Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (10/30/20)

Will the Usos fall in line?

Published

3 years ago

October 30, 2020

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown, acknowledge your Tribal Chief or suffer the consequences!

After brutalizing Jey and manipulating Jimmy, Roman Reigns defeated both Usos and is still WWE Universal Champion. Will they follow their Tribal Chief and stay in the family?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Survivor Series Team SmackDown Qualifier: Kevin Owens VS Dolph Ziggler; Kevin wins and joins Team SmackDown.
Survivor Series Women’s Team SmackDown Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Billie Kay VS Natalya; Bianca wins and joins SmackDown’s Women’s Team.
The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; The Street Profits win.
Survivor Series Team SmackDown Qualifier: Jey Uso VS Daniel Bryan; Jey wins and joins Team SmackDown.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The WWE Universal Champion and his special counsel, Paul Heyman, are here, with Jey Uso already waiting in the ring. Jey didn’t lose because he was being beaten to hell inside Hell in a Cell, but because Roman, revealing how cruel and manipulative he could really be, used Jimmy’s suffering to force Jey’s hand. Now standing together, Jey snatches the mic from Heyman to say, “You did not beat me!” Roman knows Jey. Roman knows Jey will never say he quits. Roman “ain’t that type of person.” Roman tells Jey he can make up excuses or feel however he wants, but what did Roman say? He said he’d make Jey quit, and what happened? Jey quit. “Take the oath. Accept the membership. And fall in line.”

“That’s a snake move!” Just like when they were kids, huh? Always one-upping! Roman thinks he’s tougher than Jey? No! Jey cannot do this because he does not respect Roman! The title has Roman “tripping!” Jey says he used the only person Jey would quit for. Roman knew what he was doing. “Of course I did.” How could he?! How could he not? Jey still doesn’t understand. These are the things you must do to have this. “These are the responsibilities, the accountability, the obligations, the burden!” Jey doesn’t even understand the burden of being the face of WWE. Roman wants Jey to look at him. Roman tells Jey that the consequences are real. They all saw on stage, the elders, their highest of the chiefs, Afa and Sika, and everyone all support Roman. If Jey doesn’t follow that, he’s out of the family.

Roman would be angry, too, he understands that. “But let’s be honest. What can you do?” What is Jey going to do? Jey must want to bash Roman’s head in if he could. But what can he do about it? Jey shouts “I HATE YOU!” Why does Roman have to do this?! Jey drops his mic and Roman says Jey surely does, right now. But Roman still loves Jey. And he always has. But Roman will say this one last time. “By the end of the night, you will fall in line.” Now Roman drops his mic, pats Jey on the shoulder, and leaves. Will Roman’s prediction- no, will his spoiler become reality?

Survivor Series Team SmackDown Qualifier: Kevin Owens VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode!

The Prizefighter and the Show-Off have been back and forth between the red and blue teams, but they’re pledging allegiance to Friday Night SmackDown! Who will represent the brand when Survivor Series 2020 is for the #BestoftheBest?

The bell rings and Ziggler goes right at a leg! Kevin facelocks to counter then shifts to a headlock. Ziggler endures, fishhooks Kevin’s face and powers out, but Kevin runs him over! Kevin talks smack to Roode but Ziggler bails out. Kevin goes after them, Ziggler gets in and then stomps Kevin as he returns! Ziggler digs a boot into Kevin’s face, lets off at the ref’s count, then brings Kevin up for a neckbreaker! Cover, ONE! Ziggler taunts Kevin, drags him up and rakes the eyes! The ref counts, Ziggler stops and has Kevin in a corner. Ziggler stomps and punches and grinds Kevin’s face on ropes! Ziggler stops, taunts Kevin, but Kevin ROCKS him with right hands! Ziggler kicks a leg, runs, but Kevin drops then runs Ziggler over again!

