Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 7!

This is it for B Block!

Published

5 years ago

August 18, 2019

Steven Mitchell

B Block reaches its conclusion!

The Golden Star represents A Block, but who will represent B Block in the G1 Climax 29 Finals?! Will it be the Death Rider, the Fierce Warrior, the Switchblade, or the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
Tomohiro Ishii VS Taichi; Taichi wins.
Jon Moxley VS Juice Robinson; Robinson wins.
Shingo Takagi VS Hirooki Goto; Takagi wins.
Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito; White wins and meets Kota Ibushi in the G1 Climax 29 Finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for the other penultimate Climax!

There’s a four-way fight to the finish to see who meets Kota Ibushi in THE G1 Climax Finals! Death Rider Jon Moxley was the front runner early, but has lost to the Switchblade as well as Chaos’ Fierce Warrior and Clown Prince! Now Mox, Goto, White and Naito are equals at 10 points! Moxley must determine his own fate in a non-title rematch against the Flamboyant Juice Robinson! Meanwhile, Goto faces a Muscle Dragon while White and Naito could surely determine the entire block on their own! Who survives the B Block traffic jam to meet the Golden Star?

Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb!

The phrase “mathematically eliminated” means NOTHING to the jokester and the juggernaut! Who comes away with points of pride on the final night of B Block action?

The bell rings and fans cheer Yano. Cobb wants Yano to take his shirt off, though, so there aren’t any shenanigans. Wait what is that in his pants? The referee checks, and sees a lot of tape rolls. Yano admits he was sneaking them, but Cobb suspects something more. Wait there’s a fourth roll in Yano’s booty! Yano admits to that, to, but he wants Cobb double checked. There’s nothing extra to find! Yano says to check the booty and Cobb turns around, for Yano to roll him up! TWO, but Yano is right on Cobb by tucking Cobb’s arms into his own singlet! Cobb’s singlet is a trap! Yano rolls Cobb up again, TWO! Cobb tries to kip-up but with no arms, it doesn’t work. He gets up and pulls his arms back out, and fans applaud Yano’s ingenuity. However, Yano does apologize to Cobb and offers a handshake. Cobb takes it, but Yano’s death grip barely makes him flinch. Cobb’s grip makes Yano fall to the mat!

Cobb grins as he brings Yano up for a whip. Yano holds the ropes, then dodges to bail out of the ring. Yano goes out past the blue rails towards the fans. Fans cheer him on, so Yano returns ringside. The referee keeps Cobb back but Yano is egging him on. And then Yano goes for the buckle pad! Yano frees “Luke” but Cobb throws Yano back in! Cobb wants to help put “Luke” back on but Yano’s after “Tom”, the other pad! “Tom” is free but Yano kicks him aside as Cobb runs in! Cobb whips Yano but Yano stops himself! Yano dodges but Cobb stops himself before hitting bare buckles. Yano runs in but gets those buckles! And then gets thrown overhead! Cobb says no more shenanigans, time for forearms! He throws many forearms, then runs, but Yano grabs hair. Cobb gives more forearms then whips, but Yano reverses to belly2belly Cobb!

Fans fire up for Yano’s legit wrestling skills, but he takes too long with his #YTR taunt. Cobb runs in but somehow Yano ducks the clothesline! Yano smacks Cobb in the head, then runs, only to run into a lariat! Cobb looms over Yano while doing a #Gachimuchi version of the YTR taunt, then the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Yano barely survives and Cobb is a little shocked. Cobb blocks Yano’s low blow uppercut, but Yano dodges the clothesline to shove Cobb at the ref! Cobb stops himself in time, but also turns to stop Yano from another low blow attempt. Yano dodges, and has the ref as a shield! The ref reprimands Yano but Cobb runs at them both. Yano dodges and pushes the referee away, to low blow mule kick! But Cobb catches that, too! And uses it to spin Yano around for a SUPERKICK! Cobb takes Yano on a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS! Cover, Cobb wins!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall

The Hawaiian Juggernaut finishes his G1 debut with a win because he took Yano seriously. Will Cobb only get stronger from here?

