Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (11/19/21)

Shotzi takes a shot at The Boss!

Published

2 years ago

November 19, 2021

Steven Mitchell

One last SmackDown before Survivor Series!

Before being teammates for SmackDown at Survivor Series, Sasha Banks and Shotzi Blackheart look to settle the score and #TCB, Take Care o’ Business!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Team SmackDown Survivor Series Qualifier: Sheamus VS Cesaro VS Jinder Mahal VS Ricochet; Sheamus wins and joins Team SmackDown.
Aliyah & Naomi VS Shayna Baszler & Natalya; Shayna & Natalya win.
Jeff Hardy VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin; Hardy wins.
Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS Angel Garza w/ Humberto Carrillo; Nakamura wins.
Sasha Banks VS Shotzi Blackheart; Sasha wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown opens with The Usos already in the ring.

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions have the crown, throne and scepter on display. Jimmy says the Tribal Chief will be out here soon, and do they have a surprise for him! But before that, they gotta get to this. Big E, the Bloodline showed up on Raw and sent a message loud and clear. They about to do the same thing to RKBRO at Survivor Series! Yeah, that’s right! The Usos hear voices in their heads, and they’re saying, “We the ones.” Then we’ll see who runs the WWE! Tonight, you’ll see who is the one true king! The Head of the Table! The Tribal Chief! Your Tribal KING! Their cousin, the Universal Champion, ROMAN! REEEEIGNS!

Roman makes his way out, Paul Heyman carrying the belt for him. Heyman hands the belt over so Roman can raise it up for the pyro. Then they continue to the ring, Heyman holding the title up as a banner. The Bloodline all hold up the finger to the sky, then Roman gets the belt again for the second round of pyro. Heyman fetches a mic for Roman and Roman sees the throne, scepter and crown. Roman asks Heyman what this is about but Heyman says he’s so overwhelmed. This has been in the works all week for him. “There is no one, no one, in the history of WWE that deserves to be crowned the king as much as the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, the Tribal King, Roman Reigns.”

Heyman knows in his heart that everyone here will agree that the distinction of king surely doesn’t belong to Xavier Woods. And it sure as hell will never belong to BRRROCK. LESNARRR. And it will never belong to someone like Big E, who will be smashed this Sunday by the Tribal King, Roman Reigns. “Because at Survivor Series, what chance-” Roman cuts Heyman off to ask for the mic, which Heyman hands over. “Whose idea was this?” Uh… Heyman points to the Usos, and the Usos point at each other. Roman says this must be a joke. They don’t really think that he cares about this stuff, do they? They don’t think he needs this, do they?

No no no. He puts in the hard work, earns the respect, “Hartford! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are divided, but Roman says the only reason he took the crown last week is because he can. But here comes Xavier Woods! The rightful King of the Ring doesn’t have his cape, because he doesn’t have his crown, but he does have a mic. “Roman. All of those things that you have in the ring right now, those material things, those belong to me.” But those things do not make a king. What makes a king is knowing that you are to do good for the WWE Universe. And if you were a king, then based on what Roman did last week, he’d come out here and look Woods in the eyes as a man so they can settle this.

But that’s not Roman’s MO, is it? Then let’s sweeten the pot. Woods challenges Roman to be out here without his goons, “The Wet Bandits,” Roman looks Woods face to face and Woods shows him what a real king is made of. Roman says Woods is telling Roman that he doesn’t care about this stuff? It doesn’t mean anything? Then Jey takes the cape and blows his nose in it before throwing it down form Roman to wipe his shoes on. It doesn’t matter? No. Then Jey takes the scepter and BREAKS it! Is Woods sure this stuff doesn’t matter? Jey and Jimmy SMASH the throne! And then stomp it, then throw it out of the ring! Roman is laughing and says Woods looks pretty upset.

Last but not least, the crown! Jimmy SMASHES the pedestal, Jey gets ready to smash the crown, but Roman has Jey hand it over first. Roman will ask one more time: Is Woods sure that the crown doesn’t mean anything? Woods has a tear in his eye, Roman puts the crown down on the mat, and he raises a foot. Woods rushes in! Woods gets mugged 2v1! Roman laughs as the Usos rain down on Woods in a corner. Then they drag Woods over and make him watch. Roman says he is the ONLY king around here. He doesn’t need props. “I’m the one.” He STOMPS the crown, and tears it up, then smacks Woods off one of the pieces!

