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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/9/20)

The last spot on Team Raw must be filled!

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WWE Raw Coverage 3.0

Who jumps on this second chance to join the Raw Survivor Series Men’s Team?

In a huge Triple Threat, Jeff Hardy, Elias and (Matt) Riddle will battle to join AJ Styles, Keith Lee, Sheamus and Braun Strowman on Team Raw!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Survivor Series Team Raw Second Chance Triple Threat: Jeff Hardy VS Elias VS Matt Riddle; Riddle wins and joins Team Raw.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Business Proposal: Drew Gulak VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Lana VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Baszler wins.
  • Keith Lee & Matt Riddle VS Braun Strowman & Sheamus, Special Guest Referee: AJ Styles; Lee & Riddle win.
  • WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Titus O’Neil; Lashley wins and retains the title.
  • Asuka VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Asuka wins, by disqualification.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Lucky 7 Way: R-Truth VS ???; Akira Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • WWE 24/7 Championship Holy Hot Potato: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa VS Drew Gulak VS Tucker Knight VS Erik VS Lince Dorado VS Gran Metalik; everyone wins at least once, Truth wins last to become the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
  • Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution; Ali wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The New Day VS Randy Orton, The Miz & John Morrison; McIntyre & The New Day win.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Miz and John Morrison head to the ring!

The Most Must-See Mr. Money in the Bank and the Guru of Greatness open tonight’s Raw with MizTV! And they welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show to hype up the big things happening this week. First, tonight, they team with Randy Orton to face The New Day and Drew McIntyre in a 3v3 match, “where anything can happen.” Is that Miz’s way of teasing an MITB cash-in? Only time will tell. But another big thing Miz is referring to, and equally as important, is Miz and Mrs. returning to USA Network! Speaking of, isn’t there a special bonus episode airing tonight right after Raw? YES! Two episodes, one week, USA must really love Miz!

And speaking of big things- Randy Orton interrupts? He wasn’t going to be the guest for MizTV but he heads to the ring either way. Orton says Miz has the balls to say his reality show is more important than a match with Orton? They’re in the Six Man, but only because Orton wants after McIntyre. But this is a set-up because the only way Miz can take the title off him is with that case! Orton remembers when they once threw Miz out of the locker room, and Orton never wanted to let him back in. As for Morrison, he took his ball, went home, and wrestled “for the minor leagues.” And what did Miz do during that same time? NOTHING. But now he has the TV show, the movies, and that briefcase. But if Miz wants to go for it, he doesn’t have to wait until the main event. Orton dares Miz to take his shot NOW!

Miz asks Orton if he really thinks Miz is abusing his connections at USA Network to better his position in the WWE? Miz deflecting might work on someone else but this is Randy Orton! Morrison says they know who he is! He’s a legend, the current WWE World Champion! But he doesn’t need to make this about him. Tonight could be a big night for all of them. That’s why the New Day were the scheduled guests. If things go according to plan, and they as a team emerge victorious, Miz and Morrison may be in line for those Raw Tag Team Championship titles. So if that were the case- But here come Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods!

“Can you belee this here?” Doth Woods’ ears deceive him? Are two men talking about cashing in a briefcase to become WWE World Champion? And then team up and go after ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, for the W, W, E, Raw, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONSHIPS~? Ridiculous! But wow… Being that they’re all out here going at it so haaard~ with the “Verbal Strong Style,” New Day thought it’d be a crime for them to not have a live crowd here. So they’ll laugh at them in person! Scoot please so they may have seats. Feel free to entertain ya- RKO FOR KOFI!! Miz and Morrison throw Woods out, but here comes DREW! And he brawls with Orton!!

McIntyre gets the edge but Miz CASE SHOTS McIntyre! And again! Morrison returns, he and Miz feed McIntyre to an RKO! The Viper and the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century worked pretty well together there. But will that hold steady at the end of tonight?

 

Survivor Series Team Raw Second Chance Triple Threat: Jeff Hardy VS Elias VS Matt Riddle!

“Ladies and gentlemen,” The Drifter is already in the ring with an electric guitar. He introduces himself and says that over this last week, every night, he was jolted away with premonitions. He saw himself victorious tonight to be part of Team Raw for Survivor Series. People come up and ask, “Elias, you’re a world famous WWE superstar, a chart topping musician, what else is there?” It’s this. The last few weeks haven’t gone that well inside the ring. Hardy’s latest addiction is hitting him with guitars. But that changes tonight. Tonight isn’t just for him, but for the millions of Elias fans all around the world. The ones who bout Universal Truth to put it at the top of the charts! They understand his greatness!

So to honor them, he will sing a song right now! He waits, and no one interrupts. He says he’ll start now and… Still no one. Elias starts playing, but he’s paranoid, thinking there’s still an interruption. Well okay then! But then it happens! The Charismatic Enigma heads to the ring, followed by The Bro, and this second chance begins to rock ‘n’ roll!

Elias goes after Hardy, obviously but Riddle goes after them both! Riddle fires off hands on Hardy, brawls with Elias, but Elias shoves Riddle into Hardy’s roll up! TWO, Elias drags Hardy into a roll up, TWO! Riddle rolls Elias, TWO! The three stand off and Styles is watching as hardy goes after Elias. Riddle gets in the mix again with hands, but Hardy clubs Elias. Hardy has Elias in a corner, Elias kicks back and throws forearms. Riddle goes after Elias, Elias ROCKS him with a right, but Riddle comes right back. Elias puts Riddle on the apron, Riddle hits Elisa away then ducks Hardy’s punch to drag him out. Hardy and Riddle brawl, Elias WRECKS them with a dropkick!

