Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (8/5/21)

Who is NXT UK’s Ironman?

Published

3 years ago

August 5, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Irish Ace, El Nino Anonimo, for 30 minutes! Who you got?

Jordan Devlin’s ego doubled after he thought he broke A-Kid’s leg. And A-Kid took advantage of that by drawing him into NXT UK’s first-ever Ironman match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Xia Brookside VS Blair Davenport; Davenport wins.
Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff VS Danny Jones & Josh Morrell; Starz & Mastiff win.
30 Minute Ironman Match: Jordan Devlin VS A-Kid; A-Kid wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Shawn Michaels narrates, “The Ironman Match.”

“Few endeavors compare to the sheer will necessary to endure its punishment. But a decision only gets you so far. You must withstand your opponent until the very, last, second. Thirty minutes might as well be an eternity. But for those who are able to push through the pain, to endure the challenge, they will establish an ongoing legacy.” HBK himself won his first WWE Championship through such a match, and that moment lives to this day. That moment inspired A-Kid to inspire others. But when there are those like Jordan Devlin, who purposefully intend to injure someone, “that’s when it gets personal.” Devlin says this was AK’s choice, so he must’ve lost his mind.

HBK continues to say that tonight, NXT UK holds its first-ever Ironman Match. Thirty minutes of “a wrestler’s wrestler match,” and Devlin claims it was tailor made for him. This is a chance to establish legacy, but that means outlasting the other man, and making it to that final second intact. Devlin says AK has ended his own career, but AK vows he’ll be the one breaking Devlin. “Because it’s not over until the clock, hits, zero.” Who joins the pantheon of iron clad wills in wrestling history?

Xia Brookside VS Blair Davenport!

Though NXT UK Women’s Champion, Meiko Satomura, riled up the roster last week, the second generation superstar and beastly BD have been ready to fight each other from the start. Will Xia prove her last name is just a last name? Or will all of NXT UK learn to beware of Blair?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, end up in a deadlock, but Blair uses her height for leverage to get Xia into a corner. The ref counts, Blair lets off and keeps clear of Xia as she rushes out. They circle again, tie back up, and Xia gets a quick arm-drag! Blair fights up but Xia wrenches, YANKS and YANKS the arm, then grinds it down to the mat. Blair rolls, Xia wristlocks but Blair slips through. Blair has the wristlock and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Blair wrenches the arm again, YANKS on it in return, and stomps the arm down! Xia scrambles away, Blair gets her up and wrenches the arm over an dover, to YANK it again!

Xia fights up, gets the ropes, and flips through to knee low! Xia goes up to RANA, then roll Blair up! TWO, and Xia gets space to dropkick Blair down! And then runs in again, MONKEY FLIP! Xia fires up as she gets to a corner. Blair goes to another, Xia runs in but Blair blocks the flip this time to put Xia on the apron and ROCK her! Xia drops to her knees, Blair WRECKS her with a dropkick! Blair goes out to get Xia up, and THROW her into barriers! A ring count climbs, Blair gets Xia up and into the ring at 6 of 10. Blair storms after Xia but Xia hits low! Blair CLUBS Xia, clamps onto the arm and then a chinbar.

BT Sports Studio rallies as Xia endures. Xia fights up, fights back and gets free, but Blair CLUBS her! Xia hits back, then blocks a clubbing forearm to fire off forearms over and over! Xia dodges Blair, comes back and tilt-o-whirl headscissors Blair away! Blair staggers up into Xia’s rally of flying forearms! Blair ends up in a corner, Xia runs in, METEORA to the back! Xia keeps going, RUNNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! BT Sports Studio is fired up as Xia grabs at Blair. Blair hits back but Xia CLUBS her now! Blair hits back with forearms, then whips Xia to a corner. Xia goes up, under, comes back but into a ROUNDHOUSE!

Blair goes up and up and LEAPS for a brutal missile dropkick! Xia is on the ropes, Blair V-TRIGGERS! Blair calls for it, she gets the hands, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Blair wins!

Winner: Blair Davenport, by pinfall

Whether you agree with her or not, Blair did prove that she is better than Xia! Will she look to rename the building the BD Sports Studio? Wait, she isn’t done with Xia yet! She drags Xia up, suplex to MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Will there be no mercy from Blair Davenport?

NXT UK shares footage from after last week’s main event.

Moustache Mountain is backstage, and Tyler Bate still has energy enough to jump off the wall and swing his nun-chucks. NXT UK Media is there waiting to congratulate them on the win, but then Pretty Deadly walks in to continue their sarcastic applause. Lewis Howley sarcastically compliments them, too, saying that was an impressive match with Symbiosis, and that Pretty Deadly would love to embarrass the “fans’ best team.” Sam Stoker says, “Let’s kick down the cabin and introduce you boys to the Pretty Deadly Penthouse.” Bate says that does sound great, he’s kinda “spinning plates” here. Oh, right, Bate’s Heritage Cup Champion! Pretty Deadly forgot that.

But Seven says in his own sarcastic tone, “I think we can find the time for this.” Bate says alright, and so they’ll do it! Moustache Mountain VS “The Godwinns 2K20 edition.” (Because of those overalls Pretty Deadly are wearing…) Pretty Deadly says fine, but they do this on their time. Right, okay. See you in a minute. Oh and nice side plates. And so, it is happening! In two weeks, Stoker & Howley defend their titles against Seven & Bate! Will the best team in NXT UK finally reign over NXT UK?

