Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/19/21)

One last battle before Elimination Chamber!

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2021

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown has a Six Man of their Elimination Chamber contenders!

Before stepping inside the sinister steel, Roman Reigns’ six potential challengers battle in a Six Man Tag on the SmackDown before Elimination Chamber!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
The Riott Squad VS Tamina & Natalya; Tamina & Natalya win.
Six Person Mixed Tag: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald VS Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Bayley; Sasha, Bianca & Reginald win.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy; The Mysterios win, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan & Cesaro VS Jey Uso, King Corbin & Sami Zayn; Kevin, Bryan & Cesaro win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Edge returns to SmackDown!

The Rated R Superstar and Men’s Royal Rumble Winner still has a choice to make, but as he said a couple weeks ago on Raw, he is going to wait until Elimination Chamber has sorted things out! But he’s back on the blue brand tonight, gets a mic, and says, “It is good to be back on SmackDown headed into Elimination Chamber this Sunday!” He has a lot of decisions to make. On one hand, Drew McIntyre defends his WWE World Championship in the Elimination Chamber. On the other, Roman Reigns defends his WWE Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber.

Edge isn’t one to judge, he is an opportunist, but Roman is making the smarter play. McIntyre could lose in an instant, but Roman is defending against a man who had to survive a Chamber match. Two matches, 13 possibilities, Edge will quit talking and start evaluating. This is the biggest decision of his career. But speaking of Roman Reigns, here he comes! And of course he has his Special Counsel and his cousin right behind him. After taking his time going to the ring, Paul Heyman hands the Head of the Table a microphone, and Roman says Edge doesn’t have 13 choices, because there’s only one. That one is the 4-time, could’ve been 5, might even be 6-time WrestleMania main eventer. So Edge could pick a main eventer, or THE main eventer.

First of all, Edge remembers Roman saying he saw fear in Edge’s eyes. What he really saw was a guy playing Roman like a fiddle. Edge is supposed to acknowledge Roman as a main eventer, but he just can’t. Because Edge saw a couple weeks ago, Roman do something he’s never done before: lose his cool. Roman confirmed to Edge that Roman needs Edge to be the main event. If AJ Styles walks out of the Elimination Chamber champion and Edge chooses him, that is the main event. If it’s McIntyre VS Edge, that’s main event. Edge VS Orton, Edge VS Kevin Owens, Edge VS Kofi Kingston, those are your main events.

And now that Edge looks into Roman’s eyes, he sees insecurity. Now don’t get Edge wrong. Edge does acknowledge a man in his prime, firing on every cylinder, a “generational talent” with a long road ahead. Edge respects Roman and the Anoa’i Family. But Roman has gotten too much, too soon, and he is cracking under that pressure. And Edge hasn’t even started adding his pressure yet! So Roman needs to ask himself if he really wants Edge to focus on him, to expose the dents in Roman’s armor? Check the ego and think on that long and hard. Is that what Roman wants? But before Roman answers, here comes Sami Zayn!

“This is amazing!” Sami says it’s one thing to be disrespected by management, who have a clear conspiracy! But then to be disrespected by two of the biggest stars in the industry, that’s something else. Edge acts like it is a forgone conclusion that Roman Reigns is his choice for WrestleMania! And Roman is so worried about the threat Edge poses, he’s not looking at the threat that’s right in front of him! Sami gets in the ring and says WWE Management didn’t want Sami in the Elimination Chamber, but Sami plowed his way in! That should worry them both!

Edge, once upon a time, he was the ultimate opportunist, but Sami is the master strategist, and that should worry him. And Roman, Tribal Chief, Sami has respect. But Sami is the Champion of the People and that should worry him! So what Sami wants is for the cameramen to get this moment! Sami has his crew get this iconic shot of Sami pointing at the WrestleMania sign! Pointing at his destiny! Because no doubt about it, Sami is going to- Jey Uso SUPERKICKS Sami down! Jey just shut Sami up, and Roman and Edge stare down. Roman hands the mic back to Heyman, and then hands the belt over. Roman puts his hands behind his back! Roman whispers something to Edge, and then takes his leave. What did the Tribal Chief tell the man who could go after his title?

