Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/1/22)

One more before MITB!

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2022

Steven Mitchell

It’s a battle of the brands!

Before battling for the Women’s Money in the Bank contract, Raw’s Asuka, Liv & Bliss team up against SmackDown’s Lacey, Raquel & Shotzi! Which side comes out with momentum going into Las Vegas?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

10 Man Battle Royal: Happy Corbin wins.
The New Day VS The Viking Raiders; No Contest.
Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Liv Morgan & Alexa Bliss VS Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart; Asuka, Liv & Alexa win.
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Fatal 4 Way Qualifier: The Miz VS Happy Corbin VS Mad Cap Moss VS Ezekiel; Moss wins and advances to MITB.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Men’s Money in the Bank participants are in the ring, and on ladders.

Drew McIntyre, Matt Riddle, Sami Zayn, Sheamus and Seth Rollins are high above, but Omos is standing on his own without a ladder since he’s already gigantic. Phoenix is fired up but there is still one ladder open, representing the remaining seventh spot. Rollins welcomes everyone to the show, and says we’re starting off on ladders because MITB is right around the corner! Rollins feels he can speak for everyone here- McIntyre says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, sweet child of mine, you do not speak for Drew McIntyre.” Riddle says yeah, Rollins doesn’t speak for Drew. Well okay BRO~!

Rollins was just going to say that whoever wins the MITB contract tomorrow, “we can all agree that the best place to cash in is SummerSlam, when Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns beat the hell out of each other in a Last Man Standing Match!” And since Rollins has done it before, he can tell you that it’s like taking candy from a baby. Now whether it’ll be a tiny Samoan baby or a tiny Beast baby- Okay, okay, bro, we get it. But Riddle says he’s rooting for Roman. So that Riddle can cash-in and beat that “disgusting, despicable dirt bag, bro!” Sami says that is NOT gonna happen!

Sami reminds us all of something: The Honorary Uce is in this match! And what that means is that Sami will climb the ladder, grab the briefcase, and that contract stays in house with the Bloodline! As long as Sami has the contract, that means Roman Reigns will be safe from the vultures. MVP says Sami once again impresses him with his idiocy! In fact, they’re all idiots! You don’t see this literal giant here? And Vegas, appropriately, is saying Omos’ 7’3″, 300 pound frame is the odds-on favorite to win! There is nothing anyone can do to stop that! So it doesn’t matter what happens with Lesnar and Roman, OMOS will be the Last Man Standing at SummerSlam!

Sheamus says he sees what MVP means. If Roman is the “Last Lad Standing,” then Sheamus will be over the bleedin’ moon, cuz he already cashed in on Roman! But if it swings the other way and Mr. BRRROCK! LESNARRR! Is the last one standing, then Sheamus is going to have to switch Lucky Charms for Wheaties, because that’s a whole different bowl, lads. McIntyre says, “Speak for yourself, Fella.” McIntyre beat Lesnar before, and in under five minutes. And tomorrow night, McIntyre beats all of these guys to win the MITB briefcase. But wait, The Miz makes his way out here? No one understands why but Miz has a smirk on his face and a mic in his hand.

“Drew, do you remember the last time I held that contract? I successfully cashed it in on you.” Miz is the ONLY Two-Time Mr. MITB in this company! Miz deserves to be in this match tomorrow night! But then out comes EZEKIEL! Fans fire up and Zeke says in case there’s anyone who doesn’t know who he is, he is Elias’ younger brother. And Zeke was supposed to have a qualifier with Kevin Owens, so if anyone deserves to be in this match, it’s him. And now Bum Ass- Er, Happy Corbin is here. Corbin tells Zeke that he is as dumb as his brother. And Miz, Corbin won this contract before, too. And no one, and he means no one, is as lucky as Corbin in Vegas!

But here comes MAD CAP MOSS! Moss tells Corbin that we were supposed to be done with jokes. The thought of Corbin squandering the contract again is hysterical, though. But no worries. Corbin won’t have the chance, because Moss is stepping up to take that last spot! Everyone argue about who is in and out, and Adam Pearce comes out to calm everyone down. He feels the tension, but he has a way to blow it off. Here’s a preview of the MITB match itself. Let’s move the ladders out, for a good ol’ fashioned BATTLE ROYAL! And it starts right now! A battle royal!? For a spot? The seventh spot or someone else’s spot? We’ll have to wait and see, after the break!

10 Man Battle Royal!

It seems this is just about asserting dominance before going for the grand prize! Will it be someone already in the Men’s MITB Ladder Match who comes out on top? Or will one of the hopefuls use this to prove their worth?