Fans boo but Roman smiles as the Bloodline stands tall. Will Roman still take Woods up on his 1v1 challenge for later tonight? Or will the fallen King of the Ring be without his retribution?

Backstage interview with Xavier Woods backstage.

Obviously a very difficult situation, but where does he go from here? Where does he go?! He goes to the ring later tonight to take on Roman. The “Roman Empire” wasn’t built in a day, but it will fall tonight! The king is not defeated just yet, but will Roman even care to face him again?

Team SmackDown Survivor Series Qualifier: Sheamus VS Cesaro VS Jinder Mahal VS Ricochet!

The Fella is back for a big fight! But will he be the one joining Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, Xavier Woods & “Happy Corbin” in the battle for brand supremacy? Or will another rise up to take Sami Zayn’s spot?

SmackDown returns and the One and Only Ricochet makes his entrance. The Modern Day Maharaja is already in the ring, as is the Swiss Cyborg. The bell rings, Ricochet rushes Sheamus but is put in a corner while Mahal and Cesaro brawl. Mahal puts Cesaro in the opposite corner, he and Sheamus fire off hands and stomps. Cesaro kicks and EuroUppers. Sheamus turns around to see his old buddy in The Bar. Mahal storms up on Cesaro but Cesaro DECKS him! Sheamus CLOBBERS Cesaro, then gives a thumbs down. Ricochet fires off on Sheamus but Sheamus throws body shots. Sheamus scoops, Ricochet sunset flips, TWO!

Ricochet gets up but Mahal BOOTS him down! Cesaro EuroUppers Sheamus in a corner! Mahal stomps away on Ricochet then CLUBS away on Cesaro. Mahal and Sheamus mug Cesaro. Ricochet goes after Mahal and Sheamus but gets mugged, too. Shanky cheers Mahal on while Sheamus throws Cesaro out. Mahal throws Ricochet out to the apron and drags him up to set him up for Sheamus’ Beats of the Bodhrain! But Mahal rolls Sheamus up! TWO, and Mahal grins while wanting Sheamus to keep cool. But the two of them brawl with big hands, Sheamus knees low and EuroUppers again. Mahal staggers, Sheamus whips, Mahal kicks Sheamus back.

Mahal whips, Sheamus reverses and sends Mahal to the apron. Sheamus KNEES Mahal in the ropes, turns him around and gives Mahal Beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus gets all 10, then reverse HOTSHOTS Mahal away! But Cesaro returns to trip Sheamus! Sheamus knows what’s coming and he kicks Cesaro away! Ricochet springboards to missile dropkick! Then he dodges Cesaro to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor! Cesaro ends up outside with everyone else, Ricochet kips up! Fans fire up, Ricochet builds speed, and he FLIES! Direct hit onto all three opponents and fans are fired up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Cesaro has Ricochet stuck on the ropes while Mahal fights Sheamus off. Sheamus and Ricochet each keep trying to climb up, but Cesaro turns things around on Ricochet. Ricochet resists, Mahal has knocked Sheamus down but Sheamus trips Mahal up! Sheamus and Cesaro each have Mahal and Ricochet, SUPERPLEX from the Fella! SUPER STEINER from Ricochet! All four men are down and fans fire up! Ricochet is up first and fans rally behind him. Sheamus stands, blocks Ricochet’s boot and clotheslines him in the corner! Sheamus scoops Ricochet but Ricochet turns it to a TORNADO DDT!

STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Mahal breaks it! Mahal fireman’s carries to a GUTBUSTER DROP! Cesaro SPINEBUSTERS Mahal, and fans go nuts! SWISS WING! They go around and around and get past 10, then 20! 25 rotations, and Cesaro gets the SHARPSHOOTER! Mahal endures, Shanky calls to him, and they get the ropebreak, but there’s no disqualifications! Ricochet WRECKS Shanky, then KICKS Cesaro! Cesaro lets go of Mahal to block a kick, but Ricochet ENZUGIRIS! Mahal clutches Ricochet but Ricochet sips out to RECOIL! Mahal is down, Ricochet goes up and fans are thunderous! Ricochet 630!! BROGUE from Sheamus!! Cover on Mahal, but Cesaro breaks it!

