Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (7/23/19)

Who steps up to Kofimania at Summerslam?!

Published

5 years ago

July 23, 2019

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown heats up towards SummerSlam!

The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~ may be preparing for a #Smackville debut, but he wants to have something for the biggest party of the summer! Who is he going to call out on the way to Toronto? Plus, Shawn Michaels returns to SmackDown as a guest commentator for tonight’s action!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair; Moon wins.
Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe; No Contest.
Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre; No Contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens defies authority!

From calling out Shane McMahon being a glory hog to straight up stunning him in the ring, the KO Show will not be silenced! Even as Shane brings every crony possible, Kevin finds a way to get the best of the Best in the World! But what will the consequences be for Kevin as we head for SummerSlam?

SmackDown opens with The New Day!

Big E and Xavier Woods dance on the announce desk in front of Tom Phillips and David Otunga, but then Shane McMahon comes out to ruin the fun. Fans boo as Shane goes to the ring. Even Xavier boos while Big E hands out pancakes. “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD~!” gets his proper introduction from Greg Hamilton before he reflects on last night’s Raw Reunion. WWE paid homage to superstars both old and new, but one face Shane was happy not seeing was Kevin Owens. Where was Kevin? Hiding behind social media and yapping, but he did say something interesting: Kevin wants a match with Shane at SummerSlam. And thinking about it, such an event wouldn’t be complete without the Best in the World.

Shane tells Kevin Owens, challenge accepted! But all that other yammering had something else interesting: if Kevin loses to Shane, then Kevin would quit the WWE! Fans let Shane know, “You Can’t Wrestle!” But Shane just says they can ask Roman Reigns about that. However, Kevin said he’d quit before, but then he didn’t actually quit. Shane rolls the footage of such words. August 27th, 2018, Kevin Owens lost to Seth Rollins and, in Toronto, Kevin said, “I quit.” Can you believe Kevin did that? Well Shane will make Kevin quit again! But it has to be in writing! Speak of the Prizefighter, here he comes! Miami goes wild for Kevin as he walks out on stage with a microphone.

Kevin tells Shane, “I’ve said a lot of things about you, but there’s one thing I wouldn’t say and that’s that you’re not smart.” Yes, Kevin hit a low point last year, but that was the “broken down” Kevin who didn’t want to piss anyone off. That Kevin is not this Kevin! Kevin knew if he issued a challenge, Shane would accept. Because Shane wants Kevin gone, and Kevin knows Shane loves the spotlight. And that spotlight is no brighter than SummerSlam in Toronto! The only problem is, Kevin won’t quit. And the reason why is because he’ll beat the hell out of Shane! But why wait?! Kevin wants to fight right now! Shane says if he wants that match at SummerSlam, then he’s not going to do anything right now.

Shane sees the fire in Kevin, and maybe Kevin should fight tonight. Not Shane, of course. But Kevin can fight… Roman Reigns! Shane pits his two biggest enemies dissenters against each other for his own benefit! Will KO get through Roman Reigns to then give the Best in the World the worst beating of his life?

Shane meets up with his crew.

Elias and Drew McIntyre love the ideas Shane had. Just when they thought he couldn’t get any more amazing as a leader, pitting Kevin against Roman, it’s beyond brilliant. It’s truly genius. Shane wants to go up even higher! This match needs something special. To make sure nothing happens, there should be a special guest referee. And it’ll be Drew McIntyre! McIntyre is good with that. And it also needs Elias as the special guest timekeeper! And to really, really put this together, the special ring announcer will be, the BEST, in the WOOORLD himself. Shane is definitely smart enough to know how to abuse his power. But how smart will it be to be that close to such combustible elements?

Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The rising star just needs that one moment to finally prove himself, but how will he do against the King of Strong Style?

