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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/2/20)

Whose tag division is this, really?

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WWE Raw Coverage 3.0

Raw is only escalating things towards Survivor Series!

Before #TheBestoftheBest battle for brand supremacy, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and Raw Tag Team Champions take on their hopeful challengers in non-title action!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Guitar on a Pole Match: Elias VS Jeff Hardy; Hardy wins.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Jax & Baszler win and retain the titles.
  • R-Truth VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Mighty Bad Decisions: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Bobby Lashley; Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Survivor Series Team Raw Qualifier Triple Threat: Braun Strowman VS Keith Lee VS Sheamus; Strowman wins and joins Team Raw.
  • Lana VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Jax wins.
  • The New Day VS Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; The Hurt Business wins.
  • Ricochet VS Tucker; Ricochet wins.
  • 2v1 Handicap: The Miz & John Morrison VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Randy Orton is here!

The Apex Predator is looking more like prey with all the contenders after his title. But the Viper is keeping his head on a swivel as he and his WWE World Championship stand in the ring in front of the ThunderDome screens. “Eight days ago, I became WWE Champion. Eight days ago, I became a 14-time world champion.” Eight days ago, Orton proved he is the best of the best. But no. That doesn’t do him any justice. Orton isn’t just the best of the best, he proved he is THE BEST, period. “I am better than Edge. I am better than The Undertaker. I am better than Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, John Cena and most certainly I am better than Drew McIntyre.”

Orton proved he is better than everyone in the locker room who have been lying to themselves year after year after year, saying that the only reason Orton is where he is is because he grew up in the business. He is a third generation wrestler, that HHH protected him and “management” chose him. No! Those superstars are mistaken. The reason Orton is where he is is because Orton is… The Best. Eight days ago, Orton showed the world that he isn’t the Legend Killer. “I am now simply… A legend.” And with this championship comes great responsibility and a great big target. He welcomes being a target! He dares anyone in the back to come and try to take the title from him! It doesn’t matter if it’s McIntyre, The Miz, Roman Reigns or The Fiend, Bray Wyatt! Orton will be right here so come and get him!

But it’s Alexa Bliss that walks out instead! She walks down to the ramp and joins Orton in the ring with another mischievous smile on her face. Orton paces around her and asks where “he” is. She has gloves of her own! “Play” and “Pain!” And the one that stays up is… pain. “He. Could. Be. Here!” And the lights turn red! The Fiend has taken over the ThunderDome, but where is he?! Orton demands he show himself but Bray isn’t playing by Orton’s rules. MCINTYRE IS HERE, THOUGH! WITH A CLAYMORE!! Orton is down, and McIntyre grabs the belt. “If you dare me, I dare you to give me my rematch. Until then, I’m going to make your life a living hell!” Orton tried to goad The Fiend into something, but he got the Scottish Psychopath instead!

Wait, wait! The Miz and Morrison are making their move!! Mr. Money in the Bank and his best friend are here, shouting for a referee! The ref is here, the contract is handed off, but McIntyre is attacking first! He throws Miz out, then scoops Morrison to TOSS him onto Miz! No cash-in tonight! McIntyre says Miz won’t be the one to take the title from Orton, McIntyre is! And if they try again, he’ll knock them on their asses! Orton was both attacked and saved by McIntyre, will he give McIntyre that rematch?

 

Backstage interview with The Miz and John Morrison.

But they are in no mood! Firstly, the bell did NOT ring, so Miz is still Mr. MITB. FACT! Secondly, McIntyre had NO business sticking “his ugly nose” into their business! FACT! Does McIntyre know who he is? He’s The Miz! FACT! He’s Mr. MITB! FACT! And he was THAT close to being WWE World Champion again! FACT!! Miz says McIntyre is a selfish child who won’t let anyone else get their way if he can’t get his! He couldn’t let Miz have his moment! Just because McIntyre’s 19 year dream is over doesn’t mean he can ruin everyone else’s dream! FACT! McIntyre lost, he has to get over it! FACT!! It’s time for someone else to step in and be the star of Raw. FACT!!

Morrison says McIntyre has no idea what he just did, ruining a “twice in a lifetime” opportunity. He just pissed off the two guys in this company that you don’t want to anger. They challenge McIntyre to a handicap match for tonight! If he has the stones to accept it.

 

Guitar on a Pole Match: Elias VS Jeff Hardy!

“Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.” The Drifter is already in the ring with one guitar while another is on the pole. He introduces himself and says there comes a time in every man’s life when he must admit the truth to himself. Elias says Hardy did that in trying to run him over. In an instant, Hardy realized Elias had surpassed him. That is proven by how Elias’ album, Universal Truth, went to #1 on the charts in a night. Someone asked him about this match stipulation, and Elias’ initial reaction was, “Are you crazy?” You’re going to take one of his guitars and put it on a pole?! Elias is making hit after hit, he’s number one in the world!

But then he had a moment of clarity. Elias could do something special and make beautiful art in a different way. Elias will climb the pole, retrieve one of his beautiful Fenders, and then SMASH it on Hardy’s back. That could be his greatest hit ever! But his greatest hit now is Amen, off the new album, available to the world right now. Here is an acoustic cover of that right now. But Hardy interrupts just as the first verse gets started! Will Hardy be the one rocking and rolling as he smashes Elias to pieces?

The bell rings and they both go for the pole! Elias keeps Hardy from it but Hardy does the same. They brawl, Elias headlocks but Hardy powers out. Elias runs Hardy over, keeps moving but Hardy comes back to hip toss, only for Elias to counter! Elias scoops and tosses Hardy into ropes! Hardy goes out, Elias goes up, but Hardy drags him out! Hardy bumps Elias off barriers and steel steps, then goes around the way to build speed. Hardy LEAPS off the steps and Elias is sent into barriers! Elias scrambles away and Hardy goes up to the corner. Hardy climbs, but Elias throws his stool at Hardy! Direct hit and Hardy goes down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns as Elias stomps a mudhole into Hardy! Elias whips and runs Hardy over with an elbow! Hardy is in a daze but Elias drags him up. Elias suplexes but Hardy slips out to run for the pole! Elias clubs him first, brings him around but Hardy spinning back kicks Elias away! Hardy is right at the corner again, but he’s slow to getting up. Elias clubs Hardy, brings him around to throw forearms, then CHOPS him! Hardy staggers, Elias CHOPS him again! Elias chokes Hardy on the ropes, and clubs him down! Elias whips, Hardy ducks and kicks back, but no Twist yet! Hardy runs but into Elias’ KNEE! Both men are down, fans clap and rally up. Elias crawls and fans give thumbs down. Elias is climbing, Hardy is right behind him and trips him up! Elias hits buckles and is down again!