Elias POSTS Hardy, and then again! Elias throws Riddle hard into barriers! And then CLOBBERS Hardy! Elias is fired up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Elias throws hands on Hardy at the ropes. Elias stomps Hardy, brings him up to club him down, then he knocks Riddle off the apron to keep him out. Elias goes back to Hardy with stomps and elbow drops. Riddle gets in but Elias is on him first with a CHOP! Elias whips, Riddle blocks and breaks free to run, but into an elbow! Cover, TWO! Elias seethes and Styles is still watching while taking to Jordan Omogbehin. Hardy jawbreakers Elias back, then throws haymakers! Hardy whips, Elias reverses but Hardy runs him over with forearms! Atomic drop for Elias, atomic drop for Riddle! Trip up for Elias, but Hardy has to back drop Riddle first! Leg splitter for Elias, and the basement dropkick! Splash, cover, Riddle breaks it!

Hardy crawls to ropes, Riddle drags him up to a fireman’s carry but Hardy slips out to shove Riddle out. Elias stands, Hardy kicks but no Twist! Elias gets Hardy for DRIFT AWAY! Cover, but a BROTON breaks it! Riddle glares at Elias and he KICKS him hard in the chest! Elias blocks a kick, but Riddle elbows him back, to then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Hardy dropkicks it apart! Hardy drags Riddle up, Riddle gut wrenches him first! Hardy drops out of Bro Derek and boots Riddle into Elias! Hardy uses Riddle to hit POETRY IN MOTION on Elias! Hardy kicks Riddle, but still no Twist! Backslide but Hardy rolls off and they brawl! Riddle gets the edge there, but Hardy hits back!

Riddle keeps firing off, Hardy ducks a kick but swings into a PELE-, only to block it! Kick and TWIST- KNEE from Elias! Elias whips Riddle, Riddle reverses but Elias goes up! Riddle catches Elias for BRO DEREK! Cover, Riddle wins!!

Winner: (Matt) Riddle, by pinfall (joins Team Raw)

And the fifth man is a BRO! But given how he and Styles have dysfunction tracing back to SmackDown, will this superpowered team be its own Kryptonite?

 

Styles talks with Adam Pearce.

It would seem whatever Styles’ idea is makes “complete sense.” They shake on it, but Charly Caruso asks what that’s about. It was just them talking. Charly brings up Riddle joining the team but how does Styles feel about that? Styles says Riddle was the piece the team was missing! But Sheamus storms over to say “that shoeless Muppet” was Styles’ pick? Sheamus says that guy is nothing but an obnoxious punk! And Sheamus has no problem kicking his head off his shoulders if he steps out of line. Styles says he needs to have a winning attitude! They need to be a team! Team meeting! Styles will get the others to join in.

Right, Styles is “team captain” so how does Sheamus think he is doing? Sheamus says Styles is not his captain. Braun Strowman walks over and says Styles is NOT his captain, either. Is the ship sinking faster than “Captain” Styles can mend things?

 

Mustafa Ali speaks.

“Ricochet is a good man. He’ san honorable man. When he turned down an offer to join The Hurt Business, he made a conscious decision to stand alone.” Ali applauds that bravery, but also says Ricochet is a “damn fool.” One man cannot change everything. And when Ricochet accepts that, maybe Retribution will accept him.

Mia “Reckoning” Yim says it is easy to feel alone when you’re manipulated and misguided. “Where does that leave you? Barely afloat, gasping for each and every breath while some pink-green haired trash is laughing at our suffering!” Ali says no mercy was shown to then, so no mercy will be shown to them. They are the forgotten. Slapjack, T-Bar, Mace, Reckoning. “We are Retribution. And we will not rest until we shut, you, down!”

 

The Hurt Business talks backstage.

But then Drew Gulak comes by and says hello. The NEW 24/7 Champion says everything went to plan, but the expansion can enter in phase two. They have the United States Champion in Bobby Lashley. They have the future Raw Tag Team Champions in Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin. Now, they can add the services of the 24/7 Champion, Drew Gulak. They’d be unstoppable. So he wants in? Yes. Not a bad suit but where is the pocket square. Tada. So he’s serious? Yes. Well, on behalf of the Hurt Business, MVP says while they appreciate his offer, they are not accepting applications right now. The tie is a CLIP ON!? Gulak steps to the most stylish men in the WWE, wearing that? It’s tactical as 24/7 Champion.

Benjamin says Gulak has lost his mind. Alexander says Gulak had a point. But the decision is to beat him down! Clip on? Pff. Will Gulak be more careful trying to- Wait, R-Truth sneaks in! He and a ref are here! Cover, Truth wins!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

For FORTY-THREE times, Truth has his “baby” and takes off running! And he takes Gulak’s clip-on tie, too!

 

WWE and Raw pay tribute to America’s veterans.

With Veteran’s Day this Wednesday, we take this time tonight to acknowledge all those that stepped forward to defend our liberties, even at the risk of their own lives.

 

Lana VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!

If nothing else, the Ravishing Russian has no quit in her! She works up the courage to be back out in the ring, even after seven different occasions of being put through the announce desk by a Samoan Drop from the Irresistible Force. Will Lana finally prove to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions that she deserves to be on Team Raw?

Raw returns as the Queen of Spades makes her entrance. Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke have also appeared, but as part of commentary. The bell rings and Lana leaps on with a sleeper! Shayna throws her off hard, and is mad. Shayna KNEES Lana hard in the corner! Shayna toys with Lana but Lana kicks and kicks back! Lana goes for a clinch but Shayna powers her to a corner! Shayna fires off hands but the ref counts. Shayna lets off, Lana throws hands back! Shayna clubs Lana down, then stands on Lana’s head. Shayna twists the arm, hammerlocks it and STOMPS it!! Dana and Mandy admire Lana’s determination but she’s putting it in the wrong places. Shayna runs in, Lana dodges and Shayna knees buckles!