Sid Scala responds to this encounter.

“Moustache Mountain VS Pretty Deadly for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships is impending. But Tyler Bate is a fighting Heritage Cup Champion, and he has asked for competition. So starting from next week, eight men will compete in a tournament to find our new #1 contender to the Heritage Cup Championship.” Mark Andrews VS Noam Dar, Kenny Williams VS Oliver Carter, Nathan Frazer VS Teoman, and Sam Gradwell VS Wolfgang is the opening round in this newest British Rules tournament! Who rises up above the others to take on the Big Strong Boy for the cup?

Isla Dawn walks alone in the woods.

She finds ruins of an old castle. Or perhaps, a temple. She uncovers a box and opens it up. There’s a watch inside, and it’s still ticking. It’s the same kind of watch Emilia McKenzie wears…? Isla reburies the box and smiles as she leaves. A not so subtle threat to #SuplexMillie, but just how will the Wicked Witch of Scotland bewitch her?

NXT UK Media catches up with Subculture.

While Mark Andrews was just announced for the Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament, they ask Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster and Dani Luna what’s next for the group. Well, hold on, FMW spots somebody walking by. FMW says hey to Wolfgang and Wolfgang says hey back. FMW says the friendly rivalry between the Gallus boys is absolute genius. Mark Coffey getting a title shot by going up to Tyler and giving him a smack? Brilliant. Oh yeah? Maybe Webster should try something like that- FMW SLAPS Wolfgang across the face!! And then runs for it! Wolfie isn’t necessarily mad, but he does want Flash to get back here! Will The Modfather end up being a warm-up for Wolfgang’s tournament opener?

Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff VS Danny Jones & Josh Morrell!

The gatekeeper of NXT UK and The Bomber are combining their forces to see just how much they can shake up the Tag Division! Will they more than establish themselves against “Dragonheart” Danny Jones and #TurboTerry in this tag debut?

The teams sort out, Starz and Jones start and they tie up right away. They go around, Starz wrenches and goes after the shoulder, then gest the wristlock. Jones rolls, spins, gets the wrench and wristlock in his favor, but Starz spins through to spinning drop toehold! Starz floats to a facelock but Jones fights up. Jones powers Starz to ropes then throws him, but Starz holds on! Starz cravats and wrenches the neck, but Jones spins through to get a headlock. Starz fights the hold, Jones grinds and hits a headlock takeover. Starz gets the headscissor but Jones kips free. Starz headlocks, grinds, but Jones throws body shots. Jones powers out but Starz rams shoulders!

Starz keeps going, rams Jones again, runs more, and runs Jones over! Things speed up, Starz fakes out Jones’ dropkick, Jones crashes down! Starz gets a SUPERMAN CLUTCH! Cover, TWO, but Starz is right on Jones’ arm! Jones endures, Starz gets him up and tags in Mastiff. Mastiff takes the handoff but Jones jawbreakers free! Tag to Morrell and he dropkicks! Mastiff stays up, Morrell goes to whip, but Mastiff blocks it! Mastiff shakes his head, whips Morrell to a corner, but Morrell goes up and over with a twist! Morrell throws forearms, facelocks, but Mastiff suplexes Morrell OUT of the ring! Starz hurries to get Morrell in and Mastiff bumps him off buckles!

Tag to Starz, he and Mastiff double whip and double back drop high and hard! Starz covers, TWO!! Turbo Terry’s proving his toughness, but Starz hoists him up. Morrell blocks being put on the top rope and spins it to a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Morrell kicks low, tags in Jones, and Jones fires off forearms. Starz gives EuroUppers, they brawl but Jones catches Starz’ uppercut to backslide hooks! Starz resists so Jones wrenches and ripcords to an ENZIGURI! Jones gets Starz up to throw him into buckles, then brings him corner to corner to throw him into more buckles. Jones runs and BOOTS Starz down, then fires up as Starz flounders.

Starz ends up in the corner, Jones runs in and KNEES Starz in the chest while making the tag to Morrell! Jones has Starz up, Morrell joins in to whip, and Morrell SHOTGUN dropkicks Starz! Cover, TWO!! Morrell puts on a half nelson chinbar but Mastiff coaches Starz. Starz fires off body shots, clubbing forearms, but Morrell scoops and SLAMS Starz down! Morrell puts Starz in a drop zone and goes to the corner. Morrel pushes himself up to the top rope, for STARSHIP PAIN!? But it FLOPS as Starz moves! Johnny Drip Drip won’t like seeing that. Starz fires off EuroUppers, Morrell wobbles into an EXPLODER suplex! Hot tag to Mastiff!

Mastiff rallies on Morrell, blocks a kick, and FLIPS Morrell around! Mastiff keeps moving and CLOBBERS Morrell! Mastiff gets Morrell back up and waistlocks, then Starz tags in. Mastiff rolls back for CHAOS THEORY! Starz runs in to get Morrell up, and this time he gets Morrell on the top rope. Starz puts Morrell in the Tree of Woe, runs corner to corner and FLYING HEADBUTTS!! Then he CLOBBERS Jones, tags in Mastiff, and Mastiff leaps INTO THE VOID!! Cover, Mastiff & Starz!

Winners: Jack Starz & Dave Mastiff, by pinfall

What a way to start their tag journey! Between Jack’s speed and agility, Mastiff’s size and strength, and both men’s fiery aggression, is challenging for the tag titles simply inevitable?

