Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/17/20)

It’s a night of returns!

Published

4 years ago

January 17, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Legit, Glorious Greatness and KAAANE~!

Sasha Banks returns to finally face Lacey Evans! Robert Roode returns to get even with Roman Reigns! John Morrison returns to the ring against Big E! And the Big Red Monster returns to bring back hellfire and brimstone!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Big E w/ Kofi Kingston VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.
The Usos VS The Revival; The Usos win.
Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Lacey Evans; changed to…
Bayley VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
Sonya Deville w/ Mandy Rose & Heavy Machinery VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross; Bliss wins.
Tables Match: Roman Reigns VS Robert Roode; Reigns wins chooses Falls Count Anywhere for Reigns VS Corbin at the Royal Rumble PPV.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of Rocky Johnson.

The Soul Man debuted in 1964, making an instant impact with physique and athleticism. He joined the WWE in 1982, and joined Tony Atlas as the “Soul Patrol” and became the first-ever African-American world tag team champions. Rocky would marry and have a son, Dwayne Johnson. Rocky trained his son and debuted Rocky Maivia as a tribute to both parts of his family’s heritage. And in the end, his sown would be the one to induct Rocky into the WWE Hall of Fame. Rocky proudly paved the way for wrestlers of all colors, and he will be celebrated for generations to come.

KAAANE~ is here!

The Big Red Machine and the Devil’s Favorite Demon is BACK! Kane holds Royal Rumble records so it would seem Royal Rumble season has brought him back to SmackDown. Kane grabs a mic to say that we are just 9 days away from his favorite event. “Thirty lost souls will put their minds, bodies and spirits on the line for the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to compete at WrestleMania! A match where you go through Hell, but the reward is a chance at immortality.” Kane holding the record for most career eliminations, he knows exactly how important this match is. He looks every opponent in the eyes as he throws them out of the ring, and watch hope fade away as their feet hit the ground, “a WrestleMania dream turned into a nightmare, all because of me.” And Kane must admit, it’s a lot of fun.

But wait, Firefly Fun House interrupts?! Bray Wyatt is excited to see Kane back! He hasn’t changed a bit! But it’s never nice to brag or find joy in another person’s misery. Shame, you Big Red Bully. Tell everyone you’re sorry. Time’s up. But Bray is still glad to see Kane. Hopefully the traffic up from H E double hockey sticks wasn’t too bad. But before Kane asks, Bray assures everyone that Ramblin’ Rabbit is alive, well, and recovering. Okay enough of him. Back to Kane. To play “Devil’s Advocate,” winning the Rumble isn’t a good idea. Especially if the winner is fool enough to challenge for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania! Oh wait a second. Kane’s on the Wall of Friends! So then, that means Kane and The Fiend “got it on!” Well of course, “I’ll never forget you, Kane. And neither will he.” The Wyatt Family struck first back in the day. And now, The Fiend strikes here!

The lights go out, then come back on, and there is red light! That’s usually Kane’s thing. As is coming out from under the ring floor! The Fiend slithers up behind Kane, but Kane is ready! “What took you so long?” The Fiend realizes there’s something wrong, and DANIEL BRYAN strikes! Knee Plus and Danielson Stomps! Bryan forces The Fiend to retreat down the hole in the mat! Smoke comes up and forces Bryan to back off, but he pulled some of The Fiend’s hair out! Fans chant “YES! YES!” as Team Hell No gets the better of Bray’s living nightmare. Will Bryan make both sides of the demented Wyatt pay?

Team Hell No still argues like the old days.

Kane and Bryan each insist they were the tag team champions by themselves, but Kayla Braxton comes over for an interview. Bryan has The Fiend on the run. That’s because while everyone thinks Bray is so great at mind games and double talk and victimizing, he’s the best at running away and disappearing. SO how do you beat someone who disappears when they’re in trouble? Bryan has an idea. Not a good one, nor is it smart. But Bryan wants to make their match a STRAP MATCH! They will be bound together by one big strap, and they will fight until one man wins! Bryan knows it is dangerous, that The Fiend will try to rip Bryan to pieces, but Bryan is done with mind games, running away and disappearing acts! “The Fiend, he changed me. And at the Royal Rumble, I’m going to change The Fiend and win the Universal Championship.”

