Coverage

Andrew’s IMPACT Hard to Kill Results & Match Ratings: 1.13.2023

Bully Ray versus Josh Alexander for the World Title! Mickie James Career vs Title match! MCMG defend the tag belts! A little bit of the past meeting the present in all of the matches tonight! Check out Hard to Kill!

Published

1 year ago

January 13, 2023

Andrew Balaz

World Championship blood feud with how far Bully Ray has taken things, Mickie James puts her career against Grace’s title… and plenty of other action!

Joe Hendry gets his first real challenge since returning, we’re supposed to get a new executive and a Tag Team Elimination match come to mind quickly. So let’s just do some predictions and then get to the show!

Predictions:

Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray – part of me is expecting a swerve with Dreamer returning to help Bully or something, but I can’t see Josh Alexander losing.
Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose – Hendry needs the win to give him a legit victory while Moose is in a weird transitional spot. I believe in Joe Hendry!
Rich Swann vs Steve Maclin – Maclin should win here. He has so many quality wins, and hasn’t gotten his title shot yet. With Josh most likely retaining, Maclin is a great next opponent if he wins here.
Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich – Deonna makes the most sense here because if anyone else wins I feel like that will telegraph the winner of the main of event.
World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey – My fan bias is showing here, I’m pulling for MCMG to retain.
Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards – Can’t really have Eddie win with Gresham recently signing, right?
Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James – Jordynne doesn’t feel like the right person to retire Mickie, but this could go either way. I’m gonna pick Mickie, but wouldn’t be shocked if Jordynne wins, unless Deonna makes sure that Mickie doesn’t lose to someone else.

.@REALLiSAMARiE gave @MickieJames some words of encouragement ahead of her MAIN EVENT match later tonight with @JordynneGrace for the Knockouts World Championship!#HardToKill pic.twitter.com/yUJ9qs4pWf

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 14, 2023

Ratings:

Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray: Josh retains via Ankle Lock – ****
World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey: MCMG retain via Dirt Bomb – *** 1/4
Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose: Hendry retains via Standing Ovation & Santino Marella restart – *** 1/2
Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich: Masha wins via Russian Death Device – *** 3/4
Falls Count Anywhere: Steve Maclin vs Rich Swann: Maclin wins via KIA – ****
Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – **** 1/4
Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James: Mickie wins via Tornado DDT – **** 1/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!

Results:

Full Metal Mayhem: IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander vs Bully Ray

Its smart booking to open with a giant mess of a match, get things started hot and really makes the Career vs Title implications of Mickie & Jordynne mean more.

Bully mugs Josh on his way down tot he ramp with the steel chain. He continues with the title belt, beats on Josh mercilessly and throws Josh into the ring grabbing some tables as Josh is opened already. The referee asks Josh if he wants to continue, Josh of course says yes, and then Bully Powerbombs him through a table as soon as the bell rings for 2.

More title use, chairs and the cheese grater have been found. Bully tries to measure Josh for the grater, but a Straight Right finally gives Josh a chance. Josh grabs the grater and clocks Bully and fires. Bully now has color as Josh is hunting for trash cans and more weapons. Josh starts beating the hell out of Bully, trash can lids, cans themselves, a bag of tacks, and Josh even sets up a ladder on the ramp. Josh lays Bully prone across a table and Josh goes up.

Bully gets up, tilts the ladder and Josh falls back into the ring right on the tacks. After getting worked over for a while, Bully finally has a chance again. Goes for a Bully Bomb into the tacks but Josh blocks and Bully goes on a German Suplex ride and fires again. Rolling Senton from Josh, grabs Bully’s chain, King Kong Knee with the chain around it for 2! Ankle Lock is next up as Bully is face first in the tacks and then he wraps the chain around Bully’s neck and tries to pull on the neck while torquing on the ankle. Hotch and Skyler come down, 3D into the tacks, but Josh kicks out.

