Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/30/21)

Will Minneapolis be Too Sweet?

Published

3 years ago

July 30, 2021

Steven Mitchell

The Prince takes aim at the title he never lost!

Finn Balor challenged the Universal Champion and he accepted! But what about SmackDown’s Summer of Cena? Is it all for naught now?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Rey wins.
WWE 24/7 Championship: Reginald VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Reggie wins by disqualification, and retains the title.
Six Man Tag: Big E, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS The Dirty Dawgs & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez; Big E, Cesaro & Nakamura win.
Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair VS Carmella & Zelina Vega; Banks & Belair win.

PLAY BY PLAY

JOHN CENA is in Minneapolis!

“I think they’re settling into a groove! This doesn’t sound as good as the Paul Heyman remix, but it’ll do.” Cena slides into the ring, fans cheer and he soaks it all in like he did last week. Cena says the recap package we get is “interesting.” But side note: if you have someone who makes missionary position entertaining for two decades, keep them in your life, it’ll be worth it. But with that out of the way, welcome to SmackDown! “And what the hell is going on here tonight?!” Roman Reigns and Finn Balor sign a contract for the WWE Universal Championship match at SummerSlam. Cena thinks that’s only half bad. Respect to Balor, but it also proves that Roman absolutely sucks.

Roman sucks because beyond the passive aggressive false confidence, Roman’s really just a scared little kid. Roman accepts Finn Balor’s challenge, and rejects Cena’s. Cena is fine with rejection, he’s been rejected in front of the world. You guys were there, you know it. But the reasons Roman rejected Cena’s challenge are ridiculous! Roman doesn’t like that Cena didn’t change his music, his look or who he was deep down. “That is so stupid. That is like asking Stone Cold Steve Austin to come back to the WWE as Sasquatch Steve Houston. Or if The Rock FINALLY came back to the WWE… he would come back as Dwayne Too Small Johnson.

“And instead of saying, ‘If you smelllelelelelel what The Rock is cooking!’ He would say like, ‘Do you consensually touch what the Small Johnson is barely holding?'” See? It’s ridiculous. That’s not who those guys are! The fans know it, the superstars know it. They do not beg you to acknowledge them. They allow you to make your noise, have some fun and show some life. They allow you to cheer, boo, get up out of your seats and be electric, and simply do their best each time to earn your respect. Roman expected Cena to change because that’s what Roman has to do. Cena says Roman has to change every two years because the fans stop caring about him.

The fans stop caring because they don’t believe in him. And the fans don’t believe in Roman because Roman doesn’t believe in himself, #BelieveThat. “Roman Reigns is nothing more than a lazy stooge named Joe, who coasts by on every gimmick in the system, and is nothing more than a bloodsucking product of this machine, who is so so afraid to fail.” Cena would’ve embarrassed Roman and Roman knows it! Roman didn’t reject Cena because of how he looks, but because of how Cena makes Roman look! Mic drop but Baron Corbin walks out? Corbin’s in worse shape than last week! Corbin just wants to talk.

Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at the disheveled Corbin and Cena points it out. Cena doesn’t even know who this is, though. Oh wait! Baron Corbin? Dude, you look… Horrible, yes, he knows! Corbin’s in a bad way. Well Cena wasn’t going to say that, but yeah, he does look horrible. Things aren’t going well for Corbin. Corbin knows they’ve never been close, but Corbin is desperate. His life is falling apart! He’s lost his crown, his cars, his identity was stolen and his credit is trashed! And to top it off, Corbin sustained an injury to a very sensitive part of his body. Now, Corbin can’t even… Surf the internet? Eat breakfast cereals? Walk in the park? No, he can’t even “perform!”

