Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup 2020 Results & Report Part 5!

Who makes it into the quarterfinals?

Published

4 years ago

July 1, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup wraps up the second round!

NJPW almost has its Best Eight, but there’s still four more matches to go! Will Kota Ibushi avenge Hiroshi Tanahashi against Taichi? Will Sho pull off another shocker? Will LIJ have a huge advantage in the third round?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

BUSHI VS YOSHI-HASHI; Hashi wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
SANADA VS SHO; Sanada wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
Kota Ibushi w/ Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Taichi w/ Zack Sabre Jr; Taichi wins and advances to the quarterfinals.
EVIL VS Hirooki Goto; Evil wins and advances to the quarterfinals.

PLAY BY PLAY

BUSHI VS YOSHI-HASHI!

Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Black Mask toppled Yoh last round, and now he’s being hunted by the Head Hunter! Will Bushi keep LIJ going strong in the Cup? Or will he join Shingo on the sidelines?

The moment Hashi stands on a corner for his entrance, Bushi strikes! Bushi knocks Hashi down and stomps away on him. The ref rings the bell to get this match officially underway! Bushi keeps stomping Hashi but lets up to bring him up. Bushi clubs Hashi back down then takes off his shirt. He uses the shirt to choke Hashi! The ref counts, Bushi lets up at 4, and the ref confiscates the shirt. Bushi whips Hashi but Hashi runs Bushi over! Hashi finally takes off his jacket and drags Bushi up. Hashi bumps Bushi off buckles and throws forearm after forearm! The ref reprimands, Hashi won’t stop so the ref pulls him off. Hashi stands Bushi up to CHOP! Hashi whips Bushi but then brings him back around to CHOP! And CHOP!

Bushi turns things around to CHOP, but Hashi eggs him on. Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS but Hashi CHOPS back! Hashi brings pushes Bushi down then stomps him. Hashi drags Bushi back up, to CHOP again. Bushi CHOPS back, but Hashi fires up to CHOP again. Hashi brings Bushi back around and suplexes him high and hard! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool as he puts Bushi in a chinlock against the knee. Bushi endures as Hashi cranks back, but Bushi reaches with a leg. Bushi gets the ropebreak and Hashi lets go right away. Hashi stomps Bushi and brings him back up. Hashi CHOPS Bushi into the corner, then whips him corner to corner. Hashi runs in but Bushi boots him down! Hashi’s right up but Bushi huricanranas! Both men are down, having used a lot of energy already.

Bushi gets up, brings Hashi around and CHOPS back! Bushi whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Hashi dodges! Hashi comes back, Bushi slips out to the apron and kicks Hashi away. Bushi climbs up top and leaps for a missile dropkick! Bushirooni! Hashi bails out, Bushi builds speed, DIVE! The tope suicida sends Hashi into barriers but Bushi is still slow to getting up. Bushi drags Hashi up and into the ring. Bushi drags Hashi up, Hashi breaks free, but Bushi roundhouses and enziguris! Bushi dropkicks a knee, then hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! Hashi toughs it out but Bushi keeps his cool. Bushi drags Hashi up again, fisherman but Hashi slips out of the neckbreaker! Hashi CHOPS and Bushi staggers. Bushi runs back but into an elbow. Hashi dodges and spinning mule kicks!

Bushi staggers to the ropes again, Hashi brings him up to suplex and hang him up top. Hashi runs, but Bushi avoids the dropkick! And gives a slingshot basement dropkick in return! Bushi drags Hashi up and through ropes, for the swinging apron DDT!! Hashi is down but Bushi still has to catch his breath. Bushi gets back in the ring, brings Hashi back up, and hits the swinging fisherman neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Hashi still lives! Bushi says he’s going to end this, and he climbs the corner again. Bushi waits for Hashi to stand, MX gets the LARIAT! Both men are down but Hashi fires himself up. Hashi drags Bushi to his feet, reels him in, but Bushi slips out of the powerbomb to SLAP Hashi! Bushi runs, into another LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!

Hashi keeps his cool as he drags Bushi into the modified butterfly stretch! Bushi powers his way up, reaches for ropes, but Hashi wrangles him away! Bushi is stuck but he won’t give up just yet! Bushi makes his way over with his legs, but Hashi cranks harder! Hashi gives as much as he can but Bushi still makes his way to a ropebreak! Hashi lets go but stomps Bushi down. Hashi drags Bushi up and reels him in, fisherman but Bushi escapes! Backslide with bridge! TWO!! Hashi escapes the Bushi Roll, blocks a kick and ducks the enziguri, but not the rebound heel kick! Bushi brings Hashi into the fireman’s carry but Hashi fights out. Hashi has the full nelson, then the pump handle, KARMA DRIVER!! Cover, Hashi wins!!

