. Shane will use his privilege to say Miz is banned from SmackDown tonight!

But Roman can stay because Elias has something to say. Roman can make fun of Elias all he wants, but underestimating him will be the biggest mistake of his career. At MITB, Elias will prove why HE is the biggest acquisition in SmackDown history. And then Roman will see what the McMahon Family already knows: WWE means “Walk With Elias.” So let’s see… Roman and Miz might not be agreeable, so if they’re not gonna go willingly, Shane and Elias will make them. But there are some others who hate Miz’s guts, so Shane brings them out. It’s Daniel Bryan and Big Red Rowan! Bryan and Miz are definitely not friends, but Bryan seems to be friends with Shane. Roman and Miz stare down the four men marching down the ramp, even as they’re surrounded on all sides.

Elias, Shane, Bryan and Rowan creep closer as Miz and Roman stand back-to-back. The fight is on! Rowan and Elias have Roman while Shane and Bryan have Miz! London boos but there’s nothing they can do as Shane throws hands on Miz. But here come the Usos! Jimmy & Jey return to SmackDown as Wild Cards to double DIVE onto Shane and his crew! They save Roman and Miz, but Rowan runs them back over! Bryan and Shane put the Usos in the ring and now they’re getting beat down. But Roman returns the favor! As does The Miz! They clear the ring of Shane, Bryan and the rest! Will Miz and the Samoan bloodline be able to make Shane and his cronies regret picking this fight?

SmackDown returns as Shane, Bryan, Elias and Rowan regroup backstage.

No one should be allowed to hit the greatest acquisition in SmackDown history in the face! Bryan doesn’t care about this Wild Card Rule! He and Rowan are the Planet’s Tag Team Champions! Shane agrees, and they’ll be hands-on! 4v3 Handicap Match, them VS Roman & The Usos! If Miz even shows up, their cage match at MITB is off! Will Miz be able to control himself for the sake of letting it all out on Sunday?

Fatal 4 Way: Finn Balor VS Mustafa Ali VS Randy Orton VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

The four men representing SmackDown in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match will do battle with each other here tonight! Will it be the Extraordinary, the Beacon of Light, the Viper or El Idolo who takes a huge lead towards that golden opportunity?

SmackDown returns as Randy Orton speaks. “This Sunday, I’m going to climb this ladder. I’m going to grab that briefcase, and I’m going to become Mr. Money in the Bank for the second time.” Then the three most dangerous letters will be R K O. Orton drops the mic and the others make their entrance, starting with Almas and Vega. Vega has a mic to tell everyone that they’re too sensitive over spoilers. Whether it’s Game of Thrones or Avengers: Endgame, they don’t care. Here is Almas’ Endgame, and it will spoil MITB for everyone. “Amigo, en cinco dias”, Almas will climb that ladder, take that contract, and become Mr. MITB!

Now Mustafa Ali makes his entrance, and chooses to let actions speak louder than words. The same goes for the WWE Intercontinental Champion! These four all stand in the ring and we finally begin!

SmackDown is picture in picture as the four men start brawling! Almas clubs away on Finn while Orton clubs Ali. Almas knees Finn down then Orton whips Ali. Ali throws Orton out while Finn baits and dumps Almas out of the ring. Ali kicks Orton back out and Finn wrecks Almas with a dropkick. Things speed up as Ali DIVES out onto Orton! Not to be outdone, Finn Penalty Kicks Amlas down from the apron! Now Ali and Finn circle and tie up. Finn wristlocks but Ali rolls and handsprings through to reverse. Finn rolls but Ali keeps hold and wrangles Finn to the mat. Fans rally and Finn fights his way up with a handspring and wrench. Finn headlock takeovers but Ali headscissors. Finn pops out and the two stand off.