Kevin taunts the Show-Off showing off being a “b*tch!” Kevin stomps Ziggler more, drags him up but Ziggler kicks the leg again! Ziggler throws hands, but Kevin denies the Zigzag! Ziggler sends Kevin out, fakes a knee problem so Roode can CLOBBER Kevin! Roode puts Kevin in, the ref spots that much, and the ref EJECTS Roode! Roode is furious, and so is Ziggler! But now things are fair as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Ziggler gloats as he grinds Kevin down with a chinbar and armlock. Kevin endures, fans clap and rally and Kevin fights his way up. Kevin throws body shots but Ziggler haymakers and neckbreakers! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grows frustrated and he grabs a leg. Ziggler throws the leg into the mat then rakes the eyes! Kevin gets to ropes, Ziggler grabs him and turns him but Kevin slips through to CHOP! And throw forearms, and then CHOPS! Ziggler kicks low again, throws haymakers, then whips. Kevin reverses but Ziggler kicks him! Ziggler runs, into an atomic drop! Kevin rebounds to CLOBBER him! BACK SENTON! Kevin catches his breath and clutches the leg, then clotheslines Ziggler out of the ring!

Ziggler gets up, Kevin runs but Ziggler gets in! Kevin dodges, catches the crossbody and swings, to an AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO! Kevin keeps his cool as he goes to a corner. Kevin climbs but the leg slows him down. He gets up, leaps, SWANTON onto knees! Ziggler covers, TWO!! Both men are down and slowly stir. Ziggler vows to finish this! Ziggler tunes up the band, Kevin rises, but Kevin SUPERKICKS first! Kevin whips Ziggler, pop-up FAMOUSER!! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Ziggler is shocked! Kevin goes to ropes but Ziggler aims again. Ziggler waits, runs, but no superkick! Kevin kicks but stunner denied! The satellite DDT is denied, Ziggler’s leg jams, Kevin sunset flips but Ziggler sits on it! TWO and Kevin has the sunset, TWO! Ziggler high stacks, TWO! Kevin blocks the superkick to STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall (joins Team SmackDown)

A big win for Kevin, especially as the first qualifier! Kevin promises everyone that SmackDown and Survivor Series will become the KO Show, but who else is joining him against Raw?

Natalya talks with Adam Pearce backstage.

Before he says anything, she wants to know first how the SmackDown Women’s Team for Survivor Series is being chosen. Natty says it’ll be easier if she’s captain and chooses members. But Billie Kay walks over and gives Pearce a headshot and resume. She excels in team environments, after all. Natty snatches the resume and says her own body of work speaks for itself. And if anyone in this entire company needs to be at Survivor Series, it’s Natty. She deserves it. Oh really? Bianca Belair comes by and says that this year’s Survivor Series is “The Best of the Best,” look no further than the strongest, fastest and smartest, the EST is ready to lead! No one cares, Bianca, nor do they understand what EST means. Natty is the #BOAT.

Girl, uh-uh. That name isn’t as cute as you think it is. Uh, it’s for Best of All Time. Natty clapping back! Billie says they’ve gotta be joking her. Pearce says none of this will get them on the team. But since they’re all ready to go, they can have a match up next to earn a spot on the team. Fair enough? They all agree, and we have a big Triple Threat coming up!

Corey Graves interviews Lars Sullivan.

Since his return several weeks ago, Lars’ raw power has been on full display, wrecking Matt Riddle, Jeff Hardy, The Miz and John Morrison. So Lars, if you don’t mind Corey calling him that. Oh, that’s very considerate of Corey to ask. But doesn’t he want to call Lars, “The Freak?” Does he prefer that…? Would Corey prefer that? No… But- But what? But Corey isn’t a freak? People don’t cross the street when they see him? He’s not ostracized from society? No, Corey just meant he can’t do the “physically freakish things” Lars can. Lars accepts that, and will “play along.” If Corey wants answers, okay.