The bell rings and Riddle rushes Omos! Rollins is after Zeke, Corbin is after McIntyre, Omos throws Riddle off but Sheamus and Moss try! The Miz and Sami, wily as ever, hang back and watch things unfold. Miz stomps Riddle down, Zeke CLUBS Rollins and Omos CLUBS Sheamus! Zeke tries to lift Rollins up and out and Moss goes after Miz, and Riddle jumps onto Omos’ back! Sheamus kicks Omos low, Sami still stays the odd man out. Omos throws Riddle off, CLUBS Sheamus down, Miz turns things around on Moss, only for Moss to turn things around on Miz! McIntyre throws Corbin at the ropes but Corbin holds on desperately!

Sami stomps Riddle while he’s down, throws him over the ropes, but Riddle clings to ropes! Zeke dodges Miz’s chop to CHOP Miz! McIntyre ROCKS Miz, CLUBS Corbin, CHOPS Miz, then CHOP him again! Omos digs his knees into Moss, Sheamus CLUBS Rollins, and McIntyre CHOPS Miz again! McIntyre throws Miz over the ropes but Miz holds on! McIntyre tries to scrape Miz off but Miz rakes eyes! Omos fires off elbows on Zeke in the corner! Miz bumps McIntyre off buckles, Rollins fires off on Moss. Omos CLOBBERS Zeke up and out and ELIMINATES him! Omos taunts everyone else while MVP talks some trash, too.

Riddle and Sheamus fight at the ropes, McIntyre fires off on Miz! Omos is after Moss but Moss throws hands! Fans fire up but Omos KNEES Moss low, throw him out and ELIMINATE him! The Nigerian Giant has cleared out two would-be contenders, and then Sami feeds Miz to Omos! Omos TOSSES and ELIMINATES Miz! MVP says that’s his guy doing the heavy lifting! Riddle fires off on Omos but Omos KNEES him down. McIntyre dares Omos to bring it, and fans fire up as the two stare down. Omos is a head taller but McIntyre fires off haymakers! Omos choke grips, grinds Mcntyre down, but McIntyre powers back up!

Fans fire up as McIntyre breaks Omos’ grip and ROCKS him with haymakers! Omos HEADBUTTS McIntyre down! Sheamus fires off hands on Omos now but Omos whips him to a corner. Omos back elbows Sheamus, then he looks at Sami. Sami says hold on, he helped him with Miz. Sami throws hands but Omos CLUBS Sami down! Omos spots Rollins but Rollins looks up at the briefcase. Rollins says screw it, and ELIMINATES himself! Rollins can’t lose his spot, so he doesn’t need to fight. But Riddle goes out under the ropes, to RKO Rollins!! Fans fire up, but Omos drags Riddle back up onto the ropes!

Riddle squirrels around to get a HANGING ARMBAR!! Sheamus and McIntyre help out, they DUMP and ELIMINATE Omos!! Phoenix is thunderous while the Celtic Connection stares down, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns, Sheamus has Sami in a corner but Riddle CLOBBERS him from behind! Riddle fires off forearms and CHOPS! McIntyre and Corbin brawl, Sami scurries away, but Riddle fires off KICKS on Sheamus. Riddle runs side to side to forearm smash! Riddle runs the other way, dodges Sami’s cheap shot, but Sheamus CLOBBERS Riddle! Corbin digs his boots into McIntyre, and he stares Pat McAfee down over the SummerSlam challenge. Sami and Sheamus double whip Riddle up and out, but Riddle holds onto the ropes! Sami tries to kick Riddle off the apron but Riddle holds on and makes it back in!

Corbin throws McIntyre over! McIntyre holds on, he and Corbin brawl more! HOTSHOT sends Corbin floundering away! But then Sami CLOBBERS McIntyre! Fans rally for Riddle and he counter punches Sheamus at the ropes! Riddle CHOPS, slingshots, and fires off haymakers and body shots! Riddle KICKS, Sheamus blocks and short arm LARIATS! Sami and Corbin try to work together against McIntyre, and then Corbin helps Sheamus with Riddle. McIntyre just feeds off Sami’s haymakers, and then Sheamus throws hands on Sami! McIntyre CHOPS Sami, bumps Sami off buckles, then fires off fast hands!

