Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/6/20)

NXT’s best do battle!

Published

4 years ago

May 7, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The landscape of NXT could be changed right here!

The Evil Genius challenges the Queen, and The Experience challenges the Undisputed! Who will stand atop NXT with the gold around their waists?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Dominik Dijakovic VS Johnny Gargano; Gargano wins.
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: Jack Gallagher VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins.
Xia Li VS Chelsea Green w/ Robert Stone; Green wins.
Karrion Kross w/ Scarlet VS Leon Ruff; Kross wins.
NXT Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Io Shirai; Shirai wins by disqualification, Flair retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Jake Atlas; Kushida wins.
Cameron Grimes VS Denzel Dejournette; Grimes wins.
NXT Championship: Adam Cole VS Velveteen Dream; Cole wins and retains the NXT Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Dominik Dijakovic VS Johnny Gargano!

#AllHeartNoSoul is how Johnny Wrestling lives now. Will Gargano begin remaking NXT in his image? Or will he #FeastHisEyes on a defeat right out of the gate?

The bell rings and Gargano circles with Dijakovic. They approach, Gargano dodges and then throws a jab! Dijakovic backs Gargano down to a corner, but Gargano gets a cheap shot in when the ref steps in! Gargano wrenches, Dijakovic breaks free, and Gargano falls back just from seeing Dijakovic show haymaker. Gargano grabs a leg but Dijakovic pries him off. Dijakovic gut wrenches Gargano up but Gargano escapes and kicks at the leg. Dijakovic blocks the kick to DECK Gargano! Dijakovic stomps Gargano to a corner and shouts, “Is that the best you’ve got, Johnny?” He stomps and clubs Gargano in the corner then stalks Gargano around the way. He CLUBS Gargano down and stomps him to the ropes. Dijakovic drags Gargano up to scoop and KNEE in the side. Dijakovic just TOSSES Gargano, then covers, ONE!

Gargano is in a daze at the ropes but Dijakovic stalks him to a corner. Dijakovic brings Gargano up to CLUB him in the chest. He whips Gargano corner to corner, but Gargano elbows him away. Gargano hops up and leaps over, but his leg jams. Gargano still fights back with forearms, and he chop blocks Dijakovic’s leg! Gargano clamps on, hammers away, then bumps and stomps Dijakovic against buckles. The ref backs Gargano off but Gargano comes back to kick Dijakovic while he’s down. BUZZSAW! Gargano stands on Dijakovic but the ref backs him off. Gargano stalks Dijakovic now, clubs him and elbows him on the neck, then gives him point-blank clotheslines! Dijakovic gets up, and counters Gargano’s spin with a DISCUS! Cover, ONE! Gargano’s toughness is still real despite his delusions of grandeur.

Dijakovic drags Gargano up and shouts, “TIME TO FLY!” He TOSSES Gargano across the ring out of the suplex! Cover, TWO! Dijakovic grits his teeth but Gargano is after his leg again. Dijakovic CLUBS Gargano then stomps him down. Gargano still goes after legs but Dijakovic drags him up to ROCK with a forearm! Dijakovic stomps Gargano around the way then throws big elbows in a corner. Dijakovic bumps Gargano off more buckles, then throws more back elbows. But Candice LeRae rushes out to ringside as Dijakovic gives Gargano a BIG backbreaker! Candice argues with the ref but Dijakovic she better stay back. Dijakovic climbs up but Gargano pushes him down and out! Gargano runs and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Candice goes to her husband’s side while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Gargano leans on Dijakovic in a sleeper hold. Dijakovic fights his way up and elbows Gargano in the ribs. Gargano lets go but comes back with elbows of his own. He bobs ‘n’ weaves and body shots, but Dijakovic BOOTS! And CLOBBERS him with forearms! Gargano staggers into Dijakovic’s strikes! Gargano grabs the leg, kicks away on the thigh, but Dijakovic choke grips with those long arms! But Gargano breaks the grip by spinning Dijakovic, and he avoids the clothesline, only to run into a CYCLONE KICK! Cover, TWO!! Dijakovic comes even closer to breaking the inhuman resilience of Johnny Triple Crown. Candice drags Gargano to the ropes but Dijakovic drags them both in! Candice gets out and the ref warns her. Gargano runs and leaps, into Dijakovic’s arms! Dijakovic knees and tosses again, but Gargano school boys with tights! TWO, and Dijakovic avoids the superkick, to torture rack right away! FEAST-

