Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (3/4/2020)

It’s Steel Cage Night at Full Sail!

Published

4 years ago

March 4, 2020

Steven Mitchell

NXT doubles down on the Steel Cage grudge matches!

Roderick Strong VS Velveteen Dream, Dakota Kai VS Tegan Nox. Two big grudges within NXT, and they’re both being settled inside a steel cage! Who walks out and who is left behind?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Steel Cage: Dakota Kai VS Tegan Nox; Kai wins.
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Shotzi Blackheart VS Chelsea Green w/ Robert Stone; wins and advances to the TakeOver: Tampa Ladder match.
Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS The Undisputed Era; The Undisputed Era wins.
Austin Theory VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott; Theory wins.
Steel Cage: Roderick Strong VS Velveteen Dream; Strong wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Steel Cage: Dakota Kai VS Tegan Nox!

This started at NXT TakeOver: WarGames III, and it escalated in Portland. “Captain Kota” and the Cardiff Comeback Kid kick things up to another level! Does the carnage conclude with the cage?

Raquel Gonzalez still accompanies Dakota to the ring despite the cage keeping her out of the ring. But will she still be a factor in this rematch?

The bell rings and fans are dueling already. Most of them are on Tegan’s side but that doesn’t matter to her and Dakota as they get face to face. Tegan starts throwing forearms! Dakota shoves and gives them back! Tegan gives Dakota a SPINE BUSTER and then some ground ‘n’ pound! Dakota pushes back but Tegan throws body shots and haymakers. Tegan brings Dakota up but Dakota shoves her at the steel. Tegan stops herself, then catches Dakota’s arms. She sweeps the legs then runs but Dakota avoids the Shiniest Wizard. Dakota grabs Tegan by the hair to throw, but Tegan stops herself again! Tegan scowls as she elbows Dakota away.

Tegan goes up top and leaps for a big crossbody! And then fast hands! Dakota can barely cover up as Tegan clubs away from all sides. Cover, ONE, and Tegan scowls at Dakota as she goes to a corner. Tegan back elbows Dakota in the corner then snapmares for a European Uppercut to the back! Cover, TWO! Tegan drags Dakota up but Dakota hits back. Fans rally and duel as Dakota brings Tegan up and bumps her off buckles. Dakota grinds her boot in and pushes her to the steel. She stomps Tegan down into the corner and Raquel applauds, but fans boo. Dakota digs a knee in and chokes Tegan on the ropes. Dakota stalks Tegan and bumps her off more buckles. And again! Cover, TWO!

Dakota grows frustrated as Tegan gets back up. Fans rally again but Dakota grinds her foot into Tegan. Raquel is there to taunt Tegan through the steel. Dakota drags Tegan up but Tegan throws body shots. Tegan hits a running EuroUpper in the corner! Cover, TWO! Tegan hits another EuroUpper then another, then another! The train keeps going, and Tegan hits a fourth! Dakota sits down, Tegan CANNONBALLS! Tegan drags Dakota up but Dakota throws Tegan into the steel! Fans cheer and boo as Tegan is down, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Dakota paces as she watches Tegan writhe. Dakota grinds her boot into Tegan again, pressing her into the steel. She lets up to then drag Tegan around to throw into the other wall! And grinds her boots in again! Raquel taunts Tegan right to her face until Tegan slips away. Dakota stalks Tegan and kicks her while she’s down. Cover, TWO, and Dakota is frustrated. Dakota rains down rights on Tegan over and over, then goes for a corner. Tegan anchors Dakota’s foot but Dakota knocks her away. Dakota brings Tegan up to throw into yet another wall of the cage! Dakota stomps and grinds Tegan down, but Tegan still anchors her foot. Tegan won’t let Dakota go to the door so Dakota stomps and clubs her more.

Dakota drags Tegan up but Tegan fights back! Tegan clubs Dakota down then flounders her way to the door! The door opens but Raquel is watching. Dakota hurries up to stomp and ax kick Tegan down! Dakota covers, TWO! #KingKota is getting frustrated, and she brings Tegan back up. Tegan blocks the fourth wall hitting, so Dakota LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tegan flounders but Dakota scuffs her face. Dakota keeps toying with Tegan but Tegan grabs the leg! Tegan rocks Dakota then scoops, but Dakota slips out to shove. Tegan drops down and Dakota sends herself flying into the steel! NXT returns as fans rally up again.