The two circle again but Almas and Orton attack! They stomp Ali and Finn down, then Orton throws Ali out. Orton brings Ali to the announce desk to bounce him off the lid then back suplex him on it! Finn fights Almas off but runs into Almas’ dropkick! Orton grabs Finn as he bails out and back suplexes him on the announce desk! Almas then attacks Orton from behind! But Orton hits back and back suplexes Almas onto the desk! Orton gets an insane hat trick! Vega is in shock for Almas, but London fires up behind the Viper. Orton wants another but Almas resists. Orton gives Almas a big European Uppercut! Vega backs off as Orton grabs Ali and bounces him off steel steps. Orton brings Ali into the ring and stomps the limbs as we return to single picture.

Orton keeps stomping Ali from fingers to feet, then scrapes his laces on Ali’s face. Ali scrambles away but Finn returns. Orton has Finn but Ali rolls Orton! TWO and Ali forearms Finn away. Ali keeps on Orton with forearms and CHOPS! Orton reverses the whip to get the powerslam! Orton looms over Ali again as fans chant “RKO! RKO!” He drags Ali up for more EuroUppers. Orton whips but Ali flapjack dropkicks Orton down! Fans rally as Ali rolls to a corner. Orton goes after Ali in the corner but gets a back elbow. Ali hops up and fakes Orton out to then get a tornado DDT! Cover, but Almas just barely breaks it! Vega coaches Almas up as he drags Ali up for CHOPS! Almas whips Ali but Ali goes up and over.

Things speed up, flying headscissors sends Almas into buckles! But Almas clotheslines Ali off his feet! Almas goes after Finn now then after Orton, kicking them both down. Almas throws Ali out, but runs into Finn’s boots! Finn rallies on Almas, Orton and Ali! Takedown to double stomps! Orton runs into the elbow drop DDT! Finn gets Almas but Alms suplexes Finn. Finn slips out then hops to the apron to swing kick Almas down! Fans rally as Finn climbs up high! But Almas trips Finn up! Vega is relieved and Almas calls for them. Almas goes corner to corner for CIEN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Finn lives and Vega is furious. But Almas sees the briefcase. Vega helps him find a ladder, and Amlas brings it out! This isn’t THE MITB match yet but Almas is allowed a ladder in a Fatal 4.

Almas brings the ladder in and uses it to ram Finn in the ribs. And SMACK Orton in the head! But Ali SUPERKICKS Almas out! Ali takes aim and slingshots, but into a ladder!! He crashes and burns while we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Almas whips Finn onto the ladder in a corner! Fans chant “SI! SI!” and Almas runs, but into a Slingblade! Finn shotgun dropkicks ALmas onto the ladder now! Ali slingshot somersaults and facebusters Finn! Ali goes back to a corner and climbs again, 450! But he rolls through as Finn evades, RKO!! Almas springboards, missile dropkick sends Orton out! Finn returns but gets the boot feint to elbow! Almas drags Finn up fast, hammerlock, but Finn cradle counters! TWO, but Finn clotheslines Almas out. Finn builds speed, to FLY! Finn bowls Ali and Orton, but Almas throws Finn into steel steps! Almas puts Finn back in fast, hammerlock DDT, La Sombra!! Cover, Almas wins!

Winner: Andrade Almas, by pinfall

El Idolo is victorious! But this Fatal 4 Way was just a sampler. Will Almas be able to win when it’s eight superstars, and he has to climb a ladder to grab his prize? Speaking of, Almas climbs a ladder to give us a sample of this, but here comes Ricochet! Another Wild Card is here, and he springboards all the way up to fight with Almas! Ricochet sends Almas crashing down, and HE takes the briefcase! Is this a “spoiler” of who wins and becomes THE Mr. Money in the Bank?

Carmella speaks.

“Let’s face it, in the Money in the Bank ladder match, the odds are in my favor.” Carmella has won twice, so it’s time for a three-peat! #MellaIsMoney, but will she hit the hat trick?

Xavier Woods surprises Kofi Kingston backstage.

He’ll be on the Kevin Owens Show with Kofi just in case. Kofi isn’t so sure. Xavier is still recovering, so he should take it easy. Kofi can handle business. That’s right! KO Show? No, it’ll be the Kofi Kingston Show! But will Kofi be able to keep his cool around the conniving Kevin Owens?