Fans rally, Elias and Hardy stand and brawl with haymakers! Hardy counter punches and Elias is punch drunk! Hardy fires off and whips, Elias reverses but Hardy runs him over! Hardy atomic drops, trips Elias up and hits the leg splitter leg drop! Basement dropkick and elbow drop, too! Fans clap as Hardy heads up to the pole! Elias CLUBS Hardy, has the Electric Chair and spin, but Hardy huricanranas! Kick and TWIST OF FATE! Hardy throws his shirt off, goes up to the top rope and grabs the guitar! But Elias is there to grab at him! Hardy kicks Elias away, and he gets the guitar! FLYING GUITAR SMASH!! Cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

Now that was a smash hit! And then Hardy finishes the guitar off by SMASHING it against the pole! Will Hardy finally move past Elias’ grudge to get himself back on track towards gold?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!

Naturally, the champions of the Women’s Tag Division should be seen as the leaders of that division. Therefore, the leaders of Team Raw should be the champions. But will the Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades still be the champions and leaders in this match against, as Asuka put it, The Sexy Muscle Friends?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this battle for supremacy begins!

But wait, the fifth member of Team Raw appears! Lana wants to watch her team face off. Nia and Dana start and Nia shoves Dan adown. Nia scoops but Dana gets around to sleeper hold! Nia rams Dana into buckles until she’s free, then she brings Dana up, only for Dana to hit a jawbreaker! Dana tags Mandy, Mandy dropkicks and whips but Nia reverses! Mandy tilt-o-whirls to an OCOTPUS! Nia stays standing, powers out but Mandy fires off forearms! Dana tags in, Nia scoops Mandy and lifts her up, but Dana chop blocks Nia! Mandy hits KNEE FROM A ROSE! Dana hits a HANDSPRING SPLASH! Cover, Shayna breaks it! Tag to Shayna and she goes after Dana.

Dana kicks a leg out, tags Mandy in, and the Sexy Muscle Friends double suplex! Mandy covers, TWO! Mandy keeps close with a rear bearhug but Shayna switches to an armlock suplex! Shayna tells Lana to just shut up and stay away. Lana doesn’t appreciate that, and Mandy hits Shayna with a forearm! Dana tags in, dodges and rallies with clotheslines! Dana rocks Shayna with an enziguri! Shayna goes to a corner, Dana fires off with fast hands! The ref counts, Shayna shoves but Dana whips. Dana handsprings in for the back elbow, then a BULLDOG! Cover, Mandy intercepts Nia but TWO!! Shayna survives and Nia CLOBBERS Mandy in return! Shayna drags Dana in but Dana drops down to victory roll! TWO!

Shayna gets up, Dana knees her low! Dana whips Shayna but Shayna slides out. Lana is hiding for some reason so Shayna goes after her! But Dana baseball slides Shayna down! Lana seems to be helping Dana out! Dana hits another handspring, but into a KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Lana distracts everyone so Shayna drags her in! Dana O’Conner rolls but now the ref is distracted! TWO and Dana bumps into Lana! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dana taps, the champs win!!

Winners: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, by submission (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Ravishing Russian tried but failed to be the deciding factor against the dominant duo, and now Team Raw’s chemistry may be worse than before!

 

Backstage interview with Randy Orton.

He clearly has a target on his back, does he think it’ll be hard to hold onto the title? Orton finds it amusing that so many people forget how easy it is for the hunter to become the hunted. Orton thinks McIntyre needs a reminder of that, and that will come sooner than later, in the form of an R… K… O. But Ramblin’ Rabbit is watching! Is Orton forgetting a certain someone in this title hunt?

 

R-Truth is here!

The FORTY-TWO TIME 24/7 Champion goes to the ring and is about to face Bobby Lashley in non-title competition. But why would he accept a match against the All Mighty? Uh, no, you’re mistaken. Truth isn’t facing Bobby Lashley, the one who wants to put people in the Nelson from the Simpsons. Truth is here to meet the Water Boy, Bobby Bouche. Um… No, this is Truth VS Lashley. Good luck. But who’s gonna sign his favorite water bottle?

R-Truth VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

Uh oh. Will the Rocky Mountain Machine simply bulldoze his way through Truth as he heads for his match against the Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn?

The bell rings, Truth says they’re both champions, but this is a non-title match so this match shouldn’t even happen. Truth lies down for Lashley! Unless this is about that Instagram post. Lashley grabs Truth but Truth kicks him away! And throws forearms! Lashley shoves, Truth kicks low and runs, but misses the scissor kick! Lashley SPEARS! And then the HURT LOCK!! Truth is OUT, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission

The United States Champion isn’t done with the 24/7 Champion as he puts the Hurt Lock BACK ON! Truth is already a rag doll but Lashley thrashes him about more! Lashley throws Truth down and surely Sami Zayn is watching. Will “The Champion of the People” be more careful with what he says and does against The All Mighty?

Wait, Drew Gulak runs in, he wants that 24/7 Championship! But Lashley drags Gulak off the cover to gut wrench and DOMINATOR! And then the HURT LOCK! The GuLock ain’t got nothing on the Hurt Lock! Gulak is OUT, and Lashley then puts Gulak on top of Truth? Gulak still wins?!

Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Lashley just made an example of the entire 24/7 Championship Division! But he isn’t satisfied?! Gulak is still out cold on top of Truth, Lashley stands over them both. He leaves it at this, surprisingly. Will Sami wish he’d let someone else be Intercontinental Champion after all?

 

Lucha House Party meets up backstage.

