Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/7/21)

Time to layeth the SmackDown!

Published

3 years ago

May 7, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Throwback Week at Fox means SmackDown is going old school!

It’s a Throwback SmackDown, and Cesaro won’t be denied~! Will the Swiss Cyborg swing Seth Rollins then make Roman Reigns acknowledge him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Cesaro VS Seth Rollins; Cesaro wins and will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania Backlash.
Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Carmella; Carmella wins.
Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode; changed to…
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode; Dominik wins.
Reginald w/ Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Tamina w/ Natalya; Tamina wins, by disqualification.
10 Man Tag: Big E, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura & The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn, King Corbin, The Alpha Academy & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez; Team Apollo wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

“The Premier Show. The Rock’s Show, the People’s Show.”

This is #ThrowBackSmackDown! The fist is back, as just CG. But we go all the way back to August 26, 1999 for SmackDown’s first ever main event: The Rock VS Triple H, Shawn Michaels as special guest referee that screwed The Rock over! What a start for a series that has continued for 1133 consecutive weeks!

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The original episode closed with a champion, this week opens with a champion! Paul Heyman holds onto the Universal Championship for Roman as they and Jey Uso walk out. And after they finally get into the ring, Heyman fetches a mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, your Tribal Chief has asked me to eulogize the career of his victim, Daniel Bryan. And we shall do so with a 10 bell salute.” Heyman doesn’t need the timekeeper’s help, either, because they can do it themselves. Heyman himself says, “DING!” ten times and it amuses Roman. Heyman then hands the mic to Roman and Roman takes a moment to hear the fans booing from their ThunderDome screens.

“Unlike Daniel Bryan, I’m a man of my word. I did what I said I was gonna do: I put everything on my back and I carried it.” And for that, you should acknowledge Roman, thank him and celebrate him. He always gives us what we want. He gave Fox what they wanted, SmackDown what they wanted, and Daniel Bryan what he wanted. Bryan didn’t want to be here anymore, so Roman smashed him, pinned him and got rid of him! If Bryan wanted to be here, it was simple: ACKNOWLEDGE Roman. Bryan couldn’t, so he’s gone. And with him gone, he’s been replaced with someone who most certainly will acknowledge Roman. Roman looks to the ramp, and here comes Jimmy Uso!

Jimmy is back and Jey is happiest of all to have his twin brother back! Jimmy gets in the ring, hugs his brother, and fans are torn. Jimmy looks to Roman, they shake hands and hug it out, and Jimmy even shakes Heyman’s hand. The Bloodline is stronger than ever, but here comes Cesaro! “Hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you right? Did you just say that you replaced Daniel Bryan?” Cesaro hates to break it to them but he speaks for everyone that you cannot and can NEVER replace Bryan! No offense, Uso. But Cesaro has no time for this tonight. he has Seth Rollins to focus on, and that’s- Rollins attacks now! They brawl down the ramp, Cesaro EuroUppers but Rollins clubs back!

Referees rush in, and officials, and… is that Teddy Long?! Now THIS is a throwback! Teddy tells everyone to hold on, and says with the power that has been granted to him by the WWE’s Adam Pearce, Teddy proclaims that if Cesaro beats Rollins tonight, he WILL get a Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns at #WrestleManiaBacklash! HOLLA HOLLA! Rollins is furious, Roman is shocked, but Roman attacks Cesaro! Rollins throws Cesaro into steel steps! Rollins wants the “tough guy” to do something, and then he gets Cesaro up to put him in the ring. Rollins throws hands, stomps away, but the refs try to stop him! The stakes have been raised, and we’ll see how it goes, after the break!

Cesaro VS Seth Rollins!

SmackDown returns and the Swiss Cyborg is so close to a title opportunity! But can he punch his golden ticket to “WrestleMania Backlash” in this WrestleMania rematch?

