Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/26/20)

Thank You, Taker

Published

4 years ago

June 26, 2020

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown gives a tribute to The Undertaker!

Has it finally happened? Has The Undertaker finally hung it up? If so, SmackDown wishes to pay tribute to the legend this brand was built upon!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

4/4/20 WrestleMania 36 Night 1 – Boneyard Match: The Undertaker VS AJ Styles; The Undertaker wins.
SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Alexa Bliss VS Nikki Cross VS Dana Brooke VS Lacey Evans; Cross wins and will challenge Bayley for the title at Extreme Rules.
8 Man Tag: The New Day & Lucha House Party VS The Miz, John Morrison, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; The New Day & Lucha House Party win.
Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin; Hardy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Phenom, The Dead Man, The Undertaker.

For three decades, the “awe inspiring” and truly one of a kind talent has made sure his opponents would #RestInPeace. He battled other legends, such as Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, and even his own Brother of Destruction, Kane! His streak at WrestleMania went on for 21 YEARS before being stopped, but even that didn’t stop him. “Every time that I went out, I went out to do the best that I could. I did things my way. I’m gonna leave my way. This time, the cowboy really rides away.” Mark Calaway has been blessed to have his family at home and his family on the road and around the world.

#ThankYouTaker!

SmackDown’s Superstars cheer and clap for the legend, acknowledging that the ride has finally ended. We will hear from an incredible list of legends to recount their own interactions with The Phenom over his 30 year career. But first, we start where it all began! Survivor Series 1990, The Undertaker’s debut!!

“From Death Valley,” the Million Dollar Man called upon the Deadman, the Undertaker! “Look at the size of that hamhock!” Taker had an ominous presence and chilling expression from the moment he got in the ring with Dusty Rhodes’ Survivor Series team. That was the first chapter, but we will relive the last: The Boneyard Match from WrestleMania 36!

SmackDown hears from some of Taker’s best opponents.

John Cena says, “I think the legacy of The Undertaker is reliability.” His dedication to the craft. Taker loved the business so much, he put it above all else. Roman Reigns says Taker is legitimately one of the best performers of all time, in any form of entertainment. Cena says the passion and dedication can’t be questioned. Reigns says Taker dedicated his whole life. You can’t do that and not love this business. The bar for respect is Taker. It isn’t just getting to the top, but staying there as long as he did. That goes to the investment and passion, and the belief the fans had.

Edge says “There is a definite mood that changes within the entire arena when that first gong hits.” Christian remembers being in awe of that larger than life aura. Taker took that character, morphed it and kept it alive. Bret Hart says Taker delivered every time. There’s just something special, like lightning in a bottle. Taker caught that lightning all 30 years.

Kane says Taker is the greatest character in the history of the WWE. Ric Flair says Taker was a “whole new deal.” A character so unique, it was mythical, legendary and amazing. Never before was there someone that big that could move that way. Diving over the top rope at 6’10”, 280 lbs, who else does that? And Taker is the only one who has been able to maintain his integrity and add to it. So strong and well-defined, Taker is perhaps the biggest star in the business.

Boneyard Match: The Undertaker VS AJ Styles!

The Phenomenal One couldn’t stand that the Phenom made sure he didn’t win accolades unfairly. But then he made it personal by badmouthing Taker’s legacy, and Taker’s wife, Michelle McCool. This would be the match that settled the score between them, and cement the final chapter of the Deadman’s legacy!

Cameras take us to a cemetery in an undisclosed location. A hearse pulls up as Taker’s theme plays. Hooded figures bring a casket out of the back. The casket opens, but it isn’t Taker, but AJ Styles! Styles laughs as he hops out and looks around. “This don’t look scary at all!” Styles dares Taker to show himself. “I’m ready!” And pulling up on a motorcycle with Metallica blaring, it’s Big Evil! The American Badass drives into the Boneyard! Styles is surprised Taker came. Does Michelle know he’s up this late? A grave has been dug for Taker, but Taker says that’s for Styles. Taker steps to Styles, but Styles grabs a brick! Taker DECKS Styles first and dares Styles to get back up. Styles wanted this, now he’s going to get it! Taker decks Styles again then brings him to the grave.

