Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (2/11/21)

The Final Boss arrives in NXT UK!

Published

3 years ago

February 11, 2021

Steven Mitchell

A new force enters the NXT UK Women’s Division!

She’s wrestled around the world and back again, and was even a semifinalist in the Mae Young Classic! Meiko Satomura joins NXT UK!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Meiko Satomura VS Isla Dawn; Satomura wins.
Amale VS Piper Niven; Niven wins.
Tag Team Street Fight: ~~The Hunt~~ Primate & Eddie Dennis VS South Wales Subculture; SWSC wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT UK has footage from earlier today!

Sid Scala hears a disturbance and hurries over! South Wales Subculture comes out of a room, and Mark Andrews tells Sid that they’re sick of the numbers game! So they just evened the odds, by taking down Wild Boar!! Will the Street Fight even be able to happen? Or will Eddie Dennis have no choice but to settle this grudge like a man?

Meiko Satomura VS Isla Dawn!

The Final Boss is here in NXT UK! And her first opponent is the White Witch of Scotland! Will Dawn’s magic have no effect on the Joshi legend?

The bell rings and Dawn circles with Satomura. They approach, trade kicks, then Satomura blocks a kick to give a kick! Dawn hobbles but comes back and ties up with Satomura. Dawn uses leverage to push Satomura to the ropes, but Satomura turns things around. Satomura lets off, to spinning back kick hard! Satomura headlocks, Dawn powers up and powers out, only for Satomura to reel her back in! Satomura hits a headlock takeover, grinds the hold, then shifts to a facelock. Satomura gator rolls Dawn around, drags her up and throws a EuroUpper! Dawn ducks the buzzsaw but the headlock returns! Kay Lee Ray watches from the VIP section as Dawn elbows free.

Dawn throws forearms and EuroUppers on Satomura, then snapmares to KICK her! Satomura gets right up to KICK and EuroUpper in return! Satomura whips, Dawn reverses but Satomura WINDMILL KICKS! Dawn flounders into more KICKS! Satomura wrenches, trips Dawn up, then wristlocks. Dawn endures, but Satomura KICKS the arm! Satomura drags Dawn up to club the elbow, then KICKS her down! Dawn shakes her head and refuses to stay down. Satomura goes to suplex but Dawn blocks and suplexes back! Satomura fights that off, throws knees, but gets caught to a PERFECT PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Dawn almost beat the Final Boss but she fires off more kicks!

Dawn runs to KNEE Satomura against ropes! Then she runs to METEORA! Cover, TWO! KLR likes what she sees as Dawn drags Satomura to a drop zone. Dawn climbs up, but Satomura gets up to throw forearms! Satomura climbs up, brings Dawn up, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Both women are down but the BT Sports Studio audience is fired up! Satomura rises first, and she kicks, Dawn ducks but the BUZZSAW comes back around! Cover, TWO!! Dawn survives and fights back to hit a SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Dawn is seething as she drags Satomura up. Dawn throws forearms but Satomura gives them back! They brawl to their feet, keep going, and Dawn gets the edge.

Satomura back kicks, EuroUppers, then DDT’s Dawn right down! Satomura runs, HANDSPRING KICK! Satomura drags Dawn up, Dawn breaks free but Satomura KICKS her again! SCORPIO RISING!! Cover, Satomura wins!

Winner: Meiko Satomura, by pinfall

KLR applauds “The Best in the World” and her successful debut! But will she have to worry about the Final Boss being her next challenger?

Rampage Brown and Joe Coffey were asked to meet at the UK Performance Center.

Johnny Saint addressed them via video call. Saint’s been watching both men lately, and he has to say, the only people that want to see them fight more than him and the fans, is these two! So it’s happening! Brown VS Coffey in a “proper heavyweight scrap!” Joe says it was good to see Rampage, and is glad he’s here, but lets him know this is still his kingdom. What happens when the Rampage goes after the Iron King’s throne?

NXT UK hears from Dani Luna.

“There’s a special feeling about walking into a room, knowing that you’re the strongest person there.” The Welsh strong woman’s power got her this far. And if powerlifting ever taught her something, it’s that you don’t stop pushing until you get what you want. Luna is looking to be a better version of herself every day, until she reaches “the very top of the tower.”