The bell rings, the Usos are ringside watching as Rollins fires off on Cesaro! The ref backs him off, but Rollins comes right back to stomp Cesaro down! Rollins lets off again to run and SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Rollins goes outside to aim from the apron, and he climbs up to leap, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Rollins is frustrated but Cesaro crawls to ropes. Rollins drags Cesaro up to throw him outside, and then follows out. The Usos say they’re just watching, and Rollins RAMS Cesaro into the apron, then the barriers, repeat! Rollins puts Cesaro in, covers, TWO! Roman is watching from his private suite, Heyman by his side, as Rollins seethes.

Rollins stalks Cesaro, the Usos cheer him on, and Rollins gets Cesaro up for forearms. Cesaro hits back with EuroUppers then body shots! Rollins knees low, runs, Cesaro trophy lifts! Rollins slips out and kicks a bad leg! Rollins SMACKS Cesaro off the mat, covers, TWO! Rollins fumes while Cesaro shakes out the cobwebs. Rollins gets Cesaro up, underhooks and squeezes tight on a facelock. Cesaro resists as Rollins goes for the double underhook, but Rollins shifts to a suplex. Cesaro fights that off to suplex Rollins up instead! Rollins fights but Cesaro holds on to SLAM Rollins down! Cesaro starts to fire up and he fires off EuroUppers!

Cesaro whips Rollins to a corner, runs in and uppercuts! Another whip, another uppercut! Cesaro keeps moving, DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives and gets to ropes but Cesaro follows behind. Cesaro calls for it, and trips Rollins up, but Rollins twists! Cesaro sits on the body scissors, TWO! Cesaro gets the Gotch hold but Rollins back drops! Cesaro sunset flips, TWO! Cesaro gets the legs, Rollins gets to ropes! Cesaro YANKS Rollins up, Rollins back drops Cesaro to the apron but Cesaro DECKS him! Cesaro climbs, Jey distracts! Rollins springs right up, SUPERPLEX! Roll through, to the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Cesaro survives and the fans rally up!

Rollins looks around, the Usos are pacing, and Cesaro gets to a corner, as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again Cesaro wants the Sharpshooter! Rollins resists so Cesaro DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO and Rollins has a cover! TWO, and Cesaro gets the SHARPSHOOTER! Rollins endures, flails, reaches, claws his way over, but Cesaro reaches back to get the arm! Crossface! Rollins rolls, turns and DREAM SMASHER ELBOWS! Cesaro wobbles, Rollins runs, but Cesaro ducks the stomp, to get the BOOMERANG! Cover, TWO! Rollins is frustrated but he aims from a corner. Rollins runs but Cesaro scoops him! Rollins fights but he still gets TOSSED to the top buckle! Cesaro climbs up, gut wrenches but Rollins slips through to BUCKLE BOMB Cesaro! Cesaro comes back to LARIAT?!

Both men are down, fans are fired up and the Usos are pacing again. Cesaro rises, Rollins JABS but Cesaro JABS back! Rollins throws a haymaker, Cesaro throws body shots! Cesaro fires off EuroUpper after EuroUpper! Rollins baits Cesaro in to monkey flip him OUT of the ring! The Usos creep over, Jimmy distracts the ref but Rollins tells Jey no. “I’m not Roman, I don’t need your help!” Rollins wants to do this himself, surprisingly, and then he shoves Jey down! Jimmy asks Rollins what the heck, but then Cesaro distracts the ref, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Rollins!! Cesaro PLANCHAS Jimmy! Cesaro gets Rollins up and in, spins around and Gotch hold, NEUTRALIZER!! Cover, Cesaro wins!!

Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Universal Championship)

The Usos tried to help, but they ended up helping the Swiss Cyborg! Will Roman have something to say to Jimmy & Jey about this?

Rollins talks with Roman backstage.

These two have been through a lot together so Rollins didn’t want to have to come in here and talk to Roman like this, “but that son of a bitch, Jimmy” cost Rollins the match! And Rollins wants to hear at Roman if he should be pissed at Jimmy, or at Roman. Roman gets where Rollins is coming from, but he wants Rollins to understand where Roman’s coming from. Yes, Jimmy screwed Rollins over. But Rollins losing screws Roman over, and now Roman has to deal with Rollins’ loose ends in Cesaro. Roman will handle Cesaro because that’s what he does. But Rollins needs to let Roman handle his family. Fine. They’re cool, Roman can handle Jimmy. And if he doesn’t, Rollins will.