Lana kicks but Shayna dodges to KICK back! And then gut wrench SLAM! Lana sits up, Shayna KNEES her down! Cover, but Shayna lets off! Shayna puts Lana in the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Lana taps, Shayna wins!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission

Dana and Mandy sigh but do feel a little bad for Lana. Nia clears off the desk! She tells Mandy and Dana to beat it while Shayna drags Lana over. Shayna throws Lana out and Nia picks her up. Lana begs for mercy but Nia still fireman’s carries. Dana and Mandy hit Nia! Shayna gets in to keep the peace, they argue about trying to make this team a team, but Nia says they can’t treat their “captain” like that. Lana has been spared her eighth slam through the table, but is it only a matter of time before this entire quintet crumbles?

 

Dana and Mandy talk backstage.

Lana finds them and thanks them for helping her with Nia. Uh they saved her butt! Yes, thanks. Mandy says she’s welcome, but it wasn’t really for Lana, it was about stopping Nia. After all, Lana cost Mandy and Dana the tag titles. Lana apologizes for that, she was trying to help them. Well maybe next time, help but staying out of the way. Dana and Mandy head off and Lana feels very, very alone.

 

AJ Styles heads to the ring!

The Phenomenal “captain” of Team Raw and his very large associate in Jordan are here for the team meeting he called for. Styles welcomes us all to the first official Team Raw team meeting! Raw will be triumphant over SmackDown because he is the Phenomenal Captain! With his leadership, they will be “a force to be reckoned with.” Firstly, “a man whose power is only outdone by his intellect,” Keith Lee! The Limitless One heads to the ring, rather curious about Styles’ shenanigans. Second, the Bro that Runs the Show, (Matt) Riddle! The Bro is back and even changed gear to be fresh for this meeting.

Next, the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus! Not much more to that intro but Sheamus did say he doesn’t see Styles as his captain. The same goes for the last but not least, the Monster, BRAUN! Strowman joins his team in the ring, but Styles wants to say one more thing. He knows last week was a rocky start. Maybe a bad idea. But Styles knows why: “We were missing a piece to the puzzle.” And that’s why they got all upset. But now they have that piece in Riddle! Because you see, what he sees now is a masterpiece! Keith cuts “Mr. AJ” off, by saying Styles took the cheap shot on him last week. Keith owes him a receipt. That is unfortunate, but Sheamus says it’s funny coming from the hypocritical Keith, who attacked Sheamus. Sheamus didn’t forget.

Well good, because Keith hopes Sheamus remembers that should he try to cross Keith. Sheamus gets upset but Braun talks over all of them. He oughta whoop them both, starting with Sheamus! Styles speaks up to keep the peace. As captain- NO! You’re not the captain! Sheamus is a sore loser, so he should shut up before he #GetsTheseHands again. Sheamus says Braun is all mouth! Riddle wants the bros to chill. He knows exactly what they need to do. Styles says Riddle is the voice of reason! What’s his idea? “Sick codenames!” Styles is now Skipper, Braun’s the Mongoose! Happy birthday to Keith, who is Bro Lee. And of course, Sheamus, a tough one, but he is… Fire Face. What? Keith tries not to laugh.

Sheamus says that’s a ginger joke, right? No, it’s not, bro. You just get really angry and you turn red. Keith says that’s true. Braun agrees. Like right now! Oh… Sheamus asks what Riddle’s codename is. Is it “Dopey?” How’d he guess? Yeah, man! Styles says that’s not what they need. Do they not know what they’re up against? They’re up against SmackDown’s best! Sheamus, haven’t you seen what Jey Uso has been doing? Jey’s tearing it up! If you don’t watch yourself, he might tear you apart! And then Keith, you ever been Curb Stomped? Seth Rollins will give you one! But Keith’s powerbomb’d Rollins before. Well yeah, but still. And what is Riddle laughing out? Does he want a Kevin Owens Stunner?

And Braun, the immovable object, if he doesn’t work with this team, he’ll still go down. He might even bow down to King Corbin. Braun says no way. But then tell Styles, is that what they all want? Or do they want to work together as the #BestoftheBest? They agree with that. But now with Styles as captain- And we’re arguing again. Okay, enough! This is what Styles knew would happen. Plan B! Styles talked to Adam Pearce and he already sanctioned a match> This might sound dumb- It is, whatever it is. Sigh. But it’ll be Sheamus and Braun VS Riddle and Keith, with the Phenomenal AJ Styles as guest referee! Now they’ll have no choice but to gain respect for each other! Let’s get it done! Does he even have a ref shirt? Is this only going to tear the team apart more?!

 

Keith Lee & Matt Riddle VS Braun Strowman & Sheamus, Special Guest Referee: AJ Styles!

Raw returns as the dysfunction is put to the test! Will the Limitless Bros make the Monster and the Fella #BaskInTheirGlory? Or will they both just #GetTheseBrogues?

The bell rings, Keith and Sheamus start, and tie up fast and furious! They go around the ring, into a corner, around the ropes, and then Sheamus headlocks. Keith powers out and collides with Sheamus. Neither falls, Keith Lee GRIZZLY MAGNUMS! Keith wrenches, Riddle tags in, they mug Sheamus and then Riddle fires off more forearms. Riddle snapmares and KICKS Sheamus, then covers. ONE, but Riddle is right after him with an armlock. Sheamus power sup to put Riddle in a corner! Tag to Braun, Braun taunts Keith before he runs in to corner splash Riddle down! Riddle flounders, Styles check son him but Braun stomps The Bro.