Hotch and Skyler get another table and zip ties. As Bully is setting up something, Dreamer slow walks down the ring, takes out Hotch and Skyler and starts yelling at Dreamer. Bully acts like he’s gonna take out Dreamer, then smiles, hands Dreamer the trash can…but Dreamer swerves Bully! Can shot, Bully Spears Dreamer through the table and Josh keeps trying to get out of the zip ties. Bully tries to get Josh to give up, he’s defiant and Bully hits him repeatedly with the trash can. There’s a woman screaming from the audience and it turns out to be Josh’s wife Jade. Jade talks shit, Bully threatens to hit her and then demands she begs him to stop and give him her wedding ring. Jade refuses, Bully tries to swing at her and she hits the Low Blow on Bully. Jade hits a Dudley Dog for emphasis and cuts out Josh.

Jade throws a chair at Bully to catch and Josh smacks Chair into Chair into Bully’s face. A little ConCHAIRto/Van Damninator hybrid. Josh goes back to the ladder, big Splash, Ankle Lock…and Josh retains!

World Tag Team Title Four Way Elimination: MCMG (c) vs Heath & Rhino vs Major Players vs Ace & Bey

This is questionable booking to put the Motor City Machine Guns in a kind of awkward card spot. Coming off a hot opening match, this feels weird.

Powder keg opening, its definitely a little sloppy in spots, but again its just everyone throwing hands and bodies at each other. Eventually Rhino and Myers are in the ring to hear a bell and then Rhino tags in Heath. Myers clocks Heath with a Pele Kick, tags out to Cardona and we get an early cover, but nothing of substance yet. Heath is getting smacked around by the Major Players but Heath pulls off that Avalanche Powerslam he recently started using. Rhino comes in, Ace and Shelley try to slow him down but they get rocked.

We’re going back to the cluster aspects…Cardona rolls up Rhino and they’re eliminated! Bey slides in and starts turning the speed up. Bey is getting doubled up by the Players and they’re really being aggressive. Both tag out, Ace and Myers are working fast but Shelley manages to tag Cardona and MCMG finally gets some real offense. Double Dragon Screws in the corner, another Dragon Screw from Shelley while Sabin holds him, and Sabin sits into a weird modified Indian Death Lock, and they’re just trying to take out Ace’s legs…Shelley drives that home with a tag and Figure Four. MCMG are trying to break the Base of Ace…I…hate Rehwoldt sometimes.

Bey gets a hot tag, the Major Players try to take advantage but Bey fights them both off, easy as A-B-C, 1-2-Sweet…and Major Players are eliminated! MCMG and Bullet Club are the last two, as it should be. Little Misawa from Shelley, double Forearms and a Magic Killer from MCMG for effect…but only 2. Bey is about to eat more tandem offense, but he counters, takes out Shelley, Ace hits a Triangle Kick on Sabin, they go for another 1-2-Sweet…but the Major Players get involved! MCMG don’t take the easy road, they take out the Players and go for the tandem combo rush, Dirt Bomb on Bey…and MCMG retain! As it should be!

The Heavy Metal Rebel’s music hits after and he embraces MCMG before walking to the ring. Is Kaz the fill in executive? Oh, Kaz announces he’s “back home”. So I’m a giddy little bitch with Alex Shelley and Frankie Kazarian active on the roster.

Digital Media Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs Moose

MOOSE SLAPS THE MIC OUT OF HENDRY’S HAND! And then Hendry slaps the taste out of Moose’s mouth. World of sport athletic dodge, into a Hip Toss, then a Scoop Slam. Moose tries to give him the slap receipt, but Hendry dodges and then stalling Suplex…that Moose no sells and throws Joe out of the ring. Moose tosses Hendry into the post, Hendry fights back and another Stalling…and walking Suplex on the outside before dropping him down.