SmackDown returns with The Queen!

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring, feeling good after last night’s double contract signing that turned into a 2v1 beat down of Becky Lynch. Charlotte had Lacey Evans on her side to help powerbomb Becky through a table and stand tall with the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And tonight, she speaks to MITB being a culmination of their storied rivalry. And the story ends with Charlotte victorious once again.

Charlotte cues up a retrospective highlight reel to show the long journey of both her and Becky from NXT to the Women’s (R)Evolution. Becky says Charlotte wanted her to do well, but Charlotte couldn’t handle when she was doing as well as Charlotte. Charlotte didn’t want to be friends, she wanted to be champion. And she certainly wasn’t going to go easy on anyone in her way. It was Summerslam 2018, a SmackDown Women’s Championship Triple Threat, that was the last straw for Becky. But Charlotte was glad to see Becky finally “grow a pair.” Becky was just jealous. But Becky had a cathartic moment punching Charlotte. It was finally Becky’s time to be the best. And from there, it was a rise to the top as the Lass Kicker became The Man.

“There is no ‘man’ without The Queen.” Wrestlemania finally had a women’s championship match main event as it was a Winner Takes All Triple Threat. Becky, Charlotte and Ronda Rousey battled harder than ever before, and it was Becky who came out on top. The Double Champ was born! But Charlotte wouldn’t let it go. Becky didn’t pin Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but that’s because Becky was too busy beating the Baddest Woman on the Planet. Charlotte laughs at that explanation. It’s an insult that Becky thinks she’s the face of the Women’s Division. Becky’s been hot for six months, but Charlotte’s been hot for six years. MITB will make or break Becky Two Belts. Who walks out finally and decisively, the SmackDown Women’s Champion?

Lacey Evans is backstage on SmackDown.

“Hello? Did y’all forget about me?” Seems everyone’s too busy watching reruns of The Becky & Charlotte Show. The Man has two matches at MITB: Becky VS Charlotte, and Becky VS Lacey Evans. Lacey will teach Becky about a Woman’s Right, and give her a new nickname: Becky Black Eye. And then Lacey will have a new nickname, too: Raw Women’s Champion. Will the Model Soldier’s major claim come true?

Aleister Black speaks.

“The bard. Fascinating, huh? For within his words, we find both struggle between ambition and a manner of how one pursues their goals. That appearance is deceptive, and at the end we are left with our own truth. For my opponents who try to get inside my head, I guarantee you that you will not like the place that you try to venture into. And thus, I clothe my naked villainy with old, odd ends stolen from holy riff and seem sane, when most I play Fade to Black.”

4v3 Handicap Match: Shane, Elias, Daniel Bryan & Rowan VS Roman Reigns & The Usos!

The BEST in the Wooooooorld~ competes on SmackDown for the first time in a long time, alongside the new “Planet’s Tag Team Champions” and The Drifter. Will these four be able to make the Big Dog and his cousins pay for standing up to them earlier tonight?

SmackDown returns as The Usos make their entrance, followed by Roman! They hit the ring, and the teams sort out. The bell rings as we begin with Bryan and Jimmy.

Bryan goes animal style as he circles with Jimmy. They tie up and Bryan gets a waistlock. He brings Jimmy to the mat but Jimmy gets up to wrench through to a wristlock. Bryan rolls and wrenches back to a headlock. Jimmy powers out but Bryan runs him over. Fans are divided as Bryan’s team cheers for him. Bryan and Jimmy tie up and Jimmy gets the wristlock again. Jimmy wrenches and CHOPS Bryan! And CHOPS! Then he tackles Bryan into the corner and Jey tags in. Jey runs in and forearms Bryan, then snapmares Bryan to a cover. ONE, and Bryan gets Jey’s ankle. Tag to Elias and Elias CHOPS Jey to a corner.