Another classic SmackDown moment: December 13, 2001!

Booker T was at a supermarket when STONE COLD attacked him in the produce section! They brawled all over, made a mess, and Stone Cold Steve Austin got a “price check on a jackass.”

Teddy Long talks with Sonya Deville backstage.

The former SmackDown General Manager thanks Sonya for having him here tonight. And he loved that crooked stipulation, that was genius! Sonya says that when she heard Adam Pearce wasn’t going to be here, she feared running the show alone. But then hearing she’d be working with a WWE Hall of Famer, well she’s got his back. Sami Zayn comes in and says this is perfect! It is refreshing to see someone from “outside the establishment” working here again. Now, Teddy’s been gone a long time so he probably isn’t up to speed, but there is a massive conspiracy against Sami. He has a whole documentary, but he knows Teddy isn’t in on it so maybe Teddy can give him the match he needs for his Intercontinental Championship.

Teddy has a better one! Sami goes 1v1 with The Undertaker! That’s not better, Taker retired. Right, sorry. Forget that one. Then it will be a tag team match with Apollo Crews! Well no Sami doesn’t want that, because Apollo is the champion and his commander, Azeez, hurt his throat. Well he’s gonna need all the help he can get because their opponents are Kevin Owens and Big E, the Street Profits and Shinsuke Nakamura! That’s 5v2! Nope, 10 Man! Well who else does Sami have? The Alpha Academy, Otis and Chad Gable! Oh, and King Booker! Um no, King Corbin! That’s what Teddy said.

Now Teddy also knows Sami has cool dance moves, but try The Teddy out! Rock it with your hands now! Sami storms off, will he and the mish-mash he’s being thrown into succeed at all tonight?

The Usos and Roman talk backstage.

Roman says Jimmy is here for one hour, as a favor to him, with the spotlight and everything, and what happens? Jimmy screws up! He had time to get this right, Roman changed the whole game for Jimmy, and he misses. Now what does Roman do? Clean up the mess, treat Jimmy like a baby. They had a good thing going but Jimmy is making mistakes. Does Jimmy understand? Jimmy says Roman isn’t gonna talk to him like he does Jey. Second, Jimmy ain’t nobody’s bitch. Jimmy heads out, will Jey be the one to get him to fall in line?

Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Carmella!

The Tag Team Turmoil didn’t work out for these three but there’s always the SmackDown Women’s Championship! With Bianca Belair and Bayley battling at Backlash, who will be right behind them?

The bell rings, Mell and Ruby tie up, Mella pulls hair but Ruby turns things around to put Mella in a corner. Ruby lets off but Mella shoves her! Mella dodges, does a moonwalk, but Ruby headlocks. Mella powers out but Ruby runs her over! Things speed up, Ruby mule kicks and suplexes but Mella slips out to throw Ruby by her hair! Mella drags Ruby up, talks trash to Liv and throws body shots! Mella CLUBS Ruby down, drags her up and whips her at a corner. Ruby stops herself, Mella runs in, but into DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby fires off forearms on Mella, cranks the arm, then reels Mella in for an STO! Cover, TWO!

Ruby drags Mella to a drop zone, goes up top, but Mella KICKS a hand! Mella tucks Ruby in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Cover, with the ropes! Liv points it out, the ref stops, and Mella BOOTS Liv down! Ruby rolls Mella, TWO! Mella ghost pins, TOW! Ruby jackknifes, TWO! Mella has the CODE OF SILENCE!! Ruby taps, Mella wins!

Winner: Carmella, by submission

Mella is Money and she is UNTOUCHABLE! But will she be seen as #1 contender after Bianca and Bayley run it back?

SmackDown shares another classic moment!

It was July 4th, 2002, and the future Rated R Superstar teamed with the Immortal Hulk Hogan! They became WWF Tag Team Champions that night, and that was the beginning of Edge’s legacy!

