Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (7/22/20)

FALL AND PRAY!

Published

4 years ago

July 22, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Will NXT see Dominik Dijakovic face his doom?

Karrion Kross did not take Dominik Dijakovic’s comments lightly. A brawl backstage was not enough, will the clock strike midnight on Dijakovic in NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Killian Dain VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins.
Ever-Rise VS Breezango; Breezango wins.
Shotzi Blackheart VS Aliyah w/ Robert Stone; Blackheart wins.
NXT North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Roderick Strong VS Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed; Reed wins and advances to NXT TakeOver: 30.
Oney Lorcan VS Timothy Thatcher; Thatcher wins.
Dominik Dijakovic VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux; Kross wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT opens with William Regal via video call!

“Welcome to NXT. Two weeks ago, the world witnessed Keith Lee ended Adam Cole’s incredible 403 day reign, and became the North American and NXT Champion in what can only be described as an incredible accomplishment.” Keith has asked for time to address the NXT Universe. As such, we cut over to Keith in his home with both his title belts. Keith thanks Mr. Regal for this time, and Keith says it’s been an incredible couple of weeks. He knows how much work it takes just to get to NXT. His own journey began 15 years ago with his trainer, the late “Killer” Tim Brooks.

Brooks may be gone now, but he spoke the truth. “Time, blood, sweat.” It all prepares you for the opportunities that come your way. And when that opportunity struck, Keith became North American Champion. When it struck again, Keith became THE NXT Champion. Life is about making the most of opportunities. Some may call him Limitless, he will not limit others, Make no mistake, he will defend the NXT Championship as much as he can, but at this point in time, he will RELINQUISH the North American Championship! This is in an effort to make sure others have the same opportunities he have, with the caveat that as many people as possible have an opportunity to win.

Regal says it is a wonderful and noble gesture. And as such, we begin a HUGE series of Triple Threat matches! The winners will go to NXT TakeOver: 30, on August 22nd, for a ladder match to crown a NEW North American Champion. That series begins tonight with Johnny Gargano, Roderick Strong and Bronson Reed battling for their spot! Who moves on to go to TakeOver: Triple X?

Killian Dain VS Dexter Lumis!

The Beast of Belfast didn’t take kindly to having coffee splashed on him even accidentally. But he also didn’t like the Tortured Artist immortalizing it in ink. Will Big Damo make sure Lumis suffers for his art?

The bell rings and Dain circles with Lumis. They tie up and go around, and Dain headlocks but Lumis powers out. Dain runs Lumis over then keeps moving. Lumis gets up but Dain runs him over again. Lumis slithers and Dain stops in his tracks. Dain drags Lumis up, throws European Uppercuts then whips. Lumis slides out of the ring then dodges Dain as he rushes out. Lumis stares at Dain but Dain drags him back out. Lumis rocks Dain with uppercuts of his own, then haymakers. Lumis whips, Dain reverses but Lumis leaps over the steel steps! The crowd cheers as Lumis rocks Dain with another right. But Dain comes back with the DIVIDE! Dain gets into the ring and Lumis is at the mercy of the count.

The crowd rallies but Dain drags Lumis up and over to throw into Plexiglas! Dain digs his forearm into Lumis’ face, then bounces him off the Plexiglas. Dain puts Lumis in the ring and on the apron to club away. The ref reprimands but Dain KNEES Lumis! Dain drags Lumis out, Lumis hits back and puts Dain in. LUmis climbs up but Dain knees him low. Dain brings Lumis through ropes, clubs him again, then goes up top for a guillotine leg drop! Cover, TWO! Lumis survives and NXT goes picture in picture.

Dain keeps on Lumis by standing on one hand and wrenching the other. Dain throws Lumis back out of the ring hard, then soaks up the heat from the crowd. Dain goes out to get in the faces of the crowd before clubbing Lumis. He pushes Lumis’ face into the Plexiglas but lets up to put him back in the ring. Dain spots Lumis slither to a corner and runs in for a big splash! Dain pushes Lumis down and soaks up more heat before throwing big forearms. Lumis throws punches back but Dain clubs him down. Dain chokes Lumis at the ropes until the ref counts. Lumis shakes out his arms and sputters for air but Dain throws forearms in the corner.