Winner: YOSHI-HASHI, by pinfall

The Head Hunter gets another big win! Will Hashi continue to #GetBackUp and head for the Double Champion?

SANADA VS SHO!

The Cold Skull just saw the fate of a fellow LIJ member. The powerhouse Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion already put the Sho in shocker when he defeated Mr. Openweight, Shingo Takagi! Will Sho add another LIJ member to his list of victories? Or will this be the end of Sho’s hot streak and the continuation of Sanada’s?

The bell rings and the two circle. Sho and Sanada approach, feel out the grapple, and Sho gets around to a waistlock. Sanada switches but Sho switches back. Sanada goes for the wrist and wrenches. Sho slips through to reverse the wrench, but Sanada pushes through to waistlock. Sanada spins Sho for a headlock and takeover, but Sho headscissors. Sanada pops out and the two stand off. Sho and Sanada reset and go again. They tie up with knuckle locks and a test of strength! They go shoulder to shoulder but the heavyweight already has advantage. Sanada powers Sho back but Sho bridges to avoid a cover. Sanada hops to put his full weight on Sho, but Sho blocks with boots and puts on an armbar! Sanada gets the ropebreak and Sho lets go.

Sho gets right after Sanada with a wrench, but Sanada shoves the shoulder breaker away. Sanada baits Sho and dumps him out! Sanada builds speed but Sho slides in, so Sanada tumbles to the apron. Sho comes back, Sanada blocks the ax handles, but Sho gets the arm to hotshot! Sho sweeps the legs and runs to wreck Sanada with a dropkick! Sanada stays up though he clutches the arm, so Sho goes to the apron. Sho runs in to Penalty Kick the arm! Sanada clutches the elbow as Sho hops down. Sho wrenches the bad arm and brings Sanada around the corner. Sho wraps the arm around the crossbar! The ref counts, Sho lets up at 4, then gets on the apron. But Sanada dropkicks Sho’s legs out! Sanada drags Sho out and wraps the leg around railing! The ref counts, Sanada lets up, but Sanada BOOTS the bad leg!

Sho topples over, Sanada drags him up and puts him in the ring. Sanada stalks Sho, grabs the leg and stomps away. Sanada drops an elbow into a drop toehold and pulls. Sho fights back with a chinbar but Sanada ignores that. Sho tries to break the hold but Sanada cranks back harder! Sho crawls and gets the ropebreak! Sanada lets go right away and watches Sho crawl around. Sanada brings Sho up but Sho throws a forearm. Sanada just shrugs it off so Sho keeps throwing forearms. Sanada kicks the bad leg but Sho stays up. Sho throws more forearms, Sanada stays up, then blocks the kick to elbow the knee! Sanada runs, Sho dodges and SPEARS! Both men are down as Sho clutches the bad leg, but they go to opposite corners. Sho runs in to hit a BIG corner clothesline!

Sho runs corner to corner, but Sanada follows to give the clothesline back! Sho stays up and throws forearms again. Sanada gives them back and we have a brawl! They go back and forth, hitting harder and harder! Sanada European Uppercuts, runs, but Sho clotheslines him at the ropes. Sho runs, Sanada follows, but Sho knew he would! Sho spins and LARIATS Sanada down! Sho keeps going as he brings Sanada up and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Sho keeps his cool as he stalks Sanada. Sho grabs the bad arm, wrenches and then kicks away on the legs! Sho spins through, shoulder breaker and a rolling takedown, to the ARMBAR! Sanada fights, reaches and gets the ropebreak! Sho lets go but the damage is done.

Sanada gets up slowly, Sho waistlocks, but Sanada grabs ropes again. Sho kicks the bad arm! Sho runs, but into a basement dropkick to the legs! Sanada gets Sho back by taking out that bad leg. Sho bails out, Sanada comes over, and Sanada slingshots for the PLANCHA! Sanada knocks Sho down but brings him back up into the ring. Sanada aims, springboards, but Sho gets under the clothesline. Sho boots Sanada from a corner, then runs, but Sanada hurdles, only to leap into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Sho holds on for a second German Suplex! Then the third is used for the ARMBAR! Sanada flails, reaches, but Sho cranks hard on the arm! Sanada moves around, gets caught in a triangle hold, but endures to dead lift and POWERBOMB! Both men are down, feeling the wear and tear of this match.

