Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (6/18/19)

Will A Moment of Bliss be anything but?

Published

5 years ago

June 18, 2019

Steven Mitchell

It’s the last SmackDown before Stomping Grounds!

In an attempt to clear the air from the last few weeks, The Goddess again invites SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, onto another Moment of Bliss. Will Bayley keep her cool when confront Alexa Bliss over her blatant lies? Or will things continue to play into Alexa’s plan?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Xavier Woods VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins.
Heavy Machinery VS The B-Team; Heavy Machinery wins.
Tag Team Elimination Match: Drew McIntyre & Elias VS The Awesome Truth; McIntyre & Elias win.
WWE 24/7 Championship: R-Truth VS Drake Maverick; Maverick wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
2 Out of 3 Falls Tag: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston; Rollins & Kingston win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Awwwwww~ SmackDown! Don’t you dare be sour!

Feel~ the POWER~ as The New Day opens the show! They fling more flapjacks as they make their way to the ring! And even more when they’re in the ring. The New Day grab mics to welcome fans to the show, “BABYYYYYY~!” Everyone knows that Sunday is Stomping Grounds, and we will see Kofi Kingston (fans cheer) take on Dolph Ziggler (fans boo) in a Steel Cage (more cheers)! But only if Ziggler makes it through Xaiver Woods. To keep things fresh, Big E would like to make the last hour of SmackDown “the freaky hour.” It involves a Slip ‘n’ Slide, themselves, and- Dolph Ziggler comes out to interrupt the “typical New Day” antics that distract the fans. “All the smoke and mirrors in the world just to distract from what we all know from Super Showdown.” Kofi doesn’t deserve to be champion!

In fact, without The New Day, Kofi would be nothing! And on Sunday, the New Day won’t be able to save Kofi. Kofi is not able to stand on his own. The next time Kofi goes home to Ghana, that won’t be a celebration but an apology tour. Because Kofi will have to look at those people, from family to friends to fans, and tell them that when he was backed against the wall inside a Steel Cage all by himself, he failed! Fans boo and Kofi glares, but Ziggler grins. Fans rally behind Kofi but Ziggler tells them all to pay attention. At Stomping Grounds, Ziggler will slam Kofi into unforgiving steel, grind his face into the cage, and then kick ass and take names. #ItWILLbeZiggler!

Kofi wants Ziggler to back up. Ziggler’s talking like Kofi doesn’t know Steel Cage matches. Maybe he forgot where this journey began. It was in the Elimination Chamber! Kofi knows the brutalities of the confines of a cage, and he’s good with it. Because whether it’s a pin or an escape, or even a complete knockout that lets Kofi just walk out, it will happen. Kofi will win at Stomping Grounds! And he will remain THE, W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~! But but but that’s Sunday. Ziggler should worry about tonight, because Kofi’s brethren in Woods is itching to “pop you in the mouth” all over again!

Ziggler tells Kofi to pay attention to that very match. “Don’t think for one second that I forgot what Woods did to me at Super Showdown.” It was Woods’ fault Ziggler lost. And after tonight, Woods will never be able to help Kofi again. And then on Sunday, “all the positivity, all the bad inside jokes, all the fun laughs, the colors the loudness.” All that pretending to be something Kofi’s not, “comes crumbling down” when he’s in that cage with Ziggler. Stomping Grounds will be where Kofi stops being WWE Champion. Because it should’ve been ZIGGLER! #ItShouldHaveBeenME, and #ItWILLBeMe! But will it be Ziggler against an angry Woods up next?

Xavier Woods VS Dolph Ziggler!

SmackDown returns with the bell and Ziggler circles with Woods. The go around and Woods manages to counter the takedown to a mount. Woods switches to a waistlock and makes it a cover, ONE! Ziggler gets Woods down for a cover, ONE! The two back off and Ziggler swipes at Kofi and Big E. He ties up with Woods again and Woods gets around to the waistlock. Ziggler goes around but Woods rolls him, ONE! Ziggler keeps on Woods to roll him, ONE! Woods and Ziggler back off and go again. Woods grabs the arm and wrenches, but Ziggler pushes him to ropes. The ref calls for the ropebreak but Ziggler gives a shove. Woods shoves back! Then drop toeholds Ziggler onto ropes! Dropkick bounces Ziggler off! Cover, TWO!

