Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/15/22)

Will Ricochet hinder Jinder?

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2022

Steven Mitchell

Championships are (maybe) on the move!

While SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, are after RKBRO’s Raw Tag Team Championships, Jinder Mahal is after Ricochet’s Intercontinental title! Will the Modern Day Maharaja add another championship to his accolades?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Naomi w/ Sasha Banks VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan; Rhea wins.
Mad Cap Moss VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza; Moss wins.
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ricochet VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky; Ricochet wins and retains the title.
Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton; Riddle wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

RKBRO is here!

The Usos visited Raw, so the Raw Tag Team Champions are returning the favor! Randy Orton & Matt Riddle high five and fist bump the fans here in Worcester before going to the ring. Fans are fired up as the Viper and the Stallion get the mics. Orton hears the fans chant his name, so he goes up onto the corner to revel in it. Riddle says he is so stoked to be back on SmackDown! Especially with his best friend, Randy. But they didn’t come all the way here just to say what’s up. Did Randy know that Worcester is where they got the sauce. But not here in Massachusetts, that’s the Worcester in London! He learned that from a Snapple cap. Best stuff on Earth!

Orton tells Riddle that that isn’t why they’re here, either. They are here because on their show, the Usos came and kicked Orton in the mouth in their ring. And they also challenged Orton & Riddle in a match to unify the tag team championships! Well, here we are in SmackDown’s ring and on the Usos’ show. If the Usos want an answer, then they should come to the ring! Does Riddle have anything to add? No, he’s good. The Usos appear and fans fire up again! Jimmy & Jey are fired up as they go to the ring and join RKBRO. The Usos then get the mics and Jimmy starts with, “Well check this out, Uce! Look who just showed up in Bloodline territory.”

Jey sees ’em! The Raw Tag Team Champions, RKBRO! But y’know what? You know where you are? You’re behind enemy lines, Uce! This is SmackDown Live, where the Bloodline resides! SO here’s the thing. The Usos came to Raw, issued the challenge, and RKBRO shows up on SmackDown. So then, what is the answer? But before they say it, Jey wants them to chill. Randy Orton, the Viper, the Legend Killer, before you say something you regret, the Usos wanna remind you who you’re dealing with. These are two twin brothers, the Usos. Jey has Jimmy’s back, Jimmy has Jey’s, the Usos. Jimmy goes left, Jey goes right, the Usos. Jimmy goes high, Jey goes low, the Usos.

The seven-time tag team champs, the Usos! THE tag team, the Usos! The longest reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions in history, THE UUUUUSOS~! So check it! Leave the belts right here and go back to Raw, cuz this is where you might get popped with the One ‘n’ Done! You the twos, #WeTheOnes! Orton says yeah, he loves their family, respects them all being a boy growing up with the Usos’ daddies, uncles and cousins. But these two, you two are a-holes! They’re just puppies yipping while the Big Dog let them off the leash.

This is their show? FRICK THAT! This ORTON’S show! Longest reign in the history? HAHA! Orton’s been setting records for 20+ years! Or did the Usos forget? Well then, let Orton reintroduce himself and Riddle. They are the three most dangerous, destructive letters in sports entertainment: R K BRO! Fans are all fired up and Orton says he almost forgot! The challenge? THEY ACCEPT! Orton throws down his mic and the champions all hold up their belts. The Usos back down first, and fans boo. Riddle and Orton get up on the corners to pose, but the Usos drag Riddle down! Orton rushes over but the Usos get away! Will Usos be the ones to do anything and everything to get all the gold?

Naomi and Sasha Banks talk backstage.

They’re in matching volt neon yellow, and it’s crazy that the boys are gonna unify the tag titles. Well they just gotta follow the lead of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, because the Boss ‘n’ Glow run both shows. They will prove that against Liv & Rhea, and tonight- Liv & Rhea walk in. Don’t stop on their account, Sasha. They wanna hear what Naomi has to do to beat Rhea tonight. All Naomi has to do is be Naomi. The Glow always outshines the night. That was good! Now let’s go. Well aren’t they feeling wild tonight. Liv says Rhea’s looking good, though. Will Naomi be able to keep the momentum going? Or will she need a nightlight to fight off the Nightmare?

RKBRO goes to Adam Pearce backstage.

