Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/27/20)

SmackDown, #LetHimIn

Published

4 years ago

March 27, 2020

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown speeds up towards WrestleMania!

WrestleMania will go on! Either The New Day or the Usos will challenge The Miz & John Morrison for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Drew Gulak w/ Daniel Bryan VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ The Artist Collective; Gulak wins and Bryan will challenge Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.
Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross VS Asuka; Bliss wins.
From WrestleMania 32 – WWE World Championship: Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon VS Roman Reigns.
SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s match: The New Day VS The Usos; No Contest, BOTH teams will challenge The Miz & John Morrison for the titles for WrestleMania.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sasha Banks and Bayley open tonight’s SmackDown!

The Legit Boss and the Role Model are going to be in a now Fatal 5 Way Elimination Match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Paige made the announcement for this match last week, but as a Six Pack Challenge. Sadly, Dana Brooke must bow out because she is quarantined. But Bayley and Sasha know they have just a week left before the special WrestleMania that is “too big for one night.” A two-night WrestleMania and the best of the best will be on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Lives can change and dreams can come true, but this year is a nightmare! “Sad, irrelevant, pathetic Paige” is jealous of the year Bayley has had, and is forcing these two best friends into the same match! How is that fair? It’s not.

Paige thinks she’s so slick for putting them in the same match. That plan will backfire! They’re best friends that are better together like peanut butter and jelly. But before Sasha can respond to Bayley, Lacey Evans appears! The Sassy Southern Belle is also in the Fatal 5 and she joins these two in the ring now. “Bayley, your mouth is about as big as my hat is.” And she can’t seem to keep it shut. Sasha can barely get a word in. Bayley has a word for Lacey: LOSER! Sasha says Lacey should go preach to her bratty little kid. Unless she’s ashamed of mommy always losing. Hah, good one. But Lacey says Mania will be a nightmare. Sasha won’t be able to say anything about Lacey’s daughter with a broken jaw from The Woman’s Right. And Bayley will finally learn the lesson in respect she’s needed.

But wait! Here comes Naomi! The Glow gets another shot after that Super Showdown controversy. Naomi does agree with Lacey about handling these two. Bayley knows what she did at Super Showdown, and that’s some unfinished business. And while Sasha is glaring at Naomi all stank, Naoim will snatch her bald to become the three-time champion! The Glow will shine in the spotlight again! Bayley is not about to have another night of constant interruptions and people saying their piece. But wait! Here comes Tamina! The Daughter of Superfly makes a huge return with this golden opportunity, but she does have something to say tonight. “Actions speak louder than words.” And so she HEADBUTTS Naomi and SUPERKICKS Lacey!

Bayley and Sasha sneak past Tamina to go after Naomi, but they mistake that for being on Tamina’s side. They back up into her, and Tamina glares at the two “locker room leaders.” Bayley and Sasha bail with the belt, but are they cowering in fear from the future SmackDown Women’s Champion?

Drew Gulak w/ Daniel Bryan VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ The Artist Collective!

Sami Zayn claims the Philly Stretcher is a “nobody” that is holding The Goat back. But the bet was made that if Gulak can beat the King of Strong Style, then the WWE Intercontinental Championship will be on the line! Can Gulak get a huge win to send Bryan to WrestleMania?

The bell rings and Sami joins Michael Cole on commentary. Gulak and Nakamura stare down as Bryan rallies up. The two feel out the grapple and Nakamura throws in knees. Nakamura facelocks and brings Gulak down for knees tot he shoulders and head! Nakamura drops a knee then digs his boot into Gulak for a standing Bad Vibrations! Gulak gets away but Nakamura pushes him in a corner. Nakamura stomps and whips Gulak corner to corner. But Gulak comes back with a shotgun dropkick! Bryan is fired up as Gulak throws haymakers on Nakamura at the ropes. Gulak stomps Nakamura over and over and Sami protests. The ref pulls Gulak off and Cesaro gets Nakamura out of the ring. The ref reprimands Cesaro but keeps Gulak back.

