Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Reports! (10/22/21)

Welcome the new roster!

Published

3 years ago

October 22, 2021

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown moves forward with the Draft taking effect!

Roman Reigns is STILL WWE Universal Champion, but now SmackDown has an influx of new faces thanks to the Draft! Will they all be aiming for his throne?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
Mansoor VS Mustafa Ali; Mansoor wins.
Hit Row VS Dustin Lawyer & Danny Williams; Hit Row wins.
Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS “Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss; Corbin wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

Of course the Tribal Chief opens the SmackDown after Crown Jewel, as he is triumphant once again thanks to his Special Counsel. Paul Heyman carries the title for Roman, but Roman raises his finger for the pyro, much to Heyman’s confusion. They go to the ring, and Roman again cues pyro with his finger, not the belt. Fans duel between cheers and jeers and Roman takes it all in. Heyman has the mic, hands it over to Roman, and Roman asks, “Are you holding that title for me? Or for Brock?” Roman knows Heyman did the right thing tonight, but last night, Heyman just kinda threw the belt in the ring. “Shall we work on this?”

Roman holds out his hand, Heyman puts the belt in hand. Pretty easy, right? Roman puts the belt on his shoulder, and then says Heyman’s not great at his job. But Roman is! Roman can’t deny that he’s the best of the best! Roman has carried the WWE on his back for over a year and a half now. Roman’s the Tribal Chief! Roman’s the Head of the Table! Roman’s the greatest Universal Champion of all time. And wanna know why? Because he’s smashed everyone. The list is so long now, they can’t even go back to the beginning, so just start at Mania. Bryan and Edge? Smashed ’em. Cesaro? Smashed ’em. Finn Balor? Smashed ’em. John Cena? Smashed ’em!

And Heyman’s boy, Brock Lesnar. Well Saudi Arabia saw Roman smash ’em! But what did Lesnar say on social media? What’d he say? Hurry up, Paul. Heyman gets it on his phone to show Roman. Read it, then! “Brock Lesnar said, and this is Brock… ‘The moment I arrive at SmackDown, I will beat Roman Reigns senseless.'” Fans like the sound of that! Roman grins and then slaps Heyman’s phone out of his hand. “Man, I whooped Brock Lesnar so bad, he’s Tweeting now. Good God.” But fine! Roman runs SmackDown, he runs the WWE, he’s standing right here! And he’s not going anywhere!

Do the fans wanna see Lesnar tonight? He does, too! He doesn’t mind smashing Lesnar two nights in a row! If Wichita wants to see Roman whoop Lesnar, #AcknowlegdgeMe. He then hands the mic to Heyman and dares Lesnar to walk out to the ring. He looks to Heyman when Lesnar doesn’t show up. “Brock Lesnar must be scared of me, y’all. Alright, let’s make this very clear. I’m not leaving this ring until Brock Lesnar comes out here.” Roman puts Lesnar on the clock, will The Beast show up? SmackDown goes to break while we wait.

SmackDown returns and…

Roman says he can’t blame Lesnar for not showing up against the Greatest Of All Time. Take a picture: Lesnar fears Roman! We’ve been waiting and Lesnar’s a no show. Why’d he go run his mouth then not show up? Roman’s given the people far too much time. The Tribal Chief shows up, takes care of obligations on SmackDown, but Lesnar’s a no show. There’s nothing for Roman to do here. Fans chant, “We Want Lesnar!” and Roman lets us hear it by holding his mic up. Roman wants Lesnar, too, but Lesnar don’t want none, he’s scared! Roman’s smashed everyone, nobody wants it anymore. So this is where he and Wichita part ways. But now the music hits! Lesnar IS here!

Roman takes the belt off his shoulder as he stares down with Lesnar. Heyman gets out of the ring as Lesnar heads down the ramp. Lesnar then bolts into the ring, dodges Roman’s belt attack and CLOBBERS Roman! Then he clotheslines Roman out of the ring! Roman staggers about, but he and Lesnar brawl at ringside! Lesnar RAMS Roman into steel steps! Lesnar looms over Roman, looks over at Heyman, and heads Heyman’s way. Heyman is deer in a headlights but Lesnar pulls the steel steps apart. Lesnar RAMS Roman with the steps! Then he TOSSES the steps into the ring with ease! Lesnar pulls the announce desk’s hood off and stalks over to Roman.