Dain whips corner to corner hard and Lumis goes down in a heap! Dain doesn’t let up, but Lumis throws body shots again. Lumis stands, runs but into a mule kick! Lumis goes down again, clutching those ribs. Dain drops a senton outta nowhere! Lumis crawls and Dain eggs him on before raining down fists. Dain turns Lumis over for a partial camel clutch. Dain hooks Lumis’ face but the ref reprimands so Dain lets go. Dain stands on Lumis’ lower back and pulls him back with a chinlock. Lumis endures, Dain hooks his nose again, then lets up to add an arm for a crossface modification. Lumis still endures and works against the hold. NXT returns to single picture as Lumis is free and punches from below!

Dain comes back to ROCK Lumis with a forearm, but Lumis just sits back up. Lumis stares at Dain, Dain CHOPS! Lumis embraces the pain as Dain keeps throwing forearms and chops and haymakers! Dain BOOTS Lumis down before tearing at his own shirt. Dain wants Lumis to stand, then runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! The crowd is thunderous as Lumis gets up. Dain also stands, swings but Lumis ducks to throw haymakers. Dain shoves, Lumis ducks to THESZ PRESS! Lumis throws fast hands but Dain gets away, only to get a corner clothesline and bulldog! Lumis brings Dain up for a BIG back suplex! Kip up to leg drop! Cover, TWO! Lumis keeps his cool as he goes to a corner.

Lumis leaps but his Swanton FLOPS! Dain runs and shotgun dropkicks Lumis to a corner! CANNONBALL! Dain drags Lumis up to a powerbomb! And elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Lumis still lives and the crowd cheers for “NXT! NXT!” giving them such a great opener. Dain grits his teeth as he drags Lumis back up. Fireman’s carry, but Lumis slips out to shove Dain into buckles. URENAGE! Dain avoids The Silence to drag Lumis back up. Lumis slips off the bomb, ducks the punch and baits Dain into buckles. Dain puts Lumis on the apron but Lumis rocks him back! Lumis climbs up, Dain throws forearms first and climbs up to join Lumis. The two fight for control, Lumis shoves Dain down! SWANTON hits!

Dain gets up, for another URENAGE! THE SILENCE! Dain endures, claws, reaches, but fades out! Lumis brings Dain around, Dain keeps prying at the hold but he’s out again! Lumis wins!!

Winner: Dexter Lumis, by submission

Lumis’ eyes continue to stare into our souls as he conquers the Beast of Belfast. Will Lumis be among the future contenders for the North American Championship Ladder match?

Backstage interview with Roderick Strong!

The Undisputed Era’s Savior of the Backbreaker is one of the first with an opportunity at entering the North American Championship Ladder match. What does this mean to him? This means that the Era can get back on track. The last few weeks have been strange. And Keith Lee never actually gave Strong a rematch so Strong should just automatically be in that ladder match. Bronson Reed comes in to say that’s where Strong is wrong. Strong and the UE have had a million chances, but Keith gave up the title to create opportunities. This is Reed’s biggest chance and he is going to prove he is a big time player in NXT.

Johnny Gargano comes in laughing and says, “Excuse me, boys. Face of the brand coming through.” Strong tells “Johnny Goof” he’ll see him later. Gargano says if Reed wants to be a player, welcome to Gargano’s world. This all ends with Gargano becoming North American Champion again and making history, again. Later, Thicc Boi. Well this Thicc Boi vows to go all out. Will Strong and Gargano survive the power of Auszilla?

Dakota Kai speaks.

“Hi, Io. It felt SO good to kick you off that pedestal you put yourself on. When the taste returns to your mouth, I’ll be waiting. And oh, make sure to bring the NXT Women’s Championship with you, too.” #CobraKai has called her shot, but will she hit it when the Evil Genius gives her that chance?

Ever-Rise VS Breezango!

Matt Martel & Chase Parker have been going back and forth, up and down, but they never expected to face the Fashion Mounties! Will Tyler Breeze & Fandango enforce the law and have fun doing it?

The teams sort out Breeze starts against Parker. They circle, tie up, and go around. Breeze headlocks, grinds Parker down but Parker powers up to power out. Breeze runs Parker over and then lounges on the ropes. Parker shouts, “You think you’re cute, huh?” Parker runs in but Breeze dodges, and then shows Super Model Kick! Parker scrambles away and Martel says, “Watch his face!” Ever-Rise fakes a tag but Breeze dodges and hurdles Parker to show kick again! Parker stops in his tracks and Martel shouts, “Easy! Easy!” Martel starts a “Defense!” chant like this is football or something, so Breeze SUPER MODEL KICKS him! Parker clobbers Breeze and rains down angry rights!