Lince Dorado tells Gran Metalik that Gulak won the 24/7 title and they can still go get him. But they almost run into Jordan Omogbehin. AJ Styles asks if there’s a problem. No, not at all. They were going to go the other way anyhow. Styles and the “big man” are headed for gorilla, and we’ll find out why, after the break.

 

Backstage interview with Nia Jax.

Tonight, Lana- Do NOT say that name in her presence. Don’t even think about Lana in her presence. Lana somehow gets on Nia’s team and then thinks it’s okay to put Nia’s title in jeopardy? All because she’s a little “butt hurt” over being smashed through the table? Well, she did that to Lana six- Didn’t she just say NOT to say her name?! Lana thinks she’s a fighter, that she picks herself up again. Let’s see if Lana can do that again. Because by the end of tonight, Lana will either not be on the team, or not be on the show. In fact, Nia might just end Lana’s career! What will happen when the Irresistible Force gets her hands on the Ravishing Russian?

 

AJ Styles heads to the ring!

The Phenomenal One is already Team Raw for Survivor Series, with Keith Lee and Sheamus following, but Styles and Jordan are here so Styles can speak. Jordan keeps watch on the outside while Styles says, “This past Friday night, we learned that SmackDown isn’t playing around at Survivor Series.” Jey Uso and Kevin Owens are on the team, and the other three will surely be just as talented. But not to worry, Raw already has the advantage. One advantage is, in Styles’ opinion, what SmackDown lacks someone with the intangibles of a leader. “Someone who has that it factor. Someone who can take a team, mold them together, and dominate! Someone like… me!” Yes, Captain Styles is reporting for duty! But is there really any other option? He has intangibles for days! His intangibles have intangibles! Why would you not a captain of #TheBestoftheBest who is THE very best?

So with his first order as team captain, Styles wants to get a rally cry going to introduce HIS team! Starting with: The Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS! Sheamus does head out to join Styles in the ring, and then is the powerhouse, KEITH LEE! The Limitless One does join Styles and Sheamus but he’s a bit perplexed as to why they need to do this. But Styles wants them to listen and understand the reason he’s brought them out here. “Because you’re the best of the best.” And their success is Styles’ success. It doesn’t matter who they’ll face from SmackDown. Whether it’s Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, Dominik, who cares? It could even be Angie Mysterio!

Keith wants Styles to hold on. Styles insist he be addressed as captain. Keith doesn’t believe anyone agreed to that. And he reminds Styles that if he thinks his “sizeable friend” is enough to intimidate them, think twice. Styles says this is inexperience talking. The veterans should show Keith the way. Sheamus actually agrees with Keith here. Before Styles stepped up from the “minor leagues,” Sheamus was running rampant in the WWE for years. And Styles may have “Lurch” here, and he’s feeling all brave, but the truth is, Sheamus will NEVER take orders from Styles. That’s CAPTAIN Styles! No it’s not! This is so disrespectful! Don’t they realize what’s at stake?! If they beat Team SmackDown, imagine what it will do for his legacy!

But BRAUN storms out!? The Monster sees everyone in the ring and says he’ll settle this for them. The only thing this team needs is Strowman. It doesn’t matter from SmackDown, Raw has the monster on its team. No, they all had to qualify, so Mr. Monster will have to do the same. Strowman lists his qualifications: He eliminated the single most talent in a Survivor Series match, he was on a winning team about 12 times! And maybe Keith forgot, but Strowman beat him clean. So clearly, his qualifications should have him be THE CAPTAIN! Now Styles gets upset! Everyone is arguing but Adam Pearce comes out. As much as Pearce would love to put Strowman on Team Raw, he hasn’t found a good enough qualification match for him. Mostly because no one is willing to face him.

Keith wants everyone to “hold the hell on.” Keith wanted to let things pass, but who do you think you’re lying to, Braun? CLEAN!? Keith doesn’t know about Styles or Sheamus, but if Strowman gets in the ring with him- Sheamus wants Keith to hold on now. Keith’s been here what? Five minutes? And Keith is acting like he’s calling the shots? The truth is, fella, there’s an order of things, and Sheamus is a senior member. Step behind him, and let the man who has made a career of slaying giants like Braun handle this. If anyone’s kicking Braun’s teeth down his throat, it’s him. Styles has an idea for everyone here! Pearce, check this. Braun needs a match, right? Then how about a TRIPLE THREAT match? Braun VS Keith VS Sheamus! If Braun wins, he joins the team!

Pearce likes that idea! Any objections? Sheamus loves a good fight so he’s in! Braun isn’t getting paid to talk, he’s in. And Keith doesn’t say anything, so it’s official! That match is happening after the break!

 

Survivor Series Team Raw Qualifier Triple Threat: Braun Strowman VS Keith Lee VS Sheamus!

Raw returns and Styles has joined commentary to watch this. The bell rings, Sheamus and Keith shove each other to step to Strowman, but Keith won’t let the Fella get ahead. They brawl, Braun watches as Keith headbutts Sheamus! Then Braun clotheslines Sheamus out! Braun goes after Keith and whips. Braun SCOOPS Keith but Keith slips out to dodge and POUNCE Braun out of the ring! Sheamus is back, he clubs and knees Keith then throws forearms! Sheamus whips, Keith reverses and he runs Sheamus over! Keith seethes and drags Sheamus up. Keith whips Sheamus but Sheamus kicks back! Sheamus runs but Braun drags him out! Those two brawl, Keith FLIES?! Not the best, either, but it still wipes the other two out!

Styles is SHOCKED as Keith survives his own rough landing! Keith is walking it off as he stalks and stomps Braun. Sheamus clubs and clobbers Keith then brings him tot he apron. Keith blocks the bump, but Sheamus digs him in all the same! Sheamus uses a sleeper hold and fish hooks but Keith still hits back. They brawl around the way towards the desk, only for the STROWMAN EXPRESS to derail them! Braun clears off the desk and Jordan shields Styles. Braun watches his two opponents and brings Sheamus up first. Then Keith, but they both hit back! Sheamus and Keith work together to whip Braun into steel steps! The steps go flying! Braun is down, Keith and Sheamus still work together to bring part of the steps over, and RAM Braun across the desk!