Lars still remembers the first time he was called, “a freak.” He was about 10 years old, new at a school and in the playground. These two brothers, the Tracy boys, were dancing and singing, “Freak Show, Freak Show! Everyone look at the Freak Show!” Lars says no one helped him and he didn’t know what to do. So what did he do? He cried. He’ll admit that. Lars was just hoping those kids would show some kindness or stop. But they didn’t. You know what happened next? They laughed. All of them. Everyone from the other kids to even the teachers! But Lars laughs to himself now. Corey feels uncomfortable. Lars says about 20 minutes later, the laughing stopped, but the screaming continued for hours. He wasn’t allowed back to school after that.

Then what does Lars hope to accomplish in the WWE? What does he hope to accomplish? “Unleash a lifetime of pain and humiliation onto anybody that gets in my way! To make this entire world my personal playground. To make this world… my personal hell on earth.” Who will suffer the wrath of this mile high monster?

Buddy Murphy talks with Aalyah Mysterio backstage.

She spoke to her mom about things. She’s very open-minded, and just wants Aalyah to be happy. But of course, Rey and Dominik won’t even talk to her about him. Murphy gets that. But he isn’t the man he was. That’s why tonight, Murphy will go out and publicly apologize. Is he sure? Yes, he needs to. They hold hands, but will things go well for this starcrossed couple?

Survivor Series Women’s Team SmackDown Triple Threat: Bianca Belair VS Billie Kay VS Natalya!

The EST, the BOAT, and… Billie Kay are battling to prove they’re worthy of representing SmackDown against Raw! Who is the first of five to head to Survivor Series?

SmackDown returns as Billie and Natalya make their entrances. The bell rings, Billie pushes Bianca and Natty, but realizes she’s all alone. She ducks Natty’s SLAP and it hits Bianca! Billie bails out to let them fight! Bianca whips, Natty reverses but Bianca goes up and over and handsprings to then run Natty over! Billie rolls Bianca up, TWO! Billie runs away but is caught at the ropes! Natty clubs Bianca and fires haymakers while Billie gets away. Natty whips, Bianca reverses but Natty kicks! And DISCUS! Billie throws Natty out to cover Bianca, TWO! Billie keeps on Bianca with stomps, but sees Natty coming. Natty gets her for a lift but Billie fights out. Billie boots Bianca, Natty lifts her, but Billie huricanranas Bianca!

Natty kicks Billie and snap suplexes! Bianca dropkicks Natty! Bianca kips up to then handspring and SPALSH down onto Billie! Cover, Natty breaks it up! Natty runs at Bianca in a corner but Bianca elbows her away! Natty rebound atomic drops Bianca, walks all over her and basement dropkicks! Natty grabs the legs, steps through, and gets the SHARPSHOOTER! Bianca endures, Billie adds on with a CROSSFACE! Bianca endures both moves, fights, and Natty realizes Billie is trying to steal her win! Natty grabs Billie but Billie knees low! And again! And again! Billie throws Natty into Bianca then runs, SHADES OF KAY! Bianca ends up giving Natty a DDT! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives, Billie covers Natty, TWO! Billie goes back to Bianca, TWO! Back to Natty, TWO!

Billie is furious and she argues the count. Bianca bails out so Billie goes after Natty. Natty trips Billie up and steps through! SHARPSHOOTER! Billie endures, Natty sits deep, Bianca drags Natty off to POST her! Billie rolls Bianca up, with ropes! TWO!! Bianca is up, Billie runs in but misses her boot! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (joins Team SmackDown)

And now the team is the strongEST, the toughEST and the fastEST it can be! Will SmackDown get the biggEST win at Survivor Series in a long time?

Carmella speaks.

“There’s a difference between who the world wants you to be, and who you really are.” She snaps her fingers, and champagne is served. So who is Carmella? She is “that woman.” She is the one who calls the shots and gives the orders. She is the one who makes her own rules. And she is the one who is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. “Because no matter what, I will always win.” So next week, the entire world will know why Carmella is #Untouchable.

Buddy Murphy heads to the ring.