Parker rips the Mountie uniform off Parker then tags in Martel. Parker throws Breeze out hard and then Martel drops ax handles! Martel stomps away on Breeze to then bump him off Plexiglas! The ref reprimands, Martel puts Parker in and drops another ax handle! Martel whips Breeze hard into the corner, tags Parker, and Ever-Rise mugs Breeze. Parker throws hands, pulls on Breeze’s ear to bring him up for a back suplex. Breeze escapes and tags in Fandango! The Lord of the Dance rallies on Ever-Rise, CHOPS away on Parker then whips corner to corner. Parker staggers into the BACK DROP! Fandango sees Martel coming and back drops him before hitting Parker with a Russian Leg Sweep!

Fandango goes up top and puts on the hat! He salutes and FALLS onto Ever-Rise! Mountie Dive is a hit! Fandango puts Parker in, Breeze tags in, Breezango DOUBLE SUPER MODEL KICKS! And then the same for Martel! Cover on Parker, Breezango wins!

Winners: Breezango, by pinfall

The Mounties always get their men, and also get the win! Are Breeze and Fandango back in contention for the NXT Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Dominik Dijakovic.

Tonight, the Croatian Colossus goes 1v1 with Karrion Kross for the first time ever, after their brutal brawl backstage last week. How does Dijakovic make sure the match ends different than the fight? Well Kross suplex’d Dijakovic over railing onto his head, after Dijakovic gave it his all against Keith Lee. Tonight, Kross is taking on a 100% fresh and ready Dijakovic. Dijakovic was trying to figure out what was next for him in NXT and now he knows what it is: knocking Karrion Kross out cold! Will it go that way for Dijakovic? Or will he be made to #FallAndPray?

Io Shirai tweets a reply to Dakota Kai.

“Actions have consequences… And you cannot undo your actions. Wednesday, I’ll be seeing you…” But just when and where will the Evil Genius of the Sky strike #CapKota?

Shotzi Blackheart VS Aliyah w/ Robert Stone!

The wild child ran Robert Stone’s leg over in return for getting in her face, and now his foot is in a brace. Will Aliyah at least feel like she got ran over by that tank when Shotzi #TCB, Takes Care o’ Business?

Speaking of that tank, Shotzi cruises down the ramp and rams the steel steps into Stone! He hobbles off while she howls and gets in the ring. “Welcome to the ball pit!” The bell rings and Shotzi goes for a boot. Aliyah dodges but Shotzi dodges the heel kick. Shotzi fires off forearms but Aliyah shoves her. Shotzi trips Aliyah and has the legs, “Welcome to the Ball Pit!” A Jeff Hardy style leg splitting leg drop sends Aliyah crawling to ropes. Shotzi CANNONBALLS her into the ropes! Shotzi howls and runs but Aliyah dodges the straddle attack to come back with a FLYING FACEBUSTER! Aliyah puts Shotzi in, covers, TWO!

Shotzi gets to a corner while Aliyah smirks. Aliyah whips Shotzi to another corner, blocks the boot counter to throw Shotzi down! Aliyah drags Shotzi up by her hair to stomp her down! Stone applauds but the crowd boos as Aliyah bumps Shotzi off buckles. Stone talks trash as Aliyah snap suplexes and floats back to drag Shotzi back up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, TWO!! Aliyah grows annoyed with Shotzi but drags her into a hair-pulling camel clutch. Aliyah hooks up the arms but the crowd rallies up. Shotzi endures, fights to get her arms free, then trips Aliyah into an Oklahoma Roll! ONE, but Shotzi SLAPS then JABS Aliyah. Aliyah reverses the whip but Shotzi goes up and over and comes back with a corner splash!

Shotzi rolls Aliyah out to hit a SLING-DOG! The crowd fires up as Shotzi BOOTS Aliyah then rolling elbows! QUESTION MARK! SAIDO SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Aliyah lives but Shotzi grits her teeth. Shotzi drags Aliyah up, wrenches and chicken wings, but Aliyah stomps the foot to put Shotzi into buckles! Roll up but with ropes! The ref notices in time and stops at two! Stone and Aliyah are furious but Shotzi enziguris Aliyah down! Shotzi drags Aliyah back up, chicken wings for the TIGER SUPLEX! Shotzi gets to the corner and climbs up, but Stone gets on the apron. Shotzi BOOTS Stone down! Stone lands on his bad leg, Shotzi goes up and SUPER SENTONS Aliyah down! Cover, Shotzi wins!