Sheamus staggers up, Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper in the corner, then fire off boxing shots. Cesaro whips corner to corner, but Sheamus BOOTS him down! Sheamus skins the cat to the top rope, leaps, but into a EUROUPPER! Cesaro reels Sheamus in, but here comes RIDGE HOLLAND! Sheamus’ number one fan is here, and Sheamus back drops Cesaro in the distraction! Sheamus aims, and Cesaro ducks the brogue! Roll up, TWO!! Holland is up, he swings but misses and then has to scramble away! BROGUE from Sheamus!! Cover, Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall (joins Team SmackDown at Survivor Series)

Sheamus celebrates with Northern Grit, seeing how his biggest fan helped him get this big win! Will

Backstage with Jeff Hardy.

Kayla asks the Charismatic Enigma about entering his sixth Survivor Series 5v5 match. Over the years, he’s teamed with some incredible superstars. Cerebral Assassins, Big Red Machines, legendary luchadores, and serious Showstoppers. But no one is like Drew McIntyre. That guy is in a league of his own. And it doesn’t matter what Roman says, Woods is the real king because Woods is the real deal. Woods will find a way to bring the Tribal Chief some tribal grief. And Sheamus is one rugged son of a bitch, and if he works as hard as the others, he’ll be a great contribution to the team.

But then you’ve got “Happy” Corbin, who lives in his own world. He only thinks about himself, and you never know what might happen. But Corbin and “Mad Cap” Moss are here to cheer “Jeffrey” up. Moss asks, “How does Jeff Hardy decide which face paint to use? He asks himself, ‘What goes well with a redneck.” So this is what we’re doing? Adam Pearce says he wants the team to win, but there’s no place for this attitude. Corbin is part of the team, so Pearce advises him to act like it. And Moss, everything’s a joke to you? Well let’s see if you’re still laughing after you’ve faced Hardy. Hardy laughs right at Moss, and then leaves. Will Moss learn he’s the butt of the joke tonight?

Backstage interview with Sheamus & Ridge Holland.

Megan congratulations Sheamus on joining Team SmackDown, but- He asks if she saw that! This fella here believes in Sheamus! You’ve heard what Holland has been saying! About how Sheamus is an inspiration! How he’s the greatest! How watching Sheamus made Holland want to be a WWE superstar! Hearing that almost brings a tear to his eye. NOT! Holland says that if it weren’t for Sheamus, Holland would be broke and fighting bums on the street. If anyone on the roster has a problem with what happened tonight, go find them in the pub. A man after Sheamus’ own heart! To the bar they go!

SmackDown looks closer at Becky Lynch VS Charlotte Flair.

They were “once upon a time,” best friends. Just earlier this year, Charlotte said that she was dominating the division while Becky was absent. THIRTEEN-TIME Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion, but then Becky came back at SummerSlam! Big Time Becks shocked us all, but then the WWE Draft added fuel to the fire with their title swap. There is unfinished business here to say the least. Charlotte questioned Becky’s genuineness while Becky exposed Charlotte’s ego. It isn’t brand supremacy, it isn’t Champion VS Champion, it’s about finally seeing who is THE ALPHA of this generation!

Aliyah & Naomi VS Shayna Baszler & Natalya!

It seems the newest star of the show and The Glow have something in common now: Sonya Deville has abused her authority against them. But will they be able to stand against The Queen of Spades & The Queen of Harts together? Or will they be made to #TapNapOrSnap?

SmackDown returns as Shayna Baszler makes her entrance. The teams sort out, Aliyah starts against Natty. They tie up, Natty kicks low then throws hands. Aliyah hits an arm-drag, dropkicks Natty down, then brings her up to whip to a corner. Aliyah runs in but is put on the apron, but she ROCKS Natty with a forearm. Aliyah goes up, flips and RANAS Natty away! Shayna tags in, Naomi gets in, she and Aliyah hit DOUBLE THESZ PRESSES! They fire fast hands, Natty bails out but Shayna gut wrenches Naomi to a KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Naomi backs Shayna down, Natty tags in but Naomi DECKS her! Naomi hits Shayna with a REAR VIEW!

