Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/24/20)

The last SmackDown before the Royal Rumble!

Published

4 years ago

January 27, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Time to strap in and take off!

Before blasting off in Houston, SmackDown lays down the law in Dallas! Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt make their Strap Match official!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns & The Usos VS Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode; Reigns & The Usos win.
Bliss-Cross VS Fire & Desire; No Contest.
Elias & Braun Strowman VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro w/ Sami Zayn; Elias & Strowman win.
Kofi Kingston w/ Big E VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns & The Usos VS Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode!

SmackDown just went from zero to 60 in six seconds! That’s because six men with a lot of history and animosity are starting us off with a main event level match! Will the Samoan Bloodline overthrow the tyrannical Wolf King? Or will they be forced to bow down before the Royal Rumble?

Tensions run high but the trios sort out. Fans boo Corbin as he holds up his scepter but Roman glares at him the entire time. We start with Jey and Ziggler, and they tie up. Ziggler puts Jey in a corner but lets up at the ref’s count. Ziggler gets a cheap shot elbow in and then headlocks. Jey headlocks back but Ziggler powers out. Jey runs Ziggler over with a shoulder and Dallas fires up! Jey CHOPS Ziggler towards the corner and tags in brother Jimmy. The Usos work together to double elbow and elbow drop on Ziggler. Cover, TWO! Ziggler scrambles away to the King’s corner and tags in Roode. The GLORIOUS One circles with Jimmy and tie up. Jimmy wristlocks and wrenches but Roode pulls hair.

Roode knees Jimmy in the corner and stomps him down. Fans rally with “UCE! SO!” but Roode keeps on Jimmy. Jimmy uppercuts and CHOPS back! And again! Jimmy whips corner to corner but Roode puts Jimmy on the apron. Jimmy has a fall but then Ziggler RAMS him into steel steps! That was almost a ZigZag into the steel! The ref restores order, and Jimmy’s knee seems to be the real injury. Medics hurry out to check on Jimmy while Roman and Jey stay close. Roman and Jey want them to check his head as much as they do his leg, but the main thing is, Jimmy is now out of the match. Fans cheer in encouragement, but it seems this Six Man just became a Handicap match. We’ll see more after the break.

SmackDown returns and it does seem to be 3v2 now as Ziggler grapples with Roman. Fans rally for Roman ash e puts Ziggler on the ropes. Roman lets up and Ziggler takes advantage with a kick! Ziggler throws haymakers but Roman counter punches! Roman drags Ziggler up to tag in Jey. The Bloodline mugs with headbutts then Jey cravats to a snapmare. Jey runs to drop a falling headbutt! Cover, TWO! Jey keeps focus as Ziggler gets to ropes again. Ziggler elbows back then brings Jey to the corner. Tag to Corbin, and the Wolf King mugs Jey with body shots. Fans boo but Corbin tells them to shush. Corbin throws big hands but Jey throws uppercuts! Jey rocks Corbin to a corner then runs in to whip. Corbin reverses but Jey stops himself. Corbin slides out then in, but Jey ducks the lariat to uppercut again!

Jey heads up top and leaps, but Corbin gets under. Jey rolls, but turns around into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Roman is right in Corbin’s face. The ref backs Roman down, this has to wait until Roman’s legal. Corbin drags Jey up and over to throw out of the ring. Fans rally for Roman as Corbin talks trash. This keeps everyone distracted from Ziggler’s cheap shots on Jey. Corbin tags Roode and Roode rams Jey into the LED apron! Roode puts Jey in then keeps between him and Roman. Roode stomps Jey’s hands then turns him around for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps on Jey as fans rally, and Ziggler tags in. Roode-Dolph mug Jey and stomp him down, then Ziggler jumps to drop an elbow. Cover, TWO!

Ziggler keeps Jey away from Roman and tags in Corbin. The mugging continues as Corbin drives elbows into Jey’s shoulders. Tag to Roode and Ziggler applauds while fans shout, “Corbin Sucks!” Roode whips Jey into the corner but Jey uses that to hit the King and his court! Jey kicks, Roode blocks, but the dragon whip comes around! Both men are down and Dallas is thunderous! Jey crawls but Corbin is lurking! Corbin trips Roman before the tag! And then rams Roman into steel steps and barriers, and even dumps him into the crowd! The Bloodline is in danger as we go to break.