NXT UK hears from Aoife Valkyrie.

“Despite everything, despite my success, flying has become a struggle. To hear the birds, you have to become part of the silence.” But there’s a shadow of doubt nesting in Aoife’s mind. They make her feel so heavy. The time has come for her to take her chance. But what if she falls?

NXT UK shares Meiko Satomura’s thoughts from after her match.

First in Japanese, and then in English, Satomura promises to make NXT UK her home, and tells KLR that she’s ready for her! Is the battle of the Final Boss and the Scary Queen of Scots going to happen sooner rather than later?

NXT UK presents an all new Supernova Sessions!

Noam Dar welcomes us back and says, “live from the moon,” it’s another Supernova Sessions. Dar’s therapist tells Dar that it is important for Dar to share his emotions and tell us all how “Baby Supernova” feels. Pffft, the therapist also says that feelings aren’t facts, yet whenever he feels like the best, it’s a fact! Dar shouts to Alan to get his therapist on the phone and FIRE her! Dar’s perfect the way he is! But for now, Dar is honored to welcome tonight’s guest, one of the best on the planet and a lifelong pal, the East End Butcher, Sha Samuels! Sha makes his way out and hugs with Dar. They have snacks, the 5K Ultra Hi-Def, but Sha doesn’t like the “guest chair.”

You’re right, that chair is for idiots! Sha is a superstar, just like Dar, so they get to sit together on the Supernova Sofa! Dar and Sha feel like New York! Who would’ve thought? They would’ve thought! Dar and Sha are where they are supposed to be! But what riles Sha up, what gets on his nerves, is that half the roster wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sha’s hard work! And then when Sha finally gets signed, they wanna name him “Ed Harvey?” He’s SHA SAMUELS! Dar calms Sha but Sha says it isn’t okay. Sha didn’t grind for 18 years just to be treated like a joke! Dar knows it hasn’t been all champagne and scales, but a long hard road.

Dar was on that journey with Sha, but let’s talk about the good times. There has been some champagne, and here’s a story! Picture Sexy M, Blackpool City Center- Sha says Dar can NEVER tell that story in public. Right, sorry. But enough about the past, let’s go to the future. Dar is a big deal in NXT UK. He has a lot of sway. Whatever Sha wants, Dar can make it happen. But Sid Scala interrupts to say Dar can’t just go making matches. This is meant to just be an interview show. Sha asks where Saint is! Sid is the help who sweeps up and makes the tea! Dar explains Sha that this is Sid! Sha claims he was just having a laugh.

But Dar admits he does get ideas above his station, but they can’t deny that Sid and Saint owe Sha for that name change stuff. Dar says Sha exemplifies the heritage of British wrestling, but he has to keep Sha calm as he negotiates an idea. Picture this: Sha Samuels VS A-Kid for the Heritage Cup Championship! Even tonight! Sha’s ready! But where’s A-Kid? In Madrid with his trousers up? Where is A-Kid?! Sid says there was a mistake made and they do owe Sha, but he and Saint will discuss the idea. Dar says that’s good, so Sid should go make that call. Time is money! Bye-bye now!

Sha and Dar are excited, and Sha has a story to tell now! Dar’s first European weekend in Amsterdam- NO! NO! Mama Dar watches the show! That’s all for now! Will Sid give Sha the match with A-Kid?

NXT UK hears from Nina Samuels.

The Leading Lady heard what Xia Brookside had to say, “and you will be delighted to know that I accept your request for a rematch.” But it has to be on Nina’s terms! Nina has arranged an “oh so special” stipulation. The loser… Or rather, when Brookside loses… she becomes Nina’s personal assistant for an entire month! And then all will be right with the world when Brookside has to carry Nina’s bags. Will Xia make sure to write a happy ending to this sequel?

NXT UK hears from Trent Seven.

“I know I’m probably the oldest fighter on the roster, but I still know there’s a part of me that can change, that can adapt, that can become better.” Those are the words Seven said on December 17th. Seven now says that it is an important thing to find that motivation, that spark to get going. Things are tough at the moment, there are a limited amount of outlets right now, and Seven is lucky to have the UK Performance Center. Seven feels the pounds coming off while he also gets stronger. Plus, it is just something to do right now. Even the process of lifting weights and using energy, the adrenaline pumping, he feels good.

