Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/5/21)

Edge returns to SmackDown!

Published

3 years ago

February 5, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Is the Rated R Superstar going to challenge the Tribal Chief?

The SmackDown After Royal Rumble will have the Rated R Superstar, EDGE!! Will he put Roman Reigns on notice for a WrestleMania challenge?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio; Dominik wins.
Daniel Bryan VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan; Bayley wins.
Chad Gable & Otis VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler; Roode & Ziggler win.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Big E VS Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn; Big E wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE and SmackDown mourn the loss of “The Natural,” Butcher Reed.

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, and still WWE Universal Champion has Paul Heyman and Jey Uso with him again after outlasting Kevin Owens in the Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble. Heyman fetches Roman a mic while fans give thumbs down on their ThunderDome screens. Roman says he’s not “big on the past,” or a fan of recapping. But if you didn’t see The Rumble, Roman beat Kevin. Just like he said he would, because he’s a man of his word. But enough about the past. Let’s talk the future. Apparently, the future could be Edge. Winning the Royal Rumble match gets you a first class ticket to WrestleMania. And last time Roman checked, he’s the main event.

“Which brings me to my issues. I have two issues here. Me, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the best of the best, THE WWE Universal Champion, the main event. Why in the hell are you going to visit Monday Night Raw? Why are you going to waste your time on Wednesday going to NXT, when you already know you should bring your ass right here, to SmackDown, Roman Reigns’ show. You should grovel at my feet, beg me, sell me, on why I should allow you on the Island of Relevancy.”

And that brings Roman to his second issue. Why the hell is he out here first? Where the hell is Edge? Roman says Edge makes the mistake of disrespecting him all week long, but Roman is a gentleman, and will let that slide. But now Edge is making Roman wait? The Head of the Table has to wait? He’s here, isn’t it? Then get his ass out here, Paul. Heyman tells them to play Edge’s music, with the pyro and everything. But the crew says Edge isn’t here yet. Heyman relays this to Roman and Roman is noticeably annoyed. “Edge isn’t here?”

So then Edge must think Roman’s a fool. Is Roman a fool? Does he look like a fool? Does he look like a man who wants to wait and play games? Why is Edge playing games with Roman?! “The last man that played games with me… His name was Kevin Owens. And he’s no longer here anymore, because I whooped his ass. He’s history, he’s gone, you’ll never see him again.” Fans give thumbs down even harder now at that idea. Roman tells Edge “nicely” that Edge needs to understand this. This is Edge’s only chance. “You’re going to give me your decision by the end of the night.” Roman repeats that to make a point. But will he have no choice but to play things the ultimate opportunist’s way?

King Corbin VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio!

Is the third time the charm? We’ll find out as the Son of Mysterio tries to battle the Wolf King yet again! But wait, Corbin attacks during Dom’s entrance! He CLOBBERS Dom, then hits Rey! Corbin goes to throw Rey but Rey blocks, so Corbin knees him low! Corbin TOSSES Rey off the stage, and Rey hits spare boxes on the way down! Corbin KICKS Dom in the side, then leaves him behind. Will Dom be able to have this match after what just happened?

SmackDown returns and Dom IS going to have this match! The bell rings, Corbin runs in but Dom drop toeholds him into buckles! Then dodges again! Corbin slides out, in, but into a dropkick! Dom goes after Corbin at the rope but is thrown out. Dom gets right back up to shoulder in then slingshot and roll up for another dropkick! Cover, TWO! Corbin is after Dom by a leg, drags him up and SPINEBUSTERS him! Corbin rains down fists, lets off as the ref checks on Dom, but then hits Dom again. Corbin puts Dom in the corner to choke on the ropes! The ref counts, Corbin lets off, and we see medics are checking on Rey.

