Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/24/20)

Will Jeff Hardy conquer the Celtic Warrior AND temptation?

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2020

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown takes on the big issues!

Jeff Hardy battles Sheamus and temptation in a Bar Fight, Naomi “continues the conversation” on Miz TV, and the Golden Role Models talk the landscape of the WWE Women’s Division!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nikki Cross VS Alexa Bliss; Nikki wins and will face Bayley for the title next week on SmackDown.
Matt Riddle VS Tony Nese; Riddle wins.
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s match: Drew Gulak VS Chad Gable VS Lince Dorado VS Gran Metalik; Metalik wins and will challenge AJ Styles for the title next week.
Bar Fight: Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus; Hardy wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Superstars hype up SmackDown!

“Hello. My name is Jeff Hardy, and I am an alcoholic.” And tonight, he faces Sheamus in the environment that is his enemy: a bar. Sheamus’ bullying is the manifestation of everything Hardy dislikes about himself. “I repeat, my name is Jeff Hardy, and tonight, I beat the holy hell out of Sheamus!”

But Sheamus replies with a chuckle. “Jeff, after I beat you tonight, it’s gonna dawn on ya. This is truly where you belong.” If you want to talk about struggles, Hardy will be in a very familiar place: wallowing on the cold, hard floor of that bar, struggling to stand. And that ache in his head won’t be a hangover. It’ll be courtesy of a Brogue kick. Hardy will be crushed by this defeat, and the only thing that’ll make him feel better is crawling back to the gutter, bottle in hand, and drowning his sorrows.

JBL says if anyone knows about mud, blood and beer of a bar fight, it’s him! He’ll save predictions for later, but he does know this will be a great one. Emotions are running higher than the blood alcohol levels in an APA poker game, and Sheamus VS Hardy, “We fight here on Friday Night!”

The bartender is preparing Irish Shannon’s for the fight, and has even dreamed up some new cocktails in case anyone gets thirsty. Who will be saying bottom’s up when this all goes down?

The Golden Role Models are here!

#BayleyDosStraps and the would-be #TwoBeltsBanks strut down to the ring with the WWE Women’s Tag Team, SmackDown Women’s and Raw Women’s Championship belts in hand, but only three of those rightfully belong to them. Extreme Rules saw each best friend help the other survive their matches and walk away with the singles titles BUT! Sasha “won” thanks to referee Bayley. They’re dripping in even more controversy than they are gold, but they’re still going to boast and brag as they hold up their belts and grab the mics. “Do you guys wanna know what ‘greatness’ means in the dictionary?” Greatness is defined by the quality or state of being great, as in size, skill, achievement or even power.

But that’s the old definition. After taking over the WWE Women’s Division, does anyone want to learn the NEW definition? Greatness is being THEM! They said they’d get all the gold, and when they saw it, they mean it. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk it! The crowd chants “You Suck!” but Bayley says they don’t suck! Do you idiots know how hard it is to walk the walk with all this gold weighing them down? So from this point on, the Women’s Evolution is OVER! It started with Bayley and Banks, and it will end with Bayley and Banks! They officially usher in a new era! An era of greatness! The Era of Sasha and Bayley! That’s a… creative name…

So to all the kiddies sitting at home, looking up to them, just know that if you do great things, one day your dreams will come true. And no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be as great as them!! But wait! Here comes Bliss-Cross! Nikki says Sasha is a fraud and she is sick of this nonsense! They’re ruining SmackDown and the Women’s Championship! They stole those belts! The Era of Sasha and Bayley is already over! Did she forget to take her rabies meds? Alexa says this isn’t a good idea. Nikki says she had a shot at the SmackDown title and all she has to show for it is cracked ribs! She was replaying it in her head, and she’ll take her anger out on both of them! Bayley’s first as Nikki wants a rematch for the title NOW!

Hold on, settle down. At Extreme Rules, Bayley won “fair and square.” But being the role model, she will lead by example. Their show, SmackDown, is the land of opportunity. Nikki can have her rematch, if she beats a worthy adversary in a former SmackDown Women’s Champion and future hall of famer, HER OWN FRIEND, ALEXA!! And the winner faces Bayley next week! Nikki and Alexa realize the trap set, but only Nikki wants to go through with it. They have to do this! Nikki shoves Alexa?! Then storms to the ring! Have Bayley and Sasha found a way to break up Bliss-Cross?