And Aalyah goes with him, arm in arm! The apology will be televised, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Murphy has the mic. “I’ve got something I need to get off my chest. I understand why Rey and Dominik Mysterio despite me. But I’m not the same person I was. But I get it. I’ve done terrible things.” Murphy says that as a man, he needs to apologize to Rey and Dom face to face. He asks they come out to hear this. After waiting a moment and nothing happening, Murphy begs them that he hears them out. He knows what he’s done, that is why he needs to apologize. So please… Aalyah talks with Murphy that it’s okay. But instead of the Mysterios, it’s SETH ROLLINS that comes out!

“Murphy, Murphy, Murphy.” Rollins hates to say this, but he’s pretty sure we all know what he’s going to say. Rey and Dominik are never going to forgive Murphy. They are never going to accept him as he is. And most importantly, they are never going to accept whatever this is between him and Aalyah. But Rollins wants to say that while Rey and Dom won’t accept, Rollins will. Rollins will always accept them as they are, and forgive Murphy for what he’s done, and most importantly, he’ll accept and embrace their relationship. He would even marry them right now. Because there is a place for all of them in the Greater Good. He accepts Murphy, and he accepts Aalyah. It doesn’t matter what her last name is, he can see it in her eyes that she is understanding the truth.

Rollins isn’t the bad guy, but Rey has forced his hand. And the way he’s been treating his own daughter, Rey might be overprotective, but Rollins says it’s controlling. He’s telling her who to talk to. And Dom is just a coward. Dom sees her getting attention, and- DOM IS HERE! Dom attacks Rollins, they brawl, and Murphy gets Dom off Rollins to go after Rollins himself! Rollins gets out, Dom and Murphy start brawling! Aalyah tries to talk reason into them but they won’t stop, and here comes Rey! Rey shoves Murphy off, Murphy shoves back and THEY start brawling! Rey elbows Murphy into Dom’s drop toehold! Rey runs but Aalyah blocks the 619! She wants them to stop! They don’t understand but she defends him. But she isn’t going with them, either. “I love him!” Oh no…

Rey and Dom keep trying to get Aalyah to leave, but she refuses. So Dom and Rey leave without her. Aalyah hugs Murphy, and KISSES him! Rollins is shocked, but smiling, too. Rey and Dom don’t like where this is going, but are they wrong to judge Murphy by his past?

Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan.

Kayla Braxton brings up his match with Jey Uso to qualify for the Survivor Series team. Now considering what we saw Jey go through with Roman, does this change anything for Bryan? No, it doesn’t. But what changed is Jey’s performance the last few months. Jey has taken Roman to the limit, and Roman hasn’t been able to beat Jey! So what Bryan is preparing for is “the best Jey Uso.” That way, it’ll be the best for SmackDown either way. Will the Yes Movement join Kevin on the blue team? Or will Jey take out all his frustrations towards Roman on Bryan?

The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!

Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins go tag champions VS tag champions with The New Day at Survivor Series, if they still have the titles by then. Could the Profits actually be down if they’re not careful?

SmackDown returns as the Profits have the mics. “The NEW~ DAY~!” Now they saw Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods do their imitations, and the Profits thank them and appreciate them. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. That’s why Dawkins does LeBron and Guy Fieri. Gotta try tha donkey sauce! But the New Day has given them something they will remember for the rest of their lives: Power of Positivity! The New Day will go down as one of the greatest tag teams of all time, but the Profits aren’t showing up to Survivor Series to sign boxes of Booty O’s. They aren’t serving pancakes, either. They’re serving L’s. Because they are taking the torch! If you don’t know by now, they ARE the Best of the Best! The Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmock! But the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style might change that as they make their entrances!