Big E heads to commentary!

The WWE Intercontinental Champion and Powerhouse of Positivity wants to watch this coming match! Will his former friendly rival be able to take the fight to the King of Strong Style? We find out, after the break.

Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

SmackDown returns as Big E is enjoying his TV dinner and automatic foot spa while sitting on his special couch. Nakamura makes his entrance first, then Kayla Braxton quickly interviews Apollo about his “hopes of reentering” the title picture. Have the aspirations he has affected the friendship he had with Big E?

Apollo says he’s always respected Big E and always got great advice, such as, “You can’t sit around and wait for opportunities. You got to make them happen yourself.” That’s what Apollo did last week but then Big E says he should go back to catering? Big E never respected Apollo and never got to know the real Apollo. Apollo’s ancestors are Nigerian royalty! If Big E spoke to them like he did to Apollo, he would’ve lost his tongue! Apollo says Big E is intimidated by the real Apollo. So when Apollo wins here, he’s coming for what he deserves! Apollo makes his entrance, will he force Big E to face him once again?

The bell rings, Nakamura and Apollo approach and Nakamura fires off strikes! Nakamura knees and runs but Apollo drops and hurdles. Nakamura gets around, Apollo elbows him away but runs into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura drops a knee, covers, TWO! Nakamura stomps Apollo, drags him up to a headlock, but Apollo powers out to then dropkick Nakamura down! Apollo basement dropkicks Nakamura out, then runs to baseball slide Nakamura down! Nakamura almost tips over Big E’s foldable table and spill the food! Apollo goes out but Nakamura fires off! Apollo hits back and then throws Nakamura into Big E!

Big E gets mad and tells Apollo to stop messing with him. The ring count is climbing but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Apollo snap suplexes Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Apollo drags Nakamura, whips him to ropes, but Nakamura holds ropes to stop. Apollo runs in, blocks a boot but gets an enziguri! Nakamura runs, dodges and DYNAMIC DROPKICKS! Nakamura fires off KICKS on Apollo, knocking him down each time! Nakamura whips, Apollo boots but Nakamura blocks to put him in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stomps Apollo, kicks him around, then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Apollo covers, TWO! Apollo grows frustrated and Nakamura gets up as the ref starts counting.

Big E gets annoyed that commentary keeps asking about Apollo getting another chance. Apollo blocks a punch to enziguri back! Apollo trophy lifts but Nakamura slips out to hit an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Apollo tries to get out but Nakamura makes it a cradle, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

But Apollo is a sore loser and he BLINDSIDES Nakamura! Big E gets up as Apollo throws Nakamura out. Apollo throws Nakamura into barriers! Big E glares at Apollo and tells him he needs to accept that he lost. Apollo takes apart the steel steps, but Big E steps in his way! Big E tells Apollo it’s done but Apollo tells him to get out of the way. Big E tells Apollo to put the steps down and walk away. Apollo drops the steps, starts to leave, but as soon as Big E checks on Nakamura, Apollo gets the steps! Apollo BLINDSIDES Big E with the steel, then he CLOBBERS Nakamura over barriers! “It ain’t over until I say it’s over!”

Apollo sees Big E wants to get after him, but he picks up the steps again! Apollo TOSSES the steps into the ring, and then he tells the ref to stay out of the way. Big E sits up, Apollo gives him toying kicks. Apollo drags Big E up and puts him in the ring. Apollo looms over Big E as Big E glares back up at him. Apollo grabs the steps, brings them up again, but the ref steps in the way! Big E bails out, Apollo still holds the steps up, and says he’ll put them down, ON TOP OF BIG E!! The ref and commentary freak out but Apollo shows no remorse. Medics hurry to check on Big E, what will the consequences be for Apollo crossing the line?

SmackDown returns as Big E is stretchered out.

With neck in brace, Big E is wheeled up the ramp. At the same time, Seth Rollins makes his entrance! The Savior of SmackDown of course has a mic and he says, “That’s a tragedy!” What happened to Big E is a tragedy, being betrayed by a friend is tragedy. Rollins would know about that because last week, all of his so-called friends turned their backs, walked away and betrayed him! Rollins understands Big E’s pain. If you don’t believe him, or you need a reminder, there is proof from last week. Show the footage. That is to say, a replay of Rollins’ return with the entire SmackDown roster ringside.