SmackDown Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nikki Cross VS Alexa Bliss!

SmackDown returns, and while these two best friends have entered the ring, Bayley and Sasha have joined commentary. The bell rings, Nikki circles with Alexa and tie up. They go around, Nikki powers Alexa to ropes but Alexa turns it around. They end up in a corner, the ref calls for a break, Nikki backs off. Nikki and Alexa circle again, tie up, Alexa gets an arm but Nikki rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Alexa steps through to hammerlock but Nikki drops, rolls and reverses to a wristlock. Alexa pries the hold, steps through and rolls Nikki, ONE! Both women back off to circle again. Nikki rolls Alexa, ONE!

The crowd cheers the exchange, Nikki and Alexa tie up again. Alexa headlocks, hits the takeover but Nikki headscissors. Roles reverse, Alexa headscissors but Nikki pops out and the two stand off. Nikki grows frustrated as she circles with Alexa. Bayley and Sasha like the competition, Alexa headlocks Nikki. Nikki powers out, Alexa ducks and dodges then runs Nikki over! Alexa runs, Nikki drops then arm-drags Alexa around! Nikki has an armlock, Alexa endures, Nikki whips Alexa to a corner. Alexa dodges, but Nikki sees the slap coming! “You tried to slap me?!” “You shoved me!” Nikki elbows Alexa back then hops up. Tornado but no DDT, Alexa spins out but Nikki breaks free! Alexa SLAPS Nikki, Nikki LARIATS Alexa!

Bayley and Sasha are surprised as Nikki rallies on Alexa with clotheslines and a dropkick! Nikki runs in to corner splash then whips Alexa into buckles for another splash! BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Alexa lives and Nikki glares at Bayley. Nikki drags Alexa up, Alexa spins out of the neckbreaker to hit the STO! And a basement dropkick! Nikki bails out, Alexa catches her breath and then runs, but into the skirt trap! Alexa knows that too well and ROCKS Nikki first! Bayley and Sasha go wild as Alexa BOOTS Nikki away! Alexa frees herself from the skirt as Sasha and Bayley egg them on. So Nikki and Alexa both CLOBBER Bayley and Banks! The crowd goes wild for that as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nikki and Alexa brawl on opposite sides of the rope. Alexa throws another, Nikki grabs her hair but Alexa SLAPS and shoulders Nikki back. Alexa kicks Nikki down then wrecks her with a dropkick! Nikki is down and Alexa lets the ring count climb. Nikki gets in at 4, Alexa kicks her to a corner. Alexa stomps away on Nikki then snapmares Nikki to a keylock. Nikki endures as Alexa cranks on the arm. The crowd rallies up, Nikki fights up but Alexa KNEES the ribs! Alexa kicks the bad ribs more and that surprises the Golden Role Models. Alexa drops knees but Nikki bails out. Alexa pursues, Nikki knees back but Alexa shoves them splashes Nikki into barriers! Alexa goes back to the ring while the ring count climbs again.

Nikki stands at 5, crawls in at 6, but Alexa is on her with clubbing forearms. Alexa KICKS Nikki and Bayley mockingly starts dueling chants, “Let’s Go, Nikki!” “Nikki Sucks!” Alexa hits Insult2Injury! Cover,TWO! Nikki survives but Alexa lines up a shot to KICK her in the back! Nikki gets to a corner, Alexa rams her shoulder in. The ref counts as Alexa digs in, but Alexa lets up at 4. The crowd rallies up, Alexa throws Nikki down by her hair, then goes back after the arm with the stretch. Nikki flails, Alexa stands on her and KICKS her again! Alexa keeps on the stretch but Nikki still endures. Alexa digs her elbow into the ribs but Nikki fights her way up! Nikki arm-drags free and hits a jawbreaker!

Nikki throat chops, headbutts and throws forearms! She backs Alexa down then fires off in the corner. Nikki bumps Alexa off buckles again and again and again and again! The ref counts, Nikki tops it off, then climbs up top. Nikki reels Alexa in, but the tornado is denied again! Alexa BOOTS then hops up to SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Alexa is losing her cool but she goes to the corner. She climbs up, but Nikki stops her with forearms! Nikki and Alexa fight, Alexa resists the superplex and clubs Nikki down. Alexa adjusts, hops over Nikki but Nikki spins her for the straitjacket neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Nikki and Alexa both grit their teeth as the crowd rallies up.