The teams sort out and Cesaro starts with Dawkins. They tie up, Cesaro kicks low and EuroUppers then whips. Dawkins blocks the hip toss but Cesaro ducks the clotheslines. Things speed up, Cesaro hurdles but so does Dawkins, to run Cesaro over! Dawkins tags Ford, the Profits whip and dropkick Cesaro down! Then back suplex splash! Cover, Nakamura easily breaks it. Dawkins whips but Nakamura reverses to ROUNDHOUSE! Ford dropkicks Nakamura out but Cesaro clubs Ford and suplexes. Ford slips out, runs and BLOCKBUSTERS! Ford fires up and shakes the ropes and then sees he has a target. Ford FLIES and takes out Nakamura! Cesaro pops him up to TOSS him into the gap!! “How about that, huh?!” Cesaro is fired up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Cesaro grinds Ford down with an armlock. Ford endures, Cesaro wrenches, and fans clap and rally. Ford fights up, but Cesaro cranks on the arm again. Ford still fights up, throws body shots, but Cesaro knees low! Tag to Nakamura, Cesaro suplexes Ford onto ropes and Nakamura adds a kick before the suplex hits! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps on Ford with a sleeper but Ford moves around, so Nakamura inverted exploders! Ford lands on his feet, ducks all the kicks to enziguri back! Both men are down and crawling, hot tag to Dawkins and Cesaro! Dawkins rallies, ducks and dodges to back elbow! And he dropkicks Nakamura, too! And FLAPJACKS Cesaro! Fans fire up with Dawkins as he runs corner to corner, CYCLONE SPLASH! And then one for Cesaro!

Dawkins keeps moving to BULLDOG Cesaro! Cover, TWO! Dawkins brings Cesaro up but Cesaro throws elbows. Cesaro ROCKS Dawkins with the EuroUpper then tags Nakamura. They double whip, Dawkins ducks and ROCKS Nakamura, then EXPLODER for Cesaro! Cesaro bails out, Dawkins crawls, but Ford isn’t on the corner. Nakamura swings a kick, Dawkins ducks but the HEEL KICK hits! Nakamura has Dawkins but Dawkins resists and elbows. Cyclone misses this time! Nakamura kicks, hoists Dawkins up top, and runs for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Dawkins is down, Nakamura covers, TWO! Tag to Cesaro, Cesaro hauls Dawkins up as Nakamura hops to the top. FLYING KNEE GUT WRENCH BOMB! Cover, Ford breaks it!

Nakamura stomps Ford, throws him out hard then follows. Nakamura brings Ford up, and feeds him to Cesaro’s boot! Cesaro goes back to Dawkins, Dawkins inside cradles! TWO, and Cesaro DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins survives but Nakamura tags back in. Cesaro Electric Chairs and Nakamura kicks Ford, but Dawkins slips out to shove Cesaro into Nakamura! ANOINTMENT SPINE BUSTER! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins gets Nakamura for a SUPERPLEX! Ford comes in FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

Well, it won’t be Nakamura and Cesaro coming for the titles just yet! But that took a lot out of them. Will the Profits be able to stay up on the road to Survivor Series?

Sami Zayn speaks.

“So we’ve got Bobby Lashley VS Sami Zayn at Survivor Series. This is a gigantic match between the United States Champion and the Intercontinental Champion.” Sami will say, this is perfect that he is representing at Survivor Series, because there is no one more fitting and more worldly than The Great Liberator to represent the title of the continents! The people of those continents love Sami. The WWE has never marketed Sami as The People’s Champion, but he is! He is loved and adored by everyone on every continent and in every nation! Ireland, Bolivia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Japan, Botswana! He is a hero to the people because the people know Sami fights for what’s right! He represents everyone everywhere!

And Lashley… Well he just represents just one country. And let’s not even get into that country. Sami promises to show us something that can be understood in any country by anyone, and that is that the Intercontinental Champion is greater than the United States Champion.

Sasha Banks is here!

And now she has the SmackDown Women’s Championship and Bayley’s favorite chair! Both are trophies of the Hell in a Cell match she and Bayley had at Hell in a Cell. Bayley’s 380 day reign is over, “Long live the Boss!” after the break.