Braun whips Riddle corner to corner hard! Styles tells him to be more careful but he asks Riddle if he’s okay. Braun is standing on Riddle’s hair! Styles reprimands him but Braun glares. Braun drags Riddle up and throws him to the corner! Tag to Sheamus, they mug Riddle and then Sheamus throws a EuroUpper! Sheamus throws more, then chokes Riddle at the ropes! Styles counts, Sheamus lets off and argues with Styles. Styles compliments Sheamus for stopping at 4, and then Sheamus knees Riddle. Riddle blocks a whip, Sheamus throws hands but Riddle hits back! Riddle throws forearms and CHOPS! Then he hoists Sheamus up onto ropes to get the leg! Styles says to break, Riddle lets off, and Sheamus hits back!

Sheamus CLUBS Riddle, drops a knee, then keeps Riddle from Keith to drop more knees. Sheamus KICKS Riddle in the back, Styles tells him to be m ore careful. Sheamus says he doesn’t care, and Styles isn’t captain! Well he’s the ref now, so listen to him! Riddle fires off on Sheamus! Sheamus fights back but Riddle gut wrench suplexes! Both men are down, Styles compliments Riddle, and Riddle gets up first. Sheamus shoves Riddle, Riddle kicks back! Styles checks on Sheamus as Riddle runs in, the FINAL FLASH hits Styles! Sheamus rolls Riddle up but styles can’t make the count! Sheamus gets upset but Styles explains what happened. Sheamus dodges and the ROUNDHOUSE hits Styles! Not again!

Sheamus throws Riddle out but Keith gets in to PUONCE Sheamus! Braun runs in, he and Keith collide! They keep moving, Styles staggers into a BODY CHECK SANDWICH! Uh oh. Jordan gets up because he defends Styles! Keith and Braun are ready but Styles flounders up to stop this. Styles is trying to keep this team a team as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Jordan has gone back to outside the ring as Sheamus has Riddle in an armlock. Sheamus throws elbows in but Riddle fights up to fight back with forearms! Riddle jumps but into Sheamus’ IRISH CURSE! Tag to Braun and he drops a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun clamps onto Riddle with a chinlock and grinds him down. Riddle endures, fights up and gets ropes but Braun pulls him from ropes to suplex TOSS him away! Braun runs in but Riddle moves and Braun POSTS Himself! Keith tags in and clobbers Braun! And then Sheamus! And then Braun, and back to Sheamus with an endless string of splashes! Keith TOSSES Sheamus at Braun!

Riddle is fired up, but Keith uses him as a weapon, SPIRIT BOMB onto Sheamus! Keith then runs and builds a lot of speed to LARIAT Braun!! Cover, TWO!?! Styles says that was so close! Keith looms over Braun, drags him up but Braun back drops Keith! Both big behemoths are down and Styles asks if they’re okay. Braun and Keith each go to their corners, but Braun kicks Keith. Tag to Sheamus but Keith fights Sheamus back with elbows. Keith scoops, Sheamus slips out and KNEES Keith back! BROGUE!! Riddle tags in to get Sheamus for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Sheamus scrambles to a corner, Riddle dares him to get up! Riddle then runs in to forearm! Side to side and he forearms again! Side to side to hit Braun, but bad idea! Braun has a choke grip but Styles makes him let go! Riddle walks into a LARIAT from Sheamus! Sheamus fires himself up, but Braun tags in! Braun runs in to corner splash Riddle and then TOSS him to the corner! Braun runs in again to hit another splash! Braun scoops but Sheamus tags in! Styles points it out and Braun argues with Sheamus. Styles tells them to sort out, but then Sheamus BROGUES Braun! Riddle rolls Sheamus up, Riddle and Keith win!!

Winners: Keith Lee & (Matt) Riddle, by pinfall

Riddle wins two matches in one night! But while Keith and Riddle are getting along better, this is only working to make things harder on Styles! Sheamus and Braun argue with each other, and with “the captain!” Will Styles want to abandon ship before Survivor Series?

 

Alexa Bliss is picking flowers backstage.

Or rather, picking the petals off. Nikki Cross walks over and Alexa says it’s so great to see her! It feels like forever since they’ve talked. But they saw each other last week. Does she not remember? Did they? Sorry, Alexa’s been “meeting so many new people, it’s hard to keep track.” That’s what Nikki wanted to talk to her about. About Alexa and him. Oh so she’s been watching Firefly Fun House? Alexa’s having so much fun! Sorry not to invite her over. But she will soon for a “play date.” Nikki says she’s not playing. That’s too bad. No, Nikki means that this isn’t a game. She understands what happened to Alexa was her fault. If she was a better friend, The Fiend wouldn’t have sunk his claws into her.

Heh, claws. Rawr. Alexa, Nikki is apologizing. She’s sorry for not being there. But she’s here now. So while it might be “fun” now, The Fiend is pure evil! It’s time to make a choice. It’s time to walk away. Choose: Nikki or Bray? Oh, okay. Alexa chooses… to blow the petals in Nikki’s face and go off to find Bray! Well that’s not at all what Nikki wanted. Can she still find a way to save Alexa for The Fiend’s darkness? Or is there no going back after you’ve #LetHimIn?

 

Charly Caruso has BREAKING NEWS!

The Hurt Business have been in a great mood tonight because they were told that next week, The Hurt Business’ Benjamin and Alexander will be challenging The New Day for the Raw Tag Team Champions! Will the Survivor Series card change at essentially the last minute?

 

Bobby Lashley and MVP go to the ring!

