Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/2/22)

Acknowledge TWO YEARS of the Tribal Chief!

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2022

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown is on the eve of Clash at the Castle!

Before WWE travels in Cardiff, SmackDown will ACKNOWLEDGE the two YEARS of Roman Reigns as WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Viking Rules Match: The Viking Raiders VS The New Day; The Viking Raiders win.
Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Drew Gulak; Kross wins.
Hit Row VS Maximum Male Models w/ Max & Maxxine Dupri; Hit Row wins.
Open Challenge: Happy Corbin VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
“Butch” Pete Dunne w/ The Brawling Brutes VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER; Dunne wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Viking Rules Match: The Viking Raiders VS The New Day!

Erik & Ivar have done their best to conquer and bury Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, but the Power of Positivity never dies! Now, the warship has made land, and anything goes to settle this! Will the raid finally finish off the New Day? Or will Kofi & Woods turn back the invaders and stand tall once again?

Or rather, Kofi & Woods might be fighting this one for Asgard! Kofi is the God of Thunder, Woods is the God of Mischief, but will these brothers strike Erik & Ivar down? The bell rings, the New Day dodge the shield bashes to double mule kick! Kofi brawls with Ivar while Woods is after Erik! Fans fire up as the New Day has the edge! Woods and Kofi both climb up to rain down fists! Fans count all the way to 10, then Kofi & Woods hop down to whip. The Vikings reverses but the New Day do-si-do! Woods ROCKS Erik but Kofi bounces off of Ivar! Ivar rushes in but the New Day dodge to DOUBLE DROPKICK!

Ivar & Erik are in the same corner, and the fans fire up! The New Day turn it up! DOUBLE STAMPEDE STOMPS! They let off to then have Woods whip Kofi, DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans cheer for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” while the Vikings bail out. Kofi & Woods build speed to DOUBLE DIVE! Direct hit and fans are all fired up! Woods & Kofi SMACK Ivar off the shields, then again, and again! One of the shields breaks! But Erik swings another! The New Day dodge and Woods KNEES Erik down! Kofi grabs a shield, puts it on Erik’s face, and Woods runs in to DROPKICK it into Erik’s face!

Fans rally up and the New Day go after Ivar. Woods stands on Ivar’s face while Kofi climbs the barriers! Kofi FROG SPLASHES Ivar on the floor! Cover, TWO! Ivar sputters and New Day is in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and they’re brawling in the stands! Woods knocks Ivar down, he climbs a barrier, and he CROSSBODIES The Vikings down! Cover on Ivar, TWO! Kofi rushes Erik and KICKS him towards ringside. Fans rally but Erik TOSSES Kofi up and over! Woods CLOBBERS Erik over the barriers! Erik ends up falling on Kofi a bit, and then Ivar RAMS Woods into the barriers! Ivar gets some space, he runs in, and he SPLASHES Woods against the barriers! Cover, TWO!! Woods sputters but survives and fans rally up again, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi gets a kendo stick! But Erik kicks him low!

Erik slides Kofi in the ring and he gets the kendo stick for himself! Fans boo but Erik says, “That was the last time, Kofi! It’s payback time!” But Kofi mule kicks back! Kofi has the kendo stick and he SMACKS Erik! And SMACKS him again! Then runs, but Erik dodges! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Erik snarls and he gets the kendo stick now! He SMACKS Kofi and Kofi writhes. Ivar returns, he gets a kendo stick, and Erik stands Kofi up for Ivar to SMACK him down! Kofi writhes while the Vikings pace around. Fans boo but the Vikings soak up the heat. Ivar runs at Kofi but Kofi dumps him out! Kofi then slips out and SWING KICKS Erik away!

Kofi PENALTY KICKS Ivar down from the apron! Kofi looks under the ring, and he brings out MJOLNIR…’s cousin! Kofi goes up top, aims at Erik, and THUNDER SMASH! It breaks the hammer! Cover, TWO!! Kofi keeps focus and Woods returns to look under the ring. “This is Awesome!” and now there’s a TABLE! Kofi gets another TABLE! They have two tables and the fans are loving this! The New Day brings the tables around but Ivar CLOBBERS both of them! Ivar drags Kofi by his hair and puts him on the bow of the ship! Ace Ten Mao!! Erik then scoops Ivar for a SLAM onto Kofi! But Woods steps in, TORNADO DDT for Erik! Woods covers Erik, TWO!!