NO! Mule kick and SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Gargano almost had Dijakovic, but the Croatian Colossus has toughed it out against the Limitless One, after all. Candice distracts the ref on the apron, and Gargano goes after a buckle pad! Gargano unties one, but he takes too long and gets caught! The ref stops that, and Dijakovic CHOKE SLAMS Gargano! Cover, TWO!?! Gargano survives again but Dijakovic is not giving up. Dijakovic goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Gargano anchors his foot! Gargano headbutts the ankle and calf, then clubs the knee and thigh! Dijakovic stops, Gargano goes up, sunset flip bomb but Dijakovic lands on his feet! Gargano’s never seen anything like it! But the knee buckles, only for Dijakovic to SUPERKICK Gargano! Dijakovic rams Gargano into the corner, but Gargano still wants that buckle pad!

Dijakovic clubs away and hoists Gargano up. He CLUBS Gargano more, but Gargano resists the bomb! The buckle pad comes loose! Gargano fights and huricanranas Dijakovic into the exposed buckle!! Gargano hits the slingshot DDT! Cover, Gargano wins!!

Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall

Gargano uses the #OneFinalBeat to beat Dijakovic! #TJGW, “The Johnny Gargano Way,” succeeds here tonight, because apparently it translates to cheating. Will Mr. & Mrs. Wrestling soon take over all of NXT?

NXT hears from Imperium.

Marcel Barthel says that “Through the last year, Imperium has proven over and over and over again that we are the most dominant force in NXT.” Not British Strong Style. Not the Undisputed Era. He, Fabian Aichner, Alexander Wolfe and WALTER, Imperium. They couldn’t stand watching Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher besmirching the NXT Tag Team Championships. They ended that ridiculous “game show,” and are officially challenging the “Newly-Bros” for the titles. The mat is sacred, but will the titles be consecrated?

Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group B: Jack Gallagher VS Akira Tozawa!

The Jackal is hungry for gold and the Stamina Monster wants a second taste for himself. Gallagher lost to El Hijo del Fantasma while Tozawa surprised Swerve with a win. What happens as round two of the round robin continues tonight?

The bell rings and Gallagher runs Tozawa immediately! Tozawa avoids the dropkick and runs to tilt-o-whirl into the Iron Octopus! Gallagher stays standing, powers out and headbutts low! Gallagher whips but Tozawa reverses. Tozawa drops down then jumps up, but into Gallagher’s Samoan Drop! Gallagher drops an elbow but misses! Tozawa back kicks, spins, slides under and SNAP GERMANS! Gallagher gets to a corner but Tozawa drags him to a drop zone. Tozawa goes up top but Gallagher gets out of the ring. Tozawa just changes plans and builds speed, only to get a forearm! Gallagher knew the torpedo was coming, and he sits Tozawa up on the apron. Gallagher KICKS and CLUBS Tozawa in the back, then backs off to go up the steps. He stalks Tozawa in the ring, kicks him while he’s down, then dig a knee into the spine! Gallagher pulls back on the arms but Tozawa endures the stretch.