And then another moment on June 12, 2003! The Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar was facing THE Big Show, had him on the top rope, and had the most infamous SUPERPLEX ever! It broke the ring!!

Bayley is here!

The longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion in history says it wouldn’t be a proper throwback without her! Bayley goes to the ring, and will celebrate the women’s champions of WWE, after the break!

SmackDown returns and Bayley has a mic to say, “To be in a WWE ring, you have to be a superstar. Not that I expect you sheep to understand that, but just because you’re a superstar, that doesn’t mean that it makes you a great champion.” Bayley knows what she’s talking about as the longest reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion at 380 days! But don’t worry, she isn’t here to talk about herself. She’s here to pay tribute to fellow women’s champions. The ones that led us with smiles on our faces when they won, the ones that put their bodies on the line for entertaining us.

First, we have Alundra Blayze, who isn’t as good as Bayley but did hold the WWF Women’s Championship for three YEARS. Then, Jacqueline, the first ever African American WWE Cruiserweight Champion and only woman to hold that, on top of two women’s championship reigns. Not as great as Bayley’s, she had 380 consecutive days. But then there’s Bayley’s childhood heroes, Lita and Trish Stratus! And don’t forget the classic, Ivory! The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix! And the latest Hall of Fame inductee, Molly Holly! Last, and certainly not least, our newest champion, Bianca Belair! Look at that smile! So giddy and happy, full of potential, and so, so naïve.

Bayley says Bianca is so blind to the world around her! Bianca has no idea what’s coming,. If she’s not careful, she’ll end up like all the rest: “NOT on Bayley’s Level!” Bayley is just looking out for Bianca. But Bayley tells us what she sees when she looks into Bianca’s eyes: insecurity! Bayley won’t just be the first challenger, she’ll be the LAST challenger! At Backlash, Bayley beats Bianca and finally shows us that she was right all along! But speaking of, Bianca is here! The newEST SmackDown Women’s Champion joins Bayley and gets herself a mic, and says Bayley just can’t let her be, can she? Like it or not, Bianca is living her best life, and is only going to make it better at Backlash.

And insecure? Girl, uh-uh. But to keep it 100, Bianca’s confidence is what bothers Bayley and empowers Bianca’s fans. So thanks for the “concern” but maybe Bayley should worry about herself. Because Bianca is on her way to becoming the new longest reigning women’s champion! And if at Backlash, Bianca is doing anything other than winning- Bayley busts up laughing! Bayley’s been doing this lately, and then she goes for a takedown! Bianca throws her away and then dares her to come back! Bianca RAMS into Bayley in the corner and stomps her down! Bianca TOSSES Bayley across the way, finally takes the belt off, and then dropkicks Bayley down, to kip right back up!

Bianca takes off the earrings but Bayley kicks low, and pulls on the other one!! Bayley throws Bianca into buckles by her ear! Bayley drags Bianca back up, pulls on the earring, and shouts, “Listening now?!” Bayley stands on Bianca’s ponytail, then stomps Bianca’s arms! Bayley reels Bianca in for the ROSE PLANTER! Bayley had her laugh and had her way, but will Bianca have the last laugh after Backlash?

Jey finds Jimmy backstage.

Did Jimmy mean all that? About Roman talking down on Jey and Jey being Roman’s bitch? Bro, that’s exactly what’s going on here! What happened, Jey? The Usos are the best tag team here, and it was just about them! But Roman’s the family! Roman benefits the family! No, whatever the family does benefits Roman! Jimmy being gone all year, he saw Jey fighting all of Roman’s battles for him! Jey’s the reason Roman is champion! But Roman IS the champion. They’re stronger together! Well check this, Uce. Roman is Head of the Table, but he takes care of himself. If Jey went to Roman right now, and if he asked if Roman needed Jey, Roman would say NO! Jimmy needs Jey! And Jey needs Jimmy.

If they want to talk family, picture this: Roman Reigns as Universal Champion. Jimmy & Main Event Jey, tag team champions! THAT is representing the family, Uce. Who will Jey listen to? The brother on his right shoulder? Or the Tribal Chief on his left?