Orton tells him enough of the back ‘n’ forth, he and Riddle want the match with the Usos. Okay, but the higher ups are deliberating. Pearce is hoping for an answer by tonight. Riddle says he wants to unify the belts more than anything, but dude, he just wants a fight with the Usos. Well, Pearce can do that. Riddle VS Jimmy Usos, tonight! That’s what Riddle’s talking about! It’ll be a nice little warm-up, bro! But with Jimmy & Jey having each other’s backs, will they find a way to solve Riddle tonight?

Naomi w/ Sasha Banks VS Rhea Ripley w/ Liv Morgan!

Though Team BAD won the tag match a couple weeks ago, the Nightmare managed to get management to give her and Liv a tag title match anyway. Liv went 1-1, but will Rhea be a tiebreaker before the title match?

The bell rings, Rhea and Naomi tie up, and Rhea powers Naomi to a corner. The ref counts, Rhea lets off but then swings on Naomi. Naomi gets around, but Rhea blocks the monkey flip! Rhea smirks and puts Naomi up top to then pat her on the shoulders. Naomi boots back, but Rhea catches her crossbody! Rhea pops Naomi up but Naomi slips out to waistlock and shove. Rhea just runs Naomi over! Naomi goes to a corner, Rhea RAMS her shoulder in! Rhea wrenches and YANKS an arm to put Naomi on the mat! Then again! Rhea grinds her forearm into Naomi’s face but fans rally up. Rhea whips but Naomi slides under the boot!

Naomi headscissors Rhea out of the ring! Fans fire up and Naomi eggs Rhea on! Rhea gets in but Naomi KICKS her first! Rhea blocks buckle bump to throw Naomi down! Rhea then goes up the corner, but Naomi GAMANGIRIS first! Rhea tumbles down and Naomi builds speed to slide. Rhea dodges to LARIAT Naomi down! Fans fire up and Sasha coaches Naomi as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Rhea has Naomi down with a grounded cobra twist. Naomi endures as Rhea digs knuckles into the ribs. Fans rally and Naomi fight sup to JAWBREAKER! Naomi mule kicks then runs, to SCISSOR KICK! Booker would be proud and fans fire up! Naomi headlocks to BUCKLE BULLDOG! Rhea falls back and Naomi goes up top! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Rhea is still in this but Sasha coaches Naomi more. Rhea kicks from below! Naomi staggers, comes back and dropkicks Rhea’s leg out! And then headscissors to SPIKE Rhea! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives but Naomi stays focused.

Naomi sits Rhea up with a full nelson, but Rhea fights free to HEADBUTT! Rhea then NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Naomi is still in this and Rhea is beside herself! Rhea gets to a corner and fans rally up. Rhea slaps herself to fire up but Naomi ROCKS her first! Naomi goes up to CLUB away on Rhea’s back. Rhea hits back with body shots then HEADBUTTS Naomi again! Rhea pump handles but Naomi fights with knees! Naomi gets free but Rhea BOOTS her! Rhea goes up to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives and Rhea can’t believe it! Rhea staggers to her feet and drags Naomi up.

Rhea reels Naomi in but Naomi turns it to a cradle, TWO! Naomi ducks the clothesline to springboard, FLYING CHUCK! Both women are down, Naomi hobbles up to get the full nelson! BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor cradle, TWO! Rhea has the pump handle! But Naomi elbows at her! Only for Rhea to make that part of the RIPTIDE! High stack cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Liv and Rhea celebrate, and they stare Sasha down! Will #Liv4Brutality be taking those titles away this Monday?

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Kayla Braxton wants to get a comment from them first. The unification match is on the table, and Jimmy is going to face… The Usos don’t care, they go into Roman Reigns’ locker room. What will the Tribal Chief have to say about the road to the tag title unification?

Backstage interview with Happy Corbin.

He’s no longer friends with Mad Cap Moss, and even calling him that puts him on the same level as him. Moss was a hanger-on, a minion, a gopher. A lackey! Corbin kept Moss around a long time because he was funny to laugh at. But Moss soon became an anchor around Corbin’s neck, dragging him down. Corbin would still be undefeated at WrestleMania if not for Moss. So Corbin dropped the deadweight and is reaching peak levels of happiness. Moss is on his own, trying to make a name for himself, and Corbin says good luck. If you think he’s happy now, just wait until Corbin sees Moss falls flat on his face and becomes the laughing stock of SmackDown.