Gallagher wrenches Tozawa’s wrist and bends the fingers. He chinbars but Tozawa fights free. Gallagher knees low then swings, but into a pump handle! He elbows free of that quickly, but Tozawa runs, to huricanrana! Tozawa spins but Gallagher gets under the kick to get a sleeper hold! Tozawa runs and throws Gallagher out through the ropes! Both men are down on the outside but Gallagher hits Tozawa first. Both men go to the apron now and start brawling! Gallagher throws forearms but Tozawa CHOPS! Tozawa CHOPS but Gallagher eggs him on! Tozawa fakes Gallagher out, but Gallagher remembers what comes next, and gets under the jab! Gallagher fireman’s carries but Tozawa turns it into an apron DDT! Tozawa puts Gallagher in the drop zone and goes up top! SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Tozawa wins!!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (moves to 2-0; Gallagher drops to 0-2)

The Stamina Monster is just building up speed towards the tournament finals! Will he take the block? Or will Fantasma be an obstacle he cannot overcome?

On-stage interview with Tozawa.

2-0 means he’s in the lead! How does it feel to be the front runner? Two down, just two more to go. Fantasma is the next challenge. They’ve never wrestled before, but Tozawa tells Fantasma that he’s going to lose. Will Tozawa’s declaration become reality?

WWE joins with the Real Heroes Project.

During this time of pandemic and worry, it is the nurses, doctors and other medical professionals on the front lines that should be celebrated. Icons in sports put different names on their uniforms to represent those who help others make it through whatever health fight they’re going through. Thank a hero of your own, because they are #TheRealHeroes.

Xia Li VS Chelsea Green w/ Robert Stone!

While The Queen and the Evil Genius battle for the title later tonight, things are heating up in the rest of the NXT Women’s Division! Will spicy Xia burn the Hot Commodity? Or will the Robert Stone Brand’s Total Package finally deliver?

The bell rings and Green throws her fluffy skirt at Xia before she BOOTS her down! Green stomps Xia into the corner then runs side to side. Xia moves and comes back, but Green evades. Green runs into an elbow, then Xia arm-drags her down! Xia cranks on the arm but Green forearms free. Green runs into a LARIAT! And a boot! And a SUPERKICK! Xia shouts at Green but Aliyah is here! She glares at Xia as Xia whips Green. Green reverses and distracts the ref while Aliyah swipes at Xia! Green sneaks up on Xia but the O’Conner roll is denied! Xia kicks Green down then runs. Aliyah gets in the ring but Xia BOOTS her down! Green underhooks Xia for the I’M PRETTIER!! Cover, Green wins!!

Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall

The Bougie just helped the brand finally raise their stock! Robert Stone offers Aliyah a hand, and Aliyah scurries off before Xia comes looking for revenge. Has the brand just grown? Or will Xia’s spice burn it all down to the ground?

The Velveteen Dream speaks.

“Adam Cole, the time has finally come. The minutes. The seconds. We have reached our moment.” Adam Cole, you and The Dream are finally fighting for the NXT Championship. And no, Cole, this is not a dream. This is #DreamOver. But will it be a dream come true for Velveteen tonight?

Karrion Kross w/ Scarlet VS Leon Ruff!

Tick-tock, tick-tock. Time’s up, NXT. He has already made his presence known with his vicious and sudden attack on Tommaso Ciampa. Will Ruff have no choice but to #FallAndPray at the hands of Karrion Kross?

The bell rings and Ruff has his hands up, but Kross gets through that guard with ease! Kross hits a SNAP SAIDO that just crushes poor Ruff! Kross grins as he watches Ruff writhe. Ruff clutches his neck and crawls to ropes, but Kross gets him again, with another SAIDO! Kross looms over Ruff, then hauls him up, into a rear naked choke! The #KrossJacket! Ruff taps, Kross wins!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission

Kross doesn’t let go until Ruff is out cold! Scarlet slinks in beside her lethal lover. Is this the beginning of the end for the rest of NXT’s roster?

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle & Timothy Thatcher.

They heard Imperium’s challenge for the titles. Their response is that Riddle knew that winning the tag titles would put a target on their backs. But for Imperium to have they audacity to ruin the Newly-Bros Show, that’s unforgivable. And then to ask for a title match on top of it? Riddle is game, and Thatcher says that while the Bro knocks ’em out, he’ll tap ’em out. Sounds like we have a tag title match! When will Stallion Riddle and Stallion Thatcher ride into battle against Imperium’s soldiers?