Woods keeps on Ziggler with a headlock. Ziggler holds the ropes so Woods has to let go. Ziggler kicks low at the knee! Woods scrambles but Ziggler is on him. Ziggler rakes Woods’ face on ropes! Then drops him with a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Woods, going after the arm. He cranks Woods back in a chinlock but fans rally up. Woods fights out and throws body shots. Ziggler hits back and whips, but Woods reverses. Woods runs into the corner but into a boot! Ziggler bumps Woods on buckles then whips him corner to corner. Woods bounces off buckles but boots Ziggler back! Woods hits the Honor Roll! Fans fire up as Woods climbs up! Woods aims but out come Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn! They attack Big E and Kofi! Ziggler trips Woods up in the distraction!

The referee shouts at Kevin & Sami and EJECTS them! But Woods takes them out with a leaping crossbody! With those two taken care of, Woods gets back in, only to get the satellite DDT! Cover, TWO!! Woods survives as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The referee checks on Woods but he’s okay. Wait, the New Day is also ejected!? Now Woods is all alone with Ziggler as Ziggler drags Woods up. Ziggler bumps Woods off buckles but Woods turns it around to bump him! But then Ziggler turns it around to kick out Woods’ leg. Ziggler walks around Woods, taunting him to get up. Woods drags himself up but Ziggler is waiting, with a big dropkick! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps his cool as he looms over Woods. Ziggler rakes Woods’ eyes with his fingers! The referee reprimands Ziggler while Woods scrambles away. Ziggler drags Woods up again with a headlock, and has Woods in a crossface chicken wing! Woods resists and arm-drags Ziggler off! But the misses in the corner! Ziggler covers, TWO!

Ziggler keeps his cool as he drags Woods up, again raking the eyes! The ref counts and Ziggler lets up at 4, to then grind Woods down with an armlock. Ziggler grinds his forearm into Woods’ face, too, but Woods endures. Woods starts to get to his feet, and he throws body shots on Ziggler. Ziggler turns Woods but Woods backslide counters! TWO, but Woods rallies with big forearms! Mule kick and front kick, and SmackDown returns to single picture as Ziggler reverse the whip. Woods dodges and slides to hit the roaring forearm! Woods flounders to a cover, TWO! Both men are down from exhaustion, but fans know “This is Awesome!”

Ziggler gets to ropes and Woods goes to the opposite end. Both men stand, and Woods runs into a boot! But then whips Ziggler out of the ring! Woods builds speed to wreck Ziggler with a dropkick! Ziggler hits the desk! Woods puts Ziggler back in, and trophy lifts Ziggler! For a BIG gut buster drop! Cover, TWO!! Woods keeps his focus as he grits his teeth. Ziggler rolls out to the apron but Woods follows. Woods drags Ziggler up, but Ziggler shoves him into a post. Then a SUPERKICK blasts Woods off the apron to the floor! Ziggler drags Woods up into the ring and wants him to stand again. Fans rally up for Woods but Ziggler stalks him, ZIGZAG! But Woods rolls just enough to avoid a cover.

Ziggler doesn’t want to end it here, anyway! He drags Woods up and puts him on the ropes, to pull the arms! Ziggler lets up at the ref’s count, to then SUPERKICK the defenseless Woods! Cover, Ziggler wins!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

The Show-Off wins tonight, showing no mercy. With a Steel Cage match being No Disqualifications, will Ziggler show that same lack of remorse in order to take the title from Kofi? Will Kofi do the same just to avenge Woods?

Several SmackDown superstars line up outside Baron Corbin’s private locker room.

Shelton Benjamin and The B-Team know the risk of being Corbin’s special guest referee given Seth Rollins’ mood lately. But it’s all so Corbin can finally win a title. Benjamin plans on using Corbin right back. Matt Hardy comes out of the office! Senor Benjamin, you’re next. That’s Mr. Benjamin, Matt. But either way, Benjamin does take his turn “auditioning” for the part of guest referee. Will Corbin make a decision before the night is over? Will Rollins veto it with more chair shots?

