Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (7/9/20)

An international buffet of match-ups!

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Variety is the spice of life for NXT UK!

NXT UK continues the retrospective with huge international crossover matches, and the United Kingdom Championship showdown of Dunne VS Gibson!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NXT 10/9/19 – KUSHIDA VS WALTER; WALTER wins.
2018 Mae Young Classic Semifinals: Toni Storm VS Meiko Satomura; Storm wins and advances to the finals.
NXT 8/22/18 – WWE United Kingdom Championship: Pete Dunne VS Zack Gibson; Dunne wins and retains the WWE UK Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Andy Shepherd welcomes us back to the show.

This episode is extra special! It features three matches with three NXT UK stars in the States! First up, Imperium’s Alexander Wolfe makes a big opening choice! “This match is a true clash of styles.” Wolfe wants you to watch this match again, just to remind you who Imperium is. They are absolute power, and the mat is sacred. Two of the best international talents in the world from different parts of the world. The incredible speed of the Super Junior, and the size and strength of the Ring General. A huge main event on live television, find out what happens as two undefeated forces collide!

KUSHIDA VS WALTER!

At this point in time, the Super Junior and the Austrian Anomaly were both undefeated since joining WWE and NXT! But only one can stand alone as THE undefeated!

The bell rings and fans are dueling already. Walter and Kushida circle and tie up, and Walter headlock tosses Kushida away! Kushida comes back and kicks, but Walter stays up. They tie up, Walter gut wrenches Kushida up to put him on the ropes. Walter backs off to pat Kushida’s head, but that just riles Kushida up! Kushida gets in, gets a leg, but Walter sprawls to block the takedown. Walter facelocks and grinds Kushida down, but fans rally up. Kushida flails and spins out to reverse the facelock! They roll and Kushida holds on to then float all over Walter, and pat his head! Walter is mad but Kushida dodges his swinging hands to SLAP him! Walter is furious but he gets dumped out and dropkick’d down! Kushida dropkicks Walter again! Walter keeps trying, but gets another dropkick! The Ring General is furious while NXT goes to another break.

NXT returns and Walter runs into a boot at a corner. Kushida gives Walter a buckle complete shot! Fans fire up as Kushida springboards but stumbles! Walter BOOTS Kushida on the rebound! Kushida slumps on the apron but Walter takes his time dragging Kushida back in. Walter uses the leg to turn Kushida, but Kushida resists. The fans rally but Walter gets Kushida in the Half Crab! Walter also digs a knee into Kushida’s back, but Kushida endures. Kushida fights up and heads for ropes to get the ropebreak! Walter lets up and fans still duel as he drags Kushida up. Walter stretches Kushida back against ropes to CLUB him on the chest! And again! And again! Walter lets Kushida flop to the mat while he catches his breath. Walter returns to Kushida as Kushida sits up. Walter brings Kushida up but Kushida throws forearms! Walter knees low then turns Kushida for a CHOP! Kushida is dazed and down on the mat!

Walter drags Kushida up and into powerbomb position, but Kushida slips through for a DDT counter! Fans rally up and duel as Kushida gets to ropes. Walter stands on the opposite end, and runs into another boot. Kushida is on the apron and enziguris Walter away. Kushida climbs to leap, tomahawk ax handle! Walter stays up so Kushida keeps moving, but Walter hurdles?! Kushida still hip tosses Walter for the cartwheel dropkick! Walter bails out and fans fire up again. Kushida is on Walter at the ropes but Walter clubs him back. Walter goes to club again, but Kushida blocks to hotshot the arm! Kushida runs to sunset flip! But Walter holds on for dear life, then STOMPS Kushida out! Walter drags Kushida up by his head in a sleeper, but Kushida fights out. Kushida kicks away on Walter’s arm, but Walter CHOPS with his other! And CHOPS! Kushida stings, but he baits Walter into the post! Kushida kicks the legs out, then somersault DDT’s Walter to the floor!