Rollins said it felt right to be back, and said a lot has changed, especially for him. He is the father of a baby girl, his life has changed, but his personality has not because he still insists he and he alone can lead SmackDown to a brighter future. And it was this selfish speech that made everyone else leave, refusing to #EmbraceTheVision. Cesaro stuck around the longest, but not because he understood or accepted. He was the one to tell Rollins he hadn’t changed. So Rollins attacked him for it! Daniel Bryan got Cesaro to stop, but there was still anger in Rollins’ eyes.

Rollins in the present says “that is emotional trauma. I’m still suffering.” It is unacceptable at the work place, and Rollins had to something. So Rollins’ lawyers drafted a “formal complaint” to WWE management and legal action is pending. Rollins is sure they’re going to win, but he will tell us why he’s done this. “As I stated in my letter, months and months and months went into planning our big moment, my return to SmackDown! And it was ruined!!” Not by his friends, but by a bunch of losers and cowards. They ruined it because they’re afraid! They want to divide us! They know that there are already millions and millions who have embraced the vision for SmackDown!

Rollins vows they will win because they are strong and powerful and the other side are a bunch of losers. The biggest loser is Cesaro. Cesaro took “our” moment! He took it and made it about him! Cesaro disrespected “us,” patronized “us,” and stayed behind just to look Rollins in the eyes and disrespect him. What happened? That’s not on Rollins’ hands. As far as Rollins is concerned, Cesaro asked for it. And that will happen to every single person who will stand in “our” way! Rollins says “WE” are strong, powerful winners! #EmbraceTheVision, thank you, good night. A powerful speech from Rollins, but again rather hypocritical. Will Rollins be made to see the truth?

Edge talks with Kevin Owens backstage.

A crazy couple of months, huh? But here’s the thing, Edge appreciates that Kevin might get knocked down but he gets back up, just like Edge. Kevin says Edge would be the one to understand. Edge spent the last year obsessed with a return and the Royal Rumble and all that. Because for Kevin, it’s been hell. He got so close to the title three times, and Roman found a way out. The only thing Kevin can think about is getting through the Elimination Chamber, getting at Roman one more time, and finally taking that title from him. That’s all Kevin can think about. Edge respects that and wishes him luck. It’d be great to face him at Mania. Kevin agrees. But will that be how things turn out on this Road to WrestleMania?

Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce clear a path for Big E.

The stretcher comes through and is loaded into the ambulance. Has the Powerhouse of Positivity been sidelined by the apathetic Apollo?

The Riott Squad VS Tamina & Natalya!

Ruby and Liv want to be WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship contenders just as much as this duo of second generation superstars! But with the line getting longer, will a win here convince WWE management to add them to the list?

Ruby and Tamina start and tie up. Tamina throws Ruby down hard and Ruby wobbles up to her feet. Ruby manages to hit Tamina with a forearm then a chop, but Tamina doesn’t flinch. Tamina HEADBUTTS Ruby and Liv tags in. Liv fires off kicks, Tamina grabs the leg to elbow it! Tamina drags Liv up, fireman’s carries but Liv sunset flips. Tamina stays up, brings Liv back up, but Liv goes matrix! Only for Tamina to gut wrench her up! Liv slips out, shoves and dodges to springboard, into an UPPERCUT! Tamina tags Natty in and then brings Liv up. The second gen stars mug Liv, and Natty RAMS Liv to a corner!

Natty fires off fierce fists, then gets Liv around for a rebound atomic drop, only for Liv to make it a victory roll! TWO, and Natty grabs Liv’s hair! Liv elbows free, tags Ruby, and the Squad double shotgun dropkicks Natty! Ruby fires off on Natty, rolls and runs in to forearm smash! Ruby snapmares Natty to then run and tilt-o-whirl, to forearm smashes! Natty whips Ruby away, Liv tags in, the Squad coordinates, LIV BREAKER STO COMBO! Cover, TWO!! But wait, here comes Billie Kay? She’s bandwagon-ing Natty and Tamina now! Ruby tags in and Billie gets catty, so that Natty can roll Ruby up! TWO, and Natty goes after legs! Ruby kicks Natty away, Tamina tags in!