It’s another SmackDown edition of A Moment of Bliss!

The last time The Goddess and her hit talk show were on SmackDown, it turned into a Triple Threat Contender’s Match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And though Alexa was the Wild Card from Raw, she won the match and now faces Bayley at Stomping Grounds! SmackDown returns as she, and “friend” Nikki Cross, make their entrance. Nikki will be in Alexa’s corner on Sunday because, well, Alexa has claimed Bayley is a bully. Alexa welcomes everyone to the show, but where is her coffee?! Bayley appears with it! And is drinking it. Yes, well… Why is Alexa not surprised? This is like what Alexa was telling nikki before. Bayley defends she’d never do that. She should say this now, but- But she’s the reason she cost them the women’s tag titles? No, that Alexa is using Nikki.

Hear that, Nikki? Is it time to do this? Bayley says she’s had enough of Alexa’s talking behind everyone’s back! If she has a problem, say it to her face! Alexa stands up and accepts that challenge. Alexa knows the real Bayley. When she started in NXT, she saw through Bayley. Everyone made Alexa feel like she didn’t belong. Alexa tried turning to the nice girl, Bayley, yet even she made Alexa feel little. It was Charlotte who was nice to Alexa! But then Bayley acts all nice dressing like she’s from Forever 21, saying she’s like the fans. In reality, she’s not a hugger, she’s a liar! Classic Alexa, making things up that never happened. She did this to Nia Jax, to Mickie James, and Bayley has never lied to them. Alexa just can’t handle the truth. And the truth is: Alexa isn’t a goddess, just a spoiled princess!

Alexa isn’t entitled, she’s just better. And she always have been! She has a natural gift for this! She doesn’t imitate legends and doesn’t wait for autographs, she’s not worthy? Bayley has never needed to manipulate like Alexa to become SmackDown Women’s Champion. Alexa says Bayley is just a placeholder. And she will always be a placeholder! Because she peaked in NXT! The one person that Bayley found so undeserving is the one living out the life she’s always wanted. Bayley hits Alexa! The brawl is on, and Nikki helps her new friend! Nikki still believes Alexa, despite what just happened. And then Alexa gets Bayley with that killer punch! The Goddess and Cross leave the champ down and out, but will it happen this way at Stomping Grounds?

Apollo Crews finds Zelina Vega backstage.

Can she help him with something? Well where she goes, Andrade goes, right? He has been looking for him. Is that true? Or is he just here to flirt with her? What? Just tell Almas Apollo is looking for him. Zelina “flirts” with him, to distract him from Almas’ blindside attack! Almas lays Apollo out by throwing him into trunks! And again, Chad Gable is taking notes? Firstly, will Apollo get payback on El Idolo in the ring? Secondly, what is Gable studying exactly?

Heavy Machinery VS The B-Team!

The literally biggest team on SmackDown gets a shot at those tag team titles on Sunday, which is exactly why “The Planet’s Tag Team Champions” are on commentary for this match. Daniel Bryan & Rowan gave a pep talk to Bo Dallas and Curt Axel, but will that be enough to survive the #BlueCollarSolid Tucker Knight & Otis Dozovic?

The teams sort out and Tucker starts against Axel. Bo distracts and that allows Axel to club away on Tucker. The ref backs Axel off but he knees Tucker back down. The B-Team chants as they stomp, tag, and stomp more. Fans echo the chant as the B-Team tags and mugs Tucker, then Bo feeds Tucker to Axel’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Axel keeps on Tucker with a half nelson and chinlock. Bryan says the problem with Heavy Machinery as that they joke around too much. Tucker endures and powers out with big hands. Axel knees then whips but Tucker manages to jump over Axel’s back! To then clobber him with a big lariat! Both men are down but fans rally as they crawl. Hot tags to Otis and Bo!