Tegan slowly stands and looms over Dakota. Now Tegan throws Dakota into steel! And again! And again! Tegan’s evened things up on that end and Raquel panics! Tegan stomps aaway on Dakota as fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” Raquel shouts at Tegan but Tegan shots back! Tegan glares and hits Dakota into steel with a EuroUpper! Fans chant “You Deserve It!” at Dakota as Tegan comes back around. Tegan snampares and covers, TWO! Tegan drags Dakota up and scoops for a Fall Away bridge! Cover, TWO!! Dakota survives and Raquel seethes, but Tegan heads for the door. Raquel is there again, and Dakota drags Tegan back. Scorpion Kick! Then KAI-ROPRACHTOR!! Cover, TWO!!

Fans cheer, Raquel is shocked and Dakota is furious! Dakota heads for the corner but Tegan grabs the knee brace! Tegan gets Dakota in a cradle, TWO! HEADBUTT! That rocks both women, and Tegan gets herself to ropes. Tegan climbs those, to then climb the cage! Raquel shouts at Dakota to get going but Tegan’s already up top! Dakota scrambles up and catches up to club Tegan back down! Tegan choke grips to SUPER CHOKE SLAM Dakota!! Raquel is freaking out as Tegan looks down at Dakota. Tegan hesitates on what to do next, and by the time she starts to climb, Dakota is back up! Dakota YANKS Tegan down to the mat!

Dakota KICKS Tegan against ropes, and again! She brings Tegan up to put in a corner and goes corner to corner, but Tegan follows to EuroUpper! Tegan runs corner to corner but Dakota goes Around the World to BOOT!! Dakota goes again but Tegan follows with another CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!! Dakota survives and Raquel is relieved, but Tegan climbs! Tegan reaches the top already, but Raquel dares her to join her. Tegan stands on the very top, to SUPER CROSSBODY DAKOTA!! Fans cheer for “NXT! NXT!” again as both women are down! Raquel shouts at Dakota to get up but Tegan crawls for the door. “This is Awesome!” as Raquel SLAMS the door closed! She even smothers the ref so he can’t do anything!

Tegan stares in shock at Raquel as the referees reprimand the Daughter of the Desperado. Dakota runs in but Tegan moves, the boot sends the door into Raquel!! Dakota’s leg is stuck on the rope long enough for Tegan to SHINIEST WIZARD! Cover, TWO!?! Dakota survives?! Tegan is shocked but fans say try “One More Time!” Dakota stirs and Tegan heads for the door! But Raquel is back! Raquel storms into the ring, grabs Tegan, but Tegan enziguris! The ref reprimands Raquel as she wobbles in the doorway. Tegan goes up the wall, reaches the top, and hurries down, but Dakota is climbing up! Dakota claws at Tegan’s hair to bring her back! Tegan BOOTS Dakota down!

Tegan sees Raquel is back up, and she’s dragging Dakota out! Dakota’s in the doorway so Tegan KICKS the DOOR! The door slams on Dakota’s leg!! Payback from WarGames! But then Raquel uses the door to trap Tegan!! Dakota scrambles out, Dakota wins!!

Winner: Dakota Kai, by escape

Raquel is ALWAYS a factor! Tegan would’ve won several times over if Dakota didn’t have her new sidekick. Is this feud far from over?

Finn Balor speaks.

“Chess has always been a game of actions and reactions.” Balor has always made the first move. But he thanks Imperium for last week. They’ve forced his hand. Walter is not going to like Balor’s reaction. “See you sooner than you think.”

NXT and Rhea Ripley visit Raymond James Stadium ahead of WrestleMania 36.

Home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now the XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers, this stadium will also be where the NXT Women’s Championship makes history by joining the WrestleMania card. The Aussie Nightmare feels honored to be part of such history. She takes a look around, and can’t get over the sheer size. She started wrestling in front of 50 people, maybe even less. A dream is coming true and it humbles Rhea. Rhea’s dream has been to help others, but she had to first help herself find who she was.