Gulak goes out to fetch Nakamura but Nakamura sweeps the legs! Nakamura brings Gulak to the announce desk to throw kicks! Sami cheers Nakamura as he puts Gulak in the ring. Sami praises Nakamura but Gulak gets Nakamura’s leg! Dragon screw in the ropes! Gulak gives Nakamura another! Nakamura crawls to a corner but Gulak stomps the leg. Cesaro protests and the ref counts, but Gulak backs off. Sami is upset but Nakamura dodges to roundhouse Gulak back! Nakamura hops up, flying knee! Cover, TWO! Bryan coaches and rallies for Gulak as Nakamura brings Gulak up. Nakamura has a facelock and squeezes tight. Gulak pries the hold apart but Nakamura thrusts in another knee! Nakamura turns Gulak around for another facelock but Gulak throws body shots.

Nakamura fires off a strike fest to ROCK Gulak back! Then he gives Gulak a gourd buster! The jacket unzips and Nakamura aims from the corner, but Bryan saves Gulak! Gulak rolls Nakamura up to a prawn hold, GULAK WINS!!

Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall (Daniel Bryan WILL challenge Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship)

Sami is furious but that’s because his team got a taste of their own medicine. Now Sami has to put up or shut up against Bryan during WrestleMania Weekend! Will Sami be the one to learn a lesson in just over a week?

SmackDown returns to Dolph Ziggler backstage.

The Show-Off talks with someone about Otis’s rampage last week. Ziggler says it was “pathetic,” but deserved. Wait, more glitching. But Ziggler says Otis creeping all over Mandy Rose is so sad. Wait, here comes Otis AND Tucker! Heavy Machinery is ready to run Ziggler over, but referees and security rush to stop them! Ziggler taunts Otis that he has some more pictures Otis can see, so long as he’s over 18! Otis calls Ziggler a dirt bag, and wants just one shot at him. Ziggler says they can end “all this crap” with the world watching. Ziggler will have his girl, Mandy, in his corner… at WrestleMania! Otis accepts! The rage is still raging, but will it all come to an end when Otis and Ziggler finally have it out 1v1?

Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Full Sail’s perch and speaks on Gronk giving him a match with Baron Corbin. Before that night, Elias has a new song dedicated to the Wolf King, “Kingdom of Fools.” Clap along and don’t worry about neighbors, because they’ll be clapping to. Without further ado, Elias starts playing and sings his new hit.

“WrestleMania~. It’s too big for one night~. After I destroy Corbin, he’s gonna see the light. At WrestleMania, the chances of Corbin winning are narrow. So bring your medieval costume and a bow ‘n’ arrow.” There’s a quick Photoshop of Corbin with an arrow through his head like a jester. “I stocked up on toilet paper in these times of distress~. And I stamped your face on every roll, I must confess.” Baron Corbin the toilet paper! “That may seem harsh, but it’s the least of what you deserved. Your throne’s a toilet, and Corbin, you are a turd~!” Yes, Corbin’s a turd. Elias thanks the “capacity crowd” but then Corbin attacks!

Corbin stomps Elias on the newly repaired perch (NXT fans know about that) and shouts, “You want to embarrass me, huh?!” Corbin has his scepter and dares Elias to stand. Elias does, and Corbin SMASHES him with said scepter! Elias dangles on the edge, and Corbin boots one hand off. The Drifter wobbles but regains his grip, so Corbin boots the other hand! Elias holds on as best he can, but Corbin SMASHES him in the head!! Elias hits the floor with a thud and referees hurry over. Has the Wolf King just cancelled his Mania match with Elias?

Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross VS Asuka!

The Goddess called out the Kabuki Warriors as “hiding” on Raw with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. But Asuka responded with a sneak attack to cost Bliss-Cross a match. Now the ball is in Alexa’s court. Will she score a win to get her and Nikki back on track towards the tag titles? Or will the Empress ensure she and the Pirate Princess get to take WrestleMania Weekend off?