Natty gets in, Naomi fires hands, Shayna throws Naomi down! Natty covers, fast count?! Natty & Shayna win!!

Winners: Shayna Baszler & Natalya, by pinfall

Wait, this isn’t right! Well this can only be because of one woman and she might as well change her name to Cruella! Will Deville continue to drag Naomi down over her persona bias?

Sami Zayn complains to Sonya Deville.

He is back to talking about his conspiracy theory given he was taken off Team SmackDown. For one, his documentary is still unreleased and it’s been seven MONTHS! Sonya understands he’s upset about all these things, but he just needs to relax. That was Adam Pearce, not her. And she has an idea. This Sunday is the 25th Anniversary of The Rock’s Debut. So in honor of that, she’ll make a 25 Man Battle Royal, in which Sami can win, and then he can have his name associated with The Rock, and the millions (and millions) of his fans. But then the ref walks over and asks if she did a good job.

Sonya pretends to have no idea who this is, and accuses her of being “one of those little NXT refs” trying to make it big. B-But she said- She said nothing, and she does not associate with crooked refs! Get out of here! Not suspicious at all…

Jeff Hardy VS “Mad Cap” Moss w/ “Happy” Corbin!

No more laughing out loud, it’s time to let actions speak for themselves! Will the Charismatic Enigma use Happy Corbin’s hyena sidekick as a tune-up for taking on Team Raw?

SmackDown returns and Corbin makes his entrance to accompany Moss to the ring. Hardy gets a mic to say, “The odds are clearly not in my favor here tonight. If you’ve got Happy Corbin in your corner, I might as well have somebody in mine.” It’s DREW MCINTYRE! The Scottish Warrior, and Angela the claymore, make for some serious reinforcements! Who’s laughing now, Moss?

The bell rings, fans rally behind Hardy but Moss SPINEBUSTERS Hardy! Moss drags Hardy up, half nelsons and knees away on Hardy! hardy gets to a corner but Moss brings him around. “What did the fist say to the face?” BAM! Moss drags Hardy up but Hardy JAWBREAKERS back! Moss staggers into an ATOMIC DROP, then a trip to the leg splitting leg drop! And the basement dropkick! Moss gets up, Hardy kicks to the TWIST OF FATE! Off comes the shirt and Hardy goes up top! But Corbin distracts! McIntyre drags Corbin down to throw him over the announce desk! But Moss still trips Hardy up and drags him out for a suplex! Hardy makes it a cradle, Hardy wins!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

Corbin gets in but gets a CLAYMORE kick from McIntyre! Moss tries but he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Hardy goes up top again, fans fire up for the SWANTON BOMB! McIntyre indeed had Hardy’s back, but will they and Corbin be able to put this all aside when they have to fight Team Raw?

Heyman walks and talks on his phone.

“The Tribal Chief does not like surprises.” But then Kayla scares Heyman as she springs in outta nowhere. Stop doing that! But did they hear the challenge Woods made earlier? Yes he heard the challenge made~! But he’s sick of this false narrative that Roman needs people around him. Roman doesn’t need the Usos, he loves the Usos. He doesn’t need the special Counsel, but he loves Heyman. The same way Kayla does. But yes, 48 hours before Survivor series, where Roman will smash Big E, Woods wants to challenge Roman Reigns and call his bluff. There are no bluffs on the Island of Relevancy. So as far as Roman goes, the challenge is hereby accepted. Will Woods make Roman regret that and everything else he’s done?

Rick Boogs shreds!

He gets Hartford to call and respond, then says he’s here to rock with the Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke NakamurAAAAAA~! The King of Strong Style makes his entrance, but will he and Boogs be rockin’ after another run in with Angel y Humberto?

Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS Angel Garza w/ Humberto Carrillo!