Winner: Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall

Now that’s how you TCB! Shotzi hops into her tank and Stone is stuck on the ramp! She runs over the OTHER leg!! Will the bougie brand back off and let Shotzi be Shotzi? But then Mercedes Martinez BOOTS Shotzi down?! Aliyah drags Stone out from under the tank while Mercedes leaves. What does Mercedes have against Shotzi to blindside her like this?

NXT takes a look at Isaiah “Swerve” Scott.

“Swerve is many things. But overall, Swerve is confidence.” He was a loner as a kid, but he loved to dance. When he finally got a full sense of confidence was performing Billy Jean for his high school talent show. And all he wanted to do after that was perform. Being int he studio helps him loosen up, zone out and be himself. It’s just like the ring. Making music and being in a match is about being in sync. The beat and the harmonies need to be in sync or it throws the whole track out of whack. The same goes with footwork in the ring and keeping the match on track. Being in the ring with a Johnny Gargano, the inaugural NXT Triple Crown, is special. Him taking Gargano to the limit shows Swerve what it takes to become champion.

Swerve has heard Santos Escobar saying the Cruiserweight Division needed a leader. Swerve wants to remind Escobar that he was the first one to beat Escobar in the WWE. The next time they meet, we’ll be looking at the new NXT Cruiserweight Champion.

NXT North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier Triple Threat: Roderick Strong VS Johnny Gargano VS Bronson Reed!

The first spot in TakeOver: 30’s Ladder Match will either be Undisputed, have #AllHeartNoSoul, or belong to Auszilla! Only one man moves on, let the series begin!

The bell rings and the three circle. Strong rushes but fakes Reed out. Reed runs Gargano over, speeds up with Strong, and Strong leaps to bounce off Reed’s shoulder! Reed holds the ring as Gargano and Strong bail out. Those two argue with each other, and Gargano wants to work together. They agree to rush Reed on three. One, two- They both try to fake the other out, and then claim they knew all along the other would do that. Reed stomps Gargano’s hand on the apron! Then hip tosses Strong into the ring! Reed whips and runs Strong over! Gargano returns, kicks Reed then huricaransas, but is blocked! Reed scoops and SLAMS Gargano down!

Strong clubs Reed from behind and throws haymakers. Reed hits back, headbutts Strong down, then fireman’s carries. Gargano runs but is just added to the load! Strong gets down and CHOPS Reed on the back! Strong tries to Olympic Slam but Reed clubs him down. Reed ducks Gargano’s enziguri and it hits Strong! Reed runs, Gargano drops down but then he’s shoved into Strong! Strong flops out of the ring and Reed glares at Gargano. Gargano bails out fast as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Strong throws haymakers on Reed. Reed hits back and backs Strong to a corner. Reed runs in to hip attack! Then he runs at Gargano for another hip attack! Gargano flops out so Reed powers up but runs into Strong’s knee! Reed goes down, Strong hurries after him with clubbing and CHOPS! Strong climbs up to rain down rights and lefts in the corner! Reed pushes him away but Gargano returns to add left hands. Strong pulls Gargano away to rain down rights. Gargano pulls Strong away to rain down lefts. Strong stomps Reed and the two back off. Strong drags Reed up as the crowd duels, “Johnny Sucks!” “Strong Sucks!” Strong CHOPS Reed, Gargano CHOPS, too! They keep giving CHOPS but Reed CHOPS back!

Reed DECKS Strong and CHOPS Gargano but Strong kicks a leg out. Gargano kicks back then the two bring Reed up. They double whip but Reed crisscrosses them into each other! Reed elbows Strong and body presses Gargano! Strong leg lariats in return! Strong drags Reed around to underhook the arms. Reed resists the lift to back drop but Strong sunset flips! Gargano grabs Strong to catapult him into Reed’s thicc boi! Gargano KNEES Reed out then rushes Strong. Strong puts Gargano on the apron then runs, into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Gargano DIVES out onto Reed and sends him into barriers! Gargano slingshots back in but Strong blocks to butterfly backbreaker! Cover, TWO!!