Nikki joins Michael Cole on commentary and gives him a huge hug, not worried about social distancing. The bell rings and Asuka laughs already. Alexa is thrown off by that but Nikki is just too excited. Asuka swipes but Alexa gets clear and gives a big smile. Asuka mocks that smile, then laughs more. The two circle, Asuka rushes Alexa but Alexa gets her for a waistlock. Asuka pries free but Alexa throws a forearm, which only infuriates Asuka. Alexa throws more forearms but Asuka fires up more. Alexa runs but dodges Asuka as she follows, and dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO! Nikki is excitedly punching her own hand, showing how she and Alexa are gonna do that to the Kabuki Warriors.

Alexa headlocks Asuka but Asuka pulls Alexa’s hair to power out. Asuka runs Alexa over with a shoulder then mocks Nikki with a dance. Nikki cheers Alexa but Asuka brings her up. Alexa reverses the whip but Asuka goes up and over. Alexa ROCKS Asuka with aright, then mocks Asuka back. Asuka is upset again and talks trash in Japanese. Alexa parrots Asuka’s words, then KICKS her in the arm! That’s the bad arm Shayna Baszler hurt in the Elimination Chamber. Alexa runs but Asuka catches the dropkick to then drag Alexa out! Asuka throws Alexa HARD into steel steps, arm first! The Empress and Goddess are even now as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Asuka has Alexa down in an armlock. Alexa endures and Nikki rallies for her. Nikki gets Cole to chant “Lexi! Lexi!” Alexa fights up but Asuka kicks her legs out! Asuka fires off fast hands and a mule kick! Alexa ends up on the apron and Asuka runs, but the hip attack misses! Alexa kicks Asuka back down and Nikki is fired up enough for the whole arena! Asuka joins Alexa on the apron and they start brawling. They go forearm for forearm but Asuka back kicks again. Asuka grins as she prepares, but Alexa wrings her arm out onto the apron! Alexa and Asuka both clutch their arms as Alexa gets back in the ring. Cover, TWO!! With no arms, that was bound to happen.

Asuka fires up and drags Alexa up but Alexa YANKS the bad arm. This only angers Asuka more but she runs right into Alexa’s kick! Alexa baits Asuka into a corner and sends her into buckles! Nikki shouts, “That’s what you get!” Asuka gets up but Alexa rallies with rights! And a basement dropkick! Alexa grits her teeth as she drops knees, Insult 2- No! Asuka mores and Alexa knees the mat. Asuka bails out bu both women are clutching arms. Alexa pursues but Asuka gets to the apron. Alexa trips Asuka up and then rams her into the LED! She puts Asuka in then covers, TWO!! Asuka still lives but Alexa tries again, TWO! Nikki is upset and pesters Cole about it.

Alexa drags Asuka up and works out the bad arm. But Asuka spins her, and chicken wings that arm! Alexa resists the lock and rams Asuka into buckles! Alexa snapmares but Asuka rolls with her, only to get a DDT! Cover, Alexa wins!!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Nikki explodes with excitement! She hugs Cole, then she hurries in to hug Alexa! Is this Bliss-Cross getting one step closer to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?

SmackDown hears from The Usos.

“It wouldn’t be the Road to WrestleMania if The Usos and the New Day didn’t battle it out at least one more time.” Two big teams, huge stakes! The winners go after the SmackDown Tag Team Champions! #UsoCrazy with the #Lockdown! Beef or truce, the Uce got the juice! Another pair of seven-time champs are coming! Will WrestleMania be put in the Uso Penitentiary?

From WrestleMania 32 – WWE World Championship: Triple H w/ Stephanie McMahon VS Roman Reigns!

As The Big Dog prepares for his WWE Universal Championship match with Goldberg, SmackDown relives when he and The Game went toe-to-toe in Texas for a different world title!