NXT Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair VS Io Shirai!

The Queen ended the Aussie Nightmare’s reign at WrestleMania and is back on the black ‘n’ gold! But an Evil Genius of the Sky is ready to bring Charlotte down into the darkness! Will Shirai dethrone Charlotte in their very first encounter? Or will Shirai be made to bow down like all the rest?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this instant classic finally begins!

Shirai and Charlotte circle and tie up. They go around, and Charlotte gets the headlock. Shirai throws body shots even as Charlotte grinds. Shirai powers out but Charlotte runs her over! Charlotte glares at Shirai and then runs, but she sees the drop down coming. Shirai avoids the stomp and taunts Charlotte. Charlotte boots but Shirai goes Matrix to avoid it! Charlotte grins as Shirai kips up and taunts her again. Things speed up, Charlotte avoids the handsprings but not the dropkick! Shirai kips up again but Charlotte uses the ropes as defense. Charlotte applauds the agility but brings things back to her pace as they circle. She kicks Shirai low then snapmares to a headscissor! Charlotte starts jamming Shirai into the mat and then squeezes tight! Shirai endures and claws at the thighs. Charlotte grabs a hand and pulls on the fingers! Then throws Shirai with the headscissors!

Charlotte shows off her kip up now and then brings Shirai up. Charlotte bounces Shirai off buckles then CHOPS! Shirai staggers but hits back. Charlotte clubs Shirai on the back then whips Shirai. Shirai sunset flips but Charlotte drops a forearm! Charlotte drags Shirai up and eggs her on, so Shirai fires off forearms! Shirai has Charlotte int he corner, and digs her heels in! Shirai lets up at 4 and swings, but into a boot! Charlotte runs and clotheslines Shirai down! Charlotte catches her breath while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Charlotte whips Shirai to a corner. Shirai slips out and enziguris back! Shirai springboards and missile dropkicks Charlotte across the ring! Charlotte ends up in a corner and Shirai runs in, only to get an elbow! Charlotte climbs up but Shirai hurries up to kick her! Shirai joins Charlotte up top, for the SUPER STEINER! Shirai roars and covers, TWO! Charlotte toughs it out but clutches her back. Shirai throws big uppercuts but Charlotte boots back! Charlotte backs off to a corner, but she baits Shirai into a backbreaker and buckle shot! Shirai is down and Charlotte grins again. Charlotte heads up top, and MOONSAULTS! But she flops! Shirai SHOTEIS Charlotte back! She runs to 619 Charlotte in the shoulder! Charlotte ends up in a corner again and Shirai runs in, for METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Shirai can’t believe it!

Shirai drags Charlotte to a drop zone then walks all over her to get to the corner. She hops up and ASAI MOONSAULTS onto knees! Charlotte BOOTS Shirai down! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte is a bit surprised but she shrugs and smiles through it. She drags Shirai up and reels her in. She lifts but Shirai fights off the bomb to huricanrana Charlotte into buckles! Charlotte flops out of the ring but Shirai heads up top. Shirai SUPER ASAIS!! But she misses!! And Charlotte uses a KENDO STICK ATTACK!

Winner: Io Shirai, by disqualification; Charlotte Flair retains the NXT Women’s Championship

The Mad Queen might be back! She drags Shirai to the apron and SLAMS the leg on the apron! And against the post! Shirai’s leg only just recovered, and Charlotte is wrapping it around the post! But here comes RHEA RIPLEY! Rhea pushes Charlotte down, then Electric Chairs Charlotte for an apron snake eyes!! Rhea puts Charlotte in the ring but Charlotte bails out to run away! The Mosh Pit Kid dares Charlotte to cross the line in the sand, but she refuses. Shirai is furious that Rhea came to her rescue, because Shirai prefers to stand alone. Rhea leaves Shirai behind but Shirai hobbles after. What does this mean for the NXT Women’s Championship scene now?

