Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/11/20)

An UNTOUCHABLE contract signing!

Published

3 years ago

December 11, 2020

Steven Mitchell

The SmackDown Women’s Championship match is set!

Tonight, Sasha Banks and Carmella are going to sign on the dotted line! TLC will see a LEGIT, FABULOUS SmackDown Women’s Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins; Ziggler wins.
Sami Zayn VS Big E; Sami wins.
The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???; The Riott Squad wins.
Chad Gable & Otis VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; Cesaro & Nakamura win.
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Carmella; Carmella wins by disqualification, Sasha retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sasha Banks heads to the ring!

The Boss, the standard, the blueprint and THE SmackDown Women’s Champion is here to handle her business. Before facing the #UNTOUCHABLE at TLC for the title, the contract needs to be signed! Adam Pearce is here to preside over the signing, and notes Sasha was the one who boldly made the challenge. This contract will make that match official. But then Sasha gets upset. Where IS the contract? Is this some kind of set up? Is Mella doing this? Is Pearce working with her? Where is the paperwork?!

Mella laughs from the titantron as she dangles the contract. Doesn’t Sasha know Mella makes the rules? But Mella signed her part. She will have her “messenger boy” take this to her. Sasha should’ve known Mella would’ve pulled this. Isn’t Mella embarrassed to be herself? Nope. She’s proud of herself. That’s why she doesn’t pander to those “internet mouth-breathers” like Sasha does. Did Sasha think Mella was going to get into the ring with her after that ambush like a wild animal? This isn’t the Tiger King, it’s the Queen’s Gambit. And Mella is the “hot chick playing chess with your life,” and is always four moves ahead.

Oh that many moves? If Mella wants to play games, how about this? How far back can Sasha bend Mella’s spine? Or better yet, how fast can she make Mella cry? This is why Mella didn’t go to the ring! Sasha is making threats! Someone stop her before she hurts someone. But Mella gets why Sasha is acting like this. As soon as Sasha signs the contract, her day as champion are numbered. Sasha stamps her signature down on the contract, and Sasha flips the script. If Sasha wants the title, come and get it TONIGHT! “What do you say, blondie?!” Mella doesn’t make rules, Sasha is the boss! Pearce likes that, and makes it the main event tonight!

And before this signing is truly over, Sasha says she’ll give Mella a preview of how wild tonight is. She attacks the assistant! And hits a BACKSTABBER! Then dumps the table over on him! Sasha holds her title up, but will she still be holding onto it by the end of the night?

Backstage interview with The Street Profits!

Kayla Braxton has the SmackDown Tag Team Champions here, and they’re hyped up! Kayla brings up how the self-proclaimed aces of SmackDown, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, were saying the Profits are “too funny to make money.” Do the Profits think this will affect their reputation as competitors?

Funny? Do they look funny? Ford goes up against a former World Heavyweight Champion in Ziggler! Is it funny to do how Ford does in the ring, then make it rain Solo cups? Would it be funny if Roode got involved and Dawkins slapped him so hard, space and time opened up to let a million Roode doppelgangers out and they all say, “Robert! You’re embarrassing us!” NO! Too much cheesy facial hair! One Roode is enough. But bad enough why? Because the Street Profits are up! And #WeWantTheSmoke! That simple. The showdown of Show-Off and #KingTez is next!

Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode VS Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins!

The #DirtyDawgs got a non-title win on the Profits but are working their way up to THE title match-up they’ve wanted since both teams were on Raw! Will Ziggler score another win as TLC approaches?

SmackDown returns as Ziggler and Roode make their entrance. Ziggler has a mic now and he says he used to LOVE the word, “Profits.” But we just saw the Profits talking about crazy things, like Solo cups raining from the sky, which reminds Ziggler of college. But Ziggler also remembers the Profits saying he is just “a poor man’s HBK.” No, Ziggler is rich as hell. But if they wanna use that bit the right way, then you do it right. The Profits are the poor man’s Desus & Mero. Not an opening hit but it works. Now, the only thing less funny than Ziggler’s comedy is the Profits. And the only thing less funny than them is the fact they’re SmackDown Tag Team Champions!

Roode says the Profits can get one last laugh about the nerdy things they find funny. Because when the “aces” get their shot at the titles, the title reign goes up in smoke. Ford and Dawkins admit that’s a decent line, but now this match begins!