Sheamus has McIntyre move aside, and now Sheamus fires hands on Sami! Fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” as he goes after Riddle. Riddle kicks Corbin away from the corner, and leaps, into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Riddle writhes while McIntyre TOSSES Sami! Sheamus kicks Sami to ropes, drags him up from under the bottom rope, and he gives him Beats of the Bodhrain! McIntyre goes after Corbin in the corner, and then Riddle lurks behind Sheamus. Sami stops the Bodhrain to HOTSHOT Sheamus, and Riddle fireman’s carries! BRO TO SLEEP! Fans fire up and Riddle hits a BROTON!

Sheamus staggers to ropes, Riddle brings him up but Sheamus CHOPS him. Sami and Corbin mug McIntyre. Riddle and Sheamus brawl, Riddle BOOTS then dodges Sheamus to POWERSLAM! Sheamus ends up on the apron, Riddle brings him through the ropes, DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up and Riddle is hearing voices, bro! RK- NO, Sheamus denies Riddle and Riddle goes over the ropes! Riddle ROCKS Sheamus back, but Sheamus BROGUES Riddle down and ELIMINATES him! Fans boo but Sheamus grins, only to turn around into a CHOKE SLAM from Corbin! Sheamus is down but Corbin helps Sami mug McIntyre again.

Corbin brings McIntyre up so Sami can throw body shots and haymakers. Sami talks some trash, runs, but McIntyre BOOTS him! McIntyre elbows Corbin, fires off elbows and forearms on both of them, but Corbin waistlocks. They end up in a corner, Sami runs in, HELLUVA KICK hits Corbin! Corbin dodges Sami to hit a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up with McIntyre’s kip up! McIntyre aims from a corner, counts it down, BROGUE from Sheamus!! Sheamus grins again and he hauls McIntyre up. Sheamus tosses McIntyre up and out but McIntyre holds on! McIntyre hammers Sheamus away, but Sheamus runs in, but the Brogue misses!

GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Sheamus staggers away, McIntyre gets back in, and he LARAITS! McIntyre rallies on Sheamus, whips him to ropes, and hits the OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Sami LEAPS in, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre gives Sheamus FUTURE SHOCK! Fans fire up with the Scottish Warrior but Sami throws him at the ropes! McIntyre holds on, elbows Sami away, then dodges Sami to CLAYMORE!! McIntyre tosses and ELIMINATES Sami! Sheamus goes after McIntyre but McIntyre tosses him over! Corbin DUMPS them both and WINS!!

Winner: Happy Corbin

That Bum Ass wins like a jackass! But will this get him any closer to the MITB contract? Or will Corbin just have to settle for the ego boost?

Backstage interview with Happy Corbin.

Kayla Braxton congratulates him on the win and he says this is great! Do you see how happy he is? Corbin is so happy that he is fartin’ rainbows! He eliminated Drew, Sheamus, Seth (uh, no…), he eliminated EVERYONE! (Bigger no.) But did you see those pathetic looks on the fans’ faces? Just imagine those at home! It was amazing! And he knows no one will stop bitching or complaining about who he is or how great he is! Kayla points out McAfee’s SummerSlam challenge. Corbin stops being happy and seems speechless. Is it going to be a yes or a no from Corbin about taking on McAfee in Tennessee?

Backstage interview with Natalya.

Megan asks her about last week’s harsh comments from Ronda Rousey. Natty says that is all Ronda has left! She’s bashed Natty’s charisma, her looks, like Ronda is the one to talk. Natty’s seen the movies Ronda’s been in. And she understands why Hollywood isn’t knocking anymore. But while Ronda has made her snide comments, Natty’s seen nothing but fear in her eyes. Natty sees fear because she knows the Sharpshooter hurt Ronda, and that Ronda isn’t 100% physically. That is why Ronda is lashing out like a child. Ronda can make fun of Natty and her “rack” all she wants, it won’t get to her.

Natty will take Ronda down, putt her in the Sharpshooter, and make Ronda tap out! And she’ll be the first person to do that ever, and become a TWO-TIME SmackDown Women’s Champion! The only thing Ronda will be left holding is her 10 month old baby. Is this Natty making a promise? Or her own way of lashing out for what Ronda said?

The New Day VS The Viking Raiders!

Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston, as well as the Skyscraping Shanky, were blindsided by the RAID! Erik & Ivar are back with a new and more violent edge, will they cut down the former ELEVEN TIME WWE Tag Team Champions? Or will Woods & Kofi prove that the Power of Positivity will never be stopped?