Backstage interview with Rhea.

She finally returns after WrestleMania because she is sick and tired of Charlotte and her “bow down” crap. So Charlotte won at Mania. That’s one night. Rhea wants to see Charlotte do it again. But Shirai reappears and again confronts Rhea. They start pushing each other and then start scrapping! Security and trainers hurry to break it up before it gets any wilder! Will this fight have to be settled before naming Charlotte’s next challenger?

Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Group A: KUSHIDA VS Jake Atlas!

The Stamina Monster is strong in Group B, but the two undefeated Group A Cruiserweights now meet. Round two of the round robin wraps up with this, who joins Tozawa as the only unbeaten in this tournament?

The bell rings and Kushida circles with Atlas. Kushida goes for the leg but Atlas keeps his distance. Kushida leaps on and body scissors, for a hovering test of strength. But then Kushida quickly hops off and wrenches to a keylock. He spins Atlas all around but Atlas spins and flips out! Atlas whips, Kushida reverses and runs in. Kushida blocks the boots but Atlas goes up and around to arm-drag Kushida away, and runs him over with a shoulder! Atlas eggs Kushida on as things speed up. Kushida hurdles but Atlas leaps over and handstands, only for Kushida to Penalty Kick the arm out! Atlas scrambles out of the ring but Kushida is already up top! SUPER SWANTON! Kushida strikes Atlas down and puts him in the ring. He is after Atlas but Atlas throws body shots. Kushida kicks then whips to hip toss, cartwheel and basement dropkick!

Kushida powers up and SHOTEIS Atlas in the corner! Atlas flounders while checking his jaw. Kushida drags Atlas up but Atlas throws body shots. Atlas throws forearms and boots the Fast Ball away! He waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Then ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO! Kushida stays in this but Atlas isn’t out of ideas. Atlas drags Kushida up but Kushida fires off kicks. Atlas blocks one but Kushida SLAPS him! Kushida runs but Atlas manages to handspring and neckbreaker! But Kushida bails out, so Atlas builds speed. Kushida knows what’s coming and gets out of the way, but Atlas just somersaults and changes direction to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Atlas puts Kushida in, heads up top and springboards, into an ARMBAR!! Atlas taps immediately, Kushida wins!

Winner: Kushida, by submission (moves up to 2-0; Atlas drops to 1-1)

The Japanese Lightning Bolt strikes fast and takes the victory! He and Tozawa are both 2-0, are they fated to bring Japanese Strong Style to the NXT Cruiserweight Championship?

On-stage interview with Kushida.

Atlas put up a great fight but Kushida is still undefeated in the round robin. Kushida’s victory is to honor the great Cruiserweight Champions of the past. He vows to be the next one, “Time will tell.”

Finn Balor returns!

The Prince was attacked on the night he would’ve battled Velveteen Dream for the right to tonight’s NXT Championship! That timing is clearly suspicious, and now Balor vows to expose the culprit(s)! Balor steps to the podium to speak.

“I used to think that the biggest snakes in this place were in the office. But now I’m not so sure.” Balor says that Wrestling 101 is “Attack the guy, get the push.” The music, the lights, the smoke, the lasers, all of it. “But then the bell rings.” And now you’re in a match with The Prince, “and there is nowhere to hide.” Balor says he is a patient man. But to whoever attacked him, that push you’re hoping for won’t be a push at all. It’ll be a squash. Balor doesn’t know who did it? Then who was it that tried to take his spot in the spotlight?

NXT makes a big match for next week!

After Imperium issued the challenge, and after Riddle and Thatcher accepted it, we are getting an NXT Tag Team Championship match! Will Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner add to Imperium’s treasury? Or will they get knocked out and tapped out by the “Newly-Bros”?

Cameron Grimes VS Denzel Dejournette!

