Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (8/27/19)

Who else makes it to the King of the Ring Quarterfinals?

Published

5 years ago

August 27, 2019

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown continues King of the Ring!

The King of the Ring’s opening round finishes with former tag team partners facing off, and a 205 Live rivalry revisited! Who among Chad Gable, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali and Buddy Murphy advance to the next round?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

King of the Ring SmackDown Bracket: Mustafa Ali VS Buddy Murphy; Ali wins and advances to the next round.
Bayley VS Lacey Evans; Bayley wins.
Big E VS Randy Orton; Orton wins.
WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: Elias VS R-Truth VS Drake Maverick; Maverick wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
King of the Ring SmackDown Bracket: Chad Gable VS Shelton Benjamin; Gable wins and advances to the next round.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns has no idea what to make of this.

An attempt backstage. An attempt in the parking lot. And a wild goose chase trying to figure out who is behind it all. The Big Dog’s questions have yet to be properly answered. Buddy Murphy said it was Erick Rowan. Erick Rowan and Daniel Bryan said Murphy lied. Then Rowan and Bryan said they found the real culprit, only to reveal a strange pseudo-Rowan. Is this answer real? Or just a Big Red Herring?

Roman Reigns is in the building!

Kayla Braxton informs him that Daniel Bryan wants an apology on behalf of Erick Rowan. Roman says he will say something, but when he’s in the ring.

Kofi Kingston is here!

The dream of Kofimania continues, even if Randy Orton keeps saying it’s “stupid.” The Viper devastated the New Day, and then The Revival helped break Xavier Woods, all while Kofi was forced to watch. All of this has compelled Kofi to give Orton a rematch at Clash of Champions! But tonight in Baton Rouge, Kofi says “Orton likes to slither around this ring, talking about me being stupid.” But just who (who who who?) got they ass knocked out outta nowhere?! Kofi knows things have escalated over the last few weeks, but Orton took it to a personal level. All Kofi wanted to do was prove himself, to prove he belongs at the top, that he deserves to be champion! Orton didn’t want that, and took it to a personal place bringing up Kofi’s family. Orton and his new buddies took it to a new level taking out Kofi’s friend, Woods.

But what was the last thing we saw? Kofi walloped the Revival, it felt so good, and then had Orton “crawling up that ramp with fear in his eyes!” And Orton was afraid, because he saw the look in Kofi’s eyes that said he isn’t playing around. They’ll run it back at Clash of Champions for the WWE World Championship! Kofi will show and prove Orton was wrong all along! Kofi was ready then, Kofi is ready now! And in the end, Orton will find out why Kofi is THE W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION- “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” Orton won’t stop spamming “stupid” until Kofi is looking at him. Orton wants to show Kofi is truly stupid, but he’ll wait until Clash. But for now, Orton will show Kofi something special. Orton was thinking up ways of how to make Kofi look stupid, when someone slipped a letter under his door. Orton doesn’t really read fan mail, but this letter was written with heart, so Orton reads it now.

“Dear Mr. Orton. Stop hurting Kofi Kingston. Kofi is not stupid. Kofi is a good man, but you are a mean man, Mr. Orton. So mean that you make my hero, Kofi Kingston, cry at night. And do you want to know why I know this? Kofi Kingston isn’t just my hero, Kofi Kingston is my daddy. Signed, Kai Kingston.” How touching. Orton realized that he is in the exact hotel as Kofi and his family. Orton doesn’t need to be pen pals with Kai, he just has to go down the hall and pay him a visit. The Viper has more venom than Kofi thought, and Kofi goes to chase him down! But Orton is there to meet him at gorilla! They brawl all over until security pulls them apart. But not even that keeps them apart, and Kofi gets Orton on the table! Orton gets up but Kofi throws him into the wall! And then back on the table! Orton turns the tables on Kofi and has Kofi up, for a draping DDT to the floor!! Orton calls Kofi “stupid” again while security calls for medics. Will Kofi be able to keep the dream alive and keep his family safe from the Viper?

SmackDown returns with Big E coming out of the Doctor’s room.

Big E has a match against Randy Orton tonight. He has faith Kofi will make it to Clash, but won’t say the same for Orton. Is Big E going to exact revenge on The Viper for both Kofi and Woods?

