Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/29/21)

Who will have the last word before the Rumble?

Published

3 years ago

January 29, 2021

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown heads for the Royal Rumble!

Before battling over the Universal Championship, Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens will have a “war of words!” Who will have the last say before it’s Last Man Standing?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bianca Belair VS Bayley; Belair wins.
King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio; Corbin wins.
Daniel Bryan VS AJ Styles; Bryan wins, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: Daniel Bryan, Big E & Shinsuke Nakamura VS AJ Styles, Sami Zayn & Cesaro; Bryan, Big E & Nakamura win, by disqualification.
10 Man Tag: AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, The Miz & John Morrison VS Daniel Bryan, Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Otis & ???; Bryan, Big E, Nakamura, Otis & Sheamus win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Daniel Bryan is in the ring!

SmackDown opens with the ThunderDome screens giving the “YES! YES! YES!” fingers as Bryan gets the mic to welcome us to the show. “And welcome to Royal Rumble Weekeeeend~!” Now that we’re so close, as his daughter likes to say, we’re just two sleeps away. The excitement is boiling up. Bryan’s done a lot in his career and he’s proud of it all, but there’s one accomplishment he hasn’t done. There is one mountain still to climb, and that is winning a Royal Rumble match. And winning means challenging the WWE World or Universal Champion at the MAIN EVENT of WrestleMania! “And nobody knows more about how life changing it is to be in the main event of WrestleMania than I do!” And to climb that mountain one more time means getting past 29 other men and winning the Rumble.

But here’s the honest truth. Bryan isn’t sure how many more Mania moments he has left. But Bryan knows that if he wants to accomplish his dream one more time, that means winning the Rumble. And here’s the other thing: The Alpha Academy has Bryan ready! Mental focus, cardio for days, and hips are strong! Whether as #1 or #30, Bryan is ready for anything, which you have to be because it is unpredictable and anything goes! You will see best friends use every fiber of their beings to throw each other out! Bitter enemies will work together to gain an advantage! You’ll see surprises, tricks, and… AJ Styles?! Raw’s Phenomenal One, and the massive Omos, are here!

Styles says we will see him throw 29 others over and out to earn his spot at WrestleMania! Bryan knows both brands are competing at the Rumble, but this is SmackDown, not Raw. Glad to see him, but c’mon. What’s he doing here? Styles says what is he doing in the House That AJ Styles Built? It’s so simple. Omos says it’s the Brand to Brand Invitation! By the way, formal introductions of Styles’ personal colossus. And yes, Brand to Brand! But it’s not a secret that Styles has been a gatekeeper to the Rumble for Raw. Ever since declaring, Styles has seen everyone else copy him. But they have to go through him first! And Styles crushed their hopes and dreams!

Speaking of dreams, Bryan talking about the Rumble, he doesn’t look ready. He has a sports coat and slacks. They may be on other brands, but is Bryan a GM again? It’s almost like Bryan has one foot out the door. Bryan says he doesn’t have a foot out the door anywhere, and certainly not when it comes to this ring. But if Styles wants, Bryan can prove it. They can go 1v1 in a match tonight! Well, that sounds like a challenge. Styles has been getting ready beating people on Raw, so he’d love to get one last warm-up right here tonight. Then Styles shoves Bryan down! Bryan keeps his cool, gets back up, but Omos is right in his face. Or rather, way above his face.

Bryan says if Styles has any guts, he’d have the match without Omos ringside. Styles doesn’t answer but Bryan adds one more thing. With or without Omos, Bryan will still kick Styles’ ass! The challenge has been issued, will we see a phenomenal showdown on the SmackDown before the Rumble?

Backstage interview with Bayley!

The first-ever Women’s Grand Slam Champion and a favorite to win the Women’s Royal Rumble match doesn’t want anyone to skip over the fact Bianca Belair was left down after their obstacle course challenge. But after watching the WWE Chronicle special on Bianca, Bayley has to give her respect for showing strength and charm. However, Bianca ran away from all of her problems for over half her life! DING DONG, HELLO~! Bayley is the biggest challenge she’ll ever face, so Bianca can’t run away from it at the Rumble or here tonight. So when Bayley beats Bianca again, Bianca can crawl into the darkest hole in her life!