Ziggler and Ford circle, show off the knee steps, then tie up. Ziggler gets a leg, Ford gets ropes, and the ref counts. Ziggler lets off clean, but then he kicks low! That’s not clean! Ziggler scrapes Ford’s face with the laces, then he digs Ford’s face into the ropes! The ref reprimands, Ziggler lets off and then dropkicks Ford down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grins as he keeps close. Ziggler wraps on a chinlock to then get an arm and pulls it back. Ziggler traps the arm, but Ford fights up, powers up, only for Ziggler to knee low! Ziggler turns Ford to a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps his focus and he talks trash. He scrapes laces on Ford’s face again, then swivels his hips at him.

Ford gets up, Ziggler runs at him, but Ford catches the drop kick to a catapult! Ziggler hits buckles hard, and then Ford dropkicks Ziggler down! Ford runs, dodges and BLOCKBUSTERS Ziggler down! Ziggler flounders out, Roode slithers in but Dawkins is there to stop him! Roode gets Ziggler out, Ford and Dawkins break it down, and the SOLO CUPS RAIN!! One “prophecy” came true, will we see GLORIOUS doppelgangers after the break?!

SmackDown returns, no doppelgangers but Ziggler does have Ford down in a sleeper hold and body scissor combo! Ford endures, fights, and pries free. Dawkins coaches Ford up but Ziggler throws him by his hair! Ziggler drops an elbow, then another, then another, and another, and another! And even more! Ziggler just doesn’t stop, but then he spins around, to drop one more! Cover, TWO! Roode is frustrated for Ziggler but Ziggler wraps Ford back up in a sleeper and body scissors. Ford endures all over again and fans rally up on their screens. Ford fights back up, even as Ziggler cranks back on the hold, and Ford throws body shots! Ford is free, but Ziggler kicks the leg out! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Ziggler wraps Ford up again, Dawkins and Roode talk trash to each other, and Ford endures. Ziggler rakes Ford’s eyes but the ref reprimands. Ford fights out of the body scissors but Ziggler shifts on the sleeper. Ford still fights up, pries the hold, but Ziggler turns him again. Ford shoves Ziggler away and rallies with clotheslines! Ford whips, Ziggler reverses but Ford leaps over and comes back for a LEAPING LARIAT! Ford fires up as Ziggler rises, mule kick and front kick to an enziguri, but Ziggler ducks! Ziggler back suplexes but Ford slips out to back supelx Ziggler! Ford kips up and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Ford is all fired up as he shakes the ropes!

Ziggler slowly rises, Ford blocks their kick, spins them but Ziggler kicks the legs out! Ziggler leaps but the Famouser is turned into a lift, but Ziggler sunset flips! TWO, Ford bucks the Zigzag off, to ENZIGURI! Ford goes up top, but Roode attacks Dawkins! Roode throws Dawkins into steps, Ford is distracted and Ziggler trips him up! Ford tumbles down, Ziggler SUPERKICKS! Cover, Ziggler wins!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

Give a GLORIOUS assist to Roode! Are the aces going to ride high into a title match?

BREAKING NEWS!

Next week, SmackDown will be on FS1! While Fox has the NCAA Football Pac-12 championship, Fox Sports 1 will be ready for a good time!

Sami Zayn is complaining backstage!

The WWE Intercontinental Champion wants to understand why he doesn’t have merchandise! But Big E comes by with his new shirt, and there are more where that came from. But merchandise should be the last thing on Sami’s mind right now. Worry about the meat inside the shirt. And Big E has Sami! Apollo helps show off the new Sami Zayn shirt! It’s a stick figure man! Sami tries to rip the shirt, but his hand isn’t strong enough. He’ll show them all! Big E is pretty sure he won’t. But Big E will show Sami all the things, in their match! That match is after the break!

Sami Zayn VS Big E!

The “Champion of the People” does not feel respected by anyone on SmackDown, but respect is a two-way street. Sami is in the ring as he rants and raves! What champion doesn’t have even one piece of merchandise? Not that Sami wants to support toxic consumerism, but he just wants fans to be able to show their support and respect for him! And all that time last week honoring Pat Patterson, the original Intercontinental Champion, they don’t even do anything for this Intercontinental Champion? Big E’s entrance interrupts and this match begins!