Tomohiro Ishii VS Taichi!

The Stone Pitbull and the World’s Sliest Wrestler meet again in hopes of finishing the G1 strong. Will Taichi not only end with a win but with a win over the current NEVER Openweight Champion? Or will Ishii deny Taichi two birds with one stone?

The bell rings and Taichi goes right at Ishii with an ax bomber! Then a saido suplex! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives this shockingly aggressive opening, but Taichi isn’t letting up. Taichi tries to lift Ishii, and does, but Ishii fights out of the bomb. Taichi boots Ishii down and fans rally. Ishii blocks a new saido and clubs Taichi off. Taichi boots Ishii again and Ishii is down in a corner. Fans rally for Ishii as Taichi kicks at him. The referee backs Taichi off and Ishii slowly sits up. Taichi comes back to stomp Ishii and grind a foot into him. The referee again reprimands Taichi but Taichi drags Ishii up. Ishii flops down but drags himself up. Taichi has Ishii but Ishii headbutts, so Taichi kicks him down! Taichi whips Ishii to a corner but Ishii comes back with a shoulder! Taichi staggers back but returns with a shoulder of his own, and runs Ishii over!

Fans rally and duel now as Taichi looms over Ishii. Taichi kicks at Ishii, toying with him. Ishii sits up but Taichi stomps him back down. Taichi continues to toy with Ishii before he snapmares and swiftly kicks Ishii in the back! And again! Ishii sits up and those kicks just start to anger him. Ishii grits his teeth as he stands, only to get kicks to his leg! Taichi runs, but into a powerslam! Both men are down but fans rally up. Taichi and Ishii crawl to opposite ends, and Ishii runs in corner to corner. Ishii misses and gets an enziguri! Ishii drops down but Taichi won’t let up. The buzzsaw is blocked, Ishii ROCKS Taichi with a forearm then throws him with a German Suplex! Taichi crashes down and both men are again crawling to opposite ends.

Ishii fires up and runs in, but Taichi boots. Taichi kicks but Ishii eggs him on. Ishii chops, Taichi kicks, repeat! Neither man backs down, they only pick up speed! Taichi gets an edge and has Ishii hobbling. He whips Ishii but Ishii reverses to hit a BIG corner clothesline! Ishii drags Taichi up and hoists him to the top rope. Ishii climbs up to join Taichi, and fans fire up as Taichi resists. But Ishii still gets Taichi up for a stalling SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives but Ishii is just fired up more. Ishii waits for Taichi to stand, and Taichi slowly rises. Ishii runs, but the lariat is blocked. Ishii dodges ax bomber to hit a back suplex of his own! But Taichi stands right up! Only to get an ax bomber from Ishii! Ishii drags Taichi back up and runs, Sliding Lariat! Cover, TWO!!

Ishii won’t stop, he drags Taichi back up. Suplex, but Taichi slips out to boot. Taichi throws Ishii into buckles then enziguris him in the back! Both men are down again but fans still rally and duel. Taichi sits up first while Ishii writhes. Taichi stands up first, but Ishii follows. Ishii blocks a clothesline with a clothesline, but Taichi dodges the enziguri! Taichi hits the buzzsaw! Taichi catches his breath before preparing his arm. Ishii stands and gets another ax bomber! Cover, TWO!! Ishii still lives but Taichi wants to end this. Taichi powerbomb lifts but Ishii back drops out! Ishii runs into a roundhouse, ax bomber to the back! Another enziguri! And now Taichi has Ishii, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!? Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous!