Amale is backstage in the make-up department.

The French Hope is getting ready for a photoshoot later today. But then Nina Samuels storms in and shouts, “You’re still here?” Nina can’t believe Amale is hogging the cameras, riding this wave of self-importance just from her one title shot. And, that title shot should’ve been Nina’s! Amale gets out of her chair to yell back in French, and surely she’s telling Nina, “You’re one to talk!” Referees rush in to keep this from getting further aggressive, and while they drag Amale away, Nina sits in Amale’s chair to get her make-up touched up. But just how ugly will things get if Nina and Amale meet in the ring?

NXT UK has decided the opening match of the Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament.

It’ll be Mark Andrews VS Noam Dar! The Scottish Supernova speaks first, “What does the Heritage Cup mean to me? Mine. It means, ‘It’s mine.'” Dar wants the cup and the British Rules match to become synonymous with Supernova 11, and it is “offensive” to him that Mark Andrews can just step up and win in Dar’s ring, in Dar’s match type. But Andrews says that he and Dar go way back. All through their teenage years, they’d crossed paths, butted heads, went back and forth in matches. But their first match in both WWE and on NXT UK, they both left on stretchers. But the truth is, it doesn’t matter how many times they’ve faced off, this time will be different.

Dar says Andrews has too many other things going on. Subculture, his band, skateboarding, bouncy castles, the list goes on and on. But after what Dar does to Andrews, maybe Andrews will focus on his “other endeavors.” Andrews says this tournament is just like back in the indies: fighting from the bottom. He vows to beat Dar, win the whole tournament, challenge Tyler Bate, and bring the Heritage Cup home to the Subculture. This first match of the tournament might already be the more competitive and compelling, but who comes out of it as the first of the final four?

Aoife Valkyrie speaks.

“Jinny. You had the chance to take me on one-on-one. But now, I’m gonna make sure it’s one-on-one. We’re gonna have your little canary, Joseph Conners, giving you early signs of danger before it has the chance to strike.” Jinny started this by saying Aoife wouldn’t survive. “But eventually, everyone feeds the birds.” Aoife reveals her plan: A SHARK CAGE!! Will the Spoiled Princess be helpless when her Righteous Knight is imprisoned?

Stevie Turner gets NXT UK Media’s attention.

She wants us all to see something, and she hurries over to where Aleah James and Emilia McKenzie are training with Meiko Satomura. Stevie pounds on the apron while calling Meiko, and so the NXT UK Women’s Champion looks over. Stevie says, “This is all so, so lovely, but… There’s nothing you can teach her or her that will help them beat me. In fact, I don’t reckon you can beat-” Meiko grabs the exact finger Stevie’s pointing and bends it! Stevie gets her finger free, but she still says Meiko should be the one afraid of her, because she’s “wired differently.” Meiko lunges at smug Stevie and Stevie gets away again. But this is the stepping-up that the champion wanted. Will not even the fourth dimension faze the Final Boss?

30 Minute Ironman Match: Jordan Devlin VS A-Kid!

The Irish Ace still had so much self-importance despite returning to NXT UK without the Cruiserweight Championship. The Spanish Sensation, on the other hand, was humbled by losing the NXT UK Heritage Cup. Such opposites clashed in the ring, Devlin went after A-Kid’s leg with violent disregard, and naturally everyone thought that was the end of it. But while Devlin may be the ace, AK was playing chess! The leg is fine, this match IS happening, and after a half hour, there can only be one winner! Will Devlin finally be the one humbled by losing? Or will A-Kid fail to make his second mark on NXT UK history?

The bell rings and the 30 minutes start ticking away as the two circle. BT Sports Studio rallies up as the two feel things out. AK gives testing kicks but Devlin stays away. They approach, knuckle lock, and AK rolls to go for a leg. Devlin blocks, goes for a leg, but AK trips him up to have a toehold. Devlin spins but AK cartwheels through and the two stand off. They circle again, Devlin giving a testing kick. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, Devlin gets around to a waistlock and slam, but AK turns around to get the facelock. Devlin rolls again but AK holds on! AK gator rolls, Devlin wrenches out but AK kips up! AK wrings the arm but Devlin rolls through, and it’s another standoff!

BT Sports Studio cheers more as the two reset again. AK and Devlin approach, knuckle lock, but AK spins, only for Devlin to clinch. AK wrangles Devlin down, twists the arm, but Devlin fights up. Devlin rolls, AK uses a chinbar to block but Devlin fights through to wrench and wristlock. AK gets up, rolls, hooks a leg, but Devlin wrangles him now. Devlin has a knee on AK’s head but AK pushes free. AK wants a leg but Devlin keeps his feet back. AK rolls, bridges, rolls and breaks free to dropkick Devlin down! Devlin bails out and AK grins as only two and a half minutes have ticked by! Devlin paces, takes his time returning, and has AK stay back as he steps in.

Devlin and AK tie up, AK headlocks and hits a takeover. Devlin tries to headscissor but AK fights it off. Devlin gets the headscissor the second time but AK kips right out of it. Devlin is getting annoyed as he and AK go again. AK knuckle locks, both men use kicks. They tie up, AK wrangles Devlin with the arm, Devlin rolls but AK facelocks. Devlin slips through but AK gest his arm. Devlin scrambles to avoid the omoplata and gets the ropebreak! AK lets go, gives Devlin space, and Devlin takes his time getting back up. They circle, knuckle lock again, and go around in the test of strength. Devlin bends AK back, sweeps the legs to make it a cover, TWO as AK gets an arm up!