Sami takes a moment to tell commentary to tell us that this is non-title, because Big E hasn’t earned his opportunity. But the ring count is past 5! Sami complains that the ref wasn’t being understanding. Sami gets in, ties up with Big E, and Big E shoves Sami down! Sami scrambles out of the ring and Big E lounges while doing splits in the corner. Sami gets back in, Big E is ready. They circle, tie up, and Big E headlocks. Big E grinds Sami down but Sami throws body shots. Sami slips out to headlock back, but Big E powers out. Sami kicks Big E, Sami runs but Big E drops, hurdles then catches Sami for the cobra twist!

Big E puts some stank on the spank, but Sami gets free! Sami kicks and punches, but his bad hand hurts! Sami runs, and gets run over! Big E says that’s the meat he meant, Sami! Big E digs his boot into Sami’s head on the apron, then drags Sami out. Big E clubs away on Sami’s chest, then lets off to go to the apron. Big E aims and runs, to APRON SPLASH! Sami flops down after being flattened, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Sami chokes Big E on ropes with both knees! The ref counts but Sami bounces to add pressure. Sami lets off at 4, Big E gets to a corner, and Sami throws elbows into Big E’s head. Sami climbs up to rain down furious fists and then he goes to snapmare. Big E blocks it, only for Sami to KNEE Big E down! Cover, ONE!! Sami is right on Big E with a chinlock, but Big E fights up. Sami shifts to a facelock but Big E throws him off! Sami runs in but Big E puts him on the apron, only for Sami to hotshot him away! Sami hops up the corner and leaps, to elbow Big E down! Big E stirs but Sami swivels his hips to mock him! Sami runs and runs to run into the OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Big E gets Sami for ANOTHER! And then the Belly2Belly!

Big E stands over Sami and he swivels his hips! Big E runs, runs and SPLASHES! Now Big E claps it up, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Sami bails out but Big E dares him to get back in. Sami dares Big E to go out, and Big E fakes Sami out! Sami is in and Big E LARIATS him! Big E runs but Sami rolls him up! TWO! Sami elbows Big E away, hops back up and kicks, then leaps! Big E catches the crossbody! Big E pops Sami up to the- No, Sami rakes eyes! Sami runs at the corner, HELLUVA- URENAGE!! Sami claims his hand is broken! The ref checks the brace but keeps Big E back. Big E says this is Sami’s trickery, but the ref keeps him back. Sami SLAPS Big E! Big mistake.

Sami runs away and Big E gives chase! Sami goes around commentary but Big E keeps trying! The ring count climbs, Sami goes under the ring?! Big E follows, the count continues, and then Sami emerges at 6! Big E has him, tries to drag him back down, but the count is 9! Sami gets free and gets in, Sami wins by count-out!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by count out

The “master strategist” managed to outsmart Big E! Big E is furious, but losing is losing! Has Big E just lost his chance at the Intercontinental Championship?

Bayley speaks backstage.

“Now I hear we’ve got a huge championship match tonight, so I want to send my well-wishes to… Carmella!” Because Sasha might still be champion, but Bayley still runs the division! And if no one else will say it, Bayley will. “Ding dong, hello? Sasha is the most overpaid, overrated superstar in SmackDown history!” That is, if you’re not counting Bianca Belair. Bayley doesn’t! Who does Bianca think she is coming up on Bayley’s show and- Coming up behind her… Captain Bayley says EST needs to be G O N E!

Girl, uh-uh. Bayley talking about Bianca again? Bayley needs to worry about herself. She’s not that cute, her hair looks dumb and her outfit is dusty. So let’s check the “receipts.” The one who beat #BOAT Natalya? Bianca. Who beat SmackDown to the end of Survivor Series? Bianca. Who is the strongest, roughest, toughest, etc? Bianca! Bayley storms off, and Bianca says she can email her the rest.

Backstage interview with Carmella.

Mella is impatient as she finishes suiting up, and says she’s been itching for this match forever. Sasha thinks she’s the boss, but Mella made her relevant again. Tonight will be like Mariah Carey to J. Lo. “I don’t know her.” This is what the champion looks like. And Mella will beat the disrespect out of Sasha while looking sexy. She has her assistant get the champagne ready so she can toast watching Sasha’s tears fall to the crown.

Roman Reigns watches a replay of last week.