Both men hear the fans dueling again as they stir. Taichi is up and rips off the pants! He powers up and aims at Ishii. Ishii dodges but runs into an Alabama lift, only to fight out of Black Mephisto! Ishii lifts Taichi but Taichi slips out. Taichi’s kick is blocked by a clothesline! Ishii backs up to run in, but into a boot! He comes around from the left, but Taichi tanks the lariat! To ROCK Ishii with that right! Taichi tries another ax bomber, Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii headbutts Taichi down! Ishii fires up as fans are thunderous again! Taichi slowly stands, Ishii runs, HUGE LARIAT! Cover, TWO!?! Taichi shocks Ishii now! But Ishii roars again as fans hit a fever pitch. Ishii suplexes, but Taichi fights out. Ishii spins Taichi around for another try but Taichi slips out to hook kick, then mule kick! ROUNDHOUSE! SAIDO!

Ishii staggers to his feet, ENZIGURI from Taichi! But he’s up again?! Taichi gives Ishii another saido! Cover, TWO!?! Is Ishii made of stone or steel?! Taichi still has one thing left to try. He aims from a corner, but Ishii blocks the superkick to give an enziguri! Taichi shakes it off, SUPERKICK! Alabama, BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Taichi wins!!

Winner: Taichi, by pinfall

Miho Abe is so proud of him! Taichi not only gets one last win in the G1, but he just pinned the NEVER Openweight Champion, without cheating once! Can this Taichi be the one that shines brightest of all?

Jon Moxley VS Juice Robinson!

The first time these two met, it was for the IWGP United States Championship, and the Flamboyant One would lose the gold to the Death Rider. This is a non-title rematch, but perhaps Juice can be just like Taichi and secure a future title match with one more win in the G1. Or will Mox cross Juice off the list while keeping his G1 hopes alive?

The bell rings and fans are dueling already. Moxley and Juice circle and feel it out. Moxley wants Juice’s bad leg and Juice knows it. Juice stays out of Moxley’s grip but Moxley offers him a free shot. Juice takes it with a left forearm, but Moxley comes back with his right. They go back and forth already, but Moxley headbutts first. Moxley whips but Juice reverses to then hit a corner clothesline. But Moxely gets forehead to forehead with him! The brawling of forearms continues and picks up speed. Juice headbutts now, and whips, but Moxley reverses to hit his own clothesline. And Juice also gets forehead to forehead! Juice knees lows then suplexes, but Moxley fights that off. Moxley suplexes but Juice slips out, only for his leg to jam!

Moxley has Juice in the corner and grinds his forearms in, to then kick the bad leg! Moxley puts the leg on the ropes to attack more, running corner to corner to dropkick the knee! Juice hobbles away but Moxley stalks him to a new corner. Moxley puts the leg on the ropes to drop a knee on the knee! Juice rolls and writhes while fans cheer Moxley’s aggression. Moxley drops an elbow on Juice’s knee and wrenches on the leg. Juice endures the toehold as Moxley cranks and grinds. Juice headbutts but Moxley rams a knee into the leg. Moxley stalks Juice to kick the leg out! Moxley hooks the leg for a snapping deathlock! And another! Juice endures but Moxley gets up, winds it up, and flips the dirty birds before hitting a third! Juice gets the ropes and Moxley finally lets him go.

Moxley waits for Juice to stand, and Juice CHOPS back! Moxley CHOPS Juice, then kicks him down. Fans rally as Moxley grabs the leg to stomp Juice’s stomach. Moxley drops an elbow then covers, ONE! But Moxley has the legs for a Figure Four! Juice endures as fans rally up. Moxley and Juice sit up in the hold and start throwing SLAPS! Juice works to turn the hold over, and gets it! Moxley endures the hold now, but gets a ropebreak. The referee helps them come apart, and the two men stand. Juice elbows then fireman’s carries, but Moxley dodges Juice Box into a Cloverleaf! Juice is enduring all over again, but just misses the ropebreak by a fingertip! Moxley leans on the hold but Juice powers up! Juice turns it over and BITES Moxley’s ear! Moxely staggers off, and Juice reveals he took the earring! And he throws it to the crowd!