Erik’s got a cut on the top of his head that’s starting to bleed, but he’s still moving. Ivar drags Woods up by his hair, but Woods HOTSHOTS Ivar by his war beard! Woods steps in, TORNADO- NO! Ivar powers that away, but Woods ducks, dodges ‘n’ slides to SUPERKICK Ivar to a corner! Woods runs in, into a SEATED SENTON! Erik gets back in and drags Woods up! Woods goes up top, Erik hands Woods off to him, for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, Kofi DOUBLE STOMPS it apart! All four men are down and fans are loving this while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Ivar has stacked both tables on top of each other! Erik drags Woods up and Ivar shouts to him, Woods fights back, he ROCKS Erik, DECKS Ivar, and ENZIGURIS Erik! Woods runs to WRECK Ivar with a dropkick! Woods gets back in, dodges Erik, slide sunder, for a ROLLING ELBOW! And a LEG LARIAT! Erik ducks the roundhouse but the SWEEP hits! Then the SENTON! Woods fires up and fans fire up with him! Woods goes out and looks under the ring again. Woods brings out a chair! Woods brings that chair in and he sits it up. He drags Erik up but Erik DECKS him with a right!

Erik grins as he looks at the chair. Erik drags Woods up, whips him to ropes and scoops, but Woods tilt-o-whirls through! Erik avoids hitting the chair but Kofi returns to KICK him! The New Day DOUBLE FACEBUSTER Erik into the chair!! Cover, Ivar SPLASHES it apart! Fans rally while Kofi flounders up. Ivar HEEL KICKS Kofi down! Ivar gets Erik up and Erik drags Kofi up. Ivar goes up the corner, Erik hands Kofi over to him, but Woods TACKLES Erik out of the ring! Kofi fights free but falls to the mat! Ivar stands up and turns around to go to the very top! VIKING MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Kofi goes up, to FROG SPLASH!!

Woods hurries up top, tightrope walk, LIMIT BREAKER!! Cover, Erik KNEES It apart!! Kofi fires off on Erik but Erik runs him at the ropes! Kofi body scissors Erik out of the ring! Kofi and Woods regroup, they see the Vikings are at the ramp, so they build speed to FLY off the ship! Direct hit at the ramp! Double cover, TWO!! Both Vikings survive but the New Day keeps on them with forearms and CHOPS! Erik RAMS Woods into barriers, Ivar RAMS Kofi into other barriers! The Vikings bring Kofi up and they LAWN DART him into the long ship’s dragon! Woods CHUCKS a shield at Ivar! Erik CLOBBERS Woods!

Erik puts Woods on the bow and climbs up after him. Woods mule kicks back! Woods reels Erik in, and he aims for the tables! Erik fights the lift, lifts Woods, but Woods CLUBS Erik down! Woods drags Erik up, HEADBUTTS him, then HEADBUTTS again and again and again! But Ivar CLOBBERS Woods with a shield! Kofi climbs a corner! Kofi LEAPS into a SHIELD BASH!! Kofi falls to the floor and the Vikings have Woods all alone! The Vikings roar, haul Kofi up, DOUBLE POWERBOMB through both tables!! Cover in the wreckage, the Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

Woods just suffered Ragnarok, the world-ending cataclysm! Will he and Kofi ever rise again? Or is there only the raid?

SmackDown presents Roman’s Reign, Part 1: The Reign Begins.

Paul Heyman of course narrates, and he says, “It began during unprecedented times. It became an unparalleled run of dominance. On August 30, 2020, Roman Reigns regained the Universal Championship at WWE Payback. For the past two years, over 23 title defenses against 14 world-class superstars, Roman Reigns has smashed all competition and claimed his rightful place at the Head of the Table. Tonight, we celebrate and indeed, we acknowledge the historic two year title reign of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.”

Sami Zayn is preparing backstage.