SmackDown returns and Los Lotharios make their entrance. Garza already takes off the pants to get serious against Nakamura! The bell rings and Garza throws the pants at Nakamura to then SHOTGUN dropkick! Snapmare and a basement dropkick! Garza gets Nakamura up, CHOPS him against the ropes, but Nakamura blocks the whip. Garza CHOPS, whips but Nakamura knees back! Garza ducks one kick but not the LEFT! Nakamura KICKS Garza around, then stomps him in the corner. The ref counts, Nakamura backs off but snapmares Garza to then go up top. FLYING- DROPKICK from Garza!

Garza sees Nakamura go to the apron, runs in but Nakamura jumps over the baseball slide! FLYING KNEE! Nakamura almost hits the announce desk! Nakamura puts Garza in the ring, but Carrillo anchors Nakamura’s foot! Just like last week! But Boogs pries Carrillo off with a gut wrench and just shaking him around before he TOSSES him! Garza runs in but only gets buckles! Schoolboy to the KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

But then Carrillo hits Nakamura as he runs into the ring! Los Lotharios regroup and run away, but this looks far from over between them, Nakamura and Boogs!

Shotzi and Sasha meet backstage.

Sonya keeps them civil here, because they’re going to be teammates on Sunday. Sonya is certain- Shotzi interrupts to say what she’s certain of: “Sasha Banks, you are a petty, vindictive little brat. When I get screwed over, I don’t forget. Ever. What’s that saying? Payback’s a-” Sasha stops Shotzi there. If she had a nickel for every time a rookie tried to make a name off of her, Sasha would be rich. Oh wait, she IS rich! She’s the Boss, the Standard, and the CAPTAIN of this team. Nd Shotzi, no one would know who you are without Sasha. So yeah, payback is a BITCH, and so is she!

Sonya shouts them down and says they can take this frustration out in the ring. But when the match is over, she expects them to shake hands. Shotzi and Sasha both sneer at that, but the Boss’ music hits first. Will it still be #BossTime? Or will Shotzi #TCH?

Sasha Banks VS Shotzi Blackheart!

SmackDown returns and Shotzi makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up and Shotzi powers Sasha to a corner. The ref counts, Shotzi lets off and she stars Sasha down, Sasha dodges Shotzi to get the headlock and thrashes her around. Shotzi powers out to then pull hair and throw Sasha down! Shotzi shouts at Sasha but Sasha reaches up to headscissor! Sasha dodges to CHOP Shotzi, then she knuckle locks nd goes up, up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Shotzi gets up as Sasha swaggers, and then Shotzi shoves Sasha around. Sasha shoves back, Shotzi pulls hair. Sasha pulls hair, the ref counts on them both but they both club the other.

Sasha blocks a kick, Shotzi blocks the knee! QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi wants the chicken wings but Sasha fights out to spin Shotzi around, snap suplex! Una Amiga! Another snap suplex, Dos Amigas! She wants the third, and gets THREE AMIGAS! Fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” and Sasha goes up top. FROG SPLASH but she has to bail out as Shotzi moves! Shotzi puts Sasha on the apron, ROCKS her, then kicks, but Sasha ducks to KNEE back! Sasha steps in, Shotzi KICKS her! Shotzi runs but Sasha dodges! Shotzi lands on her feet, avoids the meteora, then kicks to RAM Sasha into steel steps!

The ring count is climbing, Shotzi puts Sasha’s hand in the steps to KICK them! And again! And again! The count is climbing! Shotzi gets in at 8, Sasha is still down and Shotzi howls before going right back out. Shotzi puts Sasha in the ring, covers, TWO! Shotzi snarls, drags Sasha back up, CLUBS her, but Sasha gets around to waistlock! O’Conner Roll, TWO, and Sasha ends up outside again. Shotzi goes back out, puts Sasha on the apron but Sasha Tiger Feints to kick Shotzi! METEORA off the apron! The Boss is back on top as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Sasha blocks a kick t KNEE Shotzi down! Sasha then gets Shotzi up, but Shotzi fights the backstabber by bending Sasha’s fingers! ELBOW BREAKER to the bad arm! Then a fireman’s carry, SWINGING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi is seething, she drags Sasha up and brings her in, but no Sliced Bread as Sasha shoves her away! Roll up, TWO! Sasha goes up to get DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Sasha goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Sasha fires up as she shoves Shotzi away and fans fire up with her. Sasha climbs, jumps, METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Shotzi survives and Sasha can’t believe it!