When Rhea first came to WWE, people were all saying that she was a lot like Charlotte Flair. So since then, she made sure she would stand out differently from Charlotte. Ric Flair would say, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” aka to be the best, you must beat the best. Charlotte is certainly one of the best, and while Rhea doesn’t know what’ll happen, she knows Tampa will erupt seeing that match. Rhea vows to beat the best to become the best, but will the Riptide fail to capsize the Queen?

NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Shotzi Blackheart VS Chelsea Green w/ Robert Stone!

When NXT takes over Tampa, there will be a major ladder match to determine a challenger for the winner of Ripley VS Flair! But while Shotzi wants to #TCB, Take Care o’ Business, the Robert Stone Brand’s top (and only) client wants to prove she is the new face of the women’s division. Who punches their ticket for Tampa here tonight?

The bell rings and Shotzi ties up with Green. Green waistlocks but Shotzi bucks her off. Shotzi kicks but Green blocks it, only for Shotzi to use it to roll Green down, Shotzi gets the leg but Green pushes her away. Fans sing as Shotzi trips Green and grabs both legs. Shotzi shouts out Jeff Hardy with the leg splitting leg drop! Shotzi runs, Green ducks down, and things speed up. Green Japanese arm-drags Shotzi but Shotzi does a normal arm-drag. Shotzi runs and shouts out Mark Andrews with the slide under to then enziguri Green down! Green is on the ropes, Shotzi runs, but Green moves as Shotzi jumps! Shotzi ends up on the ropes and Green gives her a draping backstabber! Cover, TWO!

Green drags Shotzi up as fans rally, and Shotzi throws body shots. Green whips and back elbows then forearms Shotzi. Shotzi dodges the next shot but not the boot! Cover, TWO! Green drags Shotzi up again but Shotzi pushes out to fire off strikes! Shotzi rocks Green to a corner then hoists her up top. Shotzi climbs up but Green pushes her down! Green leaps to missile dropkick! Shotzi ends up on the apron and Green heads over to drag her through the ropes. Green brings Shotzi around, underhooks for the UNPRETTIER! Or as she calls it, the “I’M PRETTIER!” Cover, Green wins!

Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall (advances to the NXT TakeOver: Tampa Ladder match)

The Hot Commodity is bringing the Robert Stone Brand to Tampa! Will she make the brand a contender in the near future?

NXT receives another cryptic message.

A clock, the desert, vultures and crows. A road sign that says “THE END IS NEAR.” Explosions, an eclipse and the apocalypse. Who or what is coming to NXT?

Keith Lee is here!

The NXT North American Champion returns, with the list of contenders already filling back up just a few weeks after TakeOver: Portland. Fans sing for Keith as he gets himself a mic. “Greetings and salutations, you are now conversing with the Limitless One, Keith Lee.” And ever since he became the North American Champion, many men have invoked his name. The one that wants to fight forever, Dominik Dijakovick. The one that wants to live forever, Damien Priest. Keith gives Priest some credit for taking the initiative against Dijakovic, but- Wait, here comes Cameron Grimes! The Carolina Caveman has his own mic as he swaggers down the ramp.

“You don’t need to be talkin’ about Priest. And you don’t need to be talkin’ about Dijakovic.” Keith needs to talk about Cameron Grimes. Fans troll Grimes with chants of, “No One Likes You!” But Grimes points out how he caved in Dijakovic’s chest last week. Did Keith not see that? It took Keith 20 minutes to beat Dijakovic, didn’t it? Fans boo but Keith has them calm down so he can speak. “Well done, you’ve made the gravest mistake of your career.” Grimes speaks up about that time comparison. Fans boo more but Grimes soaks it up. Keith has the fans quiet down but Grimes just riles them up again. Keith gets what Grimes is pointing out but why is Grimes here now?

Grimes says some would say that the TakeOver match was a five-star match. But William Regal gave Grimes a shot at Keith and the North American Championship. Everyone will realize that this is Grime Time! But Keith pushes Grimes out of the ring! If Grimes wants his match, one star, five star, and everywhere in between, then it’ll be an equal opportunity ass whooping! Will Grimes be made to #BaskInHisGlory? Or can he pull off a shocking upset this close to WrestleMania Weekend?

