Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (12/17/20)

Will the Hunt catch their prey?

Published

3 years ago

December 17, 2020

Steven Mitchell

Gallus defends the NXT UK Tag Team Championships!

Eddie Dennis helped The Hunt tear South Wales Subculture apart, and now they’re on to bigger game! Will Gallus still be on top after facing Primate and Wild Boar?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isla Dawn VS Kay Lee Ray; KLR wins.
2v1 Handicap Match: Levi Muir & Jack Starz VS Saxon Huxley; Muir & Starz win.
Rampage Brown VS Josh Morrell; Brown wins.
NXT UK Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Hunt w/ Eddie Dennis; Gallus wins and retains the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isla Dawn VS Kay Lee Ray!

The White Witch won last week thanks to Nina Samuels’ spectacularly timed cameo. But now she’s up against THE NXT UK Women’s Champion! Will Dawn have what it takes on her own to take on the Scary Queen of Scots?

The bell rings, the two circle and tie up, and KLR gets an arm. Dawn resists the wrench but KLR powers through to get the elbow breaker! KLR grinds on the shoulder and pulls hair but the ref reprimands. KLR wrenches to a hammerlock but Dawn pulls hair. Dawn reaches back, steps through and wrenches back to a wristlock. KLR pulls hair to put Dawn on ropes then whips. Dawn reverses and kitchen sink knees! Dawn hits a basement uppercut, then drops knees onto KLR! Cover, TWO! Dawn keeps on KLR but KLR kicks her away! KLR gets up and clobbers Dawn with a clothesline! KLR stomps Dawn then drags her up to bump off buckles.

The ref reprimands as KLR digs her boot in, and KLR lets off to argue with the ref. KLR snapmares Dawn but Dawn avoids the knee drop! Dawn BOOTS KLR, then KICKS away! KLR flounders, Dawn stalks up behind her, and KNEES her into the ropes! BT Sports Studio fires up as Dawn runs and BASEMENT METEORAS! Cover, TWO! KLR survives but Dawn won’t let off! Dawn drags KLR up, KLR knees low and whips! Dawn reverses, reels KLR in and hits a SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! KLR survives that strong side suplex but Dawn grits her teeth. Dawn drags KLR up, KLR throws body shots but Dawn clubs her down!

Dawn throws forearms in the corner, the ref counts, Dawn lets off at 4! Dawn whips corner to corner and runs in, but KLR wrenches around and hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dawn survives, but KLR gets the KOJI KLUTCH!! Dawn fights at the hold, reaches around, and gets a ropebreak with a foot! The ref counts, KLR lets go at 4! KLR seethes and she CLUBS Dawn! Dawn hits back with body shots, then fireman’s carries, but KLR slips out to SUPERKICK! KLR reels Dawn into the GORY BOMB! Cover, KLR wins!

Winner: Kay Lee Ray, by pinfall

The NXT UK Women’s Champion didn’t need an assist from anyone on this one! “As it stands, I am the longest reigning Women’s Champion in all of WWE right now! And the women of the NXT UK roster are too busy fighting among themselves.” Just look at Piper Niven and Jinny. No one can stand to KLR, so get used to this sight. “Forever is a long, long time.” Will the Scary Queen of Scots truly reign forever?

NXT UK Media asks, “Who is Ben Carter?”

NXT General Manager, William Regal, says, “Ben Carter is an incredibly talented young man that comes from Jersey in the Channel Isles.” What caught Regal’s eye is Carter’s natural ability to connect with the fans. Ashton Smith can’t wait to see Carter in NXT UK. Gallus have been watching and are impressed. Nigel McGuiness finally saw him on tape and was blown away! This was a can’t miss prospect. Regal first heard about Carter when he was training in Seth Rollins’ wrestling school. Rollins says Carter came to the US with a dream, and “he is living that dream right now, because of how dedicated he is.”

Sky is the limit for Carter as one of the most athletically gifted performers, and is so like a Dynamite Kid or Eddie Guerrero. Carter soaks up information like a sponge, and could “live in a wrestling ring.” Regal hearing someone being trained by Seth Rollins is always a bonus because Rollins is as good as it gets. Sid Scala says Carter is one of the hottest free agents in the world, and he could’ve signed anyway, and he chose NXT UK. Nigel says it says a lot about NXT UK that Carter wanted to sign with this brand, the quality of this talent, that Carter wanted to be here. Rollins says Carter’s heart sets him apart, and he’ll bring that brand of dedication to the NXT UK brand.