Bianca Belair VS Bayley!

The EST won the “Ultimate Athletic Obstacle Course Challenge,” even after the Role Model rigged it in her favor! But the longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion in history is a bit of a sore loser, so now things will be settled in a match! Will Bayley back up all her boasting? Or will Bianca prove she really is the toughest in the WWE?

SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance. The bell rings, Bayley and Bianca circle then tie up. Bianca powers Bayley back, the ref counts, and Bianca lets off. Bayley is frustrated already as she circles with Bianca again. Bayley kicks low, wrenches the arm, then yanks on it. Bianca scoops Bayley with the good arm to slam her down! Bayley goes to ropes, Bianca shakes out the bad arm and the two talk some smack before circling again. Bayley shoots in, waistlocks then clubs away on the bad shoulder! Bayley wrenches, but Bianca reels her in for a suplex! Cover, ONE! Bayley gets away to a corner and Bianca storms over, but Bayley goes to the apron.

The ref starts the ring count, Bayley comes back at 4 and circles with Bianca again. They feel out the grapple, Bayley kicks then clubs away on Bianca’s back! Bayley brings Bianca up to throw her down! Bayley paces, runs and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her focus and kicks at the bad arm! Bianca backs away but Bayley gets her up for an armbar DDT! Cover, TWO! Bianca gets to the corner, Bayley rushes in but the ref has her stay back. Bayley grabs Bianca’s hair to pull on it and shouts, “DING DONG!” Bianca DECKS Bayley and fires off with hammering fists from the good arm! And then she stomps Bayley down!

Bayley gets to a corner, Bianca whips her corner to corner but Bayley reverses. Bianca goes up, manages a handspring and then RAMS Bayley back! Bianca hammers away again and gets Bayley down but Bayley scrambles to the apron. Bianca backs off, and Bayley hotshots the bad arm! Bayley gets in but Bianca dropkicks her! And kips up! Bianca hits a standing moonsault on Bayley’s back! Cover, TWO! Bayley gets to the rope then out of the ring again while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Bianca hurdles over Bayley then catches Bayley out of the air to put her in a corner! Bayley staggers into a powerbomb lift, for the ALLEY-OOP! Cover, TWO! Bianca keeps her cool as Bayley crawls away to a corner. Bianca runs in and RAMS into Bayley! And again and again and again! The ref counts, Bianca lets off, then runs back in, but into knees! Bayley grabs the arm as she goes up top, for a TORNADO ARMBAR DDT! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives but Bayley is furious. She shouts at Michael Cole that she’s NOT jealous of Bianca, and reels her in, but Bianca rolls her up! ONE, Bayley KNEES Bianca down! Cover, TWO!!

Bianca survives again but Bayley stands on the bad arm to pull it! Bayley drags Bianca up to CLUB the arm, then hammerlocks the arm to stomp. Bayley goes to the corner, climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW to the bad shoulder! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Bianca gets Bayley in a ghost pin, TWO! Bayley hooks the arm, La Magistrol, TWO! Bianca runs in but into a takedown to jackknife, TWO! Bianca manages the bridge, spins Bayley around, but Bayley fights the backslide! Bianca ROCKS Bayley with a forearm, then reels her into the chicken wings. Glam- No! The bad arm gives up!

Bayley is after Bianca, whips her, but Bianca does a one hand handspring! Bianca pops Bayley up to flapjack off buckles! Then a torture rack to KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca wins!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

That was perhaps the biggest win in Bianca’s career! Bianca is definitely the toughest after enduring all the pain in her arm, but can she keep it going against 29 other superstars?

Kayla Braxton interviews Bianca on stage and says this has been a huge week already! How does it feel to cap it all off with a win here? Bianca says Bayley has been trying to make her apologize for being herself but #GirlUhUh. Bianca will never apologize for just doing herself. Bayley isn’t her role model, even though she was a 380 day champion. It’s crazy that Bianca won after everything else that happened, and yes, this IS the biggest win of her career! But she isn’t stopping here. The only thing bigger is winning the Women’s Rumble this Sunday and putting the EST in WrESTleMania!

AJ Styles talks with Omos backstage.