Big E w/ Kofi Kingston VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

The Guru of Greatness defended his good friend in the Hollywood A-Lister, but offended The New Day when he assaulted Big E during a match Miz and Kofi Kingston were having. Will Morrison’s in-ring return to the WWE be as great as his parkour skills?

The bell rings and Big E circles with Morrison. Morrison and Big E tie up, Morrison throws big forearms but Big E blocks the whip. Morrison knees low then whips but Big E reverses and bumps Morrison down! Big E swivels his hips at Morrison before the two circle again. Morrison kicks low then heel kicks, spin kicks and ROUNDHOUSES! Big E is rocked and Morrison rains down rights! Morrison bails out to drag Big E to the apron to club away on! And then sit him up for another kick, and a draping neckbreaker! Big E is down as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Morrison grinds Big E down in a chinlock. Kofi and fans rally with “New! Day Rocks!” and Big E fights his way up. Big E powers Morrison up and throws him off! Big E runs but Morrison follows to calf kick him down! Fans are divided as Morrison stands over Big E, for the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO and Big E holds Morrison in his arms! Big E rolls back and brings Morrison up, but Morrison slips out. Morrison gets to the apron, slides under Big E then goes around to roundhouse! Big E wobbles, Morrison springboards, but Big E gets clear! Morrison rolls through, but into a belly2belly! And then another! Big E is fired up, but Morrison pokes eyes! Morrison runs but into a back drop!

Big E runs to BIG SPLASH! Fans fire up with Big E as he claps. Morrison slowly stands, Big E goes at him but Morrison standing switches and clobbers Big E! Morrison kicks low, MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Cover, TWO!! Big E survives and Miz protests. Kofi goes over to yank Miz off the apron! Morrison climbs, Kofi shoves Miz into steel steps! Morrison decides to LEAP onto Kofi! The same somersault cannonball takes Kofi out like he did Big E last week! Morrison grins as he takes his time returning to the ring, but Big E builds speed! Miz gets Morrison to safety, and then Morrison KICKS Big E down! Big E wobbles, SHINING WIZARD! And then Morrison climbs, for STARSHIP PAIN! Cover, Morrison wins!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

The Miz is pumped up as he celebrates his friend’s victorious return! Both Miz and Morrison have a win over the SmackDown Tag Team Champions individually, but will they get a win on them as a team?

BREAKING NEWS!

The stakes are raised on tonight’s Table Match between Roman Reigns and Robert Roode! If The Big Dog wins, he chooses the stipulation for his match with Baron Corbin on Royal Rumble night. But on the flip side, if Roode wins, that means Corbin chooses the stipulation! Who wins the latest of grudge matches in this war for SmackDown supremacy?

The Usos speak with Roman.

“Big match, big night.” The winner chooses the stipulation for Roman VS Corbin. What’s it going to be? Loser Eats Dog Ish? Roman keeps it a secret. We’ll all learn at the same time. Roman wants to make sure the Usos are ready. Of course they’re ready! It’s #LOCKDOWN! Revival, welcome back to the Uso Penitentiary! Jimmy & Jey settle scores of their own, will they put the #TopGuys away again?

The Usos VS The Revival!

Jimmy & Jey have had history with Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder, and that all starts again in the New Year! Will history repeat itself or will a new story play out?