Devlin pushes that arm down, AK tries to use his head to keep it from touching the mat, but Devlin powers through. Cover, TWO as AK gets the other arm up. Devlin is annoyed again as he pushes that arm down, TWO as AK bridges! Devlin jumps up, AK is ready and blocks with boots. AK then leaps up, but Devlin lets him go up and over! Devlin reels AK into a GORY ESPECIAL! AK endures the stretch plum as Devlin bends him way back! Devlin leans over and turns it into a modified backslide! TWO as AK gets one shoulder up! Devlin forces it down, TWO, the other shoulder is up! Again the shoulders are down, TWO as AK again finds a way to bridge!

AK does an ab curl?! And he goes up and over to sunset flip! But Devlin rolls through to jackknife, only for AK to sit up and go for the ARM! Devlin flails and reaches, ROPEBREAK with a foot! AK lets Devlin go and Devlin bails out to vent his frustration. AK stays calm, though, even as Devlin again wants AK to stay back. Devlin takes his time returning again, keeping the left arm behind his back. Devlin and AK knuckle lock with one arm, both using those kicks again. Devlin wrenches the arm and pulls AK down. AK spins through, only to end up in a clinch, and Devlin knees AK hard and low! Devin ROCKS AK with a forearm! AK comes back, Devlin catches him with a facelock.

BT Sports Studio rallies as AK kicks and moves around, and he pops out to get the arm again. Devlin resists the Fujiwara, AK facelocks again, but Devlin spins out to wrench AK’s arm. Devlin has the hammerlock, cranks back on it, then pushes up with his feet to get leverage. AK rolls but Devlin makes it a cover, TWO as AK bridges again. So Devlin CLUBS AK in the chest! AK still goes for a leg, trips Devlin up, then floats to a headlock. Devlin headscissors and holds tight as AK tries to kip free. AK kicks Devlin from that position, moves around, turns Devlin over, and bridges out to then have the legs tied up. AK chinbars Devlin to complete the Bow ‘n’ Arrow!

But Devlin pops right out to a cover! TWO, Devlin headlocks for the takeover. AK pushes back but Devlin traps his arm. Devlin headlocks, AK pops out the back and gets the headlock in one motion! Devlin powers out, sending AK to a corner, but AK goes up and around to arm-drag and dropkick! Cover, TWO!! AK stays on Devlin with a facelock and we’ve passed 8 minutes. AK forces Devlin to a cover, ONE but the facelock returns. Devlin endures, fights up, and puts AK on ropes. The ref counts, Devlin lets off but SLAPS AK! Then clinches, wrenches, wristlocks, but AK headlocks back for another takeover. Cover, ONE, but AK holds onto the headlock.

Devlin powers out, AK jumps up to the ropes but Devlin CLUBS him! Devlin has AK’s recovered leg in the ropes! Devlin kicks away at it, then springboard STOMPS it! AK flops out of the ropes and Devlin drops elbows over and over! Devlin yanks the leg, and gets the CLOVERLEAF! AK taps and Devlin gets the first fall!!

Devlin: 1; A-Kid: 0

The ref has Devlin let go for a momentary rest between the two. We’re at the 10 minute mark, a third of the way to the end, and the ref asks if AK wants to continue. Of course AK does, and the match resumes. AK hobbles but he avoids Devlin going after the leg. They tie up but Devlin kicks the leg, CLUBS AK down, then grabs the leg, KNEE- NO! AK uses Devlin’s knee smash attempt to get back on his feet! AK ROCKS Devlin with forearms and CHOPS, then reels him. But Devlin scoops AK before he can suplex, and SLAMS him down! Cover, TWO! Devlin wants a better count but the ref says that was fair. AK quickly hobbles away to the far corner.

Devlin stalks AK to CHOP BLOCK the bad leg! AK staggers around, Devlin KICKS the leg out and AK flips through the air!! Devlin gets the leg again, and hits the KNEE SMASH after all! AK clutches the leg, hobbles to a corner, but he senses Devlin rushing up behind him! AK goes up, ARABIAN PRESS just to get behind Devlin for a SLEEPER!! Devlin flails and reaches, and gets a ROPEBREAK! AK lets go in frustration and Devlin slips out of the ring. Devlin drags AK to the apron and SLAMS the leg on the edge again and again! Then he drags AK to a corner to SLAM the leg into the post! Devlin ties up the legs for a DRAPING FIGURE FOUR!!

The ref counts and AK shouts in pain as Devlin holds on! Devlin lets go at 4.5 and narrowly avoids giving AK a fall by disqualification! The ref reprimands him but Devlin pats himself on the back. A ring count starts on Devlin but he takes his time returning. Devlin avoids AK’s desperate swipes and gets him up, wrench and leg lift, SHIN BREAKER! Devlin gets the leg again and turns AK. AK resists the Crab, kicks with the good leg, but Devlin gets that leg, too! BOSTON CRAB! But AK reaches out to ROPEBREAK! Devlin lets go fast, not wanting to waste energy. AK snarls but Devlin DECKS him! “Is that all you got?” AK gets up to CHOP! That got Devlin good!