The Carolina Caveman returns to the ring! Will the technical savage cause another Cave-In tonight?

The bell rings and Grimes run at Dejournette! Dejournette avoids the double stomps to then OVERHEAD belly2belly Grimes away! Grimes staggers into another overhead! Dejournette rushes in, Grimes dodges him now, CAVE-IN! Cover, Grimes wins!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Did you blink? Because you might’ve just missed the whole thing! Grimes has another fast victory but he’s not done here. He grabs a mic to say, “Times are changing around here. It’s Grime Time!” Just look at this! Grimes deserves better! He deserves more than what he has! Finn Balor was talking about being at the top means going after him? Well unfortunately someone beat Grimes to it. If Grimes went at Balor, Grimes would stare him right in his face, stare him dead in the eyes and slap the taste right out of Balor’s mouth! But Balor walks right into the ring and stares Grimes dead in the eye first. Balor dares Grimes to do what he just went on about, but Grimes tries to calm Balor down. No, if you’re gonna do something, do it!

Balor keeps Grimes facing him, and then trips him up for DOUBLE STOMPS! And a SLING BLADE! Grimes flounders away, and Balor says there is a snake in the grass. And he vows to not only find the snake, but to chop off its head.

NXT Championship: Adam Cole VS Velveteen Dream!

Finally, the #UndisputedDream match for the top title in NXT is here! Will the Undisputed Era’s charismatic leader end the Experience once and for all? Or is it finally Dream’s time to shine in the brightest spotlight NXT has to offer?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this main event a long time in the making begins!

Dream and Cole circle and Dream uses his lanky limbs to keep Cole on the outside. They tie up, Dream pushes Cole to a corner but Cole turns it around. The ref counts and Cole lets up, to push Dream. Dream SLAPS Cole off his feet! Dream throws big forearms but Cole bails out. Dream chases after and clubs Cole down. Then he whips Cole into steel steps! Cole writhes and Dream refreshes the count. Dream drags Cole up and puts him in the ring but walks into a mule kick, and SUPERKICK! Cole brings the knee pad down, runs, but he runs into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dream keeps the Last Shot from happening so soon, and he bumps Cole off buckles. Dream throws angry haymakers but the ref warns him. He backs off only to hoist and ROCK Cole up top. Dream then climbs up to join Cole, fireman’s carry, but Cole fights back! Cole holds on to keep from falling, but Dream hotshots him back!

Dream drags Cole up but Cole rakes eyes! Cole hops up and takes aim, for the PANAMA- No! SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO!! The Dream-DT didn’t do it and Cole is rolling away while NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Cole has Dream down in a chinlock. Dream fights his way up and throws big body shots to back Cole down. Dream throws haymaker after haymaker then climbs up to rain them down. The ref counts but Cole slips out to mule kick the legs out! Dream hits the mat but he flounders back to the corner. Cole says Dream is a fraud and a joke, but he walks into a boot! Dream clotheslines and rallies on Cole! He whips and back elbows hard! Dream throws hands in the corner but the ref backs him off. Cole gets out of the corner but Dream goes up and leaps to ax handle! Cover, TWO! Dream rolls to get Cole in the fireman’s carry. Cole clubs and elbows Dream, but Dream SUPERKICKS back! Cover, TWO! Dream keeps his cool as he heads for a corner. He climbs to the top, leaps, but Cole moves! Dream rolls, but runs into a BOOT! And a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!!

Dream survives but writhes among all the lost glitter and rhinestones of his tights. Cole drags Dream up to a fireman’s carry, but Dream elbows free. Dream throws uppercuts and runs, but Cole reels him in. Cole waistlocks, Dream standing switches but Cole breaks free to PELE! Cole brings Dream up, to USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Dream still lives! Cole tells Dream to just stay down, but Dream sits up. Dream ROCKS Cole with a right, but Cole comes back with one of his own. Dream boots from the mat but Cole haymakers. They brawl from the glitter covered mat, and then Cole puts Dream on the apron! Dream stands up but Cole DECKS him! Cole goes out but Dream ROCKS him back! Dream heads up top, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! But Cole falls down and Dream flounders, to fall on the cover! TWO!! Cole survives but here come the Undisputed Era! Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish storm down the ramp, but Dexter Lumis slithers out from under the ring!? He scares Strong and Fish off and then they brawl!

