Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (9/2/21)

Will the Nezar look right through Frazer?

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2021

Steven Mitchell

The Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament continues!

The Babo wants to instill fear, honor and respect in NXT UK, but he’s going against the fearless British Prodigy! Who takes that big step closer to the Big Strong Boy, Tyler Bate?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Nina Samuels VS Blair Davenport; No Contest.
Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz VS Dan Moloney & Andy Wild; Mastiff & Starz win.
Emilia McKenzie VS Amale; McKenzie wins.
NXT UK Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament: Teoman w/ Rohan Raja VS Nathan Frazer; Teoman wins and advances to the next round.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nina Samuels VS Blair Davenport!

The Leading Lady wants the spotlight, but perhaps she should learn to pick her moments. Will Nina be leaving with a shiner after facing the fearsome new star in the NXT UK Women’s Division?

Speaking of fearsome, Blair doesn’t even let Nina get in the ring! Blair knocks Nina off the corner while she’s posing and then goes out after her on the outside! The ref reprimands but Blair RAMS Nina into the apron! And then talks trash before she THROWS Nina into the barriers! Blair puts Nina in the ring but the ref wants her to let off. Blair doesn’t care, she gets Nina up for a FALCON ARROW! Blair shrugs and then mocks Nina’s posing before he drags Nina back up. Blair sees referees and even Sid Scala rushing out so she lets off of Nina. The refs get Nina out of the ring and Sid tells Blair to calm down and go back to the locker room.

Blair doesn’t calm down nor does she stop! She gets Sid by the wrists for a KAMI-GOYE!! Blair just assaulted the Assistant General Manager! And then she gets Sid up for a FALCON ARROW! NXT UK trainers rush out to tell Blair to stop and leave, and she finally does. But will Blair be facing serious consequences for her brutal actions?

NXT UK has a medical update on Aoife Valkyrie.

Despite her brutal triumph over Jinny, the injury to Aoife’s knee is still substantial, and she will be unable to compete for some time. And of course, the self-proclaimed Queen of NXT UK has thoughts on that news.

Jinny speaks.

“They say no bird soars too high if they soar with their own wings. Unless, someone clips them. To be the best, you must be able to handle the worst, and that is exactly what I did.” Aoife may have won their match, but Jinny is still the woman standing tall at the end. Jinny said she’d destroy Aoife and that Aoife wouldn’t survive. Now everyone has witnessed the fall of the Valkyrie at the hands of Jinny. Will the Fierce Fashionista make good on this momentum by going after the NXT UK Women’s Champion? And when will we see Aoife fly again?

Symbiosis speaks.

Tyson T-Bone says, “NXT UK General Manager, Johnny Saint, has set up a Six Man Tag match next week: Symbiosis VS Saxon Huxley, and two partners of his choice?” Primate says, “Let’s be honest, you aren’t the most popular.” Wasn’t Huxley the one going around shouting, “Here comes Saxon Huxley! Steer clear of him!” Eddie Dennis says Huxley may have beaten him a few weeks ago, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. Symbiosis is greater than the sum of its parts, so “better luck next time,” Huxley! Who will Huxley find that are willing to not only side with him, but stand against Dennis and his cohorts?

Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz VS Dan Moloney & Andy Wild!

This new duo of the Bomber and the Gatekeeper were a successful combination in their tag debut, but now we see if they can repeat the results! Will Mastiff’s size and strength still mesh with Starz’s speed and agility? Or is there something Moloney & Wild have as a combo that can counter them?

The teams sort out, Mastiff starts with Wild and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Mastiff headlocks. Wild endures the grind, wrenches his way out, but Mastiff holds off the top wristlock to get the headlock back. Wild powers out but Mastiff runs him over! Mastiff keeps going, Wild drops then swings on him, only to end up in a waistlock. Mastiff lets Wild spin himself around for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Mastiff facelocks Wild, Starz tags in and they mug Wild in the corner. Starz CLUBS Wild, brings him around and throws a low headbutt to the gut. Tag back to Mastiff, he adds his own low headbutt.