Nikki fireman’s but Alexa slips out. Nikki standing switches, INVERTED DDT! Cover, TWO! Alexa still lives and Nikki is losing her cool. Nikki hurries back to a corner, back up top, and CROSSBODIES only to flop! She clutches her ribs as Alexa hurries over. The ref keeps her back to check on Nikki. Nikki insists she’s okay, and she gets Alexa in a cradle! NIKKI WINS!

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

Nikki has her rematch! Will Bayley have to actually do things fair and square this time? Will Sasha get through Asuka to officially have the Raw Women’s Championship this Monday?

Nikki is excited backstage.

She has that second chance at the SmackDown Women’s Championship! Alexa walks over and admits she lost. Nikki wants to apologize but Alexa also speaks. Nikki lets Alexa go first. Alexa says she thought back to Nikki saying she hasn’t gotten the same chances as her. But this one, Nikki earned. And Alexa is happy for her. They’re still friends and they hug it out. Now, time to focus on beating Bayley and become the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion. Nikki can do this!

SmackDown presents a new Firefly Fun House!

First, a recap of the Swamp Fight between Braun Strowman and the Eater of Worlds, complete with narration by Firefly Bray. The swamp, the shadow of his former self, as well as his deepest desires. These were the things the Monster Among Men had to face on top of Bray’s brutality. Just when it looked like Braun had conquered his demons, his demons dragged him down into the depths! But what emerged was not the New Face of Fear, but THE FIEND!

The head lantern is back! YOWIE WOWIE, that sure was fun, huh? Firefly Bray says a family reunion always warms his soul. Braun came home~! He knows some are worried Braun is trapped for all eternity in that “filthy, disgusting, stinky swamp,” but it’s okay! That swamp is 100% certified organic. The lantern whispers but Bray says his job is done for now. And sorry, he can’t let that Bray out again. Listen, man. You had your chance. “It’s his turn now. He has been unleashed.” Yes, The Fiend is coming. Bye~! Have a great day! Say bye, lantern head! Mwah!

Matt Riddle VS Tony Nese!

Bro… The Wolf King attacked The Original Bro after the phenomenal WWE Intercontinental Championship match with AJ Styles last week. However, Riddle doesn’t seem to sweat it as he goes up against the Premier Athlete. Will Baron Corbin show up again to try and run more of the fun?

The bell rings, they tie up and Riddle waistlocks to slam Nese down! Riddle floats around, gut wrenches and suplexes Nese! He holds on to do it again! Riddle drops the BROTON! Cover, TWO! Riddle drops another! Cover, TWO! Nese scrambles to ropes and throat chops back! Nese gives Riddle the bulldog hotshot! And PREMIER TRIANGLE! Cover, TWO! Riddle gasps for air but Nese puts on the body scissors squeeze! Riddle endures and the crowd rallies up. Riddle pries at the hold, but Nese chinlocks instead. Riddle gets up with Nese as a backpack, to then pop him up into position, but Nese fights out of the slam! Riddle boots Nese then forearms in the corner! Side to side for another forearm, then a BROSPLODER! Riddle runs to Penalty Kick Nese! Nese rises up, Riddle gut wrenches, tucks and BRO DEREK! Cover, Riddle wins!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Riddle wins to get back up from his loss to Styles, and grabs a mic to speak. “I’m kinda new here, so I don’t know how this works, but I’m gonna give it a try.” King Corbin, Riddle’s calling you out, bro. “C’mon, bro, let’s go.” Corbin appears! He has a mic to respond, “Matt, look, buddy. You are right, you don’t know how things are.” You can’t just call someone out! Certainly not the king! You need to give a formal request. Though that request will be rejected. Riddle doesn’t belong in Corbin’s kingdom, he’s just not ready. Riddle has talent and the “new car smell,” but that smell fades. then what’s left? A frat boy with no shoes who looks like he just rolled out of bed.

Riddle doesn’t belong in a professional environment like SmackDown. No, he needs to go back to NXT for a little more seasoning. Or better yet, after that win there, he could go to 205 Live and be a “top guy.” Corbin is so confident that Riddle doesn’t belong here, Corbin is putting out a “King’s Ransom” to anyone that can prove Riddle doesn’t belong in Corbin’s kingdom. “Bro, you’ve got it all wrong.” Riddle isn’t a helpless subject in some weird, made up subject. But Corbin is the next special guest on The Bro Show! Nese sneaks up on Riddle but gets a ROUNDHOUSE! Corbin says there’s a price on Riddle’s head, but will anyone be able to cash in? Or will Riddle dethrone the Wolf King first?

