Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/25/22)

The PENULTIMATE SmackDown!

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2022

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown is revving up for WrestleMania!

Last week, Brock Lesnar almost took Roman Reigns’ head! This week, will the Tribal Chief even return to SmackDown knowing Lesnar’s still hunting him?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs; Nakamura wins.
Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & “Butch” Pete Dunne; changed to…
Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & “Butch” Pete Dunne; Woods wins.
Championship Contenders Match: Ricochet VS Angel Garza w/ Humberto Carrillo; Garza wins and has an Intercontinental Championship opportunity.
Championship Contenders Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza; Carillo wins and also has an Intercontinental Championship opportunity.
Fatal 4 Way: Sasha Banks w/ Naomi VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan VS Shayna Baszler w/ Natalya VS Queen Zelina Vega w/ Carmella; Sasha wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Brock Lesnar waits outside Roman Reigns’ room.

Kayla Braxton asks him if he’s thought about the consequences of last week. Well, Roman had time to think. Lesnar’s paid fines, bought some vehicles, and he even got Roman a new SUV. In his favorite color, too: blood red. And management had a little talk with Lesnar. Lesnar is not to make physical contact unless provoked. So… Tonight, Lesnar will just hang out in Roman’s locker room and wait for that provoking. Lesnar steps in through the doors, walks around. This is what Roman gets? Nice. Lesnar helps himself to some grapes, puts his hat on a lap and takes a seat at the couch. Lesnar puts his feet up on the table and breaks it! Will he do the same to the Head of the Table?

Rick Boogs makes his entrance!

He gets the call ‘n’ response with Brooklyn, and he’s here to rock with one-half of the future SmackDown Tag Team Champions! Shinsukeee… NakamurAAAAAA~! McAfee rocks out as the King of Strong Style makes his way to the ring, but will Nakamura avenge Boogs by taking out the other Uso?

Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs!

After a recap from last week, the Usos make their entrance, and then they go right after Nakamura and Boogs! Nakamura fights back, Boogs lifts Jey! Boogs presses Jey like last week, and throws him at Jimmy! The Usos go down and fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and this match begins! They tie up, break, then tie up again. They break again, tie up, and Jimmy headlocks. Nakamura powers out but Jimmy runs him over! The Usos say #WeTheOnes but Nakamura is up. He gets around Jimmy to waistlock, but Jimmy wrenches out to a wristlock. Nakamura endures as Jimmy twists the wrist, but Nakamura rolls and kips up to wrench and cartwheel to wrench back! Nakamura hammerlocks, headlocks, but Jimmy pulls hair. Jimmy headlocks, Nakamura powers out, but Jimmy runs him over again! But Nakamura rolls Jimmy, only for Jimmy to avoid the buzzsaw!

Nakamura says HE the one, and then says, “C’MON~!” Jimmy snarls, he runs in, but into a knee! Snapmare and knee drop! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, bumps him off buckles, then more buckles. Nakamura bumps Jimmy off a third corner, then gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and Jimmy bails out. Nakamura slides out to CLUB Jimmy and put him on the apron. Nakamura has Jey move aside, so he can run and KNEE Jimmy back in! Nakamura slides in, but Jimmy CLOBBERS him! Jimmy drags Nakamura up, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

Jimmy grows frustrated but he clamps on a chinlock. Jimmy grinds Nakamura down, Nakamura endures and fights up, but Jimmy pushes him down to drop a knee! Jimmy clamps the chinlock back on but Nakamura fights back up. Jimmy throws Nakamura down by his hair! The fans boo as the Usos say #WeTheOnes again, then Jimmy fireman’s carries. Nakamura gets to the apron, shoulders back in, and blocks the boot, only to get the DRAGON WHIP! Down goes Nakamura! Boogs coaches Nakamura on but Jey applauds Jimmy. Jimmy builds speed, but into a GAMANGIRI! Jimmy tumbles down and Nakamura fires up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Jimmy has Nakamura in a chinlock. Nakamura throws body shots, Jimmy scoops but Nakamura slips off! Nakamura runs to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Nakamura, he fires off a strike fest, but Jimmy blocks a kick to get an ENZIGURI! Nakamura whips, Jimmy reverses, but Nakamura knees back! Nakamura puts Jimmy up top, rolls and runs to TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura throws knees into Jimmy’ shead ‘n’ shoulders, then stomps him! Nakamura drags Jimmy up, wraps on a chinlock, but Jimmy fights the exploder! Jimmy elbows free and CHOPS!