The bell rings and Apollo circles with Nakamura. They approach but Apollo backs off. Fans duel as they approach again. Nakamura kicks one hand and reels Apollo in for a headlock. Apollo powers up and out to then run Nakamura over. Apollo brings Nakamura up and scoops to slam Nakamura down hard. Then Apollo drops a big leaping elbow! Apollo drags Nakamura up for a suplex, and holds him up there! For over 20 counts! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his cool as he brings Nakamura up again. Nakamura breaks free to throw a strike fest then whip, but Apollo reverses. Nakamura holds the ropes but Apollo clotheslines him out! Apollo goes to the apron, ASAI MOONSAULT! The New Day are loving this as SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Apollo looms over Nakamura before putting him in the ring. Apollo slingshots and sentons, but Nakamura gets clear. Nakamura sweeps Apollo’s legs to trip him on the apron! Then he turns Apollo sideways for a knee strike, then a knee guillotine! Apollo falls to the floor and Nakamura stomps him out. Nakamura drags Apollo up and puts him back in the ring. He covers, TWO! Nakamura keeps his cool as he stands Apollo up for a cravat. Apollo endures the hold and slowly fights his way up. Nakamura snapmares and drops another knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura grows annoyed with Apollo as he puts him in a corner. He stomps the legs out then gives Apollo some Bad Vibrations! Apollo stops those, but Nakamura punches him down!

Nakamura stomps away on Apollo again and again at the ropes, only stopping when the ref backs him off. Nakamura stands Apollo up again for a SWIFT kick to the chest! Apollo wobbles but stays up, so Nakamura kicks him again! Then Nakamura grinds Apollo down in a facelock. Apollo endures as Nakamura squeezes tight. Apollo fights his way up and gourd busters Nakamura down! And then LARIATS Nakamura inside-out! Both men are down but Apollo catches his breath. SmackDown returns to single picture as he and Nakamura stand. Apollo mule kicks and BOOTS, then leaps to lariat Nakamura down! Kip-up and Apollo fires up! The New Day and Miami are also fired up as Apollo throws Nakamura with a fall away slam! Cover, TWO!

Apollo keeps his cool and says it’s time to raise the roof. He lifts Nakamura but Nakamura slips out to swing a kick. Apollo ducks but gets the left heel! Nakamura aims at Apollo in a corner, runs in, but blocks the boots. He turns Apollo around for the roundhouse, and sliding German! Nakamura unzips his shirt while Apollo is dazed. Nakamura runs in, but gets an enziguri!! OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Apollo can’t believe it! The New Day is going nuts on commentary as Apollo plans what’s next. Apollo goes up top, but Nakamura trips him up! Top Shelf Knee! Then he throws Apollo off, only to get a pop-up flapjack! Standing shooting star misses! KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The WWE Intercontinental Champion shows Apollo what being King of Strong Style really means! What will it take for Apollo to rise up higher?

But to add insult to injury, Nakamura kicks Apollo all around the ring! And out of the ring, and then kicks him while he’s down! Nakamura goes up the ramp and aims, for another KINSHASA! Nakamura caresses the title as he heads out, but will there come a time when someone wants that belt for their own?

Mandy Rose surprises Sonya Deville.

Where has she been, though? Don’t worry, she took care of business. She talked to Shane and told about the IIconics making jokes. Now they have a match that could earn them a future tag title match! Sonya is speechless as she’s so proud of her best friend. Will Fire & Desire take the fight to Peyton & Billie when they meet in the ring?

SmackDown hears from Mustafa Ali.

“I’ve got to rewrite the story.” He has to take the pen into his hand and rewrite his story! Not a sob story about a kid chasing his dream, who went from being a cop to a wrestler, and had to fight to earn his title shot only for his body to give out on him. Injured, replaced, and forgotten. Ali knows he lost time, but he won’t let that be his story. Ali has his pen, he puts it to paper, and it will read, “Ali becomes a champion.” It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is writing his story! He’ll even use his blood to write the story. Ali will go down in history with his story.

SmackDown presents: Miz TV!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show returns again, and Miz fires up Miami for the Miz & Mrs. season premiere! Miz takes a look back at Raw Reunion and all the stars, icons and legends that showed up. It was a lot of fun, but tonight’s guest carries that over. It is none other than the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! The New Day sings along as HBK makes his way to the ring. Ironically, HBK was supposed to be where the New Day was, but perhaps things worked out in the end.

Miz and HBK sit but the fans cheer and that gets HBK moving around again. The party keeps on rolling. Miz and others loved having legends back, but others were negative towards it. HBK has been on both sides, from the young guy in the back watching old time- er, Legends, coming around, and thinking “Why don’t they just get out of here?” But at the same time, this is family! It’s hard to turn down such a chance to hang out. And everyone had a blast, right? Fans in Miami sure are having a blast. And DX-Kliq even recruited an honorary member. Miz really “appreciates” it wasn’t him. But Seth Rollins has been a lot to fun watching growing up from the WWE PC and NXT, to another match with Brock Lesnar. In the words of Rollins, HBK hopes Rollins will #BurnItDown.