SmackDown returns and Woods has the mic to shout out Phoenix, Arizona. “It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” And Kofi says there ain’t no better place to be in June than Phoenix, BAAABYYY~! Wait, Kofi, June is over. It is? Julying! HA! Fans laughed, they understood the joke! Pay up! Woods hands over a sweet $5 over that one. But Kofi says they are the guys who, when you come to a show, they make sure fans have a good time. And last week, everyone wanted to see a human skyscraper dance machine. New Day gave us that with Shanky! Shanky was cuttin’ a rug, hitting his thing, it was a great time. Until them damn Viking Raiders ruined it! RUINED IT!

Yes, boo them. Boo louder! Louder!! And to be honest, last week, it was not a good Viking Experience. But they get it. Now they’re being serious Vikings. The new VICIOUS Vikings, the dangerous Raiders! But if they’re dangerous, maybe… “Let’s get dangerous!” So then, serious, newly vicious Viking Raiders, bring your Asgards out here so they can send you to Helheim! BECAAAAUSE! NEW! DAY ROCKS! NEW! DAY ROCKS! And war horn blows, and here comes Ragnarok! Erik & Ivar indeed are vicious as they snarl their way to the ring. The ref wants the teams to sort out but they’re all staring down instead.

Woods offers the mic to the Viking Raiders, and then drops it! To then throw hands! Fans fire up as the brawl is on, but Erik CLOBBERS Kofi with his shield! Ivar CLOBBERS Woods with his! Erik CHOKES Kofi, Ivar hammers away on Woods! Then a feed to the SHIELD BASH from Erik!! Fans boo as the Viking Raiders then CLOBBER Kofi back down! Erik & Ivar don’t care about the match, and they decide to keep going! They haul Kofi up, to DOUBLE POWERBOMB him down! Erik drags Woods over to be beside Kofi so that the Vikings can stand over both of them. The Viking Raiders head out, will they lay waste to the SmackDown Tag Division?

Adam Pearce stops the arguments backstage.

He has The Miz, Moss, Corbin and Ezekiel all stop shouting. Kevin Owens cannot compete, which Zeke says should be grounds for him being in MITB. Corbin says who cares about that, Corbin just won that battle royal! Miz says he was on The Today Show at 5 AM! He traveled 2500 miles just to be here! Moss says he’s just happy to be here period. Pearce says each of them has a case but there’s only room for one. The four of them are in a Fatal 4 Way, win and you’re win! Moss and Zeke are good with that. Will this bring Corbin’s mood back down given the odds aren’t in his favor?

Six Woman Tag: Asuka, Liv Morgan & Alexa Bliss VS Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart!

It’s Raw VS SmackDown in a battle of six of the seven Women’s MITB participants! Will no one be ready for the Empress, the Living End and the Five Foot Fury? Or will the Model Soldier, Big Mami Cool and the wild child defend home turf before going into the ladder match?

SmackDown returns as Team SmackDown makes its entrance. The teams sort out and Shotzi starts against Asuka, but here comes Becky Lynch! The Man struts out with a mic to say, “Welcome to the Big Time! You know nothing important until Big Time comes around, and here I am in all my brilliance! Sorry, Phoenix, though, you’re gonna have to wait, though. I’m sitting this one out. After all I’ve been through to qualify, to finally get into the MITB Ladder match? No, no, no. You’re gonna have to wait to see me fight. And I’m not letting any of you snakes try to take me out, because I know that’s what you’ll do because I’m the biggest threat in this match!”

Fans are torn but Becky says instead, she will just lend her expertise to the commentary table to sit with Pat and “Mihal.” So go ahead, fight for her, ladies, give her something entertaining. The bell rings, Shotzi and Asuka circle and fans rally up. They approach but Shotzi avoids the grapple, and then she avoids a backhand! And another! Shotzi goes back to the SmackDown corner, and she argues with her team. Fans rally as Lacey tags in, and she circles with Asuka. They tie up, Lacey arm-drags Asuka but Asuka jumps the sweep. Lacey ducks the backhand, waistlocks, then whips Asuka hard into the corner.

Raquel tags in, she and Lacey set Asuka up for a SPLASH, then a HEADSTAND BRONCO BUSTER! Raquel covers, TWO! Raquel hauls Asuka up but Asuka fires off hands! Asuka sunset flips but Raquel stays up. Asuka dodges the elbow drop to SLIDING KICK! Tag to Alexa and fans fire up. Alexa smiles as she stares down with Raquel. Alexa does her best to look bigger as she struts around, and then she realizes she’s cornered. Raquel smiles back as she keeps Alexa caught, puts her in the corner and SPLASHES! Raquel whips corner to corner hard, then brings Alexa back up to scoop. Alexa kicks and gets free, only to get run over!