Drew Gulak interviews Moss backstage.

The former Cruiserweight Champion talks with the NEW Andre the Giant Battle Royal winner, and Gulak asks Moss’ response to Corbin saying he’s better without Moss. No, Moss feels sorry for Corbin. Imagine being so terrible, that people liked him better as a bum. But Moss does give Corbin credit. Corbin brought Moss to SmackDown, bought him some great pairs of suspenders, and did teach him how to tell jokes. That’s why those jokes were so bad. Rule one of communication is, “Know your audience.” And Moss’ audience was a large, bald, rather simple man who loved puns. Moss is glad he can move on.

Speaking of, he is taking on Humberto Carrillo of Los Lotharios. Moss knows Carrillo is tough, talented and has Angel Garza watching his back. But if they think they’ll make Moss the laughing stock, they can take that kiss cam and put it right to Moss’ behind. Pucker up! Will Moss be laughing all the way to the bank now that he’s a solo act?

Mad Cap Moss VS Humberto Carrillo w/ Angel Garza!

SmackDown returns as the Lethal Lovers make their entrance. “And now, the Los Lotharios Kiss Cam.” Humberto & Angel look at their options, and they again find a young lady in the front row. They give her kisses on the cheeks, then she blows a kiss back. Humberto gets in the ring but Moss again offers them a chance at his cheeks. But the bell rings and Moss circles with Carrillo. Garza slides in but slips out as Moss rushes over. Carrillo goes right after Moss with hands and stomps in the corner! The ref counts, Carrillo lets off but then CLUBS Moss down. Carrillo digs his boots into Moss in the corner but lets off at 4.

Carrillo soaks up heat and distracts the ref, Garza gets his shots in! Carrillo tells Moss to kiss his ass, but Moss throws body shots! Carrillo CLUBS and uppercuts, and Moss staggers to another corner. Garza is all fired up, Carrillo hits a headlock takeover and throws down hands. Moss fights free but Carrillo KICKS him in the corner. Carrillo snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Moss fights up, throws more body shots, but Carrillo CLUBS him again. Carrillo whips, Moss ducks and dodges and builds speed to CLOBBER Carrillo! Moss starts to rally, he whips Carrillo to CLOBBER him again! Carrillo flounders and Moss puts him in a corner.

Carrillo elbows back, goes up and crossbodies, but Moss catches him! Fans fire up to see that, and then the FALL AWAY SLAM! Moss fires up again and he has Worcester giving thumbs up! But Garza saves Carrillo from the corner tackle, only to get himself hit! Moss grins at Garza, but Carrillo rolls Moss up! TWO! Moss runs in and he RAMS Carrillo after all! Moss reels Carrillo in, thumbs up, PUNCHLINE! Cover, Moss wins!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall

Moss wins and that ain’t no joke! Will Moss be having some real fun now that he doesn’t have Corbin holding him back?

Adam Pearce is visited by Charlotte Flair.

She wants to know who accepted that request for the I Quit match! She wants to know but Gulak walks in to ask Pearce how he did in his interview. Gulak feels he has a knack for hard-hitting journalism. But Charlotte asks him, “You think you can just barge in on a conversation to ask for an evaluation for your new job as an interviewer?” How about this? Maybe he should interview her, a real star, in the ring. She tells him not to be nervous. Is this Gulak’s chance to shine?

BREAKING NEWS!

It is official! The Usos and RKBRO will be going #WinnersTakeAll tag title unification at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8th! Who will be both Raw & SmackDown Tag Team Champions for the first time in history?

SmackDown returns with Gulak in the ring.

Gulak says it is his great privilege to interview someone truly special. A living legend, a thirteen time champion and perhaps the most dominant woman in all of the WWE, the SmackDown Women’s Champion, CHARLOTTE FLAIR! Charlotte makes her way out, spins for her pyro, and then continues to the ring. Gulak helps her through the ropes, and then he welcomes her. Gulak asks if he’s ready for this hard-hitting interview. She tells him to just do it. Then last week on SmackDown, she declined the challenge for an I Quit match, but management made it official. Is she concerned about Ronda Rousey’s submission game?