Corbin whips Dom corner to corner hard, then runs in to corner splash! Cover, TWO! Corbin sneers as he stalks Dom and drags him up. Corbin throws elbows into Dom’s shoulder, then clamps on with a chinbar and half nelson combo! Dom endures, fights up, and throws elbows to get free! Dom runs, but into an elbow from Corbin! Corbin mockingly applauds as he looms over Dom. “I thought daddy’s been training you!” Corbin sits Dom up to DECK him! Corbin digs his knees into Dom’s face while pulling on the arm! Dom endures, fights up again, and throws body shots. Corbin knees low, whips Dom to ropes, but Dom kicks back! Dom baits Corbin in to dump him out!

Dom aims, springboards, and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down, and Rey finally stands! Rey hobbles over to coach Dom and Dom stands as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Dom is fighting Corbin off from the corner. Dom leaps, but Corbin catches him, to then pop Dom up. Dom fights out of the suplex and hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Dom grows a little frustrated but Rey coaches him. Corbin choke grips, but Dom slips out of the slam to roll Corbin up again! TWO, and Dom dodges Corbin to send him into ropes! Dom dials it up, but Corbin blocks the 619 with a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Dom survives and Corbin is frustrated now. Corbin drags Dom up, whips him corner to corner, then runs in.

Dom dodges, Corbin only gets buckles, but Corbin blocks the monkey flip! But Dom body scissors to throw Corbin out! Dom builds speed, DIVES and sends Corbin into the desk! Dom hurries back in, but where did Rey go? He pops out to anchor Corbin! The ring count climbs, Dom hits a 619!! Corbin is in, Dom climbs up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

That was a very Latino Heat way to win! But one win might not be enough, can Dom find a way to keep Corbin down on his own?

Backstage interview with Big E!

The Powerhouse of Positivity has to face both Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat, how has he prepared for this? “All my life I had to fight! And that’s exactly what I signed up for when I won THE Intercontinental Championship.” Much like Lady Liberty, Big E wants them to bring him your hungry, your tired, your poor, your bearded and your bald! Sami and Apollo are those last two. But tonight, for the prize, they’ll do just that! They’ll FIGHT! But they ain’t ready~! Will Big E be ready in tonight’s big title bout?

Daniel Bryan VS Cesaro!

Though neither won the Men’s Royal Rumble, the YES Movement still owes the Swiss Cyborg for their match a few weeks ago! Will Bryan say yes to a win in this Road to Rumble rematch?

SmackDown returns as Cesaro makes his entrance. The bell rings and both men rush the other to tie right up! Cesaro powers Bryan to a corner, Bryan dodges the chop to give KICKS! Cesaro throws body shots, Bryan gives EuroUppers but Cesaro gives those back! Bryan drop toeholds Cesaro and PENALTY KICKS an arm! Bryan is after that arm with a wrench, elbow breaker and whip. Cesaro reverses the whip but Bryan kicks back! Cesaro runs at Bryan but Bryan tosses him out! Bryan climbs up, aims and leaps, and CROSSBODIES Cesaro down! Bryan gets Cesaro back in the ring, then climbs up again. Cesaro turns around into the missile dropkick!

Bryan fires up, fans clap on their screens, even give Yes Fingers, and Bryan gives Cesaro Yes Kicks! Bryan wrenches, Cesaro claws at him but Bryan hits another elbow breaker. Bryan waistlocks, Cesaro switches and back suplexes, but Bryan lands on his feet. Bryan runs into a pop-up but he catches the EuroUpper to a backslide! TWO, and Cesaro BLASTS Bryan with another EuroUpper! Shinsuke Nakamura is watching from backstage as his teammate, Cesaro, and rival, Bryan, are battling. Cesaro brings Bryan up to throw more EuroUppers! Bryan catches one to throw Cesaro down! Cesaro holds off the armbar but gets caught into an omoplata!

Bryan wants the crossface, Cesaro fights the YES Lock off, and gets free to roll Bryan around! Cesaro powers Bryan onto his stomach to throw knees into his side! Cesaro drags Bryan up, Gotch holds, but Bryan back drops! Cesaro lands on his feet, runs and springboards, into a YES KICK! Bryan aims and powers up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives but he has blood from the side of his head! Bryan shakes his head as he looms over Cesaro. Bryan drags Cesaro around by his wrists, for DANIELSON STOMPS!