Oh… So like the this and the that? Oh, okay. And because of that, his wife left and took the kids! So Corbin sees the charitable John Cena, the man that grants so many wishes, and so if anyone can help him, it’s Cena. Will Cena help Corbin? Well Cena figures to ask the fans. Should Cena help Corbin? He needs a definitive answer. The fans are tied between “YES! YES!” and “NO! NO!” Cena can’t tell, so he just gives Corbin what he has in his pocket. What? But Cena’s rich! He’s a Hollywood star! Corbin could even work for it! He could be in a movie with Cena! Like the Suicide Squad! Not a bad idea, but that movie wrapped. It comes out next Friday.

Okay, but Corbin is perfect! He has nothing to live for, there could be more. He could even be a Cena stunt double! Uh, that’s a bit of a reach. What? Cena is going to kick a man while he’s down? Fans like the sound of that! Corbin says Cena really is a selfish, self-absorbed tightwad, with an ego the size of California. “You Hollywood sellout.” Cena says this is a teachable moment. They can help Corbin. Cena will give Corbin something he needs: an Attitude Adjustment! Cena gets Corbin up and SLAMS him down with the AA! And he takes back his money. Will Corbin learn when to quit while he’s ahead?

Dominik and Rey Mysterio talk backstage.

Rey is getting in the ring with Jimmy Uso, so Dom is going to keep his eyes on Jey. Good call, son. Dom can keep one eye on Jey, and the other on his dad. Rey is proud of the competitor he has become, and Rey loves Dom, but man to man, Dom’s make rookie mistakes. Dom has to step the game up to get back the titles. Watch Rey, cuz he still has a trick or two. Dom knows he does. Dom heads out so Rey can finish preparations, but that match is coming up next!

Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!

The NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions got away with sneaky wins two times in a row, but will their luck run out as #NobodysBitch takes on the King of Lucha Libre 1v1?

SmackDown returns and the Mysterios make their entrance. The bell rings, Rey and Jimmy circle, tie up, and Jimmy headlocks. Rey powers out but Jimmy runs him over. Jimmy fires up but fans boo, and Rey resets with Jimmy. They tie up, Jimmy headlocks but Rey powers out. Things speed up, Jimmy dodges to mule kick and whip. Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors Jimmy to a corner! Rey climbs, rains down fists, and gets nine before changing to a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Jimmy staggers up, Rey goes after him, but Jimmy fireman’s carries to RAM Rey into buckles! Cover, TWO! Jimmy wraps on a chinlock but fans rally up as Rey fights back.

Jimmy ROCKS Rey with an uppercut and Rey staggers to ropes. Jimmy runs in but Rey dumps him out! Rey dropkicks Jimmy’s legs out and Jimmy bumps off the apron! Fans fire up as Rey builds speed to SLIDE, but he has to roll through as Jimmy moves! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Rey right down! Jey talks trash at Dom as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Jimmy grinds Rey with a chinlock. Rey fights out, Jimmy shoves him but Rey kicks him back! Jimmy sunset flips, Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Jey shouts to Jimmy to get up and Jimmy gets to a corner. Dom gets the fans fired up as Rey runs in but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Rey ROCKS Jimmy, blocks a kick, but Jimmy DRAGON WHIPS! Jimmy gets to the corner, brings Rey up to the top rope, but Rey resists the superplex! Rey clubs and headbutts Jimmy down! Rey adjusts to jump and SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Jimmy gets to the corner again, Rey runs in but hits buckles! Jimmy swing kicks Rey away then gets him back up. Fireman’s carry, but Rey fights free! Rey dropkicks Jimmy’s legs out to get him on the ropes! Rey dials it up as fans fire up, but Jey helps Jimmy bail out. So Rey just TORNILLO PLANCHAS! Dom likes that one as Rey puts Jimmy back in. Rana to put Jimmy one ropes, and Rey runs! Jey is there so Jey gets a 619! Rey keeps going, but Jimmy blocks the 619! Fireman’s carry, but Rey crucifix takedown! Dom keeps Rey up just like the Usos did!! Rey wins!!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

Turnabout is fair play, and that’s how the Mysterios get back at the Usos! The Usos are of course upset about that, but will these two look to settle things with the tag titles on the line?