Stephanie McMahon gives the King of Kings an epic introduction for his entrance, while fans greet Roman with mixed emotions. The fireworks fly, the official introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this battle a long time coming finally begins!

Roman and HHH circle as fans rally and duel. They tie up, HHH headlocks and gets the takeover. HHH grinds Roman down but Roman gets up, so HHH goes around to hammerlock. HHH slaps Roman around to the liking of the crowd but Roman powers out and runs HHH over. Fans don’t like that, but things speed up. HHH goes to hip toss but Roman blocks. Roman goes to hip toss but HHH blocks, knees low and hip tosses Roman up and out of the ring! Fans cheer as Roman hits the floor but boo as he gets right up. HHH taunts Roman by holding the ropes open. Roman brushes that off and takes his time returning to the ring. Fans taunt Roman with “Roman Sucks!” as he gets back in.

Roman and HHH stare down and circle again. They tie up, HHH grabs the arm and wrenches to a wristlock. HHH yanks on the arm then wrenches again, to a shoulder breaker. HHH goes again but Roman ROCKS him with a right! Fans boo as HHH staggers to the corner. Roman mocks HHH and DX with a “SUCK IT!” chop! HHH can’t believe the audacity, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Roman is stuck on the top rope. HHH climbs up a corner and LEAPS, but into an UPPERCUT! Fans boo as Roman catches his breath and HHH crawls to the far side. HHH runs back over but into a back elbow. Roman BOOTS HHH down! Fans boo as HHH goes to another corner. Roman runs in for the corner clothesline! HHH staggers but BOOTS Roman back! HHH runs but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Steph glares as she coaches HHH up. HHH slowly gets up and fans rally as he goes to a corner. Roman locks ‘n’ loads and takes aim. Roman runs, but HHH bails out to avoid the Superman Punch. But Roman goes out the side and goes around the way, to LEAP off the steel steps! A LEAPING LARIAT takes HHH down!

Some fans of Roman’s cheer as he drags HHH up to throw into steel steps! Roman brings HHH back up to throw into the other steel steps. Steph shouts for HHH as he crawls around the corner. Roman brings HHH up into the ring but HHH bails out the side. Roman goes out but HHH throws him into steps now! HHH drags Roman up to throw over the announce desk! Steph checks on HHH as he staggers away. But Roman comes and SPEARS HHH through the barriers!! Fans lose their minds as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Roman and HHH are back in the ring. Roman gets up in the corner and lets out the battle cry. He runs at HHH but HHH kicks him back! HHH underhooks but Roman back drops HHH out of the ring! Roman catches his breath while Steph checks on HHH. Roman sees them go around the way, and builds speed, but HHH ROCKS him first! HHH gets in but Roman SPEARS! Cover, but Steph drags the ref out! The ref reprimands her then gets back in to count, TWO! HHH survives thanks to his queen! Steph gets mad at the ref now and she gets in the ring. They argue but the ref tries to reason with her that the match is still happening. HHH slowly stands up, Roman runs in, and SPEARS Steph!!

Fans lose their minds as HHH kicks Roman, and hits the PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!?! Roman survives and no one can believe it! HHH and Roman stir while Steph flops out of the ring. Fans rally up as HHH drags Roman up by his hair. HHH throws a haymaker, Roman uppercuts! HHH kicks low then runs, to knee smash! Roman staggers, rebounds and SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Fans boo Roman as he rises up again. HHH slowly gets to the opposite corner but Roman fires himself up. Roman runs but into a KNEE! Both men are down again, HHH crawls to a cover, TWO! HHH crawls and sees Steph down on the ground. He waves to her, and she brings out the trusted sledgehammer! HHH slowly stands but the ref tells him not to. HHH shoves the ref but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES!

Roman runs at HHH for ANOTHER SUPERMAN PUNCH! He lets out the battle cry, builds up speed, ducks the hammer to SPEAR!! Cover, Roman wins!!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The Roman Empire dethrones the King of Kings!

The Big Dog established his reign in 2016, but will he do it again in the New Decade?