Bryan aims from a corner now, powers up with Yes Fingers, but Cesaro catches the running knee to a tilt-o-whirl and TORTURE RACK! Then a BACKBREAKER DROP! And the Swiss Swing!! Bryan goes for roughly 20 rotations, Cesaro steps through and puts on the SHARPSHOOTER! Bryan endures, reaches, Cesaro sits deeper! Bryan TAPS, Cesaro wins!!

Winner: Cesaro, by submission

Two times these two have battled in just the last month, and two times Cesaro has won! Is the Swiss Cyborg finally breaking through to be at the top of the WWE? Cesaro even shows respect to Bryan with a fist bump! What will this mean for Bryan as he personally feels his in-ring career is winding down?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair!

The EST is the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, and she’s gotten so much support and congratulations from the WWE Universe. Most of all, her parents were on Instagram through Bianca’s account, and they were literally jumping with joy! Her dad even fell over the couch! Bianca says her family has been there for her in the good and the bad, so she wants to make them proud. They might not be there at WrestleMania in person, they will be there in spirit. But then who is she going for at WrestleMania? Raw Women’s Champion, Asuka? Or SmackDown Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks?

Bianca knew that question was coming. But this is the biggest decision of her life! Many have told her to take her time, think it over, but this is WRE-STLE-MA-NI-A!! If she was listening to those who told her what she should do, she wouldn’t be here! So the EST is going to be put in WrestleMania her way, so expect her decision very soon.

The Savior of SmackDown is going to return!

He returned in this year’s Royal Rumble match, and the greater good is still on the horizon. Next week, he returns!

Bayley heads to the ring!

The Role Model is clearly upset that not only is she not the Women’s Rumble Winner, but also that it is BIANCA who won! But she’s going to stake her own claim, after the break!

SmackDown returns and Bayley is in action! Will this be the first step on the road to redemption?

Bayley VS Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan!

Billie Kay is also on commentary even though she is “allegedly” out of the Riott Squad. The bell rings, Bayley ties up with Ruby and they go around. Bayley puts Ruby in a corner, brings her back out and just shoves her back in. “I’m strong as hell, that’s why I eliminated you!” Bayley rubs that part of the Women’s Rumble match in and she throws Ruby down again. DING DONG, Ruby ROCKS Bayley! Ruby wrenches and RIOTT KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and shocks Ruby but Ruby clubs away on Bayley’s back. Bayley shoves Ruby away, Ruby drags her up and whips, but Bayley reverses to send Ruby into a corner!

Ruby elbows back, hops up, but no Deadly Nightshade! Bayley has Ruby on her shoulder to LAWN DART Ruby back into the corner! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives, Bayley snarls, and Billie is very concerned. Bayley stomps Ruby, grabs Ruby’s legs and drags her to an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Bayley is after Ruby’s bad arm and clamps on. Bayley grinds the shoulder, pulls on the arm, but Ruby endures. Ruby fights up, rams Bayley into buckles, and then gets space. Ruby runs back in but Bayley dodges. Bayley turns around into DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby hoists Bayley up top, Bayley hits her away, but Ruby goes up and hits a SUPER ARM-DRAG!!

Both women stagger up, Ruby runs but Bayley catches her! Ruby slips out to roll Bayley up, TWO! Bayley ROCKS Ruby then throws her right into ropes! Ruby sputters, gets to the apron, and Bayley slides out! This is the move Bayley used to eliminate Ruby but Ruby fights it off! Ruby mule kicks Bayley away, but Bayley HOTSHOTS Ruby back! Billie thinks Liv needs to do something, but Bayley put son a KEYLOCK CLUTCH! Billie distracts the ref with her antics, Liv argues with Billie about it, but Ruby throws Bayley down to cover! TWO, and Ruby wrenches. Bayley steps over, ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

Billie says that’s not her fault, she was genuinely trying to help. But then Billie bandwagons and asks if Bayley will consider her as a partner. Will Billie ever find the place she belongs?

Bianca Belair is headed to gorilla position!

She said she’d give us her decision soon, is it this soon?! We find out after the break!