Strong stomps Gargano then grabs the legs. Gargano resists the Strong Hold long enough for Reed to return and DECK Strong! Reed rallies and atomic drops to CLOBBER Strong. Gargano swings into a full nelson that becomes a dragon sleeper. Strong staggers into Reed’s arms, URENAGE INVERTED DDT COMBO! Reed is fired up with the crowd as he looks at Strong and Gargano in a corner. He runs to SANDWICH SPLASH them both! THICC SENTON onto Strong! Cover but Gargano kicks it apart! Gargano drags himself up and goes to Reed to throw haymakers. Reed still gets up to headbutt back! Strong and Gargano both sit up, Reed lifts Gargano but Strong chop blocks Reed down!

Strong and Gargano CHOP Reed together! Reed stays up but Strong gets in position. Gargano enziguris Reed for Strong to OLYMPIC SLAM! But Gargano throws Strong out of the ring! Cover on Reed, TWO!! Gargano can’t steal a win and he is frustrated! Gargano brings Reed up to put him through the ropes. He puts Reed’s arms in the ropes and SUPERKICKS him! Then SUPER- NO! Strong gives Gargano a BACKBREAKER! Strong runs side to side to throw elbow after elbow on Reed! Gargano shoves Strong out again! Gargano runs to slide, wheelbarrow half nelson but he fights free! The two brawl and Reed DIVES!! Aussie Strong Style wipes them both out and the crowd is thunderous as we go to break!

NXT returns again and Reed CHOPS Gargano! Strong CHOPS Reed, Gargano throws forearms on Reed. More CHOPS and forearms fly but Reed double clotheslines Strong and Gargano down! Reed grits his teeth and roars as he aims at Strong. Strong boots back, but Gargano steps into Strong’s enziguri! Strong hops up, Reed ROCKS him with a right, then drags Gargano up in a fireman’s carry. Reed adds Strong to the stack, DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Cover on Gargano, TWO!! Gargano still has that superhuman heart but Reed goes after Strong. Reed hoists Strong up top, CHOPS again, then throws haymakers. Reed climbs up top but Strong hits back. Gargano chop blocks Reed’s leg and brings him down.

Gargano throws haymakers and CHOPS on Reed, then goes after Strong. Strong fights Gargano back and fireman’s carries him up! Gargano fights that off, but Reed adds on with clubbing forearms. Reed has Gargano in an Electric Chair, Strong gets up, but Gargano avoids Doomsday with a POISON-RANA! But Strong KNEES Gargano first! Cover on Reed, Gargano SUPERKICKS it apart! All three men are down and “This is Awesome!” Reed is on the apron and Strong throws forearms from all sides. Reed CLUBS back, Gargano clubs Reed’s legs from behind! Gargano has Reed, Strong KNEES Reed into the POWERBOMB!! The crowd loses its mind while the ref checks on Reed. Reed writhes, Gargano turns around for Strong to WRECK him with a dropkick!

Strong puts Gargano in, runs corner to corner and SHINING WIZARDS! Back suplex SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Strong keeps his focus as he drags Gargano up. Gargano resists the underhooks but Strong still gets him up, only for Gargano to huricanrana! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirl takedown to GargaNO Escape! But Strong makes it a cover, TWO! Gargano powers out of Strong Hold, ducks the boot and rolls Strong, TWO! SUPERKICK! Gargano drags Strong up to scoop and LAWN DART! The crowd fires up as Gargano aims but Strong dodges! Strong fireman’s carries, GUTBUSTER DROP! Gargano is on the apron, and enziguris Strong away! Slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT!! But Gargano sputters to the cover, REED THICC BOI SPALSHES! Cover, REED WINS!!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (advances to TakeOver: 30)

INCREDIBLE! Truly the biggest win in Reed’s career, and he’s on to TakeOver: XXX!! Will Reed take full advantage of this massive opportunity?

Oney Lorcan VS Timothy Thatcher!

The Boston Fury wants revenge on the ruthless teacher of torture for that extended Fujiwara armbar and the insults added later on. Will Thatcher continue to add insult to injury, as well as more injuries?

The bell rings and Oney circles with Thatcher. They approach, Oney avoids Thatcher’s grip, but they clinch and Thatcher gets the arm. Thatcher shifts to a facelock to gator roll Oney but Oney gets to his feet and gets around. Thatcher keeps on the arm and wrist but Oney keeps on the rear. Oney goes from waistlock to facelock but Thatcher slips out to hammerlock. Oney moves around, gets Thatcher’s arm to a wristlock. Thatcher gets up, throws body shots and clamps onto Oney’s shoulders. Thatcher grinds a forearm into Oney’s face, Oney drops to get the leg. Thatcher fights off the toehold to go after the arm again. Oney clasps hands to avoid the armbar, goes after the leg again, but Thatcher SLAPS!