Tag back to Starz, he throws in a forearm then snapmares Wild. Starz runs to uppercut Wild in the back! Cover, TWO! Starz keeps Wild from Moloney but Wild DECKS him! Moloney tags in, spins Starz for a backslide, ONE! Starz goes after Moloney but Moloney wrenches Starz’s arm for a standing armlock. Moloney wrenches, wristlocks and back drops Starz for a cover! ONE, but Moloney keeps on the arm. Starz fights up, Moloney shifts to a cording hold, but Starz throws body shots. Starz goes up and around to headlock, but Moloney powers out. Starz runs Moloney over with a leaping shoulder tackle! Starz adds on a dropkick, then puts Moloney in the corner.

Tag to Mastiff, he clinches Moloney for a scoop and SLAM! Mastiff runs, Starz tags in, Mastiff BACK SENTONS! Starz SLINGSHOT SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Starz keeps on Moloney but Moloney waistlocks. Starz switches, Moloney bucks the O’Conner Roll, and Wild jumps in! The ref and Starz each see Wild, and Wild backs off before getting hit. Moloney runs up to dropkick Starz down! Cover, TWO! Moloney drags Starz up, tags Wild in, snap suplex to cover, TWO! Wild drags Starz up and around to throw big haymakers! Starz hits back and we have a brawl! Starz fires off EuroUppers but Wild counters!

Starz blocks the backslide, turns it around, but Wild spins him for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Wild clamps onto Starz with a neck wrench, then a shoulder claw. Starz endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Wild knees low, whips Starz into the corner, then runs in, only for Starz to BOOT him! Starz fights out of enemy territory, but runs into a toss! Wild goes to boot but Starz slides under! Starz dropkicks Wild into the corner! Hot tags to Moloney and Mastiff! The Bomber rallies on Moloney, then fireman’s carries for a ROLLING SENTON! Moloney sputters and staggers to a corner, Mastiff runs in to SPLASH!

Mastiff whips Moloney corner to corner hard, and Moloney bounces off buckles into a back drop! Wild runs in but Mastiff back drops him, too! Tag to Starz and Mastiff hauls Moloney up. Mastiff all but tosses Moloney into the Tree of Woe, then Starz runs the ropes to build up speed. Starz finally runs at Moloney for a FLYING HEADBUTT! Moloney is hit out of the Tree and Starz tags Mastiff! INTO THE VOID!! Cover, Mastiff & Starz win!

Winners: Dave Mastiff & Jack Starz, by pinfall

They may just be 2-0 but this is a HUGE win streak already! Starz and Mastiff are fired up, are they going to take the NXT UK Tag Division by storm?

NXT UK hears from Pretty Deadly.

Sam Stoker & Lewis Howley are on their official Pretty Deadly TikTok account, for a “water fountain photoshoot.” They pose, making sure to point at their NXT UK Tag Team Championships, and then countdown to what might be The Routine from Friends…? But they’re interrupted by Gallus walking by. Mark Coffey says, “What are the chances? It absolutely disgusts me that you two are the champions.” Brother Joe Coffey adds that these titles are more than just fashion accessories.

Pretty Deadly scoff at that, but then Mark shoves Lewis into the water! It isn’t that deep, but Sam is worried about Lew’s hair and leather pants. The Coffey Brothers laugh their way out, but are they coming for the tag titles together now?

Next week, relive TakeOver 36!

Specifically, watch as UNBESIEGBAR finally dethrones The Ring General! Long live the CZAR of NXT UK!

Emilia McKenzie VS Amale!

