Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/19/21)

Who will be the Fastlane enforcer?

Published

3 years ago

March 19, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Edge returns to action on SmackDown for the first time in ELEVEN YEARS!

The Rated R Superstar returns to in-ring action on SmackDown! And he’s going to fight “Main Event Jey” to see who joins Fastlane as special guest enforcer for the Universal Championship match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler; Banks wins and retains the title.
The Street Profits VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio; The Mysterios win.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS Chad Gable & Otis; Gable & Otis win.
King Corbin VS Sami Zayn; Corbin wins.
Bianca Belair w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Belair wins, by disqualification.
Edge VS Jey Uso; Edge wins and will be special guest enforcer at Fastlane.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair argue at the curtain!

The Boss doesn’t feel the need to apologize for anything, but The EST doesn’t why Sasha is taking this title match tonight. Nia Jax could beat both of them, not saying she will, but what is Sasha thinking? Sasha says this is because of Reginald! Oh so he’s still part of this? Sasha screws Bianca up last week but somehow Reggie is still on her mind? Sasha says the one in her head is Nia, the woman she will beat tonight. Bianca says Sasha really has an ego. The Boss, the Standard, made a bad decision. And Bianca is not going to save her. Sasha wasn’t going to ask her to. But then is she going to cost herself her SmackDown Women’s Championship just days from Fastlane?

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax w/ Shayna Baszler!

Arguing with her Fastlane tag partner before going for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships isn’t a good sign. Will the Legit Boss at least handle business against the Irresistible Force tonight? Or will Nia become the Irresistible Double Champion on the Road to WrestleMania?

Apparently, Reginald is on a spa day, so he won’t even be a factor here ringside. Will that at least mean things are fair for Sasha?

The introductions are made, the SmackDown Women’s title belt is raised, and the go-home begins with gold!

Nia talks smack about having Reggie on her side and then pie faces Sasha. Sasha SLAPS Nia, wrecks Shayna with a dropkick, then kicks Nia away! Sasha goes up to give Nia NIGHTSHADE! Sasha stomps Nia down, but lets off as the ref counts, to then run side to side for a METEORA! And a BULLDOG! Sasha wants the crossface but Nia powers out! Nia shoves Sasha then CLOBBERS her with an elbow! Sasha gets to a corner, Nia SPLASHES her! Nia brings Sasha around, scoops her, military presses the Boss, and DROPS her! Cover, TWO! Nia drags Sasha back up, scoops her again for a SLAM! Nia keeps talking smack as she runs to drop an elbow! Cover, TWO!

Nia keeps on Sasha with a whip and a BODY ATTACK! “It’s over now.” Nia fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Sasha survives and shocks Nia! But wait, here comes Bianca! Did Bianca change her mind about bailing the Boss out? Sasha gets out of the ring and Bianca is there to coach her up, but the SmackDown Women’s Champion is in a bad way as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nia grinds Sasha down with a chinlock. Sasha fights up, fights out with elbows then whips, but Nia blocks to reverse. Sasha goes up, Nia catches her and drags her to a SPINNING SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Nia drags Sasha around to stomp on the legs a la Shayna, then she gets a STRETCH MUFFLER! Nia carries Sasha around, and then SWINGS her into the buckles!! Cover, TWO!! Sasha survives and Nia is pulling at her hair! Nia cools off, drags Sasha around again, then leans on a leg to get the chinlock. Sasha endures this modified STF, throws slapping shots, but Nia lets her go to get the Stretch Muffler again!

Nia carries Sasha around, but Sasha swings up to sunset flip! Nia stays up, sits down, but Sasha dodges! BLINDSIDE METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Sasha is shocked now but Bianca coaches her up. Sasha sits Nia up, tries to pull her up, but Nia throws Sasha out of the ring! Nia goes over but Sasha KICKS her! Sasha climbs on as a backpack but Nia powers her to a fireman’s carry! Sasha fights free with elbows, wants the crossface again but Nia scoops her. Sasha tilt-o-whirls to DDT! And then she gest the Bank Statement! Shayna shoves Bianca but Bianca chases her into the ring! The ref is busy with Bianca, Nia holds Sasha for Shayna, but Sasha gets away and Shayna’s KICK hits Nia!!

The ref sees Shayna but Bianca throws her out! Sasha jackknife covers Nia, Sasha wins!!