Bianca Belair is here!

The EST SmackDown Women’s Champion stands at 111 days as champion, but she’ll let us know about that and her plans for the near future, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Kayla Braxton is in the ring with Bianca to bring up Bianca successfully defending her title against Carmella last week. Bianca has surpassed 100 days as champion! But now we have to ask, how does she foresee the next 100? Bianca says she’s gonna blush, and the fans chant, “EST! EST!” for her. Bianca says these past few months have been so amazing. Defending the title at Rolling Loud, winning an ESPY, main-eventing WrestleMania 37, and now being back in front of the fans! It just keeps getting better and better. Bianca isn’t sure how she’ll top it, but she’s grateful for everything-

Carmella interrupts! “Oh my gosh, Bianca~! Congratulations on a hundred days!” Fans boo Mella’s sarcasm. But if Bianca really wants to cement her legacy, she should give one more title match to a woman who held the title for 130 days. That same person who is also the Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE! Mella of course means herself. Because Mella deserves it. We all saw Rolling Loud. The lighting was too bright, it was in Mella’s eyes, it- Wait, Zelina Vega makes her way out now? Vega tells Mella no, no, no. Slow your roll, chica. Mella is too pretty to be a third-time loser. And Bianca, what Vega wants to say to her, she’ll say to her face.

Vega gets in the ring, and says she thinks the WWE Universe wants to see Bianca to challenge a rising star like Vega. Because Vega is “The Moment,” and no one is more deserving than her. So accept her challenge, Bianca! Bianca says Vega is on! But then Mella blindsides Bianca! Vega joins in and they mug Bianca! They get Bianca up to KNEE her down, then they keep on stomping her! They hammer away, but here comes SASHA BANKS?! The Boss is back and she’s rushing out to help Bianca?! KNEE for Mella, FOREARM for Vega! METEORA for Mella, then Sasha blocks a kick to KNEE Vega! Sasha gets Bianca up and gives her a hug!

Bianca’s a bit confused but the #LegitEST hold it down in Minneapolis! Will The Boss make sure the EST gets fair treatment from the disrespectful challengers?

WWE 24/7 Championship: Reginald VS ???

The stylish and swift sommelier has been very elusive on Raw, but he gets to be the one who finally brings this title back to SmackDown! Kayla interviews him backstage and he wants to be called, “Reggie.” Well, Reggie, tonight’s opponent is a mystery. Is he comfortable defending his title like that? First of all, Reggie would’ve done anything to get to the WWE, whether that was helping Mella, Sasha, or Nia Jax. But suddenly, he saw the perfect opportunity right before him. And now here on SmackDown, Reggie is happy. And while he doesn’t know who his opponent is, he was simply told to show up and defend the title.

Reggie is just happy it is in the ring, because as 24/7 Champion, you have to be ready for anyone, anywhere at any time. Reggie is always looking over his shoulders, under his car, and under his bed. He has a rearview mirror on his shopping carts. Where Reggie’s from, his head was always on a swivel. Trouble usually comes his way from every direction, so it is only second nature. But whoever decides to challenge Reggie should expect the unexpected. The music hits and Reggie excuses himself. Will Reggie be able to keep those eyes on the back of his head open during this match?

The challenger makes their entrance now, and it’s… The Alpha Academy! Chad Gable is pumped up and Otis is menacingly stoic. But which one is stepping up to challenge Reggie? Otis gets a mic and says, “It’s not me. It’s him.” Gable is going to challenge Reggie, but Otis CLOBBERS Reggie all the same! The ref reprimands, Reggie gets up, the bell rings, and Gable throat chops Reggie! Gable fires off hands, whips Reggie to ropes, then CLOBBERS Reggie with forearms! Gable gets Reggie up for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Reggie staggers up, Gable shouts, “FOR THE ACADEMY!” and then he whips Reggie corner to corner.