SmackDown returns and the chair is already placed. Sasha says, “You know what they say. Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk.” At HIAC, Sasha did just that. She told Bayley she’d finish what Bayley started and take the title she loved so much. Sasha takes a seat and says she has to thank Bayley for stabbing her in the back. Bayley finally ended an era. They were best friends. They were supposed to take over the whole damn company together! Sasha thought of her like a sister! But when Bayley used this chair in trying to end Sasha’s career, “I realized it wasn’t our friendship that was unstoppable. It was me.” Sasha IS the leader, the standard, the blueprint and the Boss of Fridays, as well as the brand new SmackDown Women’s Champion!

And now that Bayley is the past, Sasha goes 1v1 with Asuka at Survivor Series! There is no doubt in Sasha’s mind that SHE is the Best of the Best. But Bayley is here? “Hey! HEY!” Bayley wants Sasha to think hard on that last statement. We’ve all seen Sasha win a championship, but we all know she can’t hang onto them. Unlike Bayley, the longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion of 380 consecutive days! Sasha is lucky that Bayley isn’t getting in there for one, going into her locker room and taking her chair! And more importantly, parading around in the ring with Bayley’s title. Sasha didn’t even legally win, she forced Bayley to sign the contract under duress!

But Bayley isn’t a sore loser, she’ll do Sasha a favor. Bayley knows that Sasha knows that we all know that Sasha can’t beat Asuka without Bayley in her corner. So next week, Bayley wants a rematch for the title! And Sasha can enjoy her very short yet predictable 13 day title reign. Because next week, DING DONG, TRICK OR TREAT, it ends! Bayley is so funny. Sasha wants Bayley to bring everything she has, because “backstabbing b*tches” never win. Will Bayley be shut up once and for all? Or will history repeat itself in another ill-fated Sasha Banks reign?

Survivor Series Team SmackDown Qualifier: Jey Uso VS Daniel Bryan!

Roman Reigns told Jey he will have no choice but to bow and acknowledge The Tribal Chief. But will those words weigh so heavy that Jey fails to qualify for Survivor Series? Will Kevin Owens have his dream tag team partner join him in another tag match?

SmackDown returns as Jey makes his entrance. It’s clear from the lack of energy that everything is still getting to him. The bell rings and Jey circles with Bryan. They tie up, Jey puts Bryan on ropes but the ref counts. Jey punches low then headbutts Bryan at ropes, then throws more hands. Jey whips and runs Bryan over with a strong elbow! Jey scoops and SLAMS Bryan even harder! Jey brings Bryan up again to throw haymakers! Bryan hits back with EuroUppers, then whips him to ropes to hit the kitchen sink knee! Jey gets to ropes but Bryan brings him up to wrench the arm for an elbow breaker! And then wrenches again to whip. Jey reverses and SAMOAN DROPS! Jey seethes but not at Bryan. He gets up, goes over to Bryan and stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, Jey stops and takes a breath to calm down.

Jey comes back to throw haymakers, then whips Bryan corner to corner. Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving to dodge and flying clothesline! Fans rally with “YES!” fingers, and Jey sits up to get YES KICKS! From all sides, too! Bryan kicks Jey all around, on the ground, and Jey bails out before the buzzsaw! But now Roman Reigns appears? Roman and Heyman march right to ringside and look at Jey. Will Roman’s presence motivate or distract Jey? For now, SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more, and Jey is throwing hands on the top rope with Bryan. Jey gets up, Bryan slips under and trips Jey up! Bryan drags Jey into the Tree of Woe for more YES KICKS! Bryan runs corner to corner to dropkick! Bryan sits Jey back up, climbs up behind him, and brings him up for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX that Jey makes a crossbody! Cover, TWO and Bryan has a cover, TWO!! Jey gets to a corner, Roman is stoic as Jey aims at Bryan. Mule kick, uppercut, but Bryan throws forearms and kicks in return! Jey kicks, Bryan blocks and spins him but Jey dragon whips! Jey runs but Bryan dumps him out! Jey sees Bryan running in and SUPERKICKS him down! Jey goes up, leaps, USO SPLASH onto knees! LeBelle Lock!! Jey endures, moves around, reaches, and gets the ropebreak!