But to spoil the fun, it’s Dolph Ziggler! “Enough already with these so-called legends limping out tot he ring, ‘happy to be there’.” Ziggler hopes someone puts him out of his misery before he ever gets like that. Miz would be happy to be the one to do it! HBK keeps the peace. Clearly, Ziggler needs to say something, so let him say his piece. Ziggler does! He’s actually happy to see HBK. Ziggler and everyone used to idolize HBK, emphasis on “used to.” HBK could’ve just ridden off into the sunset, but what did he do? Shuffled back out and waved to the crowd, “it was embarrassing!” As bad as Goldberg-Taker! Ziggler tells HBK the truth: when HBK came back in November, he broke Ziggler’s heart. So Ziggler will tell him what no one else has the guts to say: “You were embarrassing.”

Miz looks to HBK for a response. HBK’s response: “I’ll admit it. I’m not going to disagree with you. It was embarrassing. I was embarrassed.” But what’s more embarrassing than that, is working your whole career and giving it your all, and still being left with nothing but being known as “a second-rate, Shawn Michaels wannabe.” Ziggler scowls, and fans pile on. Ziggler will not let HBK say that about him! The only second-rate HBK here is THIS HBK! And real fitting that he and Miz are here together. They ruined their legacies to shake hands, kiss babies, wave like idiots on a parade float! They’re the ones who will be left known for kissing ass while Ziggler-

“Oh just do something already!” Miz has had enough of Ziggler’s bitter whining, “It should’ve been me!” In this industry, you MAKE it you! So do something about it! Ziggler looks to Miz, then to HBK. Fans dare him to “Do Something! Do Something!” Everyone drops mics and tosses off jackets. Miz even leans forward to give Ziggler an easy shot. Ziggler goes to leave, HBK turns him around, but then HBK ducks the sucker punch and it goes into Miz! HBK goes after Ziggler on Miz’s behalf! HBK helps Miz up, but then Ziggler comes back with a SUPERKICK! Ziggler takes HBK down with the move he made famous! Then runs away from Miz before anything more can happen! Will Ziggler pay for such disrespect and cowardice?

Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair!

SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, was allowed to name her challenger for SummerSlam, and after helping her thwart Fire & Desire, she chose the War Goddess! Now Ember looks to prove she’s not only worthy of the match, but capable of beating the champion by beating a former champion. Will the #Shenom be able to Eclipse the Queen of Flair? Or will she find there’s a reason the Queen is #CharlotteNineTime?

The bell rings on this first-time-ever, and Ember circles with Charlotte. Charlotte kicks Ember’s legs out and then whips her to ropes. Ember handsprings through the hip toss to arm-drag Charlotte. CHarlotte comes back and runs Ember over, then stomps away. But here comes Bayley! The Queen is upset, but Bayley just wants a front row seat. Ember rolls Charlotte up, EMBER WINS!!

Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall

Bayley didn’t mean for that to happen, but it did happen. But then Ember puts Bayley in the ring!? Charlotte BOOTS Bayley down, but then Ember ECLIPSES Charlotte! Then she sees Bayley stirring, and grins. Ember climbs again, aims at Bayley, and gives BAYLEY an Eclipse! The War Goddess has declared war on champion and Queen! Will she regret making enemies of two NXT Horsewomen? Or is she going to rise above them all?

SmackDown returns to Kofimania!

The WWE World Champion throws pancakes as he makes his way out to the ring and Miami gets hype with positivity! They cheer and chant while he gets a mic. “Miami, BABYYYY~!” Before Kofi gets to his Smackville match with Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler, he wants to call out the man he hopes will be his SummerSlam opponent. Hopefully Kofi gets it out before getting attacked outta nowhere, because he’s talking to Randy Orton. Kofi waits, and The Viper appears! Orton himself looks to see if there might be anyone coming up to get after him. But the coast is clear, and Orton takes a mic for his own.