While Meiko Satomura has dared the entire NXT UK Women’s Division to step up their game and step up to her, there is one who has already had her shot but refuses to give up. The French Hope wants another go, but she has to get through the Final Boss’ top student first! Will #SuplexMillie make sure Amale has no hope of reaching Meiko again?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Amale puts Emilia in a corner but the ref counts. Amale lets off with a push but Millie comes back for more. Millie trips Amale, has a toehold, but Amale kicks and turns. Millie turns that into a deathlock and pulls on the legs. Amale elbows back and pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Millie elbows Amale, shifts to a facelock then shoots the half, but Amale gets up before a cover. Millie facelocks, Amale wrenches out to a headlock, but Millie powers out only for Amale to run her over. Amale kicks Millie, runs, but Millie shotgun dropkicks her down! And then Millie adds a clothesline! Amale gets up into Millie’s SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Amale gets to a corner but Millie is right on her with forearms. Millie brings Amale around, CLUBS her to another corner then fires off more forearms. Millie bumps Amale off buckles, whips her corner to corner but Amale reverses. Amale runs in but Millie slips out to the apron. Millie shoulders in but Amale gets her with a knee! Amale runs then BOOTS Millie down off the apron! Amale goes out after Millie, dragging her up and CLUBBING her down. The ring count climbs but Amale puts Millie in at 5 of 10. Cover, TWO! Millie gets away but Amale stomps a mudhole in the corner! Amale drags Millie up to whip her out then back in, and adds a big corner clothesline! Cover, TWO!

Amale grows annoyed with Millie but Millie hits back. Amale CLUBS Millie, cravats for a snapmare then wraps on a chinlock. Millie endures, fights up and throws body shots. Millie back suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Millie grits her teeth, fixes her ponytail and waistlocks Amale. Amale resists the suplex and elbows out hard! Amale throws Millie down by her hair! Cover, TWO, and Amale loses her cool as she rains down rights! The ref has gloves on and has Amale let off but Millie staggers up and away. Amale pursues, whips her to ropes, then LARIATS Millie down! Cover, TWO! Amale taunts Millie and kicks her, but Millie hits back!

Amale CLUBS Millie down then puts on a grounded cobra clutch. BT Sports Studio rallies up, Millie fights up and throws elbows! Amale ripcords Millie out for a shoulder tackle! Cover, TWO! Amale keeps grinning despite being frustrated and she SLAPS Millie down! Amale drags Millie up but Millie turns suplex into small package! TWO, Amale CLOBBERS Millie with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Amale isn’t grinning anymore as she clamps onto Millie for more of the cobra clutch! Amale thrashes Millie around but Millie endures! Millie fights up, Amale ripcords again but Millie dodges to reel Amale in for a backslide! ONE, but Millie goes right to La Magistrol, TWO!

Amale denies Millie her cutter! Amale is just as surprised, and she hurries back after Millie, only for Millie to BOOT her from below! Millie gets up, runs in at the corner, but into a back elbow! Amale boots but Millie blocks, so Amale boots with both feet! Amale roars as she SHOTGUN dropkicks Millie! Millie is in the corner, Amale is shrieking as she runs in to BOOT WASH her! Amale drags Millie out and reels her in, but Millie schoolgirls out of it! The cover is deep, and Millie wins!!

Winner: Emilia McKenzie, by pinfall

Amale is furious! She can’t believe she just lost to Meiko Satomura’s student! Will the French Hope finally give up and wait for another to defeat the Final Boss? Or will this loss just send her over the edge?

NXT UK has a medical update on Sid Scala.

He has a neck brace for the physical impact Blair Davenport’s knee had on him, and is being checked for a concussion. What will NXT UK management decide in terms of Davenport’s future on the brand?

NXT UK Media catches up with Oliver Carter & Ashton Smith.

Carter is actually happy to see a cameraman here. He wants everyone to see this big surprise. Saxon Huxley is waiting for them in their locker room!? Smith is surprised, alright. Carter is fired up to trash stuff with Huxley but Smith has no idea what’s going on. Carter says, “We know you’re mad! We know you’re mad at what Symbiosis did. And we’re here to back you up!” Wait, that’s what this is about? So what does Huxley say? “You can count on Saxon! You can count on Saxon!” Carter repeats that to Smith, and Smith already dreads what this means. But Ready and Forward, Always Forward! Huxley knows that catchphrase already, but is this team-up going to be more backward than forward? Smith also tells Carter if Huxley does the shoulder slapping again, it’s on him.

NXT UK hears from the final two Heritage Cup Contenders.