“Number one, I didn’t refuse the I Quit match. And number two, I was trying to protect Ronda. I was trying to do Ronda a favor by telling her to go to the end of the line. I mean, we all know how fragile Ronda’s ego is.” But no, Ronda had to whine, moan and cry and go to management to get the match that she wanted. And that makes Charlotte nervous. We saw how devastated Ronda was after WrestleMania. So just imagine the humiliation after the I Quit match! Well, Gulak did watch WrestleMania, and it looked like Ronda made Charlotte tap out. Fans rally behind that but Charlotte says that is ridiculous.

Charlotte tells the fans that she was fixing her bra! She was fixing her bra! None of the fans would understand. Gulak say she didn’t mean to impose. Then don’t! But Gulak saw the ref could’ve been in position, and if so, Ronda would’ve become champion. Charlotte says that is out of line. Charlotte is champion, and she didn’t tap out. Fans keep taunting her with, “You Tapped Out!” but she gives them “What? What?” Charlotte decides to ask Gulak a question! Did Gulak quit being a competitor so he could stand here with a mic and ask stupid questions? No, because people like Gulak are used to quitting!

The fans are all quitters, right? Seriously! She bets they’ve all quit the gym! Or a job! Hell, they probably quit relationships! But not Charlotte, she is not a quitter, it is not in her DNA. But y’know what IS in her DNA? WINNING~! Charlotte is a submission MASTER! She has been submitting competition for over a decade! Actually, Gulak doesn’t deserve to interview her anymore, so get out of her ring. NOW! Gulak turns to leave and Charlotte taunts him with “Nana na na.” But then she CHOP BLOCKS him, and trips him up! FIGURE FOUR! And FIGURE EIGHT!! Gulak taps, Charlotte sits him up to SLAP him around!

“Say you quit! Just like Ronda will!” Gulak says, “I QUIT!” but she wants it louder! Then she puts the Figure Eight back on! Referees rush out and tell Charlotte to stop! She lets Gulak go and dusts her hands off. She forces a ref to bring her the title, and then she holds it up. Charlotte says she isn’t a quitter, but will the Baddest Woman on the Planet give her no choice but to say those two dreaded words?

Imperium speaks.

Ludwig Kaiser stands with Der Ring General, GUNTHER, and says, “To us, the mat is sacred. Gunther protects the honor of this great sport. He is the epitome of elegant destruction, doling out punishment to the weak.” Kaiser says it again in German, and adds that Gunther is perfection. Gunther himself says you will all obey the Ring General! Will anyone on SmackDown be brave enough to say NEIN to this man?

Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!

This match happened last week all because the Scottish Warrior walked out of the locker room and made the Great Liberator put his foot in his mouth. But then Sami made sure McIntyre didn’t put his foot in Sami’s mouth and ran away! Management isn’t going to let Sami back out of his own bet, so here we are again! Will McIntyre finally get to Claymore Sami’s head in? Or will the Master Strategist have a new plan to avoid all that?

SmackDown returns and Sami makes his entrance. He has a mic to say that something needs to be addressed. “For awhile now, and especially after WrestleMania, my reputation has taken a major, major hit. And it’s been made even worse by the fact that now, people are under the misconception that I ‘ran away’ from my match with Drew McIntyre. Let me explain something: I wasn’t running away, I am not afraid of Drew McIntyre. I am not afraid of anything or anyone! I am the MASTER! STRATEGIST!” Everything Sami does is calculated, part of a master plan. Not that the fans would understand.

Sami wants McIntyre to hear this in a way even he understands: Sami will not run or hide, but he will beat McIntyre in this ring and gain the respect that the people OWE him! Fans boo so that’s clearly not working. The bell rings, but then Sami bails out. McIntyre goes out after him and RAMS him into the apron! And then barrier! And then barrier, and back again! Sami flounders, McIntyre puts him in the ring and dusts off his hands. Fans cheer but Sami bails out again. McIntyre pursues, Sami crawls over the announce desk!? And throws chairs at McIntyre! McIntyre throws those chairs aside, but Sami hides behind McAfee!

McIntyre holds back his haymaker until McAfee gets free, and then McIntyre ROCKS Sami! McIntyre and McAfee high-five, and then McIntyre puts Sami in the ring. Sami just bails out again, only for McIntyre to grab Sami by the hair! The ref tries to get McIntyre to back off, and Sami CLAWS McIntyre’s eyes! Sami fires off with furious hands, and shouts, “I’m not scared of you!” Fans boo, McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And then OVERHEAD suplexes! Sami ends up across the ring, and McIntyre has the fans rallying behind him. Sami CHOPS, but it doesn’t do a thing! GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!