The Miz and John Morrison review video backstage.

Now they’re up to speed on the buzz around Naomi. What about Morrison? He was steamrolled by a man who thinks he’s a train! Doesn’t Morrison deserve better? And think about #FridayNightDelightAlright! Convoluted but it rhymes. Or maybe #JohnMorrisonIndubitablyDeservesBetter. Indubitably? Who can even spell that? HashtagJohnMorrisonIsTheMasterofTheHashtag, but spell out “hashtag” both times. What? They have a show to do. Let’s go. It’s not that complicated… But will the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century be able to clear things up about The Glow and the WWE Universe?

JBL gives his Bar Fight predictions!

“A couple of things I know a lot about and love, and that is going into a bar and fighting!” He has been in some of the toughest bar fights imaginable with one of the toughest men around, Ron “Farooq” Simmons! He is speaking from experience that Hardy and Sheamus need to be ready. This is unpredictable, there’s beer on the floor, bottles on the shelves and “some local yokel idiot” that needs to be put out. Everything you get hit with in there is going to hurt. This isn’t about talent but will. Sheamus is tough, a true deal, but the Hardy Boys won their first tag titles off JBL and Ron Simmons. Jeff has been incredibly innovative and fearless. “There’s nothing like a man fighting for redemption.” Hardy gets JBL’s pick.

SmackDown presents Miz TV!

Miz and Morrison are already in the ring for the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show! They know that the key to staying relevant is keeping up with whatever has the most buzz, even if you don’t understand why! True! Morrison and Miz have trend forecasters, which are like weather forecasters but they’re super nerds. And yet those guys told Morrison to wear that shirt in 2020? Yeah, Canadian tuxedos, slacks and sunglasses will definitely get #MoreMorrison to trend worldwide. What if it doesn’t? Well then he’d be sick. How sick? Four Seth Rollins puking sick! And Rollins doesn’t look too good. Did he stop tanning and exercising? Is he depressed?

Moving on! The guest tonight is what the “internet hive mind” has been raving about for a week! It’s NAOMI! Naomi makes her entrance as fans think #NaomiDeservesBetter. Miz and Morrison kick step and floss as Naomi joins them in the ring. She grabs a mic as Miz tries to fix his stanky leg. Are they done? They take their seats and Naomi admits Miz has some moves. They welcome her to the show and bring up the “heartbreaking loss.” Yet despite all that, it was Naomi, not Lacey Evans, that trended worldwide. It is crazy how the fans support her. It isn’t always easy to come out with a smile on her face and push herself in the ring, but she does because of the millions of people counting on her.

And this was not the first time this year. Her return at Royal Rumble was big, too. Though, she didn’t win that. Then Miz doesn’t get it. Him and Morrison going viral for hit music videos, that makes sense. But Naomi does it after losing? Shouldn’t Lacey be the one everyone talks about? Yeah, how does losing make Naomi feel? Not good, right? Probably really bad. Like sick even? Seth Rollins level sick? Does Lacey make Naomi sick? Naomi says these two are making her feel pretty sick. How sick? They want a number, and it’s FIVE Seth Rollins puking! That’s sick! But fans don’t like weak stomachs. No one trends doing that.

Naomi doesn’t want to trend. She asks why fans are with her through thick and thin and upset that Lacey attacked Naomi after karaoke. That is the conversation right there. Oh, Miz didn’t have any of that. Well then Naomi asks them questions. Why do they feel they get to pass judgment on someone and the fans supporting that someone? Naomi has shown up and shown out for the last decade, giving it her all! That is why fans care and support her, and why they want more for her. Does she need to explain? NO, no! Miz did not expect this to get so confrontational. Morrison apologizes to Naomi, because it’s only getting worse! A SURPRISE guest! It’s Lacey Evans!

The Sassy Southern Belle struts her way out and Naomi is in a worse mood. Lacey enters the ring, has a mic, and asks the “gentleman” a question. Did you ever get beat up so bad that you got a pity hashtag that went viral? Naomi has been here a decade, has little to show for it, and is just about as washed up as ever. “Bless her heart.” Naomi shoves Lacey and messes up her lipstick! Lacey throws hands but Naomi gives them back! Naomi kicks Lacey out of the ring and Lacey grabs her bag. Lacey sees the line on her face and the lipstick in her teeth and is furious! The Glow gets the better of this exchange, will #Rematch be trending worldwide?