The Usos visit and see him in his suit. Sami knows tonight is a special night, so he got his hair done, he bought a new suit. The guy told Sami this is tribal print. Jey says it’s not. No? You sure? Back up, Sami. Jimmy says it’s close. But this is a big night. Can you believe what Roman’s done? Two YEARS! Hasn’t been done in decades! Tonight is so special, Sami has pictures of Roman’s biggest moments and they’ll be blown up and put on easels. Jey says it’s a Bloodline celebration, though. The Wise Man should be here. True, Sami agrees! But Heyman isn’t, he’s still hurt. So Sami can throw a party but he can’t help against his boy, Kevin Owens?

Sami did the best he can! Jimmy can tell, right? Yeah, Sami’s got this on lock. Let’s roll. Jey heads out, Sami asks Jimmy to vouch for him. Jimmy says, “Yeet.” Sami nods and takes note of that. But will Sami at least do right in Roman’s eyes?

Backstage interview with Shayna Baszler.

Kayla Braxton says The Queen of Spades that she will be challenging Liv Morgan for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in less than 24 hours, but Shayna says she WILL be champion. She will take that title by making Liv suffer. She will tear Liv apart limb by limb, take every join she gets her hands on and crank them and twist them until Liv is begging her- OH, Liv steps in. No matter what Shayna says, Liv is not afraid. At Clash at the Castle, Liv will not tap out. In fact, Liv will be the one to rip Shayna’s arm off. Oh? She’d like to see Liv try. Then #WatchHer. Who walks out of Cardiff with the belt? And who walks out without an arm?

Karrion Kross speaks.

“A moment in time, so many different things. For instance, for Drew McIntyre, he has a moment tonight to fight the humbling he suffered last week. For Roman Reigns, he has a moment tonight to commemorate being champion for two years. And unfortunately for my opponent, Mr. Gulak, he’s gonna have a moment tonight that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Because the timelines are about to change. Tick-tock.” Mr. Doomsday has his first match on SmackDown, after the break!

SmackDown presents Roman’s Reign, Part 2: The Main Event.

“For the past wo years, Roman Reigns has been THE main event. Sixteen times, Roman Reigns has main-evented the biggest shows of the year. From the Royal Rumble to Crown Jewel., From Survivor Series to SummerSlam. To the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. Sixteen times against champions, legends and hall of famers. Men like Edge, Big E, Goldberg, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar. And sixteen times, Roman Reigns has emerged victorious. Tonight, we celebrate and we indeed acknowledge the historic two year title reign of Roman Reigns.”

Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Drew Gulak!

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the moments left before the apocalypse comes for the Philly Stretcher. Will Gulak find a way to survive the end? Or will he have no choice but to #FallAndPray?

The bell rings and Kross offers a handshake. Gulak takes it but Kross kicks him in the leg. Kross grins, t hen choke grips Gulak into the corner! The ref counts, Kross lets off, but Gulak throws forearms and CHOPS! Kross just puts Gulak back in the corner. Gulak gets free but Kross eggs him on! Gulak CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Kross just leans into it! Gulak fires off forearms then runs, but into a BOOT! Gulak flounders, Kross runs in at the corner to clothesline! ELBOW! And ROLLING ELBOW! Kross then reels Gulak in for the DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! But Kross isn’t done with Gulak, he waits on Gulak to get up.

Gulak stands, swings, but into the KROSSJACKET!! Gulak taps, Kross wins!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission

But Kross makes Gulak suffer! Gulak fades out as Kross squeezes tighter! Gulak finally passes out and then Kross lets go! Scarlett smiles and raises Kross’ hand in victory. They then tie Gulak up in the ropes to use him to send a message. Will whoever is Universal Champion have to prepare for the time when they have to cross paths with Kross?

SmackDown presents Roman’s Reign, Part 3: SmackDown Ruler.

“During his historic 733 days as champion, Roman Reigns has called Friday Night SmackDown, ‘Home.'” Roman himself said SmackDown needs him to put food on everyone’s table. “Seven spectacular title defenses against some of the greatest superstars in the world today, the Tribal Chief has smashed them all. Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Rey Mysterio, (Matt) Riddle, all came to the Island of Relevancy on a quest for greatness, only to have their hopes dashed and their bodies smashed by the Tribal Chief. Tonight, we acknowledge the historic title reign of Roman Reigns.”

Ronda Rousey is here!