Elias whips Jey corner to corner but Jey reverses. Jey runs in but Elias puts him on the apron. Jey kicks Elias down then climbs up to leap. Elias gets clear of the splash but Jey rolls through. Jey hobbles with a bad leg, Elias clobbers Jey with a clothesline! Elias stomps Jey over to his corner then tags in Shane. Shane mugs Jey then trips Jey up for elbow drops to the leg. Shane knees Jey’s leg then ties Jey up in a deathlock. He slaps Jey around then hooks on a chinlock. Jey endures but Shane shifts to go after the leg again. Fans rally up as Jey endures, but Elias tags in. Elias stomps Jey’s leg then drops knees on it. Elias taunts Roman before bringing Jey to the corner. Bryan tags in and the mugging continues.

Bryan puts Jey’s leg on the rope and pulls! The ref counts but Bryan lets go at 4 to run and dropkick the leg out! Cover but they’re too close to the ropes. Bryan moves Jey to put him on the top rope. Bryan climbs up behind Jey but Jey fights back. Jey elbows Bryan off the top rope and Bryan crashes down. Jey adjusts but has to fight Elias off. Bryan shoves Jey and Jey flies off into barriers! Jimmy checks on his brother while we go to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Rowan whips Jey corner to corner to then squash him against buckles. Rowan steps all over Jey to then drop knees over and over. Rowan runs and splashes down! Cover, TWO! Rowan drags Jey over to tag in Elias. Elias stomps Jey then drags him up for a scoop slam. Elias mocks Roman’s fist before dropping a knee. Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Elias taunts Roman then drags Jey up. He puts Jey in the corner and tags in Shane. Shane mugs Jey with a mule kick, then rope-a-dopes to taunt him. Jey sits up but Shane JABS him! Shane throws more hands but only his team cheers him. Shane stomps Jey, but then Jey kicks and gets the dragon whip! Both men are down but fans rally up! Hot tags to Bryan and Roman!

Roman rallies on Bryan and whips. Bryan reverses but Roman hits the leaping lariat! Roman uppercuts Elias then Rowan, then gives Bryan point-blank lariats in the corner! Roman gets all 10, then boots Bryan down! Shane looks to get in but backs off at Roman’s glare. Roman goes to a corner to lock ‘n’ load, but has to hit Elias first. Roman runs at Bryan but gets a roundhouse! Tag to Rowan, who clobbers Roman from over the ropes! Elias tags in without warning and he throws hands on Roman. The ref counts but Elias lets up at 4 to run and knee Roman down! Cover, TWO! Elias grows frustrated but he drags Roman up and over to tag Rowan back in. Rowan mugs Roman then scoop slams him down. Rowan drops elbows then covers, TWO!

Roman sits up but Rowan digs his fists into Roman’s head! Fans rally as Roman endures the vice. Roman powers up and fights out, but Rowan shoves. Roman kicks him away but Rowan runs Roman over! We go picture in picture as Rowan soaks up the heat. Rowan tags in Bryan and Bryan gives Roman the No Kicks. He kicks and kicks and kicks, and hits the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and shocks Bryan’s team. Bryan keeps on Roman and throws him out of the ring. Roman staggers to his feet but Rowan tags in to throw Roman into barriers! Rowan throws Roman in again! Roman clutches his back while Rowan soaks up more heat. Rowan puts Roman in then stomps away. Tag to Elias, and Elias covers, TWO!

Elias keeps his cool as he circles Roman. We return to single picture as Elias stomps Roman more. Elias drops an elbow then continues to mock the fist. He drags Roman up but Roman counter punches! Elias staggers into more uppercuts! Elias knees low then runs, but into a Samoan Drop! Both men are down and fans rally up. Roman and Elias crawl for their corners, hot tags to Bryan and Jimmy! Jimmy rallies on Bryan with haymakers! He whips but Bryan goes up and over. Things speed up and Bryan fakes out the Superkick. Shane runs inn, SUPERKICK! Elias runs in, SUPERKICK! Rowan in, SUPERKICK! Jey tags in and the Usos Double SUPERKICKS Rowan! Bryan leaps into SUPERKICKS! Cover, but Shane breaks it!