Big E waits by the doctor/trainer room.

Kofi Kingston walks out and gives an update on his ribs. Not the best news, as he’ll be out at least six weeks. But he’ll get to spend time with the family. Big E is sorry, wants Kofi to heal up, and promises that when Kofi comes back, Shinsuke and Cesaro will pay! Kofi appreciates that, and they’ll get the titles back when the time is right. But something makes Kofi think this is a sign. Xavier Woods has been out, Kofi is out now, so Big E is alone. this is his time! Big E appreciates that back, but Kofi cuts him off. Kofi and Woods talk all the time. The last six years, Big E has selflessly put the group ahead of himself! Even when Kofi was world champion, Big E always had love, no jealousy. Kofi appreciated that, and couldn’t have done any of that without him.

But now, it’s Big E’s time to show what he can do. Kofi and Woods want this for Big E. Big E needs to shine before he’s waited a decade like Kofi. More importantly, Big E has earned this and deserves this, and has the team’s blessing. Hug gently now. Much love between the New Day members. Is Big E going to get gold all his own in these next six weeks?

AJ Styles joins commentary!

The Phenomenal Intercontinental Champion wants a front row seat to the match up next, as it will go a long way to determining his next challenger!

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s match: Drew Gulak VS Chad Gable VS Lince Dorado VS Gran Metalik!

An incredible line-up that even has the Lucha House Party facing itself! Will Gulak earn another shot at AJ Styles? Or will a new contender step up to feed that hunger for gold?

The bell rings and Dorado dropkicks Shorty G out of the ring! LHP goes after Gulak together, but Gulak cradles Metalik. Dorado kicks it apart then clubs Gulak to ropes. LHP go after Gulak again, double whip and double hip toss! Dorado gets help from Metalik, wheelbarrow leg drop! Then LHP bumps into each other, and decide to test who is the superior luchador! Dorado trips Metalik, speeds things up and Metalik hurdles but Dorado leaps. Gulak drags Dorado out and scoop slams him hard on the floor! Metalik FLYING HURICANRANAS Gulak off the apron! The crowd fires up while Styles mocks Gulak. Gable German Suplexes, Metalik lands on his feet but things speed up.

Gable arm-drags Metalik then wrenches to a whip. Metalik handsprings, Gable dodges, but Metalik ducks to mule kick! Metalik runs the ropes in a corner to missile dropkick! Cover but Gulak breaks it! Dorado dropkicks Gulak to a corner and fires off chops and kicks! Dorado wrenches and whips, Gulak reveres, Dorado goes up and over and handsprings to then BOOT Gulak back! Dorado keeps moving, huricanrana! The crowd fires up for the Golden Lynx, he builds speed but ducks Gable to DIVE onto Gulak! Gulak hits the desk, Dorado stomps away! Metalik enziguris Gable, springboards into a dropkick of Gable’s! Gable aims as everyone groups together on the outside, to SUPER MOONSAULT! All four contenders are down as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Gable elbows away on Metalik. Gable brings Metalik up, feeds him to Gulak’s uppercut then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover but Gulak drags Gable off to cover him, ONE! Dorado covers Gulak, ONE! Gable splashes but misses, Dorado covers him, only for Gulak to break it! Gulak throws Dorado out hard then snapmares Gable, only for Gable to backslide! TWO and Gulak uses his legs to drag Gable into a cover, TWO! Gable sits on the cover, ropebreak, but Gable snap suplexes Gulak! Cover, TWO! Gable brings Gulak up to throw forearms, but Gulak whips only for Gable to reverse and send him out! Styles insists he’s a fighting champion but still doesn’t think this is how it works.

Gable and Metalik fight on the apron, Gable puts Metalik in to CHOP away! Gable throws forearms, Gulak pushes him out of the way to stomp Metalik. Gable shoves Gulak to stomp Metalik. Gulak shoves Gable, and the two decide to work together for a moment. Gulak scoops, Metalik escapes. Gable scoops, Metalik escapes. Gulak kicks Metalik and the two grapplers whip him. Metalik handsprings to back elbow them both down! The crowd fires up as all three men roll to sides. Dorado returns and lariats Gulak down, dropkicks Gable out! Dorado fires off forearms and CHOPS on Gulak then whips corner to corner. Gulak reverses but misses in the corner, Dorado KICKS hard, QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!