Sanada stands first and eggs Sho on. Sho throws a forearm, but Sanada gives it back. The back and forth begins again, neither man backing down. They speed up, Sho gets the advantage with elbows from all sides! But Sanada gives forearms back, spins, but into Sho’s jump KNEE! Sho runs, but into Sanada’s huricanrana, and blocks it?! Sho brings Sanada back up, POWERBOMB BACKBREAKER! Sho fires up, stalks behind Sanada, then runs, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada survives but Sho doesn’t lose focus. Sho drags Sanada back up, reels him in, and double pump handles. Sanada manages to resist the lift, and back drops Sho down! But Sho comes back to waistlock again! Sanada holds ropes, so Sho kicks the bad arm again. Snap German, but Sanada lands on his feet!

Sanada gets Sho in the fireman’s carry, and dumps him into the dragon sleeper! Sho fights off Skull End, but Sanada just switches sides! Sanada brings Sho up, but Sho powers out to gut wrench and scoop Sanada! Sanada fights out to get the dragon sleeper back! Sho cradle counters, TWO!! Sho gets the KIMURA! Sanada endures, powers his way up, reaches for ropes, but Sho rolls him away! Sanada rolls with him, dragon sleeper! Sanada drops back, but Sho rolls through to roll Sanada! Dead lift GERMAN! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada escapes by seconds and Sho can’t believe it! Sho fires up again to drag Sanada back into position. Double pump handles, but Sanada resists again.

Sanada spins out, spins Sho, sleeper, but Sho powers out again. Sho has an inverted straitjacket, but Sanada powers out of that to put the dragon sleeper back on! Sanada cranks on the neck, Sho endures, so Skull SWING! Sho still powers out to arm-drag Sanada away! Sho runs into the corner but gets a back elbow. Sanada QUEBRADA into the sleeper! Drop for the body scissors, SKULL END!! Sho endures, reaches, flails, but he’s caught! Sho taps, Sanada wins!

Winner: SANADA, by submission

Shingo has been avenged! Skull End ends Sho’s run and extends Sanada’s. Will Sanada continue this to keep LIJ strong in the quarterfinals?

Kota Ibushi w/ Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Taichi w/ Zack Sabre Jr!

When it comes to the #GoldenAces and the #DangerousTekkers, the New Japan Cup has split the difference. Suzuki-Gun has been doing what it wants to whoever it wants, and that goes double for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Before finally having it out for the tag titles, who scores the big tiebreaker and takes a step towards Tetsuya Naito?

Taichi complains that Tanahashi is on the apron and tells him to step down. Taichi forgets ZSJ is on the apron for his corner, so the ref wants ZSJ to hop down, too. The Tekkers argue with the ref and that brings Tanahashi into the ring alongside Ibushi. The ref manages to keep the peace and both ZSJ and Tanahashi exit the ring. The bell rings and Ibushi stares Taichi down. Taichi steps forward and offers a handshake, but obviously Ibushi is skeptical. Taichi shakes hands with the ref to show he means well. Ibushi still doesn’t believe it, so he and Taichi circle. ZSJ hops up on the apron again, and Taichi sucker punches Ibushi! Taichi stomps Ibushi at the ropes, brings him up then throws him out. ZSJ gets his shots in with a sleeper hold!

Tanahashi storms over to stomp ZSJ! Tanahashi throws forearms on ZSJ but Taichi goes after Ibushi. Taichi whips Ibushi into railing, then helps ZSJ against Tanahashi. Taichi whips Tanahashi into railing now, but the ref reprimands him. Taichi focuses on Ibushi as he brings him through the gate and whips him into the folded bleachers! Ibushi hits the wood hard then falls down. Taichi brings Ibushi back up, and throws him into the metal barriers in front of the chairs! The ring count begins but Taichi uses camera cables to choke Ibushi! Taichi talks trash as he chokes, but the ring count passes 10 of 20! Taichi lets go at 13, goes back to the ring at 16, but Ibushi hurries! Ibushi gets up and in at 19!