Fans fire up as McIntyre aims from the corner! The countdown begins, but Sami runs away again! McIntyre keep shim form hopping the barriers this time! McIntyre puts Sami in, Sami runs, but McIntyre dodges! Sami bails out before the Claymore fires! And he’s out in the crowd again! Sami manages to get up the steps as the ring count climbs, and Sami is counted out again!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by count-out

But while Sami says he ain’t afraid, McIntyre say she ain’t done! McIntyre chases Sami up those stairs! Sami slips away into the back, but will he have nowhere to run and hide with the Scottish Warrior coming for him?

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Join them to restore hope on World Wish Day, 4/29/2022.

Sami is still on the run!

He looks all around him, wary of McIntyre, and he bumps into Pearce! Pearce says Sami can’t keep doing this! Sami tries to say it won’t happen again, and Pearce says that’s right. They’ll have another rematch next week, and there won’t be running. It’ll be in a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Sami is about to lose his mind, but will he lose to McIntyre again, and in the ring?

Backstage interview with Ricochet.

Kayla says the One and Only will have to be flawless as he is going to defend his WWE Intercontinental Champion against a former WWE United States and World Champion in Jinder Mahal. Ricochet agrees, just look at Jinder’s physique and aggression. But Ricochet sees another man who cannot match what Ricochet can do in that ring. Ricochet sees another tree trunk that he’s gonna chop down. The reason Ricochet is “flawless” is not because he’s perfect, he just makes it all look perfect. But the bottom line is, this beautiful title isn’t going anywhere. Just watch!

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ricochet VS Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky!

SmackDown returns as Jinder & Shanky make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Modern Day Maharaja can ground the King of Flight!

Jinder and Ricochet tie up, Jinder scoops and SLAMS quickly! Jinder wraps on a chinlock and grinds Ricochet down. Ricochet fights up, but Jinder CLUBS him with crossface forearms! Jinder then springboards for knee drop after knee drop! And then he YANKS Ricochet into the air for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jinder stays on Ricochet with more of those clubbing crossface forearms! Then he wraps on a half nelson chinbar to thrash Ricochet around! Fans rally as Ricochet endures, but Jinder RAMS Ricochet to a corner. Jinder fires off with big forearms and stomps, but the ref counts. Jinder lets off at 4 while fans boo.

Ricochet ENZIGURIS from the corner! And SHOTGUNS Jinder to then kip up and shoulder in! Ricochet goes to the apron, springboard CROSSBODY! And STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Ricochet aims from a corner, but Jinder avoids Recoil to KA- NO! Victory roll, but Jinder sits on the cover! TWO, and RECOIL! Ricochet gets Jinder this time and he goes up top! Shanky is freaking out, so he drags Jinder out of the ring! Fans boo, but Ricochet just turns and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Fans are all fired up and Ricochet puts Jinder in the ring. Ricochet climbs back up, for a SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Now that was flawless! Will Ricochet continue to make it look picture perfect as Intercontinental Champion?

Backstage interview with Sheamus, Ridge Holland & “Butch” Pete Dunne.

The Fight Night Boys are back, and Megan says there was a bit of dissention last week. A recap video shows Xavier Woods getting Dunne with “The Back Woods” inside cradle, and then Dunne started butch slapping his friends! Dunne clearly has a temper problem, but Sheamus laughs that off. They’ve had bigger fights over the remote control. That’s just a civilized discussion there. But for the matter at hand, they talked it out, and they all agreed that Dunne needs to harness his aggression. Dunne has also come to a conclusion that Sheamus & Ridge aren’t the enemies. Their enemies is who? Who who who?

Dunne shoves Sheamus as he shouts, “NEW DAY!” Well see that? There’s no trouble in their paradise. And all anyone has to do- Ridge keeps poking Sheamus and says they’ve lost Butch! What?! How? He’s not bleedin’ car keys! But if Butch has gone rogue, what’s stopping him from going wild again?

The New Day is signing merchandise.

Kofi Kingston says, “We don’t talk. We do what we do.” Woods says that Butch’s aunt was looking real good in that G.I. Jane remake. But speaking of, Dunne JUMPS the table to get at Woods! Kofi grabs at Dunne, but then Sheamus and Ridge come busting in! It’s a 3v2 brawl but referees and producers hurry to stop this! Pearce appears and shouts at the refs to get Dunne back! The Bruiserweight instigated this, what consequences will he face for this?