Fans fire up with Raquel and she puts Alexa in the corner. Alexa avoids the boot, tags in Liv, and fans really fire up for the double toehold! And double basement dropkicks! Liv covers, TWO! Liv brings Raquel up but Raquel blocks the whip. Raquel whips Liv, but Liv RANAS! Fans fire up and Liv runs into the corner, to SHINING WIZARD! Liv shoves Raquel away, runs back in, but no Code Breaker! Shotzi tags in as Raquel TOSSES Liv, then Shotzi covers, TWO! Shotzi stomps Liv, drops an elbow, then stalks Liv to ropes. Shotzi runs, CANNONBALL against ropes! Cover, TWO! Shotzi CLUBS Liv, whips her to a corner, then runs in, only for Liv to give her BROKEN WINGS!

Liv hurries after but Shotzi bails out of the ring. Fans boo and Shotzi wants Team Raw to stay back. She doesn’t want Lacey bothering with her, either, but Lacey says Shotzi should get in the ring. Liv builds speed while they argue, and she DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp but perhaps double-edged! Raquel hurries over but Asuka HIP ATTACKS her, and Alexa CANNONBALLS! Team Raw is in control as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Asuka fights against Raquel’s chinlock. But Raquel CLUBS Asuka down, then drags her up to RAM her with shoulders. Raquel brings Asuka up again, but Asuka gets away! Alexa tags in, she dodges Raquel to KICK away on Raquel’s leg! Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, KICKS and SHOTGUNS Raquel down! Fans fire up with Alexa and she eggs Raquel on. Alexa KICKS her in the leg again, then LEAPS, but into Raquel’s arms! Shotzi tags in while Raquel carries Alexa. And then Shotzi trips Raquel to make her POWERSLAM Alexa! Shotzi is practically fighting her own teammates! Cover, TWO!

Raquel is upset but she has to exit. Shotzi stomps Alexa, drops a leg splitting leg drop, then covers, TWO! Shotzi drags Alexa up, whips her to a corner, then runs in to SPLASH! Shotzi laughs and goes up the corner to reel Alexa in. HANGING HEADSCISSORS! The ref counts, Shotzi lets go at 4, and Alexa sputters as she reaches for her corner. Shotzi brings Alexa around but she won’t tag her partners. She snap suplexes Alexa into buckles! Shotzi stomps away, lets off at 4, but fans rally for Alexa. Shotzi drags Alexa up, bumps her off buckles, then goes corner to corner, to run into an elbow! Alexa BOOTS Shotzi, goes up and hops on, CODE-

NO, Shotzi holds off Code Red, but Alexa powers it through. Shotzi slips through to get a BOSTON CRAB! Alexa endures, fans rally up, and Alexa reaches for her corner. Shotzi keeps on the hold, but Alexa turns over to kick away at Shotzi! Shotzi is sent flying, hot tag to Asuka! Asuka fires off on Shotzi, whips her but Shotzi reverses. Asuka HIP ATTACKS Lacey, dodges Shotzi and runs to run Shotzi over! Asuka is fired up and so is Phoenix as she runs in at Shotzi. Shotzi BOOTS Asuka then ENZIGURIS, only for Asuka to get the ANKLE LOCK!! Shotzi fights, Asuka reels her in, GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka runs to BASEMENT HIP! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up while Asuka demands Shotzi get up! Asuka drags Shotzi away, reels her in and waistlocks. Shotzi elbows Asuka away, but Asuka runs in. Shotzi dodges, Liv tags in! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Shotzi, Liv hits the CODE BREAKER! Cover, Raquel breaks it! Alexa and Asuka DOUBLE SHOTGUN Raquel! Lacey gives Alexa a WOMAN’S RIGHT! Asuka BACKHANDS Lacey! Shotzi kicks and tosses Asuka! Shotzi says SHE is going to win MITB, but then turns around into ObLIVion!! Cover, Raw wins!!

Winners: Asuka, Liv Morgan & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

Phoenix is loving it as Liv snatches the win for her team! But will this be a sign of Liv finally winning the big one?

But then Becky slithers in to MANHANDLE SLAM Asuka!! Big Time Becks won’t let anyone get ahead of her! Will we see the MITB contract go Big Time?

Sonya Deville meets with Adam Pearce.

She wants to talk with him about last week. He says that’s fine. Sonya says what Pearce did was wrong. She just wanted an opportunity and he put her in a handicap match! And she knows he got flack for it, because she filed a formal complaint. Yes, he knows that. Sonya still says he was in the wrong, but she knows this is going to be wrong, too. She SLAPS Pearce!! Is Sonya pushing Pearce to abuse his power the way she used to? Or will Pearce turn the other cheek for the greater good?