But referees rush out, as do the Usos! The Usos save Roman from an F5 but they get knees and haymakers for it! Lesnar POSTS Jey, then TOSSES Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area! Then he tosses Jey in there to join him! Roman fires back but Lesnar RAMS Roman into the post! Management rushes out to talk Lesnar down but he grabs a cameraman’s camera! Then shoves the cameraman! Lesnar aims with the camera, but Roman ducks! The camera busts against the post! So Lesnar throws referees AND management around!

Adam Pearce empties the locker room! But they get clobbered by the Beast!! The Bloodline and Heyman regroup on the ramp but Lesnar has the title belt in hand! Lesnar says he is the rightful champion, but will he have to suffer the consequences for his actions before ever getting another title shot?

SmackDown returns again, and Adam Pearce speaks.

“No single individual can come out here and hold this show hostage, or cause the kind of chaos we just witnessed. Make no mistake, Brock Lesnar’s actions were completely unacceptable, completely irresponsible. And not just the property damage. He endangered our crew, he endangered our officials, he endangered his fellow superstars, and worst of all, Brock Lesnar endangered the WWE Universe, and that cannot happen.” Not on Pearce’s watch! Therefore, Pearce has the unfortunate duty to inform us that due to these actions tonight, Pearce is INDEFINITELY SUSPENDING Brock Lesnar! Fans boo but Lesnar storms back out from the back!

Pearce is a deer in the headlights now as Lesnar returns to the ring, saying he isn’t sure he heard Pearce right. Pearce tries to defend his decision but Lesnar grabs him by the shirt collar. “I’m not sure I heard everything. Am I crazy? Tell me again.” Pearce says he doesn’t have a choice, he has to suspend Lesnar indefinitely. Oh is that so? Lesnar puts Pearce in a corner, lets go of his shirt and smiles as he straightens it all out. Then he fireman’s carries and hits him with an F5! And then he gets Pearce up again and gives him another F5!! Lesnar then picks up the mic and says, “I can’t hear you. Tell me again, please?”

Pearce barely sputters so Lesnar leaves it at this. If this is what he did after being suspended, will the Beast even abide by the punishment the WWE handed down?

Sonya Deville tries to get things back in order.

She keeps Kayla from asking questions, but stops at Naomi stepping to her. Naomi says that was some bull last week, she wants a fair match with Sonya. Of course, make it about yourself, Naomi> But Sonya has other things to handle other than beating Naomi up again. So get out of her face, NOW. Naomi backs down but then Sonya turns around to see Drew McIntyre. How can she help? Well he is now on SmackDown and there’s chaos already> But that’s okay, he’ll do her a favor. He will issue an open challenge, with her permission or not, and he will take on whoever has the BALLS to face him. He puts the locker room on notice and then heads to gorilla!

Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???

The Scottish Warrior fell short against Big E for the WWE World Championship, but he and Angela the claymore are more than ready to go again! Who steps to the motivated McIntyre on this first SmackDown with a new roster?

McIntyre gets a mic to asks the fans, “Enough with the BS, who’s ready for a match already?” He doesn’t care if you’re a Viking or a Maharaja, someone get their ass out here so he can kick it! And the one to answer the challenge is… Sami Zayn! And his new theme song! But Sami says, “Oh, Drew, y’know, it’s so funny, I hear you back there rattling off the list the different kind of superstars. I couldn’t help but notice you left off ‘master strategist.'” But that’s okay, Sami’s used to being forgotten about. But here’s something people might not know, so shut your mouths. Sami is the longest tenured member of SmackDown. He’s a locker room leader, the gatekeeper, the elder statesman of SmackDown!

And McIntyre might be a former world champion, here on SmackDown, he’s just the new kid. But if McIntyre is looking for someone brave enough to accept the challenge, maybe everyone’s forgotten or holding Sami back, but he is the BEST superstar on SmackDown! So Sami accepts the challenge! And when he beats McIntyre, Sami will remain the best on SmackDown! McIntyre is all for it and Sami gets in the ring. The bell rings, Sami bails out. McIntyre is annoyed but Sami takes his time going around the way. McIntyre goes out, Sami slides back in. Sami then goes back out as McIntyre slides back in, his trolling strategy working well.