Dawson and Jimmy start and tie up, and Dawson puts Jimmy in a corner. The ref counts and Dawson backs off to dare Jimmy to bring it. Jimmy grins and ties up with Dawson again, but Dawson gets a headlock. jimmy powers out but Dawson runs him over. Things speed up, Jimmy hurdles and CHOPS Dawson down! Jimmy whips Dawson but Dawson reverses. Jimmy slides to a stop to uppercut Dawson down! Tag to Jey and the Usos have Dawson in the corner. Jey hits a big forearm smash then snapmares to a cover, ONE. Jey wrenches Dawson’s arm but Dawson pulls hair. Dash tags in and Dawson whips, but Jey wrecks Dash. Dawson suplexes Jey down, Dash slingshots to splash! Cover, TWO!

Dash stomps Jey around then brings him up to bump off buckles. Dash chops then tags, and The Revival mug Jey in the corner! Dawson stalks Jey as fans boo and jeer. Dawson drags Jey up by his beard and then jams an elbow in. Dawson drops a leg, and elbow and a headbutt! Cover, TWO! Dawson keeps hold of Jey by an ear, then pulls on the beard. The ref counts, Dawson lets up to wrap on a chinlock. Jey endures as Dawson leans on him. Fans rally up and Jey fights his way up. Jey reaches but Dawson keeps him away from Jimmy. Jey throws Dawson off, Dawson kicks low and suplexes, but Jey slips out. Jey kicks but Dawson blocks, to spin Jey for the Dragon Whip! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Dawson and Jey crawl, hot tags to Dash and Jimmy!

Jimmy rallies on The Revival! Big uppercuts and mule kicks, then break it down for another uppercut! Samoan Drop! Jimmy fires up with the fans as he runs corner to corner, but Dash puts him on the apron. Jimmy ROCKS Dash then climbs up top. Flying crossbody! Cover, TWO! Dash flounders and Jimmy keeps his focus, but Dash deflects the superkick! Jimmy standing switches with Dash but Dawson helps Dash buck Jimmy off. Jimmy runs in but Dawson blocks the kick and Dash rolls Jimmy! TWO, and Dash kicks low. Tornado denied, tag to Jey! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Dawson runs in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Fans fire up again as Jey tags back to jimmy. Jimmy climbs up, Jey DIVES out onto Dawson! Jimmy USO SPLASH! Cover, Usos win!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall

The Uso Penitentiary is officially back, and the #TopGuys just keep falling down. Will Dash & Dawson be able to turn things around? Are the Usos on the way to a lucky number 7 tag title reign?

Backstage interview with The Revival.

They must be frustrated, but that doesn’t even cover it. If the WWE doesn’t want to make a change, then they will! This company cares about them about as much as it cares about tag team wrestling. But before they can say more, there’s a brawl between Lacey Evans and Bayley! It seems Lacey already took Sasha Banks down and so now Lacey is after the champ! Referees and security get Lacey away, but what does this mean for their match tonight?

Mandy Rose is excited for Sonya VS Alexa.

Plus, Sonya was so right, this is going to be the year of Fire & Desire. That’s the spirit. But speaking of this year, do you think Otis would want to be ringside with them? Yeah but Mandy is. Sonya wasn’t sure about this “Otis thing,” but seeing him show up to support Mandy, Sonya “got it.” Otis thing? What Otis thing? Why Mandy is being nice to him. Well, he’s sweet, but- It doesn’t matter to Sonya, but she just wants Mandy to ask Otis to be ringside. Mandy will ask, but he might not say yes. If Mandy asks, he will. Is Sonya trying to help a friend out?

Bayley and Sasha Banks are furious!

“GI Jane” had the nerve to attack them backstage! Bayley will make Lacey a Stay-at-home Mom! Sasha is fine, but Lacey doesn’t deserve this match. Sasha has been working hard to raise her stock. Mom, Marine, it doesn’t matter, because Bayley will break Lacey’s legs! When Adam Pearce walks over, he brings up that Sasha hasn’t had her match with Lacey. It’s not her fault! It doesn’t matter. The match is happening, but with Bayley instead! Bayley just talked about wanting payback, so here’s her chance. It will be non-title, but it is happening, and next. Bayley and Sasha both complain, but will they feel even worse when Lacey wins?