The Dozer rallies on the B-Team, then scoops and spins around with Bo! Otis slams BO down then clotheslines Axel out. Otis gives a grunt to Bryan, but turns around into a kick. But Otis powers up with it. Otis pops and locks and thrusts, to then scoop Bo for a BIG Fall Away Slam! Fans fire up with Otis as he puts Axel in, and sandwiches both men in the corner! Bo is down, and Otis grins as he pumps it up. Otis hits the Caterpillar elbow! Tag to Tucker, and Otis scoops BO, for the Compacter! Cover, Heavy Machinery wins!

Winners: Heavy Machinery, Tucker Knight pinning

And the contenders are rolling into Stomping Grounds! Bryan doesn’t think Tucker and Otis take this seriously, and therefore he doesn’t take them seriously. But will he see just how serious it is when he and Rowan actually face them in the ring?

But wait! Since the B-Team even so much as auditioned for the part of guest referee, Rollins is here to attack!! He SMACKS Axel, then jabs and SMACKS Bo! The Architect keeps that ultimatum from Raw going here on SmackDown as he just SMACKS away on the B-Team! He shows no mercy! And fans love it! Will Rollins continue to #BurnItDown all the way to Stomping Grounds?

Someone is arriving to SmackDown via limousine.

It’s Shane McMahon! The Best in the World looks to be all business after the attack on Raw. Sami & Kevin report Rollins’ attacks to Shane. Sami as the Wild Card is a guest, and there is no telling what Rollins will do next. Kevin agrees. Who attacks people form behind? Bad people, that’s who. Shane knows all about that. Something needs to be done about Rollins and even Kofi! Kofi is bad, too. Something needs to be done. Shane agrees. Tonight, Kevin & Sami VS Rollins & Kofi, in a very special 2 out of 3 Falls Tag. If you want to stop the bad people, take care of it yourself. Kevin and Sami aren’t really fans of that idea but they have no choice. Will the frenemies be able to do anything about the fired up Universal Champion and laser focused World Champion?

Aleister Black speaks.

“What does it take to change the essence of a man?” Aleister gets it. He understands why no one has knocked on his door, and why no one wants to pick a fight wit him. “Because I can hear your whispers as you passed by.” They know the Embodiment of the End was told he was “destined to fall from grace.” But this is not a “woe is me” story. No, this is a “woe, my opponents” story. Because someone will come knocking. Someone will pick a fight with him. And when they do, Aleister will change the essence of that man. Who will be daring enough to knock on Aleister’s door?

Shane McMahon heads out to the ring!

But he isn’t on SmackDown alone, he has The Drifter, Elias! Oh, and the Scottish Terminator, Drew McIntyre! The three walk down the ramp, all serious after the respective beatings they took from Raw last night. They take up mics and Shane lets Greg Hamilton take a week off on the introduction. And to last night, Roman Reigns and Shane had an “incident.” But Shane isn’t here about that. Shane is here to put the spotlight on the more deserving Drew McIntyre. This man will #KickAssandTakeNames at Stomping Grounds when he beats Roman once again. McIntyre tells Roman that he is praying for him. McIntyre did Roman a favor by not ending his career. But they’re better than Roman. SO when they were having that “private function” and Roman ambushed them, they weren’t prepared. That was a sucker punch to them.

But McIntyre is better than that. He wants The Big Dog at 100% and with no excuses. But before he can say more, here comes The Miz! The A-Lister uses the Wild Card to be here, and Shane is growing annoyed. Miz says this is important. They all need to watch this. The footage of Roman’s attack on Raw! The Revival, Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon were all beat down in turn by Roman! Fans cheer but Shane is just annoyed. Is that funny to him? Sorry, that’s not funny. Well, not as funny as this. Slow-motion of Shane running from Roman. And slow-motion of the Superman Punch, too. Miz adds sound effects as the slow-motion Spear hits. Wow, Miz didn’t even know Shane could sweat so fast in slow-mo. But there’s more! Shane interrupts, and tells the production team they will lose their jobs over this,

Settle down, Junior, you’re the Boss’s Son. The kid that starts the game because Daddy’s the coach. And Miz hasn’t forgotten McIntyre. He’ll make sure to have a highlight reel of Roman knocking McIntyre out. Shane wonders where these daddy issues come from. It’s not Shane’s fault his dad is a billionaire and Miz’s is a potato. No, there is no shame, only guilt! Shane just sucks up all the air time to feed his ego and Miz is sick of it! W’ere all sick of it! Miz blames himself because it all started at World Cup. It was Miz’s first time being hurt and he let Shane “become Best int he World.” Miz created a monster and now we all have to suffer for it! Shane is Miz’s responsibility because Miz sent him on this ego trip, so Miz must be the one to end it!