But as it finishes, Jey Uso walks over and asks if they’re good. Roman’s good. Hell, he’s great. Is Jey alright? Yeah. He should be. Because he’s with Roman. But before they can go to the ring, someone else beat him to it! Kevin Owens heads to the ring! Now Roman and Jey watch this, and Jey asks to go after Kevin. Well he knows where he is, so go get him. Kevin is setting a table up in the ring, then chairs, then a ladder, to signify the coming TLC match at TLC the PPV! Kevin sets the chairs up, then the table, and lastly the ladder. Roman still watches as Kevin gets a mic to say, “Roman, I know you’re watching, but I need you to listen to me carefully.”

Roman wants people to fear him? Bad news. Even after what Roman did last week, even knowing that right now, Roman is better than he has ever been, Kevin does NOT fear him. Because Roman says he fights for his family. If there’s something Kevin can relate to, it’s that. But the problem is, as good as Roman is, regardless of what Roman says, the reality of what’s happening is that Roman’s family is doing the fighting for him! Roman is using Jey to fight his battles! And TLC is the most important match in Kevin’s career. Kevin knows that the Roman we see today, with all this momentum, could probably beat anyone in WWE. Kevin is going to need all the help he can get.

Kevin fights for his family, too. But his family is not part of the industry. His family supports his dream by watching at home. So Kevin doesn’t have his family, but he has some friends! Kevin introduces Roman to his chairs! Chairs are cold, unforgiving, and at TLC, chairs are going to pay Roman back for all those chair shots last week. Chairs will bruise Roman up or break a bone or two! But they will make sure Roman has a hard time sitting at the head of the table. And speaking of, Kevin’s other friend IS a table! Table here is hard, tough to break, but once you do, “she’s so welcoming.” Table is looking forward to receiving him at TLC.

And lastly is Ladder. This is the most difficult friend. It is rough, unpredictable, but also Kevin’s favorite. Not only will Ladder help hurt Roman, but help Kevin get back up to where he belongs. Kevin says Roman can keep the head of the table, because Kevin will give everything to get back to the top of the ladder and again be Universal Champion! And if Roman wants to talk about Kevin’s family- Jey SMACKS Kevin with a chair! And the leg! And the arm! Jey rains down fists as Roman smiles. Jey gives Kevin another chair shot to the leg! Jey then drags Kevin up, throws haymakers and puts Kevin on the table! “It’s over!”

Jey goes up top, but Kevin gets up to SMACK Jey with the chair! And SMACKS him on the back! And again! Kevin rains down rights, then throws Jey into the ladder! And then Kevin brings Jey around to pop-up POWERBOMB Jey through the table!! But now Roman goes to the ring! Kevin has the chair and dares Roman to get in the ring with all the wreckage! But Paul Heyman advises Roman not to do things on Kevin’s time. Roman calls the shots as the Tribal Chief. It is still Roman’s call, but as the shot caller, “this is your island. That’s your ring. We do things on your time.” Roman accepts that, and reconsiders storming down after Kevin.

Kevin wants Roman to show his family who he is, but Roman leaves. Perhaps that is who Roman is. Kevin still has his chair and he hobbles after Roman! “You’re done running!” SmackDown goes to break, will Kevin look to break Roman even before TLC?

SmackDown returns and Kevin is still hunting Roman!

“Where are ya, tough guy!?” Kevin thought Roman was head of the table! Kayla asks for an interview but Kevin asks where Roman is! Kevin didn’t want to do that to Jey but that’s what you get for talking about Kevin’s family that way! Roman AMBUSHES Kevin with a chair shot! And then throws Kevin into spare cage fencing! And road cases! Roman rains down rights and then talks trash! “Who do you think supports your family?!” Roman rains down more rights and talks more trash!

Roman looks at the camera and “formally introduces” himself to Kevin’s family watching at home. “I’m your Tribal Chief. I’m the guy who put that roof over your head. I’m the guy who put the food on your table.” And if you don’t talk some sense into “Daddy” Kevin, Roman will be the guy that takes all of that away. Kevin gets up but Roman BOOTS him back down!! Roman says good-night to the Owens family, then leaves. Will this be the scene at the end of TLC’s TLC match?

The Riott Squad VS Billie Kay & ???

Ruby and Liv bring back some classic ring gear for this special showdown! Billie tried to barge in on their Talking Smack segment, but was challenged to a tag match to see if Billie could actually give them “pointers” on tag team wrestling. Who did Billie manage to recruit as her tag partner? It’s the #BOAT, Best of All Time, Natalya! Will Natty and Billie be able to get an iconic win?