Juice glares at Moxley, as if to say they’re even now. Moxley runs and the two collide with clotheslines! And again! Juice dodges the third time to flapjack Moxley, then lariat him back down! Moxley gets to a corner but Juice is on him with hammering hands! Red Shoes gets Juice to let off, but he comes back with a BIG corner clothesline! Fans cheer as Juice goes corner to corner, CANNONBALL! But Juice doesn’t cover, he heads up top! Moxley stands as Juice reaches the top rope. Juice leaps for a big crossbody, but Moxley rolls through! Moxley wants the Figure Four again but Juice shoves him off. Moxley ends up outside, and Juice goes to follow, but he gets a chop block on the apron! Moxley tells cameramen to move as he goes around the corner. Moxley finds a TABLE under the ring! Juice slingshots to take Moxley down first!

Juice clutches his knee, but he eyes the table Moxley brought out. Juice brings Moxley up and whips him to the railing! Then he goes back to that table. Red Shoes reprimands Juice not to do anything with it, so Juice puts it back under the ring. Big thumbs up and cheers, but Moxley yanks Juice into the railing! Moxley gets in the ring to refresh the count, and then puts Juice in, to sling that bad leg into the post! And again! Moxley looks to Figure Four on the post, but thinks better of it. He swings the leg into the post a third time for good measure, though. Moxley goes back under the ring to bring out a chair! He brings that around, but Juice moves in time! Moxley SMACKS post and loses the chair. He grabs Juice’s legs, but Juice uses that to yank Mox into the post!

Juice stands up on the apron, for another CANNONBALL! Juice grabs the chair Moxley found, and sets it by commentary. Juice keeps clean as he puts Moxley in. Fans rally up as Juice climbs up. Juice leaps, BIG crossbody hits! But he bounces off and has to crawl back for a cover, TWO! Juice grits his teeth and clutches his knee, but he pumps up. Moxley throws a forearm, but Juice jabs. Moxley throws haymakers of his own, and fans start chanting “MOX!” It’s “JUICE!” against “MOX!” with every punch thrown! Juice gets the edge and staggers Mox, but Mox kicks the bad leg. Juice still comes back with a left lariat, but Moxley just tanks it! Moxley spins for a forearm, but Juice just powers up! Only to swing into another lariat! Moxley has the fans fired up as he drags Juice back up. Underhook, lift, but Juice fights it off.

Juice full nelsons, but Moxley breaks free. Juice has the chicken wings and spins Moxley around, but Moxley slips out to trip Juice to a heel hook! Moxley twists the leg as hard as he can but Juice refuses to quit! Fans rally and Juice drags himself over, but Moxley lets up to drag him away. Moxley hooks the leg in another deathlock, but he just hammers away on Juice’s head first! Then the crossface, for the STF!! Juice is turning red but fans are rallying as hard as ever! Juice is fading and Red Shoes checks on him. Red Shoes raises the hand, it drops once. Twice. But Juice comes to life on the third time! Moxley thinks he’s won, but Juice’s hand is gripping Red Shoes’ leg! Moxley argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes saw Juice survive. Moxley vows to end this, running Regal Knee! And then, suplex, X-PLEX!

Moxley wants Red Shoes to call Juice out now, but Red Shoes refuses. So Moxley flips Red Shoes off, too. Moxley goes looking for things, and brings in more chairs! Red Shoes hurries to get them out, but Moxley is throwing more things, like buckets and a camera and of course a table! Moxley gets in but Red Shoes warns him. Juice comes to life and rolls Moxley up! TWO!! Moxley ducks a Left Hand of God but not the RIGHT hand! Juice wants to finish it, but Moxley BITES him again!! Juice hits a right AND a left! And then another left! Chicken wings, PULP FRICTION! Cover, Juice wins!!

Winner: Juice Robinson, by pinfall

Revenge is sweet for Juice in the G1! He ruins Moxley’s run and has a way back to the IWGP United States Championship! What will the third time around for these two be like?!

Shingo Takagi VS Hirooki Goto!