Taichi stands on Ibushi’s chest and throat at the ropes, but the ref reprimands him. Taichi stops and paces about. Taichi drags Ibushi up and secretly chokes him into the corner. The ref knows better than that but Taichi still “hides” it. Taichi stops at the count of 4, but comes back to grab Ibushi’s legs. Taichi drags Ibushi and stomps him in the stomach. Ibushi bails out but ZSJ is right there to throw European Uppercuts! Tanahashi is after ZSJ again with elbows! These two brawl, but the ref reprimands as ZSJ ROCKS Tanahashi with the EuroUpper. Taichi puts Ibushi back in, covers with a choke, so the ref refuses to count. Taichi lets up but he comes back to choke Ibushi more! The ref keeps reprimanding Taichi, and Ibushi hits back! Taichi stomps and chokes Ibushi for that, but lets up at the ref’s count.

Taichi drags Ibushi up but Ibushi throws forearms! Taichi just goes back to the choke! The ref reprimands yet again but Taichi stops. Ibushi slowly stands, Taichi runs, but into the dropkick! Ibushi grits his teeth as he fires up. Ibushi crawls to a corner, gets to his feet, but Taichi runs in. Ibushi goes up and over and ROUNDHOUSES Taichi down! Ibushi hits the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives and Ibushi can’t believe it. Ibushi watches Taichi go to the corner then runs in, but Taichi boots back! Ibushi tries again but is sent into the buckle, Taichi enzugiris! The ref checks on Ibushi but he’s still in this. Taichi waits for Ibushi to sit up, before he kicks! But Ibushi blocks! Taichi rakes Ibushi’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Taichi kicks Ibushi’s leg.

Ibushi shrugs that off and kicks Taichi’s leg in return! Taichi can’t quite contain the pain there. Taichi kicks again, but Ibushi manages to shrug it off again. Ibushi KICKS, and Taichi has to take a second. Taichi kicks, Ibushi kicks, and they pick up speed! They kick and kick and kick! Ibushi and Taichi are at a stalemate there, and Ibushi eggs Taichi on. Taichi kicks with the other leg and gets Ibushi in the chest! Ibushi comes back to give a chest kick and Taichi almost falls over! Taichi kicks again but Ibushi KICKS again. Taichi kicks, but Ibushi KICKS. They go forehead to forehead now, and Taichi gives another chest kick. Ibushi gives another and Taichi has to crouch to contain the pain! Taichi manages to stand, but not for long!

Ibushi toys with Taichi as he kicks him while he’s down. The Golden Ace’s mean streak is pretty strong, y’know. Taichi gets back up and kicks with the right leg high! Ibushi falls over and now Taichi toys with him. Taichi’s mean streak is just how he is, y’know. Kowata kicks over and over, but Ibushi PELES! But Taichi GAMANGIRI! Both men are down, stinging from the damage done. Taichi sits up first as Tanahashi coaches Ibushi up. Taichi drags Ibushi up, but Ibushi swings a kick! Taichi gets under, SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Taichi fires himself up, and off come the pants! Ibushi stands, Taichi thrusts, but no Superkick! Ibushi runs, into a boot and a clothesline, but he LARIATS back! Ibushi fires himself up as Tanahashi rallies.

Ibushi drags Taichi up, reels him in, and lifts but Taichi fights the bomb off! Taichi back kicks, reels Ibushi in, and lifts! Ibushi pops out of the bomb, to ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Taichi! Ibushi drags Taichi up, LAST RIDE! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives the powerbomb, but Ibushi has more to give. Ibushi drags Taichi up so ZSJ starts making a fuss. The ref is busy with ZSJ, Taichi LOW BLOWS! And GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!?! Ibushi survives and no one can believe it! Tanahashi checks on Ibushi at the corner while ZSJ checks on Taichi. Taichi and Ibushi slowly rise, Ibushi runs in but only gets buckles! Blindside ax bomber, and another SAIDO! Taichi ROCKS Ibushi with the forearm, Ibushi V-TRIGGERS! Ibushi drags Taichi around while ZSJ freaks out. But Taichi avoids the Kami-Goye to ROUNDHOUSE back!

Both men are down again and their partners are going nuts! Taichi slowly rolls to a corner while Ibushi stirs. Taichi drags himself up while Ibushi stands. Taichi fires up, aims, but still no Superkick! Ibushi reels him in for a cradle, then pops him up to the gut wrench, tucks him in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taichi survives?!? Ibushi won’t let that throw him off, he drags Taichi up by his wrists! But Taichi whips him into the ref! The ref is down and ZSJ rushes in. ZSJ hits Tanahashi then goes after Ibushi! ZSJ has a guillotine on Ibushi and Taichi hurries to get his favorite weapon. ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi saves Ibushi! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi stomps ZSJ out of the ring then keeps on him at the barriers.