Winner: Sasha Banks, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)

Oh the irony! Sasha and Bianca were arguing, Shayna and Nia were united, but it was Shayna’s help that hurt Nia! Will the Women’s Tag Team Champions be able to get back on the same page so they can keep their tag titles from the #LegitEST?

Backstage interview with Edge.

The Rated R Superstar was, for many years, a cornerstone of SmackDown. How does it feel to have his first match back on SmackDown in over a decade? It’s crazy. This show has always felt like home for Edge. The best moments in his career happened here, like when he beat the Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship. But also, the worst moment in his career was when he had to give up that title and retire. With a lot of hard work and elbow grease, Edge is back on SmackDown again. It’s surreal, but it feels right. Just like it felt right to get involved with Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns.

Edge says Bryan deserves his fair shot at Roman Reigns at Fastlane. Without Edge around, it won’t happen. Even though Bryan hit Edge with a knee, it’s fine. Edge would’ve done the same to Bryan. But that brings Edge to Jey Uso. Jey can be one of the best in this business, but not while he’s in Roman’s shadow. So long as Jey follows Roman’s shadow, he’ll keep getting into trouble. And tonight, that trouble is Edge. Will the Opportunist become the Enforcer for Fastlane?

BREAKING NEWS!

As announced on WWE’s official website and their various social media, WrestleMania is two nights, so it’ll have two hosts! Hulk Hogan and Titus O’Neil will be your co-hosts for WrestleMania 37!

Nia and Shayna talk backstage.

Nia is furious! She should be a double champion tonight, and she’s not, because Shayna ruined it! Shayna says it was Bianca’s fault. If Shayna costs them the titles this Sunday, Nia is letting her know that she will be coming for her! Shayna apologizes but Nia doesn’t want to hear it. She wants to know what Shayna’s going to do to make up for it. Shayna says she’ll go get a match with Bianca, kick her head off, and then give the nastiEST beating of her life. Will the Queen of Spades make up for depriving Nia of her moment?

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

The self-professed Savior of SmackDown is back again, but what will he have to say? We’ll hear from the Architect, after the break!

SmackDown returns and Rollins says, “I recently made my triumphant return to SmackDown after a lengthy hiatus. And when I did, the entire SmackDown locker room came out to the ring, surrounded the ring, to greet me like a king.” Rollins says it’s not because they like him. Some might but most don’t, and that’s fine. But they greeted him because they respect him and what he’s done in the ring. So when they all turned their backs and walked out, Rollins respected their decision to be idiots. But there was one person who took that disrespect too far. “Cesaro stayed out here, by himself. He stood right there, he looked me in my eyes, he disrespected me, he hamulated me, he embarrassed me!”

And Rollins knows why! Cesaro is jealous of Rollins and his success! He’s jealous that Rollins is beloved and that Rollins is a WrestleMania main event while Cesaro is an abject failure. The big difference, even after all that, is that Rollins is a fight. You knock him down, he gets right back up. And after what Cesaro showed us last week, he can’t say the same thing. Rollins cues footage of Rollins attacking Cesaro during his rematch with Buddy Murphy, giving Cesaro multiple Curb Stomps! Cesaro tried to stand after but couldn’t. Rollins in the present mocks wobbly Cesaro. “What’s keeping you down, Cesaro? You having a hard time standing up for yourself?”

Rollins says maybe Cesaro tired himself out running around and reaching for the brass ring. But Rollins then gets serious and tells Cesaro to listen very closely: “You swung me 22 times! I counted. And you will never disrespect me or embarrass me like that again. Because I’m Seth Freakin’ Rollins. And you are the biggest waste of potential in the history of WWE.” But here comes Shinsuke Nakamura! Well talk about disrespect! Interrupting Rollins for what?! Rollins tells Nakamura to stay away or he’ll get what Cesaro got tenfold! Don’t disrespect Rollins! Nakamura is better than Cesaro so don’t do this! Nakamura ignores all Rollins’ ranting and takes the mic from him! “Shut. Up.”

Rollins swing son Nakamura, but Nakamura dodges to WHEEL KICK Rollins! Rollins sees Nakamura powering up and he bails out to avoid the Kinshasa! Nakamura dares Rollins to, “C’MOOON~!” Rollins gets in, but gets an STO! Nakamura powers up, KINSHASA!! The King of Strong Style leaves the Architect actually wobbling and staggering about. Will Rollins make good on his threat to give Nakamura the same treatment he gave Cesaro?