Oof, such resentment. Miz didn’t get the job done, so Shane had to step in and do it himself. Shane earned being Best int he World because Miz wasn’t. But if Miz is all ready to fight, then have a fight. Miz will go up against McIntyre & Elias. Wow a handicap match? How original! Oh no, Miz, you can have whoever you want. So long as it happens in the next 10… 9… 8… but wait! From under the ring, it’s R-Truth!? The WWE 24/7 Champion is here, and Miz says his name. Well guess Truth is in by default! #AwesomeTruth reunited! Well okay. Then that match is happening next! But it will also be elimination! Get a ref and get this going, up next!

The Authors of Pain are now on SmackDown!

Akam and Rezar return, but they also encounter the IIconics. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce are impressed by the AoP’s physiques, but then they’re immediately upset seeing Paige and the Kabuki Warriors backstage. Maybe these two will try to plunder the gold! Because pirates, heh. How about an actual mage for the gold? Eeeeh no. They’d love to, but they’re busy with traveling. After all, they are the longest reigning and defending WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Well wonderful for you! But the funny thing is, everyone is going to the same places. So Paige asked and received confirmation that there is a match in WWE Tokyo! But-

No buts. You two listen to Paige’s Aussie accent. If these two, Kairi and Asuka, win, then they will get a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match! And then they’ll win that, to become the NEW Tag Team Champions! And that will be… IICONIC! Paige, Kairi and Asuka strike the pose, which upsets Billie & Peyton even more. But will they be most upset when they lose to Asuka and Kairi in Asuka’s and Kairi’s home country?

Tag Team Elimination Match: Drew McIntyre & Elias VS The Awesome Truth!

Reunited and it feels so good! Or at least, hopefully it will. Can Miz and Truth use this sudden reunion to get even with Shane’s boys? Or will not even the truth help Miz conquer the Best Henchmen in the World?

SmackDown returns with the bell, and Miz starts against Eilas. Fans echo “WHAT’S UP!?” with Truth as Miz and Elias tie up. Elias pushes but Miz gets free, to tie up again. Miz headlocks but Elias pries his way out to his own headlock. Miz powers out but Elias runs him over. Elias speeds things up but Miz hits a kitchen sink knee! Those bad ribs still bother Elias so Miz keeps on him. Tag to Truth, they double whip and double hip toss Elias down! Elias gasps for air but he gets a basement boot to Truth’s funky leg drop! Cover, TWO! Truth keeps on Elias with a headlock but Elias powers out. Truth slips out of the scoop to shove Elias, then ducks under with the splits to calf kick Elias down! Fans fire up with Truth as he hits the splits again!

Elias tags McIntyre and now Truth dreads the Scottish Terminator. Truth throws hands but McIntyre shoves him. Truth kicks back but misses the scissors kick. McIntyre shoves then SUPLEXES Truth overhead! McIntyre stands Truth up to CHOP him into the corner! He throws furious forearms but the ref counts. McIntyre argues with the ref and Elias gets cheap shots in! Fans boo and Miz protests but Elias gets away with it. McIntyre drags Truth up for a snap suplex, then covers, TWO! McIntyre chokes Truth on the ropes and Elias tags in. Elias boots Truth down, then taunts him as he chokes him on the ropes. Elias whips Truth but Truth dodges to throw hands! They bump shoulders and Truth keeps on Elias with haymakers!