HHH is on SmackDown!

The Game is one of the few to compete against both Roman Reigns and Goldberg in his career. What is his prediction for that match come WrestleMania? HHH knows after being in the ring with both men, both men have the intensity needed to reach the top of this industry. But the biggest difference, Roman’s intensity builds while Goldberg’s intensity is all at once. Goldberg’s intensity is unparalleled, but it lasts for a brief period of time. Roman’s intensity builds and builds as the match goes on. Roman feeds off what his opponent gives him. If Goldberg can end it quick, he has it. But if Roman can withstand the initial onslaught, HHH puts his money on The Big Dog. Who’s your money on for the WWE Universal Championship?

SmackDown hears from The New Day.

“Greetings and salutations. It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” Tonight is very special because it could send them to WrestleMania. But they need to get through a team they’ve faced many times before. But whenever they and their bois, the Usos, meet, it’s a battle for the ages! And by “boys,” they really mean “sons.” Big E is reminded of what his pappy used to say. “Son, this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” The New Day will be pained to do this to the Usos, but their daddies need to become EIGHT TIME W, W, E, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~! Becaaaause~, New. Day Rocks. Who gets the beatin’ before a team gets to meetin’ Miz and Morrison at Mania?

SmackDown returns to Ziggler meeting up with Fire & Desire.

Sonya Deville lets Mandy have a private conversation with Ziggler. Mandy doesn’t want him doing this to Otis. The Otis that stood her up? Well okay, but did Ziggler have to rub it in? No, that is too much, and he apologizes. Mandy says that if they’re having the match, that’s fine. But they’re not going to fight over her like she’s a prize. Of course, that’s not what this is. Ziggler vows to beat Otis and then leave all of this behind. The two then head back to the hotel to watch the rest of the night with some champagne.

SmackDown presents a very special Firefly Fun House!

Wyatt has a framed picture taken from his WrestleMania 30 defeat. Wyatt wipes the tears from his eyes before saying hi. He’s so excited to see the fireflies again. But today, he’s going to teach us about… Shut up, voices in his head!! That Bray had his chance. That Bray failed. But “he” won’t. Abby the witch says Bray was delusional then, and is even more delusional now. Or does he have some “secret recipe” to beat Cena this time? Well actually, yes! He has a blender and ingredients! Add 1 scoop disappointment, a little bit of self-loathing, some hot sauce for flavor, and a heaping, helping of rage AND resentment! perfect!

Ramblin’ Rabbit says to not leave out the carrots. The beta-carotene will help him see Cena. Oh of course! NO. But Ramblin’ himself was the secret ingredient Bray needs! “Some irrelevant, non-necessary opinions!” OH NO~! Ramblin’ Rabbit begs for mercy, but he gets the puree setting instead. And now Bray gives us an infomercial. When this WWE superstar isn’t playing in the fun house, he’s creating the “perfect concoction” to defeat John Cena at WrestleMania! YOWIE WOWIE! It goes straight to your head. A big star like Cena deserves more than just an ordinary match. Especially since “he” is anything but ordinary.

In fact, “he” wants Cena to join their world of madness and mayhem where the fun never ends! So The Fiend is officially challenging Cena to the first-ever Firefly Fun House Match! Down the hatch! Yummy. But there is one nasty side effect. “Let Me In.” Will Cena join the “fun” inside the Firefly Fun House? Will Cena make it out alive?

The Miz and John Morrison join commentary!

That’s because the SmackDown Tag Team Champions want to watch the #1 contender’s match up close and personal!

SmackDown has huge news for the last episode before WrestleMania!

Goldberg and Roman Reigns will be face-to-face just days before their showdown! Will either man make a move before their WWE Universal Championship match?

And with Bray Wyatt’s bizarre challenge, John Cena returns to give his answer! Will Cena accept the invitation to step inside the mind of a madman?

SmackDown Tag Team Championships #1 Contender’s match: The New Day VS The Usos!