Edge finally arrives!

The Rated R Superstar says hey to Sonya Deville on his way through. Will the Ultimate Opportunist take Roman’s ultimatum seriously?

Bianca Belair heads to the ring!

The EST is perhaps the happiest person in the world right now given her Rumble win. She gets the mic, takes a breath to calm the nerves, and says, “When I won the Rumble, my whole life changed overnight. And ever since Sunday, I’ve been doing press nonstop, my phone’s been blowing up,” and she’s had to just respond, “New number, who dis?” But choosing an opponent for WrestleMania is a huge decision. Asuka from Raw, her undefeated streak and her other championships. Not just the Empress of Tomorrow but the empress of all day, every day! And of course, SmackDown Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks! A Grand Slam Boss, whooping bounty hunters in a galaxy far, far away! There’s a reason Bianca is so excited every time she’s teamed with Sasha.

But if Bianca wants to put the EST in WrestleMania, then she has to- Wait, who is this interrupting? Reginald is here to say before making a decision, here’s some advice. If Bianca chooses Asuka, he can see that, and understand it. He is quite certain Bianca could defeat Asuka. But if Bianca says Sasha Banks, well… Reggie doesn’t see it. To put it this way, as he slides right into the ring, “You know damn well you can’t beat Sasha. You can’t even beat Carmella!” Speaking of, here comes the FABULOUS Princess! Mella says her sommelier is a wise man. Even when he gets a little overexcited.

Mella says let’s not forget about how Mella beat Sasha in her very first match against her! That means Mella beat Sasha TWICE! And despite all of Bianca’s hype, Mella is certain she can do the same thing to her. But speaking of, here comes the champion! Sasha Banks stands on stage with a mic of her own to say, “Carmella… With all due respect, I’m gonna stop looking in my rear view, and start focusing on the road that’s ahead.” And for Bianca, she has Sasha’s attention. Sasha has seen Bianca has been in two Women’s Rumbles and setting records each time! And she lasted nearly and HOUR to stake her claim in the main event of WrestleMania!

Sasha’s been watching closely. Bianca picked up Otis, so she IS the StrongEST. She chased down and beat Bayley so she IS the FastEST. But the BEST? Sasha doesn’t see it. So if Bianca is going to choose Sasha, then choose her. Because Bianca has it all, but not the title. Sasha holds the belt up, Mella just rolls her eyes, but Bianca nods. Reggie steps in on Mella’s behalf and says Bianca got lucky in the Rumble. If she does choose Sasha, she will lose. Bianca about to pop off and even Mella thinks Reggie should just move along. Bianca LASHES Reggie with her hair whip! Be gone, fool! Even Mella thought that was funny. But will it be no joke when the EST finally does choose a champion to challenge?

Roman Reigns talks with Jey Uso in their VIP room.

Paul Heyman comes by to say, “It’s confirmed this time. Edge is finally here.” Will the Head of the Table make moves to force Edge’s hand in this game?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn!

Kayla says Sami has been the “thorn in the side” of Big E, and Sami cuts her off to call her a corporate shill! Now she’s twisting the narrative to make him a bad guy! Ever since his title was robbed from him in a Lumberjack Match he never agreed to, there have been countless injustices! He can’t even list them all! He has his film crew here capturing it all, and tonight we’ll finally get a happy scene! Sami will reclaim HIS title and become the UNDISPUTED Champion of the People!

Chad Gable & Otis VS Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler!

The Alpha Academy is still going strong, and are ready to show the Dirty Dawgs that they are good champions, but they will be tested like never before! #GetTheseHIPS! But with a new theme, are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions going to be… GLORIOUS?!

The teams sort out, Gable starts with Ziggler, but the Street Profits get in on this by being special commentary via video! Ziggler and Gable circle, goes after a leg, but the Profits heckle Ziggler for trying that on an Olympian! Gable blocks, rolls to a press, ONE as Ziggler gets a rear mount. Gable fights up, Ziggler uses a facelock and fisherman, ONE! Gable facelocks again, Ziggler wrenches and gets a wristlock, but Gable rolls and bridges to then handspring and wrench back! Gable headlocks, flips and drop toeholds! Ziggler scrambles to ropes and Gable lets off. Ziggler kicks out of the ropebreak, then shoves Gable to the champions’ corner.