King of the Ring SmackDown Bracket: Mustafa Ali VS Buddy Murphy!

For those who kept up with 205 Live, you know just how good this rivalry was during the past year! The Heart of 205 was denied the Cruiserweight Championship by the Aussie Juggernaut, but now the Beacon of Light shines and the Best Kept Secret is out! Will these two ignite the ring all over again? And which man moves on to the quarterfinals?

The two quickly shake hands to confirm this is going to be in good sportsmanship, and the bell rings. Murphy gets Ali to a corner but Ali turns it around to CHOP Murphy. Murphy comes back without flinching and tosses Ali to a corner! Ali escapes again and shows off his agility. Things speed up more and Ali huricanranas Murphy out. Fans fire up as Ali builds speed, but Murphy returns with a KNEE TRIGGER! Cover, TWO! Ali is rocked while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Murphy stomps a Melbourne mudhole into Ali, then drags him up to whip corner to corner. Ali rebounds off buckles into a back drop! Cover, ONE, but Murphy keeps his cool. Murphy drags Ali up to ram a knee into the back, then kick him down! Cover, TWO, but Murphy stalks Ali to the ropes. Murphy stands Ali up to CHOP him off his feet. Murphy stomps Ali around, but Ali hits back. Ali throws forearms and runs, but into a sleeper hold! Ali reaches but Murphy keeps him from ropes. Ali fights out of the hold and runs, but into a LARIAT! Murphy grimaces but doesn’t cover. Murphy eventually does cover, TWO! Perhaps Murphy’s small break cost him there. He hauls Ali up but Ali turns the suplex into a crossbody! TWO, and Murphy clobbers Ali! Cover, TWO, and Murphy wraps on a new sleeper hold.

Ali endures again, and fights his way up. Ali powers Murphy to a corner! But Murphy holds on to the head. Ali rams Murphy again, and again, and is free! But Murphy just throws him into the opposite corner, face first! Ali falls down and fans cheer the Juggernaut as he goes back to Ali. SmackDown returns to single picture as Murphy whips Ali corner to corner. Ali kicks back then boots! Ali trips Murphy to catapult him into buckles! Murphy staggers and Ali runs to flapjack dropkick Murphy down! Murphy bails out and Ali builds speed, but Murphy slides in. Ali kicks Murphy back out! Then DIVES to wipe Murphy out! Elias watches as one of these two will be his future opponent.

Ali puts Murphy in and aims from the corner. Ali baits Murphy in and roundhouses him away! Fans fire up as Ali slingshots and somersaults, but Murphy TOSSES Ali out! Murphy builds speed now, to FLY! The Juggernaut still has the legs to leap, and he wipes Ali out! Baton Rouge fires up as Murphy puts Ali back in. Murphy climbs up, leaps, but Ali gets clear of the meteora to SUPERKICK! Murphy wobbles, Ali hits the POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Murphy reminds Ali why he was Cruiserweight Champion for so long. Ali gets up first and drags Murphy to a drop zone. Fans duel as Murphy anchors a foot. Ali stomps Murphy off then climbs up, but Murphy grabs him again! Murphy tucks Ali in for a SUPERKICK to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, AUSSIE-GOYE! BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Ali now reminds Murphy why it was so hard to beat him the first time!

Baton Rouge knows “This is Awesome!” but this is also not over yet! Murphy drags Ali up now, but Ali fights back. Ali ducks to ROCK Murphy, but Murphy rocks him back! Murphy strike fest, stomp the foot but gets the windmill heel kick! Murphy ends up on the apron and Ali heads over. Ali runs to tilt-o-whirl DDT Murphy off the ropes!! Ali hurries to a corner, climbs up high, and hits a 450 splash!! Cover, Ali wins!!

Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall; advances to the next round

Ali gets a huge victory over a former rival! Will Ali shine even brighter in the quarterfinals?

Murphy gets up and shows respect as he offers a handshake. Ali takes it, and Murphy even raises Ali’s hand. What is next for Murphy if he’s no longer heading for the throne?

Ember Moon finds Bayley backstage.