Styles gets away but Taker pursues. Taker turns “Allen” around to DECK him again! Taker throws Styles into the casket lid! “It’s all fun, right?” He bounces Styles off the lid! And again! Styles crawls but Taker grabs a big spike! Taker goes after Styles but Styles moves! The hearse’s window smashes and cuts Taker’s arm. Taker isn’t scared, he’s just upset. Taker keeps Styles from crawling away but Styles kicks back! The two brawl and Taker throws Styles over the hood ONTO the windshield! The glass cracks and Taker wonders if Styles still wants some. It’s here that SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Styles flops off the side of the car and Taker asks if he wants more. Taker stalks Styles but Styles hits back! Styles has Taker wobbling and he LOW BLOWS him! No Disqualifications in the Boneyard! Styles drags Taker over to the grave. Styles punches Taker over and over but Taker stays up. “Just fall already.” But Taker ROCKS Styles back! Taker hauls Styles up to punch him into the grave! “How does that feel down there?” But here come the Good Brothers! The OC says this is just getting started. Taker heads over, but then lights turn on. And from the light, hooded figures emerge and surround Taker! Taker watches them closely, and a huge brawl breaks out!

Taker fights off the mysterious minions but then Gallows and Anderson attack! They beat Taker down on the ground and stomp him around. Gallows drags Taker up and Anderson has a shovel stick. Taker fights free and boots Anderson down! He decks Gallows, then Anderson. Taker takes the shovel stick to CLOBBER Anderson! And then CLUB Gallows! But Styles returns and SMASHES Taker with a cinder block! “You ain’t got what it takes, old man!” Styles clubs Taker back down and talks more trash about Michelle. He rains down hands but ends up jamming his own fingers. Styles fixes his hand and blames Taker for that.

Taker gasps and sputters as Styles tells him to stay down. Taker refuses and sits up. Styles tells him to quit and retire already, or he’s going to bury him. Taker stands and Styles RAMS him THROUGH THE FENCE! Both men are down, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Styles crawls from the wreckage while Taker continues to gasp. “You just don’t have it anymore, old man.” Taker slowly gets up but Styles is standing. Taker flips Styles off and eggs him on! So Styles throws down more fists! Styles says the “American Badass” just looks like some “broken down old bi*ch.” Styles grabs a shovel with a head on it, and says he is doing the WWE Universe a favor. Taker crawls and Styles BREAKS the shovel across his back! Taker falls into the grave! Styles sprinkles dirt as he says, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” Styles goes to the tractor and starts it up. But wait! Is that…?! Taker magically appears behind him!!

Taker punches Styles again and again! Styles flounders off the tractor and Taker kicks him around. Styles heads for a ladder by the barn. Taker pursues Styles as he’s on the roof. This is what he wanted, isn’t it? Styles backs away, but PILLARS OF FIRE keep him from running! Taker BOOTS Styles down! Then he punches the OC away! Taker throws Gallows off the roof! And he scoops Anderson for a TOMBSTONE! That’s a tin roof, too! Now it’s just Taker and Styles. Styles doesn’t understand how Taker is doing this. Styles throws hands but Taker just eggs him on. Taker then choke grips Styles, for a CHOKE SLAM OFF THE ROOF!! Taker climbs down the ladder and stalks over to Styles, while SmackDown takes a break.

SmackDown returns again, and Styles stirs in the wreckage of the fence. Taker asks if Styles remembers his wife’s name. Taker wants Styles to stay awake, because they’ve still got plenty to do. He drags Styles from the wood wreckage and scoops him. Taker carries Styles over to the grave and drops him just outside. Styles apologizes but Taker wants him to be specific. Taker drags Styles up and says he put up a hell of a fight. Styles doesn’t want to be buried, but Taker says he isn’t going to do that. They hug it out and Taker commends Styles for bringing the fight. Taker pats Styles on the head, then BOOTS him into the grave! Taker goes to the tractor, starts it up again, and DUMPS DIRT INTO THE GRAVE! Taker uncovers the headstone, and it reads… AJ STYLES!