Devlin gets AK up to KICK him in the chest! Devlin eggs AK on, AK throws a forearm, but Devlin gives it back! AK gets around to SNAP GERMAN! AK holds onto the waistlock, Devlin switches, GERMAN SUPLEX from Devlin! Devlin holds on now, but AK switches back! ANOTHER GERMAN! BT Sports Studio is fired up as AK gets Devlin back up. Devlin switches but AK switches right back, GERMAN SUPLEX! AK holds on, and we’re at 15 minutes! AK gets Devlin up, Devlin uses ropes to buck him off, but AK handsprings back up. More instinct than anything as the bad leg hurts AK for that. AK still gets up and under Devlin but Devlin holds ropes to resist.

The ref calls for the break, AK still tries to suplex, but Devlin suplexes and they tumble out of the ring!! A rough landing for both men and the ref hurries to check them. They’re both somehow okay, so the ref goes back into the ring to start a count. AK and Devlin stir at 3 of 10, and somehow AK gets up at 5. AK is in at 7, Devlin gets up at 8, and Devlin leaps into the ring at 9.5! But AK is there to catch him in an omoplata! Devlin resists to keep AK from getting the other arm, and gets another ropebreak! AK again lets go in frustration, but he watches like a hawk as Devlin staggers away. BT Sports Studio rallies, AK runs in but Devlin BOOTS him!

Devlin goes to the apron, slingshots back in, but AK blocks the cutter to a SLEEPER!! AK is on top and wraps it on tight! Devlin is turning red as AK has wild eyes! AK lets go to run and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! AK is frustrated again, but he drags Devlin back up with a facelock. Devlin gets free to ROCK AK with a forearm! Devlin gets AK up to DECK him again! AK sits up and gets to his feet, Devlin fires off body shots, but AK uses the ropes for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO!? But into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Devlin refuses to quit but AK shifts to hammerlock the arm. AK then uses that to FLIP Devlin into the CROSS ARMBREAKER! Devlin taps, we’re tied!!

Devlin: 1; A-Kid: 1

We’re back to square one with just over 11 minutes left! Devlin clutches his arm and AK waits on him. Devlin sits up and AK is after him, but Devlin bails out. BT Sports Studio boos as Devlin plays cat ‘n’ mouse with AK. Devlin goes around the ring, into the ring, then back out of the ring, all to avoid AK. AK doesn’t let him stop, though, but he is getting frustrated again. Did Devlin pops his elbow back in?! The Irish Ace finally gets back in and he grits his teeth, letting pain turn to anger. He and AK tie up, end up on ropes, and the ref counts the break. AK lets off, blocks the cheap shot to then TOSS Devlin up and out! Devlin hurries back up, but AK DECKS him!

Devlin staggers, gets back in, but AK baits him into dumping him out the other side! Devlin gets up again, GAMANGIRI from AK! Devlin is getting mad now, and he rushes back in, only for AK to CHOP him, ROCK him, and whip him to a corner HARD! Devlin goes up and over the corner, out of the ring and to the floor! Devlin is furious and he gets a chair! Only to turn around into a SUPERKICK! Both men are down and the ref checks on Devlin after that shot. AK drags Devlin up and in as the clock is down to 9 minutes. AK climbs up, Devlin stands, and AK CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!! AK can’t believe it, but he won’t let this stop him!

Devlin staggers up, AK runs from a corner, but Devlin blocks the dynamic dropkick! Devlin wants the Cloverleaf but AK SLAPS him! And ROCKS him! And gets his legs free, only for Devlin to DEAD LIFT him, for a POWER- RANA!?! AK spikes Devlin and has a cover, TWO!!! PENALTY KICK!! Cover, TWO!?!? Devlin survives so much but both are still so far from a win! BT Sports Studio is chanting “UK! *clap clap* UK!” for this historic and epic match! AK drags himself over to Devlin, grabs an arm, but Devlin immediately gets a ropebreak! AK is getting frustrated again, so he kicks Devlin at the ropes. Then KICKS Devlin out of the ring!

Devlin flounders up, AK lets him get back in, and Devlin sits up into a BIG forearm! Devlin shakes his head, gets up and ROCKS AK right back! AK ROCKS Devlin, cravats, but Devlin powers out to swing haymakers. AK stays just out of reach, then SUPERMAN PUNCHES Devlin again! Devlin staggers back, rebounds off ropes, and gives one last push to HEADBUTT AK as he falls!! Cover, TWO!?!? AK survives and BT Sports Studio is loving this! AK pushes past Devlin to get himself to ropes. Devlin crawls to those same ropes, and AK sits Devlin up to CHOP him! Devlin forearms, AK hits back, and the two stand. Devlin DOUBLE KNEES AK, but AK KICKS Devlin again!

Devlin flops to the apron, AK goes out after him. Devlin is grabbing at the rope, but AK pulls on Devlin’s arm while digging his boot in Devlin’s face! AK lets go as the ref reprimands, and he drags Devlin up on the apron. AK has Devlin up but Devlin hits low. JAB, and AK wobbles! Devlin lines up the shot, gets AK’s wrist, RIPCOR- NO! AK stopped the ripcord to KANGAROO BOOT! We’re under 5 minutes left as Devlin slumps down. Devlin uses apron skirt to keep himself up, and it “inadvertently?” trips AK up! Devlin gets the arm, ripcord to DEVLINSIDE to the floor!! Both men are down as the ref checks on them, are they both conscious?