But while we can’t hear what’s being said, we do see Cesaro join the conversation. The Swiss Cyborg is going to be in the Men’s Rumble, too, will Styles have to worry about him at some point?

King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio!

The Wolf King walks to the ring, but that’s when Dominik strikes! The son of Mysterio wants payback in the worst way, but will he get it when SmackDown returns from break?

SmackDown returns and Rey Mysterio has joined commentary for this match as the bell rings. Corbin powers Dom to a corner and rams into him over and over! The ref counts, Dom throws hands to back Corbin back! Corbin powers Dom back again but Dom keeps throwing hands! Corbin throws Dom, but Dom dodges the corner attack! Dom leads Corbin on cat ‘n’ mouse then KICKS Corbin in the ropes, to then slingshot KNEE him out! Dom then slingshots to PLANCHA Corbin on the back! Dom gets back in and dares Corbin to bring the fight! Corbin is furious and he paces as the ring count climbs. Corbin shouts at Rey about this but then gets in to miss Dom and get more hands!

Dom runs, Corbin scoops, Dom wheelbarrows but Corbin makes that a BIG back suplex! Corbin drags Dom up, and hits another back suplex! Corbin glares at Rey, then drags Dom back up. Corbin tells Rey he’s going to “put a dent in your boy’s head” before he DECKS Dom! Corbin looms over Dom, drags him back up, and throws another big haymaker! Dom staggers to a corner, Corbin runs in, but Dom boots back! Corbin just scowls and clotheslines Dom back! Dom staggers to another corner, Corbin runs in but only gets POST! Dom waits, gets up the corner, and goes up to missile dropkick!

Rey coaches from commentary as Dom hits a slingshot senton! Cover, TWO! Dom grows frustrated but he hurries to bring Corbin up for hands. Corbin ROCKS Dom, then whips Dom, but Dom kicks back! Dom runs, wheelbarrows and throws Corbin to ropes! Dom dials it up, 619 BLOCKED! Corbin has Dom in the ropes, yanks him out, but Dom lands on his feet to run and tri again! Corbin blocks the rana to haul Dom up, but Dom still headscissors Corbin into buckles! Dom runs in, goes up, but is sent flying into ropes! Dom flounder sup, Corbin whips, scoops, but Dom hits a TILT-O-WHIRL DDT! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives and Rey is jumping out of his seat!

Corbin goes to the apron, Dom is catching his breath, but Dom hurries over to springboard. Corbin avoids the dropkick, hauls Dom up and HOTSHOTS Dom hard! Then Corbin reels Dom in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: King Corbin, by pinfall

Corbin conquers Rey’s son, then goes after Rey! Corbin scoops him but Rey slips off to POST Corbin! Rey is on the apron and he hits a seated senton! Rey hurries to Dom’s side, and the Mysterios regroup. Will they come up with a game plan that can trump the Wolf King?

Big E talks with Sonya Deville backstage.

The newest WWE official is looking dapper, but can she let him know what his Royal Rumble number is? He slips her… $1. Yes, but an Arby’s coupon is on it’s way! But then The Miz & John Morrison walk over?! They must also be using the Brand to Brand Invitation. And they ask about Adam Pearce. Well after the whole thing of Pearce putting himself in a match with Paul Heyman, certain people pulled certain strings, and Pearce is on a break. Pulling strings to get what you want, how terrible. Okay, guys, what’s going on? Big E asks why these two had to bring their Raw stench to his show.

As Sonya just said, it’s Rumble Weekend! And the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, and Kevin Owens have a Last Man Standing match for the title. Well, things could get interesting. Really interesting. CHA CHING. Morrison says Miz is playing smart with the prize he took from Otis. Like the stock market. Did you know you could make money betting against stocks? It’s called short-selling, and Morrison’s about to make a fortune off GameStop! Sonya says she has business to take care off, but best of luck to you all at the Rumble. Big E says he likes the social commentary but he has stuff to take care of, too.

Oh what’s he gonna do? Do some squats? It’s not a bench press competition! They all laugh it up, and Big E says that’s as funny as these two being over the hill yet thinking they have a chance in the Rumble. Morrison hits first and it’s a 2v1 brawl! Big E hits hard and throws Miz harder! Big E and Morrison still brawl, the referees and officials hurry to break it up! Will there be another surprising Brand to Brand battle tonight?