The Baddest Woman on the Planet paid her fine, but almost went to jail over how she treated WWE security staff! Ronda has an envelope as well as the mic as she gets in the ring. Fans are fired up to see Ronda, and she says she has an official statement from WWE global headquarters in regards to her suspension. And she can’t think of anyone she’d rather have read it than her “friend” and everyone’s favorite official, Adam Pearce! Fans boo but Pearce does walk out on stage to tell Ronda, “Listen. Whatever these decisions are, whatever that decision is, I want you to know, it has never, ever been personal.”

Oh, it’s not personal? But Pearce personally called the cops and personally had her arrested. To be fair, her choices got her arrested. We all know the hard choices are never easy, and there are protocols to be followed in the WWE. She may not want to hear this, but he was- Just doing his job? The same excuse of all spineless middle managers. She expected better of Adam. She can call him “Adam,” right? They have history, after all. She tells Pearce to read the note. If this is how she wants it, fine. He opens the envelope up. Ronda tells him to read out loud. Fans don’t want to sit here and watch him just look at the thing. Fine…

The message says, “Over the past several weeks, Ronda Rousey has engaged in behavior that is completely unprofessional.” Ronda says that is subjective, but whatever. “However, her behavior…” Wait, this seems to catch Pearce off. “Her behavior never broached the level of being criminal. Her arrest two weeks ago was completely unwarranted.” Heh, unwarranted. Get it? Can he finish? Yes, please. “Ronda Rousey has paid her fines in full. And while she will remain on probation, as of today, September 2nd, 2022, her suspension is over, and she will resume in-ring competition immediately.”

Oh, what was that last part? She couldn’t hear it over the fans cheering. It says her suspension is over and she will resume in-ring competition immediately. That’s her favorite part! Aw, shucks! Thanks, Adam. What’s wrong? Having a hard day at the office? Pearce says this is absurd! She attacks a ref, attacks security, held the show hostage, is a danger to everyone, it was Pearce’s duty to call the police! Heh, duty. Pearce says if it was up to him, he wouldn’t have suspended her, he would’ve fired her! Aw, she’s devastated. But what did he think was going to happen? The board was going to value his opinion over the most recognizable female athlete in history?

Ronda tells Pearce to kiss her ass! Pearce asks if this is a joke to her. Does she think that his job is easy? Is that what she thinks? Does she think it’s easy for him to do this 52 weeks a year, twice a week, two whole shows on two different networks, getting these shows on-air while babysitting egos like hers, but never once gets a thanks? Does she think anyone has ever gone up to him and said, “Hey, Adam, great job!” HELL NO! All he gets from people like Ronda- OH, would you fans shut up?! All he ever gets from people like Ronda is grief! And then the people from “the office!” Oh he WISHES someone from there would do this job, but they can’t cut it!

And Pearce is damn proud of the job he does here! He’s not proud of busting his ass for those who criticize and undermine him! As for her question about the board, he has no problem with the board. He just has a problem with HER! Oh~, Ronda acts like she owns this place! God forbid things don’t go her way! People call her the Baddest Woman on the Planet! But Pearce just calls Ronda “The single biggest bitch I’ve ever met!” Ronda frowns and Pearce realizes he was unprofessional. He was just stressed out. Ronda throws Pearce down and puts on a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Fans cheer as Ronda says if she should do it. YES! ARMBAR!!

Ronda lets Pearce go and he scrambles away to a corner. Ronda leaves him be, but will she be facing consequences for what she did to a WWE official?

Sami Zayn continues preparations.

This is going to be great! A delivery for Roman Reigns. Oh, they weren’t expecting flowers. Wait, black roses? They don’t smell very good. And the note is just signed, “TICK TOCK.” They’re from Kross!! Sami will just put those over here… Oh no, the smell is on his hands…

Hit Row VS Maximum Male Models w/ Max & Maxxine Dupri!

B-Fab, Top Dolla & Ashante THEE Adonis have a style all their own that doesn’t seem to sit well with Max Du-PRI. But can Maçé & Mansôör turn down the volume? Or will their tag team debut be anything but titillating?