Thatcher has the leg, Oney CHOPS and SLAPS! Oney keeps throwing CHOPS but Thatcher clinches to a belly2belly! Cover, TWO! Thatcher keeps on Oney with a chinlock but Oney endures. The crowd rallies as Oney fights but Thatcher makes it a cover. ONE, but Thatcher facelocks Oney again. Oney fights back up, Thatcher clubs his neck and knees low! Thatcher again facelocks, head ‘n’ arm suplex! Cover, TWO! Thatcher still keeps on Oney with a grounded clinch. Thatcher turns Oney over, has the legs and laces them up, to then get a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Oney endures, but Thatcher makes it a cover. TWO and Oney is free, to go after a leg. Oney trips Thatcher, has the ankle but Thatcher resists.

Thatcher gets the arm again and has a double wristlock, but Oney gets the ropebreak! Thatcher lets go fast but he KNEES Oney against ropes! He throws a EuroUpper then stands Oney up against ropes. Thatcher CLUBS Oney and KNEES him down again! Cover, TWO! The crowd still rallies for Oney as Thatcher drags him up. Oney fires off body shots and CHOPS! Thatcher clinches but Oney pushes him away to BLAST him with a EuroUpper! Oney keeps moving, and EuroUppers again! The crowd fires up as Oney aims at Thatcher on the outside. Thatcher drags Oney out and goes after the arm again. Oney chinbars in return, and POSTS Thatcher arm first! Both men are even in that respect now, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Thatcher has Oney in a corner. Thatcher uses one hand to push Oney into buckles and the other to throw point-blank forearms! The ref counts and Thatcher lets up at 4. Thatcher drags Oney back up to club him back down. Thatcher half nelsons as he clubs away on Oney’s back. Thatcher makes the nelson a keylock, but Oney throws body shots. Thatcher shoves Oney to buckles, Oney elbows back. Oney hops up and boots Thatcher away, to then leap and EuroUpper! Both men are down but the crowd fires up. Thatcher stands. Oney stalks up behind but Thatcher denies the Half ‘n’ Half. Thatcher wants the chicken wing crossface but Oney grabs the fingers! Oney gets the bad arm for a takedown and double wristlock!

Thatcher resists, powers up and throws forearms! Oney holds onto the wrist even as Thatcher clubs and SLAPS away! Oney trips Thatcher to get the HALF CRAB! Oney cranks back but Thatcher grits what teeth he has to reach back. Thatcher is after a leg but Oney drops down to FUJIWARA! Oney wants to use Thatcher’s favorite against him! Thatcher endures, reaches up and fish hooks Oney’s face! The ref reprimands but Oney lets Thatcher go. Oney throws haymakers and CHOPS on the bad arm! HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO!! Thatcher toughs it out but Oney fires up! Oney glares at Thatcher as he CHOPS again! Thatcher blocks but Oney breaks through to CHOP again! And CHOP!

Thatcher goes for a leg, Oney goes after the arm! Thatcher resists, they go around and Thatcher rams Oney into buckles. Oney holds onto the arm to twist, but Thatcher reaches back to clasp hands. Oney keeps working on the wristlock, pushing that elbow. Thatcher trips Oney up to get a cover, with tights! Thatcher wins!!

Winner: Timothy Thatcher, by pinfall

Thatcher escapes by the skin of his teeth! Oney almost got his revenge, but will this rivalry give us the full trilogy?

Backstage interview with The Robert Stone Brand.

Stone does NOT want to talk right now! He got ran over again! Aliyah tells Mackenzie to leave, but Mercedes walks by. Mercedes tells Stone to stay seated and listen. Mercedes says she needs someone to handle the big matches, look at the contracts, and handle all the crap she doesn’t care about. That way, she can focus on being in the ring and hurting her opponents. Got that? Crystal clear. He’s her man- Do NOT overstep your boundaries, or she will make sure both his legs stay broken. Understood! “Welcome to the Robert Stone Brand.” They shake on it, and Stone is so excited! Until his legs hurt again. Is Mercedes the key Stone needs to get his brand to the top of NXT?

Finn Balor speaks.