BREAKING NEWS for WWE Backstage’s Royal Rumble Special!

For the first time ever, WWE Backstage will feature a match! Natalya VS Tamina, the winner is the NUMBER 30 ENTRANT to the Women’s Rumble! Which second generation superstar gets the biggest advantage on Sunday?

Sasha Banks walks backstage.

Kalisto sees her and says hey to the “sexy mamacita,” but then Carmella’s sommelier, Reginald comes by. Is that even his real name? But Reggie is offering her a gift from Mella. She asked him to pick the perfect wine to go with losing a championship. Oh is that so? Oui. Well, Reggie, they may have had their problems, but she admits there’s something she likes about him. Maybe his French accent, or how he finds the best wines for Mella. Does he freelance? Could he help the Boss? Maybe. Then what is the best wine to drink with a broken jaw? Sasha thinks the finest champagne is in order when she crushes Mella’s dreams like a grape! Actually, he needs to take this because he could use a drink. Sasha heads off, will she be drinking the FABULOUS tears of the Staten Island Princess?

Sami Zayn talks Shinsuke Nakamura.

Isn’t it suspicious that guys from Raw are showing up? And Sami isn’t sure what’s going on with Nakamura and Cesaro. Are they splitting up? Nevermind, that’s too personal. But c’mon, they used to be pals, right/ The Artist Collective! Sami has done a lot for Nakamura as the “Great Liberator,” so to be honest, Nakamura should repay the favor and help Sami. Sami needs help getting the Intercontinental Championship back after Big E stole it from him. Big E is against him, Apollo Crews is against him, the entire WWE management is out to get Sami! But this would be good for Nakamura, too! Cesaro’s doing his own thing, and doing great. Nakamura was great a few week sago, but then what? He’ll just float around alone?

The best work Nakamura has ever down in the WWE was with Sami. Nakamura’s debut in NXT was magical, because of Sami. Nakamura’s Intercontinental Championship reign was historic, because of Sami. Everything he’s done here in the WWE is all because of Sami! So can Sami count on Nakamura to watch his back? Nakamura tells Sami that he appreciates everything Sami’s done for him. But he can go to hell! The King of Strong Style leaves Sami alone, but will Sami make him regret that?

SmackDown has Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens via video.

Michael Cole asks the challenger, Kevin, what will be different this time about their WWE Universal Championship match this time so that Kevin can finally win? Kevin says there won’t be any difference. As far as Kevin’s concerned, he beat Roman twice. Those matches had Jey Uso make sure Kevin didn’t win the title. It might happen again this Sunday. But the difference is it is Last Man Standing, and there is nothing anyone can do to Kevin to keep him from getting up again and again, as many times as he needs, until he IS the Last Man Standing.

Paul Heyman says they can stop right here. He doesn’t want to expose Roman to this. Heyman won’t let Kevin talk about the Tribal Chief, the best of the best, the Head of YOUR Table, in that way! Kevin will speak to and of Roman Reigns with reverence and respect! Kevin chuckles and asks Roman if he’s going to let Heyman rehash everything he’s used on everyone else. Wouldn’t be Kevin’s move, but hey. Roman says Kevin wants to make excuses and talk about family. Roman tries to understand what makes Kevin tick so he’ll bring Kevin’s family up. What kind of man was Kevin’s father? Kevin’s father is a great man. Just watch where you’re going, Roman.

Is Kevin’s dad a smart man? Yeah, very smart. And if Roman’s smart, he’ll heed the warnings. Roman needs to think carefully about what he’s going to say. Roman isn’t trying to make Kevin made, he just wants to understand why Kevin doesn’t understand his own limitations. Maybe it’s because his dad didn’t teach him. Kevin isn’t built for this. Kevin isn’t supposed to be here. He’s not a Bishop, Knight, Rook or Queen, he is a PAWN. And Roman is the King! “Everything revolves around me! And you still don’t understand this.” Kevin wants the title but he can’t have it because he is inferior! And this Sunday, Kevin has no chance and it’s not even his fault. Roman doesn’t blame Kevin. Kevin should blame his family. The fact Kevin thinks he has a chance makes him a fool. And that means Kevin’s father is a fool. And if Kevin’s father is a fool, then so was his grandfather.