Another WWE Hall of Fame inductee has been named!

And it’s ERIC BISCHOFF!! The man who has had an immeasurable impact on the wrestling world, from running WCW to Monday Night Raw and innovating along the way, is now a WWE HOF’er!

The Street Profits VS Rey & Dominik Mysterio!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are on the come-up, or rather the return back up, to those SmackDown Tag Team Championships! But will they be able to stay up against the father-son lucha duo?

SmackDown returns as the Mysterios make their entrance, and the current champions, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, have joined commentary. The teams sort out, Ford starts with Dom and the two circle. They tie up, Ford waistlocks and throws Dom down to then float to a facelock. Dom slips out, hammerlocks then wristlocks, but Ford rolls and rolls and handsprings to sweep. Cover, ONE! Dom sweeps and covers, ONE! Ford arm-drags, Dom arm-drags, and the two handspring to stare down. Dom offers a handshake, Ford takes it, but then Ford kicks low. Ford says Dom needs to get smarter. Ford back suplexes, Dom lands on his feet, and Rey tags in!

Dom whips Ford, Rey dropkicks Ford down! Cover, TWO! Rey brings Ford up, wrenches, but Ford blocks the whip to reverse. Rey kicks back, runs, slides under, Dawkins tags in! Ford runs Rey over, Dawkins gives him the boost, back suplex SPLASH! Dawkins covers, TWO! Ziggler tells Michael Cole to pay attention as Dawkins hits the CYCLONE SPALSH! Dawkins puts Rey in the Profits’ corner, tags Ford, and Ford whips Dawkins. Rey dodges, goes after Ford, Ford scoops him but Rey headscissors Ford onto ropes! Dom tags in, Dawkins DECKS Rey with an uppercut! Dom climbs up to leap and FLYING RANA Dawkins! Dom dials it up, into Ford’s LARIAT!!

Ford drags Dom up, and hits a back suplex to SLAM! Cover, TWO! Dom survives and Ziggler says this is just how Profits go. They do a lot of work but it never pays off. Dawkins tags in,. Electric Chair lifts Dom, but Rey knocks Ford off the corner! Dawkins BOOTS Rey, Dom victory rolls Dawkins up! THE MYSTERIOS WIN!

Winners: The Mysterios, by pinfall

The Ditty Dawgs have a laugh at how shocking that was! But before the Mysterios can actually celebrate, here comes the Alpha Academy! Chad Gable fires up Otis, but Gable wants the Mysterios to realize that win doesn’t put them in line for a title match before the Alphas. The Alphas already embarrassed “Shorty” when the number one pupil SQUASHED Rey like a pancake! And the Profits, no one cares about- The Mysterios dropkick the Alphas out! Then Dom springboards to CROSSBODY both Alphas! Now the Profits get to have a laugh! What’s going to happen after SmackDown returns from break?

Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS Chad Gable & Otis!

SmackDown returns and the father-son duo is in a double header! Gable already has Rey’s arm, Rey throws knees and haymakers, but Gable whips him to a corner! The Profits are on commentary now to counter the Dirty Dawgs, and Gable puts Rey up top. Gable climbs up, throws forearms, then brings Rey up. Rey resists, throws body shots back, then headbutts Gable down! Rey leaps, SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl headscissors puts Gable on ropes! Rey runs to dial it up, 619! Dom DECKS Otis, Rey climbs up top, but Otis is back to trip Rey! Rey lands back on the corner, Gable tags Otis in.

The Alphas drag Rey up to suplex to the mat! Otis drops a headbutt into ribs, then he drags Rey up to scoop and SLAM him! Otis drags Rey up to scoop and SLAM again! Otis stomps Rey, drags him up, and whips him to a corner hard! Rey bounces off buckles, falls over, and Gable talks trash. Otis drags Rey up tow hip again and CLOBBER him! Gable cheers Otis on and Otis drags Rey up to a bearhug! Rey endures the squeeze, and BITES Otis!! Rey is free, he kicks and runs, but into a snap scoop and SLAM! Otis runs but misses the headbutt drop! Rey gets up to dropkick Otis down! Both men crawl to their corners, hot tags to Gable and Dom!