NXT Media caught up with Austin Theory earlier today.

Austin Theory says it’s crazy to think how he’s one of the greatest in history already. At 22, he pushed a former NXT Champion to the limits. They might as well start rewriting the history books now! The North American Championship, the tag team championships, and- Isaiah “Swerve” Scott came over, laughing at how Theory thinks he’s the greatest already. “Boy, you only got about four matches in you.” But confidence is good. Swerve has confidence, too. How about Swerve and the young “GOAT” go 1v1? Theory tells Swerve to go ask Regal about that.

The Undisputed Era huddles up backstage.

Adam Cole tells reDRagon are going to “teach Oney and Danny a freakin’ lesson.” Then Roderick Strong ends the Velveteen Dream once and for all! Tonight is the Undisputed Era’s night! But will that really be the case?

Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch VS The Undisputed Era!

The BritAm Brawlers have had incredible encounters with Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish before, such as TakeOver: Chicago a few years ago. But will this be another barn burner on the way to Tampa and the Broserweights?

The teams sort out and Fish starts against Oney. Oney and Fish circle and tie up. Fish waistlocks but Oney pries free as fans rally and duel. Oney CHOPS but Fish throws a forearm. Oney CHOPS again, so Fish kicks. They go back and forth now, CHOP for kick. Oney throws EuroUppers and rocks Fish, but Fish back elbows Burch! Kyle shouts at Oney but gets rocked for it! Kyle and Fish regroup as Burch and Oney do the same. Fans want to see a fight! Fish forearms Burch, Oney CHOPS Fish, but Kyle blocks a kick for Fish to sweep the legs. Burch ROCKS Kyle with that right, but Kyle kicks from the mat. Fish knees Burch down, but Oney unleashes CHOPS on reDRagon!

Kyle grabs an arm, Fish body shots, but Burch saves Oney from the double suplex. Burch HEADBUTTS Kyle ad Oney EuroUppers Fish. The Undisputed Era regroups as fans duel. Oney goes out to DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! Full Sail is fired up with the Fury of 205 as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Fish throws forearms on Oney. Oney feeds off them to power up! Fans fire up with Oney as he CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Fish! Fish knees back then snapmares Oney. Fish slingshots out then in but drops onto knees! Fans rally as Oney and Fish head for their corners. Fish tags Kyle and Kyle anchors Oney! Oney still makes the tag! The Governah rallies with fast hands on Kyle! And EuroUppers! Burch whips to clothesline and snapmare and cutter! Fans fire up as Kyle flounders about. Burch storms over but is sent out. Kyle tags Fish and Fish goes after Burch. Burch ROCKS Fish and enziguris Kyle. Burch gets in to throw hands on Kyle, but Fish runs Burch over with an elbow!

Fish drags Burch up and puts him in the Undisputed Corner to throw body shots. Tag to Kyle and Kyle adds his kicks and knees. Kyle snapmares to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Burch reaches for Oney but Kyle stays between them. Burch throws body shots and jabs but Kyle fires off knees and kicks again! Kyle tags Fish and Fish drags Burch up for forearms. Fish throws hands at the ropes and then brings Burch up for kicks to the legs. Fish drags Burch up but Burch throws hands back. A knee and a sweep to the leg brings Burch down, and Fish tags Kyle. Kyle digs a knee into Burch then grounds ‘n’ pounds. He brings Burch up but Burch rocks him with a right! Fish reels Burch in and Kyle rams into Burch!

Tag to Fish and Fish mule kicks Burch. Fans duel as Fish brings Burch around for a snapmare to chinlock. Fish grinds Burch down but Burch endures. Burch fights his way up as fans rally. Burch throws body shots but fish knees low. Tag to Kyle and Kyle stomps Burch down before he reaches Oney. Kyle knees away but Burch throws forearms. Kyle gives the forearms back and they brawl! Burch rocks Kyle but Kyle trips him up! Burch can’t kick Kyle away but he heads for Oney all the same. Kyle reels Burch in for a big back suplex! Tag to Fish and Fish brings Burch up for a boot, Burch DECKS Fish on the return! Both men are down, crawling for their corners, and Fish tags Kyle.