Don’t tell her Charlotte Flair is getting to her? No, no, Bayley was just thinking back to SummerSlam. No thanks, Ember doesn’t want to go down that path. Bayley won and Ember will deal with it her way. But the next time they face off, Ember promises to win. And until then, Charlotte is not the face of the SmackDown Women’s Division, Bayley is. Bayley is the reason superstars like Ember were given a chance. This is about bringing every woman up. The best woman won, and it was Bayley.

But the Lady, Lacey Evans, walks in. If Bayley is the best, they need to raise their standards. The entire division does. Charlotte was right about one thing: Bayley is bringing the division and the title down. But Charlotte was wrong about who is the face. That’s Lacey. Pfft, yeah right. Well if these “nasties” don’t believe it, Lacey will prove it in the ring. Ember wishes Bayley luck against the Sassy Southern Belle. Will Bayley need it?

The Miz returns to SmackDown!

The Hollywood A-Lister is ready to respond to the words and actions of the “artists” with actions of his own. Will Miz be able to silence the Critic of the Critics?

SmackDown returns, and Miz speaks on the mic first. Fans say Miz is awesome, and Miz agrees. The recap package shows us that Sami is now Shinsuke’s spokesperson. Yes, it’s awful. But they used Miz TV to take their frustrations out on Miz. Sami claims he and Shin are two poets with similar philosophies. #Really? What is that? Shinsuke is a champ, Sami is a clinger. Sami was in a rut, but he latched onto someone else. Sami is a “spokesperson” because he couldn’t hack it anymore. Sami is on Shinsuke’s coattails because Sami couldn’t be it himself. Shinsuke is the Intercontinental Champion, but if he really thinks he needs Sami, then something’s wrong. And if he thinks going after The Miz is the way to the top, he’s got an even bigger problem! Miz made that title the main event, and he’ll do it again. That’s why Miz formally challenges Shinsuke to the Intercontinental Championship AT Clash of Champions!

Sami makes his entrance, and laughs at Miz’s challenge. Clearly no one understands the bond between Sami and Shin. But Sami is a “liberator,” because he liberated Shinsuke! Shinsuke feels freer and stronger in years! But what’s truly laughable is that Miz thinks he can be the Intercontinental Championship like it’s his. News flash: Shinsuke is THE Intercontinental Champion! Shinsuke is an artist! Shinsuke is a poet! Shinsuke is the KING of Strong Style! And Miz is the King of Soft Style. But someone as selfish as Miz can’t understand someone so selfless as Sami. That’s fine. But maybe Miz needs respect beaten into him. Okay then, why doesn’t Sami get in this ring already. That’s not how it works. Then maybe Miz will go out to beat respect into Sami. Miz takes off his jacket and gets out of the ring but Sami warns him. Because Shinsuke attacks from behind!

Shinsuke throws Miz into barriers while Sami mocks and laughs at Miz! Shinsuke rams knees into Miz. “Look at the artistry of Shinsuke Nakamura!” Shinsuke throws Miz into the LED apron, then runs down the ramp for a KINSHASA! Sami laughs the entire time at Miz’s pain. Shinsuke puts Miz in the ring and Sami thanks him. Sami then goes in the ring and says Miz “with no respect for artistry” is getting what he deserves. Give Miz his close-up, Shin! KINSHASA again! Sami shouts it at the top of his lungs, but fans boo. Sami declares Shinsuke “YOUR Intercontinental Champion,” but will this only give Miz the match he wants?

Elias plays his guitar backstage.

But he jumps up when he sees Kevin Owens walk in. Doesn’t Kevin know how to knock? This is Shane’s office, by the way. The door was open, so no need to knock. And why is Elias in Shane’s office? He’s about to be King of the Ring, so he can do whatever he wants. And Kevin lost, so he shouldn’t even bother Elias. Okay but Kevin is just here to see Shane. Shane’s not here. Not at all? Finally, Kevin is getting the message. Kevin thanks Elias for the update, and leaves. What is Kevin going to do while Shane isn’t here to abuse his power?

Bayley VS Lacey Evans!

The Huggable Bayley beat Nikki Cross on Raw, but now she’ll face the Sassy Southern Bell on SmackDown! Can Bayley stay white hot as Charlotte Flair is hot on her heels?