Tamina runs through Ruby to DECK Liv! Ruby ENZIGURIS Tamina, runs, but into Tamina’s scoop, and SWINGING SLAM! Cover, Tamina and Natty win!

Winners: Tamina & Natalya, by pinfall

Billie celebrates with her new friends, who she ironically tried to team with before. But Natty shoves Billie into Tamina’s SUPERKICK! The only two these two need are each other, but will they be going after the Women’s Tag Champions before Naomi & Lana on Raw?

SmackDown shares Sasha Banks’ Daytona 500 experience!

The Boss got to wave the green flag and get things started! Her adrenaline was pumping, and she hasn’t felt that way in a long time. It was an amazing day to partner with Fox and NASCAR, it is such an honor for her.

King Corbin finds Edge backstage.

“You feel this, right?” This feels like the main event of WrestleMania. Corbin also knows Edge made his name on SmackDown. Things have changed, this is Corbin’s kingdom now. Corbin says that the next time Edge sees someone wearing a $10,000 suit and a $39,000 watch, “you bow down.” Wanna see Edge’s timepiece? It’s a phone! It takes pictures, too! He should really try it.

SmackDown presents an all new DING DONG, HELLO~!

Bayley is here, and she welcomes to the second, that is DOS, the second episode of her talk show! And she has two, DOS, huge guests, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax! Ding dong, Bayley will get it! She opens the door and there the champs are! But these two can’t agree on who goes through first so Nia pushes Shayna aside to walk in. But there’s only one seat for guests…? But hey, as the first and former Women’s Tag Champion, Bayley gets how taxing it is to be on all three brands, so she thanks them for being part of her show tonight.

Nia says she’s glad Bayley is having them, and hopes Bayley isn’t still upset that Nia and Shayna took these titles from her. What? No! Bayley is thankful! Them winning those titles helped Bayley get rid of Sasha and find herself. Look at this! She has her own talk show! If you haven’t heard, Bayley might even be taking Ellen’s place. Well the best thing she did is get rid of Sasha. Sasha is so fake and phony. Almost as bad as Bianca “ThE EsT~ oF wWe~!” Is she really stronger than Nia? Or tougher than Shayna? Whoever raised Bianca, they led her wrong. Bianca is bad, but Sasha is worse! She’s acting like she’s the sexiest thing on TV but uh, Nia’s here so…

Sasha thinks she’s the Boss, but Nia and Shayna aren’t going to take any orders from her. They’ll squash her like the little bug she is! Please, please, excuse Reginald as he defends Sasha’s good name. Sasha is like a ’96 Château Lafite, bold and timeless! Nia and Shayna are more like boxed wine. Bayley says if Reggie is going to interrupt, please the door. But he does set the plant back up so that’s nice. Nia asks the “little man” if that is a challenge. Reggie apologizes, but he is just saying Sasha is the greatest in the world. If she were to team with her “sidekick,” Belair, then these two would be former champions.

But speak of the Boss and here she comes! The SmackDown Women’s Champion doesn’t use the door, either. And she tells Reggie to NOT EVER speak for her. As for the champions, whether they like it or not, Sasha IS the Boss, and the title means she makes the rules. So yes, Bianca will choose to challenge her, because the Women’s Division revolves around Sasha! But speaking of, here comes Bianca! Bianca will get to “Shay-Nia” soon enough, but to Reggie, she ain’t so sidekick, side chick or whatever. Sasha, you first. “Girl, uh-uh.” Bianca winning the Women’s Rumble says the EST is the star of the division. No one revolves around her, they just get beat by her.

Reggie steps in first, to say they are all on the same team here. They shouldn’t fight each other. They should fight the others. How about a Six Person Tag? Wait, Bayley doesn’t want to be dragged into this! Nia shouts this should happen NOW! Get a ref!! Bayley’s second episode is going off the rails, but is there going to be such a match after the break?

Six Person Mixed Tag: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald VS Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler & Bayley!

There is, playa! Will the Boss, the EST and Carmella’s sommelier be able to best the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and the Role Model?