Nakamura is in a corner., he BOOTS back, then goes up! FLYING KNEE! Boogs is fired up for Nakamura and Nakamura goes to the corner! “YAO~!” But Jey CLOBBERS Boogs! Nakamura notices that and glares at Jey! But Jimmy SUPERKICKS Nakamura! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Brooklyn is fired up while the Usos are furious! Jimmy tells Jey to get Boogs’ guitar! They’re gonna do like they did last week! But Boogs stops Jey! They fight over the Gibson and Boogs POSTS Jey! Jimmy is freaking out, he ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims, KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The King of Strong Style and Boogs celebrate! They’ve gone 2-0 on the Usos 1v1, but will they be able to use this momentum to take those tag titles?

Lesnar is still lounging in the Tribal Chief suite.

He’s basically gone through all the grapes, but he hates the champagne. He spits it out, and throws the bottle at the wall. But will he get a palate cleanser in the form of beating up Roman Reigns?

Next week is the WWE Hall of Fame!

It’ll be on after SmackDown, live in Dallas and on the Peacock! There, Vince McMahon will induct The Undertaker, and the late, great Shad Gaspard will be given the Ultimate Warrior Award.

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Kayla knows the Scottish Warrior goes 1v1 with the “undefeated” Happy Corbin. But McIntyre knows where this is going. Can’t compare Corbin and McIntyre’s previous opponents because this is personal. Corbin tried to end McIntyre’s career but he wasn’t successful. McIntyre has loved every single second of making Corbin’s live a living hell! It makes McIntyre feel something inside. It makes him… happy. McIntyre could’ve taken Corbin out at any time, but he wants to do it at WrestleMania with the most eyes watching! And McIntyre will wipe that stupid, smug, pathetic grin off Corbin’s face… permanently!

Corbin reflects on his last 12 months.

Can you believe how low he was last Summer? 2021 was the most challenging year of his life. He lost all his money, his possessions, and even his wife and kids. He was at rock bottom. He was so desperate, he want to Las Vegas with his last $20 and turned it into millions! He got all those things back. Only poor people say money doesn’t buy you happiness! Now he has wealth, fame, and the most hilarious best friend, “Mad Cap” Riddick Moss! He is undefeated since becoming Happy, and his best day was Day One, when McIntyre “stuck his neck out” for Corbin. Corbin beat down the Scottish Psycho again and again, made fun of him each time, and knows his happiness will become euphoria when he finally ends McIntyre’s career!

Corbin and Moss watch that video package.

“Un-de-feated! My life is an inspiration!” They could do a movie! Or a trilogy! Part one: get rich. Part two: destroy McIntyre at Day One. Part Three: embarrass McIntyre at WrestleMania! He could even get an Oscar: Happiest man alive as he celebrates over McIntyre’s limp body. Moss even has an idea for the title! Bald Fellas! Corbin isn’t laughing. Moss’ humor seems to be missing the mark lately. Will he have to work on getting new material in time for the most stupendous fight of Corbin’s career?

Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & “Butch” Pete Dunne!

Kofi tried to avenge Big E’s broken neck last week, but the chaos caused by the Celtic Warrior and Bruiserweight allowed Ridge to hit him with Northern Grit. Will Kofi be better prepared this time and finally get even?

SmackDown returns as Kofi makes his entrance, and he has a mic. He says that when he told these guys Ridge was having a match with a New Day member, Kofi didn’t mean himself. Oh~ no~! But if not Kofi, then who? Who who who? KING XAVIER WOODS! The King of the Ring is back, and now he will battle for the honor of Big E! Will Woods and his even shinier crown exact vengeance upon Sheamus’ sidekick?

Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus & “Butch” Pete Dunne!