But then McIntyre fakes Sami out, then catches him off guard to throw him into barriers! McIntyre smirks and says, “Oh, I’m gonna hurt you.” Fans fire up and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Sami stomps McIntyre down. Sami goes up the ropes and drops an ax handle! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another cover, ONE!! Sami gets frustrated but he sits McIntyre up to throw hands. “You’re on my show now, punk!” Sami throws more haymakers, McIntyre gets up and RAMS Sami into a corner! McIntyre fires off stomps and haymakers, then clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex! McIntyre seethes and runs to CLOBBER Sami with clotheslines! McIntyre whips, and hits another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Then a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fires up, then aims from the corner.

Fans fire up and McIntyre runs, but Sami bails out! McIntyre grabs at Sami and drags him up the apron but Sami hotshots! Sami gets in to reel McIntyre in, but McIntyre’s too big for a Blue Thunder Bomb! Sami throws elbows over and over on McIntyre’s head and shoulders, then brings him back up, BLUE TH- NO! McIntyre slips out to GLASGOW KISS! Sami falls into a corner, McIntyre runs in, Sami dodges and McIntyre POSTS himself! Sami drags McIntyre up to POST him in the other corner! McIntyre is down, Sami aims from a corner! Sami mocks the countdown! But he gets a CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

And that’s how you put a roster on notice! Is SmackDown going to be Claymore Country once again?

The New Day is here!

The ring crew prepares the scene for a coronation! Kofi Kingston heads out first, as we’re all about to celebrate the true crowning of KING Xavier, after the break!

SmackDown returns and after a recap of how Woods won over Finn Balor, Greg Hamilton introduces Kofi, and Kofi says, “Hear ye! Hear ye! We are gathered here today, we are gathered here today, for the grandest of coronations! Please join me in showing your adoration, your admiration, your adulation for our NEW King of the Ring! King Xavier Woooooods!” And with that, King Xavier makes his entrance with a brand new and very regal tron. But he still plays his trombone. Kofi says, “Your Majesty, allow me to bestow upon thee thy cloak.” This cloak will represent the protection Woods shall place over his kingdom! Fans chant, “You Deserve It!”

And then, Kofi wishes to bestow upon Woods his scepter that represents the power he shall wield over his kingdom! Woods holds the scepter up high, but of course, Kofi shall bestow upon Woods the crown, which represents the respect Woods has earned and will receive until the end of time as king! Long live his reign! Kofi puts the crown upon Woods’ head and fans cheer as the regal music plays. Woods takes the mic and cannot express how much this means to him. He knows the fans have shown him so much love, and they helped him turn a dream into a reality! He thanks us, but guess what? While his reign will be fun, it will be fair. There will be opportunity.

So then let’s give the the fine people who are part of his kingdom, the fine people in Wichita, a chance to hear “the king’s gospel.” ALL HAIL KING XAVIER WOODS, FIRST OF HIS NAME! BRINGER OF NEW DAYS AND YOUR NEW KING!! “HAIL! KING WOODS!” Woods holds up the scepter and Kofi makes the cape flap in the wind! Will Woods be the greatest King of the Ring yet?

Becky Lynch speaks.

“This title is still drenched in history from last night. Let me remind everyone, I never did lose that Raw Women’s Championship.” So instead of a title exchange, #BeckyTwoBelts makes a comeback? Is The Man going to change the WWE’s plans and take the title from Charlotte Flair rather than be handed it?

SmackDown, prepare for Xia Li!

The first Chinese born female superstar in the WWE, and she has sharpened herself to a deadly edge! Who will be the first on this brand to taste her brand of brutality?

Mansoor VS Mustafa Ali!

Victorious in Saudi Arabia, but still eager to prove himself, Mansoor will gladly take on Mustafa Ali again! Will this rematch put a pin in the animosity between them? Or will The Beacon us this as both redemption and revenge?