Sheamus throws the steps aside, to then POST Keith! Sheamus puts Keith in the ring, stalks him to an apron, and brings him up for Beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus gives Keith all 10, and lets Keith flop down. Sheamus drags Keith back up but Keith grabs the arm! Keith is furious as he drags Sheamus out and TOSSES him into barriers! Keith stalks Sheamus, CLUBS him down, then brings him around the way. Keith scoops Sheamus but Sheamus fights and gets the sleeper! Keith fades, Braun returns to RAM them both through the barriers!! Once again, the Monster and the Limitless One are wrecking the ThunderDome! All three men are down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Sheamus has Keith down with an armlock and chinbar. Keith endures, fans clap and rally and Styles hopes they down break the arm. Sheamus digs his knee into Keith’s head but Keith still fights his way up. Keith gets to his feet, throws big body shots, but Sheamus cranks on the chinbar. Keith still throws hands, and then GRIZZLY MAGNUM CHOPS! Sheamus goes to a corner, Braun DERAILS Keith and runs Sheamus over! And then corner splashes! And TOSSES! Sheamus gets up to get another corner splash! And another TOSS! Braun keeps moving but he hits only buckles this time! Sheamus manages to give Braun WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!! Braun survives and Styles can’t believe it!

Sheamus catches his breath while he gets to his feet. Sheamus kicks Keith at the apron to keep him down, then climbs up top. Braun stirs, Sheamus aims, but Keith intercepts with a choke grip! Keith brings Sheamus around but Sheamus fights him down! Keith just grabs with the other hand, only for Sheamus to rake eyes! Sheamus punches Keith down but Braun ROCKS Sheamus with an uppercut! Braun climbs up, fights with Sheamus, but Keith joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! The Electric Chair Superplex was supersized and yet the ring stays up! All three men are down and Styles tells Byron Saxton to shut up about needing new teammates. Braun gets up, but Keith blocks the low blow! And throws haymakers all around! Keith kicks low, runs and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!!

Styles is loving this now as Keith slowly gets up. Keith drags Braun up, reels him in and scoops, but Braun slips off! Sheamus dumps Braun out then hotshots Keith away! Sheamus slingshots for a BATTERING RAM! Keith stays on one knee but Sheamus runs, into a BELLY2BELLY!? Keith is impressing Styles, but Sheamus headbutts and KNEES Keith back! Cover, TWO!! “Sheamus is no slacker, by the way.” Styles wants people to understand Sheamus is great and is great for Team Raw. Keith gets up but Sheamus calls for the finish! But Braun drags Sheamus out with force! And then runs into Keith’s BOOTS! Keith roars and LARIATS Braun!! Cover, TWO!! Keith drags Braun up, Sheamus BROGUES Keith! But Braun scoops Sheamus for the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun wins!!

Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (joins Team Raw)

Styles is excited! Even though this took a lot out of all three men, they’re three BIG men, and Styles is confident they’ll all be able to destroy SmackDown! Styles gets in the ring to celebrate and says this is going to be a great team. But he wants them to shake hands as a team, and none of them are for that. Braun doesn’t like Keith, Keith doesn’t Braun, but they’ll put their differences aside for Survivor Series. They shake hands! Styles says this is all thanks to him, the captain! Sheamus, c’mon now. You’re teammates, too. Sheamus is upset that Braun sniped the win from him. That’s what you have to do for the team! Anything to win! Styles wants them to shake hands, Braun says to shake his hand like a man.

Sheamus slaps the hand away, to HUG him! That’s even better for Styles! But then Sheamus BROGUES Braun!? And Keith POUNCES Sheamus! So Styles dropkicks Keith! “Why can’t you just get alone?! Why?! We’re the perfect team!! What’s wrong with you!?” Captain Styles might already be on a sinking ship. Is there any way to salvage this before Survivor Series?

 

Angel Garza speaks.

“To that special someone out there in the WWE Universe, we might seem far apart. But I promise, what you feel every time you see me is real.” Your heart beating, your cheeks flushing, your butterflies in your stomach? Do not be embarrassed, because Garza feels the same way every time he thinks of you. While they cannot share each other’s company, they can share the same feelings. He knows you’re out there, with those brilliant eyes and an irresistible smile. His rose is for you.

 

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Charly Caruso addresses McIntyre telling Miz he’s the one to win the title. But there are others that could get in his way. Well what was it she asked Orton earlier? Is he worried about all the superstars gunning for him and the title? McIntyre says his shot is going to be just fine. Orton has a “6′ 5″, dangerous, attractive guardian angle,” in McIntyre. The actions were pretty clear: the only one taking the title from Orton will be McIntyre. McIntyre will force Orton’s hand with a smile on his face week after week. The Fiend can just back off. If McIntyre gets his way, Survivor Series will be Roman Reigns VS McIntyre! What a match!

But before that, what about The Miz and Morrison tonight? Oh right, forgot about them. How fun is it to beat those two up? It makes McIntyre happy and makes the fans happy. That’s what McIntyre is about. Tonight’s menu is a 2 for 1 special, Claymores for all! Will Miz and Morrison take that deal whether they like it or not?

 

Raw presents a new Firefly Fun House!

Bray Wyatt and Alexa Bliss are together already and welcome us back! Tonight’s very special because it is dedicated to the three most important letters in sports entertainment today! P I G? Hehehe, no silly Huskis! It’s R, K, O! YAY~! After what he did, Abby the Witch says Orton can go bleep himself. Whoa, Abby! There’s no foul language allowed here. That’s 10 cents in the swear, miss! Um, excuse me? Alexa, go bleep yourself, too. Gasp! Yowie wowie, Abby! That’s 25 cents now. But she does have a point. Once upon a time, Orton was a very, very bad boy. But the past is the past! And with those ashes, Bray was able to create a new world where the fun never… But wait, the memories of Orton burning down Sister Abigail’s home… “Unfortunately, it can’t be that simple. He never forgets.”

Alexa says that before they go, she wants to show us all a nifty little trick. She asks Bray for his help. He uses the heal glove and… Alexa’s eyes change again! And she spits out… blood? “Oh sh**!” Well, while the censors figure this one out, will Alexa become even more twisted as the plot thickens?