Reggie goes up and over and shows off his agility as he dodges and evades! Mule kick, Reggie hops up, but Gable SLAMS Reggie down! Gable chicken wings for a TIGER PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable gets frustrated and he gets Reggie up onto the top rope backwards. Gable climbs up but Reggie throws elbows to knock him away. Gable comes back to CLUB Reggie, climbs up again, and SUPER GERMAN SUPELXES! But Reggie lands on his feet?! Reggie baits Gable into a corner, Gable runs into buckles! SOMERSAULT SEATED SENTON! But Otis attack Reggie again!

Winner: Reginald, by disqualification (still WWE 24/7 Champion)

Otis throws Reggie out but Reggie rolls through to recover! The sommelier still has his title, and his health. But will Reggie be more careful showing up on SmackDown with The Dozer around?

Adam Pearce checks the contract.

Sonya Deville walks in and says all parties have been informed. Tonight’s main event will be a tag team match: Carmella & Vega VS Bianca & Sasha! That’s a perfect match. Sonya double checks the contract, too, and management heads out. It is time to sign on the dotted line, after the break!

SmackDown returns with Pearce & Deville in the ring.

Sonya starts by saying, “Ever since Roman Reigns rejected the Universal Championship challenge of John Cena, and immediately after accepted that of Finn Balor, this right here is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.” Pearce agrees, and we all know how contract signings tend to go. Emotions flair, people say things, and punches get thrown. But these two are here to make sure the contract is signed, sealed and delivered in the most efficient way possible. So first, they introduce the challenger, Finn Balor! Minneapolis fires up for The Prince as he makes his way to the ring! And of course, the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns!

Heyman of course accompanies Roman out on stage, holding onto the title belt until it is time for the pyro. Roman then goes to the ring, Heyman holding the belt up for him again. Balor patiently waits as Roman takes his time going up the steps and in between the ropes. Roman again holds up the belt for more pyro, and then hands it to Heyman. Roman is annoyed about the chair placement, so of course Heyman moves the chair to the head of the table. Pearce and Sonya move aside as Roman takes his seat. Balor takes his seat and Pearce knows they’ve both looked the contract. They can double check now, and if it looks good, sign on the proverbial dotted line.

Heyman and Roman look the contract over, fans chant “CENA! CENA!” as Heyman gives Roman the mic. “We’ve already seen Mr. Missionary tonight. As a matter of fact, Finn. Did you catch his opening promo? You know what he said, right? John said that by accepting your challenge, I’m ducking him. I’m ducking him?” So that means Cena thinks Balor is lesser than him. Roman would boo, too, it’s a jerk thing to say. But Roman doesn’t think this. He thinks Balor is worthy. Balor is worthy of challenging for the title. And Balor is also worthy to catch a beatdown at SummerSlam.

But just for the record, Balor isn’t anything like John. Balor doesn’t come out with the “same tired old schtick that’s not working anymore,” or reference other superstars and stuff. No, Balor is hungry, Balor wants it, and Roman digs that. So then, Roman has to say, if Balor signs the contract, Roman will smash Balor and send him right back to NXT. Roman hands the mic over to Heyman for Heyman to mic-drop. Heyman hands Roman a pen as fans chant, “ROMAN SUCKS! ROMAN SUCKS!” Roman ignores that to sign his part of the contract. Heyman tosses the pen and Balor gets a mic. “You think pretty highly of yourself, don’t ya, Roman? And perhaps, finely so.”

But it will be Balor’s privilege to return to NXT once again Universal Champion! Balor takes a pen, looks for his part of the contract, but BARON CORBIN attacks?! Obviously Corbin is angry from what Cena did to him, but he SMACKS Balor off the table! And he throws the contract out of the way to throw Balor out of the ring! Corbin fires off hands on Balor, TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area, and then snatches the contract back up?! Fans freak out as Corbin finds himself a pen! But here comes Cena! Cena kicks Corbin and POSTS him! Cena looks at the contract, picks it up, and gets the pen! Heyman and Roman don’t even move as Cena writes HIS name on the paper!!