Winner: The Undertaker

Styles is left behind in a shallow grave as Taker gets back on his motorcycle. And with a raise of his fist, fire shoots from the barn! Taker’s symbol glows in the sky as he heads out into the night. Taker’s last ride was one final victory, and his legacy shall never #RestInPeace.

SmackDown returns to live, and Baron Corbin is in the ring!

The Wolf King applauds Taker’s final match. It just happened to be 30 years after his first. But why was it a Boneyard Match? Because that is exactly what Taker is: “an old bag of bones.” The crowd boos as Corbin says Taker was a shell of what he used to be. Taker is supposed to have this storied career, wow~. How many of those years were spent by Taker kissing the ass of a certain family? There used to be a Kiss My Ass CLUB! And Taker was the founding member! Corbin says 30 years is impossible, unless you’re coddled and protected by the boss. The crowd boos but Corbin says Taker has been STEALING money from WWE for the last TWENTY years! Taker is a selfish SOB who was holding superior athletes back for a very, very long time.

Now Corbin has to hear all these Hall of Famer sand legends pay respect! And a bunch of fools chanting, “Thank You, Taker!” on top of it. But Corbin doesn’t thank Taker at all! The crowd starts that chant up but Corbin says Mark Calaway needs to be left with one final thought: “You suck!” Jeff Hardy attacks Corbin from behind! The Charismatic Enigma won’t let Corbin talk trash anymore! Corbin gets away, tries to come back for more, but Hardy WRECKS him with a dropkick! Hardy defends the honor of the Phenom, will he get to shut Corbin up once and for all?

More superstars speak on The Undertaker.

When Stone Cold thinks of Taker, he thinks of a guy with all this mystique. As soon as you met him, you knew he’d be somebody. Kurt Angle says Taker is a very intelligent man. Taker knows how to evolve and adapt. It was not just the evolution of a character, but of his wrestling style. Austin knows Taker is one of the toughest guys ever, just on what he’s done at WrestleMania time and again. “He’s a warhorse.” Angle notes the big main event level matches at Mania. He’s like Superman. The company always put a lot of pressure on him, but he’d always given his all. Taker wanted WrestleMania moments, the matches fans would remember forever. Taker deserves that notoriety. Taker has had one of the best careers in wrestling ever.

Backstage interview with Jeff Hardy.

It seems he took offense at Corbin’s disparaging comments about The Undertaker. Corbin hit a nerve. Taker was a mentor and teacher from day one. WWE’s Mount Rushmore would just be Taker four times. Everyone owes a debt of gratitude to Taker. But since Taker can’t be here to deliver a message, Hardy will do that for him. His Royal Highness can consider this a challenge. As a graduate of Deadman University, Hardy will unleash all of that painful knowledge that took him a lifetime to acquire.

Bayley and Sasha Banks join commentary!

The Golden Role Models are back, feeling great after not only retaining their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, but from issuing a challenge to Asuka! The Boss wants to join Bayley in the double belts club, but that will have to wait. They’re here to watch…

SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender Fatal 4 Way: Alexa Bliss VS Nikki Cross VS Dana Brooke VS Lacey Evans!

The SmackDown Women’s Champion still needs a contender! The Goddess and Loony Lass put their friendship aside for just a moment as they, Ms. Flex Appeal and the Sassy Southern Belle fight for the right to go after #BayleyDosStraps! Who proves they’re ready to get extreme?

The bell rings, the four approach, and Lacey shoves Alexa. Nikki pushes back, but then Dana pushes Nikki. Alexa pushes Dana, Lacey rolls Alexa up, Nikki rolls Dana! TWO and TWO, and Bliss-Cross regroups. Nikki wants things to wait a moment, but then Dana and Lacey kick Bliss-Cross. They go to opposite corners for stomps and haymakers! But Nikki turns things around on Dana to throw forearms. Alexa does the same to Lacey, and then Bliss-Cross work together, to go corner to corner and splash Lacey and Dana! Then they go corner to corner, Alexa SLAPS Lacey and Nikki CHOPS Dana! Bliss-Cross hug, but then Nikki rolls Alexa! ONE, and Nikki apologizes, but this is about the singles title. Alexa understands, shakes hands, and the two friends circle.