Another classic moment: June 27, 2002.

Kurt Angle issued an open challenge, and was met by a newcomer. Who was this? JOHN CENA! And what is the one quality that he possesses that allows him to be in the WWE? RUTHLESS AGGRESSION!! Cena impressed a lot of people, but especially WWE Champion, The Undertaker!

Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode!

The Father and Son of Lucha are getting their chance at history at Backlash as they challenge the Dirty Dawgs for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships! But will the Show-Off shutdown the Mysterios’ momentum the same day that news was announced?

SmackDown returns as the tag champs make their entrance. Ziggler has a mic to speak, and he says “This is Throwback SmackDown, baby!” No two throwbacks better than the Dawgs! But they could be big in any era. But Ziggler says he and Rey could go toe to toe all night long. Dom doesn’t belong. At least each of the Kardashians had something. Dom is a legacy but he doesn’t belong in the ring, the company or the industry. He’s just Rey’s little kid. So get out of Ziggler’s ring sot he men can handle business. Aw, is Dommy gonna cry? Just beat it, punk! Dom says he’ll handle this? Dom wants to swap in for Rey?! Well okay then!

Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio VS Dolph Ziggler w/ Robert Roode!

The tables have turned, but will the momentum still swing in the Mysterios’ favor? Or is the Show-Off going to show Dom that he’s not cut out for the family business?

The bell rings, they circle, and Ziggler shows superkick but Dom stays back. Ziggler dares Dom to show him what he can do, and then shoves him! Dom shoves back! Ziggler SLAPS Dom, laughs, and throws haymakers! “You don’t belong here!” Ziggler whips, Dom dodges and SLAPS Ziggler! Then dropkicks him! Ziggler bails out to regroup with Roode, but Dom slingshots out! Ziggler is ready, and he trips Dom up! Ziggler scoops and SLAMS Dom to the floor, laughs again, and drags Dom up to talk more trash. Ziggler puts Dom in at 5 of 10, then stalks him to a corner. Dom shoves Ziggler away, Ziggler gets in Dom’s face but Dom throws haymakers! Ziggler DECKS Dom and laughs again.

Ziggler turns Dom with a NECKBREAKER! Cocky cover, TWO! Dom gets to ropes, Ziggler is after him but Dom throws body shots! Rey coaches Dom but Ziggler DECKS him! “You can’t hang with me!” Ziggler scoops and SLAMS Dom again and fires up. Ziggler pushes Dom around, talks more trash, and reels Dom in. Ziggler suplexes but Dom makes it a cradle, DOM WINS!!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

Ziggler tries to deny this happened, but it happened! Can Dom and Rey catch the Dirty Dawgs sleeping and take those titles from them?

Backstage interview with Reginal, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler.

Surprisingly, instead of either of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions facing Tamina 1v1 tonight, the stylish sommelier is stepping up! Why? “As someone with a heightened palette, there is nothing worse than a sour taste in my mouth.” That is what he was left with after last week. He stands with the best tag team today, and knows that they will break Tamina & Natalya next week. Tonight, Reggie will break Tamina’s spirt to then have some spirits to cleanse his palette of Tamina’s sour presence. Another rare co-ed match could set the tone for next week’s title match! Will Reggie be tasting sweet victory or bitter defeat tonight?

SmackDown has another classic moment: November 11, 1999!

Arnold Schwarzenegger was a special guest, and he thanked the fans for the reception. He got to join commentary as The Rock’s team battled DX! Arnold helped Stone Cold get a chair, HHH took a swing on Arnold, and HHH got terminated!

Roman sits in his room.

Heyman walks over and Roman tells him to fetch his cousin. Which one? Roman glares at Heyman and he understands. Will Jey have to explain what went down to Roman?

Reginald w/ Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Tamina w/ Natalya!