Kofi tells Orton that he wants Orton because of the history between them. Some fans might have forgotten, but Kofi remembers. November 16th, 2009: a sold out Madison Square Garden, and everyone chanting for Kofi. Fans chant for Kofi now. That was the night Kofi whooped Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere! And if Orton doesn’t recall it himself, there’s footage as a refresher. The SUPER BOOM DROP! That moment still gives Kofi goosebumps. That was supposed to be the moment Kofi made it to the main event. But that didn’t happen, now did it? Let’s get to the truth, to the real-life details. Orton used his influence to screw Kofi over. It almost worked, too. Until it didn’t.

Ever since then, Kofi kept on the grind and kept believing himself, and used the very real Power of Positivity to become what Orton never wanted him to be! The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion~! Orton responds, saying “You think I used my influence to hold you back?” Orton admits it! But it was a favor to Kofi. Kofi wasn’t ready back then. And he’s still not ready now. This reign is a fluke. Kofi brags about his 11 years, but what about Orton’s 18? Orton admits he didn’t have to work hard, because it was so easy just being himself. He didn’t have to fake an accent, throw pancakes or shake his ass. All he had to do was be him, “and it’s worked pretty damn good.” Orton wins, wins and wins, to then main event a Mania.

That reminds Orton of something. Wrestlemania 35’s Kofimania only happened because of Orton. Orton hurt Mustafa Ali, and Kofi took Ali’s spot. What Orton is getting at is Kofi doesn’t deserve the title. And Orton could take it from Kofi whenever he wants. Whenever, huh? Then how about testing that at SummerSlam? Kofi Kingston VS Randy Orton, for the WWE World Championship. If Kofi wants it, he’s got it. But as fair warning, this little fairy tale comes to an end courtesy of the most dangerous letters in pro-wrestling: R K O. Kofi shows no fear, but will he regret inviting a Viper into the ring?

But wait, here comes Samoa Joe! The Samoan Submission Machine doesn’t care about this talk, he wants another fight. Joe wants to show he can get this done even before Smackville’s Triple Threat. And Orton decides to stay and see that, after the break.

Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe!

SmackDown returns as this Extreme Rules rematch begins! Kofi and Joe circle while Orton takes a seat ringside. Joe wrenches a wrist but Kofi slips through to wrench back. Kofi wrenches Joe but Joe wrenches right back! Joe has the wristlock, but Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench again. Joe reaches for ropes and gets the ropebreak. Kofi lets up and backs off, daring Joe to bring the fight. Joe and Kofi circle while fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi waistlocks Joe but Joe pries free to a fireman’s carry takedown. Joe has the armlock and grinds Kofi down. Joe stands on Kofi’s arm and hammerlocks, but Kofi rolls and kicks Joe away.

Kofi is on Joe’s arm again, and keylocks it. Joe powers the hold back and throws Kofi down by his hair. Joe walks around Kofi and drags him back up for a CHOP! Kofi reels back from the stinging in his chest, but Joe keeps on him with headbutts. Kofi kicks back and throws chops of his own! He backs Joe down, but Joe headbutts him right back down. Joe runs but Kofi speeds up with him! Kofi hurdles and back elbows Joe! Kofi dropkicks Joe out of the ring, then builds speed, to FLY! The Trust Fall topples Joe and Kofi is having fun! Fans fire up with Kofi as he puts Joe back in the ring. Joe gets to a corner and Kofi runs in to forearm smash. Kofi climbs up to rain down rights, right where Orton can see him. But then Joe trips Kofi up and Kofi hits buckles!

Joe looms over Kofi as Kofi shakes the cobwebs out. Joe CHOPS Kofi to the corner, then runs in. Kofi dodges and comes back, but Joe throws him with the urenage! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Joe keeps his cool while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Joe looms over Kofi again and scrapes his soles off Kofi’s face. He drags Kofi back up for the swift jabs, and big haymakers! Kofi wobbles but Joe still CHOPS him at the ropes. Kofi fires back with big haymakers and kicks of his own! Only to run into Joe’s elbow! Joe glares as he stalks Kofi to a corner. Joe drags Kofi up again, pulling hair to bring him in for a headbutt! The ref reprimands Joe but Joe doesn’t care as he drags Kofi up again. Joe snapmares Kofi into a neck wrench. Kofi endures the crank on his head as fans rally up. Kofi fights but Joe leans his weight on him. SmackDown returns to single picture as Joe twists harder.