 

Lacey Evans and Peyton Royce have a message?

“Welcome back to Monday Night Raw!” They knew Lana would be a problem for Team Raw, but there’s no way Lana’s making it out of her match with Nia in one piece. There’s no way the announce desk will make it out of there in one piece! They high-five, suddenly more buddy buddy than before. Will they be right about that one?

 

Lana VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!

The dysfunction of Team Raw grows stronger as the Ravishing Russian will face the consequences of her actions. And Shayna is already clearing off the announce desk! Is it going to be not so lucky number seven tonight?

The bell rings, Nia grabs Lana and RAMS her into the corner! And then runs, but Lana gets out! Lana kicks and throws hands but Nia throws her! Nia says Lana is a “pathetic piece of crap” and she pushes her around. Lana tries to hit back but Nia just throws her again! Nia talks more trash and tells Lana to just give up. Then she hits a corner splash! Nia slaps Lana around and pie faces her. Lana throws hands but Nia whips her away. Nia runs in but Lana dodges and Nia only gets buckles! Nia pushes Lana again, brings her up but Lana throws forearms! Nia shoves, Lana kicks and ROUNDHOUSES! She gets Nia with that one then ROUNBDHOUSES again! But Nia is still up and she CLOBBERS Lana!

Nia covers, but lets off on purpose! Nia drags Lana around to toy with her, and tells her to give up. Lana keeps hitting back so Nia headbutts her down! Shayna tells Lana to quit or she’s going to get beat up more. Nia thrashes Lana around by her hair then headbutts her again! “This is what you wanted!” Cover, but Nia lets up again! “This is what you wanted!” Nia drags Lana up, scoops and SLAMS her down! Lana flounders but Nia kicks her around. Lana refuses to quit, gets to a corner, and Nia “respects” that. But she’s done now! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

Lana paid for what she tried to do, but this was also a message to both Team SmackDown, and to Team Raw. As is Shayna and Nia dragging Lana out of the ring! They bring her to the table, Lana keeps trying to fight, but Nia throws her into barriers! “You’re pathetic, Lana! You don’t deserve to be in the ring with us!” Nia scoops Lana for NUMBER SEVEN! Another Samoan Drop through the announce desk!! Has Nia finally broken Lana’s spirit?

 

R-Truth is hurting backstage.

He doesn’t have his water bottle, his baby, and his neck hurts. But the Hurt Business finds him. Oh he went the wrong way. MVP signed the bottle, though. The Hurt Business laughs at Truth’s pain, and have a visit to the VIP Lounge planned, for after the break.

 

Raw presents the VIP Lounge!

The Hurt Business heads to the ring, and MVP gives us another “official announcement.” It is fitting that they’re here in the VIP Lounge, because you must be the best of the best to enter. And that is what Survivor Series is about: beating the best. Speaking of, we already saw the CEO, the United States Champion, Bobby Lashley, “absolutely decimate” R-Truth. Cedric Alexander says if Sami is still champion by Survivor Series, he’ll find first hand that Lashley IS the best of the best. In fact, Lashley has a message for Sami after Sami ran his mouth. Sami thinks he’s better because he represents many over one. But that’s funny, because Sami always has so much to say but Lashley only has one: No more games, no more talking, no more playing. Lashley VS Sami, Lashley puts Sami to sleep.

So that brings us to tonight! The Hurt Business have lived up to the business arrangement they made with the WWE. They took care of Retribution, now it is time for payment. And they’ve decided they will collect payment in the form of the Raw Tag Team Championships. Shelton Benjamin promises he and Alexander will bring the hurt to the New Day, and show why THEY are the best of the best. Lashley says New Day had their time. But speaking of, here comes the New Day! Xavier Woods says to “Bob” that if he wants to talk time, it’s been his time for quite awhile and to be honest, big fans. They’re big fans of their current US Champion. So much so, that Woods got in trouble staying up to watch Lashley’s matches.

Wait, why? How? Because at the time, the next day was the big test to jump from sixth grade to seven, and Woods should’ve studied instead. Oh right, because it was so long ago and Woods would’ve been a kid! Lashley looks great for that much time. He has looked great for a long time! Same for MVP! One of the best on the mic! And Benjamin, one of the greatest pure athletes ever! Those three have been doing it well and for a long time. And then Cedric! Um… Well, he’ll be here for awhile with a great career. But you know who has been doing this well for a long time? Who who who? Ya bois the NEW~ DAY~! Look at them! They stand before the world as the most decorated W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~ of all time!

And not to brag or anything, but Kofi Kingston has won more titles total than all four of them! Tag titles! Plural. US titles! Plural. Intercontinental titles! Plural. And of course, the one title that even the ALL MIGHTY LASHLEY couldn’t get, the W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPIONSHIP~! SINGULAR. Yes, that historic championship win was great. But how did that work out? Didn’t he lose to Lesnar in eight seconds flat? And MVP is willing to bet that Lashley could’ve done it even faster. Wow, when they called themselves the Hurt Business, Kofi just thought it was physical. Didn’t know they could do it emotionally. But it’s funny MVP wants to use that number, eight seconds. Because… According to Lana… That’s about all the time that Lashley can last. OOOH~! GOTTEE!

See, this is the problem with the New Day. They’re about jokes. But MVP and his associates are about business. That’s why they dress like businessmen, and the New Day dress like clowns. There are fundamental differences here. The New Day want to put smiles on faces, while the Hurt Business want to put pained grimaces. The New Day talk about footwork and dancing, but the Hurt Business are stomping teeth out with combat. So MVP assures the New Day that they do NOT want to “dance” with the Hurt Business. No, MVP stands corrected. He knows for a fact that Alexander and Benjamin will two-step on your faces while they TAKE your titles. Whoa, what? Y’all think you can defeat the TEN TIME- Wait is it ten? The trade was confusing. Let’s say it’s 10! They beat the Dudley Boys!