Dorado aims at Gulak in the corner but is put up top. Dorado kicks Gulak away, BIG cfrossobody hits! Cover, TWO! Dorado keeps his cool as he whips Gulak. Gulak reverses, Dorado handsprings to GOLDEN REWIND! Cover, Metalik breaks it! Amigos must do what they must to get at the title! Gable shoves Metalik into Dorado and hits a BIG EXPLODER! Gable fires off uppercuts and then uses an EXPLODER on Dorado! Gable fires up, runs to HEEL KICK both Gulak and Dorado! EXPLODER for Gulak! Gable spins Metalik around for a SAIDO! Bridging cover, Gulak breaks it in time! Styles is actually impressed by Shorty G.

Gable drags Gulak up, Gulak fights the waistlock and spins around to scoop and dragon sleeper, GuLOCK! Gable fights the hold, pops out of the body scissors and uses the ropes to climb up, to get out and trip Gulak up! ANKLE LOCK! Gulak flails, reaches, and Gable shots, “This is MY chance!” Gable drags Gulak from ropes and GRAPEVINES! Dorado FROG SPLASHES outta nowhere!! Cover, TWO!! The crowd is thunderous for this match as Dorado SUPERKICKS Gable down! Bottom rope MOONSAULT! Second rope MOONSAULT! Dorado wants the hat trick, but Gulak shoves him off the top into the crossbar!

Gulak climbs up behind Dorado, Dorado fights the back suplex and Gable adds on. Gable electric chair lifts and DUMPS Gulak out! Gable goes after Dorado SUPER GERMAN!! Dorado flounders out of the ring, Metalik SPRINGBOARD ELBOW DROPS! Cover, METALIK wins!!

Winner: Gran Metalik, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)

The King of the Ropes finds the opening he needed and is now a contender! Styles joins him and Dorado in the ring to congratulate him. Styles wants to shake Metalik’s hand but Metalik hesitates. Styles SLAPS Metalik down and says that is why you don’t trust anyone. Metalik SLAPS him back! Then springboard tornado DDT’s! Dorado keeps Metalik from doing any more, this fight is coming next week! Will Styles regret firing up his future opponent?

SmackDown reviews the romance of Otis Dozovic and Mandy Rose.

Heavy Machinery’s human wrecking ball won over the Golden Goddess’ heart slowly but surely, and have had quite a time together over both the holidays and now in the summer sun. They even had a horse a carriage ride together, as well as regular work out sessions. The love story continues, next week on SmackDown as Mr. Money in the Bank and his sweet peach return!

Backstage interview with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura!

They’re the NEW SmackDown Tag Team Championships after the Extreme Rules PPV TABLES Tag Match! “That’s right, Kayla. Welcome NEW champions!” But Nakamura isn’t sure what was more rewarding. Putting Kofi Kingston through the first table, or putting him through that second table. But either way, Kofi went SPLAT. Cesaro’s only regret is not being able to put Big E through a table, too. Yes, that would’ve been a bigger splat. But there will be a chance to do that very soon. Though, with Kofi out for about six weeks… This isn’t Big E’s time at all. This is THEIR time! The Winner Time! Champion’s Salute! “We’ll make all teams on SmackDown go SPLAT.”

Bar Fight: Jeff Hardy VS Sheamus!

The Charismatic Enigma and Celtic Warrior have gone back and forth both in and out of the ring. Hardy won in the Intercontinental Championship tournament’s opening round, but Sheamus got his revenge both with a hit ‘n’ run drunk driving frame-up and with the rematch at Backlash. Hardy got Sheamus back via his bartender’s shame, but Sheamus booted Hardy down. This battle inside Irish Shannon’s will settle the score once and for all! Will Hardy exorcise his demons while shutting Sheamus up? Or will he lose to both a bully and the beer?

Sheamus arrives to see his bartender and the referee waiting. “What’s crackin’, lads?” Everything ready to go? Good, good. Sheamus wants a quick shot before things get started. Haven’t seen Hardy yet. But before Sheamus can take his shot, Hardy walks in. Hardy sits at the bar with Sheamus, and Sheamus is glad he could make it. How about a shot to take the edge of? No thanks. Hardy wants a glass, though. Is he ready to do this? Hardy tells the ref to wait a moment. After all, he’s only here to count to three. Hardy wants Sheamus to know something first. That Jeff can’t handle his alcohol like a real man? Something like that.