Truth whips but Elias reverses to a kick. Elias shoves but Truth dumps Elias out! Elias hits the floor but McIntyre helps him back in. Both Elias and Truth crawl, but Shane trips Miz! McIntyre distracts the ref from seeing that, and Elias hits Truth with a big knee! Cover, Elias ELIMINATES Truth! And now Miz is all alone! But wait, the floodgates open and Truth is now a target! The rest of the SmackDown roster, and even Cruiserweights from 205 Life, rush to the ring! Shelton Benjamin skips Truth to grab the belt! He runs as THE Brian Kendrick, Jack Gallagher, and the Singh Brothers all give chase! That’s not how the belt works! The referee explains that and they all stop to listen. You have to PIN Truth first! Truth snatches the belt back and runs away! And the chase is on again!

Shane, Elias and McIntyre are at a loss for words, but Miz was able to recover in that time. Miz realizes the situation he is in while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Mcintyre tags in, but he has to wait for Miz. Miz takse his time returning, and then circles with McIntyre. They tie up but Miz thows hansd. McIntyre punches back but gets thrown out. Miz misses the dropkick to get run over! McIntyre drags Miz up for a snap suplex to the floor! Miz writhes and Shane cheers his team on. McIntyre puts Miz against the apron to CHOP! Then he puts Miz in to mock Miz about tagging a partner. A partner Miz no longer has. McIntyre stmops Miz’s hand then fish hooks his face! The ref counts and McIntyre lets up. McINtyre stomps Miz’s face then tags Elias in. He holds Miz up for Elias to kick. Elias covers, TWO! Miz lives but Elias wraps on a vicious chinlock.

Miz endures as Elias grinds him into the mat. SmackDown returns to single picture as fans rally up. Miz fights out but Elias knees low. Elias whips Miz out of the ring, and the ref keeps him back. Shane gets a cheap shot in! Fans boo as McIntyre runs at Miz, only for Miz to send him into the timekeeper’s area! But Elias shoves Miz into the barriers! Elias gets Miz back in the ring then climbs up top. He leaps but into a BOOT! Elias’ ribs are hurt all over again! Shane checks on McIntyre while fans rally for Miz. Miz counter punches Elias then throws haymakers from all sides! Miz gives Elias It Kicks in the corner, then runs corner to corner for double knees! And again! And then the A-List Lariat! Elias flounders while Miz goes out. Miz slides back in to roll Elias up, TWO!

Miz kicks low for the DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps his cool, and fans rally for him as he aims at Elias. More It Kicks for Elias! But Elias blocks the buzzsaw into an Electric Chair lift! But Miz fights out, rolls Elias up, TWO! GLASGOW KISS! Elias tags to McIntyre and McIntyre is seething. He dares Miz to stand, and Miz does, to get a CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre & Elias win!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Elias, McIntyre pinning

A sweep on the Awesome Truth, mostly because Shane was helping. But a win is a win and McIntyre is ready to win again at Stomping Grounds. But Shane isn’t done with Miz, he puts Miz in a corner, to feed to another CLAYMORE! That still isn’t enough for them, though. Shane drags Miz up again, for a third Claymore! The Scottish Terminator says this will be what Roman has in store come Sunday, but will he be the one stomped out at Stomping Grounds?

Ember Moon is backstage.

She spots Carmella hurrying by. Has Carmella seen Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville? No, but has Ember seen R-Truth? No. Well Carmella hopes Ember tells Fire & Desire they both have unfinished business with them. Ember continues the search and finds Mandy & Sonya enjoying donuts. Mandy can’t believe they bought them all. Sonya can’t believe they’ve eaten so many yet still look so great. Ember confronts them on their attitudes. Sonya apologizes for the Switch. Ember says she’s had to deal with bullies and snobs like them her whole life. She will not- Oh calm down, loner. They were just trying to give her healthier ways to bide her time. But go ahead, rot your brain. Donut? Ember slaps the donuts away, and the fight is on!!

Ember and Sonya scrap but referees come up to separate them. Sonya and Ember are still fired up, but Mandy keeps Sonya back. Fire & Desire have plenty of fire, but so does the War Goddess! When will forces collide in the ring to settle the score?

SmackDown presents a new episode of Firefly Fun House!