Somehow, someway, Devlin and AK are okay to keep going, so the ref goes back to the ring to start a count. We’re at 5 of 10 as Devlin starts to get up. Devlin drags himself up at 7, is in at 8, and AK finally stands at 9! And gets in at 9.9!! But Devlin PUNTS AK down! Devlin is fuming as he stands over AK. Devlin gets the arm again and wants it again! Ripcord, DESTROYER?!!? AK turns Devlinside into devastation for Devlin! AK goes to a corner, powers up and aims as Devlin rises, DYNAMIC DROPKICK!! But the bad leg! AK has to crawl to the cover… TWO!?!?!? But AK doesn’t even hesitate, he goes right to the ARMBAR!!!

Devlin clasps, fights, they roll around, Devlin wants a cover, but AK shifts right through to turn Devlin back over! Devlin almost lost his grip but he gets it back! Devlin fights to get the cover again but AK shifts to an omoplata! AK has the other arm and pulls at it! We’re at the two minute warning! AK BENDS the arm back, and headbutts away on it! But AK’s own bad leg can’t keep the leverage! Devlin starts moving around again, but AK keeps Devlin from getting a ropebreak! AK fights through the pain to put the leg AROUND Devlin’s arm! DEVLIN VERBALLY SUBMITS!!

A-Kid: 2; Devlin: 1

But Devlin jackknifes outta nowhere, TWO!! Devlin ROCKS AK, AK hits back, they fire off forearms! Last minute as Devlin ROCKS AK again! Devlin flounders to the cover, TWO! Devlin hurries, rolls AK up, ONE, OMOPLATA! AK is ready to repeat what we just saw, but Devlin scrambles out, jackknife, but AK rolls through to punch away! They get up, Devlin DECKS AK again, but AK BOOTS from below! Devlin is desperate as we have 30 seconds! Devlin CLOBBERS AK, covers, TWO!! AK snarls and shakes his head. Devlin SLAPS AK down, but we’re under 10! The fists keep flying, Devlin CLOBBERS AK, but TIME IS UP!!! A-KID WINS!!

Winner: A-Kid, 2 to 1 Falls

AK may have been “saved by the bell,” but he also came back with two straight falls after Devlin got the early lead! That fire, that heart, that resilience, THAT is how you make history! Will the Spanish Sensation move on from the Irish Ace? Or will Devlin have something up his sleeve to get another match with A-Kid?

My Thoughts:

It’s obvious, isn’t it? This episode was AMAZING. And they did a great job of putting a lot of other really fun, really good things on an episode that was going to have an awesome main event by default. Like, honestly, what bad things are there to even say about that Ironman match? Only those strongly against the WWE could ever complain about this. It had great pacing, from starting with exceptional technical exchanges, then moved to aggressive strikes, and it was just a scrum at the end! Keeping it to three falls total was also an awesome move, because then each moment mattered, as it should. The vignette at the start of the show was great, too, even if a single still of Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler, the utter fiasco of an Ironman match, was included.

A-Kid winning was also the perfect choice given the story, and now A-Kid is invigorated to do almost anything right now. The irony is that there is a tournament to find a Heritage Cup Contender so AK can’t go back for that yet. But perhaps that means AK is standing ready for when the NXT UK Champion returns, regardless if it’s Walter or Dragunov. To that point, I feel like this is the time for someone to take the title off Walter, ushering in a new era for NXT UK. Then Dragunov VS A-Kid, a match between two guys who would have all this momentum, it’s making my heartrate go up just thinking about it. Or the adrenaline of tonight’s main event is still pumping…

But to calm down just a tiny bit, we also got a great match from Xia VS Blair, and it makes sense that Blair wins since she just got here. I do hope NXT UK figures out signature and finisher names, because even though those were the V-Trigger and Kamigoye, even I know it can’t keep being those things in these articles. Also, what is commentary supposed to shout when she hits them? Stevie Turner had a hilarious segment trying to call out Meiko only to get it all turned around on her. Surely Stevie will continue to poke at the champ, get her title opportunity, and then lose. The confrontation between Amale and Nina was great, because this is exactly the feud for them both. They’re both self-absorbed, so it’s like mirror images fighting each other.

Isla Dawn’s vignette wasn’t creepy but it was ominous, and it seems she isn’t done with Millie McKenzie. They can have another great match, and I feel like Isla wins to get her title match with Meiko. And as I said before, with Millie being the one to leave the locker room when Meiko got everyone riled up, a teacher VS student match is happening, it’s just good story. And it’s even better story if they save that for much later down the line, such as Meiko clearing out the Heels. Aoife calling Jinny out and then calling for a “Conners in a Shark Cage” match was a great surprise, and is a great idea because clearly, NXT and NXT UK book even overdone match types in fresh, innovative ways.

Speaking of, NXT UK doesn’t do traditional “squash” matches for debuts, because I think they realize they don’t actually do all that much for the debuting superstar(s). That’s why Starz & Mastiff VS Jones & Morrell was such a great match for Starz & Mastiff to start their tag career. Naturally, Starz & Mastiff still win, but Jones & Morrell still got another impressive showing. The Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament has a great field, Dar and Andrews both had strong parts of the vignette to hype their match, and of course they reference their first NXT UK match, that was a memorably scary moment. And in a slightly related moment, I truly laughed out loud when FMW slapped Wolfgang! Wolfgang’s reaction to it was perfectly done, too, and their match is going to be great stuff.