Fans rally but Orton watches with a stoic stare. Kofi fights his way back up and fights with elbows. Joe knees low, but runs into Kofi’s double chops! Kofi fires off more then dropkicks Joe! Kofi runs and leaps to lariat Joe down! Fans fire up again as Kofi runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi gets to a corner and takes aim. Fans clap along and Kofi runs out, but Joe gets to a corner. Joe dodges but Kofi goes up and over to crossbody Joe down! But Orton decides to strike! But Kofi denies the RKO and the match is thrown out!

No Contest

Kofi is ready for Orton this time, and Orton throws off his vest. Joe confronts Orton, to get the RKO! Kofi gives Orton Trouble in Paradise! Kofimania runs wild, but will he make it through the Smackville Triple Threat for this rematch to even happen?

Finn Balor returns to SmackDown!

The Extraordinary Man was the first victim of The Fiend, but he’s back to show he’s not afraid. What will he have to say after SmackDown returns from break?

SmackDown returns and Kayla Braxton is there to interview Finn. Finn has had a rough couple of weeks, losing the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Extreme Rules, but then being attacked on Raw the next night. Again, it was the shocking and perhaps disturbing debut of Bray Wyatt’s Fiend on live television, in which he attacked Finn and left him down and out in the ring. Finn finally has a chance to respond. He’s not sure how Bray’s mind works. Is this back to settle an old score? Or for something new? But from the puppets to the attack on Mick Foley last night, and The Fiend itself, Finn isn’t sure what to make of any of it.

Is Finn shaken? Bray is even more twisted than ever before, but Finn has stared fear in the face before. Finn didn’t back down then, and he won’t now! So if Bray, The Fiend, or whatever he is today, how about a match at SummerSlam?! And on the titantron, it’s another episode of Firefly Fun House? Happy Bray is there, “Yowie Wowie!” And so are Mercy the Buzzard and Ramblin’ Rabbit. Finn is so brave! It’s inspiring, really. It’s the reason they’re all fans of Finn’s in the fun house. But The Fiend isn’t, no matter how many times they tell the Fiend how “super duper” Finn is! But the challenge has been accepted! Bray does give a warning: Finn is an Extraordinary Man, The Fiend is no man. “The Fiend is an abomination. The Fiend is power. And the Fiend remembers.” #LetMeIn.

The Fiend now has control of the fun house! “Let me in!” Will Finn survive The Fiend at SummerSlam? Will Finn be bringing the WWE Intercontinental Championship with him after Smackville this Saturday?

SmackDown returns with a backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!

She shouldn’t have to ask for this interview. That thing with Ember and Bayley is a slap in the face. No wait, being off SummerSlam is a slap in the face. No wait, Bayley choosing Ember just because is a slap in the face. Charlotte is THE woman behind the Women’s (R)Evolution! How do you leave The Queen of All Eras off SummerSlam!? Mark her words: she will be part of SummerSlam, she demands to be SummerSlam, and she’ll have a better opponent than Ember Moon to finally prove she is THE greatest woman wrestler of all time.

Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre!

As if making two of his enemies fight each other, the Best in the World makes sure the Scottish Terminator is the officiator, the Drifter is the timekeeper, and he himself is the ring announcer. This is certainly a stacked deck, but will the Prizefighter still be in good shape to go after Shane O’Mac?

Shane does his ring announcing duties by introducing Elias and McIntyre in turn, and SmackDown takes one more break before this main event finally goes down.

SmackDown returns once more as everyone takes their positions. Kevin makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction. Roman then makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction, either. It’s so obvious what Shane is up to with this, but Roman isn’t going to shy away from a fight. He and McIntyre talk trash but then Elias rings the bell. Shane finally gives the introductions, calling Kevin “The Quitter.” Kevin gets out to scare Shane off, then he takes a mic up. Shane thinks eh’s so funny and smart, huh? Kevin has no problem going through everyone to get at Shane! Shane’s getting dropped whether he likes it or not!