The teams sort out, Billie and Ruby tie up and Billie headlocks. Ruby powers out, Billie handsprings over but Ruby tags Liv, and then a chop block to a basement dropkick drops Billie! Liv whips Billie to the corner, runs in and back body blocks! Tag to Ruby, and they work together to wheelbarrow victory roll TACKLE! Cover, TWO! Tag back to liv and she drags Billie back up. Liv whips., Billie reverses and Natty is there! Liv stops herself but SHADES OF KAY hits! Natty tags in, rains down rights, and she drags Liv up to put her in the corner. Tag to Billie, they stomp away on Liv together, and then let up to tag Natty back in.

Billie and Natty mug Liv, SLAP her, and then Natty snapmares Liv to a chinlock. Liv endures, Natty holds a hand out to Ruby mockingly, but Liv fights up and arm-drags free! Liv runs but into Natty’s arms! Natty runs Liv all the way to the corner! Natty rains down rights, the ref counts, and Billie mocks Liv’s pain. Natty drags Liv back up and whips, to then send Liv in, but Liv tries to elbow back! Natty hits the rebound sit-down and Billie tags in! Natty wasn’t ready for that and Billie drags Liv around, but Liv shoves Billie into Natty! Hot tag to Ruby! Ruby wrenches Billie, LIV BREAKER to RIOTT KICK!! Natty is out of the way, Ruby covers Billie, Riott Squad wins!

Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall

Well, Billie did do one thing: she taught the Squad what not to do when tagging with someone. Will Billie learn that she should stay out of other people’s business?

Otis Dozovic attends Chad Gable’s Alpha Academy!

“We’ve gotta work on your blindside.” Otis wears a blindfold, and Gable has Otis be ready with his other senses. The dodgeballs fly in and keep hitting him. Then a SMACK with a pad! After several hours of this, Otis is like Daredevil Dozer! Except when it comes to high-fives. But Gable says Otis is an alpha now.

And now in the present, Kayla interviews Gable and Otis. They have their first match as a team against former tag team champions, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro. What was it that brought these two together? Gable says life has knocked Otis down time and time again, but he always gets up. Otis has grit and tenacity! Exactly someone Gable wants as a student and teammate. And thanks to the Alpha Academy teachings, as cultivated through Gable’s experiences as an Olympian, Gable will mold the “raw lump of clay, no offense” to that of Michelangelo’s David. If Gable got into Olympic games in his “smaller stature, no offense,” imagine what’s possible with the Grade A prime beef!

But now Cesaro and Nakamura walk by. Gable got into the Olympics for what? Building toys in Santa’s Workshop? Or maybe the limbo! More short jokes, huh? Otis is riled up but Gable tells him a true alpha never gets rattled. Just breathe, and save it for the match. That comes up, after the break!

Chad Gable & Otis VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!

The Alpha Academy steps into the ring for the first time, but they’re up against the Swiss Cyborg and the King of Strong Style! Will Gable and Otis pass the test that is the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions?

The teams sort out and Gable tie right up with Cesaro. Cesaro throws Gable down and taunts Gable to use his game plan. Gable and Otis talk strategy before the tag, and Otis ties up with Cesaro now. Otis throws Cesaro down, and then tags back to Gable. Cesaro rushes Gable but Gable gets a takedown! Gable floats to a waistlock, holds on as Cesaro moves around, and he dead lift GERMANS! Then an Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Otis tags back in and he gets Cesaro for a mat slam! Otis fires up and tags Gable back in, keeipng Cesaro off balance. But then Cesaro DECKS Gable with a EuroUpper!

Nakamura tags in and he kicks Gable around. Nakamura kicks and kicks and kicks, and then gives Gable some Bad Vibrations! The ref counts, Nakamura stomps more, and Cesaro even gets a shot in. Nakamura back suplexes but Gable lands on his feet, ducks both kicks and ROLLING LIGER KICKS Nakamura down! Both men crawl, hot tags to Otis and Cesaro! The Dozer rallies on Cesaro and Nakamura! FLAPJACK for Cesaro, and then Otis whips to DISCUS! Gable is fired up for Otis as Otis runs in and corner SPLASHES Cesaro!