Dom rallies on Gable with clotheslines and elbows, then dodges to hit a running Rana! Gable staggers into the wheelbarrow, but he powers up, only for Dom to swing around to a sunset flip! TWO, Dom runs in but Gable pops him up tot he corner! Dom comes back with a TORNADO DDT! Dom drags Gable to a cover, Otis breaks it! Rey runs in to DECK Otis off the apron! Rey keeps on Otis but Otis knees low! Otis throws Rey into the barriers! Dom runs, wheelbarrow swings and puts Gable on ropes! Dom dials it up, 619- BLOCKED! Gable gets Dom up, but Dom slips off. Gable switches, Otis tags in while Gable hits CHAOS THEORY!!

Gable sets Dom in the drop zone for Otis’ DOZER SPLASH!! Cover, the Alpha Academy wins!!

Winners: Chad Gable & Otis, by pinfall

The Dirty Dawgs are greatly impressed! But the Profits say they’re just dodging their challengers. The champions claim they welcome any takers, but then will they end up taking on all the tag teams we’ve seen tonight?

Sami Zayn is backstage with his camera crew.

He knows this happens every week, to where he should be used to it by now, but again the WWE sticks it to him. Sami has a match with Baron Corbin he didn’t sign up for! But hey! Kevin Owens comes by! Has Kevin given any thought to what Sami asked last week? About joining the documentary project. Kevin did think it over, but he still needs time. Sami tries to sell Kevin on this some more, and brings up Logan Paul. Logan Paul might even check this out! This is going to be huge! What is holding Kevin back?

Kevin asks Sami this: Has Sami ever considered that what’s happening is just Sami twisting reality to what he needs it to fit the narrative? They’ve both known each other a long time, but Kevin doesn’t remember Sami being like this in the past, claiming something wasn’t his fault. But this hasn’t been Sami’s fault! It’s not! How is Kevin saying this?! Kevin has seen what “they” have done to both of them! They who? Who is “They?” Sami can’t believe Kevin doesn’t see the obvious. Do Sami a favor, though. Be ringside for Sami VS Corbin. If Kevin sees something fishy, point it out. And if Kevin doesn’t see anything, then Sami will drop this whole thing, okay? Kevin agrees to that, but will he see things Sami’s way? Or how they really are?

Daniel Bryan heads to the ring!

The GOAT is going to Fastlane, but will he be going to WrestleMania? We hear his thoughts on his Universal Championship opportunity and more, after the break!

SmackDown returns and says, “Wow! What a night, what a night! In tonight’s main event, we have Edge VS Jey Uso, Edge’s first match on SmackDown in TEN YEARS!” And the winner gets to be the special guest enforcer for the Universal Championship match? WOW! If Jey wins, we all know what we’re going to get. Jey will do everything he can to make sure Roman wins. And if Roman was the champion he thought he was, he wouldn’t need that help. On the other hand, Edge is the Ultimate Opportunist. He will do anything he can to get what he wants, and what he seems to want more than anything is to face Roman 1v1 at WrestleMania.

Bryan gets it. It’s because Edge doesn’t want to face Bryan. Edge thinks he can beat Roman. But the difference between him and Bryan is that Edge thinks it, and Bryan knows it! Bryan will prove it at Fastlane when he makes Roman TAP OUT! But speaking of, here comes Roman Reigns! The Tribal Chief has his Special Counsel following after. Heyman hands Roman a mic and Roman talks to Bryan from the stage. “You’re going to tap me out? He’s going to tap me out. Look, DB. I can deal with you telling these little lies. Like a couple weeks ago, about being ambitious, about deserving to be in the main event of WrestleMania.” Roman can handle little fibs.

But Bryan’s going to lie about the Tribal Chief? Bryan can’t tap Roman out! He doesn’t stand a chance! Bryan has a better shot at shooting lightning out his ass or sprouting wings and flying out of here than tapping Roman out. Roman wants the “little man” to understand that NO ONE has made Roman tap out. Roman would rather lose his arm than tap out! And Roman would rather die in the ring than to lose to someone like Bryan. Would rather die? That’s rather strong. But Bryan wants Roman to understand that he’s talking about lies Bryan’s said. But all the things Roman’s said, Tribal Chief, Head of the Table, those are all delusions.

Everyone thins they’re invincible, until they’re not. Everyone thinks they’re unstoppable, until they lose. Everyone thinks they’ll never tap out, until they do. So Bryan won’t just make Roman quit, he will break Roman. He’s going to break Roman’s beliefs, of his delusions, and here’s the thing! Bryan hopes Roman doesn’t die. But if Roman taps out or doesn’t tap out, Bryan is beating Roman for the Universal Championship. Roman glares at Bryan as he leaves, but will the truth be revealed at Fastlane?