John Cena just snatched the opportunity away from Corbin, who was trying to snatch this away from Balor! Is this even allowed?! Will Roman use his authority to undo this, only to prove Cena right? Or does Roman have no choice but to acknowledge the Cenation?

Pearce and Deville walk backstage.

Well, it may not have been Balor’s name, but the contract has been filled out. Signed, sealed, delivered, just like they wanted. But then Heyman gets in their way. Now that out there was great television. Congrats! Pearce probably just moved up in the Board of Directors. But quick question, what are they going to do about SummerSlam? What does he mean? Oh c’mon. Let’s be real. Balor’s name is on the contract and JOHN- Er, uh… Well the point is, this isn’t legally binding. Pearce says this is what happens. He sees Roman’s signature, as does Heyman. He sees Cena’s signature. And that is good enough for Pearce! Sonya says this is official. Roman VS Cena is happening. But good to see you, Heyman.

Six Man Tag: Big E, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS The Dirty Dawgs & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez!

Mr. Money in the Bank, the Swiss Superman and the King of Strong Style had beef with the Show-Off, the Glorious One, and the WWE Intercontinental Champion last week, but now we get to see it sort out 3v3! Will Cesaro and Nakamura be able to #ThinkBig alongside Big E? Or will Ziggler, Roode and the Prince of Nigeria make them feel the steel?

The teams sort out, Big E and Apollo start, and Apollo rushes in, into a clinch! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Apollo tumbles out to the apron, Big E builds speed but Apollo KNEES Big E back. Apollo throws Big E out, taunts Cesaro & Nakamura, but that’s all to let the Dawgs hit a GLORIOUS ZIGZAG! Big E writhes as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Big E is down, but so are the Dawgs! Big E gets up, hot tag to Cesaro! Fans fire up as Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper Ziggler, then runs to BOOT Apollo! Ziggler staggers into Cesaro’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cesaro hears the fans call for it, and he calls for it! Cesaro trips Ziggler to start up the SWING! Cesaro goes around and around for 10, then steps through to the SHARPSHOOTER! Ziggler endures, Roode drags him to ropes! Cesaro DECKS Roode, drags Ziggler over to tag Nakamura! FLYING KNEE GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ziggler survives but Nakamura fires up from the corner! “YAO~!” But Ziggler gets around to ZIGZAG!

Both men are down, Boogs shouts to Nakamura but Ziggler hot tags Apollo! Apollo STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, Cesaro breaks it! Roode gets in to give Cesaro a SPINEBUSTER! Big E gets in to scoop Roode for a BIG ENDING! But Ziggler returns to hit a FAMOUSER! Nakamura kicks, Ziggler ducks, but the WHEEL KICK connects! Apollo ENZIGURIS Nakamura, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives but Apollo drags him to a drop zone. Apollo goes up but Boogs rocks out to distract! Azeez stops him by THROWING him down! Fans boo the killjoy but Cesaro EUROUPPERS Azeez to barriers! Ziggler SUPERKICKS Cesaro down!

Apollo leaps, Nakamura dodges the splash, Apollo rolls him! Nakamura slips through to KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura and team win!

Winners: Big E, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Azeez is furious but Boogs gets back up to rock out again! Will this lead to #Kingsuke adding the Intercontinental Championship to his royal treasures?

EDGE is here!

Minneapolis fires up as the Rated R Superstar and his pyro are here! We all saw Edge and Seth Rollins have a confrontation last week, but will Edge call out The Architect to finish what they started?