Ilja Dragunov thinks back on his match with Walter.

“Probably the match of the year, 2020, in the WWE. A tiger versus a lion. I should be very proud. But I’m not. I kept my promise that I would redefine violence with that match, and I did. But… I lost.” Dragunov needs to start all over again, from the beginning. He takes off the contacts to show his true self. What will we see from THIS Ilja Dragunov as he starts on a journey of redemption?

2v1 Handicap Match: Levi Muir & Jack Starz VS Saxon Huxley!

What was just meant in jest turned very serious after the Divine Beast of the Astral Plane WRECKED these two young guns backstage! Will Muir and Starz be able to withstand the wrath of the wild eyed wanderer?

The duo sorts out and Starz starts against Huxley. They circle, Starz avoids the hands and kicks to get a waistlock. Huxley throws Starz off, they tie up and Huxley shoves Starz away! Starz tags to Muir and Huxley eggs him on. Muir and Huxley tie up, they are in a deadlock but Huxley hits low! Huxley shoves Muir, Muir rams him with shoulders but Huxley stays up! Huxley headlocks, Muir powers out and things speed up, but Huxley SWATS Muir out of the air! Huxley drags Muir up, cording holds and throws heavy hands. Huxley whips but Starz tags in! Muir dodges and helps Starz in the slingshot! But Huxley catches Starz! Muir dropkicks it over for a cover, TWO!

Huxley DECKS Muir, Starz fires off with fast hands! Huxley shoves Starz but Starz uppercuts! Huxley shoves Starz to THESZ PRESS! Huxley rains down fists from all sides then drags him up to CLUB him down! Huxley wrenches the neck, throws crossface forearms, then wrenches the neck even harder. Muir coaches Starz as Huxley leans on the hold, and Starz manages to get up! Starz throws body shots, Huxley knees low! Huxley scoops and lifts, for a ROCKET LAUNCHER! Huxley CLOBBERS Muir again, then KNEES Starz in the corner! Huxley goes out of the ring and around the way to BOOT Starz down! Huxley keeps going and he CLOBBERS Muir!

The ref counts and is up to 5 of 10 but Huxley makes a full lap to fetch Starz. Huxley puts Starz in at 7, follows at 8, and Huxley drags Starz up for a gut wrench POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Starz survives, but Huxley runs, only for Starz to avoid the elbow drop! Muir is back up and fires up as Starz crawls, hot tag to Muir! Muir fires off forearms on Huxley, uppercuts him, but Huxley kicks low. Muir ducks the discus to throw more uppercuts! Muir whips, Huxley reverses and leaps, but Muir catches him! Pop-up, but Huxley slips out to RAM Muir into a corner! Huxley whips Muir and CLOBBERS him in the corner!

Huxley whips corner to corner but Muir dodges to dropkick back! Hot tag to Starz and the two hurry to double dropkick Huxley down! Starz runs to TACKLE Huxley down! BT Sports Studio fires up but Huxley throws Starz out! Starz shoulders back in, slingshots and sunsets but Huxley stays up by holding ropes! Muir slaps Huxley’s hand away, Starz has the cover, Starz and Muir win!!

Winners: Jack Starz & Levi Muir, by pinfall

Both men get their first wins in NXT UK! But they don’t get to celebrate long as Huxley CLOBBERS them both! Huxley rains down rights on Muir but Starz hits back. Huxley knees Starz then throws him into buckles! Huxley digs his boots into Starz then CLOBBERS Muir! Huxley clubs away but here comes DAVE MASTIFF! Mastiff throws heavy hands on Huxley but Huxley hits back! They brawl around the ring, Mastiff clotheslines Huxley out of the ring! The refs keep Huxley back, but clearly he and Mastiff aren’t letting this one go! Will The Bomber bulldoze the Divine Beast?

Sid Scala meets with Piper Niven.

She shows him a video of her training in the UK Performance Center, but as she leaves, someone sneaks in and puts a trunk there? Piper comes back, opens the trunk, and inside is a chair with a message on it. Piper reads the message, and Scala says management hasn’t had a chance to look into this. Piper gives Sid the paper, and it seems to say Jinny wants a match! Piper wants it, too, so now it’s on Scala! And his decision: we will see a #1 Contender’s Match for the NXT UK Women’s Championship in three weeks, the first NXT UK of the new year! Who will be the next challenger for the champion in 2021?

NXT UK Media catches up with Dave Mastiff.