Kyle hurries to anchor Burch, then reels him back in. Kyle tries another back suplex, but Burch makes it a crossbody! Both men flounder about, Burch ducks a boot to tag in Oney! Oney CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Then runs to EuroUpper! Fish gets in to get CHOPS and CHOPS! Kyle grabs Oney but Oney standing switches, HALF ‘N’ HALF! EuroUpper for Fish! Blockbuster for Kyle! Oney rocks Fish off the apron and then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on reDRagon! Oney drags Fish up and in then adds Kyle. The Undisputed Era end up in opposite corners and Oney powers up. Fans rally as Oney begins the back elbow train! But he runs into TOTAL ANNIHILATION!! Cover, the Undisputed Era wins!

Winners: The Undusputed Era, by pinfall

Oney was running hot but got shut right down! The Undisputed Era get mics real quick. “Well, Bobby, I really love to win. It feels good to be back in our winning ways. But something feels weird.” Something’s wrong and Kyle can’t put his finger on it. Fish agrees, something’s missing. Where are the NXT Tag Team Championships? Fish remembers that those titles are with “some undeserving makeshift tag team, the Loserweights!” But guess what? Their patience has run thin! Adam Cole is taking care of business, Roddy Strong will shut the Dream’s mouth, and then- “Bro…!”

Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne are here! And bro, if reDRagon wants their rematch, Stallion Riddle is down. Stallion Pete is down. The stallions in the crowd are down! And the most majestic stallion of them all, William Regal, will want to see- But wait! The Grizzled Young Veterans blindside the Broserweights! Zack Gibson and James Drake throw Dunne down then mug Matt! Gibson throws Riddle into railing and then the GYV eye the titles. Gibson picks up a mic and shouts, “Listen up, dweebs! I could not care LESS about your rematch clause!” The GYV are not going to wait for Regal to chime in! As far as the NXT Tag Team Championships go, it is out with the old, and in with the GRIZZLED Young Veterans, SOON to be recognized as the world’s number one! Are Gibson and Drake making themselves the #1 contenders?

Austin Theory VS Isaiah “Swerve” Scott!

Two men who have both evolved in their careers clash in NXT! Will Theory prove himself the greatest #AllDay? Or will he be realize that Full Sail is Swerve’s House?

The bell rings and fans are strongly behind Swerve. Swerve and Theory tie up, go around and Swerve wristlocks. Theory tries to chinbar but Swerve traps the arm and spins around to get a headlock. Theory pries out to a facelock then shifts to a headlock. Swerve powers out but Theory runs him over! Theory talks smack as Swerve gets back up. They circle and tie up again, and Swerve goes back to the wristlock. Swerve wrenches but Theory knees low and whips. Swerve reverses, Theory stops himself in the corner. Theory throws a back elbow but Swerve blocks it to waistlock and O’Conner rolls. Theory rolls through but Swerve goes Eddie Gordo to headscissor!

Fans fire up as Swerve dodges strikes to give strikes and dropkicks Theory to a corner! Theory runs back but into a lift! Swerve puts him in a corner, wrenches again, but Theory pulls hair. The ref reprimands but Theory clubs Swerve on the back. Swerve jumping sobats Theory down! Fans are fired up again as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Theory has Swerve in a clinch. Swerve throws body shots and CHOPS Theory back! Swerve runs in but misses his back elbow as Theory goes to the apron. Theory slingshots for a somersault shotgun dropkick! Theory grins as he covers, TWO! Swerve checks his chin and fans rally up but Theory kicks him while he’s down. Theory pushes Swerve around then slaps him in the corner. Theory chops Swerve then taunts Swerve in his face. Fans duel with “All Day!” “Not Today!” as Swerve pushes Theory back. Theory kicks but Swerve throws hands. The two start brawling fast and furious! Swerve ROCKS Theory then discus LARIATS!