Kevin knows Roman is still trying to play games. Everyone heard Kevin’s speech about his grandfathers before he kicked Roman’s ass. But both those men are very important to Kevin because they were with Kevin from the start. Kevin will repeat himself one more time: “Watch what you say next.” On Sunday, they’ll be in the same ring. Roman says Kevin still doesn’t understand. Maybe one day Kevin will. Maybe when Kevin meets his grandfathers again, they’ll make him understand. “My God, Kevin, what a disgrace you’ve been to our families. Why did you not acknowledge him as our Tribal Chief?”

Kevin throws his water bottle and says the only thing his father and grandfathers would ever want him to acknowledge Roman as is what he is: A delusional jackass who comes every week, surrounded by Yes Men to whisper in his ear how great he is. Then Roman puts this community theater version of a mafia boss, a cool tough guy, when he’s just hiding the fact that he’s nothing but an insecure bully. When Kevin looks in the mirror, he sees exactly who and what he is, and that is the person his parents, grandparents, wife, kids and the rest of his family would be proud of! And after the Rumble, Kevin will still see that same Kevin, but as UNIVERSAL CHAMPION!

Heyman has the cameras shut off in their room, so Kevin storms off. Will all of that passion help Kevin wipe Roman’s arrogant smile off his face?

Daniel Bryan VS AJ Styles!

“YES! YES! YES,” we are getting the showdown between the GOAT and the Phenomenal One! And to prove to Bryan that he can do this on his own, Styles has Omos go back to the back! But with both men wanting to win the Royal Rumble, will this rematch be a tune-up or a reckless risk?

SmackDown returns and Cesaro joins commentary as the bell rings. The two tie up right away and Bryan gets a headlock to takeover. Styles slips out and the two tie up again. Styles gets a headlock and takeover, we focus more on commentary but Styles gets Bryan to a double knuckle lock cover. ONE as Bryan bridges, and Bryan even supports Styles’ weight! Styles jumps again, Bryan counters with a monkey flip, then rolls back, to bring Styles up only for Styles to flip him back! Styles rolls but Bryan gets the arm to an ARMBAR! Styles uses his foot for the ropebreak and Bryan lets go fast. Bryan gets Styles in a corner, wrenches the arm and hits an elbow breaker!

Bryan wrenches, whips corner to corner, then runs in but into Styles’ boot! Styles goes out but into a drop toehold Bryan PENALTY KICKS the arm! Styles clutches the hand, Bryan is right after the arm and pulls on the arm. Styles endures, Bryan hammerlocks, but Styles fights up to put Bryan in a corner. Bryan digs an elbow but Styles rams his shoulder in! Styles headlocks, Bryan powers out but Styles runs him over! Things speed up, Bryan hurdles and KICKS Styles down! Cover, ONE! Bryan keeps on Styles’ arm with a knuckle lock and twist of the wrist. Bryan wrenches but Styles digs fingers into Bryan’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Styles swings but Bryan dodges to CHOP!

Bryan brings Styles up, whips him to ropes but Styles reverses to kitchen sink knee! Styles brings Bryan up, suplexes, but Bryan fights that off with knees! Bryan underhooks to snap Half Hatch! Bryan gets to a corner, but here comes Sami Zayn?! Sami has his #SAMI signs, and Styles knocks Bryan off the corner! The Great Liberator is working as a great distraction while Styles brings Bryan up to whip him into steel steps! Bryan is in a bad spot as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Styles stomps away on Bryan while Sami “protests” all around ringside. Styles drags Bryan up, CLUBS him down, then brings him back up to suplex. Bryan kicks back, gets to a corner, and then dodges Styles as he runs in! Bryan CHOPS then whips but Styles reverses. Bryan goes up and over and keeps moving to duck and dodge and LEPAING LARIAT! Styles flounders, Bryan runs in to dropkick! Bryan unleashes Yes Kicks, then hoists Styles up top. Bryan climbs up, and hits a SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Bryan grits his teeth while Sami complains, “I will not be silenced!”