SmackDown returns again as Corbin and court keep Jey isolated. They have Jey in the ring and fans boo hard as ever. Corbin whips Jey corner to corner but Jey reverses to send Corbin into the post! Both men are down now but Roman is still recovering. Ziggler and Roode coach Corbin on as he crawls, but fans go nuts as Roman returns! Corbin grabs Jey, but Jey still makes the tag! Corbin tags right out to Ziggler, but Roman runs roughshod over Ziggler and Roode! Roman whips, Ziggler reverses, but Roman hits a leaping lariat! Fans are fired up as Roman gives Ziggler the point-blank corner clotheslines! Roman goes all the way to 10 and then runs to BOOT Ziggler down! Roman goes to a corner and hears the fans getting even louder. Roman aims at Ziggler, locks ‘n’ loads, but Roode gets in to distract. Corbin attacks Roman from behind!

SUPERKICK from Ziggler! Cover, TWO!! Roman lives and Corbin is furious! Ziggler is freaking out, too, but he quickly refocuses to bring Roman up and throw him out. Ziggler distracts the ref so that Roode and Corbin can stomp away! The King and his court get away with that one, and Ziggler goes out to fetch Roman. Ziggler drags Roman up and puts him back in the ring, and then drops another elbow. Cover, TWO! Roman still lives, but Ziggler rakes his eyes! Tag to Corbin and Corbin stomps Roman down. Corbin drags Roman up and knees low, then runs to DECK Roman with that right hand. Corbin mocks Roman’s posing as fans boo and jeer. Corbin then rains down rights on Roman over and over and over.

The ref reprimands Corbin but Corbin tags out to Roode. Roode winds it up, “GLORIOUS~!” Roode kicks, but Roman rolls him up! TWO and a dead lift for a POWERBOMB! And Jey has returned! Roman and Roode crawl for their corners as fans rally up. But now Ziggler trips Jey to deny the tag and throw him into barriers! And then back the other way! And then across the desk! Roode tags to Corbin as Ziggler flips the desk hood on Jey. Corbin throws big hands on Roman, then body shots in the corner. The ref backs Corbin off but Corbin says not to touch him. Tag to Ziggler and Ziggler smiles as he brings Roman up and out for a neckbreaker. Cover, TWO! But Roman surviving only means taking more damage.

Ziggler backs off to tune up the band. Fans boo and jeer because Ziggler’s no Heartbreak Kid. Roman rises, Ziggler comes over, SUPERMAN PUNCH instead! Corbin and Roode can’t believe this! And more than that, here comes JIMMY! Bad leg or not, Jimmy wants back in! Hot tags and Jimmy rallies on Roode! Mule kick, uppercut and Samoan Drop! Fans are fired up and the “UCE! OH!” echoes out. Jimmy uppercuts then DIVES onto Corbin! Corbin goes over the desk and Jimmy hits Roode again. Uppercut for Ziggler, Jimmy climbs up, big crossbody! Cover, but Corbin gets in to break it just in time! Corbin reels Jimmy in but Jimmy escapes, SUPERMAN PUNCH for Corbin! Roman wants after Corbin now, and he gets to throw BIG uppercuts!

Roman keeps on Corbin all around the ring and throws him out into the crowd! Falls Count Anywhere comes a few days early with this! Roman throws a trash can into Corbin! Roode is still down in the ring as Roman beats down Corbin in front of the fans. They end up going by the stage and to the back. Jimmy uses his one good leg to climb, but Ziggler anchors it. Jimmy shoves Ziggler away, Jey LEAPS from the desk! Ziggler is down but Roode climbs up to intercept Jimmy! Jimmy headbutts Roode away and adjusts, for the USO SPLASH! Cover, the Usos and Roman win!!