The ref tells Lumis, Strong and Fish to leave, but Strong runs at Lumis! Lumis tosses Strong up at the ropes, and he collides with the ref!! The ref is down!! Fish CLOBBERS Lumis, just as Dream hits PURPLE RAIN MAKER!! Cover, but there’s no one to count! Dream would be champion twice over by now! Strong and Fish go after Lumis while Dream checks on the ref. Cole crawls to a corner while Dream aims at the Undisputed Era and LEAPS! Down they go! But Dream returns to get a SUPERKICK! And the LAST SHOT!! Cover, the ref slowly counts, but Adam Cole still wins!!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)

Cole’s longest reign survives thanks to his friends! The Undisputed Era holds on to the one title they still have, but have they truly ended Velveteen’s dream?

My Thoughts:

Another great episode, and perhaps with the most glitter and sparkles in NXT history. First, Gargano’s new music is good, but his match was Dijakovic was really good. At first I was wondering why Candice didn’t go out with him during the entrance, but it worked out for her to show up later as a distraction. Obviously Gargano wins, the mission of #TJGW taking over has only just begun. Gargano wants to be top champion, but I’m not sure that happens after the main event. Maybe Gargano VS Keith Lee could be a holdover? Charlotte VS Shirai was great, but the disqualification bummed me out a bit. But then Rhea showing up to get back in the mix was a good touch. I hope we get a Triple Threat, not Rhea VS Shirai to then determine Charlotte’s opponent. That way Charlotte can lose without actually losing, and that’d be the easiest way to either make Rhea a two-time champion or Shirai to get her first. I’m hoping Shirai gets her first, she’s waited quite a bit to even get this close.

The Cruiserweight matches were both great. I did not see Tozawa winning again, but mathematically, that does mean it comes down to his match with Fantasma. Either Tozawa is the undefeated 3-0 Group B winner, or Fantasma wins because they’ll both be 2-1 and Fantasma has the head-to-head victory. Kushida is definitely going in 3-0 after getting a good win off Atlas. Drake Maverick can surely put on the best match of his career even in losing to Kushida, but seeing Kushida go into the finals as 3-0 is probably the best thing for Group A. Either Kushida VS Fantasma or Kushida VS Tozawa are going to be great options for the final to me. Grimes’ fast win was a nice vehicle to him putting his foot in his mouth. Balor VS Grimes next week in a battle of double stomps will be really good, but after Balor’s promos revealing he doesn’t know who did it, I’m not sure if even NXT writers know. Maybe the attacker(s) appear during Balor’s match with Grimes.

Killer/Karrion Kross has a strong debut, but the strongest part was the entrance. That was some crazy stuff, and Scarlet lip syncing what may or may not be her singing it on the track was definitely different. Of course Kross wins, but the moment to wait for is Ciampa’s return. Imperium has a good promo, as do Riddle and Thatcher, and their match next week is going to be great stuff. I think Riddle and Thatcher should and will win this match, so that they’ll eventually bring Dunne back into this. Cole VS Dream was really good, but of course the Undisputed Era returns. Lumis’ part was amazing, though. I did not expect him to appear from under the ring. Cole retains because of all the distractions, as is classic Undisputed Era strategy. I suppose Cole will hit the one year mark at this rate now, but I hope fans get to return for that Undisputed Anniversary or whatever they’ll call it. Fans make Cole’s “BAYBAY” way more worth it, and then they’ll make the sabotage of the celebration even greater.

My Score: 9.2/10

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

14 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!