The bell rings and Woods mule kicks! And CHOPS! And fires off forearms and haymakers! Ridge ROCKS Woods, whips him to ropes, but Woods ducks and dodges to slide and mule kick a leg! Woods runs, but Ridge runs to POUNCE Woods! Ridge roars and Sheamus gloats while fans boo. Ridge talks trash on Kofi, he drags Woods up, but Woods cradles! WOODS WINS!

Winner: Xavier Woods, by pinfall

The New Day gets away, having just punked out Ridge! Will The Fella and his boys want after ya bois, the NEW~ DAY?

SmackDown receives a message from Paul Heyman.

The Special Counsel introduces himself, and then introduces the Tribal Chief. Roman says he knows Brooklyn is dying to acknowledge their Tribal Chief but that’ll have to wait. Roman and Heyman have handled business all over the city, and they ate at Del Frisco’s steakhouse. Easily the best in the whole city. And the sides, oh! At least 5 grand worth. And then they stopped by Madison Square Garden, the place Roman busted Lesnar open in. How can anyone forget? And while on that subject, Roman warns Lesnar once. Lensar better get his ass out of Roman’s suite in the Barclays Center before Roman arrives, or he’ll bust that head open again. Will the Beast do as he’s told?

Ronda Rousey is here!

The Baddest Woman on the Planet is back, even after getting body slammed by Charlotte Flair through the announce table. What will Rowdy Ronda have to say to the SmackDown Women’s Champion this time? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and after a recap of last week, Ronda gets the mic to speak. “Y’know what, Charlotte? Just for that, I’m not gonna take your title. No, next weekend on WrestleMania Saturday, when you tap out, you’re gonna give it to me. And then you can call me your new SmackDown Women’s Champion. SmackDown Women’s Champion? Why do we even have to say ‘women’ in there? You can call me your new SmackDown Champion!” And Ronda won’t wait on Charlotte. Leave the hells and excuses backstage to get your Barbie ass out here! Ronda waits, but Charlotte responds on the titantron.

“That was a great speech. Loved the visuals. But did you actually think I was gonna be in Brooklyn tonight? Did you actually think I was going to step foot in that low rent city before WrestleMania? I don’t know who you think you are, but I don’t answer when you call. You’re the contender, I’m the champion.” Ronda says she knows exactly who she is. She’s THE Ronda Rousey. But Charlotte doesn’t. Ronda broke her first arm at 14 years old, and was so proud, she kept count. Until she just lost count. Ooooh~, Charlotte’s shaking in her boots. She actually ran out of way sot hurt Ronda. She’d have to throw Ronda off the bridge to get any kind of satisfaction. But Charlotte will just have to wait until next week.

Ronda says that’s cute. Charlotte must think she’s the Ronda of WWE, huh? But she’s not, and here’s why. If Charlotte beats Ronda, it will hands down be the biggest win of Charlotte’s career. As for when Ronda beats Charlotte at her own game, it’ll just be another lost count. The Baddest Woman leaves it at that mic drop, but will she be able to drop the Queen once and for all?

Kayla Braxton interviews Lesnar backstage again.

He’s still in Roman’s suite, and he allows her to sit on the couch. Would she like some grapes? No, that’s fine. Maybe some of that cheap champagne? No. She asks if Brock is going to leave. Why? He’s having so much fun! In fact, Lesnar suggests Kayla find Roman and tell him to get her asap. Lesnar’s running out of things to smash. He throws a lamp at the wall! Will the Head of the Table hurry before Lesnar starts smashing the room itself?

Championship Contenders Match: Ricochet VS Angel Garza w/ Humberto Carrillo!

The One and Only wants to be a fighting champion, and this is a chance for a Lethal Lover to get their title shot. Humberto & Angel give a young lady the Los Lotharios Kiss Cam spotlight, but will Garza get himself a golden ticket to WrestleMania?