SmackDown returns as MMM makes their entrance. Maxxine does the introductions for them, and then the teams sort out. Adonis wins rock-paper-scissors and starts against Mansoor. They tie up, go around, and Mansoor arm-drags hard to then pose on the mat. Adonis rushes over but Mansoor trips him up. Adonis kicks him away, kips up and dropkicks him down! Mace runs in but Adonis dodges! Dolla ROCKS Mace and Adonis DROPKICKS him, too! MMM regroups outside and B-Fab taunts them. But then Los Lotharios walk to the ring and Maxxine takes notice. Los Lotharios flirt with B-Fab, though, but Adonis & Dolla tell them to scram.

Los Lotharios talk some trash, but Dolla welcomes them to get in the ring then. Los Lotharios stay back, so B-Fab WRECKS them with a dropkick through the ropes! Fans fire up but Mansoor CLOBBERS Adonis! Mansoor bumps Adonis off buckles, fires off heavy hands and he tags Mace. Drop toehold and a strut on Adonis’ back! Then a BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Mace drags Adonis up, bumps him off buckles then fires off big body shots! Tag to Mansoor, and he holds Adonis in place for Mace to run and back elbow! Feed to a DROPKICK, then cover, TWO! Mansoor drags Adonis back but Adonis BOOTS him away!

Mansoor gets the leg again, he ducks the enziguri, but Adonis rolls through to get away! Hot tag to Top Dolla! Fans fire up and Mansoor panics. Mansoor swings but Dolla blocks. Dolla wrenches the arm, DEKCS Mansoor, then kicks low to run. KNEE LIFT! Mace gets in but Dolla DECKS him! Dolla runs at Mansoor, and he SPLASHES him in the corner! Tag to Adonis, and they set Mansoor up, for the HEAVY HITTER! Cover, Hit Row wins!

Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall

And if you didn’t know, now you know! Los Lotharios are still mouthing off, and the brawl is on! MMM get involved, it’s 4v2 against Hit Row! Max Dupri directs traffic, but then the STREET PROFITS are here! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins CLOBBER Mansoor, then GAMANGIRI Mace to throw him out! Dolla CLOBBERS both Lotharios! Fans fire up as the Profits and Hit Row stand tall, will they be bringing that smoke and getting that money money money money?

Backstage interview with Happy Corbin.

Kayla says after last week- No! He doesn’t wanna talk about Ricochet pulling off some miracle victory. And he doesn’t wanna talk about the week before that, or the week before that. His life is happy! He is happy! He doesn’t live in the past. So when you’re on a string of bad luck, sometimes you double down. Corbin knows he’s the best man in the locker room. He issues an open challenge! Anyone who wants to meet him in that ring is going to be crawling back to the back. Corbin heads out, but who will step up to try their luck?

SmackDown presents Roman’s Reign, Part 4: Tribal Warrior.

“Throughout his epic reign, Roman Reigns has successfully defended his championship in some of the most brutal, unforgiving matches in the history of WWE. Inside a steel cage. Under Extreme Rules. Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Hell in a Cell! Last Man Standing. Through it all, the Tribal Chief has survived vicious matches, only to come out stronger on the other side. Tonight, we celebrate and we indeed acknowledge the historic two year title reign of Roman Reigns.”

Open Challenge: Happy Corbin VS ???

Corbin goes to the ring and he dares anyone to come get some! But who will it be? Who wants their shot? It’s SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! Pat McAfee is loving this as his most disliked superstar is facing his most beloved! Will the King of Strong Style crush whatever is left of Corbin’s happiness?

The bell rings, Corbin and Nakamura circle and tie up, and Corbin powers Nakamura to a corner! Corbin fires off stomps and haymakers, then he lets off, shouting at the fans. Fans taunt “BUM ASS CORBIN!” but he drags Nakamura up. Nakamura ducks the haymaker to fire off a strike fest! AX KICK! Corbin falls and fans fire up! Nakamura KICKS Corbin to a corner, KICKS him more, and then gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS~! Nakamura lets off at 4, grins and gives Corbin another round. Corbin powers up to ROCK Nakamura, CLUB him, but he wobbles as he shakes out the cobwebs.