Full Sail is thunderous as both men are down on the outside. A ring count begins and climbs to 5. Kushida stands at 6 but Walter shoves him away. Walter’s in at 8, Kushida’s in at 9.5! Kushida dodges and PELES Walter, to Penalty Kick the arm out! Kushida hops on, wanting his Hoverboard Lock! He has Walter in the body scissors, but Walter clubs and pops out of the Sakuraba, to suplex. Kushida slips out because of the beat up arm, but he swings into Walter’s sleeper! Kushida fades, but has a second wind! ROPEBREAK! Walter slaps the arms down but Kushida standing switches, O’Conner roll into Japanese Clutch! Deep Bridge, but Walter pops out to the sleeper!! Kushida rolls back, ARMBAR! Walter blocks with his best monkey grip, then rolls around to his knees. Kushida hammers Walter in the face but Walter makes it a cover. ONE, and Kushida keeps the hold. Walter slips out, deadlifts Kushida by a leg, but Kushida shifts weight to cradle counter! TWO!!

Both men back off, but Kushida winds up, but Walter dodges the Fast Ball! Walter half nelsons and pump handles, but Kushida fights out. Kushida waistlocks, Walter elbows out, but Kushida hook kicks! Kushida runs, into a BOOT! GERMAN SUPLEX! Walter drags Kushida, the half nelson and pump handle, BRIDGING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!? Kushida lives and Walter can’t believe it! Fans duel and rally again as both men are down. Walter goes to the apron, and then heads for the corner. But Kushida revives to hop up and kick Walter down! Kushida climbs to join Walter, and he starts throwing forearms. Fans still duel as Kushida elbows away on Walter. Walter body shots and CHOPS Kushida! Kushida holds on and fires up, to go after the arm! Kushida wants the arm, SUPER ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! HOVERBOARD!! Walter slips out but Kushida stomps the good arm! Walter endures, Full Sail is thunderous, and Kushida uses his chin to keep that arm trapped! But Walter’s long legs get the ROPEBREAK!

Kushida lets up at 4, and fans are loving this! Both men go to opposite ends, and then stand. Kushida sees an opening, and he dropkicks the bad arm! But Walter CHOPS with the good arm! Kushida comes back with kicks to Walter’s face! Kushida has the bad arm, but Walter pushes him off, to DROPKICK! Walter drags Kushida up, WALTER BOMB! Cover, TWO!?! Walter is getting TakeOver: Cardiff flashbacks, and fans say “This is Awesome!” Walter looms over Kushida and starts slapping away. He reels Kushida in, LARIAT! Cover, Walter wins!

Winner: Walter, by pinfall

The United Kingdom Champion is still undefeated! But this was as close as anyone has come to defeating Imperium’s leader. Speaking of, Wolfe, Aichner and Barthel appear on the stage to celebrate and congratulate Walter. Imperium has the NXT UK Championship and now the NXT Tag Team Championships. Will these fearsome foursome soon rule over all that is NXT?

Eddie Dennis speaks.

“Shh.” Ghandi once said that a man becomes what he believes himself to be. Dennis believes Ghandi was an idiot. The American author, Frank Hubert, said belief can be manipulated and only knowledge was dangerous. What separates Dennis from the rest of the roster is that while the NXT UK Universe is full of men and women who believe, only Dennis has knowledge. Knowledge is power. When will Dennis again demonstrate his power in the ring?

Xia Brookside makes her pick!

Her choice is from the 2018 Mae Young Classic. The semifinals, the top four, had an incredibly hard hitting match with two of the best. The legendary Joshi or the Lightning from Down Under! Both have many influences across the British, American and Japanese styles. “That is what makes this match so exciting: you never know what to expect.”

Toni Storm VS Meiko Satomura!

Storm has been making a name for herself in the United Kingdom Division and all around the world, but Satomura has been making a name for herself since WCW! They had a match with each other back in Japan, but that ended in a draw. The rematch happens as part of this historic tournament, who finally gets the win to move on to the finals?