SmackDown returns and the match begins. Garza throws his tearaway pants at Ricochet but Ricochet dodges to fire off haymakers and CHOPS! Garza puts Ricochet in the corner, CHOPS, but Ricochet hits back! They brawl, Garza fires off more shots, then he puts Ricochet in the corner. The ref counts but Garza uppercuts Ricochet! Ricochet BOOTS back, goes up, but Garza YANKS Ricochet down! Ricochet hits buckles, rolls away but Garza drags him back to SLAM the leg down, then SLAM Ricochet’s head down! Garza throws down fists, stalks Ricochet to ropes, and then chokes him on the ropes!

Garza grinds Ricochet against the ropes, lets off to put him in a corner, and then UPPERCUT again! Garza covers with a smug smirk, TWO! Garza clamps on with a headlock and he grinds Ricochet down. Ricochet fight sup, but Garza throws him into a corner! Ricochet BOOTS Garza, but Garza rolls back, only for Ricochet to SHOTGUN dropkick him tot he corner! Ricochet runs in, shoulders in the corner and bumps Garza off buckles, tot hen KICK the buckle! Garza staggers, Ricochet springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up and Ricochet goes up the corner, only for Carrillo to rush in! Ricochet jumps away, but into a roll-up! GARZA WINS!

Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship)

Ricochet wants everyone to hold on. He says it won’t go like that tonight. Good to see the cousins stick together like that, that’s cool. But Ricochet will break up the family reunion. It won’t happen at his expense. So Carrillo, you come on in here and you get in the ring to take the L Garza was gonna get. Definitely a fighting champion, but will Ricochet tire himself out going twice in a row?

Championship Contenders Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza!

The bell rings, Ricochet kicks Carrillo and fires off! Carrillo throws body shots and haymakers, then wrenches to CLUB the arm. Carrillo whips, Ricochet rolls off the back, then rolls under to handspring headscissor! Fans fire up and Ricochet dropkicks Carrillo out of the ring! Ricochet wants Carrillo to get back in already and fans boo. Carrillo tells them to shut up and he takes his time getting back in. Ricochet CHOPS, Carrillo hits back with haymakers and kicks, but runs into another dropkick! Carrillo bails out again so Ricochet FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Ricochet is back on top as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Carrillo has a chinlock. Ricochet fights up, throws body shots, then whips. Carrillo reverses, runs in at the corner but is put on the ropes! GAMANGIRI! Carrillo wobbles, Ricochet goes up, FLYING SUPER STEINER! Garza coaches up Carrillo while he and Ricochet are both down. Ricochet and Carrillo are in opposite corners, fans rally as Ricochet runs corner to corner to forearm smash! Then whip the other way for an uppercut! Another whip corner to corner, another uppercut! Ricochet keeps moving, QUEBRADA! Fans fire up with Ricochet as he aims from a corner.

Ricochet brings the kneepad down, but now Garza distracts! ricochet DECKS Garza, Carrillo rolls Ricochet! TWO, and Ricochet hits a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through, to BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Carrillo survives but Ricochet keeps cool. Ricochet goes to the corner, climbs up as fans fire up, but Garza drags Carrillo out of the ring! Ricochet says aight, and he SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Garza as he saves Carrillo! Carrillo runs in, but into a TORNADO DDT! Both men are down as the ring count climbs! We’re past 5 of 10, Ricochet drags Carrillo up at 7 and puts in him in. Garza anchors Ricochet’s foot! Carrillo wins!!

Winner: Humberto Carrillo, by count-out (NEW #1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship)

Garza pops out the other side, celebrating as if Carrillo did that all by himself! But wait, if both Los Lotharios have a win over the champ, who is going for gold?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Megan brings up the Anything Goes match with Johnny Knoxville, and The Great Liberator says, “Anything Goes. You love to hear it.” There is only one thig blowing Sami’s mind is the way people are talking like Knoxville stands a chance now! If this was a normal match, Knoxville still wouldn’t stand a chance. But Anything Goes? Are you kidding? “The man has no idea what he’s in store for. I can do anything I want out there.” If Sami wants to tap dance on Knoxville’s face while sipping a cappuccino, he could! Anything goes!