Cesaro wobbles and flops over, and Otis pumps up! But Gable wants in because it’s part of the plan! Otis tags, Gable goes up, and he leaps, into the SWISS SWING!! This wasn’t part of the plan! The swing goes to 20 and Cesaro lets go! Tag to Nakamura and Gable flounders, into a KINSHASA!! Cover, Cesaro and Nakamura win!

Winners: Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The Alpha Academy didn’t expect to lose like that, but they were up against a very experienced duo. Will Gable and Otis go back to square one and start from scratch?

Gable and Otis talk backstage.

Gable says that loss was a great learning lesson for them. He asked Otis to tag in, but he didn’t want Otis to. Otis had the match won! He should’ve just finished the job. Tonight was a test. Otis failed, but that’s okay! This is just part of the Alpha Mentality. Gable is teaching Otis what to do by showing him what not to do. Does he get it? Don’t worry, he will. Just rehydrate and they’ll talk later. Otis is confused, but perhaps there’s a method to the madness?

Backstage interview with King Corbin and his new pages.

The Wolf King got a win over Buddy Murphy and payback on the Mysterio family by introducing us to his new associates. What can we expect from them? The Night King had his Daywalkers, Darth Vader had Stormtroopers, so Corbin is bringing back some old school attitude. Cutler and Blake are the Knights of the Lone Wolf. There is no family drama or love story going on, these two have pledged “ruthless, cold-blooded loyalty to this king.” If Rey wants to step up, fine! He can bring his dopey son and red-headed stepchild, but the consequences will be much more severe than even losing an eye!

BREAKING NEWS!

When SmackDown goes to FS1, there will be a championship showdown there, too! The Street Profits will defend their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Roode & Ziggler! Plus, Bianca Belair and Bayley battle to prove who is the best on the brand today! Will Dawkins, Ford and Belair sweep the night to keep the Profits up?

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Carmella!

Who needs TLC when any given Friday is good enough! The Boss wants to prove no one, not even the Princess of Staten Island, is #UNTOUCHABLE. Will the champion still be #LEGIT after tonight? Or will the champagne ringside be used to toast to the new SmackDown Women’s Champion?

SmackDown returns once more and the introductions are made, the belt is raised, and TLC come early happens now!

Mella and Sasha tie up, go around and Sasha puts Mella in the corner. The ref calls for the break but Sasha lets off at 4. Mella pushes, then dodges Sasha’s punch to throw her down by her hair! Mella feeds Sasha to her boot in the corner, and then talks trash, “I’m the best, not you!” Mella puts Sasha through ropes to choke her! The ref counts, Mella stops and then SLAPS Sasha down! Mella tosses her hair to soak up the heat from the ThunderDome thumbs-downs. Mella whips, Sasha reveres, but the Mella-Go-Round throws Sasha, then Mella dropkicks and drop toeholds! Mella wants the necklock but Sasha slips out! Mella resists the backstabber and they end up in a corner. Mella climbs up to choke Sasha again!

Mella stops choking, but throws back elbows! Mella lets off but then throws more and more! The ref counts, Mella stops at 4, and then brings Sasha up to throw into another corner. Mella talks trash, runs in, but is put on the apron! Sasha KNEES Mella back, and then swings in to METEORA Mella into the post! Mella gets up, kicks but Sasha blocks. Mella blocks the knee to FACEBUSTER Sasha off the apron!! Mella gets Sasha back in as the ring count is at 7, but SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns once again, and now Sasha has Mella down on the apron. Sasha goes to one side of the corner, drags Mella up the other side, but the only direct that suplex goes is out! Mella resists for that reason, throws body shots, and then SMACKS Sasha off the post! And RAMS her into the post! Sasha tumbles down, Mella goes after her and throws her into barriers! The ref counts but Mella puts Sasha in at 5 of 10, covers, TWO! Mella grows annoyed and she talks more trash. “I’m untouchable!” Mella rains down fists and then covers, TWO! Mella drags Sasha up and bumps her off her boot again. Mella stomps Sasha, snapmares her down and wraps on a chinlock.