“Nobody embodies honor, prestige and heritage quite like Sam Gradwell does.” And he’ll tell us about someone who knows nothing about that, and that someone is Wolfgang. Wolfgang says, “Sam Gradwell, after that little mark ya left on me, do you know how many times I’ve asked for a rematch against you? And it just so happens to be in the Heritage Cup Tournament.” Gradwell says that in their previous match-up, Wolfgang broke so many of Gradwell’s ribs. Where is the honor and technical wrestling there?

But Wolfie knew Gradwell would recover just in time to step into the ring with him again. Gradwell is either very brave or very stupid, and Wolfgang’s definitely leaning towards one of those. Gradwell says when they face off again, “and that catchy Gallus music hits, and ya make your doggy noises, coloring yourself the Big Bad Wolf,” Gradwell will show Wolfgang’s just a “big bad yogurt.” Gradwell will beat up on Wolfgang in the BT Sports Studio for all six rounds if he has to.

Wolfgang wants Sam to look in his eyes and see the “constant state of reckless abandon!” When they meet in the ring again, Gradwell won’t have to worry about his ribs. Wolfgang’s gonna break everything in Gradwell’s body by the end! The fourth and final opening round match looks to be a slugfest already, how will the semifinals of this tournament shape up?

NXT UK Heritage Cup Contenders Tournament: Teoman w/ Rohan Raja VS Nathan Frazer!

We know one half of the semifinals in Noam Dar VS Kenny Williams, but now we start work on the other half! The Babo wants the honor and respect associated with the Cup to be synonymous with his family, but the British Prodigy wants to show he’s already synonymous with British style wrestling! Who makes it through these first few British Rounds to make it to the tournament’s second?

The bell rings on round one and the two stare down. Both men smirk as they start to circle, and then the tie up. They’re in a deadlock until Teoman finds some leverage. Frazer blocks that to push Teoman back, but Teoman shifts weight to drive Frazer into the mat! The collar ‘n’ elbow is still on, Frazer fights his way up and throws Teoman down. Teoman keeps the collar ‘n’ elbow and also fights up, and the two are in a deadlock again so they break. Frazer and Teoman each catch their breath before they tie up again. Teoman gets an arm, wrenches to a wristlock but Frazer rolls, only for Teoman to wrangle him down hard!

Teoman works on the wristlock, then the elbow, but Frazer fights up again. Teoman wrangles him back down and twists the arm more, then digs a knee into Frazer’s face. Frazer moves around, Teoman pulls on an ear but the ref reprimands. Frazer works up to his feet, Teoman wrenches the arm again but Frazer uses ropes to flip through! Only for Teoman to wrangle him down again! Teoman digs a claw into the shoulder then pulls the ear again. BT Sports Studio rallies up as we approach the last minute of the round, but Teoman wrenches the arm and keeps Frazer grounded. Frazer endures as Teoman pulls the arm all the way to the fingers!

Teoman wrenches, Frazer stands, rolls and handsprings around to then wrench and WRING Teoman out! Teoman hurries to his corner as we reach 30 seconds and the ref keeps Frazer back. But then Teoman SLAPS Frazer across the face! Frazer scowls and DECKS Teoman! Then CHOPS and CHOPS and ROCKS and CHOPS him again! Frazer CHOPS Teoman against ropes, we’re at 10 seconds. Teoman kicks, throws hands with Frazer, but Frazer whips and dropkicks, right before the bell!

Teoman: 0; Frazer: 0

Frazer lets the action stop here for the 20 second break. Teoman is upset but that dropkick was still within the time limit. Raja helps Teoman refresh, and the second round begins.

Teoman rushes at Frazer and corners him, then whips him out. Frazer dodges the boot to CHOP and fire off haymakers! Teoman hits back, we have a brawl! Teoman choke grips but Frazer throws hands! Frazer whips, Teoman reverses but Frazer ducks and dodges and BLASTS Teoman with a forearm! Teoman bails out and Raja checks on him, but Frazer grins as he has Teoman on the defensive. Frazer builds speed and DIVES, but only gets Raja! Raja shoved Teoman out of the way in time, and Teoman comes back to RAM Frazer into the barriers! And throw him into steel steps! Teoman puts Frazer in the ring for the BASEMENT FOREARM! Cover, Teoman gets the fall!!