Bianca and Shayna start, they tie up, and Shayna wrenches to a hammerlock then headlock. Bianca powers up to throw Shayna off, and then they go again. Bianca waistlocks and SLAMS Shayna down, but Shayna gets up. Shayna elbows free, but Bianca runs her over! Bianca drags Shayna back up, Sasha tags in, and they work together to GlamEST KNEE Shayna down! They point to the WrestleMania sign together and Reggie wants to be part of that, and shows off by handspringing into the ring. They tell him to go back and wait for them to tag him in, but then Nia tags in and RAMS Sasha down!

Nia puts Sasha in the corner, Bayley tags in and she stomps Sasha. Bayley isn’t even dressed to compete, she’s stomping Sasha without shoes on! Bayley clubs Sasha and talks trash as she chokes Sasha on the ropes. The ref counts, Bayley drags Sasha over to tag in Shayna. Shayna drops elbows on Sasha’s leg and then pulls on the foot. Sasha endures, Reggie feels her pain but Sasha kicks back. Shayna SMASHES Sasha’s knee into the mat! Shayna drags Sasha up, Nia tags in, and they mug Sasha, to then feed to a scoop and SLAM! Nia covers, TWO! Nia drags Sasha back up, whips her to a corner, but Sasha gets out and Nia hits buckles!

Sasha kicks back, Bayley runs over but Sasha dumps her out! So Bayley trips Bianca up! Sasha KICKS Bayley away, Nia drags her up but Sasha jawbreakers! Tag to Reggie! But then Reggie gets face to face with Nia and steps back. Reggie wants her to take it easy, but she says he started this. They tie up and Nia doesn’t budge! Nia shoves Reggie down hard, and says she is not some cheap boxed wine! She runs Reggie right over! She throws him around, Reggie tries to drop toehold but Nia stays up. Nia tosses Reggie to a corner, but Reggie dodges and runs, only to get run over again! Nia drags Reggie around, stomps him, and then drops a leg, to miss! Oh no, not her hole!

Reggie and Nia crawl, but Sasha and Bianca trip Shayna up! They hammer Shayna down and Nia is alone. She turns around but catches Reggie’s fancy flip! Nia brags that not tonight, but Bianca and Sasha double dropkick them over! Reggie has a cover, they win!!

Winners: Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair & Reginald, by pinfall

What a turnaround for the smooth-talking sommelier! Will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions be in trouble going into their gauntlet of challengers?

Backstage interview with Cesaro!

The Swiss Superman is ready for the Six Man Tag match with his Elimination Chamber opponents. But what are his thoughts on Rollins’ comments? Well, Cesaro heard all of that. Cesaro wasn’t patronizing Rollins, he was just trying to show respect. Cesaro hoped to see a new Rollins, because he’s known him for years. He hoped we’d actually get the old Rollins! That moment could’ve been that return, but instead it was just the smug, condescending SOB Rollins was when he left. And Cesaro will keep that attack in mind. But for now, Cesaro looks to the future! Tonight’s Six Man, then the Elimination Chamber, and then taking the Universal Championship from Roman Reigns.

Edge comes by to say hey. Edge doesn’t know what’s gotten into Cesaro but he likes it. That grit, that dirt on the fingernails, Cesaro has that. Cesaro appreciates that. And Cesaro already knows what’s next after Elimination Chamber. Cesaro hopes to see Edge at WrestleMania. Will the Swiss Superman’s confidence carry him through this weekend?

Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Alpha Academy!

Father and son team up again, moving past falling short and hoping to rise up together! But will Chad Gable and his star pupil, Otis, be a huge obstacle in their path?

SmackDown returns and The Dirty Dawgs, Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, have joined commentary while drinking from red Solo cups. Seems they’re here to send a message to all the teams in the SmackDown Tag Division. Otis & Gable make their entrance, the teams sort out, and Dom starts with Gable. Gable gets a waistlock, drags Dom down and rolls him around. Dom gets up but Gable slams him back down! Dom gets up, Gable German Suplexes but Dom lands on his feet to Japanese Arm-Drag then dropkick! Dom kips up and dares Gable to bring it! Gable tags to Otis and Otis runs Dom over! Otis fires up, Rey tags in and shoulders into Otis! Rey springboards to seated senton!