Alexa and Nikki tie up, and turns out Bayley doesn’t approve of the name “Golden Role Models.” Nikki wrenches, Alexa rolls her to a cover, TWO! Alexa headlocks but Nikki powers out. Things speed up, Lacey trips and drags Alexa out, to throw into barriers! Dana and Lacey flank Nikki, but Nikki fights back, and jumps onto Lacey for a sleeper hold! Dana throws Nikki down, runs and handspring splashes! Cover, but Lacey breaks it! Dana and Lacey argue, Nikki throws forearms! Lacey kicks then Dana stomps Nikki down. Dana and Lacey double whip Nikki to a corner, stomp away, but Alexa runs in. Alexa’s sent into Nikki, and Dana DECKS Lacey! Dana handsprings corner to corner to sandwich Bliss-Cross! Lacey LARIATS Dana!

Lacey gives Bliss-Cross a swinging BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, but Dana breaks it! “that’s what you get!” But then Lacey tackles Dana! Lacey hammers away, then whips Dana, but Dana handsprings and back elbows! Dana drags Lacey up, scoops and slams her to a drop zone, then heads to the corner. Dana climbs up, aims, and SWANTONS! Cover, but Nikki breaks it! Bayley and Sasha are slightly impressed with this match. The crowd rallies with Nikki but Dana DECKS her! Dana brings Nikki up, scoops and slams her down, then fires up. But Alexa ROCKS and STOS’s Dana down! The crowd fires up as Alexa climbs up top now. TWISTED BLISS onto knees! Nikki gets in, and dropkicks Dana out of the ring!

Lacey, Nikki and Alexa are left, and Bliss-Cross works together. Lacehy sweeps Alexa’s legs, decks Nikki then BOOTS Alexa! Nikki bums Lacey off buckles, runs in, but Lacey dodges. Lacey forearms and sweeps the legs, then slingshots for the elbow drop! But Dana returns, Lacey dodges, Dana handsprings, into the WOMAN’S RIGHT! Nikki rolls Lacey! NIKKI WINS!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship)

Extreme Rules is going to be crazy! Because Crazy Cross has the title in her cross hairs! Will Nikki take one of Bayley’s belts away?

More superstars speak on The Undertaker.

Triple H thinks he’s one of the most loyal people he’s ever met. The loyalty to the business, to what he dedicated his life to, and what gave him his life. The longevity to evolve in a methodical way, for HBK, is magical. Because of that, you can’t help but respect him. There were constants in the WWE, and one of them was Taker. The legacy is that there will never be another like him.

8 Man Tag: The New Day & Lucha House Party VS The Miz, John Morrison, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!

AWWWW~ people at hooome~! Don’t you dare be sour! Kofi Kingston and Big E team with Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik to take on the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century and the Artist Collective! Will a team step up and prove themselves worthy of challenging the SmackDown Tag Team Champions? Or will the New Day be the ones to take the spotlight?

The teams sort out and we begin with Big E daring Cesaro and Nakamura to step up. The Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style get on the apron, but Miz comes up from behind! Big E still CLOBBERS him! Big E brings Miz up, throws body shots, then whips him to ropes for a big elbow. He drags Miz to the apron, CLUBS away on Miz’s chest, then aims on the apron. APRON SPLASH! Miz is gasping as he gets back in the ring! Big E covers, TWO! Tag to Lince and he hops up for Big E to give him a boost! Splash and cover, TWO! Lince clubs Miz but Miz gets away to tag in Cesaro. Lince dodges, counters the hip toss to a CHOP, body shot and flip! Things keep moving, Lince rolls up to huricanrana, but Cesaro blocks with power!