Bayley VS Lacey Evans!

The bell rings, and Bayley bails out! Lacey pursues and Bayley eggs her on. They go back into the ring and Bayley stomps Lacey down! The ref backs Bayley off but for only a moment, and Bayley throws big forearms. Bayley whips but Lacey comes back with a lariat! And then builds speed to tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Bayley bails out again, but Lacey wrecks her with a dropkick! Lacey drags Bayley up to bump her off the apron, and then again. Lacey puts Bayley in but Bayley shoulders out, only to get a knee. Lacey slingshots up and over to roll Bayley, ONE! Lacey cradle counters, ONE! Bayley trips Lacey and high stacks, but feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and the count doesn’t count.

Lacey goes at Bayley but gets drop toehold’d onto ropes! Bayley clobbers Lacey back down, then again. Bayley is seething as she throws big forearms against the ropes. Bayley bumps Lacey off buckles then shouts at Lacey fans to shut up. Bayley pulls Lacey back against ropes using her hair, then lets go at 4 to throw Lacey down. Cover, ONE, but Bayley keeps close. Bayley armlocks and grinds Lacey down, but fans rally up. Lacey gets up, throws hands, then runs, only for Bayley to elbow her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley stalks up behind Lacey to knock her down. Fans rally for Lacey but Bayley knocks her down again. Bayley mocks the fans but Lacey rolls her up! TOW, and Bayley throws big knees into Lacey’s ribs. Bayley throws Lacey tot he apron then mocks the fans again, but Lacey shoves her away. Lacey blocks a punch to give a punch! And then bump Bayley off buckles!

Lacey kicks Bayley hard, then slingshots in to rally with clotheslines! Lacey wrings Bayley’s arm out, then whips her to a corner. Bayley reverses but Lacey goes up and over, to then hip toss Bayley away! Big kick puts Bayley in the corner! Fans fire up as Lacey runs and swings, for the bronco buster! Lacey positions Bayley in a drop zone, then climbs up. Lacey fixes her hair and salutes, for the Sassiest Moonsault EVER onto boots! Lacey flops out of the ring and Bayley goes out after her. Bayley glares as she lines up a shot, to KNEE Lacey into barriers! Bad Bad Bayley is back in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Bayley drags Lacey up and stomps a mudhole into her. The ref backs Bayley off but Bayley goes back for more by ramming her shoulder in. Bayley backs off again, to somersault and wacky waving mock, only for Lacey to send Bayley into buckles! Lacey swings again but Bayley sees that coming. Bayley gets out, grabs at feet but Lacey kicks Bayley away. Lacey puts Bayley back in but Bayley gets her with the hotshot! Cover, TWO! Bayley rains down angry rights on Lacey and then throws hands from all sides! Bayley gets up and drags Lacey to her feet, SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Lacey lives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley drags Lacey up to put her back in a corner and ram her shoulder in again. Then the somersault to the back elbow! Bayley pushes Lacey down and hops up, to leap for a flying uppercut! Cover, TWO!

Bayley glares as she loom over Lacey. Fans rally up but Bayley knees Lacey down hard! Bayley climbs, crossbody FLOPS! Lacey runs corner to corner but Bayley flapjacks her onto buckles! Bayley runs but into the WOMAN’S RIGHT! Cover, Lacey wins!!

Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall

She pins the SmackDown Women’s Champion! The Sassy Southern Belle has a shortcut to the title! Will Lacey become champion on the Road to WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Chad Gable!

New correspondent Alyse Ashton asks Shorty G about Sheamus’ surprising and unprovoked attack. Why is Sheamus after Gable? Well Sheamus is projecting his insecurities. But he won’t get into Gable’s head with that spooky light and blindside attacks. Over the past few months, Gable learned that accepting yourself is already the hardest battle. Gable will teach Sheamus this personally. Sheamus is one of the most decorated athletes, and Sheamus comes by pulling the old “Where is the short guy” routine. Sheamus heard the squeaking but couldn’t see Gable until he was up close. “There’s an old Irish saying that goes, ‘Keep your breath to cool your porridge.'” Otherwise, Sheamus will Brogue kick Gable’s head off again. “Alright, lil’ fella?” That’s it! Gable tackles Sheamus right there!