Rehwoldt is echoing my sentiment of being torn between the two and its hilarious. Moose reverses the Irish Whip, Dropkick and then a Hesitation Dropkick finally keeps Hendry on the receiving end for a little bit. Moose motions to the crowd and finally gets his slap receipt, that fires Hendry up. Hendry blocks the second slap, lifts Moose onto his shoulders and Gorilla Press toss out of the ring to the outside. Forever Lariats, into an off the ropes Cutter from Hendry and just a 2 count. Hendry looks to set up something, fights Moose, then as he’s at the top…GO TO HELL for 2!

Moose goes from hitting to Go to Hell into attempting a Superplex, but Hendry fights back. Moose gets fought off, but pops back up, runs the turn buckle and muscles Hendry over for a big Superplex. Standing 10 count, Moose kip ups at 8, Hendry does the same a little after, and now we get the Fighting Spirit spot. Moose counters an Uppercut with a Back Slide, kick out, Hendry counters Lights Out with a Head and Leg cradle. Pop-Up Powerbomb from Hendry for another near fall!

Standing Ovation attempt, nope, Uranage for 2, another Uranage, another 2. Moose is in charge and rolls out to grab the title belt. Moose acts like he’s gonna use the belt, the referee stops him of course, which was all part of the plan. As Hendry stands up, Moose hits the Kick to the Balls while the referee is turned, Lights Out…Moose wins!

Santino Marella’s music hits and it says “Director of Authority” – oh Christ…he’s the fill in executive and I guess WWE doesn’t have that trademark anymore. He restarts the match, in full ridiculous Santino way.

Moose is annoyed, tries another Lights Out, Hendry dodges, roll-up, 2 count. Standing Ovation attempt nope, Moose hits the ropes, Hendry catches him…Standing Ovation! Santino believes in Joe Hendry!

Number One Contender Knockouts Four Way: Killer Kelly vs Taylor Wilde vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich

They pair off early, Taylor and Masha are outside while Kelly and Deonna brawl a little. Deonna tries to powder but Taylor tosses her back in to a Fisherman’s Suplex Hold from Kelly for 2. Then Masha pulls out Kelly and we get a few dive moves from everyone. Masha gets the last move, and chooses Kelly as the one she throws into the ring.

Kelly fights back with some close range knees, Taylor breaks things apart with a Double Dropkick and starts lighting up Masha while getting over her occult Dark Feminine Witch gimmick. Her Leg CHoke is great, but she poses on the apron and Deonna knocks her off into the barricade. Standing Moonsault from Deonna, but Kelly breaks it up. Kelly tries to kick Deonna, Deonna catches her, locks in a Half Crab, Taylor comes in to grab the other leg as Deonna and Taylor work together for a second. Then they start taking cheap shots at each other and Masha hits some nice Sambo Style Spin Kicks to wipe out Taylor and Deonna.

Taylor manages to bait Kelly into the ropes, Stomps her down, uses her body to try and Frankensteiner Deonna, but Deonna blocks and Powerbombs Taylor. Masha tries for the Russian Death Device, but Kelly says no, Death Valley Driver on Taylor, Killer Clutch for a second but Deonna distracts Kelly…Kelly tries the Killer Clutch on Deonna but Deonna turns it into a Fujiwara Armbar. Taylor breaks the Fujiwara submission, Killer Clutch locked in, Wilde decides to stop Masha with a Drop Toe Hold into a Crossface. Masha fights through the Crossface, Russian Death Device drives Taylor into Deonna and Kelly’s bodies…so Masha wins!

With Masha winning, I feel like Mickie will win the main event, just because Masha is 0-2 against Jordynne. So there’s no rubber match, and it feels like Masha could benefit from retiring Mickie, and it also brings things full circle from Empower.

Falls Count Anywhere: Steve Maclin vs Rich Swann

Raven decides to come out during the package, and he’ll be joining commentary which is fantastic. Raven has the wonderful charm of a slightly senile grandpa.