SmackDown returns as the statement makers, bone breakers and title takers make their entrance. Reggie doesn’t seem worried despite being in the ring with the Daughter of Superfly. The bell rings and Reggie wants Tamina to take a moment while he takes off his jacket. Reggie has a Team Shay-Nia shirt, and then he backflips to avoid Tamina’s boot! Reggie goes around the way, shows off his acrobatics going in then right back out the ring, but slides back in. Tamina rushes in, Reggie handsprings under the clotheslines, but this only upsets Tamina. Tamina grabs him by his hair, reels him in, and THROWS him, but Reggie lands on his feet! Tamina snarls and Reggie realizes he’s cornered!

Reggie slides under but gets caught! Tamina drags him up, “Who do you think you are?!” She tosses Reggie into a corner and Reggie climbs up! Reggie stands on the post itself! Tamina climbs up but Reggie LEAPS over, with a corkscrew! Even Shayna likes that one! Reggie does a dance, into a SUPERKICK! Nia and Shayna are in shock as Tamina puts Reggie in the drop zone! Tamina climbs, Shayna shoves her down and Nia drags Reggie out!

Winner: Tamina, by disqualification

Shayna goes after Tamina, Natty goes after Shayna but Nia CLOBBERS Natty! The champs combine for the KNEE SIDEWALK SLAM! Tamina fights them but that’s 2v1! Shayna drags Tamina by an arm, hammerlocks it, and Nia holds Tamina down so Shayna can STOMP the arm! Nia then drags Tamina out of the ring for a fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP into barriers! Nia then stands on Tamina’s head and tells her, “Don’t you DARE disrespect Reggie like that!” The Irresistible Force and Queen of Spades stand tall for now, but will they pay for this in just one week?

Apollo Crews and his team have gathered.

The WWE Intercontinental Champion says that much like his great-grandfather united tribes towards a common goal, tonight he leads these men into battle! They have King Corbin’s brutality, the might of Otis, the strategy of Chad Gable, and we have… Well Sami’s here. Like the five fingers of the hand, alone they are vulnerable, but together they are unbreakable! Apollo’s team is fired up, but will they be extinguished by their opponents? Speaking of…

Big E and his team have gathered!

“Oh~, tonight! We set our differences aside, because we throw it back, and OH~ we throwing down!” Those boys are gonna feel~ the power and the pain! Right, Kevin? Yeah. OHHH~! And that means Big E, Nakamura, KO and the Profits are UP, and #WeWantTheSmoke!! Ten men are ready to turn it up to 11! We see one for the history books, after the break!

10 Man Tag: Big E, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura & The Street Profits VS Sami Zayn, King Corbin, The Alpha Academy & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azee!

SmackDown returns with this match starting, Gable and Angelo Dawkins tie up. They go around, Gable waistlocks, Dawkins switches but Gable switches back to a headlock takeover. Dawkins headscissors, Gable kips free but Dawkins reverses roles with his own headlock takeover. Gable headscissors, Dawkins kips free, then shoots in, but Gable blocks to roll him. Dawkins keeps moving, hurdles but Gable arm-drags! Dawkins arm-drags then FLAPJACKS! Tag to Montez Ford, the Profits whip Gable to dropkick him down! Ford handsprings and shows off the shoulder shimmy before he covers, TWO! Sami shouts at Ford but Ford wrenches Gable. Gable breaks free and throat chops!

Tag to Apollo, they mug Ford, and Apollo drags Ford up to scoop and SLAM him! Apollo mocks Big E with the New Day clap, then Sami tags himself in! Apollo is upset but Sami stomps away on Ford. Sami CLUBS Ford down, does his moves and then stomps Ford! Sami puts Ford on ropes and chokes him! The ref counts, Sami lets off and Azeez smiles. Sami puts Ford in a corner, tells the ref to watch Kevin, and then he throws hands on Ford. Sami wrenches Ford, whips him corner to corner, but Ford goes up and over and handsprings to show off, before he dropkicks Sami down! Ford wrenches, Big E tags in, but Sami gets away! Big E dares Apollo to get in but Apollo swivels hips.