Winners: Roman Reigns & The Usos, Jimmy Uso pinning

The Bloodline has this on lock down! The court got put in the Uso Penitentiary, but will Roman put Corbin in the dog house in Houston? Where in the arena will that match even end?!

WWE Backstage is going to be huge in Miami!

Not only with the entirety of The New Day be there with Renee Young and Booker T, but so will Roman Reigns! Will the Big Dog be feeling #GOODT after the Royal Rumble?

Michael Cole welcomes Lacey Evans to the stage!

The Sassy Southern Belle is here ahead of her SmackDown Women’s Championship match with Bayley in Houston, and fans are happy to see her. To look back at how this all started, Lacey simply questioned the leadership tactics of Bayley and Sasha Banks. But why did she do that? Lacey says it’s because they’re just bullies disrespecting the other women. Lacey learned early on to stand up, not be intimidated, and that’s what she did. Michael was able to talk with Lacey more about her “rough upbringing” growing up. Is that one of the reasons Lacey challenges the bullies? Lacey does admit that her upbringing wasn’t the best. Her father suffered and worked hard against addiction and depression and eventually lost that battle. That is something that Lacey deals with and uses as motivation to show the world that it doesn’t matter what hand you were dealt. You can play the game and do what you want in life.

And Lacey isn’t done by far. The hardest part of being in this position is knowing what the bullies are doing, what this world is coming to, and knowing that she has even this chance to set a proper example. She made it, there is nothing that you can’t do if you set your mind to it. That is why Lacey joined the Marines to prove part of her message, and then she eventually came to the WWE. One thing about Bayley and Sasha that Lacey must keep in mind: questioning their leadership, becoming champion would mean being the leader herself. What kind of leader will Lacey be? An inspirational one that pushes through and accomplish goals. Lacey will show not what she’s been through but what everyone else has been through doesn’t hold you back.

Lacey also sets an example for daughter, Summer Evans, who is also a fighter. We now review footage of about a month ago, Sasha VS Lacey, and it spilled to the outside, right in front of the Evans family. Summer shouted at Sasha and even growled, but Sasha mocked her for it. Lacey seeing that for herself, she is angry. But she is proud that Summer stood up to a bully. That was very brave. What others didn’t see is when later, Lacey had to comfort her crying daughter that this is her job. Sasha took advantage of having Summer nearby, and Summer is so worried for her mother. Lacey put Sasha on the shelf, and she’ll put Bayley- Bayley attacks Lacey first! The bad bad bully is pulled away by referees but Bayley mocks her, “Where’s your daughter now?!” Lacey gets up with teeth grit and eyes burning. Will Lacey make Bayley pay in interest for that one?

Backstage interview with Carmella and Dana Brooke!

The FABULOUS Princess and Ms. Flex Appeal are both declaring for the Women’s Royal Rumble. “It’s time to rumble, baby!” They’re ready, and Mella is the odds on favorite. After all, she did win the Women’s WrestleMania Battle Royal, and she is the original Ms. Money in the Bank to also successfully cash in and become champion. So don’t get it twisted, #MellaIsMoney. But Dana points out that everyone knows her Wikipedia. This year, every woman has a chance to swing for the fences. Friend VS friend, foe VS foe, every woman for herself. Dana may be a huge underdog, but she knows her worth and what she’ll have to do to win.

Wait, Lacey is after Bayley already! She’s throwing her off equipment trunks and then into ladders! Security hurries over, and even Dana and Carmella stop Lacey. But then Lacey takes off a shoe and uses it on Bayley! SmackDown goes to break, but will the chaos end?

Bliss-Cross VS Fire & Desire!

The Goddess and her crazy bestie got the better of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, and that was even with Otis Dozovic there to save his “sweet peach” from certain disaster. But now that things are going to be 2v2, will Alexa and Nikki keep things rolling? Or will Mandy and Sonya make big moves towards the Women’s Rumble?

Before the match, SmackDown shares a moment between Mandy and Sonya backstage. Mandy apologized to Sonya for the distractions, but Sonya lets it slide. It was silly to have gotten Otis involved. In the end, their team is Fire & Desire, not Fire & Desire & Dozer. That’d be weird. But anyway, things seemed to have been smoothed over. Will they stay that way?