They go backstage for a Rich Swann interview but Maclin just attacks him. The referee appears and starts the match, Maclin goes dumpster diving for weapons and starts whooping on Swann. Maclin throws a Sandbag at Swann, Raven makes a sandbag joke…as Swann manages a Cartwheel Cutter into the sidewalk. They are like 3 feet away from wrestling in traffic.

But Rich actually brings things back into the building and there’s a car coming. So Rich bounces Maclin’s head off the Honda, and then Maclin just Spears Rich through spare guardrails. Forklifts, shovels, coolers…all flavors of different toys.

They fight through the back, knock each other off of different boxes and then finally back into the actual ring area. Maclin had a good bit of control until he tries to throw Rich in the ring, Rich blocks, gets a nice John Woo Dropkick. But when he tries to continue, Maclin puts him in the Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs, and then Rich powders. Maclin lays in a few extra strikes, postures to the crowd and then turns…and eats a Cutter off the steps for 2. Swann goes for a Modified Rear Naked Choke with a cable, and Maclin breaks free and heads back INTO the ring for some safety. But Rich keeps working over Maclin until he charges at him and Maclin just dumbs him onto the ramp back first.

KIA attempt, Rich combination strikes as Maclin tumbles off the ramp to the floor and Rich hits a Frog Splash for 2. Maclin runs Rich’s back into the ramp, tries a Powerbomb, Rich says no, kicks him in the face, Running Senton from the Apron onto Maclin and Swann is well in charge. Swann goes for a Frankensteiner, but Maclin blocks and hits a Liger Bomb on the outside for 2. Maclin goes for a Knee Drop, Swann moves and hits an Overhead Kick, sending Maclin into the barricade. Maclin pulls Swann into the metal face first and then a flash KIA on the crowd steps, and Maclin wins!

Jonathan Gresham vs Eddie Edwards

Gresham is playing around with Eddie, since Eddie hasn’t delved too far into his great wrestling style…he’s been a brawler last few years. So Gresham makes Eddie look silly, and we’ll see if Eddie starts moving back to his old King’s Road style. Manhattan Drop into a Release Overhead Belly to Belly finally gives Eddie a reprieve.

Eddie decides to push Gresham to the corner and light him up with big chops. Gresham counters the next few attempts with an arm drag and some joint manipulation on the left wrist and elbow. Gresham keeps Eddie grounded, Cradles and Takeovers into more joint manipulation until Eddie finally catches him with a Powerslam. Uppercut and rope assisted Stunner, really takes the steam out of Gresham.

Eddie starts applying the power game now that Gresham is slowed down a little, Eddie uses the middle rope to choke him and every bit of the 5 count. A few slaps between the two, Eddie catches him on the ear and Gresham is about to return but falls. So now we go into an odd paced Fighting Spirit-esque spot…as Gresham tries to fight through the strikes. Double wrist control as Eddie keeps chopping Gresham’s chest and Gresham keeps striking the left arm.

Eddie Edwards goes full Samoa Joe and walks away from Gresham’s Asai Moonsault, hits a Misawa Elbow into the Akiyama Blue Thunder Bomb for 2. Eddie tries a Backpack Stunner, slides out, this time the Moonsault hits, stomp to the arm, Tope Suicida and now Gresham goes to the top. Eddie catches him with a Gamengiri though, and both are struggling to find offense. Superplex…nope, Gresham floats over, Rear Naked Choke on the top turnbuckle and Eddie slips forward driving Gresham’s face into the turnbuckle to break the hold.

Boston Knee Party, misses, German Suplex, Running Forearm, 2, another Forearm, 2, Reverse Side Slam from Eddie, Liger Bomb…near fall! Knee Party again, no, Hurricanrana, locomotion Cradles…Forearm from Gresham, Burning Lariat, Tiger Driver for 2…Boston Knee Party, and Eddie wins!

Lights out, PCO is in the ring and he’s spitting out dirt/sand as he attacks Eddie. The crowd loves PCO.