Then, while learning that we are getting Pretty Deadly VS Moustache Mountain for the NXT UK Tag Team Championships, the way we got to it was a bit off when you include how last week ended. Pretty Deadly went out to mock Moustache Mountain, we fade out, and we’re supposed to believe that right after, they all went backstage and just started fresh with all that. It just seems clunky to me, but I did laugh when Tyler Bate came jumping in like that. He is having a whole lot of fun right now, and I think teaming up with his best friend and mentor again is helping that.

Now, no offense to Pretty Deadly, because those boys have been rolling, but I am leaning towards Moustache Mountain winning. They’ll be the first team to have held both NXT and NXT UK Tag titles in their careers, and Tyler Bate will become an NXT UK Triple Crown Winner and (I would think) the third NXT Grand Slam Champion behind Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano. And we can continue to say that if it can’t happen in front of fans, it won’t happen, but again we can lean on tonight’s Ironman match. It was an absolute Match of the Year contender and it happened in BT Sports Studio. Moustache Mountain making their own history should still happen, because we can all still see it online.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

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AEW Coverage

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

It’s a slam dunk!

Published

1 hour 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

Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships: Bullet Club Gold VS Top Flight; Bullet Club Gold wins and retains the titles.
The Acclaimed VS Grizzled Young Veterans; win.
Rey Fenix VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
Rush VS ???
Toni Storm w/ Mariah May & Luther VS Anna Jay; wins.
AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland w/ Prince Nana VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

Swerve Strickland is here!

Prince Nana again leads the way as the NEW AEW World Champion makes his way out here. The Realest opened Dynamite with a win, but he walks back out to Daily’s Place to stand in the ring to finally acknowledge his victory at Dynasty. Nana says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the man standing in front of you today is the Boss of Bosses! The man standing in front of you today is the Anointed One in Professional Wrestling! The man standing in front of you is one hell of a wrestler. And he’s none other than the AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Swerve Strickland!” The fans cheer and chant, “Thank You, Swerve!”

Swerve says what a week we’ve had here in AEW! Let’s run it down: a NEW TBS Champion in Willow Nightingale; by the grace of God, Adam Cole can walk; Adam Copeland got misted in the face by The House of Black; Will Ospreay and Bryan Danielson tore the house down; and then… Jack Perry returned. The fans boo but Swerve says Jack’s back in AEW, and he struck Tony Khan, the founder of AEW, who put his faith in Swerve. On top of that, The EVPs, the Young Bucks are again the AEW World Tag Team Champions, and they hit Tony Khan with the whatever it is driver, and now TK is in a neck brace and who knows when we’ll see him in healthy condition.

Now, Swerve will be the first to tell everyone, he’s done some horrible things. Once, twice, three, four times. But something about four elite athletes beating down a non-fighter in TK, that sounds like a b*tch move to him. The fans echo “B*TCH MOVE!” but Swerve wants to get to business. The most important thing that happened this week is Swerve went into Dynasty and he made history by dethroning Samoa Joe and becoming the NEW AEW World Champion! Now, a pet peeve of his is those going around calling themselves “Best in the World.” But make no mistake, the Best in the World is the one holding this title right here!

Last week, it was Samoa Joe. This week, it’s Swerve, baby. And Swerve got here by fighting, but also by making sacrifices. Swerve says the night he won this title, he went to his daughter. She said, “Dad, I love you, I’m so proud of you. But I feel like I just don’t know you.” That hit Swerve to his core. His relationship with his children is everything. But he’s missed birthdays, holidays, basketball games, dance recitals, Father-Daughter dances, and he can’t make up for lost time. But what he can do is set the example and blaze a trail, to make sure this was all worth it. The fans cheer that!

Swerve continues by saying AEW has set people in front of him and he’s knocked them all down! Kyle Fletcher was just one. Now, how about an Open Challenge for the AEW World Championship? But only to someone who really wants to fight! So how about it, Jacksonville? We’re entering a new era in AEW, the Dynasty Era! And the elite of that era is whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” But then here comes Claudio Castagnoli! The Swiss Superman is in a suit, not his gear, but he does get in the ring. Claudio circles Swerve, then takes the mic and holds up a finger. The fans still chant, but Claudio says, “You’re on.”

Swerve says see you later tonight then, in whose house? But then Claudio snatches the mic again! “It’s gonna be mine.” The fans are intrigued but Claudio is looking to end Swerve’s Dynasty the same week it started! Will the Swiss Superman bring even more gold to the Blackpool Combat Club?

Tony Khan has a medical update.

He is feeling grateful and blessed that he can still walk, talk and work, as was seen during the NFL Draft with Tony Khan alongside his father, Shahid, in the Jacksonville Jaguars war room. However, the doctors have advised TK not to travel, so he will be monitoring AEW Dynamite in Winnipeg remotely. Will that mean The EVPs will be in control of things in person this Wednesday…?

Unified AEW & ROH World Trios Championships: Bullet Club Gold VS Top Flight!

When it comes to Six Man Tags, the Bang Bang Gang runs this! But while they have six belts for the three of them, will that only weigh them all down against one of the fastest moving and fastest rising teams? Or will Jay White & The Gunns shoot Action, Darius & Dante outta the sky?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds all the trios gold!