Gable fights out but Ziggler DROPKICKS him down! Ziggler drags Gable to a cover, TWO! Tag to Roode and Ziggler feeds Gable to Roode’s knees! Roode drags Gable up, whips and KNEES him, then reels him in for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Roode clamps on with Gable as Profits say that’s some 8K confidence right there. Hi-definition, no commission. Roode keeps on Gable with a clinch but Gable throws body shots. Roode knees low, whips Gable to ropes but Gable sunset flips! TWO, to an ANKLE LOCK! But Roode powers free, hot tag to Otis! Otis rallies with big elbows and shoulders! And an EXPLODER! ZIggler runs in, for a FLAPJACK!

Otis runs and DISCUS LARIATS! The Profits are fired up as Otis corner splashes Roode! Roode is down, Gable coaches Otis, for the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Tag to Gable, but Ziggler POSTS Otis! Ziggler gets in to superkick but Gable blocks to CHAOS THEORY! But Roode hits Gable with a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, the Dirty Dawgs win!

Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

The Profits admit that was good and applaud. But the Dawgs are dodging the Profits, but you can’t dodge forever! Roode & Ziggler get away from an angry Otis, but will they only have so much time left to avoid Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins?

Hulk Hogan looks back on The Main Event, 2/5/1988!

33 years ago, 33 million watched The Immortal Hulkster take on the rotten, cheating Andre the Giant! That makes Hogan think on Edge going after either Drew McIntyre or Roman Reigns! Both men are in big trouble, because Edge has the love of the millions of Hulkamaniacs! So what’re they gonna do when Edge picks one of them, and Edge-O-Mania runs wild on them?!

Edge talks with Shinsuke Nakamura backstage.

Is the Rated R Superstar getting advice from the King of Strong Style on who to choose?

WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Big E VS Apollo Crews VS Sami Zayn!

It’s time to #ThinkBig and fight hard because the Powerhouse of Positivity is up against both his rival and his antagonizer in one match! Will Big E still be the champ when there’s no champion’s advantage and no knowing what’ll happen?

SmackDown returns and Sami makes his entrance, with his camera crew following behind. The introductions are finally made, Big E’s legs are splayed until the belt is raised, and the stakes are higher than usual as the bell rings!

Sami talks trash but Big E chases him off! Apollo rushes in but Big E elbows him away. Apollo still gets a roll up, TWO! Apollo headlocks, Big E powers out and things speed up. Big E hurdles then elbows Apollo down, and now Sami strikes! Sami throws hands, CHOPS, and whips. Big E reverses, and then back drops Sami hard! Sami bails out, Apollo runs in again and headbutts Big E! Apollo GERMAN SUPLEXES but holds on, to GERMAN SUPLEX again! Apollo hits a third and covers, TWO! Sami CLUBS Apollo down then throws hands. Sami whips, Apollo reverses to CLOBBER Sami! Sami scrambles away, Apollo glares at Big E and runs in to SPLASH!

Apollo goes the other way, to SPLASH! Big E dodges to SPLASH back! Then Big E CLOBBERS Sami! Big E runs into Apollo’s mule kick! Apollo whips but Big E throws him out! Big E sees Apollo on the apron, runs, but Sami trips him up! Sami drags Big E out, throws haymakers, but Big E blocks a bump to bump Sami back! And again, and again! But Apollo FLIES to take Big E out! All three men are on the outside but Apollo hurries to bring Big E around. Apollo goes to the apron, takes aim, and SUPER MOONSAULTS Big E to the floor! Apollo staggers up and Sami CLOBBERS him! The “Champion of the People” is fired up as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Sami clubs away on Big E in the ring! Sami pushes Big E onto ropes and chokes him! The ref can only reprimand because there are no disqualifications. Apollo gets up but Sami knocks him off the apron! Big E runs in but Sami drop toeholds Big E into buckles! Sami drags Big E up, Big E blocks the lift and Apollo gets in. Big E fights Sami, dodges and the missile dropkick gets Sami! Apollo runs at Big E but Big E dodges to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And again! And then the SIDE BELLY2BELLY! Big E swivels the hips but Sami gets in to jump on! Sami has a sleeper hold but Big E throws him down beside Apollo! Big E runs for a DOUBLE BIG SPLASH!

