Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (11/14/19)

Who defines true British wrestling?

Published

4 years ago

November 14, 2019

Steven Mitchell

Can the Big Strong Boy keep British Strong Style alive?

Not only will Tyler Bate defend the honor of A-Kid, he will defend British wrestling against “Wrestling Genius” Kassius Ohno! But does Bate have what it takes to avoid a KO from KO?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Xia Brookside VS Kay Lee Ray; KLR wins.
Travis Banks VS Ligero; Banks wins.
Kassius Ohno VS Tyler Bate; Bate wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Xia Brookside VS Kay Lee Ray!

Still sore over the sneaky way the sinister Scottish lass won the Women’s Battle Royal, the second generation sensation wants some payback! But can she win big over THE NXT UK Women’s Champion? Or will she find out how much of a KiLleR the champ can be?

The bell rings and fans rally behind Xia and she circles with KLR. Xia and KLR tie up and go around, and KLR powers Xia to the corner. The ref calls for the break but KLR gives it roughly. Xia stays just clear of that haymaker! KLR and Xia tie up again, KLR gets the arm and wrenches to a shoulder breaker. KLR taunts Xia but Xia rolls and wrenches around to a headlock. KLR blocks the takedown once, but as she lifts Xia, Xia uses the leverage to get the takedow the second time! Xia grinds KLR down and thrashes her around but KLR works to the headscissors counter. KLR squeezes tight but Xia moves around. Xia gets up for a headstand, flaps the legs and pops out to shimmy shake at KLR. KLR sneers as the two circle again. KLR gets around for a waistlock and full nelson but Xia breaks free. Xia wristlocks but KLR grabs hair to get the reversal.

KLR wrenches but Xia works against it, using the ropes to flip through. Xia wrings KLR but KLR gets up all cocky. KLR turns around for Xia to wrench her again! Xia goes after that wrist but KLR DECKS her! Fans boo as KLR stomps Xia down. KLR drags Xia up by her hair to give clubbing forearms against the ropes. KLR whips but Xia reverses to a crucifix takedown! TWO, but Xia rocks KLR back for another cover, TWO! KLR powers up to lift Xia in that position, but Xia slips to a sunset flip, TWO! Xia grabs KLR for a headlock fast and thrashes her about! KLR pulls hair then lifts Xia to put her on the top rope. The ref calls for the break, KLR lets go, and Xia boots her away. Xia leaps but KLR catches her! KLR pops Xia around for a scoop slam! KLR stomps Xia and grinds her down at the ropes. The ref backs KLR off and KLR grins as she stalks Xia. KLR stomps Xia more then clubs her down for good measure.

KLR drags Xia up but Xia fights back with body shots! KLR clubs Xia again, then drops her with a gourd buster! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but KLR is frustrated. KLR drags Xia up again, spins her around but Xia fights out of the Gory Especial! Xia then back drops KLR! Fans rally up as both Xia and KLR slowly rise. KLR walks into a jawbreaker! Xia runs to bulldog KLR down! Cover, TWO! Xia keeps on KLR, but KLR CHOPS her back! Fans still cheer Xia on but KLR brings Xia up again. Xia throws big forearms over and over, but her clothesline misses. Xia comes back to tilt-o-whirl headscissor KLR inot buckles! Xia runs in but only gets buckles, but she still elbows KLR away. Xia hops up, headscissors but KLR blocks to bring her up. Xia fights with fists, and finishes the SPIKE-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Xia almost had her, and goes back for more. KLR cradles, TWO! SUPERKICK! Underhooks, GORY BOMB! Cover, KLR wins!

Winner: Kay Lee Ray, by pinfall

#ScaryQueenofScots clips the wings of Xia, not wanting to #FlyWithBrookside. Will Xia learn from this loss and grow? Or has KLR finished her championship aspirations right here?

The battle lines have been drawn in NXT UK!