The trios sort out, White starts against Dante and the two talk a little trash over how the Casino Gauntlet went on Wednesday. The fans rally for Angel Dorado as he ties up with the Switchblade, but White headlocks. Dante powers up and out, but White runs him over! White bumps Dante off buckles, but Dante dodges to fire off forearms! White knees low, bumps Dante off buckles again, but Dante dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Dante whips corner to corner, White reverses, but Dante BOOTS back! Dante runs up to CHOP! And CHOP! White swings, Dante ducks to KICK, KICK and KICK!

White blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Dante writhes, White drags him up, and White CHOPS Dante to the corner. White CHOPS again, brings Dante over and tags in Colten. They mug Dante, then Colten sucker punches Action! Colten tags Austin, they whip Dante to body shot, knee lift, and LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans taunt the “ASS~ BOYS!” but Austin drags Dante up. Austin bumps Dante off buckles, tags White, and White RAMS into Dante again and again! White hushes everyone, to CHOP! Dante sits down, Colten tags in, and Colten drags Dante up to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO!

Colten keeps Dante from his team, then tags Austin. The Gunns mug Dante, then Austin whips. Dante holds ropes, BOOTS Austin, then DECKS Colten! But White trips Dante up! The fans boo but Dante dodges White to slide in, dodge Austin, and Darius sneaks a tag! Dante ducks Austin to DIVE onto White! Darius rallies on the Gunns, then fires off hands! Darius whips, Action reverses, but Darius atomic drops! Darius then BULLDOG HOTSHOTS Austin, GAMANGIRIS, and the fans fire up! Action jumps in, Darius kicks Colten away, then he holds ropes down so Action can FLY! Down goes Colten! STEP-IN FLATLINER on Austin! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally, Darius builds speed, and Darius slides, but Austin dodges! White CLOBBERS Darius! White drags Darius up for an APRON GOURD BUSTER! The fans are torn but Collision goes picture in picture.

White slides in to cover Darius, TWO! White is annoyed but he scuffs Darius then stands on him. The ref reprimands, but White drags Darius up. Darius fires body shots but White CLUBS him down. Cover, TWO! Tag to Colten, and BCG mugs Darius. Colten brings Darius around to bump him off buckles, then stomp and DECK him! Colten soaks up the heat, digs his boot into Darius, but lets off as the ref counts. Tag to White, and he drags Darius up to JAB! And JAB! And CHOP! White brings Darius around to TOSS back out! White then goes out to fetch Darius, the Gunns and Top Flight keeping each other at bay.

White SMACKS Darius off the apron, then the Gunns hop into the crowd to start up a “Too Sweet!” chant. White CHOPS Darius, and now the Gunns start a “One More Time!” chant! White refreshes the ring count first, argues with the ref, and that allows the Gunns to mug Darius! The Gunns get away with that while the ref is busy with White and Dante, but then Darius fires hands on the Gunns! Darius slides into the ring, White anchors him on the outside, and Collision returns to single picture. Darius BOOTS White into railing, hurries for his corner, but The Gunns YANK Dante and Action down! The fans boo but White clamps onto Darius.

White mockingly holds Darius’ hand out to no one, then stands him up to CHOP! White brings Darius around, taunts Action, then CHOPS! White wrenches, but Darius ROCKS White! And ROCKS him again! White CHOPS Darius but Darius PELES! Both men are down, White tags Colten! Colten tags Austin, they get in Darius’ way, then double whip him to the corner. Austin sends Colten in but Darius dodges, Colten hits buckles! Austin runs up, but Darius goes up and over and handsprings to hot tag Action! Action rallies on the Gunns, BLASTS White for good measure, then keeps going! The fans fire up for Action as he whips Austin.

Austin reverses, Action handsprings, DOUBLE BACK ELBOW for the Gunns! Action kips up, then he runs in at Austin! UPPERCUT in the corner! Colten runs in, but is sent into Austin! Action DECKS Austin, goes up and SPLIT-LEG, but rolls through as Austin moves so he can PELE Colten! Then SPANISH FLY for Austin! Cover, TWO! Austin survives but Action rallies the fans. Colten and White get Austin outta there, but Dante FLIES onto them all!! The fans are thunderous as Austin flounders back up. Dante whips, Austin reverses, but Darius helps Dante go up and over! Dante then helps Darius TORNADO TAG!

Darius drags Austin into place for Action’s STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Austin survives the onslaught, White and Colten drag Darius & Dante out! The Martins are sent into railing, but Action WRECKS White & Colten with a dropkick! Action goes up, but Colten distracts the ref! That lets White trip Action up! Action lands on his landing strip, and then White tags in! White says it’s done, he drags Action down, but Dante flies in! White catches Dante for an URENAGE! Darius runs up, arm-drags free of the Urenage, but turns around into a 3:10 TO YUMA! White goes back for Action, SNAL SLEEPER SUPLEX, but Action lands through!

Action BOOTS White, SUPERKICKS, then goes from a corner to SHOTGUN! White hits buckles, ends up in a drop zone, and Action goes to the apron! Action springboards, White gets away! Action ducks ‘n’ dodges but handsprings into BLADERUNNER!! Cover, BCG wins!

Winners: Bullet Club Gold, by pinfall (still Unified World Trios Champions)

The six shooter still had one in the chamber, and that’s the first defense for the Bang Bang Gang! Will they continue to prove they’re the best three man team in the game today?

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.