Things speed up, Rey springboards but Otis catches him for a POWERSLAM! Otis drops a SPLASH, but Gable sees Dom coming and warns Otis. Otis CLOBBERS Dom and Dolph starts to feel bad for him. Gable tells Otis to do the ropes, but the ref is counting Gable! Otis SPLASHES, but the ref rings the bell!

Winners: Rey & Dominik Mysterio, by disqualification

Gable doesn’t even realize what happened, he’s just proud of his “greatest student.” The Dirty Dawgs can’t believe how dim Gable and Otis are, but Gable starts saying “this is once in a lifetime” with Rey. Otis is going up top?! The match is over but Otis SPLASHES Rey!! Gable is so proud of Otis, but what has he been teaching the Blue Collar Brawler?!

Edge comes across Daniel Bryan warming up.

Edge has been meaning to, well, thank Bryan. Bryan fighting to get his career back inspired Edge to get moving. Bryan is glad Edge is back. And if Edge wants to thank Bryan, well he knows Edge has a decision coming up. Bryan will make it easier: If Bryan wins the Chamber, and then wins the title, how about Edge chooses him for WrestleMania? Well that’s a dream match right there. One that’s long overdue. These two are in agreement, but will the Road to WrestleMania lead us to the GOAT VS the Rated R Superstar?

SmackDown returns as the Mysterios make their exit.

Dom is helping Rey up because of the devastating damage done to his ribs from Otis. Rey can be heard gasping for air, will he be okay?

Cesaro and Bryan talk backstage.

Kevin walks over and asks if they’re going to talk strategy. Well, they were talking strategy: what to do if they get a Stunner in the middle of the match. But they don’t have to worry about that, Kevin never turns on his friends. Oh, of course! But no, wait. What about that time with the New Day where Kevin was “Big O?” And then Sami Zayn once, twice… Well it is Sami but like, it was a lot of times. And there’s a big name in there somewhere, Bryan can’t remember it. Maybe he should’ve made a list?

Ha ha, Kevin gets it. Especially after last week. But last week was a big fight, Kevin was sure they were going after him first. But tonight, they are a team, and quite frankly, they all want to win this match. So don’t worry about a Stunner tonight. But definitely worry Sunday. Cesaro says at least Kevin’s being honest. But is he?

Reginald serves Carmella wine.

But she is not happy with earlier. Where was he? What took him so long to get her this fine glass of wine? Well Reggie had to make sure it was the perfect temperature and had time to breathe. So that’s what we’re doing? Playing games? No, there’s no games. Do you think she didn’t watch SmackDown!? That’s not how it looks! He was just- Shhhhhhh! SHH! Relax, she’s not mad. She totally understands that he is doing the right thing for Mella’s sake. Because if he doesn’t… Well, let’s just hope it doesn’t get there.

She drinks the wine, and hates it! Is this what he’s serving her? It’s disgusting! She throws the drink in Reggie’s face! Is Mella going to keep Reggie loyal to her? Or simply push him into the proverbial arms of The Boss?

BREAKING NEWS!

After the huge win with help from Reggie, The Boss & The EST have a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! And it’s happening at ELIMINATION CHAMBER!! Will Nia & Shayna be able to make it through the LegitEST team in order to then face the rest of their growing contender’s list?

WWE celebrates Black History Month.

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate. And if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite.” – Nelson Mandela

Six Man Tag: Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan & Cesaro VS Jey Uso, King Corbin & Sami Zayn!

The Prizefighter, the GOAT, the Swiss Cyborg, the Wolf King, the Great Liberator, and even Roman’s own cousin are all fighting for a title shot in the Elimination Chamber! But with Kevin having hit everyone with a Stunner, and with #MainEventJey having hit Sami with a Superkick earlier tonight, will either of these trios make it through the night? And to raise the stakes just a little more, Edge joins commentary! Will there be a man who stands above the rest before going into such a grueling match this Sunday?