The CEO of the Hurt Business, the Rocky Mountain Machine and WWE United States Champion, says he has a message for WWE Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn! We hear from the All Mighty after the break.

Raw returns and MVP has the mic to say, “Attention WWE Universe, this is an official announcement from the Hurt Business.” This is an exclusive Survivor Series preview. Spoiler alert: it will be short and painful. It won’t be New Day VS The Street Profits at the PPV, because next week, the Hurt Business get their title shot, and absolutely wreck Kofi and Woods! Then, the CEO will turn Sami Zayn “into a human rag doll,” to show the world that the US Champion and the Intercontinental Champion are nowhere near the same level. Lashley didn’t hear Sami run his mouth on SmackDown at all this week, and that’s a good thing. No way in hell is Lashley letting Sami walk out of Survivor Series with a win. The real question is, will Sami walk out of Survivor Series at all?

But here comes Titus O’Neil! The real Deal says he was just presenting an opportunity that would be mutually beneficial as he joined up with the most dominant group of men in the WWE. Titus is a businessman, but their response wasn’t business. It was disrespect. MVP disagrees. For them, it was business as usual. But as he has some respect for Titus and his charity work, MVP will do Titus the kindness of letting him walk away. Titus says he will NOT walk away. Titus tells Lashley is the US Champion, walking around here with so much pride, as he should! But here’s a question: “What’s the sense in having that title if you don’t defend it?”

Lashley tells Titus he should’ve listened to MVP. But for what it’s worth, Lashley is glad he didn’t. Lashley has NO respect for Titus. And he’ll have a little bit of fun for every second of what’s coming. If Titus wants a title shot, fine! But this will be his first, and his last. Lashley calls for a ref, and this match is on! Will Survivor Series change even more? Or will Lashley make Titus an example to “The Champion of the People?”

WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Titus O’Neil!

No need for introductions, but the belt is raised. Titus and Lashley stare down, but MVP reminds Titus, this match takes place above the ring, not under it. Titus swings on MVP for that Greatest Royal Rumble “Worldslide” joke, but that gives Lashley an opening! Titus still elbows and throws hands on Lashley! The ref counts, Titus lets off in the corner but Lashley hits back! They brawl, Titus has heavy hands again and Lashley can only guard! Titus rams Lashley in the corner over and over, but lets off just long enough to throw more hands. Titus reels Lashley in, Lashley dodges and SPEARS! Lashley finishes it with the HURT LOCK! Titus flails to fight it off! They’re in the ropes, but Lashley drags Titus off to put it on! Titus taps, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE United States Champion)

Titus couldn’t hold Lashley off forever, and the belt stays with the Hurt Business. Will Lashley only have worse in store for The Great Liberator and his big mouth?

 

Sheamus finds McIntyre backstage.

The Fella vents about the team being in shambles. McIntyre could’ve been on the team to hold it together with some organization, but now there’s none! McIntyre knows, he saw what happened. Just as a suggestion, don’t Brogue your partner off the apron. But you saw what Braun did! He deserved to get kicked! Sheamus despises his teammate almost as much as he does The New Day. How can he even team up with them? McIntyre just does the “New! Day Rocks!” clap. What the hell, you lunatic? Just trying to ease the tension. Power of positivity. There’s nothing positive right now! If only they could team up like they did in the day! The two of them, wrecking the UK, throwing Brogues and boots all over!

Yes, those were great times. They were just getting started, didn’t give a damn, raised hell. Their saying was “Kicking heads and drinking kegs!” There’s that smile! Sheamus does feel a bit better. But just good luck out there, alright? Wreck the place, then hit him up for some pints. Well if McIntyre gets his chance to win the title back, they won’t just go for a pint. Not just two, three, all the pints, all the Scottish whiskey AND the Irish whiskey, they’re gonna Naitch it up all night long! Courtesy of the new champion! Now, McIntyre’s gotta go. Bugger off. Alright, alright. Go kill it!

 

Asuka VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!

The Empress of Tomorrow is getting ready for The Boss, but she has to be careful going against the Irresistible Force tonight. Nia is in a bad mood since she didn’t get to slam Lana through a table, will she do that to Asuka instead? Or will the Raw Women’s Champion be dangerous as ever on her way to facing Sasha Banks?

Raw returns as Dana, Mandy and Lana have returned to ringside to watch this very closely. Sarah interviews Nia on why she would want this match so close to the PPV. “Because there seems to be a little confusion in this division on who runs things.” It isn’t Asuka, Mandy or Dana, and definitely not Lana. It’s- Shayna. She runs things. See what Nia means? Everyone, even her own tag partner, thinks they can just run their mouths. But they will all see what happens when they cross “the team leader.” And after Nia continues to dominate, and singlehandedly taking out Team SmackDown, she might just come back to beat Asuka again, and be Raw Women’s Champion. Nia and Shayna head back out to the ring, but will Asuka prove no one is ready?

The bell rings and Asuka circles with Nia. They tie up, Nia shoves Asuka down then boasts. Asuka gets up to kick away on a leg but Nia shoves her away. Asuka kicks the punch away then tilt-ow0rhils to get an arm! Nia stays up and clubs Asuka away! Nia runs in but Asuka gets around to get the arm for an OCTOPUS! Nia stays on her feet but Asuka pulls on the arm! Nia powers Asuka off but Asuka throws her down with a takedown! ARMBAR! Nia moves around but gets caught to a triangle! Nia pops free but Asuka gets the other arm! Nia is in the ropes, the ref counts, Asuka lets off! Nia gets out, drags Asuka out and SWINGS her into the barriers! The Raw Women’s Champion goes down as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns as Nia grinds Asuka down with a cobra clutch! Lana, Dana and Mandy rally and Asuka jawbreakers free! Asuka jumps on with a guillotine! Nia stays up, powers up and suplexes Asuka up and down! Cover, TWO! Dana and Mandy coach Asuka but Nia kicks Asuka while she’s down! Nia pushes Asuka around, saying she runs the division. Asuka kicks back, but Nia drags her up and tosses her to a corner! Nia runs in and hits a corner splash! Nia throws Asuka down to then cover, TWO as Asuka bridges up! Nia drags Asuka up by her hair, reels her in, and lifts her, but Asuka victory rolls through! TWO! Nia shakes the cobwebs out and drags Asuka up, only to get a BACKHAND! And another! Asuka mule kicks then runs, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO!