Imperium has been imposing their will on the brand. And Alexander Wolfe wanted Ilja Dragunov to consider where he stood. For weeks, Wolfe gave the Moscow Madman reasons to consider signing up. And when Gallus stood against Imperium, Dragunov stood with them! He shocked Wolfe completely with that decision, and now the numbers are even! Will Imperium’s absolute power be put in question by this unique alliance?

NXT UK has more with Piper Niven.

“There are so many kids who don’t feel confident in themselves.” As a plus-sized pro-wrestler, Piper feels she is a positive role model for so many kids who also didn’t feel they could play certain sports or do certain things just for being bigger. Your looks shouldn’t stop you from doing something. The messages from boys and girls around the world encourages Piper that she’s got what it takes. Piper may have a pretty smile, but she’s serious in the ring. She got written off by a lot of people in a lot of places, but she’s got more passion and heart than most.

Travis Banks VS Ligero!

The last time the Kiwi Buzzsaw and the Luchador of Leeds went head to head, it came out a draw. Both men have gone back to the drawing board and are ready to try again. Who prepared better to get a clear cut win in the rematch?

The bell rings and Banks steps up to Ligero to offer a handshake. Ligero takes it to show there is still respect here, but then he breaks the handshake with his foot. Banks boots but Ligero dodges and sweeps the legs, standing moonsault misses as Banks moves. Banks dropkicks but Ligero dodges again and CHOPS! But Banks doesn’t flinch, he just CHOPS back! Ligero throws a forearm so Banks gives it back. They go back to CHOPS and then back to forearms, but neither man slows down. They speed up, Ligero shoves, and both men BOOT the other down! Fans cheer as both men slowly rise. Ligero kicks but Banks blocks to sweep legs. Banks drags Ligero up, suplex but Ligero fights out. Ligero whips, Banks reverses but Ligero handsprings for a crossbody! Cover, TWO, Ligero lariats! Cover, TWO!

Banks gets to a corner but Ligero is on him right away. Ligero CHOPS Banks off his feet, but Banks gets up to CHOP back. Ligero CHOPS Banks again then throws forearms. Ligero throws hands on Banks and wraps him up in a modified cobra twist. Banks endures that deep bend, and fights free, only for Ligero to elbow him down. Ligero sits Banks up to CHOP as fans duel. Ligero CHOPS more, then brings Banks up for a clothesline. But Banks takes it! Ligero swings agian but into underhooks. Banks and Ligero fight over the backslide, deja vu from their first match, double cover, TWO! Banks kicks and CHOPS away on Ligero! Ligero knees low then whips, but Banks stops himself in the corner to sweep legs. Ligero eats buckles, then Banks dropkicks from behind!

Banks keeps moving, going to the adjacent corner and up top. Banks leaps, Coast2Coast! Cover, TWO! Banks keeps his cool as he goes after Ligero again. Fans rally as Banks runs to the corner, but Ligero follows, SUNSET BOMB! DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!! Banks survives the double dose of sunsets but Ligero drags him to a drop zone. Ligero goes to the ropes and steps up, springboard splash FLOPS! Banks gets Ligero up, but Ligero cradle counters, TWO! Banks has the cover now, TWO! Another double cover in the cradle, TWO!! Banks drags Ligero up, Snap German! SUPERKICK! But then Ligero pop-up forearm SMASH! Back kick and reel in, but it’s Banks who hits a KIWI KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!! Fans are loving this intensity! Both men are down and a standing count begins.

Fans rally up as Banks crawls away to a corner. Banks is up at 5 but the ref wants him to get back in. Banks crawls up top, Ligero rises, and SHORYUKENS! Ligero climbs up to join Banks now, throws forearms but Banks throws them back. Ligero keeps forcing his way up, clubs Banks into position, SUPERPLEX! Fans love “NXT! NXT!” but Ligero has to crawl after Banks. Banks rolls away to prevent a cover, getting to the apron. Ligero joins Banks on the outside, and CHOPS! Banks CHOPS back! The CHOP fight begins again, but then Banks throws big body shots. Banks brings Ligero in, hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX on the apron!!