Fans fire up as Swerve runs and uppercuts Theory! Swerve snapmares then hits the FLYING EuroUpper! Swerve gives sharp Yes Kicks to Theory and more as Theory stands! Kick after kick against the ropes then a whip, but Theory rolls. Swerve rolls to leap and COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Swerve grows frustrated. Swerve refocuses as he drags Theory back up. Swerve full nelsons but Theory resists. Theory trips Swerve up but Swerve kangaroo kicks! The huricanrana is blocked by Theory’s strength! Theory BUCKLE BOMBS Swerve! And then reels him in, crosses the legs, RP1 BRAINBUSTER! The figure four ushigoroshi hits, Theory covers, TWO!! Swerve survives and frustrates Theory.

Theory drags Swerve up again and underhooks. He pump handles and flips Swerve but Swerve slips out of Ataxia! Swerve bobs ‘n’ weaves but Theory back elbows hard! Theory reels Swerve in, Swerve frees himself to ROCK Theory back! Theory goes to the apron, Swerve runs corner to corner, but gets ROCKED with a left! Swerve staggers and Theory slingshots, the rolling thunder gets caught into an ARMBAR! Short Arm Scissor! Theory flails, endures, moves around but now it’s a triangle. Theory dead lifts but not for long, so he gets a ropebreak. Swerve won’t let go and has Theory’s other arm trapped! Shout out to the days at the Temple, with the ARM SNAPPER! Theory flails and writhes to the apron but Swerve shows no mercy!

Swerve stalks up to Theory, drags him over to the corner and brings him up. Theory claws Swerve’s face with his good eyes then sweeps the legs! Theory fireman’s carries Swerve, ATL TKO!! Cover, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

The Austin Theory Launch, the shout out to Atlanta, Georgia, brought Theory his first victory in NXT! Will this help Theory rocket into the stratosphere?

NXT shares Mauro Ranallo’s exclusive interview with Johnny Gargano.

Johnny Gargano himself requested the interview, and so he and Mauro sat in the WWE Performance Center just this afternoon. Mauro respects Gargano but wants to talk Portland and the attack on Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa said he knows why, but the rest of the world does not. Can Gargano explain his actions?

“You want to know why, Mauro?” Does everyone remember that Gargano was the only one to show up at the red carpet premiere of Mauro’s documentary? That meant more to Mauro than Gargano will ever know. Gargano knows Mauro has a very important job in NXT. Mauro helps tell the stories. Mauro helps tell the world about everyone here. So who is Gargano? Mauro knows. “Johnny Wrestling. More heart than Valentine’s Day. Someone check that man’s DNA.” Gargano loves those lines. But is that all Gargano is? With all due respect, it isn’t about what Mauro thinks, but why Gargano did this. Why all the sneak attacks? Sneak attacks?! What sneak attacks!? “I looked that man in the eyes, okay?!” Gargano stared Ciampa in the eyes and saw what he needed to see.

Same goes for last week. That was no sneak attack when Gargano was wearing his powder blue sports coat! Mauro appreciates Gargano’s emotion, given what Gargano and Ciampa have been through. Gargano says that no one knows anything about them! No one knows what Gargano has actually been through, or what he’s seen, or what he’s felt. That’s why they’re talking. We all want to know. You want to know?! Fine, ask your questions. Mauro wants Gargano to have the opportunity to answer the very simple question: “Why?” Everyone knows why. Gargano gets in Mauro’s face about it, but calms down.

Gargano insists we all know why, but admitting to it would make Mauro a liar. Is he a liar?! No? Have they spoken since Portland? Did Mauro reach out to Gargano? NO. And it didn’t stop Mauro from calling him “Johnny Turncoat” on air, either! Mauro says it was in the moment. Oh everything’s about moments now, huh!? What about Gargano’s moment?! Mauro thinks he knows about Gargano but he doesn’t! Ciampa returns and fans chant, “Daddy’s Home!” Gargano wants Mauro to apologize for being a liar! Mauro backs out of the interview. What’s wrong?! No quips, Mauro!? Gargano takes the camera to say that if Ciampa knows why, then next week, they do things Gargano’s way. Just what more went down between the former friends for things to reach this point?

NXT brings out the gold next week!