SmackDown returns to show us footage from the break! Edge didn’t even have time to speak, Rollins jumps him at the ramp! And stomps him down at ringside! Rollins gets Edge up to RAM him into barriers, then he seethes as the fans boo. But the assault continued and Rollins got Edge back to the stage. Rollins BOOTS Edge down, looks around with wild eyes, then grabs a camera from the cameraman! Rollins aims at Edge, to CAMERA SHOT Edge down!! Referees rush out to keep Rollins back and the fans chant, “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!”

Back to present, Rollins tells everyone to shut up and listen! “All Edge has done is take and take and take and take from me! And I’m sick of it!” But the fans don’t’ believe him? Well, what goes around comes around! That’s why it is a revolution! Rollins is a revolutionary! Roll the footage! The recap package goes back to a month ago, when Rollins felt slighted by management. There was no promise made to Rollins, but Rollins felt he was still deserving over Edge. And so when Roman VS Edge happened at Money in the Bank, Rollins found an opening to screw over Edge! Back in the present again, Rollins says he is not ashamed but PROUD of what he did.

But that was the right thing to do. Rollins is the rightful heir to the Universal Championship. And if HE can’t be champion, then neither can Edge! Rollins laughs and throws the mic down, but will the Rated R Superstar simply rise up and get his revenge?

Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair VS Carmella & Zelina Vega!

The Boss is back and she stood by the champ against the Untouchable Mella and La Muneca, but now they’ll do it again in a tag match! Will the #LegitEST duo show up and show out in tonight’s main event?

The teams sort out, and Bianca starts against Mella. Bianca dropkicks Mella, kips up and RAMS Mella into the corner. Tag to Sasha, they double whip and double shoulder Mella down! Sasha covers, TWO, but Sasha gets Mella up to scoop. Mella slips off and throws Sasha by her hair! Cover, ONE! Mella bumps Sasha off buckles, throws back elbows over and over then hits another one. Mella mocks Bianca’s clapping but Sasha throws body shots. Mella CLUBS Sasha, tags Vega, and they double suplex. Bianca saves Sasha and they double dropkick Mella and Vega out! Sasha builds speed to WRECK both with a dropkick!

Bianca goes outside, Sasha becomes her weapon in the military press CROSSBODY! Direct hit and down go both Mella and Vega! Fans fire up with Sasha & Bianca as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns Vega CLUBS and KICKS Bianca down. Fans boo but Mella applauds, and Vega runs to tilt-o-whirl into an IRON OCTOPUS! Bianca stays up, fans rally for “EST!” but Vega throws Bianca down. Vega bumps Bianca off buckles, tags Mella, and Mella stomps a mudhole in. Mella digs her boots in, lets off to taunt Sasha, but runs into a LARAIT from Bianca! Vega tags in, she CLUBS Bianca down before she could get to Sasha! Vega clubs Bianca, runs, and tilt-o-whirls to get the Iron Octopus back on! Bianca flails as she fights to stay up, fans rally up again and Bianca powers up! Bianca spins Vega around for a BACKBREAKER!

Both women are down, Mella tells fans to shut up with the chanting, but Bianca crawls to hot tag Sasha! The Boss hits a METEORA on Vega, DECKS Mella, then dropkicks Vega! Sasha gets Vega back up to snap suplex! Una amiga! Another, dos amigas! Sasha gets Vega up a third time for THREE AMIGAS! Fans fire up as Sasha goes to a corner. Sasha climbs up top, to FROG SPLASH! Cover, Mella FABULOUS KICKS Sasha! Mella drags Vega to their corner, tags in, and goes after Sasha. Sasha gets around but Mella drops to avoid the backstabber! Mella KICKS Sasha from below, runs, tilt-o-whirl to the FACEBUSTER! Cover, Bianca breaks it!