SmackDown returns as Lacey makes her entrance. Lacey struts down the ramp while teasing the fans, then goes to the ring. The bell rings but Lacey takes her time with her hat and gloves. She tosses her gloves up but Bayley sees the chap shot coming! They go to ropes but Bayley lets up. Bayley looks for where the gloves went, but she’s ready to arm-drag Lacey down! Lacey rushes Bayley to a waistlock but Bayley trips Lacy up. Bayley rolls Lacey to arm-drag her again! Bayley has the armlock, but Lacey gets up, only for Bayley to jam her arm. Bayley has the arm again, and brings Lacey around to high-five the wristlock! Lacey endures as Bayley shifts over to a rear mount and another armlock. Lacey powers her way up and scoops Bayley for a slam!

Lacey glares down at Bayley as she stomps her. Fans rally for Bayley but Lacey kicks her to a corner. Lacey bumps and stomps Bayley, but backs off at 4. Lacey runs in for the headstand, but Bayley shoves her over and knees her back! Bayley slides out to trip Lacey up, and clothesline her down! Fans fire up for Bayley as she catches her breath. But here comes Charlotte, strutting down the ramp herself. Bayley keeps her eyes on The Queen, and even asks if Charlotte wants a seat. The tension grows as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again, and Lacey has Bayley in a very ladylike cobra clutch. Charlotte watches ringside as Bayley fights back, only for Lacey to whip her to a corner. But Bayley goes up and crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Lacey knees low and hits a falling DDT! Then she gator rolls Bayley to the apron! Lacey wrings Bayley’s arm into the apron edge! Lacey kicks Bayley’s arm against the LED, but the referee counts. Lacey kicks Bayley again and takes her time strutting about before getting in the ring. Bayley gets to a corner but Lacey is on her. Lacey wraps the arm in the ropes and even adds a headscissor! Lacey lets up at 4 then rams Bayley into buckles. Lacey sits Bayley down to stomp, and finally gets that swinging bronco buster! Lacey pushes Bayley out of the corner to cover, TWO!

Lacey grabs Bayley’s arm to drop knees on it! Bayley crawls but Lacey uses Bayley’s own headband as a weapon. Cover, TWO! Lacey keeps on the bad arm and wraps it on the ropes. The ref counts and Lacey lets up at 4. Lacey drags Bayley up to a hammerlock, but Bayley gets to the ropes. Bayley brings Lacey through the ropes now to return the favor! Bayley lets up at 4 to then run and dropkick Lacey off the ropes! Cover, TWO! Charlotte says, “Aw shucks,” but then Lacey knees Bayley down. Lacey kicks Bayley hard in the leg, then bounces Bayley’s face off the mat. Lacey stands on Bayley’s bad arm as she slaps her around. Then Lacey stomps the arm! Lacey boasts but Bayley hits back. Lacey whips but Bayley goes up and out, to then bait Lacey into a forearm! Bayley avoids the leg sweep to bounce Lacey off buckles! And then other buckles!

Bayley catches Lacey’s leg and puts it through the ropes! Bayley fires off on Lacey, and then runs in to run Lacey over! Bayley rallies with big lariats! Fans fire up as Bayley goes side to side to knee smash Lacey in the corner! Then she trips Lacey up and goes to get the Figure Four!? A Trailer Hitch version at that! Lacey gets the ropebreak and Charlotte just smiles at Bayley’s attempt. Lacey throws Bayley out to the apron and Bayley has to worry about Charlotte. Bayley hotshots Lacey away, then powers up, but Lacey counters the belly2belly with an arm wringer! Lacey drags Bayley to a drop zone and heads up top. Lacey leaps up, leaps again, Sassiest Moonsault Ever! Cover, TWO!? Lacey cannot believe it! But Bayley gets out of the ring, so Lacey has to go out after her. Bayley throws Lacey into barriers! And drags her out for a draping suplex!