The Usos are here!

Jimmy & Jey, the Undisputed Tag Team Champions, are here ahead of Money in the Bank because on Raw, the Street Profits won the right to name a stipulation. But before that, it’s an… Ask Them Anything Q&A session? How deep are we going to go into the minds and lives of Jimmy, Jey, Ford and Dawkins? We’ll find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns as the Profits make their entrance. Kayla is already in the ring, as she will be the moderator for this “ATA.” Kayla starts by noting these four men will battle for THE Undisputed Tag Team Championships, but they are allowing the fans to ask them truly anything. To start with the Usos, “How fearful are you of losing your titles tomorrow night? And are you even more fearful of how your cousin, Roman Reigns, will react if you do?” Wait, let’s get this right. Out of all the questions the fans could’ve asked they went and asked if they’re afraid? Do they look afraid? This right here is confidence, Uce! The Bloodline runs all the damn shows!

Ford laughs and says y’all know damn well, Roman Reigns runs the show! The Usos just run to the grocery store. Jey will run his foot down Dawkins’ throat! Kayla has everyone calm down, this is about the questions. Profits take their turn. “It has been nearly a year and a half since the Street Profits have held WWE gold, and in that time, you lost one of the greatest opportunities of their career at WrestleMania. Have the Profits lost that killer instinct?” And there’s a part two! “What is this about them not getting along?” Aww… Wait, where are they getting that from? Dirt sheets? Probably. Tez ain’t just a teammate, he’s a brother.

And killer instinct? They’ve had a killer instinct ever since they got drafted back to Raw. Hell, they have it whenever they get in the ring with the Usos! But hey, make no mistake, partners. These two know all about the legacy and everything that was laid forth for teams like the Profits themselves. All the way back to High Chief Peter Maivia to the Wild Samoans to the Usos doing the dirty dirty! That’s respect. But as much as the family has prepared the Usos for everything in life, they did not prepare y’all for this hungry, starving Street Profits! Come Saturday~, the Profits are getting those titles under the bright lights! The Usos’ legacy comes to an end, and the Profits’ legacy BEGINS!

Jey tells Tez to be careful what comes out of his mouth about legacy. Jimmy & Jey know what everyone says about the Profits. “Street Profits got the potential to beat the best tag team in the WWE.” But y’know what? Usos actually like the Profits. “They walk like us. Talk like us. Move like us. Groove like us. But here’s the thing, though! They’re NOT us! And on Saturday, it’s lit now! The Usos are up, and WE WANT THE SMOKE!” Dawkins and Ford like the sound of that, too! Because the Profits gonna beat the Usos’ asses tomorrow! And at MITB, the Profits will be the NEW Undisputed Tag Team Champions! Y’all the twos, #WeTheOnes!

The belts are raised as all four men stare down. But have the Profits seen the future? Or will the Bloodline still run everything?

Max Dupri meets with Adam Pearce.

Dupri, getting in real close again, says he is so excited for this. The whole WWE Universe is excited! Because finally, we will see what we’ve been waiting for. We will see the magnificence of Maximum Male Models. The showcase is next. And Dupri lets out a long, “Yes…!” Will Max’s clients live up to the hype?

“Please welcome the founder of Maximum Male Models, Max Du-PRI!”

Max is already in the ring with the spotlight and he thanks the fans. “This is a momentous occasion. Maximum Male Models is the agency that is based on its passion and love of fashion that will be displayed by the most virile, athletic men in all of fashion. This moment is upon us, and so without further ado, allow me to introduce our first. You know him as Mace, but until he found his love of fashion, you can now call him… Maçè. And yes, the former monster of Retribution is now strutting his way out on the red carpet catwalk, showing off his angles.

Max says MMM is not about a line, skin and bones, or physique, but synergy, muscularity. Maçè is 6’6”, with sloping shoulders and slim waist with breathtaking 42 inch inseam. Just look at the ratio and the perfect proportions. Ladies and gentlemen, Maçè. Fans boo as Maçè heads to the back. Max says his next model is Mansoor, but no more. He has found his love for fashion, and he is now… Mansôör! Mansoor even has a fashionable fanny pack as he struts out. Mansôör is the epitome of what MMM is after. His overall aura, his heartthrob looks, and his statuesque physique. Mansôör is suave! He exemplifies the most important ingredient: charisma!