Tanahashi shouts to Ibushi to be ready, and Ibushi goes after Taichi. But Taichi uses the IRON FINGERS!! The Sliest Wrestler wants to finish this, and the ref gets back in. Alabama lift, BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, Taichi wins!!

Winner: Taichi, by pinfall

Suzuki-Gun always wins by any means necessary! Taichi has swept the Golden Aces, and now more than ever, he and ZSJ are poised to take those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships! But will Taichi last much longer in the New Japan Cup if this is what it takes to win?

EVIL VS Hirooki Goto!

The second round’s finale is here! Shingo and Bushi are out, but Hiromu and Sanada are in! The King of Darkness wants to a positive tiebreaker, but the Fierce Warrior won’t let it be at his expense! Will LIJ still have a member in three of the four bracket branches?

As Goto makes his entrance, Evil stands in his way of the ring. Goto tells Evil to go to a corner or something, but Evil silently refuses. So Goto takes off his jacket, and the two start ramming shoulders at ringside! Then they throw forearms fast and furious! The ref rings the bell because they have no choice. Evil knees low then bumps Goto off the apron. Evil CHOPS Goto further along, bumps him off the apron again, then knees low again. Goto hits back but Evil CHOPS! Evil CHOPS Goto against the railing as Red Shoes tries to get them to bring this back into the ring. Evil wrenches Goto to whip him, but Goto reverses to whip Evil into railing!

Goto gets back in the ring and the ring count starts on Evil. Evil takes a moment to catch his breath, then gets in at 11 of 20. Evil slips away before Goto can get him, and Evil lets Goto talk trash. Evil takes his time again, waiting until 13 of 20. Goto rushes in and gets Evil with kicks and clubbing forearms! Goto elbows and whips Evil, but Evil reverses to hip toss. Goto reverse to hip toss back! And then he Penalty Kicks Evil in the back! Cover, TWO! Goto digs a knee in as part of the chinlock but Evil endures. So Goto drives an elbow into Evil’s forehead! And then stomps him while he’s down! Goto brings Evil up to wrench the arm and yank on it. Goto wrenches again to elbow the elbow! Goto clubs Evil on the back, then runs, but Evil runs him over with a shoulder!

Goto goes to ropes, Evil runs in but Goto boots him back. Evil still clotheslines Goto out! Evil catches his breath before going out to fetch Goto. Evil whips Goto into railing! And then brings him up to whip into more railing! Goto slumps down while Evil goes looking for something under the ring. Evil brings out a chair! Red Shoes tells him not to but Evil pushes Red Shoes away. Evil puts the chair around Goto’s head, and RAMS Goto into the post! Goto goes down in a heap, but Evil stands on Goto’s head. Red Shoes reprimands so Evil lets up and enters the ring. The ring count starts and Goto stirs at 3. Goto sits up at 11, stands at 16, and gets in the ring at 18. Evil drags Goto around to dig his elbow into Goto’s face! The ref reprimands but Evil does it again.

Evil lets up to bring Goto into a chinlock of his own. Now Goto endures the knee in his back and the grinding of forearms in his face. Goto fights up and fights back, but Evil mule kicks! Evil reels Goto in for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Evil keeps his cool as he looms over Goto. Evil toys with Goto but Goto gets up and CHOPS! Evil eggs him on but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and forearms! Goto runs, but gets run over again! Evil paces about before he brings Goto back up. Evil reels Goto in, suplexes, but Goto slips out to waistlock. Evil elbows out, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down, sore from what they’ve already put each other through. Goto sits up first and he brings Evil up. Goto throws forearm after forearm and backs Evil into a corner.

Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and hits a BIG clothesline! Evil goes down but Goto brings him back up. Goto back suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Goto grows frustrated but he fireman’s carries. Evil fights out and pulls Goto down by his hair! Goto goes to a corner, Evil runs corner to corner, and Evil blocks Goto’s boots. Evil turns Goto sideways, and springboard STOMPS Goto out of the Tree of Woe! Evil hears voices in his head as he waits for Goto to stand. Goto sits in the corner, Evil goes corner to corner, BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evil keeps his cool, and still toys with Goto. Goto grits his teeth as Evil brings him up. Evil fireman’s carries but Goto resists! Evil still gets Goto up, Goto fights out and waistlocks.