Many movie franchises are huge hits from the first to the last. While this rivalry isn’t a movie franchise, the two teams have always delivered instant classics. Will this newest sequel also be a blockbuster? And who moves on to share the spotlight with the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century?

SmackDown returns as Miz ‘n’ Morrison give both contender teams their props. But then they’re interrupted by “AWWWWW~ people at HOOOME~!” Miz and Morrison mock the entrance and say they do not feel the power. Big E and Kofi appear, still serving pancakes despite no fans here to feast on them. The Usos are next, and the introductions are made. Teams sort out, and this rivalry begins again with Kofi and Jimmy.

Jimmy and Kofi circle and tie up. Jimmy headlocks and throws Kofi to a cover. ONE as Kofi keeps his shoulders up. Kofi gets up and powers out but Jimmy runs him over with a shoulder. Jimmy talks some trash as things speed up. Kofi jumps and jumps but gets caught to a back suplex. Kofi lands on his feet but Jimmy runs at him in the corner. Jimmy uses a monkey flip but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi dropkicks Jimmy but Jimmy catches it! Jimmy catapults Kofi to a corner but Kofi lands on the ropes to dropkick Jimmy down! Jimmy bails out and Jey regroups with him. Miz and MOrrison wonder what’s wrong, and then mock the “UCE! OH!”

Jimmy and Jey go back to the ring and tag. Kofi taunts Jimmy about stamina then tags in Big E. Big E and Jey circle then tie up. Jey waistlocks but Big E pries free. Big E tosses Jey over his hip! Jey and Big E circle again and tie up. Jey gets the arm and wrenches Big E to a wristlock. Big E blocks the whip with pure power, and then whips Jey to the corner. Jey slides to a stop to UPPERCUT Big E back. Jey runs but Big E elbows him down! Big E tags Kofi and Kofi runs to leap frog senton! Cover, TWO! Kofi mule kicks Jey to ropes then whips. Jimmy tags in and Jey reverses the whip to pop-up hotshot! Jimmy covers, TWO! The Usos keep their cool and Jimmy drags Kofi up. Jimmy CHOPS and CHOPS Kofi, then tags in Jey.

The Usos mug Kofi in the corner then Jey kicks. Kofi blocks, spins Jey and ducks the Dragon Whip! Hot tag to Big E! Jey tags in Jimmy but Big E throws him over head! And again! Big E puts Jimmy on the apron to club and club and club! He counts with the ref, then goes to the corner. Big E runs out to APRON SPLASH! Jimmy is gasping for air as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Big E lifts Jimmy but Jey tags in. Big E ROCKS Jey then runs, but the Usos both get in to DOUBLE SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! The Miz & Morrison are impressed by the quick tag tactics. Jey has Big E in the corner and fires up with “UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, BIG hip attack! Jimmy tags in and takes his turn. “UCE! OH!” But he runs into an URINAG-E! Hot tags to Jey and Kofi! Kofi leaps to ax handle and double chop Jey! Kofi dropkicks then hits a leaping lariat! He runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps but there are no fans to clap back. Even so, Kofi spins but Jey ducks, to mule kick! Jey whips KOfi corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and huricanranas!

The Miz and Morrison mock the claps as Kofi leaps, into Jey’s flapjack! Jey has a Half Crab! Kofi endures as Jey sits deep. Kofi crawls as Miz and Morrison mock the Usos’ chant. Jey drags Kofi away but Kofi rolls and pushes him away. Jey runs into the SOS! Cover, TWO!! Morrison starts a “Fight Forever!” chant and Miz joins in. Kofi drags Jey up but Jey fireman’s carries. Kofi slips out and elbows Jey away. Big E tags in and Kofi climbs up top. Big E drags Jey up, but Jey drops down to evade the flying stomps! Jimmy POSTS Kofi! And SUPERKICKS Big E! Jey SUPERKICKS Big E now! Cover, TWO!! Big E survives and Miz starts a “This is Awesome!” chant.