Bianca sees Vega running in and BOOTS her to then toss her! Bianca goes out after Vega but Mella has Sasha. Sasha slips out of the facebuster to hit the BACKSTABBER! BANK STATEMENT CROSSFACE! Mella taps, Sasha and Bianca win!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks, by submission

What a way to return for The Boss! She and Bianca celebrate, and then Sasha hits Bianca with a BACKSTABBER!! Sasha rains down fists from all sides because it was only a matter of time! Boss Time that is! Sasha gets the belt and shoves it in Bianca’s face before firing off forearms! Sasha goes up the corner, reels Bianca in, and TORNADO DDT’S! Then the BANK STATEMENT!! Bianca flails but there’s no way to stop this! Sasha makes Bianca tap and then suffer as she shouts, “I’M the Legit Boss!!” The ref tells Sasha to let off and Sasha does, so she can hold the belt up again. But then she puts Bianca BACK in the BANK STATEMENT!!

Bianca keeps tapping, Sasha says, “I’M the reason you’re here!” Sasha laughs as she makes Bianca fade out!! Will Sasha ruthlessly rip the title away from Bianca Belair the first chance she gets?

My Thoughts:

This was a good episode of SmackDown, but there was so much that just felt off. For one, there was barely a preview earlier today, so I feel like they were just slapping stuff together real quick. There were a lot of recap packages, too, though they were at least used to feed segments. But I really am glad to see the 24/7 Championship return to SmackDown and Fox, and I like that the Alpha Academy are the first to challenge him here. It works that Gable was first to challenge because now it’ll be Otis’ turn next time. And no offense to Reggie, but Otis as 24/7 Champion would be great, because he’s so menacing and strong. He wouldn’t need to run away, he could just bulldoze everyone coming after him.

Cena opening SmackDown was alright but I don’t know why they’re throwing him into the Corbin stuff when Corbin and Kevin were the thing just last week. Of course Corbin steps in it and Cena piles on with the Attitude Adjustment, but I don’t get the contract signing hijacking. I guess Sami is just out since he already lost to Balor, and then Cena uses this moment to sneak in and take this title match. There is time for Balor to come back and demand he still get his part, but how is Cena the Face in this? Roman and Cena should both be seen as the Heels and then Balor is our edgy Face who comes out on top against both these guys.

I like that Rey won against Jimmy with the same assist that the Usos were using to win before. It makes a lot of sense, and it definitely foreshadows the tag title rematch at SummerSlam. I also like that we got the Six Man Tag that the Cleveland live crowd got to see last week, but I feel like even then, commercial breaks cut out a lot of great content. The Faces winning makes sense, though, and it keeps things going towards a big Intercontinental Championship match to be sure. But then I feel like there was miscommunication in timing of everything, because we did not get to see Rollins attacking Edge live, as we should have.

Sasha’s return was apparently rumored, or perhaps leaked, but once it was true, it was pretty clear she was turning on Bianca. I almost thought she was going to do that after saving Bianca from Mella & Vega, but then we wouldn’t have gotten that pretty good main event. Sasha of course gets the win for her return, and given the move’s name is “The Backstabber,” of course she turns here tonight. They probably could’ve waited a week since Bianca and Vega want to have a match of their own, but I suppose WWE figures they should have Sasha just get her betrayal out of the way so they can build to SummerSlam being a rematch from WrestleMania 37.

My Score: 8.2/10

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

Up Next

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (7/30/21)

Don't Miss

Mitchell’s NJPW Summer Struggle Report! (7/30/21)

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/27/24)

It’s a slam dunk!

Published

23 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Guns up for all the Jacksonville Gold Members!

Another three hour block of All Elite Wrestling starts with a Collision! But will the Bang Bang Gang still be the best three man unit ever? Or will Top Flight go from the coldest to the goldest trio in the game?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

The Acclaimed VS Grizzled Young Veterans; win.
Toni Storm w/ Mariah May & Luther VS Anna Jay; wins.
Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships: Bullet Club Gold VS Top Flight; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

[Coverage will begin after the NBA Playoffs on TNT]

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

Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

1 day 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.