SmackDown returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ali runs at Mansoor! Mansoor dodges and Ali’s dropkick crashes into the corner! Mansoor fires off, bumps Ali off buckles then CHOPS! Ali CHOPS back but Mansoor CHOPS again! Mansoor whips corner to corner then back drops Ali away! Ali gets up but Mansoor clotheslines him out! Fans fire up, Mansoor goes out and chases Ali back into the ring. Ali drops an elbow but Mansoor dodges! Mansoor then dumps Ali out of the ring, drags him up and throws forearms! Ali gets in the ring, Mansoor climbs up and leaps to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Ali crawls to ropes, Mansoor storms after him, but Ali throws him into ropes! Ali goes up, leaps and sunset flips, but then rolls to get Mansoor up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Ali kicks at Mansoor, slaps him around and talks trash. Ali drags Mansoor up, reels him in and turns him, but Mansoor turns neckbreaker into waistlock. Ali fights but Mansoor chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX! Ali is all folded up but Mansoor isn’t done! He drags Ali up but Ali throat chops! Ali dodges Mansoor but Mansoor LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up with Mansoor but he runs into a BOOT! Ali goes up again and leaps to sunset flip, only for Mansoor to sit on it! Mansoor wins again!!

Winner: Mansoor, by pinfall

Ali is furious that he lost, and even faster than yesterday! Has this proven that Mansoor is ready for the big time?

The newest members of SmackDown speak.

“I’m Ridge Holland. And if you’d told me as a little lad, fighting, scrapping on the streets of Yorkshire, that I would end up on Friday Night SmackDown, I would’ve said, ‘I believe ya.'” Will Northern Grit crush all in his way?

“My name’s Aliyah. And I’m gonna give this place a makeover! SmackDown is about to get a whole lot more bougie.” Will Bougie Bad make sure SmackDown looks good on Friday nights?

Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza fist bump before Garza says, “Remember these names.” They are the hottest tag team. When you look this good, winning is so easy!

And Sheamus says, “I don’t need to introduce meself to anybody. Because no one delivers in the ring like the Celtic Warrior. And everybody knows I deliver banger after banger after banger after banger… after banger.” Will the Fella bang out hit after hit with that Brogue?

Hit Row heads to the ring!

B-Fab has the music cut because we all know that y’all done heard about Hit~ Roooow~. That’s three MC’s, one producer. Three beasts, one beauty. Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and honestly, the details are crucial. This is the ritual: R-I-C-H-U-A-L. When money speaks, nobody checks grammar. That’s why this is Top Dolla, cuz that’s what he’s worth. Pay him, he shows up. Bank account’s robust. Swerve Scott ’bout to go nuts! Isaiah’s been around the world, changing the game, winning championships, streaming numbers doing silly, and he’s your worst nightmare. This is B-Fab. Every time you see her, she be fab! She needs a big bag, that’s why they big mad.

They’re a really big team who needs really nice things. We all know Adonis is pretty from afar. Swerve is a ring vet and B-Fab’s the star. They all know that Dolla’s the silliest with the bars! But the WWE Universe just got for bright new stars! And if you didn’t know, now you know! And speaking of that money, Swerve’s about to earn some in his SmackDown in-ring debut! Who gets an education that doesn’t just make sense, it makes dollars?

Hit Row VS Dustin Lawyer & Danny Williams!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and Swerve KNEES Dustin down right away! Swerve brings Dustin around, bumps him off buckles, throws uppercuts then goes up. Dolla tags in, Swerve hits the FALLING UPPERCUT! Dolla drops the BACK SENTON! Cover, but Danny Williams breaks it! He thinks he’s smart but Dolla looms over him! Two-hand pop up to a fireman’s carry! Dustin jumps into Dolla’s arms! Dolla talks some smack before he asks, “Who hotta than Top Dolla?” DOUBLE SLAM! “NOT NADA!” Dolla kicks Danny out then drags Dustin over. If you didn’t know, now you know! Tag to Swerve, Dolla scoops Dustin, HOUSE CALL SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, Hit Row wins!

Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall

NXT knows and now so does SmackDown! Now that Hit Row is here on Fridays, is it only a matter of time before it all belongs to them?

Kayla Braxton waits by the doctor’s room.

She’s waiting for an update on Adam Pearce’s condition but Sonya Deville walks out. Kayla asks Pearce’s status and Sonya says he will be okay, eventually. he’s a bit fragile, and not a spring chicken. Unfortunate, too, because Sonya said she’d be the one to give the suspension, but Pearce insisted on doing things his way, and well, we saw how that went. But the show must go on. Tonight we have Charlotte and Becky exchanging titles, which also could be pretty combustible. That is now on Sonya to handle alone. But he remains in her thoughts. Is Sonya going to be able to handle the pressure? Or will she have her own chaotic situation to handle soon enough?