Asuka keeps her focus while Nia slowly sits up. Asuka KICKS and KICKS, but Nia blocks the buzzsaw to POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO and to the ARMBAR! Shayna gets on the apron but Lana goes after her! They argue, Shayna puts Lana in a KIRAFUDA! Asuka HIP ATTACKS them both down and onto Mandy and Dana! Nia storms over, fireman’s carry, but Asuka sunset flips out! TWO, but into the ASUKA LOCK!! Nia is caught, Shayna gets in to attack!

Winner: Asuka, by disqualification

Shayna rains down fists but Mandy and Dana go after Shayna! Lana grabs Nia but is thrown down hard! Nia BARRELS into Dana and Mandy! Shayna and Nia throw Dana out then Mandy! Lana is left all alone again… Lana tries to fight back but Shayna clubs her down while Nia clears the desk again. Shayna throws Lana out to Nia, and Nia SLAPS her! Nia says she is the leader! “The sooner you learn, the better!” NUMBER EIGHT!! Lana takes another Samoan Drop through the announce desk. “You don’t belong here. You’re going to drag us down. Just quit.” Will the Ravishing Russian finally give up the fight?

 

Backstage interview with R-Truth.

Truth has the 24/7 title back, but now he has to defend it in a SEVEN MAN MATCH! He doesn’t know what she’s talking about, he’s heading to do his photoshoot. He has it mixed up again. Regardless of who was champion, he was one of the seven contestants for tonight. Oh… Seven people in one match? What is he going to do with his clip-on tie then? You’re not supposed to hit a man with a clip-on tie. No, wait, that’s glasses. Does she have glasses he can borrow? Sorry, no. Does he have time to look for some? Nope, his music hits. Truth has no choice but to face the music! Will Truth escape this insane scenario?

 

Angel Garza speaks.

“I have been known to wear my heart on my sleeve. But when I step in that ring, I am cold blooded.” Garza fights to show every woman in the world that all other men are worthless. They do not deserve women like them. But they deserve a man who can give them everything they’ve every wanted. Someone like Garza. But before Garza gives you the world, he gives you his rose.

 

WWE 24/7 Championship Lucky 7 Way: R-Truth VS ???

Raw returns and we find that Truth is facing down Akira Tozawa, Tucker Knight, Erik, former champion Drew Gulak, and both members of Lucha House Party in Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik! They give Truth space to get in and the bell rings. Truth is surrounded now, and they all go after him! Actually, Akira hangs back to let them all stomp Truth down. But Truth slips out, and the other five realize they’re stomping nothing. Tozawa hits Truth with the spinning roundhouse! Everyone else is brawling while Tozawa covers, Tozawa wins!!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Did they forget this is sudden death? But at the same time, 24/7 rules means it’s a scramble! Erik rolls Tozawa up, Erik WINS!

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

The lone Viking Raider hurries out of the ring, but he stays too long as Gulak roll shim up! Gulak wins!

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

Gulak gets the belt back and gets back in the ring while LHP mug Erik. Tucker cradles Gulak, and wins!!

Winner: Tucker Knight, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Tucker finally has a singles title in the WWE! But then Gulak rolls him up in return! And wins!! So much for that.

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

Gulak is already a five-time 24/7 Champion! But Tucker rocks the cradle back, and wins again!!

Winner: Tucker Knight, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

And now Tucker is a two-time 24/7 Champion! Then he BOOTS Lince, DECKS Metalik, but Truth hits the calf kick! Truth stalks up behind Tucker but Gulak gets in his way! Truth fireman’s carries but Gulak slips off to shove him into ACE TEN MAO from Erik! Gulak CLOBBERS Erik but Tozawa BOOTS Gulak! Tucker hits a Thesz Press but Lince hits a crossbody! Metalik hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, Metalik wins!!

Winner: Gran Metalik, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But then Lince betrays him!! And wins!!

Winner: Lince Dorado, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Metalik asks what the heck, but that’s the rules! Truth shoves LHP into each other, then hits Lince with the ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! Cover, Truth wins the title back!!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

A whopping FORTY-FOUR TIMES!! Truth finally gets out of dodge but the chase is on again! Will this go down as the greatest night in that title’s history?

 

Ricochet VS Mustafa Ali w/ Retribution!

The One and Only was as shocked as anyone that a man he called friend was actually the leader of the most chaotic faction in all the WWE. But he was even more shocked when Ali would turn that viciousness against him. Will Ricochet accept it can’t all be done alone? Or will he be shut down?

Raw returns and Ricochet makes his entrance. Ali keeps his minions at bay and the bell rings. Ricochet DECKS Ali and then CHOPS him! Ricochet throws more forearms and CHOPS, and he asks, “What’s going on with you? This ain’t you!” Ricochet CHOPS Ali, whips him, then runs him over with an elbow! Ricochet scoops and slams then runs to drop an elbow! Cover, ONE! Ali gets to ropes and he wants Ricochet to listen to him. Ricochet asks if Ali thinks “this” is the right way. Ali yanks Ricochet into buckles! Retribution cheers their leader on as Ali CLUBS Ricochet down then KICKS him!