Sasha waits on Shotzi to rise, then reels her in, but Shotzi denies the backstabber to KICK the bad arm! Cravat to the SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Sasha narrowly escapes and Shotzi can’t believe it! “YOU’RE GARBAGE! Sasha, you are nothing but TRASH!” Shotzi drags Sasha up, but Sasha JAWBREAKERS, to then bring Shotzi around and shoulder into her. But Shotzi HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Shotzi brings Sasha along to POST her! Shotzi goes out and drags Sasha up to put her in the ring. Shotzi climbs, aims, BALLPIT SENTON!! But Sasha bails out! Shotzi is furious, but she goes out to drag Sasha back up.

Shotzi puts Sasha in, drags her up, fireman’s carry, but Sasha rolls Shotzi up into the CROSSFACE! And uses her legs in it! Shotzi taps, Sasha wins!

Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission

The Boss finds a way to make up for a bad arm, but Sonya is waiting on the stage for the sportsmanship. Sasha stands Shotzi up and offers a handshake. Shotzi sees Sonya watching, so Shotzi shakes hands. But then Sasha brings Shotzi in for a BACKSTABBER! Sonya isn’t happy, but she can’t exactly replace Sasha this late in the game. Sasha says she’ll see everyone on Sunday!

Roman is in his private room.

“Wiseman.” “Yes, my Tribal Chief?” “Is it time?” “It is time, my Tribal Chief.” Roman stands, and he tells the Usos he will handle this by himself. The confrontation of chief and king happens, after the break!

SmackDown presents Xia Li, Volume One.

“When we are young, our parents feel like superheroes. Larger than lift itself. My dad felt like a giant, looming over my family with a protective shield. Then… Just like that… Our protector was gone. Vulnerability is pungent, and it can be sniffed out. Our landlord was on us like a bloodhound. The walls trembled. When he burst into our home and dragged our belongings into the street, as my grieving mother begged for him to stop, someone had to wield my father’s protective shield. And that person was me. I hate vultures. They flock to the vulnerable like moths to a flame. No vultures will ever get to my family again.” She is her father’s daughter. She is The Protector!

Backstage interview with Toni Storm.

The Lightning From Down Under was added to the SmackDown Team for Survivor Series. She was Team NXT a few years ago, but she is so excited to represent the blue brand. She’s had a full week, and she confronted the SmackDown Women’s Champion last week. What motivated Toni to challenge Charlotte? Charlotte is consumed by her match with Becky Lynch. Who wouldn’t want to see that? But when you become obsessed, you become vulnerable. And when Charlotte loses this Sunday, her ego won’t handle that. She’ll come at Toni guns blazing because Toni had the gumption to say, “So you’re Charlotte Flair. Big freakin’ deal!”

We know Charlotte doesn’t play well with others, but when she loses to Becky, and she will, she’ll want to take it all out on Toni. All Toni wants is a championship match. But speaking of, Charlotte walks in! “After I prove my superiority over Becky this Sunday and beat the living crap out of her, you’re next on the list.” It won’t be for the title, but then Charlotte will do to Toni what she does to Becky on Sunday. Charlotte tosses her hair and takes her leave, but Toni says that went just as she expected. But will it all go as Toni said in time?

Xavier Woods goes to the ring!

The King of the Ring is ready to bring down the Roman Empire! But will King Xavier, first of his name, only end up last of his name at Roman’s own hands?

SmackDown returns and Woods has the mic. “Roman, Roman, Roman. It is I, your king, King Woods. And I’m here in Hartford, Connecticut. And I’m here in this ring tonight to find out if you are a man. Because last week, you and I had a match, Roman, and I hit that Limit Break elbow and I hit it clean.” Then the Usos showed up and threw the whole match out. But that means Roman Reigns, the so-called Tribal Chief, THE WWE Universal Champion cannot beat Xavier Woods. If that makes Roman feel any kind of way, then he should bring his ass to the ring and prove Woods wrong. Woods waits, and here comes Roman!