Devlin’s challenge of dropping 30 pounds, and mocking his stomach, is what pushes Seven to go after the Cruiserweight Division goal of 205 or less. Seven wants the title, that’s the whole reason this all works. It is tough, but Seven will push himself, and the reward comes when he beats Devlin to become the new Cruiserweight Champion.

Amale VS Piper Niven!

The French Hope returns, ready to represent her country in her pursuit of the NXT UK Women’s Championship! But Piper the Viper just wants another shot at her archenemy in Kay Lee Ray! Will Piper’s road back block Amale’s own path to the top?

The bell rings and Piper circles with Amale. Amale talks trash in French, then SLAPS Piper! Piper SLAPS Amale back! And clobbers her with Polish hammers! Piper hip tosses Amale, then runs to BASEMENT SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Piper kicks Amale to a corner, stomps away, but the ref backs her off. Joseph Conners creeps out to remind her who cost her against Jinny. Piper tells Conners to leave or she’ll remind him of it, too! But Amale goes after Piper and bumps her off buckles! Amale runs in to hit a splash, then she fires off forearms! Amale sweeps the legs and runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Amale is shocked!

Amale is after Piper, clubs her then pushes her around, but Piper throws body shots back! Piper swings but into Amale’s hooks! Piper fights off the exploder and she HEADBUTTS Amale down! Amale ends up in a corner, Piper runs in to CANNONBALL! Piper hoists Amale up, PIPER DRIVER! Cover, Piper wins!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

Piper keeps her eyes on Conners, and he mockingly applauds her victory. Will Piper get her revenge on him and on the Spoiled Princess soon enough?

Sid Scala shares highlights from the NXT UK Tag Team Championship contract signing.

Gallus’ Mark Coffey & Wolfgang sit down with Pretty Deadly, Lewis Howley & Sam Stoker, and they all signed on the dotted lines. Their match will take place in two weeks, on 2/15/21! Pretty Deadly says they’re in Gallus’ head, but Gallus says Pretty Deadly are just overstaying their welcome. Pretty Deadly feels unbeatable and those gold belts will be on the waists of the golden boys! But will Gallus Boys still be on top?

NXT UK looks closer at Ben Carter.

The British Prodigy of Pro-Wrestling has already made a huge impact on the WWE, but he’ll be back next week to do it all over again!

IT’S OFFICIAL!

It seems Sid and Saint only needed to talk it over a little bit, and now the match is happening! Sha Samuels WILL challenge A-Kid for the Heritage Cup Championship, and it is happening NEXT WEEK! Will the East End Butcher prove he represents the UK best, even under British Rounds Rules?

Tag Team Street Fight: Primate & Eddie Dennis VS South Wales Subculture!

Even without the Wild Boar, the war will rage on! But the Welsh Dragon doesn’t even wait to be in the ring! He and Primate are attacking Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews backstage! Primate pummels FMW and Dennis has already slammed Andrews through a table! Dennis shouts, “You thought there wouldn’t be consequences, huh?!” Dennis throws Andrews into the wall, then he and Primate RAM a road case into him! And again! Primate BOOTS FMW down then drags him over to gorilla! Then CLUBS him to ringside! Dennis follows and says it’s a bad day to be prey! Primate tosses FMW around, kicks him down, then roars at the ref! The ref says this isn’t even a match yet!

Primate puts FMW in the ring, Primate and Dennis follow, and the bell rings! FMW dodges and Primate POSTS himself! FMW fires off on Dennis but Dennis shoves him away. FMW boots Dennis then comes back to tilt-o-whirl, ETON RIFLE! Cover, TWO!! FMW staggers over to a corner but Primate returns! FMW kicks Primate down, leaps over Dennis then dropkicks him out of the ring! FMW throws off his jacket and glares at Dennis as he gives chase. But FMW sees Primate’s sucker punch coming, dodges and KNEES him down! But Dennis LASHES FMW with his belt! Dennis LASHES FMW again! And again! Dennis tells Primate to get FMW up, and he does, with a scoop slam!