Rick Boogs is on stage!

The rockin’ bard makes the introduction for the Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke NakamurAAAAAAA~~! The King of Strong Style makes his entrance, and he once again faces Baron Corbin for the first time since Baron’s roller coaster ride from down in the dumps to cracking up like a chump! Will Corbin get a semblance of revenge as well as get on track towards the title? We find out after the break.

Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS “Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss!

SmackDown returns and Corbin makes his entrance, Moss jogging up behind him. The bell rings, the two circle and tie up. Corbin pushes Nakamura away then throat chops! Corbin gets Nakamura up and ROCKS him with a right, then puts him in the corner. Corbin throws body shots, brings Nakamura around and runs, into a KNEE then a ROUNDHOUSE! Nakamura runs and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Nakamura rams knees into Corbin over and over, then stands Corbin up to snapmare for a knee drop! Cover, TWO! Moss coaches Corbin but Nakamura bumps him off buckles. Nakamura throws forearms, Corbin ROCKS Nakamura back!

Nakamura fires off a strike fest, KNEES Corbin into the corner, then fires off haymakers! Fans fire up and Nakamura brings Corbin up again for more knees. Corbin flounders to ropes, swings but misses and Nakamura throws kicks! Nakamura knees again, puts Corbin in the corner and gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS~! Boogs rocks out as he does, and Nakamura joins in on the air guitar! Nakamura runs corner to corner but Corbin dodges! Corbin blocks Nakamura’s boot and dumps him to the apron! But Nakamura hits back, takes aim, and grins as he goes to superplex! Corbin blocks and THROWS Nakamura down! Boogs checks on Nakamura as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Corbin grinds Nakamura with a chinbar and half nelson. Nakamura fights up, throws body shots and is free, but Corbin shoves him to the corner. Corbin runs in, Nakamura dodges so Corbin slides out then back in and LARIATS Nakamura down! Moss is fired up as Corbin covers, TWO! Corbin rains down fists, but then he grins as he lets off. Corbin drags Nakamura up, scoops, but Nakamura slips off and dodges Corbin to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Nakamura waits for Corbin to get up and he says, “C’MON!” Corbin swings but into the strike fest! KICK after KICK but Corbin blocks, only for Nakamura to ENZIGURI!

Nakamura whips, Corbin reverses but Nakamura dodges in the corner! ROUNDHOUSE to the back, then he puts Corbin up top! TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura aims from the corner and Corbin slowly rises, Nakamura runs in but Corbin catches him! Nakamura slips through End of Days to kick, but Corbin gets under to ripcord SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Boogs rocks out to rally the fans to give Nakamura power. Nakamura stands, Corbin choke grips but Nakamura KNEES free! Roundhouse misses but the WINDMILL KICK hits! Nakamura goes to the corner, but Moss goes after Boogs’ guitar! That’s not cool! Boogs shoves Moss, Nakamura BOOTS Moss down!

Nakamura talks trash but Corbin throws Nakamura into steps! Moss does the same to Boogs! Corbin puts Nakamura in and reels Nakamura in, END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall

Corbin and Moss have the last laugh! Will they be even happier when Corbin gets to go for the gold?

Charlotte Flair speaks.

“Becks, of course you’re not going to hand over the title. Just pretend it’s my suitcase you spent half your career carrying, and hand over the title.” The Queen is still talking down to The Man, but will things not go Charlotte’s way?

It’s time for the Championship Belt Exchange!

Big Time Becks goes to the ring first, holding her SmackDown Women’s Championship up high. But with what she said earlier, will it be so easy for her to let go the belt she won a Triple Threat to keep? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Sonya Deville has joined Becky in the ring. Charlotte makes her entrance now, then she gets a mic. Sonya says they’re gathered here for a special transaction. Becky is SmackDown Women’s Champion but is heading to Raw. Charlotte is Raw Women’s Champion but is coming to SmackDown. As number one, let’s not forget. Sonya says they are going to trade the titles so that they will go to their respective new brands as the champions. Sonya gives the signal but Becky holds onto her belt while Charlotte still wears hers. Fans chant, “Becky Two Belts!” but Sonya gets Charlotte to take off her belt.