Once again, Roman walks out on stage, Heyman carrying the belt for him. But then Heyman cues the Usos! Roman wasn’t going to honor the deal at all! But wait, where are the Usos? Jimmy gets thrown out on stage! And then Jey! Woods shrugs, and fans have an idea! BIG E IS HERE! Big E walks right down the ramp and throws hands with Roman! Fans are thunderous as Big E RAMS Roman into steel steps! And then gets him up to RAM him into barriers! Roman sputters but Big E puts Roman in for Woods! Woods stomps away on Big E, and he chest bumps with Big E! They stomp away on Roman, but the Usos come back!

Big E scoops Jey, Woods SUPERKICKS Jimmy! BIG ENDING for Jey! Woods gets Jimmy up to feed to Big E for another BIG ENDING! The Usos bail out but where’s Roman? Woods builds speed and he FLIES to take out the Usos again! Roman runs in to SUPERMAN PUNCH Big E! The Tribal Chief was picking his spot! Roman aims from a corner, “OOAH~!” But he runs into a scoop! But he slips away before the ending! Roman retreats, lucky to get away from the New Day! Will the WWE World Champion finally humble the WWE Universal Champion at Survivor Series?

My Thoughts:

A good go-home from SmackDown, but the best stuff continues to be with Roman. He gave Woods a lot of grief ruining the King of the Ring gear, which is great Heel heat on Roman, but it seems like WWE is (foolishly) ending Woods’ KOTR character already. That’s dumb considering they had Corbin be Wolf King for way too long, but this is Vince, the man who allowed his people to release numerous wrestlers who are immensely talented. Maybe Woods can bring out a new crown and scepter that is even more New Day in its presentation, but I am really glad they had Big E show up to fight with Roman. Big E standing tall on Raw and right here surely means he loses to Roman, but what else is new for opponents of the Head of the Table?

I like that they gave us a big Fatal 4 to determine Sami’s replacement rather than just naming one like they have for, oh, I dunno, all the other replacements in this half-assed build. I figured Holland would get involved to help Sheamus, though. But couldn’t they have done a better job of it? Hell, Shanky was there, he couldn’t do the same for Jinder? But I’m thinking this was mostly to establish that Sheamus & Holland will be a tag team after Survivor Series, not that they’ll get a tag title match while Usos are still champions and Heels. Maybe Cesaro teams with Mansoor again so they can have a feud with Sheamus & Holland.

I do like that we got Aliyah & Naomi VS Shayna & Natty at all, because those were the exact teams I was hoping we’d get out of the WWE Draft and all the other stuff. The WWE Women’s Tag Division needs the Queen of Harts & Queen of Spades to stick together. And while I’d normally complain about a short woman’s match these days, this one worked in story because Sonya is becoming a tyrant. Still waiting on when The Bloodline starts to almost feel Face by countering Sonya’s abuse of power with a bit of their own influence, but I’m probably better off hoping WWE gets brains and hires back some of the people they let go.

I like that McIntyre helped Hardy against Corbin & Moss, but I’m surprised the Viking Raiders weren’t involved in this because of their beef with Corbin & Moss. Makes me think this was a one-off for the Survivor Series go-home, and we’ll be back to the hyenas and the Vikings after. Sami had a good moment with Sonya, at least he didn’t forget the conspiracy theory documentary during all the mess. But what else does he have when his feud (and Jinder’s feud) with Hit Row is dead because Team Vince killed it? Sami, Jinder & Shanky VS Hit Row should’ve been the Six Man Tag blow-off we were heading to with those guys.

I know Xia Li was going to get a repackage going from Tian Sha on NXT to here on SmackDown, but Marvel Comics character was not what I expected. Toni has a good promo, and Charlotte has a good cameo in that promo, I hope Toni gets a great showing against Charlotte. Shotzi got a great showing against Sasha, but I should’ve figured Sasha would win. Sasha may be Face as according to WWE, but the way their promos went, you could’ve easily said Shotzi was Face and Sasha was Heel and it’d be the exact same. Sasha’s a better Heel anyway, why not build a new star by letting Shotzi be the Face? Isn’t WWE supposedly wanting to get edgy again? Shotzi’s pretty much the one to get behind in that. SHE HAD A TANK, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

My Score: 8.1/10

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

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Published

22 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

2 days 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!