Referees rush to break them up and Sheamus flounders to his feet. Sheamus vows vengeance on the “vermin” and flips a table. Will Sheamus exterminate Gable for that little scrap?

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman!

The Monster Among Men is excited for the Royal Rumble. It’s no surprise that he’s declaring for the match. But that’s in a week. He wants the Intercontinental Championship, and Shinsuke Nakamura’s “sidekick,” Sami Zayn, is keeping Braun from that title match. To be real, Braun has pinned Nakamura twice, so what else does he have to do? Whether it’s tonight, next week or at the Royal Rumble PPV, Braun wants his shot! Will Sami have no choice but to grant this request?

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter returns and he needs to be honest. “Over the last year, I learned a lot about myself.” While he realized he is the embodiment of the WWE, he realized he can’t do it alone. Elias admits, he needs us. For Elias to reach where he has to go, there needs to be a truth that rings out from every voice across the world. And surely Greensboro knows it. WWE stands for, “WALK WITH ELIAS!” Elias is fired up and wrote a song for Greensboro. Please, clap along. The fans oblige and Elias plays his guitar.

“I was walkin’ in Greensboro. You’ll never guess what I saw.” Well we won’t get to know, because Shinsuke Nakamura makes his entrance, along with Sami and Cesaro! And Sami has a mic to say, “Please, please. Elias, I’m sorry to interrupt your little sing-song, but the Great Liberator” has something more important. So everyone wanting to sing along need to shut up! There is serious business, because Braun says he wants a shot at the Intercontinental Championship! Sami will tell us something about Shinsuke Nakamura. “This great man does not back down from a fight. Not from anyone, anytime, any place!” So Strowman won’t need to wait. The answer is, “Absolutely NOT!” Fans boo but Sami tells the “stupid oaf” that he is in no position to demand anything! Sami calls the shots for his team! Which means his team dictate the terms! And nothing is happening, certainly not with the Royal Rumble coming.

Because another thing, the Royal Rumble match itself, Shinsuke won the Rumble match. So this is a message to Strowman and everyone on the WWE roster! They are all on notice! Sami made his point, Elias can go back to whatever thing he does. Elias has something to say to Sami, actually. While Sami spat a bunch of nonsense, Elias was multitasking, and while he listened to Sami, he composed a new song. It’s called, “Sami Zayn Needs to Shut His Damn Mouth.” Everyone, if you want to sing the chorus, it’s “Shinsuke Sucks!” Elias plays his guitar and the fans clap but Sami interrupts with his shouting and protesting. Fans boo as Sami shouts, “How dare you!” They think this is funny, huh?! Cesaro, go show Elias what happens to funny guys. The Swiss Cyborg rushes the ring and brawls with Elias!

Elias holds his own so here comes Shinsuke! But Elias throws hands on him, too! Sami adds on and finally gets Elias down! But BRAUN appears for the save! Sami again runs away so Strowman just runs Cesaro and Shinsuke over! Strowman clotheslines Cesaro out then corner splashes Shinsuke, to throw him out! The Monster Among Men stands tall again, but will he #GetTheseHands on the title?

Sonya Deville w/ Mandy Rose VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross!

Well it seems the Golden Goddess couldn’t convince Dozer to hang out ringside. But she’ll still support the Gladiator Gal to take on the sassy Goddess, who has her crazy best friend by her side. With the Women’s Rumble coming, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions still looking for contenders, will this go a long way towards momentum in both?