Roman takes the mic from Kevin and says Kevin’s not going through him. He’ll whoop everyone’s ass tonight! Shane calls for the real bell, and the bell sounds! Roman and Kevin circle, tie up, and Roman powers Kevin to a corner. McIntyre calls for the break, and Roman gives the break. Fans duel as Roman and Kevin circle again. They tie up again and Kevin headlocks. Roman powers Kevin back to a corner, and McIntyre calls for another break. The break is given, but McIntyre shoves the two a little too much. He says they have to listen to him as the referee. Roman UPPERCUTS McIntyre and throws him out! Kevin hits Elias! Shane scrambles but he’s surrounded! Roman and Kevin have him in the ring, out of the ring, and then back in the ring!

McIntyre saves Shane from Roman but Kevin helps Roman out! Elias attacks with a BIG knee! The brawling continues and Shane gets his cheap shots in on Roman. Shane and his crew stomp Roman all around, and Miami tells them, “You Suck!” McIntyre and Elias hold Roman up and Shane mocks the battle cry, but Kevin trips Shane uP! To throw him into barriers! Roman gets free, Kevin SUPERKICKS McIntyre! SUPERKICK for Elias! Roman SPEARS McIntyre! Kevin gives Elias a STUNNER! Fans are thunderous because Shane isn’t getting away just yet! Roman feeds Shane into the ring, SUPERMAN PUNCH! STUNNER! The Big Dog and KO stand tall, “Aw Hell Yeah!”

Fans want “One More Time!” and so does Roman. Kevin hauls Shane up, for another STUNNER! “You think tonight was good?” Kevin vows to do the impossible: make Shane enjoyable! Because he vows to give Shane the ass whooping of a lifetime! But can Kevin really do this all again in Toronto? Or is Shane going to find yet another way to abuse his power and stack the deck?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty fun and more substantial episode of SmackDown after Raw Reunion being mostly filler. One thing that disappointed was that HBK didn’t join commentary at all tonight. However, the New Day taking his place was a great alternative, Big E and Xavier Woods were so hype it made things feel even more fun. Especially in the Apollo VS Nakamura match. Apollo had a great performance against Nakamura, but to be fair, he’s still not where Nakamura is. Nakamura VS Finn is coming at Smackville, and for the Intercontinental Championship, but I don’t think Nakamura drops it after Ali had such a passionate promo. At the same time, The Fiend VS Finn is happening, so maybe Finn wins the title to lose it to Bray, and Ali jumps in from there.

Ember getting a quick win over Charlotte and then leaving both her and Bayley down and out is great for Ember. She needs a spark to really get going towards this title match. Of course, Charlotte is talking about trying to outshine the title match, but is Charlotte going to have another match with Asuka just for that? Or does she circle back and copy last year’s SummerSlam by becoming part of a Triple Threat? It might be better if she joins the title match, because oddly, I can see Ember winning off her instead of just Bayley, especially if it’s an Eclipse outta nowhere. Then Fire & Desire having a match against the IIconics for a title opportunity, I don’t see that going any better than when the Kabuki Warriors finally got their shot. But perhaps it will work towards a Triple Threat of its own so that the right team comes out on top.

Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton had a great promo showdown to plug their long history against each other. It was rather surprising that Orton admits to politicking but I suppose it works into the story. Kofi VS Joe was pretty good, too, even with Orton interrupting. Smackville is going to be a lot of fun with that Triple Threat for the title, but I’m pretty sure the title doesn’t change hands. Kofi VS Orton is going to be great, or at least it should with story elements. And given Kofi referenced that memorable Boom Drop, I hope they do that again for the match, perhaps through an announce desk. And I would think for story, Kofi has to win at SummerSlam to further build his legacy.

We also got some great development for the Miz VS Ziggler story this time. Throwing HBK into the mix helped, and oof, those stinging comments about wannabes and embarrassments. This is the spark to give us a match to care about, since I expected the match itself was going to be good anyway. Then the story of the night, Shane trying to screw over Kevin and Roman. It was pretty clear this wasn’t going to work out, in order to give Kevin a lead towards their match. Though, saying this match is about Kevin quitting, I wonder if they’ll make it an I Quit match. It would just make sense, because then Kevin really does have to say the words again to lose, and it would also allow Kevin to beat the hell out of Shane since there would be no rules but to win.

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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AEW Coverage

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

It’s a slam dunk!

Published

41 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Guns up for all the Jacksonville Gold Members!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

1 day ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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