“Keith Lee’s giving out opportunities. He’s giving NXT opportunities. He’s giving Finn Balor opportunities.” At Finn’s level, he doesn’t need charity. But he will take advantage that Keith is not man enough to defend the title. The Prince will take the North American Championship, and he’s not playing games. He tells us his next move: Dexter Lumis, Timothy Thatcher, “I’m sorry for ya. But your opportunity sucks, because you have to deal with me. Your push just hit the ceiling.” At TakeOver: 30, the North American Championship gets what it needs in the #FinnRub. That is truly a sinister Triple Threat, but who survives to join Bronson Reed in that Ladder match?

Dominik Dijakovic VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux!

After facing the then Double Champion, Keith Lee, Dijakovic proclaimed Keith was an a whole new level, and that not even Kross could touch him. Mr. Doomsday took offense to that, dumped Dijakovic over railing, and then walked away. But there’s no running from this! Will Dijakovic survive the apocalypse?

The bell rings and Kross circles with Dijakovic. They stare down, approach, then tie up. They go around along the ropes and in a corner, then back out to center. The titans separate and the crowd fires up. Kross and Dijakovic tie up again, go around some more, and Dijakovic powers Kross to a corner. The ref calls for the break, Dijakovic lets off, but Kross kicks low! Kross facelocks, cranks on Dijakovic’s head, but Dijakovic fights up. Dijakovic rams Kross to buckles but Kross wrenches the head harder. The crowd rallies for Dijakovic and he rams Kross again. And again! Kross holds on so Dijakovic throws body shots.

Dijakovic wrenches out, torture racks, but Kross blocks Fest to wrench and lift. Dijakovic fights the saido off to bring Kross around for elbows! Dijkaovic knees and DECKS Kross out of the ring! Kross is reeling for once in NXT, but he RAMS into Dijakovic! Kross puts Dijakovic against barriers, aims a big right hand, but Dijakovic dodges the fist! Kross punches Plexiglas but doesn’t even flinch! Dijakovic comes back to BOOT Kross down! Kross definitely felt that one and Scarlett is furious. The ring count climbs, Dijakovic puts Kross in at 7. Dijakovic runs at Kross in a corner but Kross BOOTS back! And ROUNDHOUSES, to DDT! Kross grins as he spikes Dijakovic and NXT goes picture in picture.

Kross takes his time going back to Dijakovic and talks trash as he stomps him down. Kross taunts Dijakovic and brings him up to throw haymakers! Dijakovic is on the ropes and Kross chokes him with a boot! The ref counts, Kross lets off to CLUB Dijakovic on the back. Kross drags Dijakovic up to knee low, then turn him for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kross traps an arm and has Dijakovic in a headlock and pulls! Dijakovic endures and pushes back but Kross BITES Dijakovic’s hand! The ref reprimands, Dijakovic keeps pushing back but Kross holds on. Dijakovic makes the headlock a cover, TWO and Kross cranks harder.

Dijakovic endures, frees his arm, and fights to his feet. Dijakovic throws body shots but Kross trips him up just to bring it back to square one! NXT returns to single picture as Kross floats around to trap the arms and dig an elbow into Dijakovic’s face. Dijakovic endures as Kross cranks on the shoulder. The crowd rallies up, Dijakovic fights up, throws body shots and forearms, but Kross roars and DOOMSDAY SAIDOS!! Kross roars again as he stands tall. Kross calls for it, and grabs Dijakovic for the Krossjacket! Dijakovic arm-drags free before it locks in, and then fireman’s carries! Kross slips out, but Dijakovic ROCKS him with a right! Scarlett is worried and coaches Kross up, but Dijakovic throws body shots.

Dijakovic backs Kross down with elbows from all sides, but Kross shoves. Kross walks into the mule kick, front kick and ELBOW! “TIME TO FLY!” Dijakovic suplex TOSSES Kross! Kross stands, Dijakovic choke grips and CHOKE BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Kross survives but Dijakovic grits his teeth. Kross bails out, Dijakovic FLIES!! Direct hit and the crowd is thunderous! Dijakovic drags Kross up and tells him, “You’re no Keith Lee!” But Kross says, “Neither are you!” Kross whips Dijakovic into steel steps! Kross refreshes the ring count while Scarlett has a big smile on her face. Kross chokes Dijakovic with his boot but lets up at the ref’s count. The ring count continues, Kross BOOTS the steps into Dijakovic’s head!!