Bryan lets go fast and now Roman starts looking disappointed. Jey gets up, Bryan goes after him with more kicks! Bryan runs corner to corner to dropkick! And then again, into a SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK!! Jey goes to the corner and climbs again, for another try, USO SPLASH!! Direct hit, cover, Jey wins!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (joins Team SmackDown)

A win over a former world champion and Jey is now part of the traditional 5v5! Roman joins Jey in the ring, Jey says, “I’m with you. You’re the head of the table.” What?! Jey suddenly concedes to Roman’s authority? But Roman wants Jey to make it clear, so Jey SUPERKICKS Bryan back down! And drags him to a drop zone, to climb up top and hit another USO SPLASH!! “I understand now! I understand now! I love you, too, aight? I understand.” What is it that made Jey change his mind? Then make Bryan understand. Jey goes outside, drags Bryan out and throws haymaker after haymaker! “I understand, Uce!! I understand now!!” And he whips Bryan into steel steps! And clears off the announce desk!?

Jey drags Bryan up and asks if he understands. Bryan doesn’t answer so Jey throws more haymakers to put Bryan on the desk! Jey goes back to the ring, climbs back up top, and as Roman watches on, hits a SUPER USO SPLASH through the table!! He’s still not done, as he rains down forearms, and dribbles Bryan off the wreckage!! Roman smiles as Jey finishes up. What happened from beginning of the night to this moment that made Jey change his mind?!

My Thoughts:

This was a really good SmackDown to give its own transition from Hell in a Cell to Survivor Series. Not really into giving Survivor Series a subtitle like some of the other PPV’s have had, but whatever. I am for doing the flipside to Raw in the Women’s Division, having a multi-person match to determine a member. Billie, Natty and Bianca had a great promo segment with Pearce, and then a really good Triple Threat. Bianca winning is great, she was a given for the team between the hype they’ve built for her and her incredible athletic abilities. Sasha VS Bayley rematch is happening quite a bit sooner than expected, but Bayley’s promo does bring up a good point that for whatever reason, Sasha loses titles very quickly. But I have a feeling this match on TV will be equally definitive, maybe even more so than the HIAC match. Sasha will win to force Bayley to take the long route back, then we get a great Asuka VS Sasha at Survivor Series. I bet Bayley ends up on the Women’s Team, too, since she does have all those accolades.

Sami Zayn had a pretty good promo to hype his match with Lashley, and I hope they don’t pull the same move they’ve done before where a champion changes and so does the Survivor Series match. Sami and Lashley have plenty of history, even if the “Lashley Sisters” segment was awful. The Street Profits have a good response to the New Day, even if it wasn’t with their own imitations. Their match with Cesaro and Nakamura was really good, especially Cesaro tossing Ford to the outside before the break. Ford was sitting down and maybe even about to lie down after hitting his splash to get the win, I hope that isn’t something serious. Though it is pretty clear, he gets so much air in his frog splash that I’m not surprised it isn’t double-edged on him. Maybe the Profits need to shift from combining moves for a finish to actually having a tag team finisher.

Corey Graves’ “interview” with Lars was a very well done segment. Lars finally gets to talk again and show a bit of what he was showing in NXT. I like the backstory he gave himself, getting expelled for brutalizing bullies. I don’t think this will be used to humanize Lars or make him a sympathetic Heel, but it does give you an idea of what is going on inside his head. Lars is probably a shoe-in for the Survivor Series team, in order to counter the size and strength of Keith Lee and Sheamus. Kevin VS Ziggler was really good, and no offense to Ziggler, but Kevin was definitely going to win. And given that powerful opening segment with Roman and Jey, Jey VS Bryan turned into a really good match, and a somewhat shocking ending segment. It felt rather obvious that Jey would eventually turn Heel and follow Roman, I just didn’t think it’d happen in one night! I really am curious as to why, and that is going to make for some awesome material next week.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

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It’s Draft Day!

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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