Mastiff comes across Rampage Brown, and Brown says it’s great to see someone standing up to Huxley. Mastiff says it isn’t just bullies. He’ll fight anyone who steps to him. Brown likes that. Will they both look to put Huxley in his place in the near future?

A-Kid is in the ring!

“I am the first NXT UK Heritage Cup Champion.” Not only a milestone for him, but for his country of Spain. These last few months have been amazing, as AK beat seven other men in the Heritage Cup tournament, and he defeated one of the best in the world in Tyler Bate. Bate was a mentor, and the last thing Bate taught him was that AK belongs. So the next step is very clear. “I want to prove that not only I belong with the best, but that I am the best! That’s why I challenge you, Walter, for the NXT UK Championship!” Making it here was a dream, but now it is reality.

But Walter is here! “Excuse me. The next time you step foot into MY ring, you wipe your dirty feet on the ring apron.” Walter joins AK in the ring, wiping his feet as he just said, and admits watching AK in the Heritage Cup tournament was great. AK showed off his technical ability and his passion. Walter can see AK is very proud to be a professional wrestler. “But how dare you! To stand in this ring, run your mouth like you represent the heritage of this sport! You’re not me. You’re no thing special.” Just like everyone else that climbed the ladder of success, AK’s fairy tale will end when he faces Walter.

And as a reminder, there is one thing that will never change. It is that Walter is THE NXT UK Champion! The Ring General raises the belt, then takes his leave. Will all of those proclamations be undone by A-Kid?

NXT UK Media catches up with Kenny Williams.

What is the word on his recent injury? “It is what it is. It’s not the best.” Amir Jordan checks in with Williams, and is sure they’re back on the tag title road. No, it’s not that easy, Jordan. Williams feels awful, but Jordan says this happened to him so it’s just about waiting. Williams will get good, they’ll get back on things. Jordan doesn’t want Williams to be down on himself. Williams says he could help Jordan be better as a singles guy right now. It’ll be the best for the both of them. Jordan says that’s fine, if Williams wants that. Williams just needs a few minutes to himself. Jordan excuses himself and NXT UK Media lets Williams work on his leg. Will the Lucky Yin be lucky enough to get back to 100%?

Trent Seven sits down for an interview.

“I’m pretty sure I know exactly the reason that I’m here.” They ask about the Heritage Cup, just as he knew. Seven said this was the most important moment in his career, and that it HAS to be him. “You don’t know how hard you’ve tried until you fail.” Seven and A-Kid went past six rounds and into a sudden death. Seven thought he did enough, but obviously not. “We’ve seen an entire genre of wrestler that’s completely different to anything that we’ve seen.” Seven can’t take anything away from A-Kid’s abilities and talents. But Seven might’ve put too much pressure on himself.

“I suppose there’s part of me that was so caught up in literally the heritage of it and what came before me and what I had to live up to, I was looking backwards instead of looking forwards.” Was Seven mentally prepared to be a champion? Was he mentally prepared to lead the locker room? It is a huge responsibility, and A-Kid has done it in a year. Seven has been here for five years, but he needs to live to his own expectations. There is a part of him that can adapt and overcome, and that is what his focus must be on.

Is this the last we’re going to see of Seven for some time? There are definitely things Seven knows he needs to fix, to do, to work on. But this isn’t good-bye forever. There is just work that needs to be done. So please, bear with him.

Rampage Brown VS Josh Morrell!

The rampage is about to continue! Will #TurboJoshTerry be able to slow him down? Or will he be little less than a speed bump?

The bell rings and Rampage circles with Morrell. They tie up, Rampage puts Morrell in a corner but Morrell avoids the chop! Morrell headlocks and grinds but Rampage powers out. Morrell slides under, kicks but Rampage blocks! Rampage flips Morrell, Morrell lands on his feet and ducks the clothesline, only to run into a BIG back drop! Morrell flounders and Rampage BOOTS him out of the ring! Rampage goes out, fetches Morrell to CLUB him, put him in the ring, and bring him up for a scoop and SLAM! Morrell writhes but Rampage drops an elbow! And another! Rampage looms over Morrell, drags him up and whips him to a corner to then RAM his shoulder in! And again!

Rampage digs his shoulder in, lets off at the ref’s count of 3, then KICKS Morrell while he’s down! Rampage drags Morrell up to ROCK him with a right! Morrell hits back but Rampage DECKS him! Rampage drags Morrell up, Morrell throws body shots and jawbreakers! Morrell goes to a corner, baits Rampage in and POSTS him! Rampage staggers into a dropkick! Morrell hits a STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, ONE!? Rampage shakes out the bad arm as he staggers about. Morrell throws forearms and uppercuts and CHOPS, then whips corner to corner. Rampage reverses, Morrell goes up and over and then dodges, to hop up, but Rampage throws the rana away!