Cesaro brings Lince up, Lince flips out of the bomb attempt, and baits Cesaro into an elbow! Lince boots, tilt-o-whirls, goes around, rolls Cesaro to a cover, TWO! Lince knees and CHOPS, then runs, tilt-o-whirls and headscissors Cesaro down! Tag to Metalik, he gets a boost from Lince for the elevated splash! Cover, TWO! Metalik wrenches Ceasro but Cesaro kicks and European Uppercuts! Tag to Nakamura and he gives the King of the Ropes some Bad Vibes! Nakamura whips Metalik corner to corner, but runs into a boot! SLING-DOG! Tag to Kofi, he brings Nakamura up but Nakamura pushes free. Nakamura ducks Trouble in Paradise to swagger over and tag in Morrison. The Guru of Greatness throws strikes on Kofi, knees low then whips him corner to corner. Kofi goes up and dropkicks down! Cover, TWO!

Kofi runs in at Morrison, but Morrison denies the flip to put Kofi up top and enziguri him out! The ref is busy with Morrison as Nakamura RAMS Kofi into barriers! Big E protests but Cesaro tags in to get Kofi back up. Tag to Nakamura, Cesaro EuroUppers then feeds Kofi to the enziguri! The Artists taunt Big E and LHP with “C’MON~!” The ref does his best to keep the peace while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as the crowd is thunderous, but Morrison kicks Kofi down. Morrison tags in Miz, they double gut buster! And then double It Kicks! “Hey hey! Ho ho!” They sucker punch LHP! Miz basement BOOTS Kofi down, covers, TWO! Miz keeps on Kofi with a facelock. The crowd rallies as Kofi reaches but Miz knees him low. Miz whips Kofi away, Kofi goes up and hits a tornado DDT! Both men are down but the crowd rallies up. Kofi crawls, but so does Miz. Hot tag to Nakamura, and he stomps Kofi down. Nakamura swipes at Big E, and Cesaro goes after Big E on the outside! Nakamura WRECKS Big E with the baseball slide in the distractions! Nakamura gives Kofi a gourd buster, then aims from a corner. “YAO~,” but he runs into DOUBLE STOMPS!

Kofi and Nakamura crawl for their corners, hot tags to Morrison and Metalik! Metalik springboard crossbodies, then kicks and whips. Morrison reverses, Metalik handsprings but Morrison gets clear. Morrison waistlocks but Metalik bucks him off. Metalik springboards for a wicked huricanrana! Metalik dropkicks Miz down, then Cesaro! Morrison is back up and capoeria kicks! He whips, Metliak rolls up and SUSNET BOMBS! COver, TWO!! Metalik gets up and moonsaults! Tag to Lince and Metalik moonsaults again! Lince is up top, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, but Miz and Cesaro break it! The New Day go after the Artists while Miz saves Morrison. The brawl goes up the ramp and to the backstage, Miz tags in! Lince tags Metalik just as Miz attacks! Miz whips, GOLDEN REWIND!

Lince goes up top again, and LEAPS to HURICANRANA Morrison! Metalik enziguris Miz! Metalik goes up, for the tightrope walk MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Lucha House Party and The New Day win!!

Winners: The New Day & Lucha House Party, by pinfall

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions return and celebrate with the Golden Lynx and King of the Ropes! Kofi and Big E still want to settle scores with Cesaro and Nakamura, but will they also have to worry about #LuchaLit on the other side?

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.

The Wolf King has his crown and his scepter as he prepares for Jeff Hardy. Hardy says Taker is a mentor, but where did that get him? In and out of jail, in and out of rehab, and yet Hardy thinks he’ll teach Corbin a lesson. Corbin will teach Hardy a lesson in reality. Hardy should follow in Taker’s footsteps and hang it up. That way, Hardy can finally #RestInPeace. The King of the Ring is laughing now, but will he be the fool after tonight?

SmackDown returns to BRAUN!