King Corbin VS Sami Zayn!

The moment NO ONE has been waiting for! The Wolf King and the Great Liberator have both been the least likeable, most irritating superstars on SmackDown, but now we’ll find who is the worst! Who wins a title no one wants, and who ends up the worst loser of them all?

The bell rings and the two rush each other. Sami knees low, headlocks, but Corbin pulls hair to throw Sami down! Sami scrambles to a corner, Corbin is after him but Sami kicks low. Sami scrapes Corbin’s face on ropes, CLUBS Corbin on the back then chokes him on the ropes. The ref counts, Sami lets off at 4, then he throws jabs. Sami whips but Corbin dodges to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin rains down fists, the ref reprimands but Corbin argues with him. Sami gets to a corner, Corbin runs in to corner clothesline! Corbin stalks Sami, Sami goes around the ref then gets a cheap shot on Corbin! Corbin rushes Sami but Sami POSTS Him! Cover, but Sami uses ropes!

The ref sees that and refuses to count! Sami argues that the ref should do his job! Sami stomps Corbin, then unties a buckle pad! Corbin rushes over but Sami elbows him away! The ref stops Sami from using the pad, but Corbin reels Sami in for an END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: King Corbin, by pinfall

Kevin was ringside as Sami wanted, but there wasn’t anything wrong with the referee’s officiating. Sami argues with the ref more but then he complains to commentary and Kevin. Kevin saw what he was talking to Sami about but Sami refuses to accept that! Kevin tells Sami he has to let this go but Sami is just getting angrier. Sami storms off, Kevin isn’t sure what to say about his behavior, but then Sami BOOTS Kevin!! “OPEN YOUR EYES! I’m not crazy, you’re blind!!” Sami storms off again, blaming the ref for this. How far will Sami’s paranoid, downward spiral continue?

BREAKING NEWS for Fastlane!

After both the encounter tonight and what Rollins did to Cesaro, the Savior of SmackDown will be facing the King of Strong Style in a match! Will Rollins be made to pay for what he did to the Swiss Cyborg?

Big E and Apollo Crews are interviewed by video.

These two are set to battle one more time for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, but are being kept apart so that no physical confrontation can happen. This battle has gotten personal, but will they ever be able to settle differences? Big E says that time is over. It is over, Apollo! They want to talk to Big E about reconciliation? We Are The World? No. All Big E wants to talk about is vengeance. Apollo has two days until Fastlane. And if Big E were him, Apollo should take those two days to appreciate the crisp March air. Take those two days to enjoy the normal function of limbs. Take those two very short days, and enjoy the present, because Apollo’s future is dark and bleak.

Big E says on Sunday, he will retain HIS title, no question. And Apollo… Apollo will get everything he deserves. Apollo’s response: He’ll get what he deserves? Big E better think carefully about his words because he is speaking to Nigerian royalty! Big E is treading dangerous ground. Does Big E understand what Apollo is saying? Apollo is reminded of an old Nigerian proverb his great-grandfather told those who threatened him. “You fill your mouth with a razor, and you will spit blood.” That is what is going to happen to Big E on Sunday at Fastlane! Apollo will crack Big E’s face, and see the Nigerian warrior within Apollo! Apollo will finally have what he deserves! Apollo’s ancestors will watch him stand over Big E’s mangled body as the NEW Intercontinental Champion!

Big E says why wait for Sunday? He takes off his mic and storms off camera, and so Apollo does the same! Big E goes out into the Tropicana and rides a golf cart to gorilla! He dares Apollo to bring his ass to the ring! Big E calls out Apollo as he rides, but where is Apollo? Apollo shouts back for Big E to find him! They cross paths and Apollo realizes Big E is in a golf cart! Big E almost runs Apollo over! Then they start brawling! Big E throws Apollo into a trash can, then uses the can to SMACK Apollo around! Big E throws Apollo into a cabinet! And then into a wall! And then stomps him on the floor!

Apollo can’t get away before Big E drags him up to throw him into another wall, and then back the other way! And then back the other way! Referees rush over, as do Adam Pearce and Jamie Noble! Apollo gets away, gets in the golf cart, and drives off! Big E is ready to bring out his rage! Will he humble the Nigerian royal when the gold is one the line?

Bianca Belair w/ Sasha Banks VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!