MVP says the Hurt Business doesn’t think, they KNOW they can win. Well none of that matters, because the New Day know they are a global conglomerate of their own. They are able to be publicly traded! The only thing the Hurt Business parallels to is “yet another failing 2020 internet start-up.” OOF, a business that is going to start in 2020?! Rough. The only profits to worry about are the Street Profits, at Survivor Series! And do they know why? BECAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Kofi and Woods are ready to cross the velvet ropes and take on the Hurt Business, after the break!

 

The New Day VS Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!

Raw returns, the teams sort out and it is Woods starting against Alexander. They tie up, Woods headlocks, but Alexander powers out. Woods ducks, dodges and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor! Alexander is in a daze, Woods brings him up to suplex and hold Alexander up! Kofi counts to 10 as Woods shouts out “Bob” for the slam! Cover, ONE! Woods keeps close, brings him up and tags Kofi in. The New Day double wrench, chop and kick to then run and double BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Alexander scrambles away, tag to Benjamin! Benjamin and Kofi circle and tie up. Kofi waistlocks, Benjamin elbows free then whips, to run Kofi over!

Benjamin drags Kofi up, puts him in a corner to whip corner to corner hard! Kofi hits the mat, Benjamin drags Kofi up, but Kofi throws hands! Kofi rocks Benjamin, runs, but Benjamin BOOTS him down! Cover, ONE! Benjamin grows annoyed and drags Kofi up. Tag to Alexander, the Hurt Business mug Kofi and Alexander clubs Kofi. Alexander whips Kofi into buckles, runs in and hits the flip, but Kofi lands on his feet! Kofi twerks on Alexander then gives HIM the flip! Alexander tries but cannot land on his feet and hits his face! Kofi drags Alexander up, wrenches, but Alexander hits back! Alexander drags Kofi up to bump him off buckles and throws haymakers! The ref counts, Alexander fires off before letting off, then he stomps Kofi down!

Alexander CHOPS Kofi against ropes, whips him but Kofi gets around to roll up! TWO and Kofi dropkicks Alexander down! Hot tags to Benjamin and Woods, Woods dodges Benjamin to dropkick Alexander! Woods keeps moving, redirects and LEG LARIATS Benjamin! Woods throws hands, whips Benjamin out of the ring then forearms! Alexander goes after Woods, Woods throws him into ropes! Woods runs to slide off Alexander and dropkick Benjamin! Woods puts Benjamin back in, climbs up top, but Benjamin uses Alexander to hit the ropes and trip Woods up! Woods is stuck, Benjamin KNEES Woods off! Benjamin and Alexander both go out to fetch Woods. Benjamin whips Woods hard into barriers!

Benjamin goes back to the ring, the ring count is already at 7! Woods gets up but Benjamin goes out to fetch him again. Benjamin puts Woods in, covers, TWO! Woods is still in this but Benjamin tags Alexander. The Hurt Business throw hands on Woods, Woods hits back! Woods CHOPS Alexander, CHOPS again, but Alexander clinches. Alexander whips Woods from Kofi but Woods slide sunder, only for Alexander to SUPERKICK Woods down! MVP is proud of Alexander as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Benjamin grinds Woods down with a chinlock. Woods fights up and jawbreakers free! But Benjamin goes after him again, only for Woods to enziguri! Woods and Benjamin crawl, hot tags to Kofi and Alexander! Kofi springboards to ax handle and rally, dropkick and a leaping ax handle! Kofi stomps Benjamin off the apron then goes after Alexander. NEW~ DAY~ BALLIN Boom Drop! MVP appreciates that homage but Kofi is clapping. Kofi spins, Alexander ducks to mule kick! Alexander whips, Kofi boots back, then Kofi runs but Alexander whips him back! Kofi goes up and up and huricanranas! Kofi DOUBLE STOMPS Alexander down! Cover, TWO!! Alexander survives but Kofi keeps his cool.

Kofi brings Alexander up, but no SOS as Alexander SCOOP MICHINOKU! Cover, TWO!! Alexander pushes Kofi to the corner, tags Benjamin and Benjamin drags Kofi up. They coordinate, but Kofi fights out and avoid the Neuralizer! Kofi throws Alexander out, Benjamin O’Conner rolls but Woods tags in! Kofi pushes Benjamin into Woods’ enziguri! Woods steps in, “GET OVER HERE” TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Woods stomps away on Benjamin but Benjamin blocks and reels Woods in for a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Benjamin grows frustrated, drags Woods to the top rope, and throws haymakers. Woods kicks back and leaps, FLYING DDT!! Cover, but Alexander breaks it!

Kofi gets in to dropkick Alexander out! Kofi builds speed but Benjamin FLAPJACKS him first! Kofi goes down and out, Woods rolls Benjamin! TWO, Benjamin ducks a kick to roll Woods, TWO! Woods mule kicks hard, but runs into another flapjack! Alexander tags in, handsprings, NEURALIZER! PAYDIRT!! Cover, the Hurt Business wins!!

Winners: Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

MVP celebrates with his guys for getting a pin off the Raw Tag Team Champions! Will they collect on their payment before the New Day face the Profits?

 

Nikki Cross finds Alexa Bliss.

Nikki’s been calling and yet nothing. Can Alexa tell Nikki what’s going on? Or is it the Fiend? We’ve all seen them together. He’s why Alexa is shutting Nikki out, right? Nikki knows Alexa better than anyone, but the one that’s been her friend for over a year wouldn’t let someone think for her! She’s stronger than him! Nikki knows this. So please, just look at Nikki! Nikki turns Alexa around, but those eyes! Those eyes are so scary! Is the Alexa Bliss that Nikki knew gone forever?

 

Ricochet VS Tucker!

The One and Only is back, truly striking out on his own against another man shockingly solo after the 2020 WW Draft. Will Tucker Knight shed his past of Heavy Machinery to forge a new persona?