Ligero is writhing from hitting so hard. Banks drags himself to a corner of the apron, aims at Ligero, but Ligero gets clear of the stomps! Banks runs back in, into an elbow! Ligero hops up on the steps, C4L tornado DDT to the floor!! Ligero drags Banks up and in quick, but Joseph Conners attacks!? The Righteous Killer has had history with the LIght i the past, but Banks missed that. Slice of Heaven!! Cover, Banks wins!

Winner: Travis Banks, by pinfall

And then Conners goes after Banks! Conners hates both these “shiny new toys” but fans chant, “You Still Suck!” Conners is wearing the previous United Kingdom Championship tournament shirt as a clue to his motivation. “This was supposed to be about ME!” Conners was going to be the very first WWE United Kingdom Champion! But it didn’t happen that way. “I was there, but where am I now?” Conners was to be part of UK TakeOver, but he wasn’t. Conners is TakeOver worthy! Conners IS worthy! Is he not worthy?! “Who are you to say that I am not worthy!?” Conners is sick of excuses and ignorance. As far as Conners is concerned, as long as he continues to suffer, he will make everyone else suffer with him. Three years of anger and bitterness is about to explode, who will be the next target of the Righteous Killer?

NXT UK, beware Ridge Holland.

“Get ready. NXT UK, I’ll be seeing ya.” His debut is next week!

NXT UK shares footage of William Regal visiting the UK Performance Center.

The General Managers met, but NXT UK Media wanted to know what the visit was about. Well he was mostly just visiting some old friends. But Alexander Wolfe walked by to ask the GM’s for a favor. Wolfe wants a match with Dragunov ASAP. Sid Scala discussed this quickly with Johnny Saint, but Wolfe doesn’t care what Sid has to say. He is asking Mr. Saint. Wolfe needs the match. Saint gives him his match, and Scala says that match will happen next week. Wolfe is satisfied and thanks Saint before leaving. But will Wolfe make Dragunov be the one to regret his decision?

Kassius Ohno VS Tyler Bate!

The Wrestling Genius claims he’s the best at British wrestling, but shows he’s a sore loser against anyone who manages to best him. The Big Strong Boy defended A-Kid from such wrath, but must now face it himself. Will British Strong Style live on through Bate? Or will it be the Knockout Artist that snuffs out the last embers?

The bell rings and fans chant for Bate already. But Ohno thinks they mean he’s the Big Strong Boy and flexes. Ohno and Bate circle and stare down as fans switch to singing for Bate. Bate and Ohno tie up and go around and Ohno puts Bate in the corner. Fans still sing and Ohno gets annoyed. He and Bate tie up again and Ohno gets around to a leg trip. Fans still rally for Bate and Bate rocks his way up to a kip up and hook of the leg. Bate works on adding to the hold but Ohno pries it apart. But Bate still has the wrist and uses that to bring Ohno to his knees. Ohno works on his reversal, spinning and dropping to get a drop toehold of sorts. Ohno has the arm and pulls but Bate endures. Fans rally and Bate works his way up and floats to a cover, ONE! Ohno and Bate stand off as fans cheer.

Bate and Ohno approach and tie up again, and Ohno gets the cravat. Bate endures the crank, Ohno snapmares and runs, but things speed up as Bate redirects and hops on for the Iron Octopus! Bate pulls on Ohno’s arm but Ohno pries free again, and even has Bate on his back. But Bate wiggles to a sunset flip, but Ohno stays up. Ohno cranks Bate’s head from that position! And then turns him over for a deep chinlock clutch! Fans rally as Bate endures, even as Ohno bends him all the way back. Ohno has the arms now for a modified surfboard stretch, but fans still rally. Bate powers up and out! Bate and Ohno circle as “Big Strong Boy!” echoes out again. Ohno and Bate go again, but Ohno headlocks quick. Ohno sneaks in palm strikes then chinbars Bate for a shot under the jaw! Bate stays up, though!