After what happened during the SmackDown Women’s Championship match, the Queen of Spades wants to get payback on the EST! But will this be the nastiEST beating Bianca’s ever endured? Or will it just be a sweep that costs the tag team champions going into their title defense?

SmackDown returns and Shayna makes her entrance. Oh, and Sasha has her entrance separate from everyone else, because she’s Sasha. But then Sasha decides not to be in Bianca’s corner? She says Bianca has this, and the bell rings. Shayna rushes Bianca but Bianca dodges the kick! Bianca runs Shayna over, is confused as to what Sasha is playing at, but she scoops Shayna. Shayna slips out, shoves Bianca, then rolls to trip Bianca up! Shayna kicks and clubs Bianca and then tells Nia, “Look!” She throws Bianca out at Nia’s feet, and Shayna says it’s them together. Nia waves a hand dismissively and is making her exit?!

Shayna drags Bianca back into the ring and wants Nia to join in beating Bianca up, but Bianca SPINEBUSTERS Shayna! But wait! Natalya and Tamina attack instead!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification

But they aren’t just hitting Bianca, they hit Shayna and throw her out! The second generation stars TOSS Shayna over the announce desk! Natty goes into the ring to get Bianca for haymakers! Bianca hits back! Bianca ROCKS Natty but turns around into a SUPERKICK from Tamina! Natty feeds Bianca to Tamina’s SWINGING SLAM! Nobody meana than Tamina, and the Queen of Harts is the Best of All Time! But will they be waiting on the other side of Fastlane for whoever are the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions?

Edge VS Jey Uso!

Over a decade ago, we all thought we’d seen the last of the Rated R Superstar. But after a return in one Men’s Royal Rumble and then winning another, he’s back in the ring on his home, Friday Night SmackDown! But will he make this moment even greater by winning the right to be Fastlane’s Universal Championship special guest enforcer?

SmackDown returns again and Jey makes his entrance. Bryan is also on commentary to see this in person. The bell rings and Edge ties up with Jey. Edge facelocks, drags Jey down and covers, TWO! Jey gets to a corner and Edge stays back. They circle again, tie up, and Jey headlocks. Edge powers through to get a headlock on Jey, but Jey powers out. Edge runs Jey over, then hops over to go for a crossface! Jey gets away to the ropes again, and Edge waits for him to return. Jey and Edge throw forearms, Edge gets the edge, and Edge whips to knee Jey low. Edge KNEES Jey down, then waits for him to get up, so he can STOMP him down!

Edge wraps Jey’s arm around a rope and pulls! The ref counts, Edge knees the arm, then backs off. Edge drags Jey up, wrenches, hammerlocks then chicken wings. Jey fights off the crossface but Edge bails out. Jey pursues but Edge elbows Jey! Jey blocks a bump and throws shots! Jey RAMS Edge into steel steps! The ref counts, Jey rolls in the ring and waits on Edge. Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Edge hits the desk! Edge is down, clutching his ribs, as SmackDown goes to another break!

SmackDown returns once more and Jey is stomping Edge over and over! Edge writhes from the pain in his back but gets up to back hand and forearm Jey! Jey ROCKS Edge with an uppercut, and then brings Edge up to suplex. Jey hangs Edge out to dry on the ropes, and Edge slumps to the apron from the pain in his ribs! Jey runs and BLASTS Edge off the apron! Edge hits barriers and then falls to the floor, but Jey goes out to fetch him. Jey drags Edge up, puts him in, and looms over Edge before he stomps him again! Jey drags Edge up with a facelock, then slides him into a post! Edge shouts in pain, but Jey goes out to pull Edge into the post!

The ref counts, Jey lets off at 4, and then Jey stands on Edge before climbing up and into the ring. Edge gets out from the corner and Jey drags him up. Edge throws forearms, winces from the pain in his ribs, and Jey blocks the whip! Jey kicks, Edge blocks but Jey DRAGON WHIPS the ribs! Jey goes to the corner, climbs up, and leaps, but Edge gets under! Edge runs, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES take both men down! Edge took the worst of that but fans rally on their screens. Jey and Edge slowly stand as a standing count climbs, and Edge BOOTS Jey down! Edge drags Jey up, hammerlocks Jey’s arm and RAMS it into buckles!