The Strowman Express pulls into the ring, still managing a smile even after witnessing the resurrection of the old Bray Wyatt. “I wanna tell you about when I first met Bray Wyatt.” For the first time in his life, he felt fear. Not a bump in the night as a child. The type of fear that makes the hair on your neck stand up. The type of fear that gives you the feeling in the pit of your stomach that something’s wrong. The type of fear that makes grown men tremble. One night, Strowman sat at the edge of the swamp, and Bray’s lantern shone in the dark. As Strowman looked in the water, a water moccasin snake slithered right up to that lantern. As Strowman noticed, he wanted to stop the snake, but Bray said, “No, no no. That’s my friend.,”

Strowman didn’t understand. He watched Bray walk to the snake and kneel down to be face to face with it. As the snake coiled up, it lashed out and bit Bray right on the face. All Bray did was laugh! Bray laughed as the snake bit him again and again and again. It was in this moment that Strowman knew he was in the presence of evil. Bray didn’t get poisoned by the snake, he didn’t bleed, he didn’t even flinch! All Bray did… was laugh. Bray was the devil himself. Strowman was overcome with emotion, enamored at this feat he just witnessed. And so, Strowman did the devil’s work. The worst part of it all? Strowman loved every second of it. Parts of him still do.

Strowman has done everything in his power to lock that side away. It is in the back of his mind, somewhere he thought he could forget about it. But it calls to him. And Bray, Strowman can’t go on living like this. “So what do you say we go back to the swamp? To that eerie, miserable hell you call home.” This ends only one of two ways. Strowman thinks and thinks and thinks. He either comes out of this “the most evil son of a bitch this earth has ever seen,” or he comes out with the satisfaction that he spat in the devil’s face and ripped him limb from limb and stomped him out! Then, Strowman will drag Bray into the swamp and let the gators finish him.

So what does Bray say? Does he want to go home? Because Strowman is ready to turn it into the place of Bray’s destruction. “Let’s go home.” Bray’s response? Flashes of the Wyatt Family, and his laughter. Braun echoes that laughter. Has Bray already won?

More superstars speak on The Undertaker.

If Batista were to brag about his WWE career, it wouldn’t be what he accomplished, but the fact he worked with someone like Taker. Mick Foley still gets asked if he ever wrestled Taker, and when he says yes, their eyes light up. Taker was the top of the totem pole. Having the respect of someone like that shows how truly great Batista was. Foley’s career benefited so much, he can’t imagine what it’d be without Taker. Taker is one of the best ever. There will never be anyone to ever match him. We’re all fortunate to have seen him to performer. Taker has even transcended sports entertainment to become one of the best in all of entertainment.

Jeff Hardy VS Baron Corbin!

The Charismatic Enigma and Wolf King have each spoken their piece, but now it’s time to put up or shut up! Will Hardy put up enough to shut up Corbin forever? Or does Corbin get to retire another icon?

The bell rings, Hardy rushes Corbin but Corbin runs him over! Corbin mocks the crowd cheering for Hardy then rains down rights. Corbin brings Hardy up by his hair, throws body shots, but Hardy hits back! Hardy runs, but into a back elbow! Cover, TWO! Corbin is upset with the ref but he goes back to Hardy. Corbin drags Hardy up to throw forearms into Hardy’s back. He stomps Hardy down but the crowd rallies up. Corbin stalks Hardy to the ropes and stands on Hardy’s head! Corbin brings Hardy up by his hair again, puts him on the ropes and CLUBS him with forearms over and over. The ref counts, Corbin argues with him, then goes back to choke Hardy on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin stops at 4, and Corbin soaks up the heat from the crowd.

Corbin runs at Hardy, Hardy dodges and clotheslines Corbin out! Then baseball slides, but into a right hand! Hardy bumps into the announce desk and Corbin refreshes the ring count. Corbin goes to bump Hardy off steps but Hardy blocks and elbows back! Hardy throws hands, Corbin knees, then whips. Hardy reverses and Corbin goes over the desk! Corbin flounders, Hardy returns to the apron, and Hardy LEAPS to ax handle Corbin down! The crowd fires up with Hardy as he puts Corbin back in the ring. Hardy clubs Corbin around the ring, stomps him at the ropes, then bumps him off buckles. Corbin flounders but Hardy stays on him with more buckle bumps!