The teams sort out and Alexa starts against Sonya. They circle, tie up, and Sonya waistlocks to slam Alexa down. But wait, Bayley and Lacey run down the ramp!? This is getting out of hand! They spill into the ring and get caught up in the match!

No Contest

Alexa and Nikki fight on Lacey’s side while Fire & Desire do what they can to help Bayley! This might even be what the Women’s Rumble looks like. Bayley decks Alexa and bails out, but the referees have to separate the others. Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” as Alexa and Nikki catch up to Bayley. Order is restored somehow, but will it just take off again once we’re in Houston?

Elias encounters Braun Strowman backstage.

The Drifter and the Monster Among Men are a duo to take on Team Sami, up next!

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

“Brothers and Sisters, the Royal Rumble is upon us.” Thirty men enter, only one can win. That one faces the World or Universal Champion at WrestleMania. Elias vows to put his heart and soul into winning, so he has just one question for Dallas: “Who wants to Walk With Elias?!” Dallas does! Elias has a song titled Texas Dream, so please clap along.

“This year’s Rumble, starts with The Beast. Luckily for you, it’ll end with me. So good-bye Seth, Messiah you ain’t. Good-bye, Randy Orton, Rey and Ricochet. Before this next part, I need someone to help me sing. So please welcome the Monster Among Men to the ring!” BRAUN makes his way out now, and Elias makes it clear that it is every man for himself. Strowman wasn’t ready for this, but Elias felt it’d be a special treat to do a duet. Dallas, do you want to hear Strowman sing with Elias? “YES! YES! YES!” Well there you have it. So Elias offers Strowman his mic. Neither man is one to disappoint the fans, so Strowman gives it a go. Elias plays and Strowman counts himself in. But then Team Sami interrupts!

Elias & Braun Strowman VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro w/ Sami Zayn!

The Monster will #WalkWithElias as they both look to get their hands on Team Sami! Will one man also earn himself that sought after WWE Intercontinental Championship match while they’re at it?

The teams sort out and Cesaro ties up with Elias. Elias headlocks, shifts to a hammerlock, but Cesaro reverses to then rabbit punch Elias in the head. Cesaro throws European Uppercuts and haymakers, then whips Elias to the ropes. Elias blocks the hip toss to scoop and long dart Cesaro into buckles! Elias clotheslines and fans fire up. Elias wrenches Cesaro and then goes to the corner. Elias starts his rendition of Old School, with the METEORA mix! Elias brings Cesaro up but Cesaro whips him to the corner. Elias hits Shinsuke and then throws forearms, but Shinsuke gets in. This distracts so that Sami can swipe at Elias and Cesaro and LARIAT him! Cesaro throws Elias out and distracts the ref so that Shinsuke can ROUNDHOUSE Elias! Strowman runs in to run Shinsuke over! Sami goes running for the hills as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Cesaro grind Elias down in a chinlock. Elias fights his way up but is put in the Team Sami corner. Elias boots Cesaro back then elbows Shinsuke. Elias fights more but Cesaro whips him back in. Elias goes up and boots Cesaro back! Both men are down and crawling for their corners, but Cesaro drags Elias away. Elias boots Cesaro away but Shinsuke tags in! Shinsuke clobbers Elias and taunts Strowman. Cesaro gets in and BOOTS Strowman down! But then Elias throws Cesaro out! Elias ducks one kick but not Shinsuke’s second! Shinsuke aims from the corner, “YAO~!” But Elias KNEES Shinsuke down first! Both men are down again, and Strowman returns! Hot tag to the Monster Among Men!

Strowman rallies with big shoulders and elbows to run Shinsuke and Cesaro over! Shin is in a corner, Strowman corner splashes! And TOSSES Shinsuke to the other corner, for another corner splash! Then Strowman CLUBS Shinsuke down! Fans fire up with Strowman and Sami panics. Strowman runs in but misses, Shinsuke roundhouses! Shinsuke hops up, flying knee! Tag to Cesaro and Cesaro cravats Strowman. Together, Team Sami throws Strowman into a post! And then hits a Double Russian Leg Sweep! Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO! Strowman survives but Cesaro hits a basement EuroUpper! Cover, TWO! Sami protests but it’s really just a distraction so Shinsuke can fetch a chair! But Elias comes running around the way to push Shinsuke into a post! Elias hits Cesaro, Strowman scoops Cesaro for the MONSTER SLAM!