Corbin tags in, the Wolf King circles with Big E and they tie up. Big E headlocks, Corbin powers out, but Big E ducks and dodges to ram shoulders! Corbin rebounds to LARIAT! Corbin taunts Big E’s team, things speed up but Big E hurdles to CLOBBER Corbin! Big E pushes Corbin to a cover, ONE! Big E gets Corbin up, but Corbin powers him to the corner! Sami mugs Big E but Kevin BLASTS Sami off the apron! Sami’s team help shim but Kevin’s team rushes over! It is chaotic at ringside, Kevin get to the apron to FROG SPLASH Sami down!! Fans are fired up as all 10 men #JustKeepFighting, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again as Otis has Kevin down with a neck wrench. Kevin endures, fights up, and fights back with body shots. Kevin CHOPS, runs, but Otis throws body shots of his own! Otis whips Kevin to the corner, taunts the other team, then runs in to SPLASH! Apollo tags in and he stares Big E down before getting Kevin up. Apollo fireman’s carries, Kevin fights free to kick, but no stunner! Apollo mule kicks, Kevin dodges the boot to atomic drop and ENZIGURI! Both men are down and everyone fires u! Gable trips up Big E but Big E chases him, only for Otis to CLOBBER him! Apollo likes that, and he drags Kevin up to whip. Kevin reverses, ducks and WHEEL KICKS!

Hot tags to Nakamura and Sami! The King of Strong Style hits a DYNAMIC DROPKICK! He fires off on Gable, KICKS him down, then DECKS Corbin! Sami blindsides Nakamura, whips, but Nakamura kicks to get him with the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura whips, Sami uses that to BLAST the Profits! Sami tries to boot Nakamura but gets put in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura hops up to hit a FLYING KNEE! Cover, but Corbin breaks it in time! Corbin throws Nakamura out but Big E gets Corbin for a Belly2Belly! Apollo gets in to ENZIGURI and GERMAN Big E! Kevin gets Apollo with a STUNNER!! Otis drags Kevin out but gets a SUPERKICK for it! Otis stays up!?

Kevin SUPERKICKS Otis again, Otis still stands! Gable waistlocks Kevin for a GERMAN SUPLEX to the ramp! Dawkins POUNCES Gable, Otis CLOBBERS Dawkins! Ford FLIES and takes out Otis!! Nakamura aims at Sami, for the KIN- NO! Sami elbows him away and Corbin tags in! KINSHASA but a little too late! END OF DAYS!! Cover, Team Apollo win!!

Winners: Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn & The Alpha Academy, by pinfall

The ones who took advantage of the chaos and fury come out on top! Will this solidify Apollo as a true leader? Sami tries to sneak a touch at the Intercontinental title, is this as close as he’ll get to it?

Roman talks with his cousin.

Doesn’t he understand that all the hard work they’ve put in, the responsibilities he’s given Jey, and why? For the family. They do it because of love. Roman loves the Usos, which is why he wants Jimmy to have the same opportunities. But Roman needs to know where Jimmy stands, and we’re all about to find out right now. Roman leads the way back towards gorilla! What will Roman do to test his cousins’ loyalties?

SmackDown has one more classic moment!

“Viva la Raza~!” July 22, 2004, Eddie Guerrero returned and invited Vince McMahon into the low rider! The hydraulics were a bit more of a ride than Vince thought, but he didn’t mind, he was riding with Latino Heat! We miss you, Eddie!

SmackDown returns with Roman, Heyman and Jey in the ring.

Heyman gives Roman a mic again, and Roman says, “This is not how I envisioned the night. It was simple: I bring your brother back in-” Jimmy interrupts! Jimmy said he’s not being bossed around and now he’s playing by his own rules! Jimmy gets himself a mic as he gets in the ring and asks what’s up with Jey. Where does he stand? When Jey and Roman fought, that was an I Quit match. Jimmy sat backstage and watched, and Jey wasn’t quitting for nothing! Not until Roman dragged Jimmy into the ring, into the Guillotine and choked him out! Then Jey said he quit, for Jimmy’s sake because he loves Jimmy! Does Jey not remember? There’s footage from Hell in a Cell 2020 to remind him!