SmackDown returns as Daniel Bryan makes his entrance, followed by Cesaro, and then followed by Kevin. The trios sort out, and Bryan starts with Jey. They tie up, go around, and Jey puts Bryan in a corner to fire off hands! The ref counts, Jey lets off but Bryan turns it around to give kicks and forearms! Bryan tags Cesaro, they double scoop slam Jey, then Cesaro goes after Jey, but Jey gets away to tag Corbin. Corbin and Cesaro circle, tie up, but then Corbin backs off to tag in Sami. Sami and Cesaro circle, approach, and Cesaro gets around. Tag to Bryan, they mug Sami, and Bryan ROCKS Sami with that EuroUpper! And then another one!

Sami gets to a corner, Bryan brings him out to whip, but Sami reverses. Bryan tries to get under but Sami just rams into him! Sami throws more knees into Bryan, then tags Corbin. Corbin drags Bryan up to DECK him with a right hand, then chokes him on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and then drags Bryan up to knee him low. Corbin throws hands, tags in Sami, and Sami argues with Corbin about it. They don’t se Bryan get away to tag Cesaro! Cesaro ROCKS Corbin, BOOTS him, then fires off EuroUppers on Sami! Cesaro whips Sami to a corner, EuroUppers, then goes corner to corner for another EuroUpper! And then the other way, and back again!

Sami flops down, Cesaro dares someone to get in, and now Jey argues with Sami. Sami says Jey and Corbin don’t have his back, and he’s right because they put him back in! Cesaro gets Sami for a SWISS SWING! They go around and around and around, for almost 20 counts! Cesaro then catapults Sami into the corner! Corbin tags in, but Cesaro trips him up! Corbin goes for a swing, but it’s not so easy. Cesaro stomps Corbin to get him going again! Cesaro gets a bit dizzy and they crasy into ropes! Fans are fired up on their screens as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns once more, and Cesaro has Corbin back in the swing! They’ve gone for at least 15! Cesaro then steps through, but Corbin scrambles! Jey tags in, Cesaro DECKS him, then Cesaro EuroUppers Corbin! Jey drags Cesaro out to whip him over commentary!! Oh, and it turns out Paul Heyman has joined commentary since the last commercial. Jey puts Cesaro back in, then basement dropkicks him in the corner! Tag to Sami and they mug Cesaro. Sami digs his knees into Cesaro while choking him on ropes. Sami lets off to taunt Bryan and Kevin, then he throws hands on Cesaro. Sami throws more hands, then tags Corbin.

Corbin brings Cesaro around to back suplex high and hard! Corbin grinds Cesaro’s arm then rams in a knee! Corbin whips Cesaro corner to corner hard, and Cesaro falls to his knees from hitting buckles. Corbin stomps Cesaro down, throws hands, but the ref backs him off. Corbin argues with the ref, Sami gets a cheap shot in, then Jey tags in. Corbin drags Cesaro around, Jey stomps Cesaro, then Jey throws hands. Cesaro counter punches but Jey keeps him from the corner with more haymakers! Jey whips Cesaro corner to corner hard, chest first! Heyman again refuses to answer a question about “What if Jey wins the Elimination Chamber?”

Jey reels Cesaro in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Jey clamps on with a chinlock and thrashes around. Cesaro endures, fights up, but Jey knees low. Jey sucker punches Kevin, and the ref is busy with Kevin so that Jey and his team can mug Cesaro! Tag to Corbin, he throws hands on Cesaro, then whips him corner to corner. Corbin runs in but Cesaro dodges to SPRINGBOARD UPPERCUT! Both men are down and crawl for their corners, hot tags to Sami and Bryan! Bryan dodges Sami to dropkick Jey and then throw hands on Sami! Bryan whips but Sami reverses, only for Bryan to go up and over. Bryan dodges Sami to hit a leaping lariat!

Bryan fires up in a corner, runs corner to corner and dropkicks Sami! Then fires off YES Kicks! The ref counts, Bryan stops at 4, then hoists Sami up top. Bryan climbs up to SUPER STEINER! Cover, but Jey breaks it! Jey superkicks at Kevin but Kevin blocks to SUPERKICK him first! Kevin aims from the apron, CANNONBALL! Bryan YES Kicks away on Sami then- No, Sami ducks the buzzsaw to roll him up! TWO, into a HUGE BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, but Cesaro breaks it! Corbin drags Cesaro up, throws him out, then storms out after him. Kevin comes around, Sami and Bryan stand up and Sami goes to the corner. Kevin SUPERKICKS Corbin off Cesaro while Sami climbs up.