We already know of Keith Lee VS Cameron Grimes for the NXT North American Championship, but there’s one more match made! William Regal gives reDRagon their rematch against the Broserweights! Who will end the night with the championships?

Steel Cage: Roderick Strong VS Velveteen Dream!

The Undisputed Era took things to a new level when they tried to break the Experience for good. But then the Experience escalated things when he used Strong’s wife and child as a way to toy with him. Now things have reached the point where the #StrongDreamRematch needs to be contained inside a cage! Will this be the end of the story? And who will have the happy ending?

NXT returns as Dream makes his entrance, followed by Strong’s. The moment Strong is in the ring, the brawl is on! The bell rings as Dream clubs away on Strong’s back, and then Strong trips Dream up. They brawl on the mat and end up in a corner as Dream has the ground ‘n’ pound. Strong gets up to club and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Dream hits back and they keep brawling all around. Dream throws Strong but Strong keeps himself from hitting steel. Strong decks Dream then whips him at the cage. Dream uses that to get up and climb! Strong grabs the legs, Dream ax handles him down! Strong flounders to a corner but Dream throws haymakers.

Dream whips Strong corner to corner hard as fans rally and duel. Strong gets up but Dream fireman’s carries. Strong fights out and throws big forearms and elbows. Dream clobbers Strong back then boots him! Strong is on the ropes, Dream runs in but Strong sends Dream into steel! Dream writhes on the mat as Strong storms over. Strong rains down hands then drags Dream back up. Strong puts Dream in a corner to CHOP and CHOP again. Dream hits back with more haymakers but Strong ROCKS him! Strong back suplexes Dream high and hard then takes off the shirt to throw it at Dream. Strong drags Dream up to CHOP again! “You did this! YOU did this!” Dream leans on the ropes as Strong unleashes the endless forearms!

Strong runs side to side and back again, hitting Dream each time he passes! Dream manages to turn Strong’s momentum into the steel! Strong comes back but Dream back drops Strong into the wall! Both men are down but Marina Shafir appears! She feeds Strong a kendo stick! The ref reprimands Marina but Strong takes the weapon for his own as NXT goes picture in picture.

Strong uses the kendo stick to stand up and then he hobbles over. Dream ducks the swing to ROCK Strong with a right hand! Strong clubs Dream back but Dream pushes him away. Dream uses the stick to SMACK Strong on the back, then the front! Then the back again! Strong backs off, begging for mercy, but Dream swivels his hips at him. Strong kicks Dream low! Dream falls and Strong clubs Dream down with haymakers! Dream flounders around, Strong ROCKS him over the ropes! Strong brings Dream up to push him into the steel then punch and throw him. Strong drags Dream back up to put on the top rope. He climbs up to push Dream through the gap and then JAM him!

Dream sways up top but Strong drags Dream back. Strong clubs Dream into the Tree of Woe to then stomp away! Strong climbs up and over Dream to start climbing up! He is almost at the top, swivels at Dream, then continues up. But Dream sits up and LOW BLOWS! NXT returns to single picture as Dream moves aside for Strong to flop down. Strong crawls as Dream adjusts and stands up. Dream poses before leaping, but he catches a boot! Dream turns Strong for the Boston Crab! Strong endures, has the ropes but ropebreaks don’t work here! Dream makes Strong suffer but Strong turns and pries free. Strong gets Dream now and wants the Strong Hold! Dream holds the ropes for as long as he can but Strong stands on him to complete the turn!

Dream endures, comes so close to tapping, but he turns Strong around to sit on a cover! TWO and Dream hits ropes. Dream still lifts Strong, but Strong holds the ropes. Dream dumps Strong down to dropkick him into steel! Fans rally and duel again as Dream dropkicks Strong more! Dream fakes Strong out to then SUPERKICK Strong down! Strong sputters as Dream shouts for the door! Dream hurries over, but Strong yanks him into the steel! Strong grabs the kendo stick but walks into a mule kick! Dream has the stick but walks into a boot! And enziguri! Strong uses the stick as part of a pump handle for a BACKBREAKER!