Lacey Evans speaks.

After Lacey’s mother took the kids and ran, it wasn’t long until Lacey’s father caught up to them in Texas. The anger and sadness only grew. Her father wanted to teach them values that he thought were important, but he taught them in ways that scarred them for life. Lacey was cleaning up job sites and shoveling shingles in middle school. If their pig pens weren’t cleaned out right, they’d be forced to sit in them for hours. If his food wasn’t hot enough, or not what he’d wanted, he’d just flip the tables. Then he’d go to his room, slam the door, and leave them all covered in food and cleaning up broken glass.

Lacey takes a breath and says eventually, her father’s mental health and addiction made him a wanted man with assault charges. Once again, the Evans were on the run. But this time, they were living in tents and jumping state to state. Lacey learned about fighting, hiding and using both to her advantage. Child Protective Services got involved and just as much as law enforcement. The problem was neither could save her or her family. Lacey relied on herself because no one else would save her. She kept her head up and kept fighting no matter what. And she’s neve been handed anything in her life.

Lacey’s ability to still find positives in all the negative made her who she is today. You gotta keep your head up and work hard. Unlike everyone else, Lacey is comfortable at rock bottom. No one can faze her. Because of what she’s been through in her life, Lacey is a motivated, confident, caring and careful daughter, mother, wife, sister, US Marine, and WWE superstar. That doesn’t make her any better than the others, but that doesn’t make them better than her.

Natalya and Shayna Baszler don’t seem to care.

Natty even goes so far as to say, “Cry me a river.” We’ve all had tough lives! What even happened to this place? The Land of Opportunity is just the Island of Misfit Toys! From Lacey to Liv to Rhea to Aliyah, there is no respect for legends like Natty & Shayna. And then this new girl who has all her stuff all over the place! Their sanctuary has become her personal playground! The future is bleak. But that very person Natty means is Raquel Rodriguez! They shake hands and Natty puts on a fake smile. Natty decides they should go. Will the Hart & Spades have to learn respect is a two way street against Big Mami Cool and the Model Soldier?

Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton!

The Winners Take All, Tag Title Unification match is official, so consider this an appetizer! Who comes out of this with momentum going towards WrestleMania Backlash?

SmackDown returns and the Usos make their entrance again. The bell rings and Riddle circles with Jimmy. They tie up, Riddle waistlocks and SLAMS Jimmy, then has a facelock. Jimmy gets up but Riddle KNEES, KICKS, but Jimmy denies the RKO! Jimmy slips out to regroup with Jey, and Jey says they saw what Riddle’s up to, “chess moves.” Riddle rushes out after Jimmy but Jimmy gets back in to CLOBBER him! Orton coaches Riddle but Jimmy rains down right hands. Jimmy lets off to drag Riddle up and CHOP him to a corner. Jimmy whips corner to corner hard, and Riddle bounces off buckles!

Jimmy paces around Riddle, wraps on a chinlock and grinds him down. Fans rally up with “BRO! BRO! BRO!” and Riddle fights up. Riddle throws body shots, but Jimmy shoves him and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Jimmy stalks Riddle to a corner, stands him up and CHOPS him again. Jimmy says that was for Orton. Jimmy whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over and KICKS Jimmy down! Riddle then gut wrench suplexes! Jimmy bails out but Riddle goes to the apron, only for Jimmy to block the kick and trip Riddle! Riddle hits apron, then Jimmy whips him into steel steps!

Jimmy drags Riddle up to whip him into barriers! Orton can only watch as Jimmy SUPERKICKS Riddle over barriers! Riddle is down in the timekeeper’s area as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Riddle fires off hands! Jimmy shoves him away, kicks, but Riddle blocks, only to get the DRAGON WHIP! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this but Jey coaches Jimmy up. Orton coaches Riddle as he gets up, but Jimmy brings him up for a back suplex. Riddle lands on his feet, BOOTS, then spins Jimmy for a PELE! Riddle kips up and runs in at the corner, forearm smash! He goes side to side, another forearm! BROSPLODER! Jimmy sits up but he ducks the Penalty Kick! Jimmy also avoids the standing moonsault, but not the BROTON! Riddle runs to PENALTY KICK after all!