With the Death Rider out of the running, the door might be open for the Fierce Warrior to get back to the G1 Finals! But can he do it against LIJ’s impressive Muscle Dragon?

The bell rings and fans are already fired up for this showdown. Shingo and Goto tie up and Goto pushes Shingo back. Red Shoes calls for the break and Goto honors it. Shingo comes back fast and now he has Goto on the ropes. Shingo also honors the break, only to CHOP Goto back! Goto headlocks Shingo but Shingo powers out. These two collide with shoulders but neither falls! Goto dares Shingo to go, so Shingo does. They collide again and still neither falls. Now they start throwing forearms, but neither man backs down. They are fast and furious already, and Goto gets an edge. Goto runs but Shingo dodges only for Goto to dodge. Goto bumps Shingo with a shoulder but Shingo rebounds to run Goto over! Fans cheer the younger Dragon finally having the veteran down.

Shingo drops elbows on Goto over and over, and a back senton! Cover, ONE, but Shingo has Goto in a rear bearhug. Fans rally and duel as Goto gets up. Goto gets to the ropes but Shingo throws in knees. Shingo whips and follows to knee Goto, then suplexes him high and hard! Goto winces but Shingo covers, ONE. Shingo keeps his cool and goes after Goto for a seated stretch. Shingo rams in elbows to bring Goto down. Goto gets up but Shingo starts toying with him. Shingo eggs Goto on and Goto blocks a kick only to get a forearm. But Goto deflects a boot to lariat Shingo down! Shingo bails out of the ring, and Goto catches his breath. Shingo takes his time returning despite Goto’s goading. Goto backs off and Shingo get sin, only for Goto to be right on him with stomps!

Goto hammers Shingo in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Shingo reverses and runs in, but Goto catches him to put him up top right away! Goto drags Shingo out, draping neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Goto stomps Shingo while fans rally and duel again. Shingo holds the ropes but Goto just stomps him more. Goto clubs Shingo then snapmares for a swift kick! Cover, ONE, but Goto goes at Shingo with a chinlock. Shingo endures as Goto digs his knee into the back and drives an elbow into his face. Goto headscissor holds Shingo down but Shingo endures, even as Goto pushes up to squeeze tighter. Goto hammers Shingo’s chest, but Shingo uses long legs for a ropebreak. Goto lets up only to club and whip Shingo corner to corner. Goto hits a corner clothesline, but Shingo eggs him on, so Goto quickly clotheslines him again!

Fans rally as Goto brings Shingo up. Shingo breaks free but his bad shoulders slow him down. They start throwing forearms and CHOPS nonetheless, and Shingo puts some stank on the chops. Goto comes back with forearms, only to get a two hand CHOP! Shingo runs, Goto follows but Shingo intercepts the clothesline, to then SAIDO! Both men are down but fans rally up again. Shingo gets up first and drags Goto up again. Goto resists the bomb lift and back drops Shingo instead! Goto runs, but into a back elbow. JAB, LEFT LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shingo keeps his focus as fans are dueling again. The chants for Shingo are pretty louder as he goes to lift Goto in the Gory underhooks. Goto resists, so Shingo spins him around, only for Goto to suplex Shingo! Both men are down again but head for opposite ends.

Goto runs in at Shingo for the wheel kick! Then gives Shingo his own saido! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Shingo back up and fireman’s carries but Shingo slips out. Goto fights off Shingo’s waistlock, but gets a rabbit lariat. Shingo runs but into a sleeper hold! Goto squeezes Shingo but Shingo backs him into buckles. Goto holds on but Shingo manages to arm-drag Goto off. Only to run back into the hold! Shingo starts fading but pumps himself back up. He backpack sentons Goto! Shingo gasps for air while Goto writhes. Shingo drags Goto up for the Sliding Lariat! Then the underhooks, NOSHIGAMI! Cover, TWO!! Goto still lives but Shingo has the fans on his side. Shingo drags Goto up and pump handles, but Goto resists. Goto elbows out, but gets a lariat! And another!