Wait, wait, wait. Mustafa Ali walks out to the ring! Is he looking at Ricochet? They used to be friends, too, but Ali is going around the ring towards commentary. The bell rings so Ricochet focuses on Tucker. They circle, Ricochet dodges Tucker to throw hands! Tucker shoves but Ricochet boots! Ricochet forearms but Tucker runs him over! Ali stands on commentary as Tucker traps Ricochet’s arms to TOSS him! Ricochet is right up to SUPERKICK back! And ROUNDHOUSE! Ricochet runs to RECOIL! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

Well Tucker’s down, but here comes Retribution! Slapjack, Mace, T-Bar and Reckoning surround the ring! T-Bar THROWS Ricochet out with one hand! Tucker scrambles but gets mugged by all of them! They whip and DOUBLE BOOT Tucker down! Slapjack drags Ricochet back into the ring for Ali and they circle him. Ricochet throws hands and SUPERKICKS, but he’s outnumbered! They mug him in the corner, then put him before Ali. Ricochet asks why, but Ali says, “No sin is forgiven until it is punished.” T-Bar and Mace give Ricochet the DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM!! Ali stands over Ricochet, raises his hand, and the lights go out. What “sin” is Ali talking about in regards to his former friend?

 

Drew McIntyre finds Sheamus backstage.

Well how is he doing? It’s great for them to meet again after all this time. Sheamus admits he’s having a blast. McIntyre notes he’s having his match with Miz and Morrison, but they can wait. Sheamus has a favor to ask with the Survivor Series team thing. It’s getting wild. But what if McIntyre join as the fifth man and take them all the way? Think about that? Them teaming up again after all this time! The Celtic Connection! What does he think? Nothing would make him happier than to fight side by side with Sheamus. But not right now. He’s focused on Orton and the title. McIntyre will only be happy going to Survivor Series as world champion. Hopefully Sheamus understands. Yeah, he does. But if McIntyre changes his mind, let him know. Oh and make sure to kick Miz back to Hollywood and shove the contract down Morrison’s gob. The two bump forearms and the Scottish Psychopath heads out!

 

2v1 Handicap: The Miz & John Morrison VS Drew McIntyre!

The Hollywood A-Lister and Guru of Greatness want to clear the way to that guaranteed title shot on Randy Orton! But that means taking on the man who wants Orton all to himself! Will McIntyre be able to be better than the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century? *stare off into the distance*

Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance. Morrison starts for his team and kicks at McIntyre. McIntyre resists the takedown to put Morrison in a corner. Morrison avoids the chop, then Miz distracts! Morrison hotshots McIntyre then CLOBBERS him from behind! Wait, McIntyre stays up… And he JABS Morrison off his feet! McIntyre drags Morrison up, bumps him off buckles then CHOPS him! Morrison is stinging already but he throws body shots back. McIntyre shoves him away but Morrison kicks back! Miz tags in, McIntyre clobbers Morrison but Miz fires off! The ref counts, Miz lets off but McIntyre gabs him with both hands! McIntyre puts Miz in a corner and CHOPS him! And then ROCKS him with right after right!

McIntyre stomps Miz, brings him up and suplex TOSSES him across the ring! Morrison thinks about tagging in but McIntyre steps closer. Morrison backs away and McIntyre brings Miz up. Now Morrison tags in as McIntyre TOSSES Miz! But McIntyre hip TOSSES Morrison down! Miz chop blocks and Morrison SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, ONE?! Morrison is shocked, but he tags Miz in. They double GUT BUSTER McIntyre, and Miz seethes as he talks trash to McIntyre. Miz runs to boot, but McIntyre blocks it! McIntyre grimaces, then CHOPS Miz off his feet! Miz is stinging, McIntyre runs in but is thrown out! Morrison tags in and goes up top. Miz runs, McIntyre dodges the dropkick to CLOBBER him, then he blocks the Penalty Kick from the apron to trip Morrison up!

McIntyre drags Morrison off the apron in the inverted Alabama, to INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM Morrison onto the Miz! McIntyre smiles as he uses the Greatest Tag Team against each other and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and McIntyre CHOPS Morrison off his feet! Morrison gets to a corner but McIntyre throws haymakers! McIntyre then THROWS Morrison! McIntyre taunts Morrison, brings him up and throws haymakers. Morrison wobbles but he manages a jawbreaker! Miz tags in, Miz throws hands but into McIntyre’s back suplex! Miz lands on his feet, shoves McIntyre but runs into an elbow! Morrison enziguris then Miz BOOTS! Morrison tags back in, they both go after McIntyre with kicks! And then they POST McIntyre! McIntyre tumbles down, Miz tags back in and both he and Morrison go after McIntyre, throwing him into barriers! McIntyre ends up upside-down and Miz stands on McIntyre’s head! “You want to cost me my title?!”

Miz puts McIntyre in, puts him in the corner and gives him It Kicks! Miz runs corner to corner to hit the A-List Lariat! Tag to Morrison as McIntyre tumbles down. Morrison goes up and SPRINGBOARD TORNILLO SPLASHES! Cover, ONE?!? Morrison is frustrated but he cravats McIntyre to grind him down. Morrison rams in a knee, kicks him at the ropes then clubs McIntyre to the corner. Morrison throws big body shots, but Miz chokes McIntyre while the ref pulls Morrison away! Morrison drags McIntyre out to then ground ‘n’ pound! Cover, ONE, but Morrison wraps on a chinlock! McIntyre endures, Miz starts up the “Hey Hey! Ho Ho!” but fans boo and give thumbs down. McIntyre snapmares free but runs into a boot!

Morrison goes up, STARSHIP P- NO! McIntyre shoves Morrison onto the post! Morrison’s starship is feeling pain, and McIntyre seethes as he climbs up behind him. McIntyre CLUBS Morrison, brings him up, and gives him Beats of the Bodhrain, just like Sheamus! McIntyre then brings Morrison up, only for Morrison to trip him up! Morrison returns the favor for groin pain, but it’s hard to adjust with only so much room. Morrison elbows McIntyre and McIntyre ends up in the Tree of Woe. Morrison stands, but McIntyre sits up! SPIDER GERMAN!! Miz is in shock and the fans are loving this! Morrison manages to make it to the corner and he tags Miz in! Miz goes after McIntyre but it’s McIntyre who rallies with clotheslines! McIntyre whips and OVERHEAD suplexes Miz! And then again!