Ali seethes as he has Ricochet in a corner to CHOP back! Ricochet gets up and Ali puts Ricochet in the corner for EuroUppers! “I am saving you!” Ricochet shoves Ali away but Ali ROCKS him with a right! Ali whips, CLOBBERS Ricochet then covers, ONE! Ali grows frustrated but he stalks Ricochet. Ali drags Ricochet up, throws haymakers, but Ricochet hits back! Ali DECKS Ricochet, but Ricochet gets up to CHOP! Ali kicks low, snap suplexes then covers, TWO! Ali grows frustrated, as does the rest of Retribution. Ali wraps Ricochet up with a chinlock and leans on him. Ricochet fights his way up but Ali clubs him down!

Ali brings Ricochet around to whip to ropes. Ricochet reverses but Ali kicks back! Ricochet walks into a CHOP but he just gets angry! Ricochet whips, and back drops Ali high and hard! Ricochet runs at Ali in the corner but is put on the apron. He counter punches Ali then reels him in to suplex. Ali lands on the apron and knees Ricochet back! Ali suplexes now, but Ricochet fights it off to shove Ali away. Ricochet tilt-o-whirls and HEADSCISSORS Ali to the floor! Ricochet drags Ali up, puts him in, but T-Bar and Mace crowd him. Ricochet worries about them as he gets in the ring, Ali hits a NECKBREAKER! Ali has turned things around and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Ali has Ricochet down with a chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights his way up, and throws body shots. Ali CLUBS Ricochet, then brings him up to whip him to a corner hard! Ricochet bounces off buckles, Ali runs to hit another neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Retribution is growing frustrated but Ali focuses. Ali stalks Ricochet and says he needs Retribution! Ali brings Ricochet up to snapmare and dropkick him down! Cover, TWO! Ali wraps on with another chinlock and he grinds him down. Ricochet fights up to his feet, Ali knees low and brings him around. Ricochet throws Ali into buckles then hits a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Both men are down and Retribution shout to Ali.

Ali and Ricochet stir, Ricochet flounders to ropes but Ali gets to the other side. Ali runs in but Ricochet counter punches him! And again! Ricochet fires off and then DISCUS LARIATS! Ricochet fires up and that angers Retribution! Ricochet waits for Ali to stand, then he runs in, but no Recoil as Ali kicks low! Ali suplexes but Ricochet slips out. Ali elbows the waistlock away, then goes up and leaps, but Ricochet blocks the DDT! NORTHERN LIGHTS, roll through to dead lift BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Retribution is fired up! Ricochet sits up first and aims from a corner. Ricochet drags Ali back up, puts him in the corner and then hoists him up top.

Ali hits back, Ricochet throws haymakers and then climbs up. Ali claws eyes and bumps Ricochet off buckles! Ali gets up, adjusts positions, SUPER BACKSTABBER?! Cover, TWO!?! Ricochet survives and Ali is shocked! Ali thinks on what he must do to put Ricochet down, and he shouts, “You think one man can change the world?! It takes many! Nothing will change until you’re willing to change!” Ali SLAPS Ricochet, and then drags him up. Ricochet DECKS Ali first! Ricochet gets behind Ali, POISON RANA!! Ricochet hurries to a corner, flounders up to the top rope, springboard and TORNILLO onto Retribution!! Ricochet gets back up and back in, then back up top, for a PHOENIX SPLASH that flops!! KOJI KLUTCH!! Ricochet endures, but he fades out!! Ali wins!!

Winner: Mustafa Ali, by submission

The Beacon is no longer the light, he put Ricochet’s lights out! Will Ali force Ricochet to see things his way in order to change Raw?

 

Adam Pearce talks with Randy Orton.

He knows Orton isn’t happy about having to team with Miz and Morrison, but Pearce assures him it was an order from the top brass. But there is something he might be happy about. Orton will defend his title against Drew McIntyre. Wait, who the hell does Pearce think he is? A messenger. Well Orton appreciates the message, and he RAMS Pearce into the wall! Pearce can tell “the staff” that they can go to hell! “You hear me?!” Pearce does. Orton lets Pearce go, pats Pearce on the cheek, then heads to the ring. Will Orton have to keep his head on a swivel even more than before with all of his hunters closing in?

Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The New Day VS Randy Orton, The Miz & John Morrison!

Raw returns as Miz and Morrison make their entrance, followed by Kofi and Woods, and of course Drew McIntyre. McIntyre is of course in a great mood with the news we all just heard. But for that same reason, Orton is letting Morrison start against the Scottish Stud instead. McIntyre and Morrison circle, Morrison runs into a JAB! Morrison goes down and Woods talks smack. McIntyre TOSSES Morrison into the corner, and CHOPS him! Tag to Woods, McIntyre holds Morrison open for another CHOP! Woods swings again but into a spin and KICK from Morrison! Morrison headlocks, Woods powers out but Morrison runs him over! Things speed up, Woods hurdles but Morrison shoves. Woods keeps going, slides under and ROLLING ELBOWS!