Jimmy throws Shane out hard, but Elias knees Jey. Elias gives Jey Drift Away! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Elias, but Bryan hits Jimmy with a Knee Plus! Cover, but Roman breaks it just in time! Rowan grabs Roman for a headbutt and whip. Roman holds ropes but Rowan clotheslines him out. Rowan pursues, but runs into a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Elias grabs Roman to throw him into steel steps! Shane climbs up and targets Jey, COAST2COAST!! Cover, Shane and team win!

Winners: Shane McMahon, Elias, Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Shane pinning

Shane O’Mac wins in a Handicap match, but now Miz comes out to eve things up! Miz uses a chair to SMACK Elias! Then jab and SMACK Rowan! Shane runs away as Bryan gets SUPERKICKS! Roman SPEARS Rowan! Shane runs away, again, but now he has even less time before Miz comes for revenge. Will the Best in the World still be so smug after Money in the Bank?

SmackDown presents: another new episode of Firefly Fun House!

Bray Wyatt isn’t at the door, silly. No he’s not over there, either. Wait there he is! Yay~! And Rambling Rabbit is back in one piece! But Bray has a secret to share. Shhhh~! Well it better be good. Yeah, Mercy has stuff to do. Guys, c’mon… But it’s time to show the world what he’s really been working on. But he can’t do it alone. He needs all his fireflies to help. So who’s with him? YAY~! That warms Bray’s soul. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of darkness in his noggin. He’s learned to harness it. Control it. So does everyone want to see the secret?

Bray turns to the door, and his puppet pals are all nervous. We enter the dark playroom… “Let me in…!” Twinkle twinkle little star… How we wonder what you are. “Yowie wowie.” Bray has transformed!!

SmackDown’s Women’s MITB entrants speak.

“The Shenom is wild, unpredictable and without fear.” Ember Moon will risk it all and win it all, because it is on her to manifest her own greatness. She closes her eyes and sees herself becoming Ms. Money in the Bank.

“The Money in the Bank Ladder match is a chance for me to step out of the shadows and show the whole world what I’ve been capable of.” Bayley isn’t just a Hugger, and she’s no weak link. But will she be THE link this Sunday?

Fire & Desire VS Kairi Sane & Asuka w/ Paige!

Mandy Rose will be in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match, but she and Sonya Deville still have WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship aspirations. However, they’ll be facing the fastest and fiercest team the Glampire could possibly bring to SmackDown! Will #JoshiRoyalty take advantage of a distracted Golden Goddess to head for the IIconics and those tag titles?

SmackDown returns to see Peyton Royce & Billie Kay have joined commentary. But Paige says it’s great to be home and has brought some new friends. She properly introduces the world to the #KabukiWarriors! They’re not just the next WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but the future of the entire Women’s Tag Division! The IIconics take offense, that’s based on their catchphrase. But now Mandy and Sonya make their entrance and also have mics to speak.

“Take it down a notch, Paige. You named a tag team, not the royal baby.” It’s not like Megan and Harry did that good, though. Names matter, like “Ms. Money in the Bank,” which is what Mandy will be after Sunday. And then yes, she and Sonya will also go after the Women’s Tag titles. The future isn’t Kabuki Warriors nor IIconic. It is the team that can’t be broken, Fire & Desire. Peyton & Billie don’t take them serious, but they might have to after this match. Sonya and Asuka start for their teams and we begin!