And yes, Knoxville might have his pranks and his jokes that work on his braindead Jackass buddies, but this is the Master Strategist. He’s always two steps ahead and has had nothing but time. Knoxville has done nothing but get under Sami’s skin, and yet Sami has come up with all these ways that he can hurt him! And Sami promises that’ll happen. He promises Megan, us, and Knoxville, that at WrestleMania, Anything Goes, Knoxville will experience punishment in a way that has never, ever, EVER been seen in a WWE ring before. Will Sami prove who the real Jackass is on the most stupendous

Austin Theory smacks Pat McAfee outta nowhere!

McAfee immediately gives chase! Theory runs for his life, to Mr. McMahon’s office. Of course the “rat bastard” runs to “daddy.” McAfee shouts at the door, but will he convince Vince that Theory is the instigator who deserves to be punished?

Triple H officially retires from in-ring competition!

The Game has called it Game Over after 27 years as a superstar. He helped hundreds of others get into this business, so surely we all can say, #ThankYouHHH.

Fatal 4 Way: Sasha Banks w/ Naomi VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan VS Shayna Baszler w/ Natalya VS Queen Zelina Vega w/ Carmella!

Before the Fatal 4 Way Tag at WrestleMania, and even the 8 Woman Tag on Raw this Monday, we get one half of each team battling for those belts right here in Brooklyn! Will the Boss, the Nightmare, the Queen of Spades or one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions take all the momentum going into the homestretch?

SmackDown returns and the Queens have all made their entrances, not just the Queen of the Ring. That leaves #Liv4Brutality for last but not least! The bell rings and each woman has a corner. Rhea rushes Vega but she bails right out! So Rhea and Sasha both go after Shayna! Natty helps Shayna get away, so Boss and Nightmare circle. Sasha points to the WrestleMania sign, but Rhea shrugs that off. They tie up. Rhea throws Sasha around and whips her, but Sasha ducks and redirects. Things keep going, Rhea hurdles but Sasha leaps to SLAP! Sasha knuckle locks, goes up and up and flying arm-drags!

Rhea ends up in a corner, Shayna returns but is added to the pile! Sasha METEORAS them both, then snapmares Shayna. Rhea shoves Sasha, Sasha comes back to wheelbarrow, and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Sasha runs but Vega trips her up and drags her out to throw into the desk! Naomi goes after Vega but Mella is after her, as is Natty! Mella gets in, but so does Liv! They brawl, Vega and Rhea brawl, then Shayna and Natty join in, as do Naomi and Sasha! It’s like the tag match is happening now! The ref tries to restore order while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and it would seem the tag partners have all been EJECTED! Meanwhile, Rhea has Sasha’s legs for a PRISM TRAP! Sasha endures, Shayna runs in to KNEE her down! Rhea dodges Shayna, HEADBUTTS her, then sees Vega getting in. Rhea scoops but Vega tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Cover, TWO! So Vega hurries to cover Shayna, TWO! Vega hurries to cover Sasha, TWO! The Queen of the Ring throws a fit, but Shayna and Sasha are in opposite corners. Vega runs in to METEORA Shayna! And then METEORA for no one as Sasha dodges! Sasha drags Vega down, CROSSFACE!!

Vega endures, Shayna gets back in, to block the tap! And BEND Vega’s arm!! Shayna wants to snipe the tap out but Sasha traps Vega’s other arm! Sasha then drags Shayna into the CROSSFACE! A DOUBLE BACK STATEMENT! But Rhea DROPKICKS it all apart! Rhea slaps some sense into herself and fires herself back up! She drags Shayna up, reels her in, pump handle and- NO! Shayna slips out, for the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! But Sasha DOUBLE BACKSTABBERS! Shayna flounders away before Sasha can get her, and Vega hops on to CODE RED Sasha! Cover, TWO!! Shayna drags Vega out hard!

Sasha is all alone in the ring, but Rhea drags herself back up. Vega throws forearms on Shayna but Shayna hits back. Rhea goes to the apron to CANNONBALL Shayna! Vega avoided disaster to FLYING RANA Rhea into barriers! Vega goes back for Sasha as Brooklyn boos. Vega gloats a bit too much, Sasha drags her back down! BANK STATEMENT CROSSFACE!!! Vega taps, Sasha wins!!

Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission

And it’s BOOS TIME in the Barclays! Naomi returns to celebrate with her teammate, will Team BAD get those belts off Vega & Mella?

Roman Reigns arrives!

His car pulls in, Heyman opens the door while keeping an eye out for Lesnar, and then Heyman says he doesn’t feel so well. Roman says they’ll be fine. “But Brock won’t be.” Will Universal and World Champions clash this close to the biggest match in WrestleMania history?

WWE breaks ground for the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker and Michelle McCool joined former President George W. Bush in sticking the first shovels in the dirt that will build this monument to those who bravely fought for America’s freedoms.

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal returns!

To honor the late legend, Apollo Crews, Commander Azeez, The Viking Raiders, the Hurt Business, Mad Cap Moss, Akira Tozawa, Drew Gulak, Reggie, Jinder Mahal, Shanky, Robert Roode, R-Truth, Mansoor, Damian Preist and even WWE United States Champion, Finn Balor, are going to battle it out! The last man left will have his name etched onto the plaque and go down in history!

But that’s not all!

With both members of Los Lotharios having earned title opportunities tonight, Ricochet said why wait? He’ll take them BOTH on in a Triple Threat! Will the One and Only be able to defeat both Lethal Lovers and stay WWE Intercontinental Champion?

The Most Stupendous WrestleMania card is sorted out!

On Saturday, it will be: McIntyre VS Corbin; the Raw Women’s Championship, Becky Lynch VS Bianca Belair; the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Charlotte Flair VS Ronda Rousey; and The KO Show with STONE COLD! Will we see a Scottish Warrior slay a hyena? Will both women’s champions stand tall or fall to powerful challengers? And will Kevin Owens be on the one on the other end of a Stunner?

On Sunday, it will be: the grudge match of McAfee VS Theory; the dream match of Edge VS AJ Styles; Anything Goes, Sami Zayn VS Johnny Knoxville; Raw Tag Team Championship Triple Threat, RKBRO VS The Street Profits VS The Alpha Academy; and the Biggest Match of All-Time, Winner Takes All, Championship Unification, World Champion Brock Lesnar VS Universal Champion Roman Reigns! And speaking of…

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

He raises the Universal Championship for the pyro, then continues on his way as Special Counsel Heyman holds up the belt. They get in the ring, Roman hears Brooklyn cheer and jeer, and then Heyman hands him the mic. “Brooklyyyn! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Brooklyn is still torn, and then Roman continues. “Wise Man.” “Yes, My Tribal Chief?” “Is Brock still in my locker room?” “I don’t know where he is except I know that he’s here in Brooklyn at the same time you are, My Tribal Chief.” Heyman is panicking, he’s afraid. Roman tells him not to be afraid. It is only a bad thing for Brock.

Cuz if Brock is still in the locker room, Roman will go back there and personally put Brock’s head through the wall. But speaking of which, the cameras are live in the suite, and there’s no Beast to be found! Roman isn’t happy about all the broken and spilt items strewn around the suite, but Heyman worries about where Brock went. Fans chant for “SUPLEX CITY!” and that upsets Roman. “I told you idiots before, this ain’t Suplex City! This is the Island of Relevancy!” And it doesn’t look like Brock’s in the room so where is he now? Brock has another camera follow him, and Brock has a PICKAXE!

Brock SMASHES the windows on Roman’s new rental! Roman says he has four Suburbans, this is small money. Wise Man, Roman was right. Lesnar is scared of him! He’s an idiot! Ain’t no weapons allowed at WrestleMania, dummy. Lesnar knows that. So he bangs on the hood with the pickaxe, then chucks the pickaxe at the car. Lesnar storms his way to gorilla position! Roman and Heyman both start to worry now, it’s time to see who is scared of who! Roman’s face starts to give it away! Brock comes through the crowd from behind Roman! Lesnar’s on the desk! Heyman spots him and freaks out! Roman sees Lesnar and Lesnar grins ear to ear.