Sasha endures, fights up and backs Mella into buckles. Sasha returns those elbows from earlier, then rolls to come back, METEORA! Sasha goes up, swinging METEORA! Cover, TWO! Mella survives and gets up but Sasha is on her. Mella fights off the backstabber, Sasha runs but into a BOOT! Sasha flounders, Mella reels her in and goes up top, to put on a DRAPING NECKLOCK! The ref counts, Mella lets go at 4! Sasha staggers and sputters, Mella goes up, crossbody! Cover, TWO! Mella mule kicks then reels Sasha in, but Sasha trips Mella to a jackknife! TWO, CODE OF SILENCE! Sasha endures, moves around, but Mella sweeps the arms out!

Mella reaches back but Sasha pops out to get the BANK STATEMENT! The assistant puts a bottle of champagne in the ring?! The ref gets that out, but then the assistant drags Sasha out! Sasha glares at him, he is very afraid and he runs into the ring! Sasha chases him, Mella whips Sasha but Sasha reverses and fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Sasha doesn’t get, she gets disqualified!!

Winner: Carmella, by disqualification; Sasha retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship

The assistant comes back but Sasha DECKS him! And hits a BACKSTABBER! To the BANK STATEMENT!! Mella lets the assistant suffer before hitting the FABULOUS KICK! Mella fires off on Sasha now, and shouts, “What is wrong with you?!” FABULOUS KICK! Sasha tumbles out and Mella says Sasha threw the match! Mella grabs her champagne bucket and shoves Sasha’s face into it! Mella is the one furious now and asks if everyone thinks this is enough. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. But the CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE to Sasha’s back is more than enough!!

Mella pours herself a drink from one of the other bottles and has a toast to herself. Mella sprays champagne everywhere and stands over Sasha. “Who’s on whose level now?!” Mella won the match, but not the title. Will Mella prove Sasha can’t stop her from taking the title?

My Thoughts:

A pretty good SmackDown, but I feel like they’re doing the same thing with the SmackDown Women’s Championship a little too much. I feel like there have been multiple occasions in the year Fox has had SmackDown put the women’s title on the line, the match has a wonky finish, and then we get the rematch at the PPV. To be fair, this week’s iteration was pretty good because it was a surprise, but with the champagne ringside, as well as the assistant, something was going to happen. I would’ve preferred if Mella wasn’t again bailed out by a sidekick, and there was just a mishap with the champagne and Sasha losing her cool. But maybe Sasha will use this against Mella next week, saying something like “You may have changed how you look but not how you do things,” and then the rematch at TLC, maybe with a special stipulation, happens.

The Profits had a good prematch promo, and Ford had a good match with Ziggler, with Roode of course finding a way to assist Ziggler. Their tag title match will be good, but since they’re also not saving things for TLC, I have a bad feeling they’ll just do the same thing here: screwy finish, big rematch at the PPV. The Alpha Academy losing to Cesaro and Nakamura was given. I feel like Gable is being a bit two-faced with Otis here. Gable wants Otis to get better, just so it’ll hurt more when Gable keeps being the reason he loses, adding onto his woes from 2020.

We got great stuff from Sami and Big E, and their match was pretty good. Sami again finds a way to win without having to finish off his opponent, and maybe we get a match at TLC, maybe we don’t. I feel like whatever title match Sami has, it needs to be something he can’t use Champion’s Advantage in, and is hard to sneak out of. I want a Tables Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships since that is the story of Lana the last three months, but Big E and Sami could try a Chairs match, or even just a Falls Count Anywhere given Sami’s story of count outs and using the ring itself.

Bayley and Bianca had a decent promo segment together, but I’m glad to see their match is happening next week. I’d still expect Natty on commentary to return the favor from the last two times, but I’m surprised we saw her team with Billie Kay. I thought it was going to be Tamina but Tamina was basically being a Face in the segment with Sami and Big E backstage. Obviously Billie’s team loses because it wasn’t a true team like Riott Squad. I hope some team from SmackDown finally gets involved with the women’s tag titles, regardless of what happens at TLC. Corbin had a good promo to basically name his new sidekicks his “knights,” and maybe next week things start up again with him and the Mysterios-plus-Murphy.

But again, the star attraction is the story of Roman Reigns. Kevin had a pretty good promo detailing the three elements of a TLC match, Jey and Kevin had a good brawl with the items, and then Roman talking trash while beating Kevin’s ass backstage was a good way to top that off. Roman talking to the “Owens family” through the camera was great, too. That TLC match was already going to be something but now it’s personal! The story adds to the action, that being the last PPV match for WWE’s 2020 is going to be great stuff.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

21 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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