Shingo runs, but Goto follows to clothesline back! Shingo stays on his feet! Goto runs, but into a point-blank Pumping Bomber against the ropes! Shingo runs but Goto comes back and they both clothesline! Goto hits another clothesline outta nowhere! Then drags Shingo up, fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Shingo survives but Goto grits his teeth! Goto drags Shingo up and kicks away on the chest. Then he brings Shingo up for an even bigger kick! Cover, TWO! Goto keeps going, dragon sleeper, but Shingo fights back. Shingo forearms then headbutts! It staggers both men, but Shingo runs into another fireman’s carry! Shigno slips out, pump handles, MADE! IN! JAPAN! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives and the fans are back at that fever pitch!

Shingo runs in corner to corner for a BIG clothesline, then runs for PUMPING BOMBER! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives again and Shingo is starting to wonder what he has to do. But Shingo fires up, pump handles and torture racks, but Goto slips out! Goto has the dragon sleeper, but Shingo slips around to suplex! Goto resists and suplexes but Shingo fights out. Goto breaks free only to get a JAB! Shingo throws elbows from both sides over and over! Then Shingo swings, into Goto’s headbutt! Goto grits his teeth, brings Shingo around, Inverse GTR! Goto brings Shingo up and powers up, only to get another PUMPING BOMBER! Both men are down and fans reach that level beyond fever pitch! Shingo rises first and runs, only for Goto to dodge. Both men come back, only for PUMPING BOMBER to win out!! Cover, TWO!?!

Shingo is at a loss for words! He drags Goto up and pump handles again. Torture rack, LAST OF THE DRAGONS! Cover, Shingo wins!!

Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall

The Last of the Dragons falls, and so does another contender! Goto won’t return to the G1 Climax Finals now, and Shingo has one of the biggest wins in his NJPW career! But now, the main event MUST have a winner!!

Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito!

The Switchblade wants to revive the Cutthroat Era. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion wants to realize his dual reign destiny. What movement takes that next step forward?

As always, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. White himself knows how to play mind games so he isn’t annoyed by Naito’s. Naito finishes preparing and the bell rings. Fans are on Naito’s side not just because they hate the Switchblade. White plays his usual games and bails out of the ring. But just as White wasn’t bothered by Naito’s games, Naito isn’t bothered by White’s. White returns slowly and Naito gives him space. But then White just bails out again, and fans boo. Naito runs over, but he fakes White out to Tranquilo~! White runs back in but now Naito bails out to give White a taste of his own trolling. White applauds that, and lets Naito have his space. Naito rolls in but just rolls right back out. Now White gets annoyed and gives chase. Gedo comes by but Naito dodges and shoves him into White! Naito hits White then whips White into railing!

Naito comes by and mocks White’s pain before stomping him. Naito throws White into the apron then elbows him back. White staggers to railing but Naito bumps him off the apron again. Naito elbows White again and White staggers back into railing. Naito just keeps clubbing White before putting him back in the ring. Fans cheer that the action is finally in the ring. Naito stomps White then grinds him into the ropes. He whips but White holds ropes to bail out. Naito kicks him between the ropes, then rakes eyes. Red Shoes reprimands Naito but Naito kicks and forearms White into the corner. White wants a timeout but Naito whips him corner to corner. Naito runs in, but misses the kick to get a CHOP! And another! White grinds his forearms into Naito’s face before a third CHOP!

White throws knees and runs, but into Naito’s atomic drop! Then Naito gets White with the jump kick, but White throws Naito down on the apron by his hair! No combinacio cabron there as Naito slumps to the floor. White whips Naito into railing HARD! White drags Naito up to whip him the other way! White leaves Naito behind to mock the LIJ poses. Fans boo but White smirks as he fetches Naito into the ring. White watches Naito crawl while mocking Tranquilo. White hits a back elbow in the corner, then a DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Naito while White grows frustrated. White drags Naito back out to ram him into railing! Then the apron edge! Then the railing again! And then the apron! White continues to mock LIJ while Naito writhes.