Well hey, there! Bray Wyatt is just gardening. Our minds are a lot like gardens. All anyone needs is some water, some sun, and then your ideas will grow! But some ideas are full of worms. Those are no good! There will be people who lie to you. Like people saying the Earth is round. Or that dinosaurs are extinct! What do any of them know? But Brya knows what it’s like to be different. That’s why he built this place! So that we could all be together forever! Him, Mercy, Abby, the again repaired Ramblin’ Rabbit, Ham, Devil Vince. Join them where the fun never has to end. Yes, join us. JOIN US!! “People worship what they fear. Fear is power. Follow the leader.” And do the muscle man dance! REMIX!

The Fiend?! He’s back!? “FOLLOW THE LEADER!!” And let him in.

R-Truth looks to get out of SmackDown!

He finds Carmella waving down a car, but wait that’s a referee? The Carmella he found wasn’t Carmella at all! It’s DRAKE MAVERICK! “Hi, Truth!” But Truth elbows Maverick away. Maverick rolls Truth and uses the car!! Maverick WINS!!

Winner: Drake Maverick, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

Finally, the searching and the planning pays off! Maverick takes the title and the referee’s car, to make a run for it! “I’m getting marriiiiied~!” Wait, Carmella’s getting married?! Why wasn’t he invited?! Will Truth have to do what it sounds like he has to? Will he have to crash a wedding to take back the title?!

2 Out of 3 Falls Tag: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston!

The best frenemies aren’t liking this deja vu from Raw. They just went through a similar match against Kofi Kingston and the New Day, with Baron Corbin as their partner. But now they’ll do it again, as just the two of them, against the two top champions in all the WWE today! Will they lose here like they did on Raw? Or will Kevin and Sami get themselves in line for both titles with a win tonight?

SmackDown returns as Kofi makes his entrance once again. He still has plenty of pancakes to give out! Next is Rollins, and he still has that chair, beat up as it is. And of course, Kevin makes his entrance, followed by Sami. And they take a “Pancake Power” fan sign to tear it up. They tell Rollins to put his chair down, and Rollins does. The teams sort out, and Kofi starts with Sami. The bell rings and Kofi hits Sami with TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Rollins hits Kevin and Kofi covers, Kofi and Rollins get the first fall!

Rollins-Kofi – 1; Kevin-Sami: 0

Fast and furious but Kevin is upset that the bell didn’t even ring! But it did, so that’s a valid fall. Kevin and Sami regroup as we SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns with the second fall, and the bell rings again. Kevin kicks Rollins and clubs away! Kevin throws knees then shoves Rollins to the corner. He trash talks the fans before going back at Rollins with haymakers. Kevin whips but Rollins ducks to Slingblade Kevin down! Rollins drags Kevin up and wrenches to tag Kofi in. Kofi climbs and drops ax handles on Kevin’s arm. Kofi keeps Kevin from Sami with another wrench of the arm. Tag to Rollins and now Rollins drops ax handles. Rollins whips Kevin corner to corner but is put on the apron. Rollins punches Kevin away then scares Sami off. But Kevin catches Rollins int he springboard to throw him down! Kevin hits Kofi for good measure before he DDT’s Rollins! Cover, TWO!

Kevin tries again, TWO! Again, TWO! Kevin grows furious and questions the ref’s credentials. But backstage, Paul Heyman watches this match closely! Kevin tags Sami and Sami stomps Rollins. Sami throws angry haymakers and keeps Rollins from his corner. Sami drags Rollins up for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Again, TWO! Sami also argues with the ref, but he goes back to Rollins with haymakers. Rollins hits back so Sami clubs and snapmares Rollins into a chinlock. Sami keeps Rollins down but fans rally up. Rollins endures and fights his way up but Sami puts him in a corner. Sami throws body shots then haymakers. Fans boo but Kevin applauds. Sami puts Rollins up top and climbs up to join him. Rollins resists the superplex, then headbutts Sami down!