Bryan wrenches Styles to an elbow breaker! Styles blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Bryan crawls but Styles hobbles over. Styles stomps Bryan, throws forearms, then wraps the leg around the ropes. The ref counts but Styles enziguris Bryan! Styles runs to KICK the leg! That inner thigh shot was a close one, and Sami tells everyone to show their support for #SAMI, Stand Against Moral Injustice. Styles gest the leg for a CALF CRUSHER! Bryan endures, drags himself and Styles over, and gets the ropebreak! “Now you do your job properly, huh, ref?!” Sami says the ref didn’t do that for him when Big E “stole” the IC title.

Styles goes after Bryan in a corner but Bryan BOOTS Styles away! Styles runs back in but Bryan puts him on the apron. Styles ROCKS Bryan, springboards, but Bryan catches him to a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! And the ARMBAR!! Styles moves, Bryan rolls him to the YES LOCK!! Styles scrambles more, reaches over, and gets the ropebreak! But here comes Big E! The Intercontinental Champion is here to see Sami’s “protest” in person, but Sami doesn’t want a fight. Sami is being peaceful. Big E gets that, but then CLOBBERS Sami anyway! Big E drags Sami up to throw him over the announce desk! Cesaro almost got hit and is upset with Big E. Big E shoves Cesaro, and they brawl!

But then Bryan DIVES onto everyone!! Styles avoids being hit and he puts Bryan in! Bryan counter punches Styles, throws haymakers, but Sami attacks Bryan!!

Winner: Daniel Bryan, by disqualification

Sami rains down fists on “this piece of crap,” and Cesaro drags Big E in, too! They’re brawling, but here comes NAKAMURA! Wait, which side is the King of Strong Style on? He goes after Sami with an ENZIGURI! And then a heel kick for Styles! But what about his tag partner, Cesaro? Sami CLOBBERS Nakamura, so Nakamura hits him back! Nakamura, Bryan and Big E throw out Styles, Sami and Cesaro! The Swiss Cyborg asks what the heck as SmackDown goes to break!

Six Man Tag: Daniel Bryan, Big E & Shinsuke Nakamura VS AJ Styles, Sami Zayn & Cesaro!

SmackDown returns and a match has been made out of the battle lines drawn! Which of these Royal Rumble participants go in with major momentum?

Cesaro whips Nakamura, Nakamura throws Cesaro down but Cesaro dodges the sliding kick to hit a basement EuroUpper! Nakamura goes to a corner and Cesaro whips him corner to corner! Cesaro runs in, Nakamura dodges to KICK! Nakamura runs but Cesaro boots, only for Nakamura to catch it and spin Cesaro sideways! Nakamura KICKS Cesaro, runs side to side and hit a SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura gets back in to cover, ONE!! Nakamura drags Cesaro over, Big E tags in, and Big E throws big body shots! Cesaro EuroUppers and knees back, then CLUBS Big E on the back! Tag to Sami and they mug Big E as Sami jabs and jabs!

Sami rains down fists on Big E, clubs and elbows away on him, then says HE is still champion! Things speed up, Big E hurdles and CLOBBERS Sami down! Cover, TWO! Big E drags Sami up, headlocks and tags in Bryan, and they mug Sami in return. Bryan CHOPS Sami, tags Big E back in, and they double whip Sami for a double hip toss! Big E pushes Sami down to cover, TWO! Big E keeps Sami from his corner to throw more body shots! Big E wrenches, tags Bryan back in, and Bryan climbs up to drop ax handles on Sami’s arm! Bryan brings Sami up, wrenches, whips, but Sami kicks him away! Sami CHOP BLOCKS a leg!

Bryan is down, Sami tags Styles in, and Styles continues where he left off with Bryan, ash e SWINGS the bad leg into the post over an dover! Bryan clutches that leg as Styles finally stops and SmackDown goes to another break!