Corbin suplexes, Nakamura knees free then WHEEL KICKS Corbin down! Nakamura aims from the corner, “YAO~!” But Corbin hits Nakamura with DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Nakamura survives and Corbin is frustrated! Corbin snarls while fans chant, “Corbin Sucks!” Corbin says THEY suck! Corbin drags Nakamura up, reels him in, but Nakamura slips free! Nakamura dodges Corbin again, but Corbin slides out to slide in, into a KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Sometimes when you gamble, you bust! That was about what happened with Corbin playing a game of chance with the SmackDown roster, will he have to be a bit wiser from now on? As for Nakamura, can he get back up towards a title opportunity once WWE is past Clash at the Castle?

WWE looks back at the origins of Connor’s Cure.

In 2014, Connor’s Cure was established to honor the life and memory of young Connor Michalek to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, so that no one else would have to go through the pain he did. After his passing, he was enshrined as the inaugural recipient of the Warrior Award for his bravery, love and hope. Through Connor’s Cure and V Foundation’s funding, they’ve awarded $4.5 million in grants and helped over 500 families worldwide. The WWE Universe has come together offering hope in the mission to kick cancer’s butt!

Corbin sulks backstage.

Happy isn’t feeling so happy right now, but wait! What’s this limo pulling up with the longhorns on it? “What happened to you? Get in.” Is that JBL?! JBL is giving Corbin a ride?! What will John “Bradshaw” Layfield have to teach Corbin in order to get him back on the winning side?

“Butch” Pete Dunne w/ The Brawling Brutes VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER!

The man formerly known as the Bruiserweight was tearing it up with the Impeccable German last week, and now they get to do it all over again! Will Dunne butcher Ludwig to send a message to Der Ring General? Or will Ludwig say “NEIN!” and send that message to the Brutes instead?

SmackDown returns and Imperium make their entrance. Gunther still walks in front of Ludwig, even though this is Ludwig’s match. The bell rings and Dunne rushes in! Ludwig catches him but Dunne is after the arm with a double wristlock! Ludwig pulls Dunne’s hair, pushes him away, but Dunne pushes Ludwig down! Dunne fires off hammering fists but Ludwig pushes him away again. Ludwig goes to a corner but Dunne is right on him! The ref counts, Dunne backs off, but Ludwig CROSS CHOPS him! Ludwig stands on Dunne’s hair while striking the Imperium pose. The ref counts but Ludwig steps away at 4.

Ludwig headlocks Dunne, Dunne powers out, things speed up, Ludwig dodges but Dunne CLOBBERS him on the return! Dunne drags Ludwig up, hammerlocks the arm and traps it to then pull on the far arm. Ludwig endures as Dunne BENDS the fingers! And BENDS! And BENDS! Sheamus is loving it as Dunne wrenches the arm to isolate it, and STOMP it! Ludwig clutches his triceps while the Brutes rally for Dunne. Ludwig blocks a kick to shot “NEIN!” Ludwig SLAPS Dunne then BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! Ludwig then goes up and takes aim, FLYING- FOREARM!! Dunne blasts Ludwig outta the air!

Ludwig flops out of the ring, Dunne goes to the apron and LEAPS, into an UPPERCUT! Both women are down and fans are fired up! Sheamus and Gunther stare down and egg each other on, but the ref tells them to stay back. It is a tense moment as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Ludwig ROCKS Dunne with a right! Then he pulls Dunne by his ear, but Dunne HEADBUTTS the hand! Dunne fires off hands, Ludwig gives them back, and the fans are fired up! Dunne DECKS Ludwig into a corner! Then runs in to GAMANGIRI! Dunne drops knees right on the bad arm! And then he whips Ludwig to waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Ludwig flounders, Dunne STOMPS the hands! And BUZZSAWS Ludwig down! Cover, TWO! Ludwig survives but the Brutes rally up the fans. Dunne gets Ludwig’s arm and CLUBS away on the shoulder! Dunne rains down forearms then stomps the arm again!

Gunther coaches Ludwig, but Dunne drags Ludwig up to whip to a corner. Ludwig reverses, Dunne goes up, but Ludwig says “NEIN!” and keeps him from going over! Ludwig trips Dunne and Dunne hits buckles! Dunne BOOTS Ludwig, goes up, but Ludwig GAMANGIRIS now! Ludwig puts Dunne upside-down in the ropes to DROPKICK him down! INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig snarls as Dunne survives. Ludwig runs, but Dunne ducks the Penalty Kick to ENZIGURIR! Dunne runs, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig back suplexes, but Dunne lands on his feet! BUZZSAW! Ludwig is dazed and Sheamus is loving this!