Sami tags Kevin and Kevin clobbers Rollins. Rollins hits back then hits a blockbuster! Both men are down and fans rally up! Hot tags to Sami and Kofi! Kofi springboards and clubs Sami down! Kofi rallies with chops and a dropkick! He keeps moving to leap and lariat Sami down! Fans fire up as Kofi hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi aims from the corner and wants another Trouble in Paradise, but Sami boots him away. Sami runs but Kofi dodges and springboards for a crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Kofi keeps on Sami at the ropes but Sami holds on. Sami hits back and standing switches to a Blue Thunder Bomb! Cover, TWO!! Sami grows frustrated, but he goes to his corner to tag Kevin. Kevin drags Kofi up but gets a dropkick!

Kvin slumps out of the ring while Kofi goes to a corner. Sami runs in but is thrown back out! Hot tag to Rollins! Rollins DIVES onto Sami! Then he DIVES onto Kevin! Rollins puts Kevin in, springboards, flying clothesline! Fans fire up as Rollins stomps, “Burn It Down!” But Sami anchors a foot, so Kofi LEAPS to clothesline Sami down! Kevin rolls Rollins, TWO! SUPERKICK! Kevin whips, Pop-up but Rollins slips out, to mule kick! Rollins wants a Superkick but Kevin blocks that to roll Rollins,but Rollins rolls through! SUPERKICK! Rollins has Kevin, but Kevin back drops. Rollins lands on his feet to PELE! And then the CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins & Kofi win!!

Winners: Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston, Rollins by pinfall

That’s another 2-0 sweep for Kofi’s team over Kevin and Sami! Both champions are rolling into Stomping Grounds, but Heyman is still watching eagerly. Is this only ensuring a Beast in the Bank cash-in on Sunday? And will it still be on Rollins?

My Thoughts:

What a great SmackDown to lead into Stomping Grounds! At least, it sure felt better than Raw’s go-home did. The opening promos of Ziggler and The New Day were actually pretty great, and I was surprised Woods VS Ziggler was the opener. This was a great bit to tie things together, as Kevin and Sami attack New Day but then have to face the consequences, in a sense. A real shame for Kevin and Sami, but that 2 out of 3 Falls was still a lot of fun. Having Heyman watching backstage, I wonder if this is the way to switch targets from Rollins to Kofi. It would be quite a clever thing to do, to make a fool of Rollins over all his chair smashing. Then Rollins’ story becomes having to deal with all those he beat down over this Stomping Grounds stuff.

While I was critical on the SmackDown Women’s Championship overshadowing the Women’s Tag titles on Raw, the stuff we got tonight was great. The Moment of Bliss was great, and the use of the Heel Face dynamics is unique, with Bayley being Face, Alexa being Heel but Nikki thinking it’s the other way around. I could see Nikki costing Alexa somehow and that turns Alexa against her. Meanwhile, we finally get Kabuki Warriors back! I’d love to see WWE Tokyo on the Network, and I really hope the WWE Women’s Tag titles are on the line at Extreme Rules in a Women’s No DQ tag. Meanwhile, good to see some development of Fire & Desire VS Ember and hopefully Carmella. That should be good action, and Fire & Desire VS Kabuki Warriors as champions would be a great story for Summerslam.

They didn’t really make that big of a deal of Planet’s Tag Team Champions VS Heavy Machinery for the titles at Stomping Ground, but at least Heavy Machinery got to have some fun squashing B-Team. Pretty sure Bryan & Rowan retain, though. I still want to see a huge tag match with all the teams that brawled on Raw. It’d be great if the Planet’s Tag Team Champions became the top team on both brands in something like a Ladder Match. Miz tearing into Shane was a great voicing of the fans’ complaints, and it still works in story. Hopefully that’s not why we were getting so much Shane, though… Well that aside, Awesome Truth reuniting was fun, but obviously Shane’s boys stand tall to stay strong going into Stomping Grounds. I still think Shane screws Roman somehow.

And what really puts SmackDown over the night was that surprise with the 24/7 Championship! I did not see that coming, just like Truth didn’t. And it is so great that it was Maverick who pulled off the dethroning! With how much Maverick keeps plugging his own wedding, this has to mean Truth is going to “crash” it and take the title back to ruin Maverick’s special day. I really hope he does it in disguise as the officiator of the wedding. What better way to win is “I now pronounce you the former WWE 24/7 European Champion!”

My Score: 8.5/10

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

8 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!