Jey tags Jimmy and the Usos drag Big E up together. They double CHOP Big E in a corner then hoist him up top. Both Usos climb but Big E fights them off. Down goes Jey, then Jimmy! But Jimmy goes up to enziguri Big E down! The Usos both build speed but Kofi anchors Jey! Jimmy helps Jey drag Kofi up and in, to toss out. Kofi stays on the apron and then dump both Usos out! Kofi builds speed to FLY onto Jimmy! Miz and Morrison do their chant instead, “Miz ‘n’ Morrison! Hey hey! Ho ho!” Kofi TRIPS Morrison off the desk! Miz gets upset but Jey FLIES onto them both! Big E returns to SPEAR Jey off the apron!

All six men are down and the ref starts a ring count. Big E drags Jey up to put him in at 5. But then Miz ‘n’ Morrison attack!!

No Contest

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions just screwed both teams over here! They put Jimmy, Jey, Kofi and Big E in to beat them all down! The #TurtleneckToughGuys are only tough because the other four have beaten each other up the whole time. But WWE officials make an announcement. They will now be in a TRIPLE THREAT LADDER MATCH against BOTH The Usos and The New Day! Miz ‘n’ Morrison are furious, but Miz turns around into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Morrison turns around into a scoop, and the MIDNIGHT HOUR! Miz ‘n’ Morrison just stepped in it now! Will they be able to make it out of WrestleMania still the leading men of the SmackDown Tag Division?

My Thoughts:

A pretty good episode as the pandemic and Empty Arena Days continue. Tonight’s PPV replay match was another from before I started working with The Chairshot and EWN, so I had to rewatch HHH VS Reigns. But with all this talk of Roman being off the Mania show, I wonder if advertising a face-to-face even matters this week. A decent match, but that moment Roman Speared Steph is still great. Baron Corbin really shocked me with probably the most sinister thing his character’s done ever. I wonder if this is their way of writing Corbin VS Elias off in the event one or both can’t compete. Though, there’s talk that the first day has been recorded so who knows.

Gulak has a decent match with Nakamura, but it works that things are a bit “controversial” for Gulak to win. Obviously we were getting Zayn VS Bryan so it’s fine that Gulak gets a win like that. I’m not sure how the Intercontinental Championship match goes, but if Sami wins, I want to see one of his teammates go after him for it. Likewise, if Bryan wins, he can have matches with the other “artists,” and even another match with Gulak. Bray Wyatt had a really good promo in challenging Cena to a Firefly Fun House match, and that match itself sounds like it’ll be pretty good. Hopefully a touch better than the House of Horrors match as the “failed” Bray against Randy Orton.

Alexa VS Asuka was a pretty good match, and it was still surprising for Alexa to win. But how else does a tag title story continue? That said, I feel like Raw’s go-home should schedule Nikki VS Kairi to complete the set, and then SmackDown’s go-home officially announces the title match. Though, if the rumors of Kairi (and Io Shirai, too) going back to Japan and Stardom are coming true, expect Nikki to win against Kairi and then Bliss-Cross to win the titles. Which is a shame, but talking about WWE/Vince dropping the ball is a different subject for a different article. Meanwhile, the SmackDown Women’s Championship match is heating up, and while Tamina had an impressive showing tonight, I feel like this is going to end with Sasha winning. She may not have to betray Bayley if another entrant eliminates her, but Grand Slam Sasha could be happening.

And then the tag team match in the main event was great, just as both Usos and New Day said it would be. Miz & Morrison were great on commentary, and I did not expect the end to go that way. A Triple Threat Ladder Match is going to be a great match, especially if the news is right about Miz needing to stay out because of his own health concerns. It is a bit reckless for Miz to have even shown up feeling under the weather given the circumstances, but a Ladder Match and a Triple Threat makes it easier for them to compensate. Morrison probably could win this on his own, which is the outcome I see at this point.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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It’s Draft Day!

Published

10 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!