Oh wait! Heavy Machinery does head to ringside! Tucky and Otis are here to watch as the bell rings. Mandy rubs that in Alexa’s face but then gets away, and Sonya ROUNDHOUSES Alexa down! Sonya drags Alexa up to throw knees then runs to sliding knee Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Alexa with a thrashing chinlock. Alexa endures, fans rally up, and Alexa fights her way up. Alexa throws elbows and arm-drags Sonya away, but Sonya comes back, only to get a drop toehold! Sonya gets up and grabs Alexa’s hair. Alexa throws hands and SLAPS Sonya to then ROCK her with a right! And a dropkick!

Alexa stomps a mudhole into Sonya but backs off to kick and facelock. Mandy climbs up but Nikki knocks her down! Otis catches Mandy! Sonya is a bit shocked, but then Alexa rolls her up! Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Well that didn’t go the way Sonya hoped. She wanted Otis to be a distraction for her benefit, not Alexa’s! Otis feels a bit bad about that, but will he be able to make it up to Mandy?

Baron Corbin checks on Robert Roode.

The GLORIOUS “Knight in shining armor” came through for the King last week. Roman never saw that coming. And Roman putting Roode out for those six weeks, this revenge will be sweet! Roode puts Roman through a table and Corbin chooses the stipulation! Imagine the possibilities. Corbin wants a match to humiliate Roman and take him completely out of the Rumble! This will be a match where Roman will bow down. But that only happens if Roode wrecks Roman through a table. Then it will be absolutely… GLORIOUS.

BREAKING NEWS!

Bryan’s request has been granted! He and The Fiend won’t be able to run and hide, their Universal Championship match is now a STRAP MATCH! Plus, Shorty G will have his grudge match with Sheamus, and Lacey Evans will have her title shot at Bayley! What history will be made on top of the 2020 Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches?

Tables Match: Roman Reigns VS Robert Roode!

The Big Dog is keeping his plans secret while the Wolf King is so excited by the possibilities, he hasn’t even made a decision yet. But who will get their way at the Rumble by breaking wood with their opponent’s body?

But before Roman even reaches the ring, Roode attacks from behind! The bell rings and Roode stomps Roman against the apron! Roode is seething as he drags Roman up to throw him in the ring. Roode throws hands but Roman counter punches! And uppercuts! Roman whips, Roode reverses but Roman leaping lariats! Roman drags Roode up but Roode throws him out of the ring. Roode grabs Roman’s hair but Roman uppercuts Roode down! Roode flops to the apron and then the ground, and fans fire up as Roman eyes one of the tables nearby. Roman brings it around and sets it up, but Roode attacks from behind! Roode bumps Roman off steel steps, then brings him around. Roman stops the next bump to bump Roode off the steel steps!

Roman decides that any table counts as a table, so he clears off the announce desk! Roman drags Roode up but Roode rakes the eyes! Roode whips Roman into the steel steps! Roode huffs and puffs as he pulls out a table from under the ring. Roode puts that in the ring, but Roman hits a Drive-By dropkick! Roman watches Roode go to the timekeeper’s area, and fans rally as Roman lets out the wary cry! Roman gains speed going around the ring, and comes around to SPEAR and miss! Roman wrecks himself through barriers!! And here comes King Corbin! Corbin rides his palanquin out to watch Roman flounder in the wreckage while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more and Roode has Roman up top. Roode climbs up with a table set up nearby. Corbin shouts at Roode to finish this, but Roman resists the superplex! Roman fights back with headbutts! Roode and Roman wobble but Roman headbutts again. Roman slips under and lifts Roode, but Roode fights out of the bomb. Roode kicks low then drags Roman over, but Roman blocks the suplex to fireman’s carry! Roode fights out and pushes his table over for his own safety. But Roman throws Roode into the post! Fans rally for Roman as Roode flops to the floor. Roman clears some space and brings the one table back up. Roman puts that table in a corner, and fans rally up. Roman goes out to fetch Roode, and he leaps off the steel steps to SUPERMAN PUNCH!