Hardy whips Corbin corner to corner, Corbin reverses, but Hardy elbows back! Hardy goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND FLOPS! Corbin hurries to POST Hardy! Hardy flops out of the ring, the crowd boos, but Corbin just revels in it. A ring count begins, and Corbin mocks Taker’s famous pose! The crowd boos even harder as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and this has unofficially become a Lumberjack Match as many superstars now surround the ring. Corbin leans on Hardy with a chinlock but Hardy endures. Hardy fights up, fights back, but Corbin throws him by his hair! Everyone boos but Corbin doesn’t care. Corbin brings Hardy up to DECK him! Corbin mocks the rallying applause, then rains down rights on Hardy. Cover, TWO! Corbin brings Hardy back up to run and DECK him again! Corbin stalks Hardy as the superstars chant, “Corbin Sucks!” Hardy hits back and boots from the corner! Corbin knees low then brings Hardy around to whip him hard into buckles. Corbin runs in, Hardy dodges, Corbin slides out then in, and he CLOBBERS Hardy again!

Corbin looms over Hardy as the superstars and crowd boo. Corbin throws Hardy out then storms over. He presses Hardy against Plexiglas then CLUBS him! Corbin laughs at the smudge left on the glass before he refreshes the count. Corbin drags Hardy up and in, backs the “lumberjacks” down, then goes into the ring. Cover, TWO! Corbin clamps on a chinbar and half nelson to crank on Hardy. The rallying continues as Hardy endures. Hardy fights up, fights back, and jawbreakers free! Corbin staggers into another jawbreaker! Hardy gets up, counter punches Corbin, then whips. Corbin reverses but Hardy forearms him down! Atomic drop, leg trip and leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick! Drop splash, cover, TWO!

The crowd rallies as Hardy gets up. Hardy waits for Corbin to stand, kicks him low, but no Twist yet! Corbin runs into a haymaker! Hardy goes up but Corbin clubs him down. Corbin back suplexes, Hardy lands on his feet! Hardy dodges, but runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Hardy still lives and only Corbin is upset. Hardy gets out of the ring, the lumberjacks coach him up, and Hardy dodges Corbin to send him into steps! Hardy puts Corbin in, throws off his shirt, and climbs up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

And SmackDown celebrates with him! But Corbin’s a sore loser and attacks from behind! Corbin rains down hands, then DECKS Kofi! Big E scoops Corbin, for the BIG ENDING! Big E helps Hardy up, and Hardy wants Strowman to join in! Strowman gets in, takes off the Universal Championship and waits for Corbin to stand. Corbin does, and Strowman scoops for the MONSTER SLAM! Hardy wants Matt Riddle to get involved! The Bro obliges, goes to a corner, and hits the FLOATING BRO! SmackDown is united in downing the disrespectful Corbin! Hardy pays tribute by striking Taker’s signature pose! #ThankYouTaker!

My Thoughts:

A really good episode of SmackDown, though I was a bit disappointed that their televised encore of the Boneyard Match had to cut some out of the beginning. Still a really good match even the second time around. Hearing from all the superstars that faced him in the past was great, and obviously they were all absolutely right. While the WWE may have made Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold, John Cena, Batista and even The Shield members feel like the stars, Taker was always the real star of the show just on how he was always around. There’s not much more anyone else can say other than #ThankYouTaker.

What we got as new material was still pretty good. Clearly Corbin is used as the Heel heat magnet punching bag, which is fine. His match with Hardy was really good, and a great way to end the show to set up the new generation paying homage to the legend. The 8 Man Tag was a great match, and it was pretty great for LHP to get the pin to bring them up in the ranks. New Day VS Cesaro & Nakamura is still looking like the match for Extreme Rules, but maybe LHP comes in for something on the way to SummerSlam. We got a great Fatal 4 Way contenders match, and I’m excited to see Nikki Cross getting the nod here. She has Alexa to counter Sasha being in Bayley’s corner, but this could add to Sasha challenging Asuka. Bayley could want Sasha to back her up against Bliss-Cross even though Sasha has to prepare for her own match, and the tension is automatically there.

Braun’s promo basically accepting Bray’s rematch challenge was just the right kind of creepy. He delivered that story about the snake in the swamp very well, and it is clearly feeding into this “Horror Show” subtitle WWE is slapping onto Extreme Rules. Whatever match Bray and Braun end up having, I’m growing confident that they’ll do an amazing job, just as with Boneyard Match, Firefly Fun House match and the other cinematic matches.

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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Published

21 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

2 days 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!