Tag to Elias, and he goes up top for the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Elias and Strowman win!

Winners: Elias & Braun Strowman, Elias pinning

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win! The Drifter gets some momentum into the Rumble, but will it help him when The Beast will be present? And will Strowman ever get that title match with the King of Strong Style?

Big E oils up!

And a lot… He even has an oiling assistant get his legs! Kofi Kingston can’t even. But Kofi knows Big E’s motto: “If ya boy is greasy, eliminating can’t be easy!” Big E hugs his oil boy bye, but then says he realizes the Rumble is Sunday. Tonight is about Kofi going 1v1 with John Morrison! AKA the Prince of Parkour who thinks he can back flip to where he was 8 years ago. It’s one thing to make a big return, that’s easy. It’s another thing to back it up. And backing up what one does is the expertise of who? Who who who? The NEW~ DAY~! They’ve been backing up their tag title reigns, and after handling some bidness, it’s on to Houston! Kofi loves this time of year, he is excited for the countdown! It don’t matter what number the New Day comes out, the Power of Positivity is on their side! Time to climb that mountain one more time together. And do it for ya boy, Xavier Woods! Why? BECAUSE~ New! Day Rocks!

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin!

The Wolf King insists he is not concerned losing in the Six Man Tag. He went toe-to-toe with Roman out there and didn’t back down. What is Kayla Braxton doing Sunday? Probably asking more stupid questions. What is Corbin doing Sunday? Facing Roman in Falls Count Anywhere where he will embarrass Roman with the beating of a lifetime. Corbin will use every inch of Minute Maid Park, and will make that handcuffing and dog-food smearing look like child’s play. “Roman Reigns will not make the Royal Rumble match.” But Corbin will, and vows to win to then crown himself the NEW Universal Champion.

SmackDown runs The Royal Rumble by the numbers.

“The prize: a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania. The challenge: outlasting 29 other superstars, eliminating your opponents by tossing them over the top rope so that both feet hit the floor.” Success lies in the numbers. In the 32 years, from 1988 to tonight, 1070 total competitors have entered. That is 6596 FEET. The longest spent in a single rumble for the men was Daniel Bryan at one hour and 16 minutes, while the women has Natalya at just over 56 minutes. The most important thing about a Rumble is to do everything you have to in order to survive. A literal highlight reel of Naomi, John Morrison and Kofi Kingston shows you just how creative one can be to avoid the floor like lava. Others just have a hard time getting into the ring. Santino Marella was the one-second wonder, and Titus O’Neil was Titus World SLIDE~!

But Houston’s Minute Maid Park will host a historic Rumble in itself. Because for the first time ever, the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, The Beast, BRRROCK, LESNARRR will enter as number one. Back in 2003, Lesnar won the Rumble as just a rookie. Now he is a veteran and dominant as ever. Only seven have won multiple Rumbles, with Stone Cold Steve Austin being the only one with three. Furthermore, entering as number one has very slim odds of winning it all. Will Lesnar turn Houston into Suplex City? Or will this most competitive field to date change that? Three brands, two matches, one night. Time’s up. Are you ready to rumble?

Sheamus speaks.

“Three weeks ago, the Celtic Warrior returned to SmackDown to exterminate the disease spreading vermin that have infested my home.” Chad Gable was the loudest little rat he could find, and he Brogue kicked Shorty G upside-down. But that sneaky rodent bit back. To Gable, Sheamus says, “Good for you, little fella.” Enjoy yourself while you can. Because Sunday, Sheamus won’t make the same mistake. This Sunday, Sheamus finishes what he started. “And like a rat out of hell”, Gable will be gone before the morning comes.