Toni and Meiko shake hands to show this is a respectful match-up. The bell rings and fans cheer. The two circle and tie up as fans duel. Toni gets a wristlock but Meiko rolls and wrenches back. Toni spins and gets inside to wrench to a hammerlock. Meiko works her way against the hold and gets a headlock. She brings Toni to the mat but Toni keeps her shoulders up. Toni rolls Meiko to a cover, ONE as Meiko rolls it back. Toni slips out the back to get her own headlock, but Meiko rolls Toni. TWO, but Toni brings it back. Meiko gets to a headscissor, but Toni moves around. Toni turns Meiko over and gets the legs, then shifts to a headlock. Meiko stands up and sweeps the legs into her own mount. Toni works against it but Meiko lets her go, only to kick her!

Toni gets mad as she gets up and the two circle again. She kicks Meiko now, and puts on another headlock. Meiko powers out and they collide shoulders. Neither one backs down so Toni goes again. They collide, and neither backs down again. Meiko kicks, uppercuts, runs but Toni follows to boot her down! Cover, ONE, and Meiko rolls away. Toni stays on her with stomps, almost toying with the legend. Toni brings Meiko up for a big headbutt. Then another, then a kick. Cover, TWO! Toni keeps her cool, and she brings Meiko up for a snap suplex. Float over to cover, TWO! Toni drags Meiko up and wrenches the arm before whipping to ropes. Meiko reverses and kicks Toni sharply in the leg. Meiko keeps kicking and Toni gets to ropes.

The referee backs Meiko off, but only for a moment. Meiko gets the leg and kicks away at it, before dropping into a toehold. Meiko goes after both legs for a take on the Figure Four! Toni fights as fans rally, but Meiko hits her down and rolls her over for a full deathlock. Toni gets the ropebreak and Meiko lets her go. Meiko comes back with more kicks, even as Toni gets to a corner. Toni drags herself up but Meiko keeps on her with forearms. Meiko whips Toni corner to corner and runs in for the big forearm smash. She reels Toni in but Toni elbows her away. Toni throws a forearm, then whips Meiko. Meiko comes back with the spinning heel kick! Down goes Toni, but fans rally up on both sides.

Meiko stands Toni up for European Uppercuts, but Toni counters to a backslide! TWO, but Toni’s right on Meiko with a deathlock STF! Meiko endures as Toni pulls on the neck. Fans rally again, and Meiko manages to drag herself and Toni towards ropes. Toni wrenches as hard as she can, fans continue to rally, and Meiko still forces the ropebreak! Toni lets Meiko go and has control over the legend. She stomps Meiko into a corner, then runs corner to corner for the hip attack! Fisherman suplex and bridge! TWO!! Toni stomps Meiko, then kicks her out of the ring. Meiko staggers while Toni builds speed, Toni DIVES! The tope suicida takes Meiko out, but Toni’s own elbow takes some damage. Fans chant “Mae Young Classic!” in appreciation for this action.

Toni drags Meiko up and into the ring. She aims from a corner, and runs for the enziguri! Cover, TWO! Toni grows frustrated, but she keeps on Meiko with a kick across the face. She keeps kicking Meiko but Meiko just gets mad! Toni runs, boots Meiko down, but Meiko is up to boot Toni! Toni boots Meiko again, then whips. Meiko reverses and drives in a knee, then a DDT! Meiko runs, handspring leg drop guillotine! But she isn’t done, she drags Toni back up, fireman’s carry, Death Valley Driver! Cover, TWO!! Meiko is shocked and furious! Meiko decides to finish this another way, and Toni sits up in a daze as Meiko runs in for the kick! But Toni blocks it, and gets a German Suplex! Then double underhook, STORM ZERO!! Cover, TWO!? HOW!? But Full Sail loves it, because “This is Awesome!”

A 10 count begins but Toni gets up first. Toni staggers over, wants another Storm Zero, but Meiko breaks out to Pele! And buzzsaw! Cover, TWO!! Toni survives again, but in comes the Scorpion Rising kick!! Cover, TWO!?! Full Sail is thunderous as Toni defies Meiko! Meiko lifts Toni, Toni slips out, STORM ZERO AGAIN! Cover, TONI WINS!!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall; advances to the finals at Evolution

Incredible! Storm makes it through the Final Boss, and moves on to the all women’s PPV! We know in the present that she puts on yet another amazing match against a top name in this generation of Joshi wrestling in Io Shirai! #ToniTime is on hold, but will it come back stronger than ever?