Morrison flounders to the corner, tags to Miz, and Miz runs at Woods. Woods sends Miz into a shoulder from Kofi! Woods rolls Miz, Kofi tags in to crossbody! Cover, TWO! Kofi dropkicks Miz back to his corner but Orton refuses to tag. Miz says this is a team, but Orton doesn’t care. Tag to Morrison, Kofi sunset flips him down! TWO, Morrison KICKS back! Morrison throws forearms, whips Kofi corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and up and huricanranas! Morrison flounders up, Kofi DOUBLE STOMPS him down! Woods sees Miz coming and mule kicks! The New Day send Miz out of the ring, then coordinates. “One, two, three, we miss E!” The New Day build speed, Kofi FLIES and Woods WRECKS Miz, and McIntyre dares Orton to get in the ring! Orton refuses and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Miz runs but into Woods’ dropkick! Cover, TWO! Woods throws hands on Miz then whips him corner to corner. Miz reverses, runs in but Woods boots him! Woods hits the HONOR ROLL! Cover, TWO! Orton ignores what’s going on as Miz shoves Woods to the corner. Woods hits Morrison, throws hands on Miz, but Miz shoves. Woods elbows him away, Miz distracts the ref talking about his teeth, and Morrison hotshots Woods! Miz drags Woods around to put in the ropes, tag to Morrison! Morrison goes up while Miz holds Woods up in the ropes, DUMDUM STOMPS to the apron! Woods goes down in a heap and Orton paces around him. The ref tells Orton to stay back but Morrison fetches Woods up and into the ring. Morrison covers, TWO!

Morrison stomps Woods, moves around, ground ‘n’ pound, then smothers Woods with a chinlock. Fans rally on their screens, Woods fights his way up, but Morrison pulls hair to keep him from the corner! Woods throws Morrison away but is caught! Woods elbows back and clubs Morrison down! But Morrison powers up to fireman’s carry and SAMOAN POP! Tag to Miz, Morrison SHINING WIZARDS< Miz BOOTS! Miz wants Orton to get in but Orton refuses again! Miz drags Woods over, Morrison tags in 21st Century Classic! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Miz, they double gut buster! Miz sucker punches Kofi and then goes after Woods with It Kicks in the corner!  Miz runs corner to corner but Woods LARIATS first!

Both men are down, crawling for their corners! Hot tags to Morrison and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with big clotheslines! And a whip, to a n OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Miz runs in to get an OVERHEAD suplex, too! McIntyre pushes Morrison into Miz, then gets them both for a DOUBLE OVERHEAD SUPLEX! McIntyre grins at Orton while he brings Morrison up for a neckbreaker! And KIP UP! McIntyre dares Orton to do something but Orton just smirks. McIntyre reels Morrison in, FUTURE SHOCK! McIntyre still dares Orton to do something, but Orton just crosses his arms. Morrison stirs, McIntyre drags him around and puts him in the corner. “Don’t be a b*tch.” They’re fighting next week, so give the world a preview! Make McIntyre’s day!

Orton gets up on the apron, reaches for Morrison… But hops down off the apron again. The Viper doesn’t care what McIntyre says, this is happening the way he wants it to. Orton takes the title and heads to the ramp, but Morrison rolls McIntyre up! Feet on ropes, but Woods pulls the feet of! Miz throws Woods down! Miz dodges Kofi, Morrison dodges McIntyre and FLIES out to take Kofi down! Miz runs in to a SPINE BUSTER! Morrison springboards, into the GLASGOW KISS!! McIntyre goes to a corner, takes aim again, and the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre and the New Day win!

Winners: The New Day & Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Orton avoided the fight tonight but he only has one week left! Will McIntyre take the belt back and head to Survivor Series?


My Thoughts:

A pretty good, fairly smooth flowing Raw here. Dysfunction is definitely the real subtitle of Survivor Series and I’m actually liking it. The Second Chance Triple Threat was obviously going to be Riddle’s to win with the Elias VS Hardy grudge still going on. Plus, it did make a lot of sense for the already dysfunctional Team Raw to get even wilder. They revisited history from SmackDown, but interesting that Styles shifts away from hating Riddle to accepting him for the sake of the team. I like that Styles was trying to use how they dislike the superstars from SmackDown to get them on the same page, and it almost worked, if not for him insisting he is captain. The tag match they had was great, especially with Keith using Sheamus and Riddle as human weapons. Sheamus keeps wishing he and McIntyre can be a team, but I feel like things will go sour and they’ll end up having matches against each other, which is just as good.

Poor, poor Lana. She loses to Shayna, has Mandy and Dana on her about last week, and though not right away, she eventually does get put through the announce desk again. This still obviously has to mean she’s going to help the Raw Women’s Team win Survivor Series, so the harder things are on her now, the more triumphant things will feel at the PPV. Asuka and Nia still had a really good match even with Shayna getting involved, but it seems Asuka is in a holding pattern until after Survivor Series. Lashley VS Titus was a bit more competitive than expected but not by much as Lashley still puts Titus away quickly. The 24/7 Championship hot-potato-ing was amazing, I loved it. I was hoping something like that would’ve happened at Clash of Champions but this was still great, I hope we get more at Survivor Series when SmackDown can finally get involved again.

It was a good detail for Alexa to have no recollection of Nikki talking to her, it really adds to how Alexa is being changed by The Fiend. Ali VS Ricochet was a great match, we need more in-ring reminders of how great these guys are. Ali of course wins to keep things going and perhaps even escalating. I feel like Ricochet should join up in the end, a Heel turn would freshen things up for him since WWE hasn’t done a whole lot with Face Ricochet. And the main story of the night with the world title was really good. MizTV and the brawling was a great opening segment, and the Six Man Tag was a really good main event. Orton is feeling the pressure but is still finding ways to control the pace. The rematch is going to be great, and The Fiend has to get involved somehow. At the very least, Fiend is another “guardian angel” keeping Miz from cashing in, and I think that makes for a great revisit of continuity there, as well, given Miz’s history with Bray from SmackDown and the part he played in Daniel Bryan’s feud with Fiend.

My Score: 8.1/10


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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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