Red Shoes reprimands White and there is no ring count. White puts Naito in to cover, but Red Shoes won’t until there’s been sufficient time after those questionable tactics. White puts Naito in a chinlock and drives his knee in. Naito endures and fans rally up. Naito reaches with his legs as White pulls back on the neck. Naito gets to his feet and fights free, only for White to throw him down again. White toys with Naito now, but Naito throws body shots! White CHOPS Naito again, then runs, but Naito kicks. Naito turns but into a forearm! White runs but into the shotgun boot! Both men are down but fans rally up. White and Naito stand and Naito fires off strikes. Naito whips but White reverses. Naito holds the ropes and boots White back, to then huricanrana him down! White ends up on ropes but Naito elbows him down to dropkick him in the back!

Fans rally again as Naito drags White up. Naito whips White corner to corner, COMBINACION CABRON! Naito does the LIJ pose proper now. He shakes out the cobwebs, too, and goes back to White. Naito stands White up, spins him around, backbreaker to neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps his cool as he stomps White. Naito cranks White’s neck in a mounted cravat. White fights his way up but Naito snapmares him down for a modified leg-based full nelson. Naito starts slapping White around but that only angers White. White tries to push to a cover but Naito slaps him around more. White reaches and kicks his way over for a ropebreak. Naito holds on until Red Shoes counts, which irritates White more. The two are separated but Naito waistlocks. White fights him off, only for Naito to club him down.

Naito waistlocks but White standing switches only to get an elbow. Naito spins White but White spins out to hit a complete shot! Then deadlift German Suplex! White drags Naito up again, but Naito resists the neckbreaker. White CHOPS Naito again, but Naito resists the urenage. Naito elbows away on White, but White fires off a strike fest, only to get an enziguri! Naito whips, White reverses, Naito leaps, but INTO the urenage! White fires himself up and drags Naito up for a fisherman. But Naito wriggles out of the Kiwi Krusher to hit a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Naito sits up first but White follows. Naito shakes out more cobwebs before dragging White up. Hammerlock, but White clubs Naito. Naito clubs back, then tries again. White pulls hair to resist Gloria, and then yanks Red Shoes into Naito!

Fans boo because Gedo has brass knuckles! Naito blocks the sucker punch to LOW BLOW Gedo! Naito blocks White’s low blow, spits on White then whips! But White reverses only to get the flying forearms! Naito keeps on White, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! White lives but Naito says Tranquilo! Naito drags White up and wrenches, only for White to elbow Destino away. Naito hits a rolling heel kick, then tornado DDT with the ropes! Naito drags White up again, wrenches, but White shoves Naito at Red Shoes. Red Shoes gets clear, but White plays dead. White’s new tactic only gets him stomped by Naito. Naito drags White up by his hair, but White hits the SAIDO! White grins as he drags Naito back up. White throws Naito with another saido suplex! But now he fisherman’s, KIWI KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!!

Fans cheer but White is furious. He drags Naito up and slashes the throat. He has Naito in position, but Naito slips out to REVERSE RANA! Naito didn’t get all of it, but he tilt-o-whirls to DESTINO! Cover, TWO!? Naito is shocked that White survives! But fans are rallying, so Naito tires again, but White slips out of Destino for a Sleeper Hold Suplex! White drags Naito around and brings him up, BLADE- NO! DEST- No, no Destino! But Naito escapes Blade Runner again for a full nelson! White fights out, reels Naito in but Naito slips out again to suplex. White slips out, sleeper hold but Naito pops out, tilt-o-whirl, into another SLEEPER SUPLEX! White brings Naito up once again, BRAIN BUSTER! And then BLADE RUNNER!! Cover, White wins!!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall; advances to the G1 Climax 29 Finals

Gedo brags right in Rocky Romero’s face, because he knew all along The Switchblade would pull it off! White mocks LIJ as he stands over Naito. Will White and Gedo be smiling after facing the Golden Star?