Bate glares as he ties up with Ohno again. Ohno headlocks while talking trash. Bate endures and Ohno goes to bop Bate with his boot, but Bate grabs it! Bate reels Ohno in to a headlock of his own to use those same boot bops! Ohno turns things around in the corner but Bate uses his boot again! Bate dares Ohno to come back for more, but Ohno takes time thinking up a plan. Fans troll Ohno but Ohno ignores to go for a test of strength. They tie up with one knuckle lock, but Ohno fakes the other to whip Bate at a corner. But Bate borrows something from Gentleman Jack Gallagher, headstand in the corner! Ohno approaches carefully but Bate keeps Ohno back with his boots. Ohno rushes Bate but gets a headscissor and dropkick for it! And another! But Bate runs in again to get a big knee low! The ref checks on Bate but Ohno uses that as a distraction to undo the padding on a corner crossbar.

Ohno grabs Bate to cravat and snapmare Bate to the apron. Ohno whips Bate into that bare crossbar! Fans boo as Bate crashes and burns, but Ohno takes time to catch his breath. The ring count begins and Bate stirs at 3, but Ohno watches closely. Bate is up and in at 5 but Ohno is on him with body shots, COHPS and BOOTS! Ohno BOOTS Bate out of the ring! Fans boo but Ohno just shouts back. Another ring count begins but Bate is up and in at 5 again. Ohno says Bate is being stupid and then he stomps him down. Ohno drags Bate up but Bate fights out. Bate misses the rolling kick and Ohno drops the senton! Cover, TWO! Ohno stalks Bate, grabs an arm, and brings Bate back up by that arm to ROCK him with a right!

Bate crawls to the corner but Ohno stands him up for a CHOP. Ohno CLUBS Bate, too, but Bate forces himself to stand. Bate goes to boot, scrapes Ohno off to knee him back! Bate hops up but Ohno ROCKS him with a jab! Cravat into a hanging hold! Bate endures the Kassius Klutch Mk. II, but fights up as fans rally! Bate arm-drags but Ohno holds on. “You can’t escape me!” Kassius Klutch STUNNER! Cover, TWO! Bate survives and kicks back! Ohno grabs Bate’s arm again and uses Bate’s own leg to trap it, so Ohno can STOMP Bate’s head! Ohno stomps more, but fans still sing for Bate. Ohno clubs and clubs Bate on the back, then gives toying kicks. But Bate gets up to waistlock. Ohno is surprised that Bate is lifting him!

Ohno slips out to a standing switch but Bate resists the suplex. Bate waistlocks but Ohno throws big elbows. Bate catches Ohno but Ohno keeps elbowing. Fans chant for the “Big Strong Boy!” and Bate powers up for an EXPLODER! Fans are fired up as Bate and Ohno slowly rise. Ohno and Bate head for each other, Bate uppercuts! And again! And again! Bate fires many more EuroUppers but Ohno shoves him. Bate boots and knees, then hops up, flying uppercut! Bate goes corner to corner for another! And another EXPLODER! Bate wants it, he gets the kip up! To the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Bate is keeping his cool and fans rally up again. Bate brings Ohno in and underhooks the arms, but Ohno powers out, into more EuroUppers from Bate! Ohno catches the arms, underhooks to backslide, but Bate lands on his feet! Bate underhooks Ohno again but Ohno powers out to back drop and send Bate flying! Bate lands hard, and the referee checks on him.