Morrell dodges one lariat but not the second LARIAT! Rampage dead lifts Morrell into the POWERBOMB! And then Rampage flips Morrell over for a dead lift DOCTOR BOMB! Cover, Rampage wins!

Winner: Rampage Brown, by pinfall

“Turbo” definitely went at high speed, but he ran into a wall! Will Rampage continue to wreck members of the roster until he’s fighting for a prize?

Sid Scala has an announcement!

The Assistant to the GM says that after the verbal confrontation, he and Johnny Saint will confirm, once both parties are in agreement, a match for the NXT UK Championship between Walter and the Heritage Cup Champion, A-Kid! It will certainly be a historic match for NXT UK in the new year!

NXT UK Tag Team Championships: Gallus VS The Hunt w/ Eddie Dennis!

Mark Coffey and Wolfgang have had these golden bull’s eyes on their backs for quite some time, but they might be facing their most dangerous challengers yet! With the Welsh Dragon in command, will Primate and Wild Boar capture the titles?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see how this title hunt turns out!

Wolfgang starts with Primate and Primate CLOBBERS the Gallus corner! Primate and Wolfgang throw hands, Primate CLUBS Wolfgang and Boar tags in. The Hunt mugs Wolfgang, Boar stomps away but Wolfgang shoves him. Wolfgang swings on Primate but Boar rams into him! Tag to Primate, the Hunt mugs Wolfgang more and Primate stomps Wolfgang down! The ref reprimands, Boar tags back in, but Wolfgang keeps trying to fight back! Primate CLUBS Wolfgang but Wolfgang shoves The Hunt! Wolfgang DECKS Boar, runs Primate over, then rams Boar to the Gallus corner! Coffey tags in, throws hands then scoop slams Boar! Cover, ONE, but Coffey throws forearms.

Boar throws forearms back, Coffey headlocks but Wolfgang tags in as Boar powers out. Coffey runs Boar over, Wolfgang hits a headlock takeover! Boar endures, keeps his shoulders up and fights up, but Wolfgang cobra clutches! Coffey tags in, ripcord shoulder tackle then forearms to the back! Coffey wrenches and Russian Leg Sweeps Boar down! Coffey brings Boar up to ram his shoulders again, but Boar blocks the back suplex and throws forearms. Coffey ROCKS Boar, Dennis gets on the apron as a distraction! Coffey lets go of Boar but Boar CLUBS Coffey! Boar and Coffey brawl, Coffey throws an uppercut, but Boar BITES! The ref reprimands but Boar RAMS Coffey into the corner!

Primate tags in, the Hunt double whips and double back drops! Cover, TWO! Primate rains down rights on Coffey, and he drags Coffey around to club him more. Primate stalks Coffey, headbutts him in the back, then drags Coffey up for a scoop and SLAM! Tag to Boar, Boar is used as a weapon, back suplex senton! Cover, TWO! Boar keeps on Coffey with a chinlock. Coffey pries at the hold but Boar holds on tighter! Boar digs a knee in, then drives in elbows! Coffey throws forearms but Boar throws Coffey out! The ref keeps Boar in but Primate RAMS Coffey into barriers! Wolfgang protests but Primate puts Coffey in for Boar’s back senton! Boar uses just knees for the cover, TWO!

Boar tries a lateral press, TWO! Dennis coaches Boar and he digs elbows into Coffey’s head. Boar chinbars then CLUBS Coffey over and over in the chest! Cover, TWO! Boar drags Coffey over, tags Primate, and the Hunt mugs Coffey again. Coffey throws forearms and CHOPS! Coffey backs Primate down but Primate knees low! Primate sucker punches Wolfgang and tags in Boar! The Hunt shoves Coffey but Coffey kicks back! Coffey waistlocks Primate but Primate bucks off the roll. Primate runs into Coffey’s UPPERCUT! Primate flops out of the ring but Boar whips Coffey to a corner. Boar runs in but Coffey moves, Boar only gets buckles!