Big E claps it up as Apollo is alone with him in the ring. Big E spins Apollo around but Apollo ENZIGURIS! Apollo runs at Big E in the corner, but gets put out hard on the apron! Sami runs in, into the Urenage-E! Cover, TWO! Sami survives but Big E keeps his cool. Big E stalks Sami to the apron, stands on him for a moment to then stomp away! Big E takes aim, smiles as he runs back, to APRON SPLASH! But Apollo SHOTGUN DROPKICKS Big E down! Apollo pushes Sami to a drop zone, goes up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Apollo is frustrated! Sami sputters, Apollo seethes, and Big E is somewhere on the outside stirring.

Apollo fires up as Sami goes to a corner. Apollo runs in but into an elbow! Sami boots but it’s blocked! Big E adds on, GERMAN SUPLEX EXPLODER!! All three men are down and the fans are rallying on their ThunderDome screens! Apollo crawls to the apron to save himself from a cover, so Big E looks at Sami. Sami also goes to the apron, Big E builds speed, but Sami KNEES Big E away! Sami realizes he has an opening, sees Big E in a corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, but Apollo drags him off! Sami is furious, that should’ve been three! Sami fires off fists on Apollo and then he argues with the ref! But there’s nothing that can be done, Apollo goes after Sami!

Sami begs for mercy, but Apollo ROCKS him with haymakers! Apollo military presses Sami to TOSS him into the timekeeper’s area!! And Apollo goes back to Big E in the ring! Big E scoops him, BIG ENDING!! Cover, Big E wins!!

Winner: Big E, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Did Sami cost Apollo? Who can say! But in the end, it was a big win for Big E and he is still the big man on campus! Will Apollo figure out what it is that isn’t working?

Edge heads to gorilla position!

The Rated R Superstar has had all night to think, is he going to answer Roman’s request, or rather, demand for a decision regarding WrestleMania?

SmackDown returns, and Edge heads to the ring!

Finally, after waiting all night, the Rated R Superstar is in the ThunderDome for Friday Night SmackDown! “You can’t accomplish something you’ve never dreamed of.” While grinding through rehab, Edge was dreaming. Every mile that he logged, he was dreaming. Edge dreamed of coming back here. Coming back home. Of winning the Royal Rumble and main-eventing WrestleMania! Of taking back something that he never lost and should be his! So at the Rumble, he came in at number 1 and outlasted 29 of the world’s best today! And now, Edge finds himself on the precipice of the main event t Wrestlemania.

Which begs the question: Who does he choose? It is an embarrassment of riches! Does he choose Drew McIntyre and the world title? Does he choose Finn Balor and the NXT title? Or does he choose Roman Reigns and the Universal title? Edge asked his family and gets one answer. He asks friends and gets another answer. On his way here, Edge saw some dude, asked him and he gave a different answer! By the way, that guy was named “John,” a real nice guy. At the end of the day- Roman Reigns interrupts. Edge watches the Tribal Chief, with cousin and counsel by his side, head down the ramp.

Roman and Heyman go to the steel steps, but Edge is wary of Roman’s hitman, Jey. The Bloodline enters the ring now, and Edge keeps his distance. Heyman again fetches Roman a mic so that Roman may speak. Edge asks why he had to bring back-up. Is Roman already sweating Edge? Because Edge is out here alone. Roman says man to man, Roman gives Edge his word. Without Roman’s blessing, Heyman will not make a move. Roman smirks because he thinks that’s funny. Edge says he’s already in Roman’s head. He can see it on Roman’s face. That’s why Jey’s here. Roman tells Jey they’ll regroup at the buss, Roman has this.