Teoman: 1; Frazer: 0

Raja did what any “brother” would do, though more like a pawn in Teoman’s game. Either way, the first point goes to Teoman and now Frazer has to recover quickly! Will Frazer be able to turn things around in round three?

Teoman is of course confident as he dares Frazer to bring it, then he kicks Frazer’s leg out! Teoman kicks Frazer around, toying with him, then wrenches the arm. Frazer throws forearms and has Teoman wobbling! Teoman still WRINGS Frazer’s arm out then KICKS it! Another basement forearm! Cover, TWO!! Frazer survives and keeps this going but Teoman talks trash. Teoman kicks Frazer around, drags him up and wrenches the arm again to whip Frazer to a corner. Frazer goes up and headscissors Teoman out of the ring! Teoman flounders and Raja is worried but Frazer runs in to baseball slide! But Teoman traps Frazer in the apron skirt!

Teoman fires off forearms and haymakers on Frazer as he’s stuck! The ref reprimands and counts while BT Sports Studio boos and jeers The Babo. Teoman lets off, puts Frazer in at 7 of 10 and follows him at 9. Teoman winds up his arm to ROCK Frazer in the ribs! Frazer sputters and gasps as Teoman taunts him. We’re in the last minute of round three as Teoman still toys with Frazer. Another kick, then DOUBLE STOMPS to the back! Teoman aims from the corner again, but Frazer dodges the basement forearm! Frazer CLOBBERS Teoman with a forearm of his own! Frazer hurries to a corner, climbs up and takes aim, but has to leap over Teoman as he runs in!

Teoman goes up the corner but Frazer uses the ropes to triangle dropkick him first! Teoman wobbles up top as we are under 30 seconds! Frazer climbs up from the outside at 20, gets in position and hits a SUPER STEINER at the 10 second mark! But Frazer is too slow to the cover, the time is up before a count!!

Teoman: 1; Frazer: 0

Talk about being saved by the bell! Raja calls to Teoman to help him get to his corner. Frazer is frustrated by how close he was, will the fourth round be his?

Teoman drags himself up to his feet and Frazer is right there with forearms! Teoman hits back and we have another brawl! Frazer, Teoman, back again, but Teoman wobbles! Frazer ROCKS him again, then keeps on him. Teoman wrenches the arm to throw uppercuts into the triceps! Then Teoman tries to wrangle Frazer for the crossface but Frazer keeps moving! Frazer RAMS Teoman into a corner! Teoman clubs back and the ref counts the ropebreak. Frazer lets off and Teoman manages to BOOT him in the opening! Frazer flounders, Teoman takes aim from the top rope. Teoman leaps to blindside missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Frazer still lives and that frustrates Teoman!

BT Sports Studio rallies up as Frazer and Teoman rise. Teoman reels Frazer into a waistlock but Frazer elbows free. Teoman staggers but he comes back for another try. Frazer resists the lift, slips out and under and then dodges Teoman for a SNAP SUPLEX TO CRADLE?! FRAZER GETS A FALL!!

Teoman: 1; Frazer: 1

Teoman protests and so does Raja, because they aren’t even sure what Frazer just did! But now things are all tied up and basically square one as we enter the fifth!

Teoman and Frazer rush each other, Frazer hits a SLINGBLADE! Frazer gets Teoman back up for an ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Teoman survives but Frazer keeps his focus. BT Sports Studio fires up as Frazer works on his next move. Frazer gets Teoman up, reels him back in, but Teoman wrenches out to uppercut the arm again! Teoman whips, Frazer reverses, Teoman handsprings?! But Frazer dodges the back elbow to QUEBRADA into a dragon sleeper! Only for Teoman to slip right out and HALF HATCH FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!!! Frazer survives, Teoman shakes his head in disbelief, and there’s still a minute and 45 seconds!