Fans boo again as Mansôör takes his leave. Male fashionistas will surely be clamoring to join MMM, but they shouldn’t bother, unless they have the same qualities as Mansôör and Maçè. The clients of MMM pose together now, and Max says they embody the creed, “To titillate the juices of your guilty pleasures!” Was this really worth the wait? Will Maçè and Mansôör at least still wrestle like Mace and Mansoor?

Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey.

Megan brings up what Natty said about seeing fear in Ronda’s eyes. Oh, how creative. It has been fun for Ronda to teach Natty how to promote a fight, and how to count. Ronda’s baby is nine months old, not ten, even though she is advanced for her age. But as a former friend, Natty should’ve remembered Ronda’s baby was born back in September. But Natty can still count on tapping out to the Armbar at MITB. Ronda kept it short and sweet, will she make it quick and painful when she goes after Natty in Vegas?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Fatal 4 Way Qualifier: The Miz VS Happy Corbin VS Mad Cap Moss VS Ezekiel!

Each man wants in on the MITB Ladder Match, and each man will have to fight for that seventh and final spot! Will it be a matter of luck or skill when it comes to that last ticket to Vegas?

SmackDown returns as Zeke makes his entrance, followed by Corbin. The bell rings and Miz rushes Moss only to miss, and Corbin goes after Zeke! Corbin puts Zeke in a corner, Moss fires off on Miz and Corbin fires off on Zeke. Moss bumps Miz off buckles, Zeke turns things around on Corbin. Moss whips Miz to ropes while Corbin hits Zeke back. Miz reverses the whip, but Moss leaps! Miz ducks and the FLYING LARIAT hits Corbin! Miz rolls Moss up, TWO! Moss gets around Miz, Zeke goes up, FLYING SUNSET FLIP makes Moss GERMAN SUPLEX Miz away! Zeke covers Moss, ONE! Moss and Zeke stare down and fans fire up.

Moss and Zeke tie up, Zeke headlocks but Moss powers out. Zeke ducks and then kicks the back drop away to scoop and SLAM! Zeke runs, things speed up, Moss hurdles then CLOBBERS Zeke! Zeke gets up but Moss is after him. Zeke flops out of the ring and Corbin gets in to knee and forearm Moss to a corner. Corbin fires off body shots, then runs corner to corner, into Moss’ BOOT! Moss goes up and hits a FLYING SHOULDER! Fans fire up but Miz CLOBBERS Moss! Miz stomps Moss, drags him up to bump off buckles, and throws knees. Corbin helps Miz mug Moss, then Corbin goes corner to corner to SPLASH!

Miz says he gets a turn now. Miz soaks up the heat, runs corner to corner, but Corbin CLOBBERS Miz! Corbin runs back at Moss but Moss dodges. Corbin slides out, but Zeke ROCKS Corbin! Zeke fires off forearms and then clotheslines Corbin over the barriers! Fans fire up, but Miz throws Moss out. Zeke helps Moss up, Miz runs in but misses! He gets pinballed between Moss and Zeke then they SMACK him off the desk! Corbin RAMS Moss into steel steps, elbows Zeke away, then choke grips Miz to drag him out of the ring. Miz breaks free, fires body shots, but Corbin ROCKS Miz to hit an APRON BACK SUPLEX!

Corbin choke grips Zeke to stare McAfee down before the CHOKE SLAM to the desk! Even McAfee is wincing while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again as Moss counter punches Miz! Miz wobbles, Moss ROCKS him again and again and again! Moss whips, Miz reverses but Moss ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Miz! Fans fire up, Corbin gets in but gets a FLAPJACK! Moss catches Miz for a back suplex into a CLUBBING SLAM! Cover, Corbin breaks it! Corbin rains down fists on his former friend, then he drags Miz up to toss out. Miz holds onto ropes, slides back in and tries to sunset flip Corbin. Moss gets Miz’s legs, and he CATAPULTS Miz to LOW BLOW Corbin! Corbin’s not so happy there! Moss turns him for the PUNCHLINE! Cover, Zeke breaks it!

Zeke drags Moss up, throws hands then whips, but Moss reverses. Zeke ends up in a corner, he elbows Moss away and hops up. Zeke leaps, CROSSBODY but Moss rolls through! What power! Then the FALL AWAY SLAM! Miz hits a FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! All four men are down and Phoenix rallies up! Miz stands while Moss and Zeke sit up. Miz smirks as he fires off IT KICKS back and forth! Miz then powers up, to BUZZSAW Zeke! And then BUZZ- No, Moss blocks! But he swings into the A-LIST COMBINATION! Cover, but Corbin breaks it! Miz kicks Corbin into a corner! Miz runs corner to corner, into a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!