The ref reprimands Kross and tells him to get back in the ring. The ref checks on Dijakovic but somehow Dijakovic is still okay! Kross enters the ring and the ring count continues. Kross goes back out to drag Dijakovic out from the steps and up into the ring. But Dijakovic is dead weight! Kross gets Dijakovic and himself in at 8, then drags Dijakovic around. Dijakovic stirs but Kross puts his arms down to throw HEAVY forearms! Kross sees Keith Lee coming down the ramp! Keith glares at Kross and Kross glares back. Dijakovic doesn’t want Keith to end this, “He’s mine.” Kross keeps raining down rights! Kross lets up and Dijakovic again tells Keith to stand down. “It’s my call. It’s on me.”

Kross shows no mercy and throws ANOTHER heavy right! Dijakovic is in a daze but he still shouts to Keith, “No!” Dijakovic crawls to the corner and tells Keith to let what happens happen. Kross drags Dijakovic up and makes sure Keith is watching the KROSSJACKET! “Look at him, Keith! Look at him!” Dijakovic is fading out! He’s turning purple! He’s OUT!! Kross wins!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by referee stoppage

Keith gets in not a moment sooner and Kross backs off. The two glare at each other as Kross’ hand is raised. Kross has sent a message to the Limitless NXT Champion through his greatest rival’s defeat. Will Keith respond more directly? Will Dijakovic ever be able to rise again?

My Thoughts:

This was a great and rather brutal episode tonight. First, great adjustment to TakeOver to go with the number since it can’t be in Boston as planned. TakeOver: 30, aka TakeOver: XXX, already has a great logo, and it already has a great match with that North American Championship ladder match. It was quite the surprise that Keith Lee vacated the title, but I suppose that is one way around any double header story or Double Championship/Winner Takes All cliches since we’ve seen that already with Becky Two Belts and NJPW’s own Double Championship story. The Triple Threat of Strong VS Gargano VS Reed was great, and it was made even better by that surprise win! I honestly didn’t pick Reed for that, it felt more like Gargano’s win, but this is big for the up-and-comer.

Balor VS Thatcher VS Lumis is also going to be great. Lumis VS Dain was really good, and Thatcher VS Oney II was a great rematch. I feel like Lumis could end up a surprise winner, but at the same time, I feel like Balor needs this to keep going. By now, he was supposed to have faced Walter in NXT UK but obviously that hasn’t been able to happen. Balor getting the North American Championship and holding onto it until he and Walter can have a match would be great to be honest. I can’t wait to see who else gets in on the Triple Threats and the apparently Five Man Ladder match. By virtue of being an NXT TakeOver ladder match, that’s going to be insane, and perhaps even star-making.

Ever-Rise VS Breezango was fun, and Breezango entering as Mounties was a great surprise. I feel like TakeOver: XXX could set up a huge NXT Tag Team Championship match, with three or more teams. Get Imperium, Breezango and Indus Sher in the ring in a tornado tag or something, that’ll really fire up the tag division in an otherwise weak era. Shirai VS Kai is going to be really good, and Kai’s video promo and Shirai’s tweet were pretty good to keep the ball rolling. Shotzi had a good match with Aliyah, Stone continues to be entertaining, and what a twist for Mercedes Martinez to go after Shotzi and sign with Stone. I’m still sensing Rhea Ripley backing Shotzi up against Aliyah and Mercedes, and the winning team could even move up in the WWE Women’s Tag Division. Y’know, once the tag titles are free of Bayley & Sasha Banks.

Swerve getting a profile vignette was pretty good. I guess part of his gimmick now is that he’s a musician, composer and maybe even rapper. WWE needs to get Josiah Williams, aka Wrestle & Flow, back so he can give Swerve a track that isn’t just the backing beat for Shawn Spears’ theme in AEW. Swerve calling out Escobar is good, ties NXT and 205 Live together. Then the main event, Kross VS Dijakovic, was also great stuff. The ending was borderline Rocky IV, Apollo losing and dying at the hands of Drago because he told Rocky not to throw in the towel. Dijakovic goes down, probably so he can resurface on Raw or SmackDown in the future, but it adds a lot to Keith VS Kross. Those two having a match at TakeOver: XXX is the logical move, but it feels way too hard to call here what happens. Keith just got THE NXT title, but how does he retain it without hurting Kross’ already very high power levels?

My Score: 9.2/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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