Asuka circles with Sonya but Sonya gets the waistlock. Asuka reverses but Sonya reverses back. Sonya headlocks but Asuka powers out. Things speed up and Asuka hits Sonya with a hip attack! Tag to Kairi and they double whip Sonya. They knee, ax kick and bulldog Sonya to a dropkick! Fans fire up while Sonya bails out. The IIconics are annoyed while Fire & Desire regroup. Kairi takes aim and gives Mandy a Flying Kabuki Elbow! She puts Sonya in and Asuka hip attacks Sonya back down! The IIconic trash talk Sonya & Mandy while we go to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Kairi CHOPS away on Mandy! Kairi whips but Mandy reverses, only for Kairi to crossbody! Cover, ONE! Kairi keeps on Mandy and blocks a boot into a dragon screw! Mandy ends up in a corner and Kairi marches. Kairi runs in but Sonya saves Mandy from the Sliding D! Mandy makes Kairi Kiss the Rose with her knee attack! Cover, TWO! Mandy drags Kairi over and stomps away. Sonya tags in and she stomps away. Fire & Desire back off and Sonya snapmares to sliding wizard! Cover, TWO! Fire & Desire grow frustrated while the IIconics are annoyed. Sonya keeps on Kairi but London rallies. Mandy tags in and she stomps Kairi again. She backs off at 4 then brings Kairi up for a backbreaker. Mandy bends Kairi back but Kairi endures.

Paige and London rally behind Kairi and she fights out against Mandy. Kairi gets up but Mandy throws her down. Mandy drags Kairi up but Kairi reaches for Asuka. Mandy whips Kairi away but Kairi uses that to hit Sonya! Kairi dodges Mandy but Mandy hurries to catch up. Kairi pushes Mandy away but Mandy holds on. But Kairi uses one foot to free the other and gets away form Mandy! Hot tag to Asuka! The Empress rallies on Mandy, pop-up knee! German Suplex! Mandy ends up in a corner again, and Asuka runs in for a hip attack! Roundhouse! Armbar takedown! But Sonya slides in and attacks Asuka. Sonya knees Kairi out then returns to her corner. Mandy crawls and tags Sonya in. Sonya goes after Asuka with kicks! But Asuka blocks to kick back!

Asuka fires off kick after kick, then the buzzsaw is blocked into a big right hand! And a SPINEBUSTER! Mandy wants back in so Sonya tags. Mandy covers, but Asuka counters with a ghost pin! Kabuki Warriors win!!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka pinning

And the IIconics bust up laughing! Mandy’s ego cost them, and now Asuka and Kairi are the ones headed for the tag team titles. Will those titles stop being IIconic and soon belong to the true future of WWE Women’s Tag Team wrestling?

Backstage interview with Lars Sullivan.

The Leviathan is truly on SmackDown thanks to the Superstar Shake-Up, but his path of destruction has been on both shows since finally appearing. Kayla Braxton is just able to manage words, to ask Lars to comment on said destruction. He doesn’t, and his glare scares her enough. Will Lars continue to dominate and destroy any and every superstar he sees fit?

Kevin Owens speaks.

“We are just moments away from a very special edition of the Kevin Owen’s Show”, with the inspiring WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston! But what about the rest of the New Day? Well Kevin isn’t facing The New Day. Xavier and Big E aren’t the champion, Kofi is. Kevin wants to know: can Kofi stand on his own? Kevin knows the answer, and looks to prove it on Sunday. He wants to break Kofi’s back, a leg, maybe even dislocate a shoulder. But the New Day entrance interrupts! Kofi goes out first, will Kevin keep his cool this close to MITB?

SmackDown returns with the Kevin Owens Show…?

Well Kofi received an invitation to this talk show, so here he is! Kofi knows Kevin wants after the WWE Championship, and MITB will be his chance. But what about tonight? Kofi’s on Kevin’s show as a guest, so it’s only fitting that the host appear. Kofi introduces the host to the KO Show, Kevin Owens himself! But where is Kevin? Fans chant “Kofi Show! Kofi Show!” Fine, let’s rename the show, that’s good. Is Kevin shook? No, he couldn’t possibly be, because of all the trash he was talking. Kofi’s here giving Kevin a chance, so-

Kevin interrupts via titantron. Yes, Kofi is out there on his own. His little buddies couldn’t make it? It’s lonely at the top, huh? For the first time in a long time, Kofi’s on his own. And at the worst time possible. Because no one can deny that Kofimania was a dream come true. Kofi shared that moment with his brothers and his family. But did he ever wonder what happens when the dream ends? Reality begins. And the reality is, Kofi’s only champion because of the New Day. In reality, the dream ends at MITB. Kofi faces the most dangerous man in the WWE, and here is proof. Kevin cues up footage.