Lesnar then hops down, grabs a chair, and security rushes to stay between him and Roman! Roman laughs, and he tells fans to quiet down. Lesnar holds up the chair, Roman says he ain’t gonna do nothing. Lesnar jumps into the security and fires off with the chair! Lesnar just cleared out six men, but the Usos are here to help Roman get away! The Bloodlines run away again! They the ones… afraid of Lesnar! Lesnar goes out, SMACKS another security goober, and holds up the bent chair in victory! Fans fire up and Lesnar goes back to grab a new chair! He SMACKS the other guards! He even threatens Michael Cole!

Lesnar gets on the desk, title and chair both raised high! Roman talks to Lesnar from gorilla, “Hey, Brock! At WrestleMania, you ACKNOWLEDGE ME as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!” Roman’s music plays, but we can see it’s The Beast standing tall tonight. Will Lesnar change Roman’s plans by becoming the REIGNING! DEFENDING! UNDISPUTED! WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World?!

My Thoughts:

A really good SmackDown here, but I do have to point out there were some miscues. I glossed over them in Play By Play, but the ring announcer and graphics team were in disarray with that Ricochet and Los Lotharios stuff. I suppose part of the confusion was that they were going to go back to back, Ricochet VS Garza and Ricochet VS Carrillo, but they gotta make sure they know the order before ever going out there. But with Ricochet ending up in a double header, I figured right away that he’d owe both guys and they’d end up in a Triple Threat. For WrestleMania being the most stupendous, not having an Intercontinental Championship on the card is disappointing.

For that matter, a little sad yet totally expected that the Andre the Giant Battle Royal is again on TV. Furthermore, Finn is in it so it just adds to how Vince has seemingly given up on him. Sure he has the US title, but he has been the heat builder for Theory. He and Priest should’ve just already had a US title match on the card, but it seems like Priest will win the battle royal, get a US title match through it, and then lose that. Also, is the SmackDown Tag Team title match on Saturday? It wasn’t in that last roll call and I can’t remember what they said during the segment with Usos, Nakamura and Boogs. Nakamura VS Jimmy was a really good match, but Nakamura winning makes me think Usos find a way to retain.

Oh, another miscue happened with the New Day and Team Sheamus segment. They let it slip that Woods was with Kofi already, not that Kofi let it affect his announcing Woods’ return for himself. Hell, it completely threw Michael Cole off and it’s like he spaced out on the match swerve. But also, Woods won quick so they’re taking it easy until it’s time for Woods & Kofi VS I would assume Ridge & “Butch.” We got a good interview promo from McIntyre, and a good combination of vignette and promo from Corbin and Moss. It just feels more and more likely McIntyre wins, and hopefully, we’re getting Moss and Corbin breaking up. Moss’ jokes are coming at Corbin’s expense and Corbin isn’t the kind of guy to take that lightly.

Sami had a good promo to hype up Anything Goes, and I really do hope he decides to go somewhat goofy with it to match the Jackass tone. Theory smacking McAfee then running away was a decent segment, and it makes sense Theory would have that sort of spoiled brat attitude where he knows Vince won’t get mad at him, even when he does stuff like this. If anything, Vince is encouraging it. Meanwhile, the Ronda and Charlotte segments continue to be a bit rough because, well, Ronda speaks. She was of course given that promo to recite, but her pacing through it was awful. But that probably won’t affect Ronda’s chances of winning, which are still pretty good.

At least they’re letting the Women’s Tag Division finally look good. Great, even, with this Fatal 4 Way. It doesn’t make up for the disappointingly short matches that led to this, but this is a good sign that the 8 Woman on Monday and the Tag Fatal 4 Way at WrestleMania will be great matches. Still hoping we get new tag champions, but with Naomi & Sasha getting momentum here, hard to know if it’ll be them. And of course, we got great stuff from Lesnar, Roman and Heyman tonight. Lesnar gets to smash more stuff, which he definitely enjoys, and he also gets to beat up security guard jobbers, another thing he seems to enjoy. Roman kinda tips his hand on what he wants to name the unified title, and probably what it’ll become. Lesnar’s having fun but I don’t see him winning in the end.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

23 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!