SmackDown returns again and Cesaro drags Bryan up into a one legged SWING, to the HALF CRAB! Bryan endures, but Styles tags in and stomps the leg down! Styles has the leg for a DDT! Styles keeps on that leg with a knee breaker! Tag to Sami and Sami pushes Bryan down to rain down right hands! Sami taunts Big E and the ref has to keep him back. Sami brings Bryan back up to bump him off buckles. Sami hoists Bryan up top, throws hands, then climbs up to join him. Bryan resists the suplex, throws body shots, then headbutts him down! Bryan adjusts, leaps, and hits a missile dropkick! Both men are down and fans rally on their screens as they crawl!

Sami grabs Bryan’s leg, Bryan gets free, hot tags to Big E and Cesaro! Cesaro runs into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Styles springboards into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Cesaro gets up for a BELLY2BELLY! Big E runs, but Cesaro springboards to FLYING EUROUPPER! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Big E up and in, but Big E back drops out of the Neutralizer! Cesaro lands on his feet but runs into the Urenag-E! Cover, TWO! Big E fires up and claps it up, but here come The Miz & Morrison!? The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century stare Big E down but they have to get through Nakamura! They go after him, then go after Big E!!

Winners: Big E, Daniel Bryan & Shinsuke Nakamura, by disqualification

Sami joins in as Miz ‘n’ Morrison mug Big E! FLYING CHUCK HART ATTACK! Miz rains down fists, but here comes OTIS!! The Blue Collar Brawler finally gets a chance at payback for what Miz did to him all of 2020! Otis CLOBBERS Morrison, TOSSES Miz, then blocks a kick to TOSS Morrison! Otis runs to DISCUS Morrison! Morrison and Miz end up in the same corner, and Otis SPLASH SANDWICHES them! Both Miz ‘n’ Morrison are down, and Otis hits a DOUBLE CATERPILLAR ELBOW! But SmackDown goes to break, what will we get when it returns?!

10 Man Tag: AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, The Miz & John Morrison VS Daniel Bryan, Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Otis & ???

What a wild development! But after adding a LOT of extra weight to this match, who finally comes away with massive momentum for the Men’s Rumble?

The bell rings and Bryan starts with old rival, Miz, and they fire off fast hands! Miz gets Bryan down but Bryan trips Miz up! Bryan rains down fists, but Miz gets a leg and hits a DDT on the foot! Miz stomps away on the leg, drags Bryan up and whips him out of the ring! Miz goes after Bryan, and gives the leg a SHIN BREAKER to the desk! Bryan flops down, Miz BOOTS him, then Miz talks trash to Otis and Big E as they come over. Miz puts Bryan in the ring, has the leg, and steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Bryan endures, Miz talks trash, but Bryan drags himself around. Miz keeps on the hold, Bryan grabs at Miz’s head and throws hands! Bryan punches his way out of the leglock!

Miz tags Sami and Sami drags Bryan up to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives, even after everything he’s been through tonight! Cesaro tags in to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO! Cesaro dead lift suplexes Bryan, holds him up then SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Morrison, he stomps Bryan’s leg then rains down forearms! Morrison stomps Bryan more, drags him up, then tags Miz in. The Greatest Tag Team mug Bryan together, then Miz tags Styles in. Styles and Miz split the wishbone! Miz mocks Bryan’s pain and Styles grins as he drags Bryan up. Bryan hits Styles back with body shots, but Styles CLUBS Bryan!

Styles bumps Bryan off buckles, throws forearms, then whips him to ropes. Bryan ducks and dodges but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down, their teams fire up and reach out. Sami coordinates his team and they all go over to trip up Bryan’s team! Miz stomps Nakamura, Cesaro RAMS Big E into barriers and Morrison stomps Otis! Sami tags in and he gloats as he circles Bryan like a vulture. But wait! Is that SHEAMUS?! It seems this is meant to be a 10 man after all!! Sami is distracted, Bryan ROUNDHOUSES him down! HOT TAG TO SHEAMUS! The Fella rallies on Sami, then DECKS Miz! Sheamus clobbers Sami in the corner, then runs to KNEE LIFT!

Miz runs in but gets a PUMP KNEE and then Sheamus clotheslines Miz out! Sheamus headbutts Morrison and gives him Beats of the Bodhrain! Sami rolls Sheamus up, TWO! Sheamus gets Sami for the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! And then the CLOVERLEAF! Sami endures, but Morrison gets in to HOOK KICK Sheamus down! Otis scoops Morrison for a SWINGING SLAM! Cesaro DOUBLE STOMPS Otis! Big E scoops Cesaro for a BIG ENDING! Miz gives Big E the FINALE!! Nakamura hits a DYNAMIC DROPKICK, but Sami gives Nakamura a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!