McIntyre stalks Miz, and hits the leaping neckbreaker! Then he KIPS UP! McIntyre is fired up and he aims at Miz. McIntyre reels Miz in, underhooks the arms, but Miz slips out to full nelson! McIntyre snapmares free, to SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, STANDING SHOOTING STAR from Morrison! All three men are down and the ThunderDome fans are fired up on their screens! Miz crawls but McIntyre grabs at legs. Miz pushes him away, Morrison tags in and SUPERKICKS! Morrison kicks low, MOONLIGHT DRIVE!! Cover, TWO!?! Morrison can’t believe it! Morrison drags McIntyre up, McIntyre shoves him but Miz tags in! McIntyre whips Morrison but runs into an elbow! Morrison goes to springboard but McIntyre shoves him out HARD!

Miz sneaks up, full nelson and FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?!? McIntyre survives again!! Miz is shocked but he shakes his head. McIntyre sits up and Miz gives him more It Kicks! Over and over, and over and over, but McIntyre ducks the buzzsaw! McIntyre shoves Miz into Morrison and knocks him down! FUTURE SHOCK!! But Miz gets to ropes for safety! McIntyre goes to a corner but Morrison drags Miz out! So McIntyre FLIES?! Down goes the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century! McIntyre puts Miz in, aims from the corner again, and CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

The Miz and Morrison put up a hell of a fight but McIntyre still beat them both! McIntyre smirks as he- GETS AN RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! Orton promised it but McIntyre still didn’t see it coming! But Bray Wyatt laughs from the shadows. Orton can’t relax, because while three predators are down, the most dangerous one is still lurking. Will Orton be able to make it to Survivor Series as champion? Or will he have no choice but to #LetHimIn?


My Thoughts:

A really good Raw here, actually. There were some things still a bit odd tonight, but not so bad as to drag down the episode. Garza has an interesting promo where it’s like he’s talking to someone he’s been “dating” online. That’s not a knock on those who meet people online, but it does seem a little weird for a guy who is the “Lethal Lothario” and should still be trying to charm someone he has met in person. Guess that thing with Nia was a one-off for the comedy. Maybe Garza’s “special someone” will be a call-up from NXT to introduce fresh talent. Shifting Retribution away from Hurt Business to go after Ricochet is actually not so bad, either. Ricochet needs something to do, Retribution needs wins, and it could be used to explore Ali’s mentality behind forming Retribution. But Tucker is already off to a rough solo start, I really thought Ali was going to recruit him. The trade that brings Otis to Raw or sends Tucker back to SmackDown should probably happen quickly so those two can have their grudge match.

The Hurt Business had a pretty good night tonight. Lashley VS Truth was decent, and it got better as Lashley brutalized Drew Gulak just to make a point to Sami Zayn. Gulak ends up 24/7 Champion either way, so I wonder what hilarity ensues between him, Lucha House Party and Truth with his bad neck. The Hurt Business and New Day have both a great promo segment for the VIP Lounge, which did make great reference to how Lashley, MVP and Benjamin have been around for quite some time and Alexander has yet to really establish himself on Raw. It was a great detail in the match for Benjamin to literally use Alexander as a way to mess up Woods’ top rope move. I wouldn’t want it to turn into a case where this keeps happening and Alexander feels like he isn’t respected, but there is half a chance that’s how they’re going to write this.

I’m a little disappointed Asuka wasn’t on the show at all to even just have a promo talking about the chances of facing Sasha compared to facing Bayley. But what we did get out of the Raw Women’s Division was pretty good. I’m surprised they gave us a Women’s Tag title match when originally it wasn’t that at all. It was obviously going to go Nia’s and Shayna’s way but I do like that Lana was trying to screw them over. It was rather rough for Lana to take on Nia but it did work to show she has some heart and determination. Still didn’t stop her from going through a table. I feel like the Women’s Survivor Series match goes like this: Lana will cause Nia to be eliminated, Nia puts her through a table, Lana is out of action until she’s the last Raw entrant and then she wins as a sole survivor. And then she gets put through another table.

Elias VS Hardy, Guitar on a Pole, fine whatever, it’s escalation as well as Hardy’s way of evening the score. Elias won by DQ but now Hardy won “clean.” They need to make this a battle of the bands before there is a tiebreaker match, because duh. The segment with the Raw Men’s Team was all great stuff, especially the Triple Threat. Braun was of course getting on the team, but the logic of Sheamus trying to take out Keith when Keith was going to take Braun down is a bit odd. I suppose Sheamus would want to be the winner of that match, but the goal should’ve been keeping Braun off the team. Of course, the team isn’t really meshing, on the same level as the women’s. I feel like that’s the real theme for Survivor Series this year: which teams can hold it together after the Draft shuffled things around?

There was a lot of great stuff in the world title story. The opening segment was a lot more fun than the average opening promo segment, and it kicked off the great character progression for Alexa. The gloves, the eyes, the “blood” spit, Alexa is slowly but surely becoming a female Fiend in her own right. And I think Abby’s bad attitude towards her is a sign Abby doesn’t want Alexa replacing her in the Firefly Fun House. I don’t think it’d work out but I feel like Sister Abigail will resurrect herself through Nikki Cross long enough to defeat Alexa and kick her out of the Fun House. Also, Alexa could’ve been made to look scarier for when Nikki confronted her. Let some of that red goop be on her lips and chin for some slightly more graphic texture than just contact lenses.

Then it is a great detail for McIntyre to be keeping Miz and that MITB briefcase away from Orton. McIntyre wants that title and is not going to be stopped. His handicap match with Miz and Morrison was a great handicap match, but I feel like he should’ve figured Orton was coming. Of course, Orton is the master of #OuttaNowhere, so I guess not even McIntyre is immune to that. But it also shows how powerful Bray is for his laugh to immediately humble Orton there. I’m really hoping we get a huge Triple Threat before Survivor Series to see who is facing Roman Reigns. And it being a Triple Threat would also give Miz openings to use his MITB contract to really complicate things. Should McIntyre not be the winner, I really would like to see him take Sheamus up on the Team Raw invitation and use his frustration as fuel to beat up on Team SmackDown, maybe even win it all.

My Score: 8.4/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

on

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


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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!

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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.

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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.


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