Career vs Title: Knockouts World Title: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Mickie James

Mickie’s entrance starts out with a Native American drum and dance group. Because of the entrance it really pushes a retirement vibe.

Jordynne’s entrance gear did say “Final Stop” but her and Mickie shake hands to start the match. Mickie slips Jordynne’s slam, and tries to School Boy, but Jordynne doesn’t budge and walks Mickie to the ropes, imposing her power. Mickie is getting annoyed and just paint brushes the shit out of Jordynne a few times before Jordynne clocks her.

A few strikes, a Thesz press, and then going to the corner Jordynne just stomps on Mickie and stand there for a few seconds. Jordynne is doing a good job being the immovable object without being overtly heelish yet. Jordynne tries to bully Mickie from the corner, Mickie fights off and grabs her head and Bulldogs Jordynne off the top rope.

Jordynne is stunned but not nearly as worn out as Mickie is selling. Jordynne looks more annoyed. Strike exchange, Mickie finally starts getting the advantage, tries to run her over with a Lariat, but Jordynne doesn’t move. A few Lariats and nothing, but a Superkick drops Jordynne. Mickie goes to the top…Jordynne powers to the apron, gets out and now Mickie is doing the Old School Rope Walk…into a Thesz Press on the ramp.

Mick-DT, Grace blocks, Guillotine attempt but Jordynne powers her into the corner. Stalling Superplex rolling into a Jackhammer – for 2! Grace Driver attempt, elbows get in the way. Shoved into the corner, Mickie tries to fight out, kicks, Headscissors, Flapjack and a Kip Up! Top Rope, for the Thesz Press, only 2. A little counter play from both women and then Spine Buster from Jordynne for 2. Sitout Power Bomb, 2, Spinning Backfist, 2. Mickie hits a Mick Kick into a Mick-DT…but Jordynne kicks out!

German Suplex, Mickie runs Jordynne into the ropes, Victory Roll, Rear Naked Choke… it looks like Mickie taps, but she floats over for the pinfall attempt, Jordynne breaks the hold. Mickie is trapped in the Rear Naked Choke again, she can’t find a way out, they do the arm check, Mickie rallies and the crowd pops. Grace drives Mickie’s neck into the turnbuckles, Mickie slips the move, retreats to the corner, Jordynne charges and Posts herself! Tornado DDT, 1-2-3! Mickie Wins!

Overall Score: 8/10

Now I tend to always give IMPACT credit when they have multiple similar matches, and this is another one of those shows! The World Heavyweight Championship match and the Maclin match both felt significantly different. We had 3 really good matches, the tag elimination wasn’t bad, just a few janky and botched spots take away a bit and the main event was damn good. It was presented and set up like a potential retirement, the moments were big, the crowd was alive and knew what they could be watching…and boy did Jordynne and Mickie show up. Now Penzer did announce this as the end to the Last Rodeo, which I guess makes sense, it was win the title or retire if she lost along the way.

I kinda wonder if Mickie will enter the Women’s Rumble as Knockouts Champion again. But this also supports how I felt Masha winning would signal. Masha being 0-2 against Jordynne is a thread to build off of for later. Masha could beat Mickie for the title, have a decent run and then when Jordynne challenges the “you’ve never beaten me” gimmick pops up. So I don’t know if Mickie will lose in her first defense, but I like the concept and from the fan reaction, no one wanted her to retire.

Santino being the Director of Authority could lead to some funny moments, especially with Moose. Kaz being officially back is awesome. Major Players technically costing Ace & Bey the titles is a nice fill in feud to get us to a legit challenge of Ace & Bey versus MCMG straight up for the belts. Oh yeah, GIVE MACLIN A GOD DAMN TITLE SHOT! He’s done great work, came in with very little hype, but he’s been a stone cold killer. He’s one of the definite highlights of the last few years. Maclin needs to take the title off of Josh. Book it, print it, make it happen.

Anyway, damn good show, great way to finish with the crowd and everyone happy and up for Mickie.

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

19 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!