Sami turns around and sees Sheamus in a corner. Sami runs in, into a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus and team win!!

Winners: Sheamus, Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan & Otis, by pinfall

But Miz and Morrison mug Sheamus anyway! Styles adds on, too! But here comes BRAUN!?!? The Monster Among Men is back!! And he’s tearing off his shirt so he can tear into some meat! The Strowman Express hits Styles, then Sami, then CHOKE SLAMS Cesaro! Sami gets up, Braun scoops him for a MONSTER SLAM!! And then one for Cesaro!! The Miz and Morrison have run far away, so Braun TOSSES Cesaro, scoops him again, and hits ANOTHER MONSTER SLAM!! Are 29 other men about to #GetTheseHands in the Rumble?!

My Thoughts:

Well, this wasn’t the best go-home, but that ending was wild! Bryan VS Styles was a great idea all alone, but then things escalated twice. Teddy Long would be proud, to be honest. Six Man Tag then a 10 Man Tag with a mystery tenth man was a clever way to feature as many superstars before the Rumble as they could. They didn’t give things enough time to breathe so that we could learn it was a 10 Man and not a big Handicap Match, though it was that until the last moment. I wonder why they didn’t have the space… Oh right, all the recaps we didn’t need! I left those out because we didn’t need them. But if they spent less time on those, maybe we could’ve had Sonya explaining to us herself that she set up a 10 Man and then was scrambling to find a 10th man.

The Faces win, but Sheamus gets the finish because he isn’t really being seen as a favorite to win. And then Braun making a surprise return was great stuff, honestly, because it really was a surprise, and he got to bulldoze everyone and is right in the Rumble with momentum and perhaps a shot at winning it. But I will say, there were a LOT of Brand to Brand Invitation users this time, with Braun, Sheamus, Miz, Morrison and AJ Styles showing up. I have a feeling much of this was because COVID concerns that naturally kept McIntyre away from the ThunderDome may still be in effect for some SmackDown stars. To be honest, the Brand to Brand worked out for more than just ratings grabbing tonight.

I also like that we’re getting some story integration and progress when it comes to Sami, Nakamura and Cesaro. Nakamura and Cesaro ended up on opposite ends of the chaotic tag match scene tonight, foreshadowing that they are splitting and possibly feuding. Would love for them, Sami, Apollo, Big E and one other to have an Intercontinental Championship match for Elimination Chamber in the Chamber. After all, depending on how things go in the Rumble, SmackDown might win and the Universal title will already have a challenger for Mania. Roman, Heyman and Kevin had a really good promo segment together, but Kevin getting the last word makes it clear he won’t be the Last Man Standing. Maybe Roman cheats, maybe Roman just beats the hell out of Kevin from the bell, but I’m thinking Kevin does keep getting up after some devastating spots.

Sasha Banks had a decent segment, and I’m pretty confident she retains at the Rumble. WWE Backstage is coming back as big as they can, by actually having a match as part of the show! Natalya VS Tamina for the 30th spot is a fine way to get eyes on the returning talk show, but I feel like it would’ve been just fine to have that match here tonight to bring this go-home up a level. We only got two matches in the first 75 minutes! Corbin VS Dom was alright, but Corbin wins again because apparently whatever plan it is they have/had for Rey to introduce Dom to someone to train him can’t happen yet! Not even by video chat! And what happened to Buddy Murphy and “the Knights of the Wolf King” anyhow?!

Bayley VS Bianca was much better but that is only one match. It was great for Bianca to win, it is clear she is going to be big on main roster in 2021, but I wonder if it’s through the Rumble. She’s standing tall tonight and that usually doesn’t mean winning is in the immediate future. But she will definitely have something, perhaps a SmackDown Women’s Championship Contender’s win at Elimination Chamber. And I really like how it could be WrESTleMania. The word “wrestle” gets spelled a lot and yet those three letters get taken for granted, so that was a really clever thing to point out.

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

20 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!