Dennis LASHES FMW again! FMW fights up, tears at Dennis’ shirt but Primate CLUBS him down again! Primate bumps FMW off the apron, then TOSSES him over the barriers! Primate hops over the barriers to claw at FMW’s face! Dennis follows and tells Primate to pick FMW up again. Primate stands FMW for Dennis to slap around. The Supernova Sessions set is still there and they start brawling that way! FMW body shots Dennis but Primate CLUBS FMW down! Dennis and Primate bring FMW around the way, beat him down, but wait! Andrews is up on the scaffolding, and he SUPER MOONSAULTS onto them all!!

BT Sports Studio is in shock as all four men are down on the floor! Primate and FMW kick at each other, FMW hits Dennis, Andrews gets up and goes after Primate. Dennis and FMW brawl by the ThunderDome style screen wall, and Andrews stomps Primate. FMW CHOPS Dennis, Andrews CHOPS Primate, and then SWSC throw haymakers! Dennis and Primate body shot and knee in return, and Dennis throws FMW into barriers! Primate clubs away on Andrews’ chest over and over and over! Dennis drags FMW up but FMW body shots back! The brawling continues, Andrews gets Primate down to rain down rights! Dennis scoops FMW, aims for a post but FMW slips off to POST Dennis!

FMW hurries to the apron, Andrews CHOPS Primate, FMW CANNONBALLS onto Dennis! Primate whips Andrews HARD over the barriers! Primate then springboards off the barrier to CLOBBER Andrews! We’re finally ringside as Primate drags himself up and Andrews crawls. The ref checks on Andrews, he has some blood in his mouth, but Dennis is bringing out chairs! Primate storms around and grabs a chair for his own! Andrews and FMW hurry and get their own chairs! Everyone has a chair, they all get in the ring, and they chairs clash like swords! Andrews JAMS Dennis, Primate SMACKS Andrews, FMW SMACKS Primate, Dennis JAMS FMW!

Dennis swings low on Andrews, he jumps over and SMACKS Dennis down! Primate thrusts at Andrews but Andrews dodges and SMACKS him down, too! Dennis JAMS Andrews’ bad leg! FMW uses his HELMET to guard a chair shot then SMACK Dennis!! Cover, TWO!! Dennis survives but FMW checks on Andrews. Primate clobbers FMW and hammers away! Primate drags FMW up to back suplex, but Andrews lands on his feet! FMW SLAPS, CHOPS, but Primate avoids the back hand! FMW puts his hands up to fake Primate out, and HEADBUTTS him down! But Dennis has a kendo stick and SMACKS the Modfather down!! Andrews hobbles up and Dennis says, “It’s always you!”

Andrews slides under the kendo strike to PELE Dennis! Andrews fires off haymakers and CHOPS! Dennis kicks the bad leg again! Andrews clutches the knee, Dennis drags him up, suplexes but Andrews STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRES! Andrews crawls his way to a corner, climbs up top, but Primate KENDO STRIKES Andrews down! Andrews again clutches his leg as Primate and Dennis regroup. Primate drags Andrews up for Dennis, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Dennis gets a chair, sets it down, drags the bad leg over, and SMASHES the knee on it!! Primate stomps away on the leg! Primate stands on the leg for a CALF CRUSHER!!

Dennis gets in Andrews’ face to taunt him, but Andrews just SLAPS Dennis over and over! Primate lets Andrews go but how is Andrews’ leg even still there? Dennis grabs Andrews’ leg, and puts it in the chair! Primate hits FMW down, hands Dennis another chair, and Dennis says, “This is for a DECADE of you using me!” But FMW grabs the chair from Dennis! Enziguri for Dennis, then the RUDE BOY BLOCK for both Primate and Dennis! FMW rallies with lariats, then baits Dennis into a BOOT! FMW goes up to missile dropkick Dennis down! Primate clubs and whips but FMW reverses to send Primate out! FMW triangle dropkicks Dennis down!

FMW runs to the other side, triangle jumps again, but Primate CLOBBERS him! Andrews hobbles and runs, to SUNSET FLIP!? Primate holds ropes, but FMW KNEES him down into the BOMB!! But this has to end inside the ring, and Primate and Dennis are both down on the outside! SWSC drags Primate up, Dennis slithers into the ring to grab a kendo stick, but SWSC takes those away from him! And now he’s right where they want him! Dennis begs for mercy! There is no mercy here!! They kendo stick SMACK away on Dennis over and over and over! The sticks start to break! Dennis writhes in stinging pain, and now SWSC look to add on!