Fans fire up and Riddle drags Jimmy to a fireman’s carry. BRO TO SLEEP, to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Jimmy is still in this but Jey looks worried. Orton rallies the fans and Riddle gets Jimmy to a drop zone. Riddle goes up and fans fire up, FLOATING BRO onto knees! Jimmy gets up to pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Riddle is still in this but Jimmy’s too tired to be upset. Jey is again worried but Orton coaches Riddle. Worcester rallies up, but Jey gets in Orton’s face. This distracts Orton and Jimmy WRECKS him with a dropkick! But Jimmy turns around into a FINAL FLASH KNEE!

Riddle gets himself to a corner, but while Orton is complaining to the ref, Jey trips Riddle up! Riddle flounders to his feet, Jimmy SUPERKICKS him back down! Jimmy hurries to a corner now, but Orton brawls with Jey! BACK SUPLEX to the desk! Jimmy gets distracted by that, USO SPLASH but Riddle dodges! Jimmy pops Riddle up, RKO!! Cover, Riddle wins!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Orton is all fired up and even Riddle is shocked! The Raw Tag Team Champions strike back for what happened Monday, but will they be able to pull this all off again at Backlash? Or will Jimmy & Jey join Roman Reigns in being undisputed champions?

My Thoughts:

A pretty great SmackDown after last week only being okay. Naturally, RKBRO shows up to respond to everything the Usos did on Monday, and naturally we get that undisputed, unified tag title match for Backlash. Good promos, and a very good main event out of Riddle VS Jimmy. Riddle winning here puts RKBRO up but there’s still time before Backlash so don’t count RKBRO out just yet. I would love if RKBRO won instead of Usos, at least to start this undisputed tag title era. Usos can “disappoint” Roman and chase the undisputed titles all the way to SummerSlam where they have another awesome match and then the Usos win, right as Roman possibly loses his title(s).

Pretty good stuff out of the women’s tag title story, both with Rhea VS Naomi actually lasting longer than a commercial break, and with Naomi and Sasha coordinating their outfits in highlighter yellow. Rhea gets the win here to get momentum back for her team, but there’s a very good chance Rhea & Liv lose then break up while these titles stay with SmackDown. Lacey gives another powerful promo to share her true life story, and wow, Natty is really being booked as cold-blooded. She doesn’t care for Cora’s story or Lacey’s, it’s like she’s heartless. Awful pun aside, I did like that she’s intimidated by Raquel. The irony, Raquel and Cora were a team in NXT but they’ll both be feuding with Natty on different shows.

Imperium has a fairly good promo, it definitely brings everything they’ve said in NXT to SmackDown for those unfamiliar with them. I wonder when “Ludwig” gets his first match on SmackDown. Corbin had a good promo to try and put everything on Moss, and then Moss had a very good promo before facing Carrillo. That was a good match, and of course Moss wins. Corbin’s gonna get frustrated watching Moss get a win streak, so he’ll surely go after Moss himself and we’ll get a Backlash match out of them. And if Moss wins there, Corbin needs to enter a new phase, like Angry Corbin, where he can’t calm down because he’s so upset he lost.

Of course Sami runs away from McIntyre again. I was hoping Pearce would say Falls Count Anywhere, but instead they go with Lumberjack so I guess it’ll give more people screen time without having to add matches to the card. Ricochet VS Jinder was a really good title match, but I don’t get where this “flawless” thing for Ricochet is coming from. I mean, obviously I know, it’s Vince and his team. But whatever, as long as it means Ricochet gets to have great matches and a great title run, and being called flawless is still good. At least he’s not “Butch” being impulsively violent. I will say, that leap over the table was great, though. I hope all this adds up to Dunne separating from Sheamus’ trio because even Sheamus can’t tolerate Dunne’s behavior.

Drew Gulak is definitely a professional. He has stuck with WWE, or rather the WWE sees value in Gulak. “Transitioning” to interviewer is keeping him around, and could be a way to find him an in-ring story down the line. With Ronda not making an appearance tonight, using Gulak to build Charlotte’s heat was an interesting choice, but Gulak can definitely talk the talk to confront her on her Heel behavior. And as a wrestler, he can take the bumps and the holds so that Charlotte can beat someone up without worrying about hurting them. She would not have been able to do all that to Kayla Braxton or Kevin Patrick.

My Score: 8.3/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

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!