Heyman and Jey leave the ring, so now it’s just champion and possible challenger. That is Edge’s one pass. Edge disrespected Roman so he disrespected the family. Roman will only say this once: “Acknowledge me.” As both the main event of WrestleMania and as THE champion of choice. “Say my name. You understand me? Say my name.” That is Edge’s cue to say his line, so go. Edge smirks back, and then Kevin Owens shows up outta nowhere! STUNNER!! The Prizefighter has the last word tonight as Edge just drops his mic and walk away. Will Edge choose his opponent on his time? And what will Roman’s response be to the defiant Kevin Owens?

My Thoughts:

This was a really good episode to follow the Royal Rumble, and even the rest of the programming from the week. It was a great move for Roman to actually be upset that Edge isn’t outright choosing him and is going to Raw and NXT first. It brings NXT up, as WWE should because there shouldn’t be this “main roster” line drawn between the three brands, even with NXT still having a tie to the developmental aspects of WWE. Edge’s promo before being interrupted also did that by saying Edge isn’t just choosing between Drew and Roman, but Drew, Finn and Roman. Roman interrupting and demanding, only to be shut up by Kevin, was also a great detail. It’s just good story-telling to keep things up in the air like this, even with reports coming out that a decision has been made backstage.

The only cheap part of the decision-making angle was Hogan. He was hyped up as reminiscing on The Main Event from back in 1988, and how he would suggest or predict Edge’s choice, only to do none of that. He barely touched on the Main Event match because they played a really fast moving video package, and then he rambled on more about how HIS fans are now Edge’s fans. Ugh. Bianca’s side of things were played a bit better. She has a great interview with Kayla, her part in the promo segment with Sasha, Mella and Reggie was good, and I’m glad she brought back the hair whip. Mella isn’t going away so maybe she and Sasha have one last go around, winner faces Bianca at Mania.

I like that the Dirty Dawgs, Roode & Ziggler, have a new theme that blends their themes together. It makes them more of a tag team now. Profits doing their own commentary was great, and of course Roode & Ziggler defeat Otis & Gable. Obviously the story is that Profits will rest up, be right back and have their rematch, for an awesome match at whatever PPV it ends up being, hopefully Mania. Bryan VS Cesaro was a great match, and it is great that Cesaro won. Nakamura watching backstage is also curious. This surely foreshadows Nakamura VS Cesaro at some point, and I would actually like if their first match is before a tag team break up. It should be sold first as friendly competition, maybe it turns, and then we get a more intense rematch closer to Mania.

A rematch we didn’t really need was Dominik VS Corbin. I like that Dominik won because Rey helped him cheat, and I hope they circle back and say the person Rey and Dom needed to go see was Eddie Guerrero, and they did it through footage of Eddie’s career. It could even be done as a plug for the WWE Network going to Peacock, as much as I personally don’t like that particular business decision. Point being, Rey should have Dom learn from his kayfabe “real father” in Eddie, so that Dom can become the best of both the Guerrero and Mysterio styles. That is how this story can be redeemed since there apparently won’t be any more Knights of Wolf King involvement with the release of Steve Cutler.

Bayley VS Ruby was a good match, even with Billie getting involved like she did. I like the idea that maybe, just maybe, Billie teams up with Bayley. It could work as a quick tag title story going towards Mania, and it can be a great way to get those titles showing up on SmackDown again. I feel like with WrestleMania being two nights again this year, we need to have a Triple Threat for the Women’s Tag titles, with Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler representing Raw, Billie & Bayley representing SmackDown, and then the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners representing NXT. Billie might even cost Bayley somehow, and then they feud post-Mania. Either way, it’s a big move up for Billie, which she is proving she deserves in my opinion.

The Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat as the main event match was a great move. It was such a good match, with not so much story since Sami didn’t try a sneaky trick, but it did instead give us some progress for Apollo. He getting rid of Sami only to be the one that loses adds to his frustration, and I am definitely looking forward to Heel Apollo happening as he snaps on Big E and just goes nuts.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (2/5/21)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (2/4/21)

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

8 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!