Both women are down and a ring count begins! Bayley is up at 8 and in, but Lacey is in at 9.5! Oklahoma roll, TWO! Lacey trips Bayley to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Bayley throws forearms and rocks Lacey. Bayley whips but Lacey reverse to a roll up, but Bayley rolls through to knee Lacey down! Lacey stands, and gets a BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Charlotte is moderately amused by this. Bayley drags Lacey up and tries again but Lacey kicks her away. Lacey spins Bayley for a neckbreaker! Rolling back, into a boot! Bayley stands, grabs Lacey again, overhead suplex! Bayley keeps going, putting Lacey in a drop zone. Fans fire up as Bayley stares Charlotte down. Bayley climbs, leaps, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Bayley wins!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

A second match this week, but Bayley toughs it out to win! Charlotte “applauds” Bayley, but also shows ten fingers to remind Bayley her 10th reign is on its way. Will the Queen take back her throne in her own hometown? Or will Bayley spoil the homecoming by keeping the title?

Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan & Erick Rowan.

The Planet’s Champions still expect The Big Dog to apologize. They presented Roman with the “despicable individual” responsible for everything that has happened. And as of this moment, there has still been no apology. They will NOT leave the arena until Roman says, “Erick Rowan, Daniel Bryan, I am sorry.” Will Roman say those words to them? Or will they not be leaving Baton Rouge any time soon?

Big E VS Randy Orton!

#ForeverTheRKO has done what they want to The New Day, taking out Xavier Woods with a leg-breaking stomp last week. Orton took Kofi Kingston down with a vicious table DDT, but will Big E be enough on his own to get revenge?

AWWWWW~ Baton Rouge~! SmackDown returns as Big E makes his entrance! Despite the energy in the usual introduction, Big E gets very serious very quickly as he heads down the ramp. The bell rings, and Big E runs right at Orton! Big E throws big body shots, then he throws Orton out of the ring. Big E follows to whip Orton into steel steps! Orton crawls away but Big E is on him. “You’ve got Hell to pay, and I’m here to collect!” Big E throws Orton over the announce desk and into barriers! Big E dares Orton to get back up as he goes to refresh the count. Orton crawls and Big E is on him again. Orton pokes Big E’s eyes! Orton throws Big E but Big E sends Orton up and over barriers! Fans get The Viper right in their laps! Big E then drags Orton back up by his ear and puts him in the ring. Big E covers, TWO!

Big E keeps his cool as he drags Orton up. He has Orton in the abdominal stretch, and does add those New Day Spanks, with extra stank! Big E then whips and runs Orton over with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Big E likes that, he’s ready to play Orton’s game. Big E sits Orton up then stands him up. But Orton rakes Big E’s eyes! Orton sends Big E into the post! Orton yanks on Big E’s arm, then whips him corner to corner. Big E comes out with a clothesline! Big E rallies with more, and fans fire up. Big E follows Orton to the apron, and takes aim, for a BIG SPLASH! But Orton moves and Big E gets only apron edge! Big E flops to the floor and Orton follows him back to the announce desk. Orton drags Big E up, for a back suplex onto the announce desk! Big E writhes to the floor while Orton sits on the corner. SmackDown goes to picture in picture as Orton takes a breather.

Orton wipes the sweat from his brow before refreshing the count. Orton then fetches Big E, but that’s a lot of dead weight. Orton refreshes the count again, and lets Big E crawl on his own. Big E gets to his feet, but Orton is on him, with another back suplex to the desk! Orton leaves Big E behind as the count begins again. Big E slumps off the desk, but Orton just grins as he watches Big E crawl. Orton goes out again, hauls Big E up, and hits him with a third desk back suplex! Big E flops to the floor now, and Orton leaves him behind again. Orton watches Big E will himself off the floor. SmackDown returns to single picture as Orton goes back out. Orton drags Big E up a fourth time, but Big E fights back! Big E gives Orton a suplex to the announce desk! Orton has a taste of his own medicine, and Big E grins as he puts Orton back into the ring. But Big E walks into Orton’s dropkick! Orton covers, TWO!

Orton keeps his cool as he looms over Big E. Orton stomps Big E’s hand, then the other hand. He pulls on Big E’s ear as he taunts his pain. Fans rally with “New! Day Rocks!” and Big E sits up. Orton runs, into an overhead belly2belly! And then another! Orton staggers up, Big E baits him into the third belly2belly! Big E swivels his hips, runs, but The Revival is there! Big E wallops them and avoids an RKO, to scoop Orton! Orton powers out and sends Big E at the ref! The ref gets out of the way, but misses seeing The Revival double cheap shot Big E! RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

#ForeverTheRKO is successful in downing the New Day again! And now the #TopGuys join Orton in the ring to add on. Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder drag Big E up and whip him, into the RKO MACHINE!! Is the New Day going to survive Clash of Champions, let alone retain their titles, against this vicious new trio?