Jeff’s brother had to “delete” his WWE career. Tonight, Jeff recovers his. Jeff’s been doing this since he was 16 years old, and has made mistakes to last a lifetime. Sobriety has changed Hardy, so hopefully Sheamus is ready for anything. Sheamus wants Jeff to face it. He can’t change. He’s too weak, pathetic and no one cares anymore. Is Sheamus still The Bar? Oh making jokes now? Yeah, Sheamus still raises the bar because he still IS The Bar. Cool. Hardy has connected to everything now. The window, the light, the TV. He IS this bar! What is he talking about/ Sheamus is the bar, and Hardy is just a junkie. “Alright, boss. Take care of that, will ya?” Sheamus hands his hat over. And watch out for Jeff, he doesn’t like bartenders.

Jeff SPLASHES Sheamus with the drink he poured! And then starts hammering away on Sheamus at the bar! Sheamus shoves Hardy but Hardy comes back for more! Hardy bounces Sheamus off the bar, clubs away again, then uses him to knock over glasses. Sheamus knees low and then high. Sheamus scoops Hardy to slam him onto the bar! Sheamus clubs away, and does the classic slide down the bar! He clubs Hardy, rips off his shirt, and gives him beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus hits all ten times and Hardy flops to the floor. Sheamus catches his breath and pulls down the suspenders. He wants some top shelf refreshment this time. But Hardy runs along the bar to LEAP onto Sheamus!

Sheamus shoves Hardy into the brick wall! Hardy throws Sheamus into barrels! And then throws the basketballs from the arcade games at him! They brawl to the back, Hardy bounces Sheamus off wall in the hall! He clubs Sheamus down at the couch and bounces basketballs off him. Sheamus kicks back and keeps Hardy from using the keg. Sheamus uses the keg on Hardy! Sheamus digs it into Hardy to sandwich him against the wall! Sheamus drags Hardy up to bounce off walls in return for just a moment ago! Sheamus uses the bathroom door to SMASH Hardy into the corner over and over! Then they go into the bathroom for Sheamus to bounce Hardy off the sink!

Sheamus clubs Hardy towards the stalls, and gives him a swirly in the urinal! This is Sheamus “cleansing” Hardy of his demons! Sheamus lets up as Hardy gasps and coughs. Sheamus says Hardy has had worse than that, and brings him to the mirror. This is who Hardy is! “You’re trash!” Hardy hits back and throws Sheamus into a stall! hardy gets away, still gagging and retching from the toilet water. Sheamus staggers up after Hardy, shouting all the way. “I’m only here to help, remember?” Hardy can’t run or hide from this. Sheamus looks for Hardy, but he pops out of the storage closet! Hardy RAMS Sheamus with a ladder! Hardy throws the ladder at Sheamus!

They return to the main bar and Sheamus is crawling while clutching his ribs. Hardy climbs up to run along the tables and leap! But Sheamus catches him, to RAM him into the brick wall! Sheamus clears some space as he brings Hardy back up. They’re in the band area and Sheamus grabs a guitar. Maybe this will help with Hardy’s music career! The guitar SMASHES off the way as Hardy dodges! Sheamus shakes out his hands, Hardy clubs him from behind! Hardy clubs over and over, then brings Sheamus back up to whip. Sheamus reverses and sends Hardy tumbling into the drum kit! Hardy is down and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns as Sheamus yells at Hardy, “How did that feel?” Sheamus says Hardy wanted this. Hardy gets up, Sheamus aims but Hardy blocks the Brogue with a drum! The two stagger around, Hardy throws Sheamus into tables! Hardy tackles Sheamus on the ground then staggers back up. Hardy drags Sheamus up to go at the bar but Sheamus turns it around to bump Hardy. Hardy ducks the punch to kick, TWIST OF FURY! Sheamus is down, Hardy sets up the ladder by the barrels. Hardy fetches Sheamus, drags him over, and stomps him down. Hardy climbs up but the BARTENDER attacks! Well, he is still upset about Hardy pouring beer on him and knocking him out. Hardy kicks Jeeves back, clubs him and reels him in, to POWERBOMB him through a table!