Edge hops up the corner, winces from the pain, but LEAPS to KNEE Jey’s arm! Cover, TWO! Edge drags Jey up, Jey rams into Edge’s gut! Jey shoves Edge to SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives but Jey is too sore to be frustrated. Jey goes to a corner, climbs up, but Edge stops him with a haymaker! Edge climbs up, and hits a SUPER STEINER!! Edge crawls to a cover, TWO!! Jey survives but Edge is also too sore to be frustrated. Edge and Jey slowly stand again, and Jey is in a corner. Jey superkicks but is blocked! Edge kicks low, IMPALER!! Edge fires up and grits his teeth as he goes to the corner. Jey crawls, gets to his feet, but SUPERKICKS the Spear away!

Jey climbs up, USO SPLASH!! But Jey’s arm slows him down! Jey crawls and pushes Edge over for a cover, TWO!! That delay was enough for Edge to survive! Jey drags Edge up, Edge WRINGS the arm out! Edge runs and SPEARS!! Cover, Edge wins!!

Winner: Edge, by pinfall (Special Enforcer for Fastlane)

The Rated R Superstar didn’t need to be an opportunist, but he did find the opening he needed! And now, he’ll be ringside to make sure things are fair and square at Fastlane! But then he turns around into ROMAN’S SPEAR!! Roman tells Edge this is HIS show! Then Roman dares Bryan to do something! Bryan goes to the ring but Jey CLOBBERS him! Jey throws Bryan in for Roman’s SPEAR!! Roman says Bryan won’t tap him out. Roman says Bryan will never take the title out of his hands! Will it even matter that Edge is ringside? Will Roman still find a way to retain the title?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown and a very good go-home. Opening with the SmackDown Women’s Championship was a good move, mostly because we knew somehow, someway, Sasha was retaining. I do like that the finish is helping to bring back the dysfunction between Nia and Shayna, though with the RawDown Women’s Tag Division being so scarce, I hope Shay-Nia doesn’t break up yet. I don’t see them losing the titles, if only because there will be more dysfunction between Sasha and Bianca than there is between Nia and Shayna. Natty & Tamina attacking during Shayna VS Bianca was also a good touch, I just wish there was time for them to have a match with Sasha & Bianca to at least see if they can take the title opportunity from them.

I’m glad to see we’re getting Rollins VS Nakamura at Fastlane, that makes sense in story. I just hope that if Cesaro shows up at Fastlane, he’s still on Nakamura’s side and not weirdly converted to Rollins’ side. Now Murphy helping Rollins would make sense in story, too, even if it’s disappointing that all Murphy has to fall back on is being Rollins’ sidekick again. Rollins VS Cesaro has to happen at WrestleMania, even if it’s just part of Night 1. Big E and Apollo Crews had a great interview segment, and a great brawl backstage. Their match really needs to be No Disqualification so they can unleash all of this animosity in the ring.

The tag team scene was really wild tonight, but it was all indicative of what we’re likely to get out of it. Mysterios beat Profits, Alphas beat Mysterios, and the Profits pinned the tag champions in the 8 Man, so there’s perhaps a Triple Threat #1 Contenders match coming, winners face Dirty Dawgs at Mania. The best part of Sami VS Corbin was the video package before it, calling it the opposite of all the classic sayings, like “Most anticipated” becoming “Least anticipated,” etc. Corbin gets the win because Sami was too busy trying to cheat, and of course Kevin doesn’t see things Sami’s way because Sami’s going nuts. This being why Kevin VS Sami happens is actually really clever, and it is definitely going to be big for Mania.

And once again, the main story, the best story, is the Universal Championship story. Bryan saying Edge doesn’t want to face him, saying he’ll tap out Roman, this is a great way to make Bryan’s Face persona as motivated and confident as his Heel persona. Roman had a good response, Bryan had a good counter, and Edge’s backstage interview to respond to it was good, too. Edge VS Jey was very good, though maybe had a rusty start because this was also Edge’s newest return to a singles match. It got really good by the end, but of course Edge wins because it does fit Bryan’s own promo that sure, Jey will stack the deck in Roman’s favor, but Edge is a wild card.

Roman attacking Edge and Jey getting the jump on Bryan is a natural move, but I don’t know if Roman standing tall will make the math go in Bryan’s favor. Edge could help Bryan screw Roman over, Edge could “inadvertently” mess Bryan up, who knows. But there’s less predictability here, and maybe, just maybe, we could end up with a Triple Threat at Mania.

My Score: 8.5/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

18 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!