Backstage interview with Chad Gable.

The underdog of the King of the Ring tournament is underestimated by his opponent, Shelton Benjamin, most of all. But Benjamin should know better being they were former tag partners. When it’s all said and done, it will be Benjamin looking up at Gable. But Benjamin comes by looking for Gable, aka “Shorty” Gable. If anyone sees him, let Gable know Benjamin’s looking for him. Jokes aside, is Gable going to show that taller doesn’t mean better?

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is sitting in the throne! He already thinks he is the King of Drifters! Elias vows that when he wins King of the Ring, fans will scream, “Long Live Elias!” Many legends have worn the crown, from Kurt Angle to Brock Lesnar to Edge. None of them can wear the crown the way he does. This is a sight to behold, with crown, scepter and guitar by his side. Elias is a king we can believe in. Oh what is he doing, trying to reason with a bunch of “swamp people”? But wait, Kevin is sneaking up behind him! And he decks the would-be king! Kevin fires off furious fists and forearms, and then puts Elias in the ring! Elias hits back, and throws off his jacket. But it and the belt slows him down, so Kevin gets a STUNNER! Elias falls, and the Prizefighter gets a tiny bit of revenge for being screwed out of the tournament. Will Kevin hear about this from Shane when Shane returns?

As for Elias, he is still 24/7 Champion, and Shane isn’t here to pause the rules. Truth sneaks in, covers Elias, but Maverick pulls him off! Maverick throws Truth down hard and goes after Elias himself! Cover, Maverick wins!!

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

Rockstar Spud is so excited he has the belt back! Now he can finally #ConsummateTheMarriage with Mrs. Renee Michelle-Maverick! That is, if Maverick can hold onto that belt long enough.

King of the Ring SmackDown Bracket: Chad Gable VS Shelton Benjamin!

SmackDown returns as the Gold Standard waits in the ring for “Shorty G.” Gable makes his entrance now, and he eyes longingly at the throne. He joins Benjamin in the ring, and this opening round finale begins with the bell!

Gable ducks Benjamin to throw forearms. Benjamin reverses the whip and gets Gable with a SPINEBUSTER! Benjamin covers, TWO! Benjamin stomps Gable and drags him up for a snap suplex. Benjamin taunts “Shorty” but Gable trips Benjamin up! Jackknife cover, TWO! Gable whips Benjamin but Benjamin reverses again, and hard! Gable bounces off buckles and Benjamin covers, TWO! Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega watch as the winner of this meets El Idolo in the next round. Benjamin stomps and taunts “Shorty” more. Gable SLAPS Benjamin! Gable fires off with strikes of all kinds, then gives a mule kick! Gable runs for the rolling kick! Benjamin is down, but he gets up to get a running neckbreaker! Gable dodges Benjamin for a BIG German Suplex, but Benjamin LARIATS right back!

Benjamin shakes out the cobwebs to haul Gable up. Gable dodges, waistlocks, but Benjamin elbows out and rolls to a takedown! Into an Ankle Lock! Gable rolls to throw Benjamin out! Gable cannonballs, but Benjamin catches him! To swing him into barriers! Benjamin drags Gable back into the ring, and hauls Gable up top. Benjamin climbs to join Gable, but Gable fights him off! Benjamin falls into a drop zone, Gable turns around, Gable MOONSAULTS! But he lands on his feet when Benjamin dodges! Benjamin KNEES Gable down! Benjamin lifts Gable in a powerbomb, but Gable sunset flips right through! Cover, Gable wins!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall; advances to the next round