Jeeves is down but Sheamus SMASHES a chair on Hardy’s back! Sheamus grabs his hat and puts it on Hardy’s face. “Sweet dreams, fella.” Sheamus goes behind the bar to grab himself a Guinness. Cheers. Sheamus takes a couple of good swigs, finishes it off, then goes back to where he left Hardy on the floor. “Referee, get ready.” But when Sheamus takes the hat off, Hardy has face paint on!? And those wild eyes! Hardy springs up and fires off hands! Sheamus shoves him into the bar but Hardy SMASHES a bottle on Sheamus’ head! Hardy climbs the ladder, steadies himself with the barrels, and then SUPER SWANTON BOMBS onto Sheamus!! Cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

The Charismatic Enigma is not yet OBSOLETE! He has conquered bully and inner demons, but will this victory propel him back to the top?

My Thoughts:

A really good SmackDown to keep up momentum from Extreme Rules. The hype up promos at the start were really good, and I liked that they were focused on the main event match’s story. JBL being part of it is great, I like that he’s getting to do more panelist work between the WWE PPV kickoff shows and now this. The Bar Fight being a theatrical on-location match rather than just a themed Street Fight was actually a great surprise and of course worked way better. I liked that the bartender got involved given the quick history from the build, and the bit with Hardy “magically” having his face paint for a super mode of sorts. Between that and Hardy using “delete” in reference to brother Matt is a sign that the rest of Jeff’s run will be somewhere between Brother Nero and his own ideas.

Having the women’s title story for the opener was great. It was a brilliant Heel move to pit Nikki against Alexa, Bayley and Sasha were great on commentary and Nikki VS Alexa itself was a great match. Nikki winning makes sense, and I would hope Stephanie McMahon makes a similar stipulation for the rematch as she did for Sasha and Asuka this Monday. At the very least, it needs to be announced that there is a ringside ban so Sasha and Alexa can’t be there. Assuming Asuka wins to get the belt back, there can still be tension put back into the Bayley-Sasha dynamic even if she wins, steering things towards SummerSlam again.

Tonight’s Firefly Fun House was really good, going another step in the Three Faces of Foley development for Bray. In fact, this wasn’t the first time lantern head being Eater of Worlds Bray was done, so kudos to a very long game Bray’s been playing at. Strowman VS Fiend for the title is a given for SummerSlam, but the promos like this are making it work. Riddle VS Nese was obvious filler to put more into the story with Corbin. Oddly, I hope there’s someone who does take Riddle down if for a moment to make Corbin give up that “king’s ransom,” only to reveal he doesn’t actually have that much money to give them. But in the end, pretty sure Riddle VS Corbin happens for SummerSlam and for Riddle to win big to jump into some sort of title picture after.

The Miz TV segment was pretty good, but does bring into question if Booker T criticizing #NaomiDeservesBetter was work or shoot. If it was at least a worked shoot, that’s admittedly good adjustment from WWE. And while Naomi gets the better of Lacey tonight, a lot of the SmackDown Women’s Championship story will influence this one. If Bayley retains, I could see Naomi becoming her contender on the way to something with Sasha. If Bayley loses, Lacey and Nikki could have quite the program against each other, with Lacey leaning hard into her “Ya Nasty!” gimmick, criticizing Nikki’s wardrobe and behavior as the way to get heat going.

The developments in the SmackDown Tag and Intercontinental Championship stories are probably the most intriguing things from tonight. Whether work or shoot, Kofi’s injury keeping him out is definitely a great way to give Big E his chance as a solo star again. This certainly allows Cesaro and Nakamura to shake things up in the tag team division, but again, without The Usos or Heavy Machinery, not really sure who they face right now, unless the Undisputed Era makes the move and the turn to Face. Cesaro & Nakamura VS reDRagon (O’Reilly and Fish) would be some incredible stuff.

Then there was the surprise Fatal 4 that ended in a surprising way. I didn’t think it’d be Metalik, but he and Dorado and Kalisto (by the way, where has he been?!) have done such great stuff, they deserve some chances. This is a great opportunity for Metalik, who honestly hasn’t had much since being a finalist in the one and only WWE Cruiserweight Classic tournament YEARS ago. AJ Styles being AJ Styles, I’m pretty sure he wins, but he and Metalik can definitely have a phenomenal match.

My Score: 8.4/10

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

8 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!