Becky grabs at the Raw title but Charlotte drops it. Sonya makes Charlotte pick it up and hand it over to Sonya. Becky wants to grab the Raw belt first but Sonya refuses. So Becky throws the SmackDown belt at Charlotte! Sonya hands the Raw belt to Becky, Charlotte holds up the SmackDown belt. But wait, Becky wants to be Becky Two Belts, right? Then what about a match tonight? Fans like the sound of that! But wait, here comes Sasha Banks! The Boss is also here on SmackDown through the Draft, and she was the one woman not in the decision at Crown Jewel!

And she says let’s make one thing clear, The Boss, the Standard, the Blueprint runs this blue brand. If Charlotte thinks she can just show up and take over, “Bitch, you’re out of your damned mind!” Sasha goes right into the ring but Charlotte says this is PG, that wasn’t nice. But aw, is she feeling left out? Becky says she’ll just go to Raw and see someone at Survivor Series. Becky leaves, Sasha asks if Charlotte is jealous. Fans still cheer for Becky, Sasha says bye to her, and says Sasha Banks is the star of any show she’s on. Title or no title, she’s still The Boss. Fridays are #BossTime! Oooh~, Sasha~! Charlotte mocks the move, and asks if anyone even remembers Sasha’s reign!

Sasha DECKS Charlotte! Charlotte gets out of her robe and the two brawl! Sasha avoids a boot, but Charlotte avoids the backstabber with a butt bump! Charlotte bails out of the ring, Sasha goes to the apron and leaps, METEORA! Direct hit! But Sonya returns to separate these two! Charlotte scrambles up the ramp to get away, but Sasha dares her to come back. Will Sasha make sure the SmackDown Women’s Championship is #LEGIT once more? Or will the Queen still reign all the way to Survivor Series?

My Thoughts:

This is a rare case where a SmackDown after PPV is a bit of a letdown. For one, as many dreaded, it was just a title swap between Raw and SmackDown in the women’s division. I do appreciate that Becky and Charlotte were both dressed in ring gear and they directly teased #WinnerTakesAll, but sadly they did it with barely any time left on the show. If they’d managed to do all this at even a quarter ’til, it would’ve been more believable. Sasha getting in on things was also a sign they were just moving on to Survivor Series. Charlotte VS Sasha 2021 could go either way, and we know either one makes a great match-up for Becky come Survivor Series.

Maybe they’d have more time if they were faster about the Roman and Lesnar stuff. Roman questioning Heyman was fairly logical, there was a lot of ambiguity at Crown Jewel so Heyman still has to dig himself out of this one. Lesnar going wild and getting suspended works, too, since we all know Lesnar is a part-time kinda guy. At the same time, Lesnar could surprise us and “ignore” the suspension by showing up more and wreaking more havoc. But it still feels like we’re heading for Big E VS Roman at Survivor Series, so it’s not like Lesnar is going to cause so much destruction that he earns a title match. That will have to wait until after, at the Royal Rumble.

We did get a great match out of McIntyre VS Sami, which was a great follow-up to the promo heavy stuff with Roman and Lesnar. As I said for Crown Jewel, McIntyre is certainly on the list of contenders for Roman, he might get his shot at WWE Day One, the New Year’s Day PPV WWE is giving us instead of TLC. Which I would’ve preferred because then we could get Roman VS McIntyre in a TLC match. The Mansoor VS Ali rematch was alright, not as good as Crown Jewel’s, and not really needed. At least, not tonight. We could’ve gotten slightly more out of Hit Row or even a match out of one of the other call-ups like Ridge Holland or Aliyah to get them going already.

Speaking of, Hit Row did very good on the mics again, and Swerve teaming with Dolla was not what I expected, but maybe Hit Row can be a Freebird Rules kinda tag team like the New Day. Woods’ coronation segment was good, though I’m not sure what more they could’ve done other than have someone “interrupt” it, and that wasn’t going to happen since this was a well-deserved moment for Woods. I could also see Woods trying to get in on the Universal title match scene now that he’s king, but maybe he and Kofi have a tag team feud while they wait on things. And I should’ve figured Corbin and Nakamura have a new feud now that they both have sidekicks. The match was good but I really hope Nakamura wins. I can’t even stand the idea of Happy Corbin and Mad Cap having that belt.

My Score: 8/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

9 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!