SWSC goes out, looks under the ring, and bring out a TABLE! They put the table in as Dennis apologizes. It’s too late for that, Dennis! FMW stomps Dennis, then helps Andrews put the table up and in a corner. Andrews kicks Dennis down, he and FMW mug Dennis with forearms and haymakers. They bounce Dennis off the wood then set him n the table. FMW climbs the corner with Andrews, but Primate is returning! Andrews hurries over to DECK Primate, then he slingshots! Primate avoids whatever Andrews was after and Andrews hesitates from his bad leg. Primate gets Andrews for a HUGE German Suplex!

Dennis saves himself from the table, but FMW still SWANTON BOMBS over it! Cover, Primate breaks it! Primate clubs FMW down, FMW CHOPS back and fires off over and over! Dennis goes after FMW but he CHOPS away! Primate OVERHEAD SUPLEXES FMW into buckles!! Dennis shouts for Primate to set the table up and Primate stands it up in a corner. Dennis drags FMW up to the crucifix, but Andrews returns to save FMW! Andrews DECKS Dennis, slingshots but leaps into Primate’s SPEAR!! Dennis grits his teeth as he gets up and sees FMW is still stuck up top. Dennis CHOPS FMW on the back, brings him to the crucifix, SPLASH- STEINER!!

FMW counters the bomb to a rana, Primate runs but Andrews sends him CRASHING THROUGH THE TABLE!! The referee hurries to clear the wreckage and check on Primate. SWSC climb up corners and take aim at Dennis and Primate! SHOOTING STAR and 630 SENTON at the same time!! Cover, SWSC wins!!

Winners: South Wales Subculture, by pinfall

“Brutal” doesn’t even cover this! This was wild, this was vicious, this was a war! Is this the last Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews have heard of Dennis and The Hunt? Are they finally getting away from their past to head for the future?

My Thoughts:

Such a good episode! Great, even! Satomura VS Dawn was a great match, but of course it was only so long. Satomura VS KLR is going to be a great match, too, but it’s really interesting how this works. Is KLR’s reign going to include defeating such a powerful opponent? Samuels VS Brookside the rematch has a stipulation, but sadly not the one I was hoping. It is a conditional for story so I am pretty sure Samuels wins to make Brookside follow her around for promo segments. I don’t want that, that doesn’t give us anything fun on the other side. It should go both ways, and it should still be a No Disqualification match with the luggage as the main weapon.

Amale VS Piper was good but naturally Piper won. The interesting detail was Conners being ringside, indicating we will get another go around of Piper and Jinny. I wonder if Piper gets a tag team partner so that it can be a mixed tag match for someone to get revenge on Conners on Piper’s behalf. Aoife had a good promo, and the visuals make me wonder if she’s going to get more of the supernatural elements in her character. The Supernova Sessions segment was good, Dar and Sha must be shoot best pals because their chemistry was automatic. And Sha VS A-Kid will be pretty good for A-Kid’s newest defense, but I feel like it’d be slightly hilarious if for a minute, Sha didn’t realize the British Rounds rules were in effect. There’s also a good chance Dar will try to help Sha, which could help or hurt.

We got a good vignette from Trent Seven, but I’m a bit disappointed we only got a slideshow of the tag team contract signing press conference scene. Though what the heck are those outfits from Pretty Deadly? That tag match is going to be pretty good though, but I can’t see Gallus losing just yet. Though maybe they are, and Pretty Deadly are going to be Heel champions to freshen things up. The Street Fight was amazing stuff! The storytelling of Boar being taken out before the show, then the battling backstage and to the ring, it was all good stuff.

I almost thought the Heels were winning this and that would’ve been a bit disappointing, but SWSC finds a way to pull it off, and it was awesome! I’m expecting Pretty Deadly VS SWSC for the tag titles in the Spring, maybe as a way to make WWE Network being absorbed into NBC Peacock be a big deal. That first NXT UK episode aired here in America having a big card would be the perfect way to do that.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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