Coffey crawls for his corner, but Boar anchors a leg, and Primate trips Wolfgang off the apron! But Wolfgang DECKS Primate in return! Coffey gets up and leaps, hot tag to Wolfgang! Wolfgang rallies on Boar and fires off fast hands! Wolfgang whips Boar corner to corner and kitchen sink knees! Wolfgang keeps moving, LEAPING SENTON! Primate returns but he gets a hip toss! Wolfgang corner crossbodies Boar, then DECKS Primate off the apron! Wolfgang goes up and FLYING AX HANDLES! Wolfgang suplexes Boar then covers, but Primate breaks it! Coffey returns but Primate throws him out.

The ref keeps Primate back as Wolfgang scoops Boar. Dennis saves Boar from the slam! Wolfgang grabs at Dennis, CANNON-BOAR at the ropes! Coffey rushes Dennis but Primate LEAPS and CLOBBERS him first! JOE COFFEY goes after Dennis! GLASGOW SEND-OFF sends Dennis into steps! The Hunt have Wolfgang down and go to corners, but ANDREWS AND WEBSTER shove them down! Revenge for what Dennis did to them! Wolfgang tags in Mark Coffey, and Gallus combines for the ENZIGURI POWERSLAM! Cover, Gallus wins!

Winners: Gallus, by pinfall (still NXT UK Tag Team Champions)

Dennis was a snake in the grass but he didn’t expect his actions to come back to haunt him! SWSC makes sure Gallus Boys are still on top! But just because they beat The Hunt doesn’t mean this title chase is over! Pretty Deadly strut out to the ring, and they say hi to the champions. Gallus dares them to do something, but Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley say they’re doing things on their time. But wait! Oliver Carter and Ashton Smith come up and throw hands! And then they throw Pretty Deadly into the ring for Gallus to take care of!

Coffey CLOBBERS Howley, Wolfgang throws hands on Stoker then THROWS Stoker! Joey says THAT is why Gallus boys are always on top! Carter and Smith, Stoker and Howley, will one or both of these teams get their golden opportunity for the holidays?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode, and with quite a bit set up for 1/7/21. I like that NXT UK is following NXT USA on these special occasions. New Year’s Evil is 1/6, so NXT UK’s response is right after. Piper VS Jinny becoming a contender’s match perhaps gives away that Jinny is winning. Piper had her match with KLR, Jinny screwed her over, and now Jinny will find a way to beat Piper again to go after KLR like what was teased over a month ago. KLR gets her own little match to stay sharp, and of course she wins. KLR VS Jinny could go either way since both are firmly Heel, but it’s hard to be sure what KLR losing would mean for her and the brand. Would KLR be the third in the line of NXT UK Women’s Champions going to NXT USA?

I called the handicap match happening but I would not have expected Starz and Muir to win. I suppose it works out fine since Huxley was a sore loser and attacks after, and then Mastiff steps in to stop him. Mastiff VS Huxley will be a great match, I’m sure, and could lead a winner to challenge for the Heritage Cup. Rampage Brown gets a good match out of Josh Morrell, and with his own interaction with Huxley before, there’s something there for Rampage, Mastiff and Huxley, I’m just not sure what. Triple Threat to name a contender to something? A team-up of some kind? I wasn’t sure what Rampage’s direction was but this is a good fork in the road.

Ilja Dragunov had a short but strong promo. Removing his contacts for those wild red eyes is quite the development, I can’t wait to see where this goes. A-Kid calling out Walter and Walter countering, that is quite a big move for the Spanish Ace. I felt like he should’ve had more time just being the Heritage Cup champion, as he’s literally had one defense against Tyler Bate. But I suppose there isn’t really anyone else in position to challenge Walter, and Walter needs to defend his title at some point, so this is what we’ve got. Walter definitely wins their match, and we wait a long time for a Rampage Brown or transformed Dragunov to be ready.

I can’t be sure, but I think Williams’ promo about his injury was worked shoot. He and Jordan seemed unsure of what to say, such as in a real situation, and it just seems like a lot of bad luck that their team hasn’t been able to get traction. The tag title main event was pretty good for being around 10 minutes, and I liked that SWSC got involved as payback. Dennis tried to get involved, they and Joe Coffey kept him from getting his way, and Gallus continues their reign. Pretty Deadly and Smith-Carter make their presences known, and I would love if this ended up a Triple Threat Tag since we’ve already seen Smith-Carter VS Pretty Deadly. There might even be a case made that we get a Six Man Tag of Gallus VS Dennis & The Hunt, even if Dennis hasn’t really gotten back in the groove.

My Score: 8.2/10

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

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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/18/20)

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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/16/20)

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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