Dream writhes as Strong staggers about. Strong climbs the steel again but Dream hurries after! Dream pantses Strong! Dream climbs up but Strong rams him into the steel! Strong and Dream wobble up top, and they start brawling! Body shots and haymakers, but Dream rakes Strong’s eyes! Dream climbs up, Strong grabs at him, and hits a SUPER OLYMPIC SLAM!! Both men land hard and fans rally up. Strong crawls over to cover, TWO!! Dream still lives and Strong is furious! Strong crawls towards the door but Dream gives chase. Dream drags Strong away and leap frogs, but Strong drags him back! Strong leaps to get to the door but Dream hurries after him! They fight at the doorway and Strong elbows Dream away. But he walks into DREAM VALLEY!

Dream gets Strong back up, ANOTHER Dream Valley Driver! Dream flounders to a corner, climbs up top, then the very top of the cage. But here comes the rest of the Undisputed era! They have weapons, Dream has to jumps back down! Dream grabs the kendo stick to SMACK Fish as he climbs up the steel! Dream hurries to stop Kyle on the corner, and smashes Kyle off the steel! SUPERKICK sends Kyle down! But Cole has gotten in, only for Dream to THROW him down! Strong heads for the door! Dream hurries after Strong, grabs his pants, but then realizes he has Adam Cole all to himself. He shoves Strong out!!

Winner: Roderick Strong, by escape

Strong wins but Dream locks himself in with the NXT Champion! He has a bigger target in mind now! Dream and Cole brawl! Dream throws Cole into the steel, sending Kyle down! Then into Fish! Strong is climbing up again but Dream SMACKS him down! Dream SMACKS Cole then SMACKS away on Strong! FLYING KENDO ATTACK on Cole! Dream takes the chair Fish brought, blocks Cole’s kick and then catapults Cole into Strong! Strong is in a Tree of Woe, DREAM VALLEY DRIVER onto the chair for Adam Cole!! Dream sacrificed the battle for a chance at winning the war! Dream picks up the NXT Championship, shows it off to strong, and then gives Cole a BELT SHOT! Will the Experience take over NXT and end the Undisputed Era’s prophecy?

My Thoughts:

This was a really good episode right here! The Steel Cages book-ending the episode was very logical, even if it kinda takes the drama away from one story by having it parallel the other. They at least did a good job of making things different enough between the two matches, though not completely. As I’ve said before, steel cage matches are very cliche by now, especially in the WWE. Raquel was of course a factor for Dakota VS Tegan, so this story is going to continue towards Tampa. Chances are someone will join Tegan’s side, and probably Candice LeRae since she’s almost always lumped into other stories. Dream VS Strong was great because it now leads us to Dream VS Cole for the NXT Championship. The build alone is going to be great for NXT this month.

Next week will also be great with the two title matches. Grimes gets his shot now because he’s definitely not winning. Tampa is definitely going to have Lee VS Priest, possibly even a Triple Threat with Dijakovic involved. The rematch of Broserweights VS reDRagon is going to be great, too, but I feel like Grizzled Young Veterans gets involved. O’Reilly & Fish got their win against Lorcan & Burch so that they can lose next week, and then we get Broserweights VS GYV for Tampa. At the same time, NXT has always done great by the Tag Team Division for the big TakeOvers, so we could easily get a Triple Threat here, too. Rhea’s promo with her visiting Raymond James Stadium was good hype for the NXT Women’s Championship, but it’s still too early to say who wins there.

Theory VS Swerve was a great “filler” match, and it was amazing for Theory to get his first NXT win here. Gargano’s interview promo was perfectly passionate and scary, it really adds something new to the DIY Civil War. Shotzi VS Green was a really good qualifier for the Tampa contender’s match. I can’t wait to see who else the put in that match, though I sense we’ll be seeing some usual suspects, such as Mia Yim or Xia Li. I hope we get the return of Io Shirai to NXT TV, it’d go a long way to assuring us she’s sticking around. At the same time, with Toni Storm no longer able to challenge for the NXT UK Women’s Championship while Kay Lee Ray is champion, I’d love to see her make a big splash in this match. Either way, that match is going to be a lot of fun.

My Score: 9.1/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

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!