The underdog takes a huge victory from the jaws of defeat! But will Chad be #ReadyWillingAndGable to beat El Idolo in the quarterfinals?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Big Dog promised to say something to Daniel Bryan & Erick Rowan, but will it be what they want him to say? But before Roman can speak, Bryan interrupts on the titantron. It’s so easy, it’s just two little words. Just say, “I’m sorry.” Roman asks the fans if he should apologize. The fans say, “NO! NO!” Well Bryan is int he back, so let’s be clear, should Roman apologize? “NO!” Well let’s try this. Let’s double check the video and if it feels right, Roman will apologize. The video is of course footage of the original night in question. The man in a hoodie with the big red beard is seen walking just at the edge of the frame. Rowan tries to explain but Bryan gets mad and even SLAPS Rowan! Bryan hates liars and tells Rowan to get out of his sight. Bryan grabs a mic and shouts “I hate liars!” Bryan trusted Rowan for the last year, and now he’s been betrayed! Bryan claims to not know a thing about that!

Bryan appears on stage and says Rowan has betrayed Bryan! Someone has told Rowan to do this, but it’s not Bryan! It wasn’t Bryan! Rowan has been lying this whole time, but Roman won’t hear Bryan out. Roman SPEARS Bryan the moment Bryan is in the ring! Has Roman seen through the sham? Or is there still someone pulling the strings from the shadows?

My Thoughts:

This SmackDown was another weird show. Things were going so great to start, but then there was a grind by the end. Too many recap packages, for one. It felt like another go-home before a go-home week. The matches should’ve been swapped a bit, because Ali VS Murphy was the best match of tonight. They proved why 205 Live has been the most underrated program in the WWE. It was quite the surprise Ali made it through to the next round, as their opponent, Elias is a Heel, and both Ali and Murphy are working as Faces. But Ali makes for a good match-up with Elias, though Vega is likely going to factor in again. Meanwhile, Gable VS Benjamin was okay, and it’s great for Gable to be moving on to face Almas, which will be a better match. I have been hoping for The Fiend to get in on this match, and he would start by attacking and replacing Gable, but perhaps there is a bigger moment for him to do that as the tournament nears the end. He might even do it in the finals, depending on who the finalists are.

Speaking of Elias, it was great for Kevin Owens to get back at him while Shane was away. That’s a natural move for Kevin to stick it to them both. And best of all, Elias loses the title to Drake Maverick! I can’t wait for the rest of the week, Maverick trying to find time to consummate with Renee Michelle. They might, and probably should, carry this into tonight’s 205 Live. Then we get a pretty great Bayley VS Lacey match, with Charlotte watching to add another dimension to this. Bayley’s Bayley2Belly suplexes weren’t the cleanest tonight, but it’s great that she again wins with the flying elbow drop. Bayley VS Charlotte will be another great match, and so far so good on the NXT Horsewomen all being on Clash of Champions and heading for Banks VS Bayley at Survivor Series.

I thought Miz was going to have a match with Sami, but guess now. But Sami and Shinsuke beating Miz down again does add to Miz’s Face heat on the way to Clash of Champions. Sami calling Miz the King of Soft Style was a nice nod to a story we didn’t get with Miz, Shinsuke and Bryan last year, so maybe now that Miz is Face and not Heel, he comes out of this the winner. The story with Orton and Kofi also did good again, as Orton’s plan worked well against The New Day. There is a big chance #ForeverTheRKO comes out of Clash of Champions all champions themselves, but there’s still a good chance The New Day is heroically triumphant. I almost feel like a Six Man Tag for all the titles could be possible, but the Winner Takes All format has been used too much already in 2019. Separate matches also adds the drama of interference, Orton helping Revival and vice-versa. They of course did that tonight to help Orton against Big E in a great match that made Big E look like he was ready for a major singles title.

Roman’s segment with Bryan and Rowan should not have closed the show, but Vince is going to want what Vince wants. It seems video evidence undoes the horrible fake-out Bryan and Rowan concocted with that doppelganger. Bryan did great with his denial and berating of Rowan. Bryan comes off as the Lex Luthor DC Comics should’ve cast, and Roman is doing well as the hero to counter him. Roman VS Bryan should be the Clash of Champions match, but there’s mystery back in this story. Fingers crossed that it’s still Luke Harper behind the scenes. And for that matter, what a totally skipped over triumph! Rowan has his first name back!!

My Score: 8.3/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (8/27/19)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/26/19)

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

11 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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