Bate is certainly dazed, but he doesn’t want to quit. Bate stands, Ohno spins, CYCLONE BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Bate still lives! Ohno is in shock but fans rally up again! Ohno drags Bate up for a close headbutt, but Bate sits up. Ohno brings him up again for a harder headbutt! Bate falls but won’t stay down. Ohno stomps and CLUBS away on Bate’s back, but Bate powers up! Bate throws big hands from all sides! Ohno shoves Bate and steals Bop! But it’s BANG from Bate! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down, but Bate sits up first. Bate shakes off the stars going around his head as he heads for Ohno. Bate brings Ohno up but Ohno reaches for ropes. Bate goes to fireman’s carry, and somehow gets Ohno up! But Ohno flails and grabs ropes. Ohno knees Bate back but both men are leaning on ropes.

Bate gets Ohno but Ohno blocks the suplex. Ohno elbows and knees at the same time, but Bate stays up. Wristlock and clothesline but Ohno stays up. Another clothesline, but Ohno is still up. Bate runs, but the third doesn’t do it! Bate kicks and clothesilnes, then rebounds, into a BOOT! Ohno yanks Bate into the drop zone then goes up top, MOONSAULT FLOPS! Bate is on Ohno with a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” all over again! Ohno and Bate are both down, slowing stirring. Fans rally and Ohno grabs Bate’s wrist. Bate grabs back and pulls Ohno up with him. Bate breaks free, rolling heel kick! And again! Ohno wobbles and leans on ropes. Bate wills himself back up and rolls for a third!

Bate runs, into another BOOT! Ohno runs, Bate follows, REBOUND LARIAT! Ohno rolls out of the ring to save himself from a cover, but Bate builds speed to FLY! Into Ohno’s forearm! Ohno puts Bate in fast, takes aim, DREAM CRUSHER! Cover, TWO!?! Bate is showing that superhuman resilience like in Cardiff! Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” as both men slowly stir. Ohno sits up first but Bate slowly follows. Ohno won’t stand for the fans rallying behind Bate, and he goes after Bate in the corner. Ohno SLAPS Bate, and obsesses that he’s the only one that deserves to have his name chanted. Ohno puts Bate up top to slap and BOOT him again. Ohno climbs to club away and put on a cravat again! Bate fights back, slips down and kicks Ohno’s leg! Bate shouts out Trent Seven with that torture rack! Bate hits the Airplane Spin!! Bate tosses Ohno off, then underhooks, TYLER DRIVER ’97!! Cover, BATE WINS!!

Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall

Now THAT was what British Strong Style is about! The Big Strong Boy beat the supposed best British style wrestler, so perhaps there’s a new best wrestler? Will this big win help Bate get back to the top?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for NXT UK! The brand in large part is in a bit of a holding pattern, with their third TakeOver special a long way away and most of their stars now getting involved with NXT USA given Survivor Series season. But much of this episode was great for purely NXT UK stories, which is actually really great. I didn’t expect KLR VS Xia to open but it was a pretty solid match to do that with. Xia had a good showing, fans gave her great support, but naturally KLR wins. KLR is the champ, she isn’t going to be beat so easy, and now that she’s also part of the Women’s WarGames, she can’t be losing just yet, it would weaken Team Baszler. I’m thinking if it isn’t Toni Storm, Piper Niven might be the woman to take that title off KLR at a UK TakeOver, given the great interview style vignettes.

Banks VS Ligero was a great rematch, but Conners attacking Ligero to screw him over was a great surprise. Conners goes after both “second wave” NXT UK stars, and is still motivated by being near the bottom of the original wave, so I’m still curious as to where his story is going. Perhaps it ends with trying to run through other original wave superstars? I’m not sure who among that group he hasn’t faced, but I’d love to see something like Conners VS Seven or Conners VS Bate. At the same time, the newest star, Ridge Holland, is coming, he might rough Conners up to also get his own story going. Wolfe VS Dragunov is going to be a great match, and I fully expect Gallus and the rest of Imperium to get involved in some way. Then that main event, almost half an hour, SO GOOD! Ohno VS Bate was borderline TakeOver worthy, and a great way to show Bate still has something to give on NXT UK. Where is that midcard title so Bate can add it to his legacy?

My Score: 8.5/10

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

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

8 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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