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

AWWWWW~ Dallas~! Don’t you dare be sour! Watch two of the greatest Rumble acrobats compete just days before entering that iconic match! Will there be iconic moments from both men on Sunday? What about iconic moments here tonight?

SmackDown returns as Morrison and Miz make their awesome entrances. Miz has a mic to speak on last week. Morrison made his in-ring return after being away from the WWE for 8 long years. How did the fans celebrate it? High-five? Blow off the roof like they would for everyone else? No, they booed. Miz doesn’t get why. Is it because Morrison is still associated with The Miz, and that The Miz has changed? Miz says he hasn’t changed, he’s still himself. Just watch Miz & Mrs. have its season two premiere after NXT! It is a winner, Miz is a winner, Morrison is a winner! Morrison will keep winning, and could even win the Rumble because “WE are officially entering the Royal Rumble.” So whether it is the Prince of Parkour of the Most Must-See Superstar, Houston will be… AWESOME! As awesome as Miz makes it sound, will this match be positively awesome?

The bell rings and Morrison circles with Kofi. They tie up, Morrison puts Kofi in the corner and then gives him a shove. Kofi shoves back, and Morrison swings hands. Kofi blocks,s wings kicks and avoids kicks. The fans like the exchange as the two tie up again. They go around, Morrison puts Kofi in a corner and whips him corner to corner. Morrison runs in, monkey flips, but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi grins and runs back in, monkey flips and Morrison FLOPS! Miz says that’s okay, just a misstep. Kofi whips, Morrison stops himself and then sends Kofi out. Morrison builds speed to FLY! Kofi gets out of the way and Morrison manages to combat roll through. Kofi bounces and lifts off to senton onto Morrison! Fans fire up with Kofi as he puts Morrison back in the ring. Miz gets up close as he coaches Morrison, and Morrison shoves Kofi into the post! Tensions run high as we go to break.

SmackDown returns again and fans rally for the New Day as Kofi kicks back at Morrison. Kofi gets up but Morrison is on him with EuroUppers. Morrison whips Kofi corner to corner, then runs in. Kofi slips out to kick back then slide under. Kofi sunset flips but Morrison slips out to Shining Wizard hard! Morrison goes up, Starship Pain FLOP! Kofi gets to the apron and climbs up as fans rally again. Morrison stands, Kofi’s springboard ax handle takes him down! Kofi rallies with big chops and a dropkick! Kofi runs but into a mule kick. Morrison whips Kofi corner to corner but Kofi goes up, up and around to huricanrana! Morrison gets up and runs into Kofi’s DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his cool and Big E coaches him up. Kofi Penalty Kicks Morrison and then fires up! Dallas fire sup with him and the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop!

Kofi goes to a corner and fans fire up even more. They clap along with Kofi as he aims at Morrison. Morrison rises, ducks under and HEEL KICKS the Trouble in Paradise down! Cover, TWO!! Morrison came so close and Miz insists that was three. Morrison drags Kofi back up and around, but Kofi swings on him. Morrison ducks the punch to put Kofi up top. Morrison throws big hands and climbs up, but Kofi hits back. Kofi headbutts Morrison down and Morrison tumbles into the ref! Miz checks on the ref, or rather distracts him, so that Morrison can poke Kofi in the eyes! Morrison then climbs up for a SUPER SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives and Miz can’t believe it! Fans rally for Kofi but Morrison kicks him while he’s down.

Morrison throws more hands to wobble Kofi as fans start to duel. Kofi catches Morrison, SOS! Cover, TWO!! Morrison survives and shocks Kofi now! Kofi stalks Morrison but Morrison trips him up. Morrison high stack covers, and uses the ropes! But Big E stops that just in time! Kofi KICKS Morrison right from the mat! Miz shoves Big E! Big E glares and chases Miz around the way, then Kofi gives Miz Trouble in Paradise! But Morrison clobbers Kofi into the drop zone! STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

That’s a 2-0 sweep for the Shaman of Sexy over the seven-time tag team champions! Will this earn Morrison and Miz an awesome SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity as we head for WrestleMania?

Michael Cole presides over the Universal Championship contract signing!