Evil elbows free, runs, but Goto follows. Evil dodges, Goto follows again, but Evil changes directions, only to run into Goto’s fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI!! Both men are down again as commentary is amazed by what they’re seeing. Goto and Evil slowly stir, and Goto sits up first. Evil follows but Goto throws a forearm from the mat. Evil hits back, but Goto hits again. They slowly stand and throw more forearms. Evil checks his chin then throws another forearm, but Goto fires up to throw more forearms. They pick up speed for a fast and furious brawl! Goto gets the edge, Evil wobbles, and Goto brings him up. Evil ROCKS Goto back! Evil brings Goto up, fisherman, but Goto resists the lift! They fight for suplex control, and Goto powers Evil up! But Evil slips out, only for Goto to DECK him!

Goto fires up, reels Evil in, INVERTED GTR! Cover, TWO! Evil lives but Goto keeps his focus. Goto fires up again, watches Evil sit up, and KICKS! Goto dares Evil to sit back up, and Evil does. For Goto to KICK! Goto drags Evil back up, and KICKS again! Goto dusts off his hands, but Evil blocks this kick! To spin Goto for a GERMAN! But GOto is back on his feet! Clotheslines collide, neither falls! They collide again and again! Goto and Evil wobble to opposite corners! And then run at each other, Goto’s LARIAT hits! Cover, TWO!! Goto won’t let off, he brings Evil up and around, dragon sleeper but Evil fights back! Goto grabs the arm, reels Evil in, but Evil DECKS Goto with the elbow!

Evil catches his breath, drags Goto back up, fisherman suplex! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Evil stays focused. Evil watches Goto crawl and brings him up. Evil spins Goto, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives again and Evil can’t believe it! Evil slashes the throat and brings Goto back up. Evil spins him, but Goto slips out of the STO! Goto catches Evil’s clothesline to spin him to a dragon sleeper! But Evil spins to put the dragon sleeper on Goto! Evil pushes Goto to spin him back around, but still no STO! Goto HEADBUTTS and Evil goes down! Goto stays up, fires up, and Evil stands up to get the BUZZSAW!

Goto drags Evil up, fireman’s carry, G T W!! Cover, TWO!!! Evil lives but Goto wants to finish it! Dragon sleeper, but Evil slips out to shove Goto into Red Shoes! Goto turns around, into Evil’s LARIAT! All three are down between Evil, Goto and Red Shoes. Evil is up first and he drags Goto around by his legs. Evil LOW BLOW STOMPS!! He’s living up to his name with that one. Red Shoes revives as Evil covers, TWO!?! Goto survives that vicious move but Evil hits EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!

Winner: Evil, by pinfall

Goto couldn’t withstand the merciless tactics of LIJ’s dark one! Evil joins Sanada and Hiromu in the quarterfinals, and he takes the mic to speak. He told you all he’d keep winning by any means necessary! He is already the number one in this tournament. “This! Is! Evil! Everything! Is! Evil!” Will LIJ take over the Cup and then Dominion?

My Thoughts:

Another really good card for NJPW, though the results were half predictable, half mildly surprising. Hashi and Bushi have a good opener, and I’m moderately surprised Hashi won. At the same time, the bracket ended up in such a way that there wasn’t going to be LIJ VS LIJ in just the quarterfinals. That’s a semifinals to finals level thing so Bushi had to drop. Sanada and Sho also have a really good match, but with Sho having beat Shingo and setting up a NEVER Openweight Championship showdown, Sho didn’t need to keep going in the Cup. Sanada’s also been owed a great run so here it is. I’m a little surprised Taichi VS Ibushi didn’t finish the night, and it definitely surprised me that Taichi won. Obviously he did it dirty, but it sets up a lot of heat for him and ZSJ going into a Heavyweight Tag Title match. That match will definitely happen at Dominion so as not to detract from the Cup.

Evil and Goto were a great main event with how hard both guys hit each other, and how they brawled from the moment the two met at the ramp. This match was something that felt it could go either way, but it’s been pretty clear that, except for the winner of the bottom left branch, it’s going to be an LIJ semifinals. Sanada VS Evil, and I’m very confident Hiromu meets Okada. Okada’s been on a great run, Ishimori isn’t getting through him, Rainmaker and Timebomb is incredible just thinking about it. And thinking about it, I bet we get a rematch of Okada VS Sanada, that rivalry has been epic and fighting for a shot at Naito’s double championship will only add to that.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

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It’s Draft Day!

Published

16 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!