Dunne goes to a corner, waits on Ludwig to get up, and he runs in, into a tilt-o-whirl SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig can’t believe that Dunne survived, but it’s hard to believe Ludwig was still in this! Dunne BENDS Ludwig’s fingers! And kicks from below over and over and over again! Dunne gets up, but into the clinch! SIDE- NO, Dunne BENDS the fingers!! And SNAPS them!! Pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall

The Brutes celebrate with “Butch” but Gunther tells Sheamus that proves nothing! The jackets come off, Sheamus has his mates stand down, and the fans fire up! Sheamus brings down the suspender straps, but Ludwig says they need to take a tactical retreat! This is to happen at Clash at the Castle, not here tonight! Gunther accepts his lieutenant’s suggestion, but will the Celtic Warrior give Gunther a fight like he’s never had before?

SmackDown presents Roman’s Reign, Part 5: Greatness on a Different Level.

“Bruno Sammartino. Bob Backlund. Pedro Morales. Hulk Hogan. These legends laid claim to the longest reigns as WWE Champion. After 733 days of dominance, they are joined by the longest reigning champion of the modern era, The Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, the first-ever Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns!” Roman says this is GOD MODE, Greatness On a Different level. “Tonight, we celebrate and we indeed acknowledge the two year, historic title reign of Roman… Reigns!”

Sami & The Usos finish preparations.

Check, check and check! We’re all set. Then let’s go! But wait. Shouldn’t they wait for Roman so they can all go out there together? Y’know, the entire Bloodline. Jey asks Sami what he means by the entire Bloodline. Sami meant the four of them. Jey says Sami is getting too comfortable around here. He’s stepping on the line. No, that’s not what this is! Jimmy says tonight is about Roman. They should all go out their to introduce Roman, then put the spotlight all on Big Uce. Sami’s for that, and so is Jey. Yeet. Let’s go! The Usos head out, and Sami takes a deep breath. Will this celebration go as planned for the entire Bloodline?

Tyson Fury posts on Instagram.

He is very excited for the first WWE “Premium Live Event” happening in the UK in roughly 30 years to be in Cardiff, with Roman Reigns VS Drew McIntyre for the Universal Championship. Fury will be live in the front row for that, he hopes to see you all there.

Sami & The Usos head to the ring!

They hold up the fingers, #WeTheOnes, and the set is just as Sami said it would be. Sami gest the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the championship celebration honoring the TWO YEAR, historic title reign of the Tribal Chief, ROMAN REIGNS!” Fans are torn, but Sami says that’s right. Before he gets started, is it okay that he’s hosting this? He got dressed up and planned the whole thing. Jimmy says to do his thing as the Honorary Uce. My man! Thank you for that! Sami wouldn’t want be accused of being “too comfortable.” Sami then looks at Jey.

Sami starts with, “For the last two years-” Jey interrupts! “For two whole years, Roman Reigns has dominated everybody!” Fans are torn again. Jey says everyone who stepped up got sat down! Sami adds, “Preach!” Jey says everyone who stepped up been Superman Punched. “BET!” Speared. “YEET!” Guillotined. “DAS RIGHT!” They’ve been flat out beat! “100!!” Sami, what’re you doing? Just stop. Jey says what they need everyone to do right now is stand up, put your fingers to the sky, and help them introduce to you the Head of the Table! The Tribal Chief! The Needle Mover! God Mode himself! THE WWE Undisputed Universal Champion… Their cousin, ROMAN! REIGNS!!

Roman’s Escalade drives in, he exits the vehicle, and gets CLAYMORED by McIntyre!! The Scottish Warrior leaves Roman down on the ground and storms his way to gorilla! Sami and the Usos are freaking out as McIntyre makes his way out to the ring! Fans fire up and the Usos tell Sami to handle this! Sami goes to the ramp, but he gest a HEADBUTT! McIntyre then glares at the Usos. He throws off his shirt to show the bruises from last week. The Usos attack but he HEABUTTS Jey, CLOBBERS Jimmy, and then TOSSES Jimmy out of the ring! McIntyre wrecks the pictures and then runs to FLY! Direct hit on all three men!