Teoman clutches his back, drags Frazer up to his feet, but Frazer runs Teoman into the ropes! They both fall out, but Frazer lands on the apron while Teoman hits the floor! Frazer grits his teeth and dares Raja to watch this! Frazer DIVES and hits Teoman tot he ramp! Raja is furious and Frazer eggs him on before going back to Teoman. Frazer puts Teoman in at the minute mark. Frazer aims, springboards and MACHO ELBOWS!! Cover, TWO!?! Frazer can’t believe Teoman survives, but he hurries to put him in another drop zone! Frazer goes up, Raja barks at him, but Frazer still PHOENIX SPLASHES! Only to FLOP! The distraction gave Teoman time to evade!

Teoman clamps onto Frazer with a dragon sleeper, SOMERSAULT INVERTED DDT?!?! What?!! Cover at 20 seconds, Teoman WINS!

Winner: Teoman, by pinfall

A 2-1 victory late in the fifth round, and the one moving on is the man with the evil eye! At the same time, if it wasn’t for his brother in arms, Rohan Raja, maybe it wouldn’t have gone this way. Will Teoman’s family continue to help him all the way to the Heritage Cup itself?

My Thoughts:

What a great episode this week! For one, I could not have guessed Blair Davenport would assault Sid Scala. Not even a male Heel has gone that far, so that’s pretty big for her character here. I feel like a kayfabe financial fine is one of the ways they will go with this, as I don’t see them kayfabe suspending their newest star. Especially after Aoife Valkyrie seems to be shoot hurt to where she needs time to recover. That is a shame for Aoife and I hope she’s recovered well in real life and is already back to work. I say that cuz these episodes are recorded in batches, remember? Also, good promo from Jinny to follow up on that story.

I like that for NXT UK fans, they’re already getting an encore of Walter VS Dragunov. I didn’t make a TakeOver 36 article so I can’t just copy-paste, but I’m not sure if I’m going to do a full Play By Play work-up of that. I will definitely get the insight parts that I’m sure Walter, Dragunov and maybe some other NXT UK stars will give us, but who knows about the match. I have a week to think on it, too, so we’ll all just have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, we got a great second match for Mastiff & Starz, those guys are already a great combination in the string of moves they’re putting together. They are definitely going to take a nice slow burn path to the tag titles and that will make their team feel very organically over. That, and there’s already a great next feud for Pretty Deadly in not just Gallus, but the Coffey Brothers. Didn’t I just say last week that Joe Coffey’s next move could/should be teaming with his brother? I am so happy to see NXT UK saw it that way, too, and I can’t wait to see the Coffey Brothers work together in the ring again. Also, that “TikTok” promo was hilarious, Pretty Deadly could easily turn Face at some point and still be just as good.

Millie VS Amale was a very good match, and I am definitely in favor of Millie winning to basically thwart Amale’s title hopes. Not because I have something against Amale, but because she is going a great job at being this furious, frustrated Heel right now, and that definitely motivates her to do something more extreme next time. We got a good group promo from Symbiosis to set up the coming Six Man Tag, but I did not expect Carter & Smith to be the ones to answer the call. Symbiosis has history with Subculture so I expected them, but I also thought Mastiff & Starz teaming up with Huxley would help their build but also touch on the history between Starz and Huxley. But Carter and Smith had a great interaction with Huxley so I look forward to that trio working together, win or lose next week.

Gradwell continues to be a great talker, Wolfgang shows his own promo chops, their video to hype up next week’s Heritage Cup Contenders match definitely succeeded. Tonight’s Frazer VS Teoman British Rounds main event was awesome stuff and definitely must-see, just on the new and unique ways of fusing moves into new moves. Pretty sure no one outside of Frazer would’ve come up with that “snap cradle” and no one outside of Teoman would’ve modified the inverted DDT in that way. Another Heel into the next round is interesting, but Tyler Bate himself is strongly Face so maybe the entire semifinals is Heels so that we really can’t call it one way or another. That in itself is a brilliant move from NXT UK, I can’t wait.

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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Andrew’s IMPACT Results & Match Ratings: 9.2.2021

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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

7 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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