Jimmy tells Jey, “Don’t get hot at me when I say this. But if it were me, I would’ve never said I quit to you, no matter what.” Roman tells Jimmy, “That’s what this is about?” Jimmy’s stuck on the past? Roman and Jey moved past that. Roman isn’t going to go back and forth with Jimmy. “It’s simple: Fall in line. Stand with us. And acknowledge me.” Or Jimmy can take his ass home. Got that? And when Jimmy turns on the TV, he’ll have to explain to his kids why he’s home with them, watching The Tribal Chief, and THE Uso. Jimmy drops the mic and steps away. But then Jimmy stops at the ramp, and Jey assures Roman he’s close. Jey goes out to talk to Jimmy and says this will be easy once he accepts Roman.

But then Cesaro attacks Roman! The Swiss Cyborg has Roman alone, but Jey gets in, only to get CLOBBERED! Jimmy walks away as Cesaro fires off, but then he runs back in! Jimmy goes after Cesaro to save his brother! Cesaro pops Jimmy up for a EuroUpper! Jey gets up, Cesaro kicks him down and reels him in, NEUTRALIZER! Cesaro goes back to Roman, reels him in, and hits a NEUTRALIZER on Roman!! The Swiss Cyborg just devastated the Bloodline! Does this mean Cesaro will become Head of the Table??

My Thoughts:

A really good SmackDown, but a rather poor “throwback” SmackDown. Granted, I think this was because Fox insisted, not because WWE wanted to do a special episode. But even then, they kinda just threw everything together to reference the past. We got a CG SmackDown fist, not the real deal, but they were using the retro WWE logo that fits more of the 80’s and 90’s. By the time SmackDown came around, they were using the scratch logo of the Attitude Era. I get the Attitude Era isn’t the most appropriate, but that aesthetic would be more accurate. That aside, getting historic moments thrown in here and there were appropriate, and I’m glad we got those.

Bayley and Bianca had a good segment. Bayley listing past champions specifically from the WWE Women’s Championship line was nice, and it fit that she used them all to put herself over. Bianca had a good promo, and Bayley standing tall in their brawl furthers the fact that Bianca will retain. Ruby VS Carmella was a good match, but it just makes me remember Billie Kay got let go and she could’ve been money during this segment, coaching Mella, cheering her on, being the reason Mella wins with a cheat, and then they’d look strong in the tag division while Mella builds up in the singles. But nope, just Mella winning.

We got a very good tag title build, though, even with Nia and Shayna disqualifying the match of Tamina VS Reggie. The titles being on the line on SmackDown makes sense in a few ways. For one, the titles get exposure on TV as opposed to being on a PPV which (even with the various ways Peacock makes itself available) still costs extra. The match can have some time to breathe on the go-home to Backlash, and can make for a big moment on SmackDown if Tamina & Natty win. Ziggler goading Dom into facing him instead of Rey only to lose was good stuff, and their tag title match at Backlash could make up for a lot of the lackluster creativity because we could be seeing history.

Everything with Teddy Long tonight was great, and was the best part of this being a throwback episode. His involvement at the beginning with how Cesaro and Rollins got into it was great, and his promo backstage with Sami and Sonya was brilliant. The promos going into the 10 Man tag were fun, and the 10 Man Tag itself was really fun. We got great interactions between Apollo and Big E and then Kevin and Sami, and Corbin being the one to win and off of Nakamura, maybe things go from a Fatal 4 to a Six Pack Challenge. Or at least a Furious 5 to crown a contender who then faces Apollo later. Either would be great, though.

The Usos costing Rollins to then give us Roman VS Cesaro was a nice twist. I like that there is even the hint of a slow burn for Rollins and Roman in the works, but I should’ve figured this would somehow turn into Uso VS Uso. Sure, wrestling has seen tag partners face each other, and seen brothers face each other, but Jimmy VS Jey, with Roman and Heyman on the side, is going to be something special. Roman VS Cesaro will also be something special, but I do not see Backlash being the night Roman loses.

My Score: 8.2/10

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

13 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!