Corbin is furious, but he refocuses and drags Zeke up. Corbin throws haymakers, Zeke throws them back! Fans rally as Zeke gets the edge but Corbin knees low. Corbin whips, Zeke goes up and MULE KICKS Corbin away! Zeke CLOBBERS Corbin, POSTS Moss, and then SPLASHES Miz! SPLASH for Moss! SPLASH for Miz again! Corbin choke grips, but Zeke JUMP KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Miz is a little late, his ax handles club Corbin! Zeke dodges Moss to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up but Miz runs in. Zeke sends Miz to a corner, then Electric Chair Lifts! Miz slips off, full nelson, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Corbin drags Miz away!

Corbin RAMS Miz into barriers, hurries back in the ring, and he has Zeke all to himself. Corbin stares at McAfee but McAfee tells the bum to focus. END OF DAYS for Zeke!! But Moss POSTS Corbin! Cover on Zeke, Moss wins!!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

A bit of luck, skill and a lesson learned from Corbin, Mad Cap is in the Bank! Will Moss be able to have the last laugh on everyone when he wins that prized contract?

My Thoughts:

Go-Home Syndrome, my old friend. You’ve come to screw up once again. Because just… Ugh… All things considered, the “gold ol’ fashioned” Battle Royal was a lot of fun, but it meant nothing. It was just so Corbin could have a win while considering his feud with McAfee, and then have all that momentum taken away by him losing tonight’s Fatal 4 Way. That Fatal 4 Way was a lot of fun but it should’ve happened by default when those four guys came out to stake their claim. The others could’ve been in a Six Man of Riddle, McIntyre & Sheamus VS Rollins, Sami & Omos, and we could’ve seen an impact on go-home math. It still feels like Rollins is winning this anyway.

Moss winning the main event was a great surprise, because for one, better than Corbin since he has McAfee to focus on. It was better than Miz winning because he’s got Logan Paul to focus on, and we don’t necessarily need the tease of him becoming a three-time Mr. MITB. And while it would’ve been great for Zeke, Zeke “and his brothers” can wait for Kevin Owens to return from whatever undisclosed injury or issue he has so that they can settle their feud on the way to SummerSlam. Hell, that feud’s finish feels like it deserves to be at SummerSlam so this all works out in the end. I would love for Zeke’s biggest win ever, and Kevin’s biggest meltdown ever, to be on a show as big as SummerSlam.

Natty and Ronda had decent promos to keep their momentum going, but this is totally Ronda’s match to win. Sonya Deville’s interaction with Pearce and her slapping him was more impactful on their story, though. I do feel like Sonya should egg Pearce on until he snaps, and then there is a question of who is in charge of RawDown, with Sonya facing a female proxy like Raquel or Lacey. The Six Woman Tag was a lot of fun, and I like the unique take on dysfunction Team SmackDown had with Shotzi tripping Raquel like that.

But in the end, Raw wins to give all the Faces momentum, and then Becky goes after Asuka to at least cancel out that math. Becky technically stands tall, does that mean she’s out of the running? Fans would definitely love if Liv won, she got a great reaction tonight. But maybe Becky defies the math to becoming Ms. MITB, because I am still betting on the power couple of her and Seth. The New Day VS Viking Raiders being a No Contest was alright. I don’t think it added anything to the feud, as opposed to what a great tag match would’ve given. We know New Day can give us great matches, we know Viking Raiders can give us great matches, so let them give us a great match on the go-home!!

I don’t know why the final face-off of Usos and Profits turned into a group AMA, other than Vince and his team are idiots. Did they not four days ago set up the idea that the Profits get to name a stipulation for the tag title match? Did they forget about that idea in just four days? Or did they decide that they didn’t actually want to do that because Vince is becoming more fickle and impulsive as the walls are closing in? And even the Profits questioned someone suddenly questioning their bond as a team. What half-assed, rushed attempt at foreshadowing a break-up is that? We’re just lucky the Usos and Profits are great on the mic or this would’ve been a train wreck.

Speaking of, the train wreck of tonight was the Maximum Male Models segment. Granted, I don’t think the reintroduction to “Mansôör and Maçè” was going to go any different than this, but the extra weeks of waiting is what made it garbage. They were the ones rumored to be joining “Max Dupri” all along because of house show appearances, so why delay? Just give us their debut last week, and then they can have their first match here tonight against some Phoenix local wrestlers. Why wait until after a PPV to get things going for what is clearly a cringe comedy gimmick created by the king of cringe entertainment?

My Score: 7.9/10

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

16 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!