Kevin made a statement his first night on the main roster by going after John Cena. He didn’t wait for permission, he made his own opportunities. Kevin won title after title after title. And he even betrayed those who were in his way. From Sami Zayn to Chris Jericho, Kevin has always turned on friends when he had to. Kevin would annihilate anyone else, too, like Xavier Woods. An apron powerbomb would damage Xavier. Now Kevin looks to take what’s his. Kofi doesn’t get what the video proves. And he’s just a bit tired of hearing Kevin talk. Kofi clears the ring of the furniture and the flapjacks. If Kevin isn’t gonna face Kofi now- Oh you don’t think Kevin wants to be out there? Kevin leaves the screen, and the music hits! Kevin storms down the ramp and Kofi is ready!

But then Kevin turns back. But then he turns back again. Only to stop short and turn away again. Kofi gets fed up again, and runs after Kevin! They brawl on the ramp! But here comes Sami Zayn! Sami returns the favor for last week and helps his best frenemy beat down Kofi. Kevin shoves Kofi into the apron, then Sami feeds Kofi back to Kevin. But here comes Xavier! Xavier hits Sami then brawls with Kevin! But Kevin throws Xavier into a post! Kofi fights back again, but the numbers aren’t in his favor! London rallies for Kofi but Kofi gets send into steel steps! Kevin puts Kofi in the ring, and both he and Sami stomp Kofi. Kevin puts Kofi in a corner and shouts, “You think that title’s yours?!” Turns out Kevin isn’t on his own, either!

Kevin says he could end Kofi tonight, but he’s going to leave just enough of Kofi that he can go to MITB. Kevin runs in to cannonball, but Kofi dodges! Kofi brawls with Sami and London is on Kofi’s side. Sami runs but Kofi dodges the Helluva Kick! Kofi hits Sami with Trouble in Paradise! London fires up with Kofi while Kevin runs away. Will Kofi keep the dream going through MITB? Or will Kevin bring it all crashing down?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown for London and the go-home! Though, one thing it does expose is that this Wild Card Rule is pretty much exclusively for the Shane crossover story. The Miz and Usos show up to fight Shane and the start of what is basically his new Mean Street Posse. But of course Shane uses his authority to keep Miz out. That is good in that it preserves Shane VS Miz moments for their steel cage match, and then Miz gets to run out right after the match because that isn’t against the rules. I still don’t see this changing the math from last night, so either both Roman and Miz win, or there’s some chicanery that screws both of them over.

That Fatal 4 Way was incredible. It was a great move for Almas to win, he needed it for his SmackDown standings. And it was a great move for Ricochet to be a real Wild Card surprise. However, with Almas winning the Fatal 4 and Ricochet literally taking the briefcase, they’re probably not winning. Hopefully it’s Ali, Finn, or McIntyre. Those three are the ones where it’d make the most impact because we’ve already seen Orton and Corbin use it, one winning and one failing. And Sami’s story is clearly tied to Kevin’s again, even though Sami’s on Raw. Kevin and Sami brawling with Kofi was good, and it gave Kofi a great moment to stand tall. I would think to make a point towards the story, Shane bans Xavier from ringside. Maybe Sami still shows up, only for Big E to surprise us and save Kofi.

The SmackDown Women’s MITB entrants had good promos, and I feel it has to be one of them to win the briefcase given how Raw’s women got to have a great Fatal 4. It’s between Ember or Bayley, and leaning towards Bayley. We got a good video package for Becky and Charlotte, they’re really trying to make this seem final. I wonder if that’s them almost giving away that the SmackDown Women’s Championship changes hands by either Charlotte or a Ms. MITB victory. Good to see the women also main event tonight, as far as matches. Paige is the hometown girl so of course her team gets the spotlight. IIconics did great on commentary, too. But can Vince just not name things anymore? Kabuki Warriors is just above “Viking Experience” in dumb, and possibly even racist. But hey, at least Asuka and Kairi win as they should.

My Score: 8.4/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

13 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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