McIntyre roars as he stands back up, then he puts Sami in the ring! McIntyre goes around the way, gets himself a chair, and TOSSES it into the ring! McIntyre grabs more chairs, TOSSES those into the ring, and Sami gets out before he gets hit! Sami grabs a chair, JAMS McIntyre with it, but then a CLAYMORE through the chair takes out Sami! McIntyre isn’t done, he drags Jimmy over to suplex onto and THROUGH the announce desk! McIntyre finds Jey, lines up his shot, and he copies Roman’s “OOAH~!” before the SPEAR through the barriers!! McIntyre gets a mic to say, “When are you gonna understand, Roman? I will never, ever stop!!”

“Look around me. The Bloodline, torn apart. God Mode deactivated! At Cardiff, it comes down to me and you. I am gonna kick your head right off your body, and you’re gonna look up at the NEW Undisputed Champion!!” Fans are fired up for McIntyre, will that historic reign we’ve heard about all night come to an end when these two Clash at the Castle?

My Thoughts:

Now this was a great go-home! For one, we opened with a great match. Viking Rules was surprisingly far more than just a themed Street Fight, they really decked out the ringside area for it. It was an awesome match, bordering on a PPV level match, and that finish was insane! Double powerbomb through two tables, no one was surviving that. The Viking Raiders move on, and I suppose we could still see them challenging for the tag titles, even with the Usos as Heels. We got a good promo from Shayna and Liv, but I still expect the story to be a parallel of Liv VS Ronda where Liv more survives than wins.

Kross had a good promo calling out both Roman and McIntyre, and then he of course destroys Gulak. Kross is going to be SmackDown’s contender, while Seth Rollins or Matt Riddle can be seen as Raw’s contender, depending on who wins there. I also like the nice touch of Kross sending gross flowers to Roman to be a reminder. We got a fairly good match out of Hit Row VS Maximum Male Models, though it was “overbooked” for good reason. Those four teams could also make a case for tag title contention, and I’m sure we’ll get an 8 Man Tag that then results in a Fatal 4 Way Tag. And if nothing else, Maxxine is totally ditching MMM for Los Lotharios.

Happy Corbin throwing out that Open Challenge was of course going to backfire. And as commentary noted, great continuity that it was Nakamura, who sent Corbin into that initial spiral after taking away the King of the Ring crown from him. And wow, JBL is going to mentor Corbin? Is he going to become even more of a “rich person” gimmick character? Maybe “Cowboy Corbin” with a really fake country accent? We also got an awesome “main event” match out of Dunne VS Ludwig. That was a lot like what we would’ve gotten out of these guys in NXT/NXT UK, so I’m glad RawDown fans got to see that. Dunne winning could be the go-home math version of Sheamus standing tall, so as awesome as it’d be for Sheamus to become Ultimate Grand Slam Champion, I think Gunther retains.

Then… Wow, okay, that Ronda Rousey segment. It was delivered well, which is a great thing for Ronda. She didn’t rush her lines, she didn’t drag things out, and I suppose there is something to the “sassy, smug Face” trope. I mean, it works for Sonic the Hedgehog. But honestly, I was more on Pearce’s side with his rant about being underappreciated working hard at a thankless job. But of course he gets walloped by Ronda, we’re supposed to think of her as Stone Cold Ronda and cheer her on as she defies authority and does what she wants. Oddly, I kinda hope Shayna wins the title so that she and Ronda can feud and Shayna can also be used as Pearce’s proxy.

I’m a little surprised we got FIVE little vignettes for the Roman Reigns retrospective instead of a couple bigger ones. With them emphasizing how we’re “acknowledging” his historic dominance, I feel like they’re giving Roman his sendoff before Clash. Of course, McIntyre busting up the celebration was wildly fun but also means McIntyre stands tall. I really hope go-home math isn’t a factor this time, because the timing is just perfect. Roman can lose, there’s time before the Royal Rumble where Roman can work to become even stronger and try to get the titles back. For McIntyre, he can finally have his moment in front of a live crowd, he can be on all the shows like he said he would, facing Kross and Rollins and Riddle and whoever else, and then we see how it all feels before a rematch with Roman.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

17 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!