Bryan intercepts Sami at the top, climbs up to join him, and SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES him! To an omoplata, to the YES LOCK!! Sami is caught, eh taps, Bryan’s team wins!!

Winners: Daniel Bryan, Cesaro & Kevin Owens, by submission

Edge is very impressed by all these superstars, but especially that right there. Corbin slides in behind Bryan, waits for him to turn around, and hits him with END OF DAYS! Kevin gives Corbin a STUNNER! Sami gives Kevin a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cesaro POP-UP EUROUPPERS Sami! Jey SUPERKICKS Cesaro! But Edge SPEARS Jey!! The Ultimate Opportunist turns around, into a SPEAR from Roman!! Just when Edge thought he was sending a message to Roman, Roman responds in kind! Roman holds up his Universal Championship, has his stacked deck ensured he will still have it for WrestleMania?

My Thoughts:

A great go-home for SmackDown, and just great overall. I knew Apollo’s Heel turn would be through snapping, but wow, I didn’t see it going this way, and I mean that in a good way. That was very strong intensity from him, and having him try and injure Big E was next level. Bringing up his ancestry might even be a way to add to his character, borderline a gimmick, but an Apollo that is high on himself is definitely the way to go for his Heel run. I’m sure kayfabe Big E will come back in time for Fastlane for what will be called “one last match” with Apollo, but for that reason, Apollo might win and act like he’s never going to give Big E his rematch, only for Big E to force him into it.

Rollins’ promo being right as Big E exits was a good use of time and a good segue, given Rollins’ focus of supposed betrayal. He is definitely foreshadowing his feud with Cesaro, and that is all the more reason I want to see Cesaro make it to the match with Roman: Rollins can screw Cesaro over, feud takes us through to Fastlane. Another Heel turn I didn’t see coming was Otis’. At least, that has to be what it was, right? The Mysterios aren’t ever going Heel, but even the solidly Heel Ziggler & Roode were confused by what we saw. I do feel that since there isn’t some kind of break-up with Gable & Otis, having them be Heels could work out for them. Otis has size and strength, and we’ve seen him angry against Ziggler & Roode in the past, maybe that is all used while he’s Heel to rack up some wins.

We got a pretty good tag match out of Riott Squad VS Natalya & Tamina, but it ended up also only being Billie trying to stick it to the Squad. She kinda does, and that’s why Natty & Tamina win, but then Billie feels instant karma because Tamina & Natty don’t care about her. The developments through Ding Dong, Hello were all very interesting. Reggie stepping in on Sasha’s behalf, and how Mella gets mad at him later, are all signs that he is definitely ditching her. The Six Person Tag win also helps give us a kayfabe reason for adding the Women’s Tag Championships to the PPV to replace the Raw Women’s Championship match since Lacey Evans is actually pregnant.

They still could’ve had Asuka call for an Open Challenge, aka default to Charlotte, but I suppose this just gets something from the SmackDown side out of the way. I’m pretty sure Nia & Shayna win because they have matches with Naomi & Lana and now Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez on their schedule, and as the strongest Heel team right now, Nia & Shayna are definitely facing the Face teams. And again, the best stuff was from the Universal title story. Edge turned the conversation on Roman, he got interactions with all the Elimination Chamber contenders, and even got to give a Spear and take a Spear.

The Six Man Tag was a great match, the interaction of those six was great, and with Roman standing tall even over Edge, it keeps the math muddied so it’s anyone’s game as far as the Chamber goes. Again, I’m really hoping it’s Cesaro that makes it to the end. His story with Rollins might screw him over, but winning a Chamber match and having a Universal Championship match would mean so much to his career and power rankings. And as I said before, even if Cesaro doesn’t make it to WrestleMania, he can definitely build up to be the star he’s always deserved to be by SummerSlam.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

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NOAH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.122 ~ 18TH FEBRUARY 2021

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

21 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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