Fans show their respect for the living legend as they chant “Thank you, Meiko!” Meiko and Toni show their respect for each other as they bow on their hands and knees. This is surely not the last we’ve seen of the Joshi Strong Style pioneer, where and when we will see the Final Boss again?

Nina Samuels speaks.

“Bravo, NXT UK management! You have finally come to your senses , and realized that NXT UK needs more Nina.” The Leading Lady will have the spotlight, and her adoring fans are surely wondering what she’s doing during intermission. Many are reflecting and thinking how they can come back better than ever. Perhaps Nina will do the same. She takes a good, long look in the mirror and thinks on how she can be the best Nina ever. But it made sense! Nina is as sensational as she has always been. The only thing that needs to change is that the fans need to appreciate “the level of superstar they have before their very eyes” and put here on the pedestal she deserves to be on. Take your seats and enjoy the grand return of the Nina Samuels Show!

Next week is NXT UK’s Greatest Hits!

Some of the best matches in the archives of the fastest growing brand will be on display! Will one of your favorites be among them?

Flash Morgan Webster makes his decision.

The former NXT UK Tag Team Champion is here, and the Modfather chose Liverpool’s Number One Zack Gibson going against the then WWE/NXT UK Champion, the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne! They were in Brooklyn for TakeOver’s aftermath, and Flash chose this because he’s faced both guys and saw both men on absolute rampages. Gibson won the 2018 UK Championship Tournament, unlike Dunne. But Dunne was in the middle of his dominate reign, and was the longest reigning champion in the WWE. What better match of technical masters putting on a stellar show?

WWE United Kingdom Championship: Pete Dunne VS Zack Gibson!

The Bruiserweight has reigned for over a year and has been a fighting champion in it. He and Liverpool’s Number One faced off after Gibson won the second-ever WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament. Gibson’s “Scouse Style” didn’t get it done that time, but has he made adjustments to get it done against Dunne this time?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the rematch in the shadow of TakeOver begins!

Fans are strongly behind the Bruiserweight as he stares down Gibson. Gibson tunes the fans out and ties up with Dunne. They’re even in strength, but Dunne gets a wristlock. Gibson rolls through to reverse and get a takedown. Gibson goes after the wrist and fingers, but Dunne gets up. Dunne rolls through, kips up and handsprings to wring Gibson! Gibson backs off to the ropes, but then throat chops! Fans boo Gibson, but he goes right after the wrist and elbow. Dunne powers out and things speed up, until Dunne rocks Gibson with a forearm smash! Dunne goes after the arms now, putting one in a hammerlock while pulling at the other.

Gibson screams as Dunne bends the fingers back beyond their limits! Dunne does the same to the elbow, for double hammerlock stomps! Gibson hits back but so does Dunne. They slap and slap, but Dunne gets the hoverboard! Gibson slips out and they slap more. They end up in a double crap and they bridge to headstands. And they still slap each other! The two fall over, but Gibson is up first. Gibson runs but into a wristlock. Dunne hammerlocks again, for another stomp! Gibson writhes his way to the ropes but Dunne is on him. Dunne whips but Gibson reverses to push Dunne against the ropes. The ref calls for a break but Gibson gives Dunne body shots and a hotshot to that arm. Gibson keeps on the arm with a hammerlock, for a keylock driver!

Dunne clutches his arm now while Gibson embraces the heat. Gibson stomps Dunne, then rocks him with forearms. He puts Dunne in a corner, then whips only to jam the arm! Cover, ONE, but Gibson keeps on Dunne with a cobra clutch. Fans rally up and Dunne grabs Gibson’s beard. He also hooks the nose, but Gibson thrashes him around. They stand up and Dunne fights out with forearms. Gibson holds on even through chops. He lifts Dunne for a single leg suplex! Cover, TWO, but Gibson is back with an armlock. Gibson bends Dunne’s fingers now in revenge for before. He puts Dunne back in the cobra clutch and wants Dunne to quit. Fans rally up and Dunne pulls his way up. Gibson wrings him out for an elbow, then an overhead suplex! Gibson dusts himself off but fans boo and jeer.