Fans fire up more as Roman puts Roode back in the ring. Roman has his shot lined up, Roode slowly rises, and Roman lets out another war cry. Corbin distracts, Ziggler SUPERKICKS! The King’s Court beats down Roman as fans boo. Corbin drags Roman up, Ziggler finishes clearing the desk. They drag Roman out and over to the desk, and Roode goes up top. But here come the USOS! Roode leaps at them, into SUPERKICKS! SUPERKICKS for Ziggler and Corbin! Then the Usos double DIVE! They take out King and court, and hurry to help Roman! Roman gets in the ring, Ziggler is on the desk, and the Usos climb the barriers! They tightrope over to each other, to DOUBLE UCE on Ziggler through the announce table!!

Roman roars, aims at Roode, and SPEARS Roode through the table! Roman wins!!

Winner: Roman Reigns

The King’s Court could not conquer the Bloodline! Roman gets to choose his stipulation! “The Royal Rumble is in a baseball stadium, and that thing is huge.” Roman will whoop ass all over it! Because it will be FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE! Corbin takes his anger out on an innocent table, but will it be a home run in Houston for the Big Dog?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good episode with some good progress towards the Royal Rumble. Morrison VS Big E made for a great opener, and Morrison’s leap onto Kofi was a pretty crazy spot. Obviously there was no rust on Morrison as he’d been wrestling all over, from Lucha Underground to Impact Wrestling. And of course he wins, so that he and Miz can more than likely get a SmackDown Tag Team Championship for the Royal Rumble, if not Elimination Chamber. Usos VS Revival was a good match, too, but I’m wondering if their promo about WWE needing to take tag team wrestling serious will spur something for Elimination Chamber. Just on the four teams of New Day, Usos, Revival and Miz-Morrison, that’s a great tag title match right there.

I’m a little confused as to why we’re not getting Lacey VS Sasha as a 1v1 match. Is Sasha actually hurt so they had to quickly write that into kayfabe? Or are they saving it for after the Rumble? The story is going mostly how I expected, though, as Lacey is getting her SmackDown Women’s Championship match. I could see Sasha finally having her match with Lacey for the title, and then winning to become the second Grand Slam Champion in WWE history. But Lacey beating Bayley twice would be quite a big deal for Lacey. Lacey’s already been in programs involving each of the Four Horsewomen, her beating one for the title would be huge. Meanwhile, the story of Mandy and Otis is taking interesting turns. Apparently Sonya thinks Mandy is just using Otis, but Mandy is doing her best to defend that she might actually like Otis. I say again that with Valentine’s Day being a Friday, that has to be where this moves into another phase.

I really liked the scrap between Gable and Sheamus, where Gable gets the better of Sheamus. It’s a bit soon to make their first match part of a PPV, but perhaps there’s bigger things planned for the go-home SmackDown next week. And I really liked that Kane’s return wasn’t even for him, but to set up The Fiend for Bryan’s sake. I could hear some fans booing when Bryan ran Bray off, and I can understand them not wanting the Fiend to look weak, but this is actually going to be better for both guys. That Strap Match is going to be a lot of fun, but I feel like The Fiend will still win, assuming a SmackDown superstar wins the Rumble match. Strowman and Elias both had good segments with Team Sami, and it’d make Royal Rumble Weekend so much bigger if Strowman and Shinsuke have an amazing match on next week’s go-home, or even as part of the PPV.

The Table match having stakes behind it was actually a pretty good move. I was fearing that when the Usos teased an “Eat Dog Crap/Food” match, Corbin was going to steal that idea and make that the match. But in a really great and chaotic match, Roman wins and chooses the much better Falls Count Anywhere option. A match like that in a huge baseball stadium really will be a great match, but I’m not sure what is the better outcome: Roman wins that, then has a really great showing in Rumble; or Corbin wins, beating Roman up real bad, but Roman still shows up to have a great showing in the Rumble. Either one makes Roman look like he’s back to those “Super Roman Wins LOL” days but I feel like the general audience reaction won’t be negative anymore. Maybe.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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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!