The special stipulation that Daniel Bryan himself wanted is a Strap Match! There will be a literal leather strap tying champion and challenger together, and there will be no disqualifications or count-outs, only a pinfall or submission ends the match. First out, the challenger, Daniel Bryan. Dallas is happy to see the Yes Movement return! And of course, we now welcome the champion, Bray Wyatt. But first, Firefly Fun House! Bray is apparently trying to fax something. He realizes he’s a bit late. He’s trying to send the final copy of the contract, but it’s so hard getting this thing to work. Welp, maybe this is a blessing in disguise? Why would Bryan willing tie himself to “him?” It’s MADNESS. But Bray calls customer service real quick.

Yes, hello. Yes, English or Ancient Sumerian please. Bryan interrupts the call by saying Bray needs to “cut the crap.” Bray is sick, but he can at least show up to sign the contract. That’s not nice, Bryan. Bray is not sick. He’s never been better! As for Bryan’s request, Bray’s attorney, Mercy the Buzzard (yes he has his license) has advised Bray to stay in the Fun House. Enough! Bryan finally sees through the charades and the games, Bray living in his fantasy world. But Bray just runs away from everything. From his past, his mistakes, but now there will be nowhere to run because the strap will tie them together. There’s nowhere to run or hide. Wait, mistake? YOWIE WOWIE, that was the word of the day! YAY~! Because this is all about Bryan’s mistakes, not Bray’s. Bryan never did learn his lesson from that betrayal. Bryan is a liar, and now he will pay. One other thing, it won’t be Bray, it’ll be him. So he should sign the contract.

That’s right! The lights go out, and when they return… IT’S THE FIEND! Red lights and all! The Fiend takes the other end of the strap, and the brawl is on! The Fiend uses the Mandible Claw to smother Bryan! The Fiend yells and shouts as he suffocates Bryan, then hits SISTER ABIGAIL. The Fiend rips at Bryan’s shirt and bares Bryan’s back. The Fiend measures a length of the strap to LASH Bryan on that back! This is what Bryan chose, and now he’s paying for it! The Fiend laughs as he unties himself from Bryan so that he can sign the contract. But then he thinks about it, and doesn’t want to use the pen. He STABS his own hand to draw blood!! This contract is now a blood oath that they will settle things with the strap. Fans chant, “You’ve Got Issues!” but The Fiend sets the contract down by Bryan’s side before disappearing. Will Bryan regret making this deal with the demented? Or will Bryan finally help us all wake up from this nightmare?

My Thoughts:

This was a really good go-home episode! And with very few matches. The Six Man Tag was an incredible way to open the episode, and I really like that use of Jimmy “injuring” his leg to come back at the right moment. While I want this rivalry to end with Corbin and Roman, I would love if Roman and the Usos stuck together more closely after this. The Bloodline should have its own opportunity to be a golden trio with the tag titles and I’m going to assume the Universal title. Corbin does good at talking some post-loss smack, so I’m thinking he loses at the Rumble to further humiliate him. But please, let it end there. Please no Dog Food Match, I can’t stress that enough. Lacey’s promo was pretty good, again this Face turn is as I was expecting her to go in NXT. Bayley’s attack and the brawl was great. It got in the way of the women’s tag but that actually made it better, because that’s just how much Bayley and Lacey hate each other.

I really liked the tag match of Elias & Strowman VS Team Sami. Letting Elias get the cover works, because it keeps Strowman and Nakamura even. I just hope we get that Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber, not Super Showdown. I can’t see this stretching to Mania, that’s too long from now. The New Day had a great promo, Morrison VS Kofi as the main event match was great, and it doesn’t seem we’re getting the tag title match at the Rumble. I hope we get it at the Chamber, because again, Mania is just too far away. There needs to be one match now, and then maybe they can bring it to Mania in a rematch or something. The title contract segment was great, because of the swerve. Granted, it seemed pretty obvious The Fiend was going to be the persona defending the title, but The Fiend appearing and beating Bryan up like that was good. The blood signing was freaky but perfectly within The Fiend’s character. That Strap Match is going to be brutal, I can’t wait.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

12 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!