Dunne sits up and grits his teeth, even as he gets a forearm from Gibson. Gibson gives more but Dunne just gets stronger for it. Dunne blasts Gibson with a forearm of his own! Fans fire up as Dunne corner clotheslines. He whips corner to corner, Gibson reverses but Dunne goes up and over, to give an enziguri! Dunne reels Gibson in but Gibson standing switch. Gibson German Suplexes but Dunne lands on his feet to kick Gibson in the head! Dunne drags Gibson up, for the X Plex, into an armbar! Gibson flails and gets the ropebreak. Dunne lets go and Gibson goes to the outside. Dunne goes to the apron, then up top, for a MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Gibson goes down! Fans are thunderous while both men stir.

The ref counts and reaches 4 by the time Dunne and Gibson get back in. Gibson wants mercy, but Dunne refuses with a double stomp! Dunne lifts, sit-out powerbomb! TWO, but barely! Dunne’s a bit surprised, but he keeps his eyes on Gibson. Gibson goes to a corner, but Dunne kicks his leg. Dunne whips corner to corner but Gibson reverses. Gibson sees Dunne going up and over, and kicks him out of the air! Gibson climbs up now, for a flying code breaker, aka the Ticket to Ride! Cover, TWO! That wasn’t Gibson’s ticket to the title just yet. The fans chant for Dunne, but Gibson looms over him. Gibson drags Dunne up and slaps Dunne around, but Dunne hits back.

Dunne blocks the throat chop, into stomps on both hands! Then a buzzsaw kick! But Gibson gives another code breaker! Dunne still enziguris! They both forearm, they both enziguri! Both men are down but fans are thunderous all over again! The ref counts and Gibson scrambles to a corner. Dunne has his foot, and tortures the ankle. Gibson kicks Dunne, hops up, but Dunne kicks Gibson! Dunne climbs up to join him, and tortures Gibson’s arm into the suplex hold. Gibson resists, and turns it into a SUPER Helter Skelter! Cover, TWO!! Dunne somehow survives, but Gibson isn’t done! Gibson grabs the arm, Shankly Gates! But Dunne resists, reaches for ropes, but Gibson blocks with his body. Gibson slaps Dunne around, then rolls him for a body scissors into Shankly Gates!

Dunne endures being bent and stretched but the fans give him strength. Dunne drags himself towards ropes, but Gibson denies the ropebreak with a leg! But Dunne keeps going, to bite the ropes!! Gibson has to let go, but then he STOMPS Dunne’s head! The mouth piece comes out, and Gibson stomps a mudhole into the Bruiserweight. Fans boo and jeer while Gibson backs off. Dunne sees his mouth piece and crawls for it. But Gibson steps on it! Gibson asks if that’s what Dunne wanted. He drags Dunne up for a CLOBBERING clothesline! Dunne is in the corner, completely dazed. Gibson takes the mouth piece, examines it, then goes to toss it, only for Dunne to stop him! Dunne pries those fingers apart to get his mouth piece back! And SNAPS the fingers! Then, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall; still WWE United Kingdom Champion

The Bruiserweight is bleeding from the mouth, but it’s just proof of his grit. Dunne kept his reign going until he ran into Walter, but his mark on history will always remain. Will Dunne ever get to sink his teeth back into a title?

My Thoughts:

These were great matches to choose, and not just because it’s from my time working on these. Walter and Kushida was such a hard match to call back then. Both were undefeated, but in the end it had to be Walter as NXT UK Champion with his own stories on NXT UK to stay strong for. Storm VS Satomura was incredible, I remember being a bit surprised Storm won there, and very surprised Storm won the whole 2018 MYC. Kairi Sane’s part that night was edited out, but it was great for her to be present to congratulate two friends from Stardom ahead of their match against each other at Evolution. Dunne VS Gibson II was really good, especially for being put on in the aftermath episode rather than as part of TakeOver: Brooklyn 4, considering how the UK title was part of TakeOver: Chicago. Still great stuff and I also look forward to next week’s Greatest Hits. And again, not just because it’ll all be from my time doing coverage.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/10/20)

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

11 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!