NJPW returns as Jay White takes the mic.

“Hey, Naito! Tranquilo!” Fans boo White as he laughs and says to “get that piece of sh*t out of here!” White notices fans already getting up out of their seats and mockingly asks where they’re going. “Did your hero fail you again?” White said he told us all that this was HIS G1! It still is! White told them all to believe what he says, and to Breath with The Switchblade. And now White is in the FINALS! White talks with Gedo and Gedo lets White have the ring alone. White calls out Ibushi! Fans want to see Ibushi, too, and so Ibushi appears! White wants Ibushi to be in the ring with him. Ibushi obliges, and White promises this is just a chat. The G1 Finals, Golden Star VS Switchblade, 1v1, NO GEDO. That surprises everyone, but White wants to prove he is worthy.

White offers a handshake, and Ibushi takes it. But Ibushi sees the cheap shot coming and almost gets White back! White laughs but Ibushi knows what to expect. But then Gedo gets Ibushi at the apron and White chop blocks the bad ankle! White rains down fists and stomps and dragon screws the leg! Gedo keeps Young Lions from getting in to help, and even throws in a chair! White takes the chairs, and puts one around the ankle! White takes the other chair to SMACK away on the trapped ankle!! Fans boo as hard as ever, but it doesn’t matter because the damage is done! “Ibushi, tomorrow at G1 Finals, you will breathe with the Switchblade!” Has White just ensured his victory?

NJPW Media backstage interview

Jay White grins as he says, “I’ll show you! I’m not just the best. I’m the best because I’m the smartest. Naito, tranquilo, buddy.” Everyone thought they could stop White, but White stopped destiny. As for White’s destiny, that is Ibushi! White has been counting down the days, and he’ll defeat someone even more popular than Naito. IT will be that much more enjoyable! What he did to Ibushi’s leg is just a sample. White doesn’t expect this to last even 10 minutes. He’ll make Ibushi infamous for the biggest embarrassment in G1 history! Is the Cutthroat Era’s return inevitable?

My Thoughts:

A really good two hours from NJPW and AXS again, but a lot harder to avoid spoilers since AXS waited all week for this one. But that aside, it was all still great stuff to set up THE G1 Climax Finals, which AXS will also have next Saturday. Yano VS Cobb was fast and fun, and of course Cobb wins to finish strong. We got some interesting parallels as Taichi and Robinson, and even White in the grand scheme of things, pin a current champion. This sets up a lot of stuff for following events, such as another Ishii VS Taichi for the NEVER Openweight and another Moxley VS Robinson for the United States Championship. Those will be a lot of fun since they’ll surely escalate from the incredible matches we got tonight. Takagi really does get one of the biggest wins of his NJPW career beating Goto, who himself is a multi-time Openweight Champion. This is a great preview of NJPW’s new generation that’s ready to step up in the next few years.

White VS Naito was really good given they each tried mind games, but also knew each other’s moves so well as to escape and counter and escape again like that. I suppose the expectation of Ibushi VS Naito III for the G1 Finals was reason enough to surprise us with White winning. At the same time, I’m reminded of hearing all of White’s booking is a substitute for Kenny Omega’s booking if he was still in NJPW right now and not part of AEW. I could definitely see this story told differently with Omega in there, beating Naito to then get his match with Ibushi while also possibly getting back to Okada. But now that it’s White, it really works to give someone just to hate as Ibushi goes back to back in the finals.

White saying “No Gedo” should’ve been a bad sign right away, and he gets great Heel points, but is this perhaps too much for Ibushi to believably overcome? Granted, WWE did just have Seth Rollins beat Brock Lesnar with wrecked ribs, but usually NJPW isn’t the kind to need a suspension of disbelief. Since this is all delayed by days, I of course know the results by internet spoilers, but I suppose there is still a way to make this match incredible partially because of the bad ankle being a spot of focus.

My Score: 9.3/10

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

16 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

2 days 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!